Emergent Series: Looking for Tom Ford | Artist: Meg Fitzpatrick| 24” x 48” acrylic and metallic paint on board (photo: Expert Imaging, Inc.)

For this one, as with all of them, I invite you to play a game and find recognizable faces – Woody Allen, Allen Cummings, Tom Ford (two of him), Jake Gyllenhaal, Christopher “Hitch” Hitchens (may he rest in peace), Haruki Murakami (the Japanese novelist who recently published 1Q84), Christopher Plummer and my brother as a kid diving into a pool.

Detail of Tom Ford and Christopher Hitchens from Emergent Series: Looking for Tom Ford

Next Saturday, “Finding Tom Ford” will be available at the F.I.G. – Fashion Industry Gallery and the 2012 Toast To Life Gala. All proceeds from this sale will benefit the Resource Center of Dallas and their ongoing work with HIV/ AIDS programs and services. For event tickets: www.toasttolife.org.

Detail of Woody Allen from Emergent Series: Looking for Tom Ford

Enjoy the Academy Awards next Sunday. I’m rooting for “The Artist” as Best Picture, Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris” for best original screen play and have more picks for the other categories. I’ll be glued to the show, ready to do a blog in two weeks…

…until Sunday, March 11th.

Shepard Fairey Mural | Oak Cliff | 331 Singleton Blvd., near McPherson (photo: Meg Fitzpatrick)

A question that frequently crosses my mind is “How is this done?” Luckily, Brian Gibb, owner of Deep Ellum gallery The Public Trust, is a long time friend of Shepard Fairey, his fellow street artist. Brian talked with me about the general process and tipped me off to the locations where the murals were happening. I photographed the steps Fairey and his team took over several days to make these urban paintings. The image below is the finished painting at the Dallas Contemporary, followed by the step-by-step activities to make it happen.

Shepard Fairey Mural | Dallas Contemporary | 161 Glass Street, off Riverfront Blvd. | ( photo: Meg Fitzpatrick)

Step 1: Large rolls of paper with preprinted Xeroxed images of the final design were taped, with regular blue painter’s tape, to the wall after a base coat – in this case, black – completely dried.

Step 2: In the photo below, two artists razor cut the outlines to create a stencil.

Step 3: The stencil was then spray-painted with color. Here, the design instructions called for yellow.

Step 4: After the letters were painted and the paper removed, an artist hand paints any edges where crispness is needed. I noticed the brush was small which means this was a methodical, intense step.

That’s a wrap the Dallas Contemporary site.

So, onto another…

The retaining wall below is located at the historic Belmont Hotel. Step 1: Fairey began with a red underpainting.

The Belmont Hotel | Architect: Charles Dilbeck | Intersection of Fort Worth Avenue and Sylvan (photo: Meg Fitzpatrick)

Step 2: The stencil pattern was a bold design requiring only two colors – black and white – to complete this modern concrete billboard.

Just up the hill, stop at the Belmont Bar terrace for a drink, bite and one of the best views of downtown Dallas.

Until next Sunday…

In 2010, I was in the first class, trained and certified by the energetic DCFA Program Director, Greg Brown, to lead the DAD walking tours where the story of Dallas’ history is told through the buildings and planned urban space.

Cathedral Shrine of our Lady of Guadalupe is on the tour | cornerstone laid in 1898 | Architect: Nicholas Clayton, well known for Bishop’s Palace in Galveston. (photo: Meg Fitzpatrick)

Yesterday, a fellow classmate and docent, Robin Bellerby (she’s the one taking attendance in the shot below) and I each took a group of 10 people. The tour starts at the Harwood entrance of the Dallas Museum of Art, finishes at One Arts Plaza on Flora Street and covers the significant buildings in-between.

Saturday, February 4th Dallas Arts District Tour organized by the Dallas Center for Architecture. (photo: Meg Fitzpatrick)

Another fun fact: Four Pritzker-prize winning architects designed a building in the district: Renzo Piano’s brilliant mind did the Nasher Sculpture Center, I.M. Pei did the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Hall, Norman Foster’s firm did the Winspear Opera House and Rem Koolhaas did the Wyly Theater. The Pritzker is comparable to winning the Nobel Peace Prize – it’s a big deal.

Sky Solar Canopy spans 2+ acres over the Winspear Opera House, 2009 | Architect: Foster + Partners, Spencer de Grey, London (photo: Meg Fitzpatrick)

The DCFA also offers tours of the historic Main Street District on the 2nd and 4th Saturday. Private tours can be arranged through the DCFA’s link below.

To register for a tour: www.dallascfa.com

Until next Sunday…

All over town the homes of Dallas art collectors, gallery owners and artists were open to us. We were assigned to one for the evening. My mystery destination was the home of art collector, Susan Reese – an excellent cook assisted by her daughter and son-in-law…who take family fly fishing trips where I can imagine, based on last night’s relaxed atmosphere, there is much lively conversation and a lot of laughter. The CADD co-host was Brian Gibb, owner of The Public Trust gallery in Deep Ellum. Yes, he still has his signature barbershop moustache and it suits him well.

The night was different and much fun. We ended at the MAC/ McKinney Avenue Contemporary for dessert and dancing to the beat of Watson Electric, with CADD member and gallery owner Barry Whistler working the drums.

Mystery Dinner at home of artist Rusty Scruby and Hampton Burwick. CADD host Cris Worley Fine Arts. (photo courtesy: CADD/ Cris Worley)

“Eat your Art out” was a sold out event. Next time, I will be among the first to reserve a place at the table – no hesitation on my end.

Until next Sunday…

Last Friday night, my “guilt-free play” was a trip to the Dallas Arts District with a group of girlfriends, who are funny, after working on several projects in my studio. We had dinner at one of the food trucks – my favorite is the Green House Truck, and celebrated the Chinese New Year by watching the Crow Museum’s Dragon Parade.

Then, there was an electric surprise at the Dallas Museum of Art. To celebrate the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit, anyone could dress as one of his divas – Lady Gaga, Madonna – or use their own imagination. A 10-year old girl, who admires JPG and is Project Runway material, made this fish bowl purse. Her belt and necklace are stainless steel scouring pads and a tea strainer.

Late night at Dallas Museum of Art | Jean Paul Gaultier-inspired purse (photo: teresa rafidi)

Late night at Dallas Museum of Art | Jean Paul Gaultier-inspired clothing by a 10-year old (photo: teresa rafidi)

My group of friends made JPG-inspired hats in the DMA’s C3 Lab (Center for Creative Connections) with the local milliner, Cintra MacGregor who has a shop in the Bishop Arts District above Bolsa Restaurant. Another local talented artist, Teresa Rafidi, was also in C3 taking photos of hat makers and Fashionistas. All the photos in tonight’s blog are by teresa: http://www.rafidiphotography.com

Late night at Dallas Museum of Art |Ya Ya Girlfriends in Jean Paul Gaultier-inspired hats (photo: teresa rafidi)

I like this tool of “guilt-free play.” It made me more focused and productive in my studio during the day because I didn’t tell myself, “I’ll do this later tonight.” It also led to being totally engaged in the Arts District’s Late Night activities.

Happy Year of the Dragon.

Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center: SCPA Exterior | Dallas, Texas | Architects: Hinojosa Architects & Interiors Designs (photo: Hinojosa Architects)

Gus Hinojosa, AIA, Managing Principal, and his team at Hinojosa Architects and Interiors (HAI) incorporated design ideas and research from the veterinarian and retail industries to improve the adoption experience and foster healthier animals. Functional and aesthetic details shaped all areas for the rescued animals, wellness and spay/neuter services, medical wing and surgery suite.

The SPCA is another example of why I believe good (meaning excellent) design and architecture make a positive difference in our lives, and sometimes our pets. Dallas’ newest SPCA shows off the animals. The sunny, colorful place welcomes you to stay and play. In this space, I sense the animals are honored guests; and maybe, if I could read their minds, they would agree. HAI’s vision from the start was to “re-define the standard animal shelter from a depressing experience into one which is enjoyable and enlightening.”

Aren’t I cute puppy? I like my candy-colored dog bed.

At last night’s reception, I experienced this concept with other admirers, and will be back to scout out the cats in their cool condos. I’m in the market for the right furball fit. When you visit, admire the modern design of the scratching posts, notice the signage graphics and sit on a banquette covered with fabrics by William Wegman, the artist best known for his Weimaraner photographs.

Even in the world of non-profits, good causes and architectural design, there’s always a bottom-line consideration. Happily, the Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center response to-date is working as seen on January 2nd, the first day of operation, when 24 animals were adopted and yesterday when 35+ animals found new homes.

To ring in 2012, I’ll begin with places that spark my creativity. Over the holidays, I had a chance to visit the Clyfford Still Museum which recently opened in Denver, the city that was awarded this American artist’s estate. Clyfford Still’s life story and how Denver became the site for 95% of his artistic output are fascinating.

Artist: Clyfford Still | oil on canvas | 357 x 600 | “PH – 972” (1940) | photo: Meg Fitzpatrick

His final will stipulated that his body of work – all 2,400 pieces – had to be housed in one place and only in an America city. Still did not want his work lost in a museum’s vast, encyclopedic collection or owned on foreign soil. The 50-years of work, from his early figurative pieces to his later large-scale abstract paintings, landed in Denver after a distant relative (a Denver resident) suggested to Still’s widow that she consider Denver as the “American city.” She did, and the rest is history.

Still’s story is even more interesting. At a highpoint in his career, he got sick of the public scrutiny of his work and decided to leave New York – where he was one of the central figures along with the likes of Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Clement Greenberg – and move to a quiet farm in Maryland. He intentionally placed himself on the periphery, where he was content to produce work for himself – 835 paintings are now in Denver’s museum. Most have never been seen by the public because once Still finished a painting, he rolled it onto a tube for storage in his barn. When the curators began taking inventory, they sometimes found 11 paintings on one tube!

In his own words, Still said that “behind all my paintings is the figure.” The current show is clearly curated for you see that every composition uses a vertical line format from his earlier figurative work (1930’s – 1940’s) to his later abstractions of standing bodies (1940’s until his death in 1980).

The architect Brad Cloepfil and his team at Allied Works designed this museum. Their body of work is another source of inspiration for me. I first became aware of their work when they won a Dallas competition to renovate and expand Booker T. Washington High School of the Performing and Visual Arts, Dallas’ Arts Magnet School for talented kids. I met Brad at a book signing, and he talked about the Denver commission, his excitement about the museum project and the Winter 2011 opening. Both the Still Museum and Booker T. buildings are thoughtfully designed to honor the occupants, their work and stories without distractions.

Clyfford Still Museum | Denver, Colorado | Architect: Allied Works/ Brad Cloepfil | Photo: Meg Fitzpatrick

I stumbled across another artist who is inspired by Still’s paintings and colors. Note her iPad and paint program.

Clyfford Still Museum | Denver, Colorado | Photo: Meg Fitzpatrick

Happy 2012: Wishing you a year of creativity (whatever your field) and visiting inspiring places.

Twyla writes“…..being creative is an everyday thing, a job with its own routines. It is not a once-in-a-while sort of thing. These routines are as much a part of the creative process as the lightning bolt of inspiration (perhaps more so). After a while being creative becomes a habit.”

PBS holds a rich treasure chest of radio interviews and documentaries. Studio 360, a PBS Peabody Award-winning radio show, is produced by Julie Burstein and hosted by Kurt Andersen. Kurt entertains and educates us through his on-air discussions with artists – like Yo-Yo Ma, Chuck Close and Isabel Allende – about their creative process. Julie wrote, “Spark: How Creativity Works,” which is a collection of interviews.

One of my favorite books is “Maya Lin: Boundaries.” Many years ago my Mom and I were talking the emotional impact of art and coming up with examples, like the tear-inducing experience at Maya Lin’s Washington, DC Vietnam Veterans Memorial. This book was a thoughtful Christmas gift from my Mom who remembered our conversation – thanks Mom!

And, if you haven’t seen the documentary about how this public sculpture struggled to be born, go to Premiere Video (5400 E. Mockingbird Lane) and rent the documentary, “Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision.” You’ll watch her win the blind competition while she was still an undergraduate student (which was a surprise to the Selection Committee of seasoned professionals!) and then have the backbone to bring it to life.

Any of these would make good gifts for the creative people in your life. I have them in my library and grab them, savor them whenever I need a little bit of inspiration.

I’m signing out to celebrate this year and next with friends near and far…be back in January 2012.

Wishing all of you a Happy Holiday.

Three Amigos: Pelicans | oil on canvas | 95” x 64” | Corporate Collection

Many folks have asked about this painting, “Three Amigos: Pelicans.” Here is the back-story about how it happened:

One summer afternoon, I was enjoying a delicious Italian meal in Naples, Florida, sitting on the restaurant’s patio near the Gulf of Mexico and watching pelicans do their thing. Three of them were hanging out together – wings spread to dry. It just struck me as a funny sight and I visualized a potentially strong composition. I did a sketch. (Side note: A sketch book or point-and-shoot camera is usually loaded in my purse. I never know what might interest me and when.) I returned to my studio where a large freshly-stretched canvas had been tilted against the wall for a few weeks, waiting for me. In my mind, I could image an entire painting – the goofy pelicans teetering on the edge of the wharf. I started with a gestural drawing in charcoal on the unprimed canvas and retraced the lines with Mars Black oil paint using one of my favorite brushes (Isabey Décor, favored by DeKooning). The last step was deciding on Venetian Red and Cadmium Reds as the predominant color. This is one of the fastest paintings of this size (95” x 64”) I have ever done – finished in three days. Imagine me dancing to compose this piece because the strokes all required very large, long and fluid movement.

That’s me with “Three Amigos: Pelicans,” outside my studio before it leaves for its destination. The painting hangs in the lobby of a Sarasota-based company, TLC (The Larsen Center). Patty Larsen, the Founder and President, is an inspirational testing-taking prep and learning coach for college-bound kids. She offers tutoring and classes in person and online (www.pattylarsen.com). It gives me a lot of pleasure to know that Patty and her client base of families and kids still comment on enjoying this piece.

Artist: Shane Pennington. Commissioned by TEDxSMU and Dallas Artist District. Materials: Belgium ice | stone selected to commemorate a boyhood friend. (Photo: Meg Fitzpatrick)

Dallas-based artist Shane Pennington is the guy who brought the Dallas Arts District AURORA this fall. He is once again exercising his creative talents. Shane has installed a new site-specific show, “Transcendence.” This commission is a Japanese Rock garden waiting to happen as a single stone frozen in an ice block – in the shape of a body or cube – will eventually fall into place on the Zen-like raked granite once the ice has melted.

Artist: Shane Pennington. Commissioned by TEDxSMU and Dallas Artist District. Materials: Belgium ice | stone hand-selected to represent the heart. Made in Belgium, the source of purest block ice, this creation took 6 months to form. (Photo: Meg Fitzpatrick)

It is well worth a visit – across from the Wyly Theater at the intersection of Leonard and Flora.