Tag Archives: gallery

Press, Sold

Women Painting Women

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“Beginning” by Amy Guidry; From the New Realm series; SOLD; Copyright Amy Guidry 2009

I came across Sadie Valeri’s blog yesterday and what a great blog it is. Women Painting Women is entirely devoted to women artists and features paintings of women by women. I love the concept because, not that I think we need to distinguish between the two, but female artists often do not get the recognition that male artists do. There are many ideas as to why this is, which I won’t get into all that since I’m not looking to stand on my soapbox, just laud a fellow blogger. Anyway, I was struck by the images on her blog. The only information given is the title and size (and artist, of course), but that’s all you need, really, because it’s so moving just to look at the paintings alone. And I am thrilled to say that Sadie so kindly added my work to her blog. She chose “Beginning” from the New Realm series, which I find appropriate given the premise of the series. (You can find out more from my artist statement on my website www.AmyGuidry.com.) So check out Sadie’s blog…I’m sure you will be as excited to find it as I was.

Art Help & Info

20 Questions…Okay, Not Really 20, But A LOT

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Page Excerpt from Craig\'s ComicAs promised, I did an interview with my comic book artist brother, Craig. You may (or should) recall a recent post of his work on here. Okay, I’ll stop blathering now and get to the questions with this interesting artist…

Q. What’s the premise behind your comic?
A. Well, the idea came from a sketch I had done a long time before starting the comic. I just drew a couple of anthropomorphic lizards with primitive/tribal clothing and always kept them in mind. The idea for the comic’s story is inspired by my ideals concerning the planet and its inhabitants, human and non-human. I want the story to be extremely visually interesting and epic.
The lizard-man shown is one of many…a society that is in competition to dominate the life and land that surrounds them. The story will show that this is not an easy task because there are protectors of the forests who will not let their land be stolen.

Q. Do you have a title for it yet? A. Nothing as of yet…I think I just had the idea, being “lizard man,” for the character and went from there. Personally, I think “Lizard Man” would be a horrible title…the book is about more than that.

Q. Will there be any text? Is that a first in comic history or are there other comics that are sans text?
A. I had the determination to NOT put any text whatsoever in my story. I’m almost positive that I can accomplish my goal to create a comic that is all visual and interpreted through framing panels and choosing the right way to convey thoughts of the characters with expressions.
I’m not sure if there are any (successful) comics that contain no dialogue. It’s definitely not a trendy way of presenting a comic book. I feel that my idea will work well without text because of it’s content. It’s animals and a tribal society that has a language we wouldn’t understand. So rather than write text and the reader just pretends he/she can understand what they say while hearing lizard gibberish in their minds, I’ve just omitted the language barrier completely.

Q. So far all the artwork you’ve shown me is b+w, will you be sticking to this or adding any color?
A. I’m not at all against using color…I like to paint with vibrant colors, but I feel my comic is bolder with the dramatic contrast of pitch black and bright white panels and the “gray” tones that emerge from lighter pen strokes.

Q. What other comics and/or comic artists influence or inspire you?
A. I am a fan of a select few comics…I enjoy fantasy art and creative ideas in general, but haven’t really developed enough of a comic book knowledge to compete with “true” comic book fans. I am a fan of such comics as WATCHMEN, V FOR VENDETTA, MOUSEGUARD, HACK/SLASH, THE WALKING DEAD, HULK: PLANET HULK, some of the PUNISHER: MAXX series, and the original TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES omnibus (which is B+W, as well), HELLBOY, WE 3, I really like Todd McFarlane’s artwork itself, and Jhonen Vasquez’s work.

Work in progressQ. What do you think it is about comics that have such a huge following? They’re highly popular, more so than some books even?
A. Well, I think that comic book artists/writers/creators and the characters and stories that are popular are so probably because they deserve to be. I am a huge fan of movies…and was extremely excited to see certain comic book adaptations hit the big screens as of late. I enjoyed the Watchmen adaptation a lot, as well as V for Vendetta, 300, 30 Days of Night, Batman : Begins, and especially The Dark Knight. It works only when you get a director with some talent and credibility. There are a lot of hack directors out there who may as well have filmed the flushing of a toilet rather than attempting to make a decent movie.
As far as audiences is concerned, I think a lot of people may read certain comics or see the movies without really have an genuine interest in the creativity and hard work involved. A certain character may be popular and children may drag their parents to see the latest Spiderman film, while the children are attracted to the images shown, they probably have not read a single Spiderman comic and the parents are mildly entertained.
I just like it when people who appreciate art and comics and have knowledge of those kinds of things are the ones who see the movies/read the comics and can use discretion when stating which films are good and which are not, as well as which comics deserve their success and which are popular for a character with a flashy costume and no depth story wise.

Q. Who would win in a fight? Superman or Batman?
A. Hmmm…a question that I know has been pondered over by many-a-nerd. I can say this…Batman definitely has more money than Superman. But when it comes to blows, I’m afraid that Superman would most likely win. I think they’ve done a comic with that…I’ve never read it if they have. It’s not really a fair fight if you ask me…but at least Batman doesn’t have to work some crappy job and dress like a nerd.
I think if it were about “smarts” then Batman would win. He’s the best detective around…his costume is cooler…the story is dark and interesting…overall, I prefer that Batman win. I don’t think he would, though, since Superman is the “man of steel” and can stop a bullet, locomotive, and anything else. Maybe if Batman had some kryptonite it would be fair…I’m sick of this question.

Q. If you could be a comic book character, who would you be and why?
A. I would probably like to be Rorshach from Watchmen because I think he is a great character because he’s a loner with convictions who doesn’t tolerate the world and its inhabitants’ selfishness and greed. He is a very violent character…but only against those who in all honesty deserve to be treated in that way.

Q. What is your favorite comic?
A. Probably “Bone,” which is what I’m currently reading. It’s funny and epic and is like Calvin and Hobbes meets Lord of the Rings. The art is amazing…it’s cute little cartoon characters in detailed forest scenes with creative characters and plotlines. The story is huge and I’m only about halfway through it.

Q. Do you have any info on future comics your’e working on that you’d like to share or is that top secret?
A. I’ve got some ideas…one was a story about mice, but not like Secret of Nimh mice. More realistic.
Another idea was a dog that is abducted from its home and put in an animal testing facility. That actually does occur in reality.

Q. For all your female fans out there, are you single?
A. Yes. Not married or crazy…or both.

Paintings, Sold

Sold

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"Reflecting" by Amy Guidry; From the New Realm series. Copyright Amy Guidry 2009

I received some good news from Wally Workman Gallery in Austin today.  They sold one of my New Realm 5 x 5 paintings while at the gallery.  I recently obtained representation with them, so I am glad that they’ve sold a painting for me, especially given the timing (i.e. economy).  So now my piece “Reflecting” will be in its new home soon. 

If you are in Texas, you should stop by Wally Workman Gallery to view my work in person.  I do not have an exhibit with them at this time, but they do have several of my paintings in the gallery.  But if you are unable or if you’d like to see more of my work, you can go to my website at www.AmyGuidry.com.   

My Exhibitions

Maryland or Bust

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"Anti-Aging" by Amy Guidry; Copyright Amy Guidry 2009

I received a call the other day from an artist and gallery owner in Maryland interested in my work. I was familiar with Jill Hackney’s work and knew that she had recently opened a gallery there, so I was thrilled that she called me. Too bad I had the flu at the time, but I was surely as excited as one can be when they are lying on their deathbed. Anyway, in addition to showing at Jill’s gallery, R. Coury Fine Art Gallery, she also asked that I participate in two exhibitions. One is in conjunction with Pinkapalooza, a benefit for the Blossoms of Hope Foundation. The other is for GreenScape, a benefit for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

"Special Ingredients" by Amy Guidry; Copyright Amy Guidry 2009

“Anti-Aging” will be featured in the “Hope” exhibit at R. Coury Fine Art Gallery as part of Pinkapalooza. I chose that piece because aside from having a lot of pinks and pastel colors in it, it’s also a piece about female beauty at any age. “Special Ingredients” is the painting I chose for the GreenScape exhibit which will be held at the Cotton Shed Gallery at the Savage Mill in Savage, MD. I felt this piece was appropriate for a green-themed exhibit given the rainforest destruction that occurs thanks to the fast food industry and beef industry in general. Plus there’s nothing ‘natural’ about fast food since it’s pumped full of trans fats, hormones, antibiotics, and a whole plethora of unknown substances.

So if you are in the area, go to R. Coury Fine Art Gallery for the Pinkapalooza benefit starting April 1st and open through May 15th with an auction and closing reception. The GreenScape exhibit will be April 13th and run through May 3rd with an auction and closing reception. If you’d like to learn more about these events, visit www.SavageMill.com. And if you’d like to view a larger image of these paintings, visit my website www.AmyGuidry.com.

Paintings

There’s Method to This Madness

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I was trying to come up with an apt title for this post… I mentioned my brother’s (Craig) artwork before in one of my older posts. For those of you who don’t know, he has been working on a comic book for a few years now. He drew out a lot of work originally and then returned to it later and improved upon it. All of this is his own original story and line work. I think he’ll be doing the whole book in black and white. Perhaps I will interview him later as this project develops and give you all a more in-depth look into his work. Anyways, I wanted to give you a glimpse of the detailed work that he does and a look into the dark themes that often appear in his paintings and drawings. The main character in this comic is a lizard man of sorts (reminiscent of the character in one of his paintings I wrote about before). These are a few scenes of the lizard man out hunting. There’s a whole respect for animals/nature element to the story which will be flushed out as the book progresses. Craig’s work is very tedious, so it takes him forever to complete one page. However, I’ll be sure to cover this book some more in the future as he adds to it (and sends more photos!)

Paintings

Look What I Got!

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"Evangeline Maid" by Troy Dugas; Copyright Troy Dugas 2009

Yes, I’m bragging.  Not often that I get to do that.  I (will officially) own a piece by my friend, Troy Dugas, as of March 11th.  It’s currently on display at Gallery 912 in Lafayette, LA, but after that it’s MINE… muahhahahaha (that’s my evil laugh, by the way).  As luck would have it, I was dropping off my piece for the Art of Re-Use exhibit when Troy happened to show just as I was leaving.  So I had to see what he brought knowing I’d want first dibs, er, I mean, knowing that I’d want to purchase a piece to support the Children’s Museum of Acadiana.  When I saw it, I knew I had to have it.  Not that I’m a big fan of Evangeline Maid bread (I only eat 100% whole wheat, not that processed stuff) but given the fact that I love intricate patterns, bright colors, and hell, that bread company is a Louisiana company, I knew I should buy it.

I don’t even have it here with me, so I can only hazard to guess at it’s size, but if photographic memory serves, I’d say it’s 16″ x 20.”  If I’m right, you can be sure I will gloat about this in a later post.  The entire piece is made up of cut-up squares of Evangeline Maid labels that are rearranged into the lovely pattern you see here.  It’s then magically attached to wood- I don’t know all his secrets.  Anyway, you can see more of Troy’s work on his website www.TroyDugas.com (you may have, or should have already done this if you check out my blogroll- these are important links, why else would I post them?!)  And if you’re in New Orleans this month, you can see his work at Arthur Roger Gallery through the 28th.  So get to steppin’!

 

My Exhibitions

The Art of Re-Use

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Amy Guidry and Deborah Norsworthy at the Heymann Ceiling Tile Project and Exhibition

Everyone is all about the Green Movement these days. I’ve been all for it for over 20 years now (yes, hard to believe, right?), and now it’s gained more popularity than ever. So perhaps that is why recycled art materials are gaining popularity? Or maybe people just think it looks cool. Either way, you can show your support (ostensibly for the Green Movement) by attending the Art of Re-Use exhibition at Gallery 912. The opening reception is tonight (oops, so much for advanced notice) from 6-9pm at Gallery 912 in the Oil Center in Lafayette, LA.

All sales from the exhibit are to benefit the Children’s Museum of Acadiana. The exhibit will later be on display in June at the Acadiana Center for the Arts (AcA). Last year’s benefit was also a re-use of sorts because invited artists were given a 100-year old ceiling tile to rework. The photo to the left is actually from that exhibit. The woman featured with me is Deborah Norsworthy, the curator and exhibit planner for the Children’s Museum of Acadiana.

Sadly, I do not have a photo of my piece. I completely forgot to take a photo of it. I can tell you that I painted on a wooden ceiling fan blade. It features the Stag from my New Realm series. If no one knew any better, they might just think I had a long, narrow piece of wood to paint on and cut a neat shape out of the end of it. Hee hee.

So if you’re looking to check out an exhibit, stop by Gallery 912 sometime soon. And even if you can’t make it, you can still see my work at www.AmyGuidry.com.

Paintings

New Realm- New Work

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"Daybreak" by Amy Guidry; From the New Realm series. Copyright Amy Guidry 2009

Two pieces to mention from the New Realm series.  These are 5″ x 5″ paintings from the aptly titled, New Realm 5 x 5 series.  Both paintings feature the heroine of the story as well as the butterflies.  The top piece is titled “Daybreak.”  This was fairly time-consuming given all the butterflies in the painting.  However, I was rather happy with the outcome, so well worth the challenge.

The bottom piece is titled “Morning.”  This is also part of the 5 x 5 series. This painting stems from the large New Realm piece, “Renewal.”  Both have the same concept behind them- that of change, a new day, a fresh start.

Both of these new paintings will be featured in my upcoming solo exhibition at the Schepis Museum in Columbia, LA next month. The entire New Realm series, including the 5 x 5 series will be on exhibit.

"Morning" by Amy Guidry; SOLD ; From the New Realm series. Copyright Amy Guidry 2009

If you would like to view more of my New Realm series, in addition to previous bodies of work, visit my website at www.AmyGuidry.com.

Paintings, Sold

Sold

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"Mike" by Amy Guidry; SOLD; Copyright Amy Guidry 2009

I try to post as much as possible on here, but sometimes I slack off a bit when I’m really busy. Case in point. So while trying to catch up on recent news, I realized that I didn’t even post the last two paintings I sold. Sales are always good news, so that’s worth sharing. I sold two portraits that I had done awhile back. They were some of the first paintings I had done when I decided to paint professionally and make a career out of my art. I was especially glad since that series has dwindled down to not quite enough to have for a whole show, yet too many to have sitting in storage. And they didn’t exactly fit with my recent series, either. So now they have new homes, and I am very happy about that.

Both paintings are the same size, 30″ tall by 24″ wide. A “medium” size that I do, depending on your definition of medium. (I know some artists think 4 or 5 feet is “medium” sized…)

"Craig" by Amy Guidry; SOLD; Copyright Amy Guidry 2009

And they are both framed, so that actually adds an 1 1/2″ in each direction.  The painting, “Mike,” is of a friend I met through my husband. The painting, “Craig,” is of my brother (you may recall seeing his picture in previous posts). The “Craig” painting is actually the first portrait I did for this series.

You can view more from my portrait series, in addition to my new work at www.AmyGuidry.com. And if you haven’t seen it already, you can view my painting video on YouTube at http://www.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uL3H_rKW1k.

Paintings, Sold

New Realm- New Painting

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"Transition" by Amy Guidry; SOLD; From the New Realm series. Copyright Amy Guidry 2009

I’ve had a lot of positive response to my New Realm series, and of course everybody has their favorites in the bunch. One of my personal favorites happens to be a popular piece among viewers of my shows and of my website. It may even be your favorite- “Adaptation.” While this painting is rather large (4 feet tall and 3 feet wide), I have come up with a smaller solution that may soon be a new favorite. I found some 4″ x 4″ panels that I just fell in love with- great texture to work with, especially for small details, and the size is just too darn cute. So I have taken the beloved fish character and featured him in a 4 inch panel painting. I’ve aptly titled it “Transition.” To view more of my work you can also visit my website at www.AmyGuidry.com.