Don't Faint

My sister, writer Melanie Sherman, claims that she will delete me from her blog roll if I don't post something.

Patissier 8x10 Oil on linen panel SOLD

What can I say? I had to capture this scene. The blast of sunlight from above pushed the rest of the Boulangerie into moody darkness. This is actually a study for a larger piece but I needed it for a show and now it's hanging in someone's house. I like it when that happens.

thanks for looking

Reach

Reach 12X16 Oil SOLD

Dreaming of summer. Thanks for looking. Comments welcome.

Afternoon w/Dona

12x12 oil/linen

My sister Nina and I had such a great time doing a portrait painting switch-off last spring, that I convinced my painter friend, Dona, to try it. The little one that I managed to start that day (previous post - months ago)before it rained us out, inspired me to have a go at it with photo.

Thanks for looking.

Friday 8mph

5x7 Oil on panel SOLD

Still loving the laundry.

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A Flap Over Nothing

5x7 oil on linen panel SOLD

This is going into a "Small Pictures" show at the region's art center.
Thanks for looking.

Portraits

The long awaited portrait pleases the subject. Phew.


Maggie 18x24 Oil on Linen

It's satisfying to deliver the finished commissioned work. This painting was so much fun to do. I love challenges. If they don't happen on their own, I'll create them. We wanted this painting to include items from the family summer home. Wicker sofa, red begonia, art on the wall.
Thanks for stopping by. I'd love to hear your comments.

Friday Morning SOLD

Friday Morning 12x12 Oil on Linen




Untitled (circa 1990?) 9x12 acrylic on warped Fredrix canvasboard

When I started making the transition from choreographer/dancer back to painter twenty years ago, the lower image was one of a few paintings I did of the shed/clothesline in our back yard. It vied with a view to the north for my personal Motif #1. As you can see, I was determined to include every angel head nail in my painting.

Carol Marine commented that when she felt she was at a fork in her development of style, she chose to eschew realism for a looser, more expressive style because she found that more challenging.
Her explanation really hit home for me. It is a struggle to resist becoming enslaved by what's there in front of you, and find the essence.
The top image 'Friday Morning' painting is silent poetry. An ode to the less-than-majestic sights that bring happiness. Kind of zen. Be Here Now.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. A special thanks to Denny for washing the (I'm embarrassed to admit - Martha Stewart)sheets every week.

Transition

The View East 6x6 Oil on Board SOLD

My friend, Dona M., has loaned me a book by Lois Griffel. She writes about colorist vs. tonalist approaches to creating form, distance, etc. First attempt here. I used palette knife and paper towels.

Survivors

Five Cherries 6x6 Oil on Linen panel

It was hard to get started on this one. At first I had about 10 cherries in a silver bowl. When I was done with the painting, I wiped it off and ate a cherry. Then another. Got rid of the bowl. Ate a few more. Finally, I saw the composition I should have done from the start.
Thanks for stopping by and I love to hear your thoughts.

Southerly Gust

Southerly Gust 5x7 Oil on linen panel SOLD

I went into a frenzy of spring cleaning yesterday, having realized that it is now officially summer, AND it provided a procrastination opportunity as I thought about the subject for the day's painting. The white dresser cloths and a few curtains on the line provided the answer. It's been a number of years since I'd painted this view and I thought to dig up the old renditions to show you. Believe me when I say, this is livelier, looser and improved. I can't wait for the next sunny day to do the bedroom curtains!
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I love to hear your thoughts.