Where to start? I subscribe to six
decorating magazines. However, I find my interest in these magazines has a
primary focus, that being the art on the walls of the featured homes. I am most
frustrated when a magazine doesn't mention the art and the artist, particularly
because it doesn't honor the artist. I've always been an artist, if not through
the physical manifestation, certainly through the adrenaline I pump when I am exhilarated,
thus inspired, by others’ art. Very often I lay down a magazine to go to my
studio and begin some new piece. I was inspired by an artist friend last
September. I visited his studio in Colorado. He works in oils. I had not done
that, having worked in porcelain, mosaic, watercolors and so many other mediums
over the course of my life, and I was so inspired that my entire trip home was
angst filled in anticipation of taking a new artistic journey. Now I work with
oils. I’m feeling my way. Finding my footing. Searching out a groove, a style.
Much as I try to resist, I often gravitate to portraiture. A throwback, I presume,
of a project I created a couple years back when, in watercolor, I painted 22
portraits of children, and with them was a featured artist at the Shiawassee
Arts Center in Owosso, MI. The first painting I entered into a competition won
honorable mention. It is called “Picnic,” and now resides in the home of my
Colorado artist friend.
"Picnic" watercolor, 24 x 18
Nellie is the sister of one of my portrait subjects. She is precious. When I was photographing her brother two years ago, she asked if I would take her photo. When she saw her brother's portrait, she wondered when she might receive her portrait. "I know right where I'll hang it," she told me. Arrrgh! I couldn't resist. I hope you like your portrait, Nellie. I will deliver it tomorrow. (March 1, 2015)
"Nellie" oil on linen panel, 10 x 20
I am intrigued by animals and the detail that makes them unique. One such animal is this zebra. I chose just one portion of him to paint. I like a bit of tension in my animal portraits, and I find that the eye is the best detail on which to focus.
"Calculation" oil on gessoed board, 11 x 14
Love this! I exactly where I'll hang my portrait too. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bree! :-D
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