Eye Candy

Eye candy? What's that? The Wikipedia definition of "eye candy" is attractiveness. Eye candy then could include anyone or anybody who is attractive. How does eye candy relate to art?

First, let me explain that there are some collectors who scorn, sneer, ridicule, criticize and perhaps who do not even view a work of art unless it makes a social or political statement. To them, I say "Bah Humbug." They are missing so much. Art is meant to be attractive. It is meant to be hung and admired and enjoyed over and over.

When I first heard the term "eye candy," as an artist I felt belittled. My reaction has since changed and to those who originally intimidated me, I now say "SCREW YOU!" I am proud of my eye candy. I am an neo-abstract expressionist. I use color, texture, and form to create a painting that appeals to me - that excites me and appeals to my own emotions - and I hope appeals to the viewer. Most of my paintings could categorically be labeled "eye candy." So what? As a viewer returns to one of my paintings, I want them to appreciate it anew each time and see something different each time. If I can create a work of art that brings the viewer back again and again, then I have succeeded as an artist.

Artist's Reception, Sorpresa

The greatest compliment an artist may ever receive is to be collected by another artist.  Last evening, at the reception for the opening of my show "Sorpresa," another artist made a purchase of one of my pieces.  A second piece sold to the father of an artist.  To top it off, another artist wishes to make a trade.  Wow!  What a blessing.

The reception was eventful.  "The Precinct" provided excellent music.  My wife provided excellent refreshments, and viewers were excited about my work.  What more could I ask for?

With the exception of purchasing a large canvas (it was 40% off at Utrecht), I spent the day in relaxation.  That canvas is calling to me however.  It's preparing me for continued painting next week.  

Finally, you can check out my new work at my website www.JerryHardestyFineArt.com under 'Current Works'.  Happy viewing.

My Upcoming Show Featured in Sunday Paper

My upcoming show, "Sorpresa," was featured in this morning's issue of the Salt Lake Tribune under the Visual Arts Notes.  See Abstract passion - even with pictures.  See attached URL:

http://www.sltrib.com/features/ci_13516884.

Sorpresa!

I am preparing for my featured artist show at Art at the Main in Salt Lake City.  I'm hanging the show on Sunday, October 11 after which I will be posting a number of new paintings on my website and also on Facebook.  In the meantime, I'm painting every day; at one time, I had started eight new paintings (part of those are now complete).

I am especially excited about my show that I have entitled "Sorpresa" (Spanish or Italian for surprise).  I'm hoping that viewers will find a surprise in each painting, whether it is the painting as a whole, the title, the material used to create it, the subject matter, the technique - you get the idea.  I'm combining music, poetry, language, collage items, and of course paint to create these surprises.

"Sorpresa" will run from October 12 through November 14 with a reception during Gallery Stroll from 6 to 9 pm on October 16.  Music; will be provided by "The Precinct."  Refreshments by my wife, Pam.  If you're in the area, please come and enjoy.  If not, pass this on to those who might be.  "Sorpresa" is at Art at the Main, 210 East 400 South (ground floor of the SLC Main Library), Salt Lake City, Utah.

See you there.