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)

Art Shows and Rainy Days

Vivian Greene, the wife of author, Graham Greene, once said, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” Among inspirational quotes, it has always been a favorite of mine, not merely for its intrinsic value, but also because it suits my somewhat eccentric appreciation for those rare stormy days in our Sunshine State. Judge as you will, but I hold that there is something dear about those rainy days that gathers us together, under one roof, for pleasant conversation and companionship, however brief it may be in our busy lives. Therefore my enjoyment of this past weekend is without question.

The Pinellas Park Art Society had it’s Artist’s Reception at the Stirling Gallery in Dunedin this weekend. The event was marked by thunder and sporadic deluge, but enjoyed by all present… and what a turn-out we had! The halls were, at times, packed shoulder-to-shoulder with friends and guests enjoying and discussing the assorted art work. The storms gathered us together for a second helping of the delicious hors d’ oeuvres and drinks, and we pleasantly discussed future events at Park Station, from the cozy comfort of the lobby sofa and the kitchen table. Our own work was joined by a display from the Miniaturists Society, which was a fine introduction to The Art Society’s September, miniature-themed, exhibit at Park Station.

Thank you to all who made our Stirling Show a success. Please enjoy the photos!

L. Polyak

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

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)

"Filling Station" Places in Top Three

On June second The Pinellas Park Art Society opened its Annual Photo Contest at Park Station with the results of the judging announced at the gathering on the eleventh of June. The Exhibit was open to submissions not only from Art Society Memebers but also photographers throughout Pinellas County and Tampa Bay. Submissions were permitted in three categories including standard (color) photography, digitally enhanced photographs and black and whites. When the results were announced I was enjoying the sights of Historic Saint Augustine with my family and my trusty camera and, as luck would have, while I was away, I placed in the top three for the black and white category. Second prize in black and white went to "Filling Station," a custom-sized monochrome print of three model-T's refuling at Largo's Heritage Village. It's a great honor and the same photograph will soon appear at Carrollwood Cultural Center's September Art Exhibit. See you there?

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



Bok Tower Gardens and Pinewood Estate

This weekend gave rise to yet another road trip in the name of photography. The destination was Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales Florida. Add this to your list of must sees if you are an appreciator of nature, architecture or music. The gardens encompass a full 50 acres of high ground surrounded on all sides by local, still-active orchards.

Along the paths beautiful native plants meander alongside planted blooms and exotic orchids and bamboo higher than most homes. Look over the outcropping as you climb up the hillside and you'll get an astonishing view of the countryside and the groves below that spans for miles. Situated within the gardens is Pinewood Estate, a 1930s Mediterranean-style hermitage, with all the sights and beauty of a story tale mansion. Designed as the retreat of C. Austin Buck, The estate has all the comforts imaginable for a writer or artist who enjoys his privacy. Follow the tranquil path for a way and you arrive at Window by the Pond. A small wooden enclosure where silence is a virtue. Within this edifice a giant picture window looks out across the still waters of a salt marsh where cardinals, grackles, wading birds and ospreys perch and feed not ten away. Then at the precipice you arrive at the cornerstone of the Gardens, a 205-foot art Gothic Tower with a collection of 60 bells. The structure was commissioned by Edward Bok, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and world peace advocate, and designed by architect Milton B Medary and sculptor Lee Lawrie. Completed on February 1, 1929, bell concerts still commence daily at 1:00 and 3:00PM

Bok Tower Gardens is open 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with last admission at 5 p.m. General admission is $12 for adults and $3 for children and admission to Pinewood Estate is $6 for adults and $5 for children. Visit the Garden's and bring your camera as you can see, photo opportunities abound. Many of the following will soon be added to the gallery and appear on exhibit shortly.

As usual, thanks for reading,
L Polyak, Wildlife Photographer and Artist

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

"Givin' you the bird." (No, no. Not that way.)

My classes in Adobe Photoshop continue with lessons in clipping masks and artistic manipulation of photos. It's to my benefit that my homework offers me additional prints to add to my gallery online. The classes I'm taking at Saint Petersburg College are less lectures than real-world exercises that graphic artists would accomplish for design corporations and advertisement industries worldwide. Last Thursday, I edited a restaurant ad, using multiple images, to create a puppy dreaming of chicken curry, and utilized a few vacation photos, with clipping masks, to make a convincing Hawaiian postcard.
Later, I applied these same methods to a few images of mine. On my latest trip to Walter Fuller Park I captured a very nice image of a juvenile ibis, a common seabird in my area that has a thin, curved peak. While the image of the bird was impressive and crisp, the surrounding mud flats, murky waters and lichens combined into palate of nauseating hues. Well, I did manage to apply a clipping mask to Mister Ibis and remove him from his surroundings. and then I located a simple snapshot from Fort Desoto Beach to apply behind him. After a bit of tweaking, and multiple Photoshop layers, Mister Ibis developed a blurred shadow, some selective color fading and Gaussian blur to suggest that he was on that beach, in the sun, all the while.

Thanks for reading!

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

A wonderful evening in Dunedin.

The Stirling Studio in Dunedin is a cozy gallery built in the attic of a downtown Dunedin boutique. Downstairs are an assortment of arts and crafts shops catering to the daily crowds. Walk around the back to the parking lot and you'll find an elevator to the second floor. Here the doorway opens to a white walled gallery of astonishing oil paintings, acrylics, watercolors and mixed media work. Cast your eyes upward and you'll see the rafters of the building's roof, which gives the place the airy feel of a lodge.

My time in the Sterling Studio thus far has been so nostalgic. It ushers into my mind images of the fourth floor of Benedictine Hall, where my college art classes took place. That area had been repurposed from an old abbey dormitory (yes, for monks) to a welcoming art studio. We students learned and practiced beneath the wooden beams that supported the original metal roof. As you might imagine, as with any historic structure, there is evidence of the old beside the new - a dichotomy that I so enjoy writing about... and though I could go on for hours on that topic (and I have in the past) I will just say that The Sterling Studio has that very same "feeling" - A fanciful place, overflowing with imagination, with welcoming people and beautiful sights. I'll certainly rent a studio here one day when my passion becomes my full-time job.

The Awards ceremony for the latest TESA show took place here on Friday night. The event was publicized magnificently so the turn-out was very impressive. The participating artists and I myself were very pleased to see so many visitors arrive to view our works. I enjoyed strolling the halls with my family and my friends from PPAS and some delicious snacks were offered by the artists in participation. My thanks goes out to all who made this night a success and, to all reading this blog, the work will continue to hang for the remainder of the month.

Please enjoy the photos below and to learn more about TESA, The Exhibiting Society of Artists visit their website - www.arttesa.org

Thanks for reading!

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