A Crowded Room

3"x7" original mixed media

I went to a workshop with abstract artist Mareva Millarc.  She utilizes the "left over" materials from her husband's workshop.  He is landscape painter Peter Huntoon who does beautiful watercolors and oils.  Mareva's method includes, music, mixed materials, freedom and identifying the interesting shapes and lines needed to make a statement.  Mostly it was just a lot of fun to try out someone else's method.

The Attic 5"x7" mixed media

Abstract Weekend Low Side-This is the last of my abstracts based on other painter's realistic works.  I was inspired by Ryan Brown's work.  His paintings look very classically beautiful and are stunning.  This is based on his painting "An Appreciation."  His is the image of a young woman in the corner of a nice studio admiring artwork stacked around her.  It is mostly neutrals and flesh tones, and is a hexagonal shape.  Mine in contrast is rectangular and bursting with warm color, with no light values (I am sure that breaks some rule!).   My  image is more like a gypsy in a babouska digging through boxes in a dusty old attic!

 $100 and $10 shipping

The Match 5"x7" mixed media

Abstract Weekend - High End  Last weekend and this weekend I have done works based on another artist's realistic painting.  This one is based on George Bellow's "Stag at Sharkey's."  It is a wrestling match in a ring with  the heads of spectators.  What I really love about his painting is the tremendous action and tension in it.  He used mostly grayish neutrals in dominate darks, a lesser proportion of lights, and a small amount of medium values, but he has touches of red in the focal point that emphasize the blood flow to the head, neck and arms.  Mine is mostly in mid-values, with lesser darks and only touches of light. I have also been more generous with the redish tones.


$100 and $10 shipping

After, After 5"x7" mixed media

Abstract Weekend Day #2-  This weekend and next I am doing abstracts based on other artist's realistic works.  This one is based on Van Gogh's "Courtesane."  I find it interesting that I am basing mine on an artist who based his on another artist's work.  I could do a whole series on that idea!  I used to tutor college students, mostly in writing term papers and preparing for tests, but what I really loved about it was the opportunity to study something I wouldn't normally come across.  Van Gogh was one of those subjects.  Knowing more about an artist of his fame certainly adds to my appreciation of his work and style.  He was a genius in getting wonderful colors and textures from his brushwork.  My piece gets it's texture from thick paint and collage elements.


$100 and $10 shipping

Couch Potato 5"x7" mixed media

Abstract Weekend Day#1:  I decided to do abstracts based on other artist's work for this weekend and next.  My inspiration for this painting was Richard Schmid's "Zorro."  Richard Schmid is a renowned painter who lives in New Hamsphire.  His works are spectacular. 



$100 and $10 shipping

Flutters 5"x7" mixed media

It is the back end of abstract weekend.  I titled this "Flutters" as in "the butterfly flutters over the flower" and also "I have the flutters looking down this black diamond ski trail."  The beauty of motion and that uncomfortable motion in the belly are universally familiar sensations for humankind.  That is about as profound as I get.  I consider this to be a feminine piece.  I saw a performance by the Peking Acrobats this week and was astounded by their athleticism, but even more impressed by how delicate and feminine the women looked and their performance included lovely dance moves and live music.  Their strength, stamina and flexibility were superb.  I think that experience influenced this piece.

$45 $10 ship

Zoning In 4"x5" mixed media

It is the front end of an abstract weekend.  I am referring to both my art and my life.  Yesterday was the prelude with almost perfect skiing conditions and then a race to get ready for today.  Today is all about our big fund raiser for the Carving Studio and Sculpture Center with a big "gala" event tonight.  Gala is one of those words I don't often have a chance to use.  Tomorrow is relax and get things back to normal day.  But today, I am "Zoning In" on the tasks that need to be completed.

$45 $10 ship

Dance of the Flower People 4"x4" mixed media

If people morphed with flowers and danced around, that is what I think this painting is about!

Game Board 5"x5" mixed media

There are a lot of layers to this one.  When it was done I thought it reminded me of an abstract game board which made me think of the challenges in solving a puzzle or winning a game: the excitement, the trepidation, the disappointments and the thrill of success while keeping a cool head.  That is a metaphor for life as well.  I like to do Suduko and much like painting, the excitement of doing it is what I like.  When I realize I am coming into the home stretch and have solved the problem, I lose that excitement.  I finish because it doesn't feel right to leave it undone, but I love the doing of it most.  Of course not every painting comes to a satisfying finish.  Many paintings still bug me for ages until I rework them or toss them.
$45 $10 ship

"Puk" Mask mixed media #365

This is a little different...it is a mask to benefit out local arts organization, but it took me all day to make it.
SOLD
This painting, "Sunshine Balcony" is being auctioned off at http://dailypaintworks.com/Buy/Auction/17362 all proceeds will go to feeding starving kids in Africa...it is a chance to do some good in the world and also get a lovely painting