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Friday, July 18, 2008

Swim

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I am fortunate enough to paint full time, and even though my blog doesn’t show any evidence to back up this claim as of late, I do paint every day… I’m sort of a workaholic. So what have I been painting during this past month since my last post???


Well that is a long story, and it will need to be spread out into several posts. But before I back track, I wanted to post this latest painting. In a way, this painting represents for me where I’ve been and why I’m back. Let’s just say, I’ve been out exploring new ideas and subject matter, testing new water so to speak. One part of me wants to explain why now, why I would think about a departure from painting presents, the other part of me thinks it really doesn’t matter. What does matter is that I continue to pursue whatever it is that will make me a better person and a better painter. Bottom line, I’ve enjoyed my time out into these uncharted waters and I’ve made some great discoveries....one of which is that I needed to swim back to shore, my shore.

21 comments:

Susan and Bill Bonnell said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Susan and Bill Bonnell said...

Wow, thank goodness you're posting again. I (we all) miss you when you don't let us in on what you're doing! 'Swim' is great! There's something just a tad different about it--it's serene and lovely--a tiny bit lonesome, sad, blue, or maybe just waiting for another present? But it's gorgeous as are all your presents. Thanks for painting and for sharing Karen. Susan (sorry I messed up the 1st post)

Joan Breckwoldt said...

Hi Karen,
'Swim' is lovely, so calm. Thank you for your honesty regarding what to paint! I can't speak for all artists but I certainly struggle with what to paint, I also venture out and try new subject matter and techniques, but always come back to my own 'style' and subject matter. I look forward to hearing more about your journey!
Joan

Christine Bray said...

I have missed you! After looking at your post "Swim" I did just that went swimming :) I love those colors and the feeling of the painting. It has a very tranquil peaceful feeling like you are floating on top of clear aqua water. Please don't go for that long without posting. I really love your paintings and comments.

Karen Appleton said...

Susan - thank you so much, I've missed you too! Thank you for your wonderful support, encouragement, and comments!

Joan - I am so excited to discover your blog. You are doing some amazing plein air work! Perfect timing for seeing your blog too, because painting plein air has been part of the reason for my absence.

Christine - I love it! Thank you, you are too kind, your gorgeous plein air sunflower painting you posted could be part to blame for my sneaking away for awhile! :)

Helen Read said...

Karen, I've missed you! And I love what you've done here... glad you are back to your blog; but re-thinking and experimenting seems to be a necessary element for the truly creative soul!

Debra J.Sepos said...

Very quiet and wonderful painting...serene is a good word.
Just recently found your blog and am truly happy I did. A look into the artist soul is helpful to all of us.

Jennifer said...

Beautiful painting as usual. I can't wait to hear about all of the explorations you've been taking.

Anonymous said...

Those amber dots are the perfect, subtle complement for the aqua blues. Debra is right... serene is a good word for this painting.

You're still the reigning Queen of the Bows, girl!

Do queens wear sombreros? Just wondering. ; )

Karen Appleton said...

Hey Helen! Thank you too! I've missed being away that is for sure.

Hi Debra, I'm glad you found my blog! Thanks for taking a look and for your comment!

Hey Jennifer, I'll start sharing my month of awful paintings soon!

Silvina, you crazy girl- this queen does!!! Plus my latest addition in head gear - a pink and purple be-dazzled plastic tiara with dangling earrings to match! I figured I better start looking the part!

indiaartist said...

We sure love your beautifully wrapped Presents paintings but everybody needs to explore. Everyone needs a break. Eagerly waiting for new paintings, wishes

Anonymous said...

A tiara. Are you not getting enough attention my dear? Is that what it is? :D

Come see my latest post, please.

Jason Waskey said...

Well I'm just glad you started posting again!

yay!

Ann Reyes said...

Karen, I've missed your postings! This new one, Swim, reminds me of an underwater dream. It's beautiful! Can't wait to see more.

Jennifer said...

Not that I'm impatient, but... can't wait to see the uncharted territories your creativity traveled while taking a break from presents.

Jennifer Phillips said...

Karen - I am so glad to have stumbled upon your site...Beautiful! Looking forward to your next post and what experiments you have allowed yourself to explore! I once did a self portrait with a big red bow on my head, we share the love of the bow.

Karen Appleton said...

Thanks to you all for your well wishes and encouragement. I promise an update soon, getting acquainted with a new computer is part of the hold up. But I think...(keeping fingers crossed) all systems are finally a go!

Jennifer said...

Karen- I had a dream about this post last night! I went to your site and when it loaded, the Swim present was there in 3-D glory. I could touch it, but could not remove it from the screen. Very fun, but very odd. I tried to look behind the present to see if anything else was there, but couldn't really see. Everything was in shadow.

Karen Appleton said...

Wow! What a dream Jennifer, amazing. I love the fact that you tried to 'see' behind it and couldn't!!! For some reason this seems a perfect fit for the never revealing nature of these paintings!! Thanks so much for sharing your dream!

Helen Read said...

I already commented, Karen! But, I still love this one!! and miss seeing what you are doing in your studio!

Jennifer said...

Karen?? You still there??