What's in a Name?

by Dena Tollefson
http://www.denatollefson.com/

How did you name that painting?  Naming a painting can be a lot of fun. I have been naming my little insect paintings (ladybugs, dragonflies, & bumblebees) after relatives and people I know.

Dragonfly Victor, for example, is named after Victor Newman on Young and the Restless (this is rather pathetic, I know, but I can't help myself as I feel I know Victor after watching him so long on TV- it is almost as though he is a member of the family!). Have named Ladybug Ida and Ladybug Hilbert after Tante Ida and Uncle Hilbert who lived in Wisconsin from my mother's side. Same with Ladybug Lydia, named after my grandmother Lydia Gnewuch. Ladybug Betsy is named after Elizabeth Rhoads Reed, an artist friend of mine. Friends Angie Rohret and Joanne Mauck inspired Ladybug on a Daisy Angie and Ladybug Joanne.

Dragonfly Victor 10"x8" Oil on Canvas Copyright 2010 Dena Tollefson

New Buzzzzz

by Dena Tollefson
http://www.denatollefson.com/

Last month I was at Catiri's in Amana doing a painting demo and a customer from Texas asked if I had any bumblebee paintings. I told him I have never painted a bee, instead he ended up purchasing one of my Ladybug paintings that day.

But what a great idea! So thank you to the Texas customer- a new series is born- the Bumblebee Series. Here is the underpainting of the first little guy, waiting to be turned into a Divisionism (Pointillism) painting. Next time he comes to Catiri's, I hope to have several bees ready for him to choose from.

Underpainting for first painting of new Bumblebee Series

6"x4" acrylic on canvas copyright 2010 Dena Tollefson

Gearing up for 2011 exhibit

by Dena Tollefson
http://www.denatollefson.com/

Took down the Tollefson/Jones/Monska exhibit at the Lowe Center this Saturday to make way for Bill Kettlekamp and Larry Zirbel's exhibit which runs July 19- Sept 10th. I fought the temptation to look at Larry and Bill's work as it was being installed- want to be surprised and see it all put together and in its full glory for the first time when I go to see their opening reception. The little peek I had was great- they will have a wonderful show. Can't wait to see it fully lit!

 I am excited as Paul told me that Abby, Paul and I are slated to exhibit for the Marion Arts Council again next year- the challenge will be to come up with a new body of work over the next 10 months.! I had only one of my Daubism pieces (a small watermelon painting), at the 2010 show, the other 26 pieces were my abstracts and pieces from my Corn Series. I plan to bring all Daubism for the exhibit next year for 2011, so I had better get painting!.  Am also pleased that Paul's painting "Alliant Energy" and  my painting "Addonis" will be part of the Marion Arts Council's permanent collection.

"Addonis" 24"x30" Oil on Canvas  Copyright 2010 Dena Tollefson

Marion Arts Council Permanent Collection 

Thanks for a great painting demo turnout!

by Dena Tollefson
http://www.denatollefson.com/

Thanks for the great turnout at the painting demo at Catiri's gallery in Amana! I was excited to meet folks from Iowa, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Texas, Florida, Alabama, Indiana, Vermont, and all across the country. Here are a few photos of the event. I am seated at the easel demonstrating my Daubism technique of a new dragonfly painting. The painting is 12"x24". You can see the acrylic underpainting in the photo, just got a start on the oil painting.

Photos from Last Night's Catiri's Art Oasis Gallery 1- Person Exhibit Reception

by Dena Tollefson
http://www.denatollefson.com/

Thank you to Jenise and Ithiel Catiri for hosting an artist's reception for my 1- person exhibit! Here are a few photos from the event.

You are invited to the gallery this afternoon (Saturday, July 3rd) - I'll be doing an indoor painting demonstration of my Daubism technique. Will be there from 1-5PM... I hope to see you there!! Here's the address:

Catiri's Art Oasis
4506 220th Trail
Amana, Iowa 52203
Phone: (319) 622-3969
http://www.catiriartoasis.com/