Well strangers, it's been a big while since I posted a thing.  Upheavals beyond belief have been happening, and I finally am over them. One thing is that there were 3 shows, so far, and that took immense effort and time to organize.

There is another coming up in September, the 7th, 8th and 9th called the Reno Open Studios.  It encompasses artists whose work requires welding or kilns or whatever and you can't do that in an apartment building.  Not legally at least.  So  the whole area is involved and we have a 'little book' with maps etc and it is a very big deal.  I'm so happy to be involved with it. 

During this time personal issues with a roommate came to a head and that was difficult and a waste of time.  So that's over with as well. 

I am missing my beautiful daughter and her husband too.  Seeing them twice, after not seeing her for a long time, made me want to just pull up here and leave for Australia, where I have already spent a whole lifetime it seems.  I am hoping to have them come here this time, but travel costs have almost doubled in the past 3 years...so we have to wait and see.  They are cruise hounds and love to just get on the boat and sail to faraway places and just be happy.

My big family are fine except for one...my brother is just out of chemo and very sick.  We are all praying for his good health to return so we can have the real guy back again.  The other brother, youngest, is happy writing and singing songs in the community with his fantastic band, 'The Smokin' Bulldogs'.  I have been making posters for them and it has been quite a challenge.  My sister is about to publish a novel about her family and growing up and the life she remembers with all of us and her children too.  The other brother is going along very happily and so am I.  More later....

Hey folks,

We are getting ready for the big Nada Dada art function here in Reno.  It is an annual event that artists are keen to attend.  I think there are about 72 individual artists involved, 6 motels plus the Wildflower Village.  It is a movement re the Dadism concept.  Hence the name Nada (nothing) Dadist  (look it up).

Apart from our paintings and other bigger works, we have also managed to create about 200 original cards and beaded bookmarks...just in case people don't have an extra $300 or $400 in their pockets for the paintings.  Ha Ha

My roommate and a friend down the hall, Mooli have rented one cheap hotel room on W. 4th St.   And the management takes out all the furniture and we set up our "show"  with everything we want to sell and or show.  It is a great concept in the fact that we use this downtown corridor (mainly the province of hookers and felons) to try and beautify our world and the world of others.  Plus it certainly wouldn't hurt to make some bucks.

The event spans 4 days starting the 14th of June, 2012 and ending Sunday night. the 17th of June.  We expect a lot of traffic as it has been well publicized.  This is our first time and we are handing out lots of flyers etc in the hopes of drumming up folks to mosey on over and see what's going on.

Hope some of you can make it too.  That's it for now.

Thanks for reading!!

Hello all,

I am getting a little upset re my social networking skills.  They are not up to scratch, that's obvious.  I can't seem to get a read on where I am in all the sites and how up to date things are....mainly because I wasn't born in the computer age and only on a 'need to know' basis.  It is truly confusing.  I am sorry if I am upsetting anyone out there.  I am going to consult more with my beautiful daughter and she may help me with these networking woes
Other than that, I have been painting and creating tons lately.  I am in a show at TMCC (Truckee Meadows Community College) in Reno, along with 32 others.  I have 4 works submitted.  So that is exciting!

Also gearing up for two separate shows in our Riverside Artist Loft building.   One is in July on the 11th, 13th 21st and 23rd.  It is open house here in the Lofts.  Your open as long as you have your door open and want folks to walk through and see your work and how you work.  Hopefully, we all will make some money for our efforts.  And the best thing is to have the community have a look at how we live and work.

More later about the big one in September.  Goodnight to all.            

Hi people,

A few problems are popping up in my personal life.  But what matter?   Art is what it is all about.  I have posted quite a few new things and am busily preparing for the big show...one in July and one in Sept.   Both are open houses and run for 4 days.  It is very exciting to have this be part of my art life.  I so look forward to meeting people and generally open up my heart - which I do on a daily basis, because - that is where my art comes from.  Inside of me.

My brother is struggling now with cancer and doing treatments.  The economy is tearing the heart out of many family members and close friends - they are losing so much.  And to top it off, my mother is doing so well with her health but her mind is simply not there anymore.  It is painful to know all that she does not know anymore.  I want so much for her to remember.  But it will  never ever happen now.  Saying goodbye to her will not ever be the same as if I said goodbye to her when she had all her faculties.  People throughout the ages have wished for foresight into the future..If I had known, I would have said goodbye when she could have remembered.  But that is so silly, as she would not remember now anyway.

Confusing thoughts.  Who cares.. Makes me sad. 

OK, all for now.  But I will tell you that I am working on a fabulous butterfly with a human face, a front row theater with funny expressions, and the side and front of buildings in third world countries.  So goodnight for now....

Hi all,

I have just posted four new works - hope you will like them!!!!  It is very gratifying to see them up.  I will tell you about them when I finish this post.

It is coming on summer in beautiful downtown Reno.  Trees are blooming and my friend and I are just about to go out for a questionable errand.  Tell you later. 

It is almost six - dinner time so I will say adieu for now.

It is 4 days into a new month..May 2012.  It is wonderful to be positive and alive and creating new works.  There is so much to look forward to in this town.  NaDa, Reno Open Studios and Artown.  Reno is a very art oriented place and getting more-so by the day. 

I am working on 4 works at this time.  I like to have several going at once in case you tire of one and the tedious details called for.  Gives you a break and something fresh to go to. 

I was describing a first work I created after I had taken a deliberate "time-out" in my life.  It was a peaceful and quiet work, unlike many bright and colorful works that I am known for.  It is done in soft hues of pinks and quiet greens called the Fairyland Unicorn.

I got back to actually feeling the real emotions of why I need to paint.  I totally emptied my life of chaos and uncertainty.  I was safe and stress free for 15 months and this soft non-threatening work was the result.  To me, it is not really the me that is in there.  I am not used to the blandness I feel when I look at it.  But in reality, there are so many diverse parts of the human psyche that become involved in a work, that who knows??????  Nobody knows your state of mind like you do...hence...anything is possible.

More later

Well it looks like I am having a wee spot of trouble on my comments page, but my beautiful daughter will fix it for me as she is much more of-ay with computers than I am.  So don't look at it til tomorrow is my learned advice. 

Have been up all night painting and just enjoying how peaceful and soft the nights are.  The rain was pouring down and creating such a welcome noise, that you felt you could  create a masterpiece.  I love to do this sometimes and it centers me and also I do not feel tired or grouchy the next day.  I just carry on painting and creating and hope to surprise myself with wonder  and joy.  Sometimes it happens!

More later

Recent comments on my art

"Hi honey, I couldn't sleep last night. I think I read most of your blogs. I love the new artwork and hopefully if you haven't sold all of it I would like to own a few pieces in this little ol life of mine. I adore the girl with the triumvirate eyes. Were you thinking of any one in particular? Is she being deceptive? wise? I think you are a true Phoenix Holly. You rise and rise again. I am just amazed and carried away with you. I can't seem to believe you are not a true goddess. You are magic. Keep it up baby. Don't let go. 
-TyTy "


"Holly...this is a beautiful painting. One of your best."
- Geoff White (On my latest work - "Looks like she's in a tight spot."

Hi one and all....back again on the same day no less.  My artist building had a big get together today to decided to decide things. So all went well.  My family are still the same...wondering about a brother's health and generally fine.  Mother is still at the memory care facility and now has another boyfriend.  But this one is a little more aggressive than the first couple of boyfriends.  He threw a wet rag at my little brother's back when he was talking to his mother (my mother) and said to "stay away from his woman!"  The next visit prompted threats of a beating if he stayed next to mother much longer.   All in a days work, according to the nurses.  At 90 years old, she can still reel 'em in.  She is so wonderful.

I am about to embark on writing down episodes of my past for a new book, (not mine) that a friend of mine is publishing.  It should be such a waltz down the proverbial lane and fun to boot.  Writing and painting and living well are really the best medicines and also - in some cases - the best revenge!

More later

P.S.  I want all to know my daughter arrived back from the South Pacific cruise with her husband without hitting any reefs or the ship turning on it's side with casualties.

More Later.

Hey folks,  I've been more than lax on contributing to my own blog.  There has been a lot of activity going on in the immediate family.  Some good, some bad.  I am continuing to be prolific in my artworks and find that it is the only thing I can do that makes me zone out on serious other trouble going on elsewhere, that I can do nothing about.

One of my brothers in undergoing cancer treatments and is is very hard to not be able to help the situation in any way except to pray and hope that he will be back in better form that before.  My thoughts are with him continually.

On a better note, I have been noticed more on Facebook and also have had recent sales that have boosted my morale.

Six paintings were sold in the last two weeks and that felt just great!!!  I have also been working on the Christmas cards that I sell annually to all manner of businesses and private buyers.  Just now trying to find a better way to keep printing costs down.

It is about to rain.  Two old friends I haven't seen in a couple of years stopped by this morning - at exactly the same time..or five minutes apart.  That was weird!  Things always happen like this - unexpectedly, and totally welcomed.  Tonight there is a big meeting in the gallery downstairs in our building, mostly I believe to discuss the huge September Reno Open Studios venue that we are having in this building.  Very exciting.  I will post dates etc or you can always go to the Reno Open Studios site to get more info and artwork views.

That's it for now.  Love to all. 

New Completed Work April 2012

"Oh Dear, I'm In A Tight Spot!" 

This one was so fun to do.  I love tights and all manner of designs they are available in and just had to do a fun one with this.

This guy is so hard to get a Title that is apt.  But my title is " The man who wins all the staring contests'.

20" X 12"  Acrylic on Aluminum foil.

But then again, he may not be finished....still deciding.

Hi people,  I am finally back from the dead, having had a bout of pneumonia & pleurisy, cat scans and a sick mother.  But all is looking up now.  My mother (90 years old) had a 104 degree temperature and was rushed to emergency.  Heart fluctuations and a terrible urinary tract infection almost had her in a coma.  But as of today, she has turned the corner and is so much better.  We all thought she was going to die for sure.  And having Alzheimer's only made it that much more confusing for her. 

I had the dreaded pneumonia and it hung on for a very long time, with pleurisy complicating my recovery.  The Cat scan also showed I had early emphysema as well.  So now I must quit my cigarettes.  Boo hoo  I know my daughter will be happy to see me not smoke anymore. 

But today was a fabulous day, full of unexpected joys - such as selling 6 paintings!!!!!!!!!!!So thrilled.  It certainly helps to have connections in this business.  I have a huge inventory of works, dating back to 1981 and when I invite people up to my loft for a tour/show event, I usually get results.  But today was over the top and I am over the moon. 

So now I am richer than I was this morning so that can't be bad.  Let's see what tomorrow brings!!

More later

Today my daughter left Australia for a South Pacific cruise....so lucky!!!  Anyway, I will miss her as emailing from the cruise may involve massive roaming charges or whatever.  I'm not an expert.  I wish I was there!!

I was talking before about a new relationship with yourself.  As soon as you decide to think your own thoughts and matter to yourself, this new relationship with yourself with have far-reaching consequences.

That means that if you are self aware, you automatically are seen to be arrogant and self-centered,  mainly because you are making your ideas and thoughts fundamentally of premium importance- above all else.  That is because you have decided you matter.  "You will know for yourself and be exactly yourself."

I am much more at ease in my own skin now because of that decision.  And it would be my hope to have anyone else just know this wee small truism.  OK?

More later

More ART!!! #2

I have been in a meditative mood this weekend, mainly thinking about creativity and what it is.  How can a person be "more creative" if she doesn't have a good sense of of creativity is?  I don't believe it is primarily related to ideas like talent, imagination, innovation, inspiration etc.  That is not the true nature of creativity. 
 
I believe that creativity is essentially the special fruit of a person's decision to matter.

You don't climb Mt. Everest because you have a talent for climbing, or you don't lay down your life for your child because you have a talent for dying.  Neither do you paint because you have a talent for painting. 

No, you prepare yourself in a million ways to do the climb, and because of love you would sacrifice yourself for your child.  You paint for similar reasons - out of burning desire, or because it has come into your heart that painting is a profound way to make meaning.  You have decided that it, and you, matter.  You have decided to matter.

Now you enter into a particular self-relationship.  But more on that tomorrow.  I must feed the dogs.

Hello folks, today has been very wonderful.  St. Patrick's Day.  As we speak I am putting the final touches to the obligatory corned beef dinner and am so looking forward to it.

I come from a pretty big family...3 brothers and one sister.  I have just asked them to comment on the works that they have bought over the years so I can boost up my profile and thereby gain your confidence.  Isn't that a bit tricky??? No, all artists have to blow their own horns or else, who would.  I mean without having to pay them of course.  So hopefully, I will soon have true opinions from work they have owned as far back as 1995.  In one case, 1981.  But they are not the only ones who have pieces of mine.  So I am embarking on a research of my own works, just to see what has been happening - who bought what and when...etc.
 An artist such as myself, just keeps plugging on forward, with sort of an absent state of mind as to what has happened to finished works.  But I shall know in the very near future and we will all be aware.  I look forward to this.  I know I have created more than 650 works and counting, so it will be interesting to go back in my files and contact the owners of many of them.  I will let you know the results.

Anyway, must get dinner....More later....

It's difficult to write every day.  You have to be in the mood.  As with creating paintings too, mood is everything.  In the past week I have been matting paintings and wrapping them in plastic.  You can't frame them all, and many people like to do their own framing anyway.  Matching their decor and what not.  Plus I have been researching marketing and promotional ideas for artists.  There is a lot of blogs out there on this very subject.  I used to be in advertising when I was in Sydney, so I thought it would be a piece of cake to get known.  NOT!  Nothing works in the creative world like it does in the advertising world.  So back to square one.  This blog will hopefully at least get some visuals of my work out there, and in the meantime, I will keep trying to get more exposure, shows, write-ups etc, all the time creating in the background.  More Later!

Now it is the eve of St. Patrick's Day and Reno will be awash in pub crawls and over the limit folks....always fun for the cops.  I will be staying in as I have got pneumonia for God's Sake!!!!  Keeps me out of trouble anyway.  Today has been a wonderful day, I got so much done, spoke with fantastic clients and sold a painting.  Can't get much better than that for an artist.  More later.

March 9th 2012

So I've given a reason for the beginnings of just a few of my works...it will have to be an ongoing job as I have so very many works, of all styles, mediums and eras.  When I look at the body of work I have done, it amazes me indeed.  I had no idea there was so much of it.  One reason for this lack of accounting for the works is that I had some in storage for years and seemed to have just forgotten about them.  Imagine the joy when I found them all safely stored for years.  


Anyway, I'll get on with the 'beginnings'  which are a very important part of being an artist and for my clients to understand how a work came  about.  Every painting I ever sold, I was asked how I thought it up, or what gave me the idea.  So working at home on this blog, I have all the time in the world to remember the"beginnings" and to relate this on to you.


More Later

March 7th 2012

Okay folks...I never said I would write every day.  It is now the 7th of March, 2012 and I have been so busy with matting, framing, painting and writing in my other enterprise.    I wanted to explain a bit about each painting and give a general background on how it came to be.  Sometimes things just work out in a way you never expected....AND they turn out Great!!!  Sometimes they don't.  I find I have so many ideas and so much to pack into a day, they I get overwhelmed and do absolutely NOTHING!!!  That is rare, because I have trained myself to keep my eye on the ball and look for the best possible outcome.   But you never can tell from day to day what may come up.

My mother, an artist also in her day, is now 90 and has Alzheimer's. She is in a memory care facility.  All 5 of us children go and visit her regularly, but it is very sad for me that the mother I did know - is gone completely.  It is the strangest and most ugly disease I have ever known.  We used to talk every single day either by phone or in person and I miss that with all my heart.
How could your essence as a human being just disappear and you have no memory of your marriage, your children, your career, your lovers your very self?????  Actually, when she sees us in person she knows we are her children, but I am pretty sure she thinks she has no children when she is not with us.  She is confused, sure, but most of all what I get from my visits is the loving and warm, beautiful thoughts she relates to me.  I have seen a lot of these kind of patients be very angry all the time, but luckily, my mother has turned to warm soft love...24 hours a day.  It is the best possible outcome from a hideous disease.  At least she is happy and healthy when I see her and that is what counts.  The disease will kill her cruelly one day...it will tell her heart to stop, or to not breathe.  But until that day, we all cherish the fact that we still have her with us.  Her oldest child is 68 years old, and the rest of us are all in out late 50's to mid 60's....so,  for the very fact of her being alive still - well, we are all very fortunate.


Okay, now I am going to explain the beginnings of each work.

Art Continued...

"Butterflies Are NOT Free'  2011 16" X 20"

Acrylic on Canvas

I was remembering Lake Tahoe and all the serenity it offers.   The butterfly appears in many of my works, but this time, huge hands come up out of the lake with butterflies tied to the fingers with string.  Maybe I was dealing with someone in my life with control issues  Ha ha  No need to explain

"The Charge"  2012  10" X 12"

Acrylic on Paper


I love elephants.  But never realistic ones.
This one I love because of the simple lines and stark b/w..

'Tulips Through a Rainy Window'

11.5" X 9"    2008

Acrylic on Canvas

This is a true diversion from my sometimes rather compulsive desire to outline or highlight things.  I love the softness of it and the lighting enhances its blur quality.

'The Yellow Vase'

13" X 16"

Mixed Media/Collage on Paper

Pure fun!  I found a bunch of flower petals and just created a fantastical bouquet.  Originally the centers were Mentos!  Now they are glass and the whole thing fairly jumps out at you.  Should be framed in a shadow box!

'Welcome Back'

16.5" X 11.5"

Acrylic/Collage on Paper

Just a fun painting involving underwater cities and evil scuba divers, waiting for his lady to return from a cruise.  Nonsense
yet again.

'Invisible Owl'   8" X 10"  Acrylic/collage on
Canvas Board  2012  Speaks for itself.

This is titled "Sunday Bouquet"  SOLD  16" X 20"  Acrylic on Canvas 2012

'Parade of the Butterflies'

16" X 20"

Acrylic on Canvas

When I moved into a beautiful building devoted to artists, in 2010, this was the very first painting I did to celebrate a new phase in my life.  Butterflies always celebrate new life, and believe me the changes to happen (for good) were unreal.

'Smelly Feet #2'

12" X 18"

Acrylic on Paper

Shoes are fun to paint, and when you add bizarre items or creatures, like crying lions, a whole new element is introduced.  Remember, taking yourself or your works too seriously leads to no humor/fun in your works and your life.  So I try to follow my innate silliness gene when possible.

'Airport Violation'

14' X 16.5"

Acrylic on Paper

I like the vaguely threatening figure approaching in the background, while the guy seems right at home - billowing smoke & reading, waiting for his flight.  Airport travel is exceedingly hideous any way you look at it and I'm just poking fun here.  All of us would like to do this I know.

'Jungle Diva'

12" X 18"

Acrylic on Paper

Having been a model in SF, NY etc I was aiming to get across the weirdness of that former life - the odd poses and places and outfits you are forced to wear for a shoot.  Hopefully this comes across in this bizarre exaggerated pose and background.  I've seen much worse!!

'The DT's"

9' X 12'

Acrylic/mixed media/collage on canvas board

Whimsical hand with shaky background.  Hand is covered in glued on jewels and paper.  I just love the freedom and fun attributed to the horrid result of binge drinking or severe alcoholism, of which I know a fair bit about.


















"Fairyland Unicorn"  16" X 11.5"  Acrylic on Paper  201l.  I had a 'time out' period of my life in 2010 - 2011...I did not paint for a year and 6 months.  This was the first painting I did when it started work again... the result of the profound peace I felt by dropping out and gathering all my far flung selves into one whole person again.

More Art

'The 4th Grader'  2011  20" X 15"

Acrylic on Paper

(Framed/matted)

                                                           

" Ain't I Just Ducky?"  2005  18" X 8"

Mixed Media on Ceramic Garden Swan

"Apple Pickin' Time"   2011  20" X 14"

Acrylic on Foam Board

(Matted)

This is a collage/acrylic creation...I adore big birds in flight, and old wood houses always seem to be near apple orchards in the country.  It is a composite of my childhood memories on the farms we lived on.

"Mr. Universe"  16" X 20"

Acrylic on Canvas

Well, this frog just screams " I'm so special!".  And he is indeed.  Attitude is everything and I feel he comes across as a very bossy and temperamental frog.

Sold 

"Jungle Diva # 1"  2011  14" X 17"

Acrylic on Paper

(Matted)

The feeling of this painting is high fashion in the middle of nowhere...so really, what is the point of being drop dead diva gorgeous in the jungle???   My subject seems to feel at home with all the vines and primitiveness a jungle invokes.  She is indeed at home, plus she has a partner to be revealed later....#2.  So they are not alone and very stylish too boot.

" Smelly Feet"  2012  21" X 15"

Acrylic on Paper

(Matted)

Well this is self-explanatory.  Also one of two shoe paintings.  I loved the contrast between putting something absolutely good smelling into a pair of incredible boots.  It's just the silliness of it all that seems to work for me.  Remember, no reality please!!!

" The Eye Catcher"  2011  12" X 18"

Acrylic on Paper

Sold

In my studio painting...

Recently sold paintings

 Some recent responses from my clients:

February 21st 2012

"OH MY! I got the painting today and just took it out of the packaging! I LOVE it...I can't stop staring at it!  I think I'm going to take it to get framed tomorrow! oh my gosh I just have chills about it...I love their eyes and I love the sparkle...now I have to decide if I should put glass over it or not...I think I just want to always be able to feel like I can touch it if I need to....even though I will likely not touch it because I don't want it to be damaged but you know what I mean I think...I just absolutely love it!"

-Sarah Bell - upon receiving "Rollerskating in Iran." 

Rollerskating in Iran

SOLD FEB 2012

My daughter Phoebe Bought this one!


This is 'Beelzebub's Daughter'


16" X 20"

Acrylic on Canvas

She loves the incongruity of it all I guess.  No accounting for taste as they say, but I too love her attitude.
SOLD FEB 2012

“The Dancers is so beautiful. It features 
a flying chicken, 

which always makes for good conversation! 
Anyone who visits always 
comments on this one, the sunset 
is really spectacular.” 
SOLD 2010

“This painting always makes me laugh. 
Entitled: 

“What’s that supposed to mean?” 
It’s two surly Roosters 

getting into a heated discussion. 
I love the bright 

colours and its energy.” 

SOLD 2010

'Eye See You'  

2011 "16 X 20"

Acrylic on Canvas  SOLD March 2012

“The Water Bearers was a wedding 
gift from my mum. 

It has a beautiful message on the back 
wishing me and my 

husband well for our future together. 
It sits at the entrance 

to our kitchen, we love it. It’s one of 
my favourites.” 

Day one...2nd February 2012

 HOLLY ENGLISH'S ART BLOG  

This is me on a recent trip to Australia vising my daughter.

This blog is about my art with bits of an interesting life intermixed.  I have lived all over the world and my art reflects this.  I started out in the early 80's painting the cities I've seen or lived in.  I was living in Sydney at the time.  In fact, I married, had my daughter, started a business - plus did my art,  all in Australia....living there for some  32 years.

My daughter still lives there and is married to a wonderful man...they only love to cruise.  I moved back to Reno, in 1995, being that all my family (4 siblings) had never left, so I fit right in again.  It is wonderful for me to be able to have each and every day to do my art.  It wasn't easy to arrange my life this way, but it was worth all the effort.  I now live inn a building that has nothing but artists living in it.  It is wonderful to have all these creative people around me full time, all doing exactly what they are interested in developing -  art, music, dance, writing, sculpture...etc.  Very few people in this world get to follow their dreams, and I am so blessed to be among them.

As this blog continues I will be showing my works, telling tales and generally writing about it. 

Paintings on Canvas

'Village Nights'  2012  8" X 10"

Acrylic on Canvas

'Eye See You'  2011 "16 X 20"

Acrylic on Canvas

'Zebras In Love' 2012  24" X 36"

Acrylic on Canvas

"Buy Me a Drink?'  2012  18" X 24"

Acrylic on Canvas

"Sunflowers #1"  36" X 36"

Acrylic on Canvas

"Beautiful Slums"   9' X 12"

Acrylic on Canvas

HeArtCO

"No Reality Allowed."

For all artworks in this collection, or to have an artwork custom made, please contact me below:

(775) 287 2750 or email me: holly.english3@gmail.com