Robie Benve Art

A couple of weekends ago selected artists opened their studios to the public for the first Columbus Open Studio and Stage Tour, on 8 and 9 October, 2016. What a great initiative! As soon as I heard about it, I made sure I kept the Saturday open. I wanted to visit as many as I could in the hours that I had available. My friend and fellow artist Dawn Petrill joined me in this adventure, and we toured several studios, talked to the artists, enjoyed their work, observed their storage solutions, and just had a great time driving around from place to place. So much fun to do the tour with a fellow artist! We could not stop at all the places on our to-do list, but those that we were able to see were really great. I took photos with most of the artists, but regrettably I am missing a few (my phone memory kept getting full, yikes!!) Below are some pics to commemorate the great day. Too bad that I don't have a photo for each studio we visited! Other artists we met on the tour a...

As member of the Central Ohio Plein Air (COPA) I was invited to paint at the grand opening of a local farmer's market store "Fresh Thyme". What a wonderful event! The store staff is lovely, there was live music, a chef competition, balloons, free samples, great sales. A great environment to paint, full of the positive energy I love so much. I had planned to paint something else, but when I set up my easel next to the salt water taffy display, I couldn't resist to challenge myself to paint a cellophane bag of candies. Not as easy as it may seem... I think I did pretty good for being "alla prima", wet on wet, and painted while conversing with the wonderful customers and staff members. (photos below) Selfie at the painting event I was in the great company of Tom Rodgers painting the produce display Bill Westerman Candice VanSchoyck painting pumpkins My bag of salt water taffy painting, almost done

This is me during the setting up time at the Studio Sale, just before it started. I participated in the community studio sale at the  Columbus Cultural Arts Center and it has been a wonderful experience.  I think I've never been surrounded by so many  people smiling and cheerfully chatting before. From the art sellers to every one coming through, each face was lightened up, and eyes were sparkling with pleasure.  A view if the Studio Sale from the other side of the room. Great space, full of wonderful art, including some amazing ceramics and  jewelry. It has been a pleasure to meet a lot of interesting people, and what a delight to hear their nice comments for my art. The paintings on my wall space (before the last straightening, ehmmm, still a little crooked here). Many are from my one-painting-a-day challenge. :) I had mainly smaller paintings and cards, and quite a few found a good new home.  How delightful! : ) Thanks a ...