A Special Night in Suit and Tie

It’s not often that an event arises requiring me to make an appearance in suit and tie. Being a Florida artist, there’s really not a regular call for such formalities. However, for the privilege to “fraternize” with doctors and collectors, interested in fine art and great food…

Yes, I’ll dress up a bit

(…within reason).

For an artist and “foodie” like myself, yesterday evening was nothing short of a slice of heaven. Last fall, my good friend, Susan Kubes, introduced me to an annual exhibition, presented by the Clearwater Free Clinic. The event benefits the charitable functions of the Clinic, drawing thousands of dollars from the art bids of area doctors and professionals. All entries to the exhibition were juried, so my submission was made with some amount of anxiety. A glance at the list of yesteryear’s exhibitors revealed many of the area’s established masters… and my specialty, scenic photography, is still, in certain circles, regarded as less than fine art. So, it was a great thrill to be granted an exhibition space ...and, I believe, a benefit to my pursuits toward earning a permanent gallery space.

The party began at 7:00 PM with drinks (and cigars) in the courtyard. Dinner was catered by some of the best known restaurants in the area and included several courses - lobster bisque, tuna and avocado parfait, seared scallops with cauliflower and bacon, lobster macaroni and cheese, sirloin kabobs, shrimp and grits, crab cakes, Portobello mushroom ravioli with alfredo sauce and shrimp ceviche. Desert included a parfait of cookies and crème, peanut butter pudding, strawberry mousse, dark-chocolate-dipped- as well as white-chocolate-and-coconut-dipped-pretzels and gourmet coffees.

The artwork was bidded upon via raffle, with each ticket costing ten dollars. As you can see in the below photographs, by the end of the night, the martini glass beside my artwork contained several hundred dollars in raffle tickets… a very pleasant sight, for me at least. Ultimately my work was won my Misses Draheim and her husband. My thanks go out to them, to Susan Kubes, for making me aware of the event, and to the men and women of the Clearwater Free Clinic, who made the night possible.

Thank you to all!

L. Polyak

(2 C More art go to www.themindscapeartfoundry.com or www.artoflylepolyak.com)

Commissions and Art Galleries, Huzzah!

And here we are again! I'm taking a brief pause prior to work to update my readers on recent events, while I await the toaster at my kitchen table. Wonderful how effort pays off... Recently my hobby and my job have intermingled with funding and enjoyment being had on both fronts.

At this time I have exhibits running at Suntan Art Center, Stirling Studios Art Gallery, Pinellas Park City Hall, and the Park Station Gallery. I'm preparing for the annual vacation to St. Augustine this June, to satisfy my cravings as a History-buff, and , at the same time, a good number of my sketches and oil pencil portraiture will soon be on display at Carrollwood Cultural Center in June.

Networking does pay off! Through my friend, fellow artist, Doug Land, I received a commission from a local writer, I don't think he will mind me advertising his name... The cover art for David Watts next literary work will be taken from a 18x24 oil pencil sketch, inspired by an excerpt from his tale.  I truly did have a great deal of fun expressing myself in this piece. I can't reveal the title or the artwork yet, but it will be here as soon as the book is published. Whoo! Commissions, gotta love 'em! So I'm adding illustration to my offerings now, and advertising them with my boss's help at FASTSIGNS, where custom jobs are also a specialty.

It does bring a smile to my face as I think back to what I was doing for a living only a year ago. "Winds of change, baby! Winds of change."

Thanks for reading!

Lyle Polyak

(2 C more art go to www.artoflylepolyak.com or www.themindscapeartfoundry.com)

(my favorite spokesperson, showing

off the new sign campaingn.)

(The art reception at Stirling Studios was really packed.)

Art Hop 2013 and Upcoming

Art Hop 2013 was a stunning success. Many thanks to Scott Thompson and The Greater Largo Library Foundation and to John Dunn of Art Warehouse for the quick supplies that got me ready in time. The event occurred this past weekend, March 3rd at Largo Public Library. Opening to the public at 6:00PM the Art Hop had fewer exhibitors than last year, due in part to the economy, but this allowed the participants to further expand their exhibits. New to my show area this year was some custom signage designed in Photoshop CS6 and produced by my boss at FASTSIGNS of Lighthouse Point (my new employer). To my judgement, I believe we had better turn out in visitors this year, which resulted in higher sales for me. On that topic, I had offered, for the first time this year, photographic prints and reproductions of my pencil and charcoal sketches. The sketches actually oversold the photography to my surprise and, as I recall, there was a recurrence of the statements "my daughter will love this" and "This looks like my granddaughter." I'll have to devote some more time to drawing this year to boost my collection.

As I type this I'm preparing for my next installation which will be at Pinellas Park City Hall (7600 58th Street N, Pinellas Park, FL) for March 8th through May 8th. Likewise my work will be on display at Saint Petersburg College (9200 113th Street N, Seminole, FL, University Partnership Building) for two upcoming shows presented via my friend Brandy Stark - one hosted by the Exhibiting Society of Artists (Spring-themed) starting on the 16th and another upcoming to be hosted by The Pinellas Park Art Society. In addition to that there is also a plan for PPAS to install a 60-piece show at Stirling Studios Gallery this Fall (730 Broadway, Second Floor Gallery, Dunedin FL).

More news to come.

Thanks for reading!

(2C More art go to www.ArtofLylePolyak or www.TheMindscapeArtFoundry.com)

A Twist on Portraiture at the Zoo

When it comes to wildlife photography, nothing beats taking the camera and the telephoto lens out to a preserve and following your senses. Often bird-calls and a well-trained eye allow you to locate a scene worthy of framing. Other times luck guides you to a one in a million snapshot. However until it becomes economical to travel to Borneo or Australia, to capture what we would term "exotic" animals in their native habitat, the zoo is still the best bet to set your sights on those creatures.

Lowry Park Zoo is the closest environment in my area to go for candid photos of an exhausted meerkat or an awestruck crane. Confused by my adjectives? Wait until you see the pictures. It's like I said in my portfolio...

"Expressions are the lifeblood of portraiture. As mature human beings, we tend to hide our expressions from peers, however animals do not adhere to those norms and as a result, their expressions are genuine, unencumbered, and shine beautifully in photographs."

Seeing an orangutan with his hand on his chin, looking out at a certain onlooker in the crowd, with a stare that could be called contemplative, I can't help but ask "I wonder what he was thinking?" Or observing a sandhill crane suddenly go wide-eyed and drop its jaw when a camera beep is followed by the bright light of a flash, it's easy to call the expression awe or surprise. Even the gestures of some animals have their parallels with we humans. Glimpsing the meerkat, who has spent the past half hour digging in the dirt, suddenly stagger off and plop himself down wearily, we can empathize. "That's hard work."

Looking for a twist on the usual portrait? Try taking your camera to your nearest zoo or just observe the animals around you at work and among their own kind. What you see might just change your outlook on the world.

Thanks for reading.

Lyle Polyak

(to see more art go to www.artoflylepolyak.com or www.themindscapeartfoundry.com)

In the news again!

In early July, Pinellas County artists were invited by The County and The Florida Gulf Coast Center For Fishing to enter their creative works for selection as the official Pinellas County Centennial Poster. The winning image was fated to be used as official art for the September 14th Celebration of The County's hundred years of existence. Participants were invited to submit interpretations that serve to reflect the rich heritage and unique history of Pinellas County. It gives me great pleasure to announce that my own submission titled "Timeline Pinellas" will be used for this purpose and recently appeared on the front page of the Pinellas Park Beacon.

 

Thanks for reading!

 

(2 C More Art go to www.the mindscapeartfoundry.com or www.artoflylepolyak.com)

Pinellas County Centennial Poster

In early July, Pinellas County artists were invited by The County and The Florida Gulf Coast Center For Fishing to enter their creative works for selection as the official Pinellas County Centennial Poster. The winning image was fated to be used as official art for the September 14th Celebration of The County's hundred years of existence. Participants were invited to submit interpretations that serve to reflect the rich heritage and unique history of Pinellas County. It gives me great pleasure to announce that my own submission titled "Timeline Pinellas" will be used for this purpose.

With symbolic imagery, "Timeline" (featured above) expounds upon the historical events and peoples who have called Pinellas County "home." The color scheme of the poster is an allusion to the colors of the Pinellas Logo. At the bottom of the poster, a Native American, representing a member of Pinellas's Tocobaga Tribe (who called the area home in the 1500's to 1700's) looks out of the poster at the viewers. Above him a tall ship flies the Spanish Colonial Flag, representing the era of the Panfilode Narvaez Expedition and the Spanish Conquistadors who landed in the spring of 1528. Nearby, a period sailor looks through his telescope to the image of an orange, symbolic of the citrus industry which will later bring rail and commerce to our county. This same orange is playfully inserted as the sun icon, which is a component of the Pinellas Logo to the left. The logo overlooks a fisherman, alluding to the area's fishing rancheros of the 1700's, and his line dances across the sky carrying our eyes to the train, alluding to the rail industry of the 1800's and the vacationers alluding to the tourist boom of the 1900's. Modern day Saint Petersburg lies at the forefront of the poster.

I would like to express my gratitude and thank the judges for affording me this great success. I hope this may be serve as a gateway to many more wonderful projects.

Thank you all.

Lyle Polyak

(2 C more art go to www.themindscapeartfoundry.com or www.artoflylepolyak.com)

Homosassa Springs, A Great Road-trip for Photographers

As I type this blog entry I’m off of “Commercial Way” on my journey back toward Tampa, and Clearwater. Today, I ventured from my hometown an hour or two to The Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Without further explanation, you and the rest of my readers may envision a recreational park? A forest preserve perhaps? In fact, Homosassa Springs is a working zoo and a wildlife rehabilitation center.

I arrived at the visitors center this morning, a spacious building with children’s exhibits, baked goods, a gift shop and a sheltered boat dock. Passenger ferries arrive to and from the center on the half hour and take visitors on smooth ride down Pepper Creek to The State Park. The ferry captain entertained the youngsters with origami while we waited for boarding, then offered us a narrative of the local plants and wildlife we glimpsed on the short trip. Visitor's who prefer a quicker means of transit may board the trams to and from The Park. I assure you though, the boat trip is worth your time. I glimpsed gators, turtles and nesting osprey on the thirty minute transit.

We arrived at the State Park and disembarked in time for an introduction to Lu, the African hippopotamus. I understand he was retired as a mascot for Union Carbide and awarded honorary citizenship, in 1991, by Governor Lawton Chiles. This legal gesture assures that, though he is not a Florida native, he may live out his days peacefully, with the local wildlife of the zoo. The remainder of the park is a network of hiking paths that follow the Homosassa River, leading visitors to open-air enclosures for manatees, black bears, bobcats, white-tailed deer, American alligators, American crocodiles, river otters, and a variety of native water birds and birds of prey.

Unlike our local zoo, The Park is not dense with vacationers so it offers a variety of fine opportunities for photographers, like myself, to get unobstructed shots of the wildlife. At the time I visited Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park the fees were $13 for adults, $5 for children. I recommend it to all of my artistic friends. The Park is located at 4150 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa Springs, Florida. Visit their website at http://www.floridastateparks.org/homosassasprings/default.cfm.

 Thanks for reading!

(2 C More art go to www.themindscapeartfoundry.com or www.artoflylepolyak.com)

The Beach Art Center

I just returned home from the Beach Arts Center. What a showing they had at reception night! A casual, yet bustling crowd of artists and curious onlookers arrived to view the art which ranged from sketches to paintings in watercolor, oil and acrylic to photography, three dimensional wall art and a life-sized, free standing Tiki statue adorned in lights and basked in the wispy clouds of a fountain mist-maker. I recognized a few familiar faces from The Pinellas Park Art Society as well. Quite the collection of fine art and imaginative minds. I have secured my application and will be joining the Beach Art Center as a new member so that I can showcase art in another popular venue. Thanks to all for a wonderful evening!

(The following snapshots are taken from my smartphone)

Thanks for reading!

(2 C More art go to www.artoflylepolyak.com or www.themindscapeartfoundry.com)

March Madness

It's getting busy again. The spring breakers are in town and the art exhibit schedule is picking up pace. Last week we enjoyed a three day art show hosted by the Largo Community Center. Fine works of art in various genres were presented upon flowing linen curtains which really set off the plenitude of colors. Friday was the reception, free to artists and their families but with a twenty five dollar entry fee to other visitors. It was really very enjoyable and well presented and I had the opportunity to speak with some friends in the artistic community whom I had not seen in some time.

I'm following a lead I received from friends at the Pinellas Part Art Society. Within the grounds of the Florida Botanical Gardens and Heritage Village is the structure which was once the Gulfcoast Museum of Art. It has been abandoned for some time, but once hosted a number of artists and events that had the surrounding gardens as an inspirational backdrop. This structure is being re-opened as a gallery and interactive museum which will celebrate the area's maritime and fishing history. I am hoping that a collection of my work may be included.

Last night we attended the reception for "Off The Wall," an art exhibit hosted by The Exhibiting Society of Artists at the SunTan Art Center. The Gallery is immediately beside the popular Don Cesar Resort at the south end of the Island Beaches. My new work titled "Fractured Rhythm" joined the collection. The show featured a fine assortment of abstract art, a potluck fare of snacks, good company a casual atmosphere and a belly dancer. Yes, a belly dancer... see my photos below. We all had a great deal of fun after which my family invaded the Don Cesar to browse shops and take in the beach scenery. It was a wonderful night.

I have received my copy of Adobe Photoshop CS5. I recognize the familiar painting and ray tracing tools which I've given some use already, but this program is packed to bursting with features I've never heard of before, so I'm off to Borders to get a "How To" book and I've enrolled in a few classes at SPC to learn from the masters just what other fascinating things this software is capable of producing.

Next week is "Country in the Park" - an art and music fair just behind the Pinellas Park City Hall. PPAS will be present and I will be among them selling art and raising art awareness. The weekend following is the Largo Library Art Hop where I will again be "peddling my wares" and during which one of my works will be held for auction. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance at Frame Factory on East Bay Drive. Proceeds will benefit the Library. See you there?

A special thank you to my readers from PPAS and TESA.

To all of you I wish a fun and artful week. Be on guard, you never know when inspiration will hit.

Thanks for reading.

(2 C more art go to www.artoflylepolyak.com or visit www.themindscapeartfoundry.com)

Slideshow

Missing owl ID-ed?

On my latest hike for new photos I visited McGough Nature Center in Largo ... An exceptional location, with trails that snake through lush high pine and palm hammocks on their way to a private boardwalk with an amazing view of the inter coastal waterway. A year ago this was the site of an owl heist. During the dark of night, an intruder attempted to steal or set free a fledgling great horned owl who was being cared for by the nature center. "J.R. the owl" had fallen from his nest and was abandoned by his mother. It was assumed that he had no knowledge of how to fend for himself in the wild, hence, when he was released by this uninformed intruder it was assumed that his would be a short life. On my hike, I came across an older gentleman who was birdwatching along the trails and he guided me to a mature great horned owl perching at the top of a pine tree. He was awestruck when I pointed out in my camera's viewfinder what appears to be a band around the owl's leg and he immediately ran to get the park ranger. This small band may be the identifier to prove this owl is the missing J.R. I have sent my photographs to the Nature Center and I'm currently waiting for the results of their analysis.


These photographs remain unedited but seem to show a band around the owl's leg.

Thanks for reading!

(2 C More art go to www.themindscapeartfoundry.com)

Discover the Island Day

Presented by the Egmont Key Alliance, Discover the Island Beach Day and Auction will be held on November 12th and the 13th. Guests may enjoy a scenic beach getaway on picturesque Egmont Key. Shuttle boats will ferry you from Fort Desoto State Park in South Saint Petersburg to the Key for a day of nature tours, relaxation, historic re-enactments, kids pirate games,and a benefit auction featuring pieces donated by local artists. For ticket information please visit www.egmontkey.info. The Alliance has recently published the below flyer containing more information.

Thanks for reading!

(2C More art go to www.themindscapeartfoundry.com)

The 2012 Largo Library Art Hop

Coming on March 24th 2012, the 4^th Annual Largo Library Art Hop will showcase the art and wares of Pinellas artists, local businesses, and the youth artists of the area from 6  to 11 PM. 

What is it?

Art Hop is a catered, one-night art show, held at Largo Public Library and presented by the Greater Largo Library Foundation, which features wonderful visual art, sculpture, music and culinary art, delicious foods, entertainment and dancing.

How does it work?

The art exhibit showcases the talent and wears of local artists at the Library and permits the free sale of art with no commission. Each artist purchases a table or space in the library, in advance, and may set up all the art he or she can safely fit. The library closes early on the designated day and artists participating are encouraged (but not obligated) to donate a artwork of their choice to the charity auction, held in a library meeting room. All proceeds from the auction benefit educational programs offered by the Foundation. Meanwhile, away from the Library, local restaurants and businesses also participating in the event welcome guests ferried to their doorstep via free PSTA transportation.

Where is it?

Largo Public Library is located in Largo Central Park at 120 central Park Drive, Largo, FL  33771.

What does it cost to attend and view the art?

The ticket price is $30 per person in advance, purchase and pick up tickets at Largo Library before the night of March 24th 2012, at the door they are slightly more.

What does it cost to participate and sell my art?

·         For artists and vendors, the cost per table is $50, you must submit your entree form and payment by December 1st, 2011 if you wish to participate. Request these forms by emailing officegllf@yahoo.com, subject line "Art Hop"

·         Artists are encouraged to donate a piece of art to the charity auction to be held at the Library, but this is not an obligation. If you would like to donate to the charity auction your auction auction forms must be submitted by December 1st, 2011 and your auctionable artwork must be delivered by February 15th 2012. Request these forms by emailing officegllf@yahoo.com, subject line "Art Hop"

·         Artists who would like to have their work advertised in the Art Hop brochure may do so for a nominal fee, ad sizes range from business-card-size to half-page to full-page ads. To request an ad inquire via email at officegllf@yahoo.com, subject line "Art Hop"

Where can I get more information

Visit the website of the Greater Largo Library Foundation at http://www.greaterlargolibraryfoundation.org/ or call 727-586-7398.

Photo Opp at The Suncoast Parrot Sanctuary

I had the distinct pleasure to visit the Pinellas Suncoast Parrot Sanctuary this weekend and meet its founder and President Captain “Tut” Barrett. The Sanctuary takes in Parrots who are injured or handicapped, who have outlived their keepers and other exotic birds from families that can no longer afford to keep them. Captain Tut does an excellent job nursing these beautiful birds back to health, training them and providing for them. The birds in turn provide affection, education and entertainment for PARC, Disney, local parades and other events. Captain Barrett has become an authority on Parrot Health and well-being with local veterinary clinics and it is always a pleasure to photograph animals who approach my camera out of personal curiosity. My crew and I wish him the best and hope we may be invited back should he require photography for advertisement in the future. Expect to see a variety of color parrot photos added to the Take Flight Gallery in weeks to come.

Please visit the Suncoast Parrot Sanctuary Website at http://www.suncoastparrotsanctuary.org/ and consider donating to aid its efforts.

"Hey, whatcha got there?"

Captain Tut with Cockatoos.

Parrots like their toys.

Captain Tut with a Macaw.

An African Gray.

These guys love attention.

"Ah! Flash!"

Thanks for Reading.

(2 C More art go to www.themindscapeartfoundry.com)