Experimentation

There has been little consistency in my artwork lately, other than the presence of a figureand that I am doing it every day. I have been experimenting with abstracting the figure.  So far, I don’t think I have pushed the actual abstractness of the figure very far, just the backgrounds or the style of presenting the figure.  I worked really hard to create a consistency in my work and now, I am all over the place using different mediums and different styles.  And, I am having a lot of fun.  I am feeling confident enough to play around.  I was talking to some artists yesterday about how hard they work and how they are trying to convince the people around them that it isn’t a hobby, but serious work.  I get that.  We all want to be taken seriously in what we are trying to perfect.  But, even in the midst of hard work, it should be fun I think and I am currently at that place because I gave myself permission to see what I could do.  Anyway, there is no convincing others of the value of your work.  You just have to keep going out to the studio and do it.  There is no perfecting in creating artwork.  You can build skills if you work at it, but there is no final destination.  Doing it is the process of learning and learning should be fun I think.  I don’t think I will ever be “taken seriously” at least by my family.  Go Figure!

Self Portrait

This is me in a box.  Why am I in a box and why do I look so haggered?  Good questions.  When you stare into a mirror intensely to see what you look like, all the imperfections seem to show.  This is not an unhappy painting.  It is not like I want to hide in a box or anything.  However, I do have fond memories of making secret little play houses out of boxes as a kid.  Occasionally my mom would arrange to have a refrigerator box delivered for our creative pleasure.  Back then, those boxes seemed like a mansion and refrigerators were a lot smaller then they are now.  I wonder if I could get an appliance delivery person to drop one off at my house?  Sounds like a perfect grandkid activity.  A box for one of those double doored monstrosities would make a good duplex. I admit it, I am as goofy as this self portrait portrays.  Go Figure!

Balloons

Balloons are one of those conflicting things in life.  They represent fun times, childhood, birthday parties, circuses and baby showers.  They are colorful and full of memories, and they are fun to pop.  If you let go of them they propel wildly making farting noises.  If they are full of helium and you let go, they fly up and up and up forever.  But, the reality is that they don’t disappear into the nether reaches, they submit to gravity and fall to the earth as more plastic waste which works its way to the oceans and wildlife along with plastic bags, 6-pack holders and lost flip flops.  The above illustration, which I did with watercolor, colored pencils and ink, represents the happier story.  Apparently the new Halloween tradition is to hand out goodies out of he trunk of your car so kids avoid going to strangers houses, although my mother would have freaked out if I took something from the back end of a car. Times have changed and the more conscientious parent gives out treats that won’t rot your teeth.  This brings us back to balloons, a good alternative, right? I really know how to take the fun out of balloons don’t I?  Go Figure!

A Snow Day 8”x8” acrylic

Who doesn’t remember the thrill of a snow day, especially if it meant not having to go to school and getting to play all day until your clothes were dripping wet and your lips blue?  My grandkids in New Jersey had a snow day.  It. Is a bit different for them because they are home schooled by my very talented and educated daughter.  Never-the-less, it meant a change of pace and some great outdoor fun.  Of course everything they do is somehow tied to their education so they did a project based on the work of Ezra Jack Keats and his book, “The Snowy Day.”  If you are unfamiliar with him, he is worth checking out.  I talked with the kids that day and after explaining their projects, they  challenged me to do a painting inspired by the same book.  Keats cleverly uses collage in his work, which I did not do.  Instead I used the photo they sent me of them expressing their joy in the snow, chose a simple palette of blue, red and white, painted flat shapes on a black background and called it done.  It is different from what I usually do, and I loved the challenge and the outcome. Today is also a snowy day here in Vermont, with a brilliant sunshiny blue sky.  The snow is very sparkly and although it is cold, it feels like a great day to play in the snow, even for all-grown-up artists!  Go Figure.

A Bit of Cold 11x14 acrylic

The last time I posted was last August, when it was very warm and all you had to wear was a swim suit and cover-up.  Today I drove through the worst blizzard conditions of this winter.  It was a complete white out and it occurred to me that my mission did not justify the risks I was taking to get to my destination.  All turned out well and I came home with a desire to reintroduce myself to the opportunities available through technology.  So, I am posting on my blog, intend to post on my art facebook page and, even do Instagram.  The thing about technology is that there is always a learning curve to get back track after taking a break. At least that is true for me, which is why I have taken so long to talk myself into it.  I am stumbling around a bit, but with the effort I will get good at this again.  So, on this chilly winter day I am posting icebergs from Alaska.  Have I ever been to Alaska?  No. Have I ever seen an iceberg?  No.  Did I paint this from a photo I took?  No.  All those things disqualify me in some critics eyes, but as I always tell my students,  "whatever you are painting, it is just a combination of values, lines, shapes, colors and brushwork."  So I saw this photo and just wanted to paint all those blues.  I did it with a limited number of colors, blue, black, white, and yellow ochre.  It was fun.  It was different.  And I learned a few things.  Go Figure!

Leap of Faith - Figuratively Speaking

6"x6" oil 

Remember me?  I haven't posted in a while, in part because there are so many other things to do, and in part because I have changed my routines and this one fell to the wayside and has been patiently awaiting for me to rescue it. 
It is summertime and the livin' is easy.  I love not having to wear layers of clothing and being able to walk outside barefooted.  There are marble, granite and slate quarries near where I live.  This one is pretty spectacular with high jumps into clear water that reflects the colors of the green woodlands surrounding it.  It has been unusually hot this summer so swimming and boating are at a premium. 
I am lucky enough to have my immediate family within a day's drive so have been doing the grandma thing frequently.  I have also been painting, teaching and showing my work, so I have not been idle, but I have neglected posting.  But, between all the physical activities I have been doing and enjoying company who have been awesome enough to make the trip, I don't regret losing a few routines, especailly when I can breathe new life into them when they return.  This weekend is a big art fair in our area, Art In the Park, and I am manning a tent with my paintings for sale.  If you are in the Rutland, VT, area, please come by.  Right now the forecast is looking good...but I am not going to hold my breath on that promise....Go Figure!

Figuratively Speaking - A Bit of Sunshine

8"x8" acrylic

I painted this on a gloomy February day.  Our weather has been above normal for the last couple of weeks, meaning rain instead of snow and slippery ice.  This is my least favorite weather of all.  Give me cold temperatures and loads of snow and I am happy even on a cloudy day.  I am not sure if it was the weather, or recuperation from my grandchildren visiting, or general malaize, but I didn't get out of bed until noon yesterday and never got dressed. I binge watched comedies on Netflix.  When I finally got up and did some chores I realized I felt a lot better moving than moping around.  That really isn't like me, I usually am .  I was totally unmotivated and indulgent.  Today the sun came out and even though I still feel tired, I had a productive day.  In general I think the best medicine is exercise and painting.  The thing is, you have to be willing to push through the doldrums and get moving to understand the benefits.  So to help me out, I painted a cheerful sunflower.  Sometimes, faking it until you make it is the best solution.  Go Figure!

Figuratively Speaking - Stop and Smell the Roses

6"x6" oil

I was participating in a 30 day painting challenge this month before my daughter's family came to stay with us on their way moving to New Jersey.  While the parents went to set up their house, the littles stayed with me.  I have to say,  once again I was reminded how much energy is expended by three children, how much energy it takes to be present with them, and how much admiration I have for parents who are attentive and take their parenting responsibilities seriously.  I do miss the giggles and the fun and how they reminded me to "stop and smell the roses."  Needless to say, I did not keep up with the 30 day challenge, and rather than try and catch up, I have decided to just start painting and hope I come up with a good one before the month is out.  I find it interesting what things cause my heart strings to pang.  I found myself having twinges of regret as I wiped off fingerprints on the glass doors and refrigerator.  Today I found a miniature pair of boy's briefs in my load of laundry and felt sentimental towards them!  Go Figure!

Figuratively Speaking - Pink Ponies

8"x10" acrylic

Normally you would associate pink elephants with drunkenness, especially if you were from the Dumbo generation.  However, if you are a three year old, pink is the perfect color for horses.  I found two horse paintings in a pile of photos and momentos my mother gave me years ago.  One was a paint by number I did when I was young and the other one was a paint by number my daughter did when she was young.  Since my daughter's children were visiting me, I decided to give each of the boys one of the horse paintings and gave their sister the opportunity to pick the color for a third painting I would do.  They were in transition, moving from the west coast to the east coast, with most of their possessions in boxes while the family resides in a rental while looking for a house to purchase.  I thought this would give them each a painting to hang up in their rooms in the meantime.  I have encouraged each of my five grandchildren to appreciate art, make it and to start to collect it.  Of course it helps that my mother was an artist, I am, and my children are all creative as well.  My daughter has done an amazing job teaching her children about artists and how to handle art materials.  The three year old made a pirates' ship and carefully painted it with well thought out details and colors, keeping all the colors seperated, making no "mud."  It was quite impressive.  What an advantage to start at such an early age, with such a vivid imagination.  I wonder if a three year old consulted on the Dumbo movie.  Go Figure!

Figuratively Speaking - Meditation in Neutrals Day 7

My daughter's family, the Blundell family, is moving from the west coast to the east coast....stop me if I've previously mentioned this.  Don't you get tired of the the same old stories getting rehashed?  Well, I can't help it, because I am so excited to see them all and to see each individual one...mom, dad, each of the 3 little ones.  So we had a big snow storm to day.  I think they called it Liam.  I was happy as a clam because I was out in it snowshoeing.  Much of the country experienced it in some form or another.  Another one is hitting Chicago on Friday.  The thing about that is that the Blundells were scheduled to fly to Vermont via a Chicago layover.  Long story short, they were bumped backwards, and are coming tomorrow!!!!  When you are moving your family across country there are a million things to do the last day you are at your old location.  Well, they are scrambling to pull it all together.  Today was my son-in-laws last day at his job, so he wasn't even around to help my daughter out.  It will be a late night for them tonight.  It is all good, but even with the best laid plans, there is always an opportunity for grace in the line of fire.  At this end,  I am scrambling a bit too because I was counting on that extra day to get everything perfect for their arrival.  I have canceled the little party I was having for my art friends, and I am doing the sheets right now.  A dash to the grocery store tomorrow will probably wrap it all up.  Those skinny little kids eat an amazing amount of food! I have no idea if I will be able to paint while they are here.  I mean, I will paint, but it will be with the kids....maybe I will post their work.  Go Figure!

Figuratively Speaking - Meditation in Analogous Warm

I made a snowman today!  Actually that is not completely true.  I made a base for a snowman.  The snow wasn't as packable as it needed to be so I made the bottom layer then spritzed it with water so it will be really hard and ready for the next part.  I felt like a six year old, which was actually a good thing!  We are getting another snow storm on Wednesday.  I can't wait.  I have not been able to get out and enjoy the last few winters and I think I am making up for lost time.  Anyway, I painted today's little figurine with analogous colors of red, orange and yellow.  Analogous colors are ones that are next to each other on the color wheel.  These are warm, which probably is because I was acting like a six year old today and frolicking in the snow....a fire in the fireplace and painting with warm colors....just the ticket!  Go Figure!

Figuratively Speaking

Both of these paintings were done with only red and green with white.  The top one was about creating volume with value.  The bottom one was about that, but also about creating this with a minimum of brushwork and in a very little amount of time.  I like how fresh it looks because I didn't "work" it.

Figuratively Speaking - Meditation in Blue and Orange8"x10

8"x10" acrylic

Day 2 of Leslie Saeta's 30 in 30 challenge.  This is about value, color harmony (complements of blue and orange) and creating volume through brush work.  The star of the show is my little clay sculpture from Mexico of a young boy.  I am going to get to know this little guy really well by the end of the month.  Sometimes  the simplest things take a lot longer than expected.  For instance, my daughter's family is moving back to the east cost from the west coast.  I made a paper chain to count down the days.  They will be here in one week, seven days, but it is taking forever...f.o.r.e.v.e.r.  Go Figure!

Figuratively Speaking-Yellow and Purple

Add caption

8"x10" acrylic

Routines are really brilliant.  I have lived much of my life thriving on change and even some chaos. I am not sure if I was addicted to the energy of this, if it was truly my personality, or if I was just delusional, but now I like the discipline of routines.  I generally work out and/or recreate in the early morning, then I do some house things, and then head out to my studio.  I hang out with my husband and sometimes we go out in the evening.  It sounds boring when I put it like that, but it offers me time daily to exercise, socialize, keep up with responsibilities and to work.  My weekends are more varied. So this February I am participating in Leslie Saeta's 30 in 30 challenge, although since it is February, it is 28 in 28.  I have decided to paint a little clay sculpture my son picked up in Mexico and gave me.  I am focusing my paintings this month on identifying values in the shapes and on color harmony.  This one is shown with the complementary colors yellow and purple.  Unfortunately the values are not showing as well in the photo as they are in the painting.  There is more variety.  I am interested in how flat shapes can suggest volume.  Yellow and purple when mixed create a beautiful brown.  So I am adding another layer of routine to life, which is good, because my grandkids are coming to visit for 2 weeks and I suspect my routines are going to help me maintain my sanity but may also dissolve into enjoyable chaos.  Go Figure!

Figuratively Speaking - Grandma

8"x10"

This was painted from a photo taken 42 years ago.  I can easily pull up that number because it was an important year for me.  The baby is my oldest son, my first born.  It was taken at Thanksgiving so he was 6 weeks old.  He was a big baby, well over 9 pounds.  We make them big in our family.  The lady in the photo is his grandmother.  What a beautiful lady she was.  She loved kids and nature and was truly kind.  I am writing this about her in past tense because she just passed.  Painting this was good therapy, but hard to do.  I really wanted to capture her likeness and her personality.  That Thanksgiving was both unusual and special.  We were hippies.  My son was born at home.  We hosted my husband's family and many of them came, including his Uncle Chuck and his 3 boys, and his sisters.  We were not shy about our hippy ways including being vegetarian and smoking pot.  The family was amazingly cool about the whole thing.  We had a wonderful time and I really remember the closeness I felt with his family and all our hippy friends who came to celebrate with us.  We will miss you Joan.  Thank you for loving my children, your grandchildren and your great grandchildren.

Figuratively Speaking - Deep Thought

5"x7" oil

I want to paint the kind of paintings that are so intriguing that you fall into them over and over and don't get complacent or tired of looking at them.  I realize that this isn't always going to happen, but it is nice when it happens once in a while.  Interesting shapes that illicit memories or feelings will do it.  The painting above that he is looking at is like that....a summer scene on a lazy day when you are just kicking back with your good buddy, sitting on the grass.  Maybe you'll both go fishing later on.  It has a nostalgia creating narrative.  Abstracts can do it too without the narrative.  The colors and shapes and lines swirl around in infinitely interesting ways, sometimes looking like one thing, sometimes like another.  I want to live my life like that!  I want to find what makes the day worth being alive and hold on to that for a moment, then come back later to find another reason or feeling that is interesting, fun, curious, sweet, whatever. I want my brain power to grow a little bit and my body to feel its own strength and flexibility.  I want what I eat to make me feel energetic and enthusiastic.  I also want to get a good night's sleep...so I think I will go do that now.  Go Figure!

Figuratively Speaking - Making Connections

8"x8" oil

I am working on a portrait and trying to take it slow and do it right.  It comes and it goes.  I think I am relying on detail to improve it and I know you have to get the major shapes right first and leave the details to the end.  A stone sculptor chisels away chunks of stone and saves the details for the finish.  A cook focuses on the main dishes and saves the garnishes for last.  The point is made.  Today was a dreary, rainy, bone chilling day and it was the warmest day of the winter.  Give me cold temperatures and lots of snow and I am a happy camper.  People who experience these kind of winter  days have a hard time believing colder temperatures and snow is preferable.  It is drier and beautiful and there are numerous ways to enjoy the snow.  Today was a test of my endurance.  I was so unmotivated I actually caught myself thinking I wished I had a job I could go to!  Geez...it is suppose to be frigid tomorrow night.  I can't wait!  Go Figure!

figuratively Speaking - Geraniums on the Window Sill

11"x14" acrylic

I had a busy day yesterday, running from one event to another to make sure I arrived on time.  I miss judged and ended up getting to the potluck an hour early.  It was at a gallery, so I just helped set things up and waited to see others come in.  It gave me a different perspective.  Since I had been waiting, I was ready to welcome those who came in, introduce them to new people, get the conversation started....then before the event was in full swing, I had to leave for a different commitment.  I was so focused on time that I forgot to eat (isn't that the point of a pot luck?).  I went to a concert of a classical oboist.  That was new for me.  He was a young man who along with his piano accompaniment (another talented young man) wooed us into an inspired but relaxed state with the melodic singing of his instrument.  Then we dashed home to catch the fourth quarter of the Patriots game.  That was a shift I wasn't ready for.  We were hungry, cold (the theater was cold) and the game was anxiety producing.  I ate while watching...eating too fast....eating too much...putting food into a nervous stomach.  Bad plan!  It is not unlike painting sometimes.  Feeling rushed and doing too much without thinking it through can lead to a disaster.  I am trying to slow down and make more careful decisions.  Sometimes though, after having raced through to a mess, I can regroup and pull it off...very much like the fourth quarter of the football game.  It is a good thing the Super Bowl is in 2 weeks and it will all be over and I can release myself from this crazy obsession.  Go Figure!

Figuratively Speaking - Little Cook

6"x6" oil

Everyone should daily have someone who looks over the shoulder and smiles adoringly at them.  Would the world not be a better place?  This little one should get the prize for a winning smile.  That is what caught my attention and made me want to paint it.  I hope looking at it makes you want to smile!

Figuratively Speaking - Sunflower Sunset

4'x6' acrylic

Right before I had shoulder replacement surgery I started this painting.  I usually do tiny little paintings but I chose to do this one 4'x6'.  I wanted to have something momentous to work on with my left arm as my right shoulder recuperated (I finished it with my dominant arm).  I had been requested to paint sunflowers so the decisions for this painting started with that.  Then I decided it would be about patterns and I wouldn't obsess about details.  I wanted to include the green mountains which I painted green (clever, aren't I?).  I wanted a dramatic sunset so I could get some purple into the sky and also repeat the yellows and oranges.  It is simple and really a fun and lovely painting so I am happy with it, but I am even more happy that the recipient is thrilled with it.  It met her criteria and expectations.  It is an honor and a privilege to be able to spend my time making others happy while I am doing what fulfills me.  I don't have to be brilliant or clever or perfect....I just have to keep trying, keep learning and pay attention.  The paying attention part is really important....but that is another story...Go Figure!