Gina & me

Chalk Art 2011

Gina and I began our art work before 8 AM yesterday morning...There were 102 total squares sold to businesses, individuals and sponsors to raise funds for the local Rotary Club scholarship fund! There were both professional artists, amateur artists and students working on their masterpieces throughout the day. Our picture measured 9' X 9' and took us over 8 hours to complete. I chose a home that Chip & I recently sold as the subject of our painting. Many of the passer-bys recognized the home, as it is a landmark in Olde Naples, because of its location near a very popular beach access, and also because of its distinct Lighthouse! So many of our friends and customers stopped to give us encouragement. For me, in addition to giving of our time, talent and treasure to a worthy cause, it was a gift just to spend the entire day creating along side my friend Gina. She is a remarkable mural artist here in Naples. If you are interested in seeing more of her work, please call her at 239.564.5475.

When I spoke with her earlier today and asked her how she was feeling she said, "I feel like I was run over by a little red pick-up truck!" ha ha

Yes, today we are both a bit sore, but we are already looking forward to our next art outing!

Chalk Art 2011 & The 14th Annual Naples Invitational Art Fest!

"The world is but a canvas to the imagination."

~Henry David Thoreau

There are a lot of artsy things going on around Naples this weekend! I can tell you right now, you will see The Red Pick-Up Artist working along side popular Naples muralist Gina Fischer on 5th Avenue all day on Saturday, January 29th...They can be found right in front of the blue & white Coldwell Banker Previews building in the 500 block of Naples main street, 5th Avenue South! They are planning to create a masterpiece depicting one of Olde Naples charming homes. This fund raiser is benefiting The Rotary Scholarship Fund, and over 5,000 spectators are expected to watch 5th Avenue turn into a huge, color splashed canvas! Please, if you happen to make your way downtown, Gina and The Red Pick-Up Artist would really appreciate you voting for your "favorite" street painting...and we really hope it's ours!

Also this weekend, The Art Fest will be attracting well-known artists from around the country. Taking place in Fleischmann Park, this juried art show benefits 'Eden Autism Services Florida'. There will be 132 artists showing their work at the park. The Art Fest will run both Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to5 PM. For more information about this amazing undertaking and the charity that they support please click here: EDEN FLORIDA

These are just 2 of the amazingly artful happenings you can expect to find in Naples this weekend...It's no wonder Naples was named "Best Small Art Town in America"...and it's no wonder The Red Pick-Up Artist lives here!

A few more LINKS to this weekends activities: Bayshore Festival of the Arts and the Harry Chapin Empty Bowl fund raiser in Cambier Park!

Thanks everybody, and have a great weekend!

The Red Pick-Up Artist

"Me" Time

Superman: "Easy miss, I've got you."

Lois: You--You've got me? Who's got you?"

Sometime between dozing off to dreamland at night...with a smile on my face in anticipation of the day ahead...knowing I have put time aside for me..."me time", the alarm goes off...the phone rings...and again a choice is made between that which I love to do: sell houses...and that which I long to do: paint! Alas, it is generally much easier for me to say 'no' to me...and thus another day begins in the busy life of a Naples real estate agent...Like Clark Kent, I put on the suit, head to the office...keeping that true identity hidden...shhhhhhhhhhh!

And so today, to nurture that artist within...when all the real estate blogging, emailing, calling, brochure making, showing homes, checking on listings, ad deadlines, postcard mailing, website managing duties are done--you will find the Red Pick-Up Truck at the Preview Reception at The von Liebig Art Center. There I will breathe in the works of Mathias J. Alten and Terry Krumm...I will enjoy my fellow members exhibition in the Members Gallery where I hope someday to display my own painting or photograph...As always, I will be inspired and I will go home again...hoping for that 'me time'!

No matter who you are or what you do...whether you are the one falling, or the one catching...fly high, and make it a wonderfully creative, inspiring day.

The Naples Art Blogger

Step One~The Beginning

Every journey begins with one step...

Yesterday I went to the art supply store and spent hours picking out mats and frames for my photography [see photo inset]. ..filling the cart with paper and stickers, and yarn, and jewels, and wonderful treasures for decorating boxes...and best of all: I bought a HUGE canvas! I can't wait to begin the journey...I have taken the first step. The end is in my mind and I am going to enjoy every single creative, joyful, inspiring moment!