All about the art

Cut You, in progress

I started setting up this still life weeks ago and it has gone through dozens of renditions. I am excited to have finally gotten past the drawing phase and into painting. Large brushes are so much fun.

A little color on a gray day

Simply Radishing, 2015, oil on panel, 6 x 6 inches

If you have ever visited my website, you might have read my artist statement and know that color sends me—it just makes my heart skip. So on a gray cloudy morning, there is nothing better than a little infusion.

Better with Butter

Better With Butter, 2015, oil on panel, 8 x 8 inches

I am enjoying painting artichokes these days—they are prehistoric looking. Who first thought to eat these things?

Wants and Needs

 

When budgeting, the question of wants and needs is often swirling about. I always want a better studio, more room, a taller ceiling. But because real needs eat into the budget, I am learning to be happy with the studio I have (second bedroom). After a day of sprucing up, what more do I want or need.

From long ago

Sausolito Coffee, oil on canvas, 32 x 40 inches, 1987

Flower Stand, oil on canvas, 20 x 30 inches, 1986

I recently participated in a facebook challenge, “Three for Five.” Artists are posting three pieces of art each day for five days. It was interesting to look back on some old work. Here are a couple that I did back when there were four very active country boys under foot.

Bulbous

Bulbous, oil on panel, 9 x 12 inches

I did not intentionally choose items that are essentially the same shape—bulbous. But I love how they hang together. My friend Randy noted the change in my palette. I had not really noticed til she mentioned it, hmmm.

Pace of Painting

Bulbous (in progress)

It is always a challenge to find time to paint. But as a freelance graphic designer, I am able to eek out some time, if I can stay motivated. I didn’t really make a resolution for the New Year, more of an intention to put painting on top of my list of priorities. I intend to begin every morning in my studio. It makes me happy.

Finding some light on a dreary day

Scattered, oil on panel, 8 x 8 inches

Started this painting when the sun was shining through the studio window—finishing off the grapefruit was such a nice boost to this dark morning. I think a little lemon study might be in order next.

Flour Power

Flour Power, oil on canvas, 18 x 24 inches

After a long break for the holidays, I was able to get back in the studio to finish this painting. If you recall, my dog Spot ate the eggs from the still life. Darn, if that bad boy didn’t hit them again, even though I had posted this little sign on my studio door.

Pushing darks—lifting lights

I am inspired by color and light. My impulse when painting is to go straight to the sweet spot—strong color. Now that I am painting on a regular basis, I approach each painting with certain goals. These days I am trying to retrain myself and push the darks before lifting the lights. Above is a detail of the painting I am currently working on.