This issue we’re sharing six pieces that didn’t pass muster in a local competition. That’s the annual Laguna Festival of Arts, a show that runs all summer and in which Anne has been a part for the last four years. I never have, but not for not trying. It’s highly competitive, drawing from a pool of hundreds of artists to fill a limited number of openings. The judges are different each year. The irony (and life always has lots of irony) is that two summers ago Anne’s work was deemed among the 25 best; this year, with the same quality of work, she’s not invited back. Such are the twists of life.
Beauty and Shoe, oil on wood, 47×31.5
A friend had given me a number of large bamboo panels, which took the paint wonderfully, and I made this set.
As it happens, the day the news came I was musing in one of my favorite books, Ecclesiastes. Among it’s many nuggets, this one appeared pertinent: “The race is not to the swift, or the battle to the strong…but time and chance happens to them all.” It’s a consoling truth, though never an excuse. Here’s another: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” So there it is: we do our best but we don’t always succeed. There are too many other factors over which we have no control. We barely have control over ourselves.
Rainbow Child, oil on wood, 47×31.5
The background patterns and the brushwork style supply the harmony.
I’ve also been reading again through the history of the impressionists, including a biography of Cezanne. Not to put myself in the company of these pioneers, but to see again how being refused year after year in the common settings is not a statement about the work itself, but something else. Happily, they struggled on and our world is better for it.
Hula Rhythms, oil on wood, 47×31.5
As for what to do next, there are always ideas. Almost too many, really. And a closed door is just as much guidance as an open one. It helps narrow the field.
Chronicles, handmade monotype print, 10×20
If you ask me, Anne’s work gets better year after year. But she keeps striving (maybe that’s not right right word), keeps working, keeping her eyes open to new approaches, new design elements to incorporate, and what other masters in the field are doing.
Agreeing to Differ, handmade monotype print, 17×8
Pieces shown are not to scale.
Speaking of that, a month ago we attended a seminar in San Diego among a group of like-minded artists on the subject of incorporating handwriting, calligraphy, or text of any kind (and language) as design element in the art. Anne’s been doing this for some time, but is inspired to take it to a new level as time goes by.
Consuming Purpose, handmade monotype print, 17×8
Note dimensions of these pieces for actual scale.
Also, just last week we were in Cornwall, England…an art mecca since the days of WWII when many European artists fled the tyranny and set up shops in a more tranquil world off to the westernmost tip of England. There we visited the studio of Peter Wray, a master printmaker and painter, and received lots of stimulation for yet new approaches. So it goes, and always will, regardless of the vagaries of competitions and their outcomes. The race may not be to the swift, but that doesn’t mean don’t be swift.
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Ongoing and Upcoming Events
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Coming soon: a new blog, “Blank Slate”
“Blank Slate” will feature on musings and meanderings, insights and entertainments, and will use words rather than brushes to create the art. Watch for it starting in the new year.
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In the Image of God
Looking for a Christmas gift? A coffee table book of art and brief meditations might be the perfect thing. Copies can be sent to you or directly to the recipient. Personalized inscriptions can be added on request. Click here to order.
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Moore & Moore Art Gallery in Dana Point
Open by Appointment
949-240-4642
Semi-Private Coaching for Painters
Offering 2-hour sessions on Mondays and Wednesday and Saturday mornings
in the Hyatt Moore Studio, Dana Point.
For more info click Art Coaching Flyer.
Or call 949-240-4642
Printmaking Classes
In the Anne Moore studio, Dana Point
To see more of Anne’s, work go to: www.annesprints.com
Call 949-240-4642
1:34 pm
I love Anne’s art on the cover of Doris’ latest CD!
1:34 pm
Thanks for keeping me on your email list. I love seeing what you have been working on and reading what you write. Merry Christmas to you and Anne and your family as they gather this year.
1:52 pm
Hyatt: You always pass muster with me. Thanks for your musings today. I am a student struggling to finish assignments for this term and frustrated when my hours of diligence don’t get perfect grades. You strengthen my resolve to do my best anyway and keep the valuation of others in perspective. Blessings!
1:58 pm
Well, I do enjoy these offerings from you and Anne. Art is so subjective that acceptance of work depends on a particular mood, bias, time of day, hunger pangs, or ? whatever… of the judges. The quality of the work is there to my eye and heart. :)
Blessings to you, Anne, your families this Christmas and throughout the New Year. :)
Carmen
2:25 pm
Hyatt, hi
Thank you for the honest comments. I think it was mighty
courageous of you to let others know the great difficulties
and challeges that you face as you continue in your
committment to paint your beautiful work.
Sharing your experience with others like myself
is inspiring, positively affecting, and deeply felt.
Wishing you and Anne a wonderful Christmas, joy, health
and happiness.
D. Peffley
2:41 pm
Lovely, lovely. Thanks for sharing your works. Merry, Merry Christmas, and blessings on each of you and your family.
3:30 pm
Hi Hyatt,
Every time we take guests to our conference room, they marvel at your LAST SUPPER with unreached people groups. I never tire of it.
Every time I view your paintings, it’s like taking time out for a few breaths of fresh air and sunshine. You bless my soul!
Have you considered doing anything with Hebrew or Greek texts behind your images? I could supply you with some. Even if you painted some of the images of Israel. I have very good .jpgs I’d be glad to share with you.
Have a blessed Christmas!
4:00 pm
Hyatt – you are an inspiration – your paintings are absolutely beautiful and your openess about the struggles in our world of art will benefit everyone that reads them. thank you thank you thank you !!!!! Lora
4:13 pm
Taste is subjective.
And I love the art both of you create.
4:30 pm
Hyatt, You always make me ponder life in a deeper way. Whether in your art or writing, you go beyond the ordinary and find an authentic place in the heart of the beholder. And we are all blessed. Thank you for sharing. Never stop being you! Love to you and Ann for a joyous Christmas and peaceful new year.
5:25 pm
Hyatt When some friend of mine tells me of his achievements and success I share his happiness. Conversely when he shares news that aren´t that good at all I should feel somehow disappointed…but I don´t. All because I´m only glad our friendship has proven to be authentic. P.s. Ecclesiastes 4 comes handy too.
7:13 pm
Dear Hyatt, thank you once again for sharing such fantastic art and deep and sincere comments.
I wish you, your wife and family a warm and meaningful Holiday Season!
I´m back in Brazil with my family for a couple weeks and it´s been nice to recharge my batteries while close to my mom; by the way she loves the ´Beauty and Shoe´painting.
Take care!
8:15 pm
Hyatt,
I have long admired your ability to communicate with written language, a wonderful gift which you have put to great use! Thank you for the stimulation, both in writing and in the visual form (both you and Anne). The effort that you both put into creativity has spurred me on from time to time. I’m still looking for outlets, but haven’t landed anyplace with permanence, yet. Merry Christmas to you and Anne and all the family.
Rich
9:07 pm
You’re the best! love you madly.
10:29 pm
Hyatt, you and your wife are both talented in such unique ways. Keep the creative juices going, both of you. Merry Christmas.
10:59 am
That is too great! You did bless me. Especially the reminder that a closed door is just as much guidance as an open one. It helps narrow the field.
3:35 pm
Hyatt, thanks for your honest sharing….it helps me “keep keeping on”…
Our best from NC, David and Mary
5:27 pm
I AM SO SORRY , I WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE ,
I AM ALSO SORRY I COULD NOT MAKE IT TO YOUR STUDIO SHOWING .
I WILL TRY TO MAKE IT IN THE NEW YEAR .
THANK YOU FOR YOUR UPDATES AND YOUR THOUGHTS , THEY GIVE HOPE TO ALL .
10:30 pm
Hyatt, your confession of the way you handled the disappointment is so encouraging. It’s as if a defeat actually turned out as a victory. By sharing this, the strength and wisdom God has given you truly helps us all. It’s been a tremendous blessing getting to know you.
A Joy-Filled Christmas to you both!
10:14 pm
Looking forward to the new blog!
10:57 am
Thank you for your thoughts from Ecclesiastes. The idea of striving less and trusting more has been on my mind and your comments affirm that. Thank you for being a great coach. It’s been a blessing learning from you.