Art Musings and More

Josie Lim Cruz paintings

2008-11-18T18:46:00.001-08:00

PORTRAITS OF...
Filipiniana: Pandango, BBBOX, Paano Uuwi si Ana? # 3
PORTRAIT OF...
Does she look familiar? Title: "Yes, It's a Copy" and it was sold!
PORTRAIT OF...
Newlyweds

PORTRAITS OF...

Color ME, Young Once with model still looking young?

PORTRAIT OF,,,

oNE cOUNTRY, oNE pEOPLE

Manila Mail

2008-11-18T18:23:00.000-08:00

Manila Mail
“PORTRAITS OF…” a conceptual portrayal beyond portraits per se
“November 5, 2008
The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines and the Philippine Arts Letters and Media Council (PALM) sponsored:
“PORTRAITS OF…” a conceptual portrayal beyond portraits per se
A solo exhibition of Josie Lim Cruz at the Philippine Embassy, Washington DC Opening Reception OCt. 21, 2008
The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines and the Philippine Arts, Letters and Media Council (PALM) held an Opening reception last Oct.21st at the Philippine Embassy for the seventh solo exhibition of paintings by Josie Lim Cruz. Ambassador Willy Gaa and Wilhelmina G. Camina, M.D., cut the ribbon while Diorella Digamon offered a floral tribute to Dr.Camina, the guest of honor. Tireless Consul for Cultural Affairs Rico Fos and his staff, and the PALM members, led by president Lyta Sese, managed the affair. Among the many guests were Mrs. Gaa, Mr. Nestor Camina, Mr. and Mrs Digamon, Mrs. Fos –with PALM members Malcolm and Aida Peck, Malcolm Churchill, Ric Sese, Linda and Bob Yangas, Beth Swallow, Jane Vergel, Mitzi Pickard, Rody Cruz and Nilo Santiago (who held his own PALM and Philippine Embassy-sponsored solo exhibit recently)
Josie Lim Cruz earned her Fine Arts degree, cum laude — from the University of the Philippines and took post-graduate studies with the late Philippine National Artist Jose Joya. She counts noted artist Bobby Chabet as her best mentor, who encouraged her to THINK, as she mastered her painting skills. Thus, her exhibit title: “PORTRAITS OF…” goes beyond just portrait painting per se, but is garnished with a touch of the conceptual in each painting.
Roget’sThesaurus offers alternatives to the simple direct dictionary approach for a word meaning. Portrait thus becomes characterization, depiction, an image, a likeness, painting, photograph, a picture, a portrayal, a profile, a silhouette, simulacrum, metaphor, spitting image, vignette and a concept. Most are gleaned from the paintings in the exhibit, making the titles integral parts of the paintings.
Previously, Josie tried to study medicine but ended up a dietitian. When her kids were grown, husband Rody sent her back to the UP, to enroll at the College of Fine Arts and she made a career switch to being a full time artist while teaching art on the side. She taught and practiced art for over two decades. Presently, she also helps and curates her students’ own solos. Confidently she now proclaims that loving her work as she worked her love, pays!

PHOTOS

2008-11-18T09:00:00.000-08:00

Washngton DC, Philippine Embassy gallery, Romulo Hall
"Portraits of..." exhibition lay-out

OPENING RECEPTION "Portraits of..." featuring paintings of Josie Lim Cruz
Ribbon cutting, with Ambassador and Mrs Willy Gaa, guest of honor Wilhelmina Camina, M.D.. Diorella Digamon (gave a floral oferring to Dr. Camina) and other guests.

Guest Noddie Barrion with Ella Digamon

More guests

Silhouetted, musical performance by Celia and Vivi, talented daughters of artist colleague Patricia Dubroof

COUNTDOWN TO "PORTRAITS OF..."

2008-10-14T11:41:00.000-07:00

You're invited, come join us with

my guest of honor Wilhelmina G. Camina, M.D.

Party with us! ("Bloody Mary" painting exhibited at Iona Gallery and the Goldman Gallery)

... even after playing golf (Painting "At Ease # 2" shown at previous solo exhibitions Golfspeak I & II)

Both paintings will be at the Philippine Embassy gallery.

A Solo Exhibition

2008-09-28T17:39:00.000-07:00

When an artist or a group of artists launches an exhibition, preparation for staging the show involves a myriad of attention that could range from a slapdash preparation to a meticulously presented show of shows. The theme of the exhibit is a main axis that unites the show. A curator’s job goes beyond hanging and aligning artwork. Some curators may even exclude excellent paintings that do not meet the overall “look” of the whole exhibition.

Thus, preparation for a show can be tedious. It is paramount to plan ahead, and just hope everything goes well. I was the curator of most of my students’ shows, helped them craft the artist’s statement that is their own “voice” and then tried to complement this with exhibition notes. My own forthcoming exhibit has the title: “PORTRAITS OF…” I thought it the best way to depict the paintings that are included in the exhibition.

Roget’s Thesaurus offers an alternative to the simple direct dictionary approach for a word meaning. Portrait becomes characterization, depiction, a figure, an image, a likeness or a model, painting, photograph, picture, a portrayal, a profile, silhouette, simulacrum, sketch, metaphor, spitting image, vignette, and I would add pointedly--concept. Many of these, or most -- if not all, can be gleaned from the paintings that are part of my exhibit.

When one paints, it is very tempting to just copy from an image and often, just paint pleasurably what one sees. Outdoors painting or depicting still life can be so relaxing. But as mastery in skills and techniques allow, the tendency is to supplement the artistic right part of the brain with its left side logical counterpart. Many artists even distort images to conform to a certain theme. Thus, the fun continues. The ensuing thought and action sustains an artist towards a unified unrestricted and challenging concept. So as not to pre-empt guests who may view my blogs and attend the exhibition, I shall publish some post-exhibit photos later after the show, to further illustrate the subject matter.

DAB PAINT, A 2-HOUR ART TUTORIAL

2008-09-03T07:29:00.000-07:00

"It's Just Paint"
The painting on the cover page was done in less than 2 hours using the the "Dab Paint" technique. My partner Gail Poe and I perfected a 2-hour tutorial that will guide even a novice towards completing this painting within the time stated. Other samples of artwork done in the same technique are also featured.

Learning to paint is easy and fun. Everyone has an innate artistic ability that just needs to be tapped with inspiration, mastery of technique and knowledge of materials. It's only paint! This is just one medium for an artist to express creativity.

The tutorial is available on CD for a reasonable introductory price. For inquiries, please contact mailto:conrlimcruz@yahoo.com or gailpoe@gmail.com.

One Country, One People

2008-09-03T05:15:00.000-07:00

ONE COUNTRY ONE PEOPLE

On Sept 11, Americans will recall the happenings that elicited various emotional reactions worldwide. The painting above came from a concept -- to create one positive outlook on a very tragic event.

At some point, America, a nation of immigrants, became "One Country, One People". We can only hope and pray this will be sustained.

This painting was completed in 2002. was exhibited at other galleries and will be part of my solo exhibit at the Philippine Embassy Gallery in October.