A work in progress

MAY 13, 2020  |  BY MARK MITCHELL

 

 

 

A work in progress

 

Over the past six months, Creative Pinellas has provided me and all of this year’s grantees an opportunity for growth. Artistic growth, by encouraging us to challenge ourselves in the creation of daring new work over the grant period. Professional growth through frequent interaction and idea sharing with our artist mentors (in my case, the illustrious and always inspiring Steven Kenny). Audience growth and broader exposure via platforms like this blog, the recent Emerging Artist Conversation Zoom Event, as well as the new ArtsIn initiative, featuring our Virtual Artist Studio Tour Videos and other great content from the local creative community.

Personally, I’ve found this period to be one of momentum and progress, as well. My association with Creative Pinellas has helped give my art greater visibility and a bit more street-cred in both the local market and beyond. I’m happy to say doors have been opening and continue to do so as we speak. I recently learned I was selected by Modern Tampa Bay Homes and Barkett Realty as one of eight contemporary artists to showcase and ultimately commission works for buyers of a new residential development called AD Lofts, in St Pete’s Grand Central District. And next week, four of my originals will be included in a three-month online exhibition launching on Artsy.net called Animal Behavior, presented by bG Gallery in Santa Monica (details below).

The grant period has moved along swiftly, and it’s hard to believe it’s nearly over! I began my blog posts with a call to my fellow artists to “always be emerging”. And as it draws to a close, may I suggest we always remain a “work-in-progress”. Because this time of growth and flourishing should be an ongoing one, as we make our way in our careers and continue to strive and improve in our artistic endeavors.

And so, with that in mind, I’d like to share a sneak-peek of some work-in-progress of my own, in the photos below. They capture various stages of development of the new 4 ft by 9 ft triptych I’ve been creating—soon to be featured in this Thursday’s Emerging Artist Exhibit! (See details below)

 

Balancing two of the three panels on my easel to ensure proper alignment of imagery.

 

Background complete, with foreground elements masked-off.

 

     

Stencil pattern applied, then spray-painted.

 

Removing the stencils.

 

Rendering foreground elements, now with the background edges masked-off.

 

The triptych evolves, with more stencils in-the-works.

 

Near completion. See how it all comes together at the Emerging Artist 2020 Exhibition!

 

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Emerging Artist Exhibit + LIVE Virtual Reception

THIS THURSDAY, MAY 14th, 2020
This is it—the culmination of all our efforts throughout the grant period. I hope you’ll join us for a very special online event!
It’s a 3D Virtual Tour of the Emerging Artist 2020 Exhibition, in anticipation of the delayed physical public opening event at the gallery.

6pm: Check out the complete interactive show here >> Creative Pinellas Virtual Gallery.
7pm: Come celebrate with us at the Virtual Opening Reception LIVE on facebook!
Click the image below to RSVP.

 

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Animal Behavior | Group show launches on Artsy.net
Opening preview events on Instagram + Zoom
I’m thrilled to have been selected to join an eclectic group of artists in this three-month virtual group exhibition on Artsy.net.

OPENING PREVIEW EVENTS: THURSDAY, MAY 21st, 2020
5 – 6pm PST (8pm EST): Artist Introductions (with some of their pets) here on >> INSTAGRAM LIVE @gestaltprojects
6 – 6:40pm PST (9pm EST): Meet and Greet – Join the conversation (and show off your pets) here on our >> ZOOM MEETING

ONGOING EXHIBITION:
Animal Behavior
A Virtual Group Exhibition and Sale
Presented by bG Gallery, Santa Monica, CA
May 22 – July 29, 2020
Open 24/7 here on >> Artsy.net

 

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Stay safe,
Conceptual Pop Painter + Multimedia Artistmarkmitchellstudio
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Produced with the support of Creative Pinellas, Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater and the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners