Next!

What a wonderful learning experience this last exhibition was. From both a personal and a business aspect, I am very happy with how it all went.

Six paintings have gone to new homes. And I've learned more about myself being an artist, a mother, and a business-woman...and what it is to be all of those things, at the same time.

I've really met some amazing people that I wouldn't normally run into during my 'regular' life here in Doha. And I'm quite eager to get a head start on my next series of work, and my next exhibition.

I am quite looking forward to finding my next Inspiration. And as I wait for all the metaphoric dust to settle, I am on a mission to stretch or buy new canvasses until creativity sets in.

Photo Essays of Works in Progress

There is but one day left until the opening of the exhibition. And if you'd like to take a glimpse at the goings-on behind-the-scenes of some of the pieces that will be displayed there, please visit my longlifestories blog.

The Big Tree - acrylic on canvas, 2' x 5', 2010

That blog began as a challenge to create something in any medium, on a daily basis. But in the few months prior to this upcoming show, I've not had a chance to add new entries. So during the course of the week that my paintings will be exhibited, I will share photos and thoughts of work as it has progressed.

The Big Tree is the first that will be featured in my upcoming photo essays.

The opening is but one day away. For more information on timings or directions to Yama Yoga Studios in the Garvey's complex, please click here. To make an appointment for a personal tour, please email me directly at fine-art@ceciliafrancisco.com

Again, the opening is at 7pm, Thursday, May 27th at Yama Yoga Studios inside the Garvey's complex. Hope to see you there!

Upcoming Exhibition - Duality

I am excited to reveal my newest work at Yama Yoga Studios here in Doha, Qatar. Having been based in Qatar since 2006, I have come to make peace with the intricacies of expat living. And in my upcoming exhibition entitled, Duality, I will showcase 17 acrylic and mixed media paintings that represent both the affection I have grown towards living in the Gulf, while addressing the universal nostalgia of missing home.


Everyone is warmly invited to attend the exhibition opening on Thursday, 27 May 2010 at 7 p.m.

Artwork will remain on display at Yama Yoga Studios within the Garvey's complex from 28 May to 06 June 2010.

And if you interested in a personal tour of the exhibition, I will be available at the following times:

• Friday, May 28th
  11 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  
  
• Saturday, May 29th
  11 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  
  
• Sunday, May 30th
  8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  
  
• Monday, May 31st
  8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  
  
• Tuesday, June 1st
  8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  
  
• Wednesday, June 2nd
  4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  
  
• Thursday, June 3rd
  8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  
  
• Friday, June 4th
  11 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  
  
• Saturday, June 5th
  11 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  
  
• Sunday, June 6th
  8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

For a behind-the-scenes look at works-in-progress, please do visit www.longlifestories.blogspot.com. And to view more of my work, please visit www.ceciliafrancisco.com.

Hope to see you all there!

hard at work

114 days to go.

Here's a glimpse of the chaos in my studio. Just keeping my head down and trying to get at least 22 pieces completed before my deadline. As of this week, I'm also keeping my eyes and ears peeled for venues to exhibit at in Doha.

Online

I've finished what I can with the website , and now I must sleep. I'll fine tune more tomorrow, but I'm pretty happy with it. I hope you enjoy you looking at my work. Cheers!

Numbers

• 22 - That's how many canvasses I have on the go.
• 4 are paintings I have on easels while I wait for things to dry.
• 5 are the months I have left until my next art exhibition.
  
• And 2 are the blogs that I've decided to start and re-start to motivate and inspire me.

This blog is just a glimpse at what's going on in the studio with my work. The other one's a jump farther into the rabbit hole where I want to force myself to complete one thing artistically everyday in any medium. They've both started off the same, but today is where that changes.

the truth

"Al Jamal" (a.k.a. "The Sassy Camel") - acrylic on canvas, © 2008; SOLD

Wow. What was I saying about that momentum? I fell into a painting blackhole grasping for ideas and came out gasping with only 3 new pieces to show for all of 2008. I was blessed enough to have a small exhibition (see photos)with my friend and fellow-painter, Basma Kavanagh.

In truth, I was happily engrossed and fulfilled and absolutely busy with other things. I had my first baby on August 13th, 2008. And between learning, reading about and trying to figure out this motherhood thing, entertaining out-of-town family for months at a time...and wonderful, yet hectic extended vacations of our own, I've only started working again this past September.

And I do mean really, really working. I had tried to prepare myself for the idea that I may not have time or energy to paint once my daughter was born. But found out that in reality, for me, the hormones that helped me feel "happily engrossed and fulfilled" were not enough.

It's so obvious in retrospect, but 'not painting' is not an option. It just took me longer than it should have to figure that out...