Greenpoint Open Studios

I was blown away by all the positive feedback I received during Greenpoint Open Studios. The studio was packed from start to finish both days! I barely had time to start my newest drawing, “New Purpose,” but enjoyed the brief moments where I could share my process with the viewers. I even reconnected with visitors who remembered my work from last time in the old studio. “Importance” was a show stopper, as well as “Paths of Memory.” The drawing “Bask” stole the show when it sold on the first day! So glad it’s gone to a great home of another amazing artist. I met the artist Mick Theebs, who asked to take my picture with a statement for his art blog, Also That. (Update: After this, I was September’s featured artist on Also That!)

Greenpoint Open Studios was featured in the NYTimes!:

nytimesgos

Even if you missed it, you can still be a fly on the wall by watching this one-minute time-lapse video of the entire two-day event:

Landscapes at BFP Creative

Landscapes at Temporary Storage Gallery

Landscapes, Seascapes, Skyscapes, Escapes.

As a reminder of what lies just beyond New York City (and hidden within the city itself), BFP Creative is putting together a show of work that depicts the natural world. Let’s celebrate beauty, sentimentality and awe.

Featuring the contemporary landscape works of 60 artists from New York City and beyond.

 

Using a historically significant genre, these artists are contributing to a larger discussion about important contemporary issues, including sustainability and global climate change.

WORK IS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE IN OUR WEBSTORE

Temporary Storage Gallery
119 Ingraham St., ground floor
Brooklyn, NY 11237

Conception Gallery: Armory Week Salon

Honored to have my work in this show by Conception Gallery during Armory Week, only a block away from Pulse Art Fair. The opening was packed, and I sold the drawing, “Love is Being Flexible”!

 Armory Week Salon: Opening Reception

Friday March 3rd – 7pm – 11pm

LOCATION: 10 W18th St (more…)

The Dress

This past fall, I was asked by artist Alex Pergament to participate in his collaborative installation, Helga and Carl. I collaborated with artist Kelly Heaton of Kelleesee Designs to create a drawing on this beautiful dress she made.

I chose this dress as my canvas after hearing the story behind it. Kelly made the dress for a bride-to-be’s wedding shower, but then the bride’s fiancee left her before she had the chance to wear it. The dress became a symbol for lost love and heartbreak, so I chose to heal it by turning it into it’s own universe. The Galaxy radiates from the heart, showing that the wearer projects her light and power from within, that all comes from her center. The train of the dress is water, symbolizing letting go and releasing the past to emerge cleansed and freed.

I enjoyed the process of drawing on silk, and look forward to creating a series of these designer gowns!

“Drawers Drawing” at Galerie Protege

aicampbellshowimageDrawers Drawing
Curated by Alison Pierz

Galerie Protégé
197 9th Avenue, lower level Chelsea Frames
New York, NY 10011 

October 8th-November 5th, 2015
Opening reception Thursday Oct 8th, 6-8pm

Artists: James Bills, Colleen Blackard, Ai Campbell, Joseph Karwacki, Tim Maxwell and Jaanika Peerna. Curated by Alison Pierz

The art of drawing is sometimes seen in a subordinate role to the traditionally dominant media of painting. After the rapid broadening of the art world to include conceptual, performance, multi-media, digital and countless other modes, it is slightly surprising in the twenty first century to encounter working artists who choose drawing as their primary, or in some cases, sole method of expression.

People who draw are technically referred to as draughtsman, which seems to suggest that their efforts are considered a step in a process. One draws a preliminary sketch, or plan – a draft – to be interpreted and developed into something else at a future date. The artists presented in Drawers Drawing have all made the choice to be “drawers” and consider their mark making an end product in itself.

The title is a reference to an early 1970s documentary that celebrated the high profile American painters of the mid twentieth century. In contrast, this exhibition showcases a group of artists with diverse origins in places like Japan, Estonia and Texas. Their artistic backgrounds and references include traditional Japanese brushwork, comic book art, tattooing, mathematics and movement. Pencil, pen and ink, marker and dry pastel are juxtaposed alongside each other in an inspired display of line, form and color.

Some of the works are presented as one might encounter them in an artist’s studio, for example a sketchbook opened to a single page, a large work on paper tacked to the wall, as though the artist has stepped away and might return to make additions and changes. Others highlight the diversity possible in drawing by being presented as three-dimensional installations and sculpture. Drawers Drawing celebrates the ancient human act of mark making and the artists who engage with it.

Closing Reception Update:

At the last minute, as we began de-installing the work, a dear friend and collector who has been following my work since my first show recognized the drawing, Taurus (Hyades), from my first “For the Universe” series and came to the gallery to acquire it. So grateful for the support, and glad it went to a happy home!

Installation Shots:

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New Studio!

"Colleen in the Studio," by Shannon Soule

“Colleen in the Studio,” by Shannon Soule

pencilfactory

The Historic Pencil Factory Building

Last month I moved into my new studio in the Pencil Factory! So grateful for the 10ft walls, beautiful south-facing windows, and much needed space for the new large “Abandoned Series” drawings. Come for a visit during the next Greenpoint Open Studios!

Follow me on Periscope as @ColleenBlackard to watch me draw LIVE in the new studio!

Broadcasting Tuesday evenings from 9:00-10:00 PM EST

@ColleenBlackard on Periscope

@ColleenBlackard on Periscope