Wings & Water

 I started this painting 6 years ago. Got it blocked in and then seized up and put it in the attic. With an additional 6 years of observation and painting experience under my belt and help from Instructor Richard I completed the 4' x 3' canvas. I hope it speaks to The Moment--sun going down, wings leveraging, water splashing, and birds about to settle into the water. A place, time, event.

Most of the decisions for this painting were with what to do with the water. Too many darks and plants on the water competed with the elegance of the birds. Once again simplicity wins out in "what to leave in"/"what to leave out."

This is my entry for the juried fine arts show at the MN State Fair. They take about 1 in 5 entries. Cross your fingers that they like this painting as much as I do.

Hotter than Blazes

 

There is always that weird subject matter that you try your hand at and then wonder what am I going to do with this painting? Where can I put it in my house that could startle or humor someone at its discovery? This one moves around the house for my own amusement. It is the "portrait" of a Mexican good luck skeleton, which I don't understand, but local Mexican artists probably sell a number of them as objects of curiosity. Certainly could sell some toothpaste. I had to restrain myself from adding a bit of starburst sparkle to his nice set of choppers. (I posted 3 new paintings today--see more below). 

Life Drawing

 

We have had a number of rainy Saturdays, so this sketch was completed at one of them. Skye is a fabulous model and can stay motionless longer than any other human I have ever met, which makes it infinitely easier for the artists who struggle to do justice to her form and beauty.

Peonies

I took time to enjoy the beautiful peonies in my yard by bringing indoors a couple of bouquets. I can't judge if it was the whiteness or the amazing fragrance that delighted me more! Their presence filled my kitchen and gave it a simple elegance. I took up the challenge of painting their white volume complete with ridges and ruffles with some success. I regret, along with lilacs, the short spring season of their blooms and fragrance adding beauty and fragrance to my outdoor living space.

Veda Flying Free

My 42 year old Amazon parrot is now flying free. His time on earth is done and he has now gone on to the Place of Eternal Flight and Freedom. For him everyday was about discovery, joy and exuberance. His eyes were bright; he delighted in being part of the flock (people). He loved being social and participating in full voice, trying new foods (chicken was a favorite-irony there!), flight training and being outside his parrot mansion (very large cage). Oh, yes, and watching his parrot movie while I was at work.

I believe I learned more from him then he ever learned from me. I marveled at his iridescent feathers, wing construction and movement. He taught me about bird ways and boundaries. I taught him to fly. He taught me great respect for his intelligence and clearly voiced his daily joy and then his pain the last year as he had to be coaxed into expressing an opinion. I finally agreed to let him go.

First Snow again

If this painting looks vaguely familiar, I repainted as a commission for Sandy and Mike, who are not only appreciative patrons, but, my sister and brother-in-law. A very nice combination and as long as I bring beer over, I can visit the paintings anytime I want. This particular painting has been a wonderful experience for us. They are having fun framing it and refreshing their living room by picking up some new colors in the painting. As an artist I have been dreaming of this moment.

On a technical note. I bought raw cotton canvas, sized, primed, toned and stretched it for a beautiful surface for this particular textural painting. I was happier with this panel then the pre-primed linen I have been buying and stretching myself.

Painting Outdoors

I am supposed to be packing for a trip up north to ski and paint, instead of blogging. Happy to be back out in the field again. Have been spending the winter painting from photographs and doing still lifes. While both are OK and I get some valuable "brush time" there is nothing like being outdoors. You are living totally in the moment. You are observing the light, wind, shadows, clouds while making value and color choices to capture your observation before the light changes. It is quite exhilarating! Actually, very much like rolling a kayak. Relax. Tip over. Position the paddle, and slide up on the back of the boat. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. But it is always fun to keep trying and improving form. 

Rafters Moves to Iowa

Rafters the Giraffe is moving with his family Faith, Ben and Little Benjamin to Iowa to start a new life! He is in his second generation of watching over the Worley Family. This is a painting of Rafters that was made to honor the arrival of Little Benjamin! Best of luck Rafters and take good care of your family!

Oil and Water

Oil and water are only a good combination if you are talking about salad dressing or the image in an oil painting. Here are three large format paintings that are about water and movement. They all feature the same goose moving through water at Springbrook Nature Center. The challenges were different in each painting. Reflections, balance/weight of bird in water, the color of his reflection and showing/feeling speed in movement. I have a fascination of all these elements plus birds and water. Hopefully, there will be a lot more studies when water is again in liquid form.