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.

dark & dreary

not enough light & a burned out brush—prepping instead of painting

Eggs Gone Missing

Earlier this week, I set up a still life. Those of you that have gone through this exercise know that it can take quite a bit of time to create a pleasing composition. Moving this and that, this way and that way, creating interesting intersections and slivers of light that mark the spaces between. It is so fun to finally get started (see below). 

I came back to the studio later to find egg shells strewn throughout the house, a couple of raw eggs on the studio floor, fortunately the rest of the still life was untouched—Spot! Our snack-thief-of-a-dog had helped himself. The eggs were broken, eaten and we later discovered hidden—squirreled away under the cushion of a chair in the living room was an unbroken egg. Clever and funny Spot.

work in progress

Complimentary, oil on canvas, 18 x 24 inches

A birthday gift to my son. Our favorite colors—orange and blue—Wahoowa!

Orange Pekoe

Orange Pekoe, oil on board, 8x8"

I have been madly working to ready all the paintings for the Lynchburg Art Festival. This is my first time around, so who knows what to expect. I finally got around to reading the fine print and discovered that all paintings must be framed, with the exception of those done on gallery wrap canvases. Yikes, I have alot of framing to do in 2 days.

Ruby Red and Purple

Pomegranates & Cabbage, oil on canvas, 12 x 12 in.

What can I say, the color of a purple cabbage and the ruby red of pomegranates take my breath away.

Final Week at Nimrod

Nimrod Last Stand, oil on canvas, 30 x 40"

For several years, I have been painting on small panels, 6- and 8-inch square. This summer at art camp, I worked on larger canvases. So much fun to spread out! This is the painting from my last week at Nimrod.