KAREN APPLETON

This is a story about love repeating ....

2012-02-08T09:49:00.000-08:00

Once Upon a Time ...

a beautiful turquoise bow wanted to see the world ...

(Sold 6x8)

so "First" was born.

Though eager to begin her journey, "First" simply didn't feel complete on her own.....

and decided she needed a tiny baby brother

(available soon 4"x4")

Who was named "Second."

"Second" turned out to be much bolder and more dramatic than his delicate older sister "First," in spite his small size.

It was thought his boldness might have developed as a result of being re-created second from "First!"

Desperate and excited to test this theory again, "First" and "Second" pleaded for another sibling...

and to everyone's delight, a new even spunkier girl named "Third" joined the family!

(Sold 6x6)

Overcome with joy for their new sister, the siblings celebrated!

Now you might think our happy family would end the story here, but such is not the case.

"First" and "Second" knew right away that their flirtatious sister "Third" had bigger things in her future. So the two convinced the new baby girl to strike out on her own and discover just how far she could stretch her boundaries.

(available soon 48"x48")

And the story of "Fourth" begins!

To Be Continued ...

December was a blur, welcome 2012!!

2012-01-09T18:13:00.000-08:00

December was pet trauma month.

It began with Henry getting sick on the 15th.

We had to put our beloved cat D-con to sleep on the 19th.

It all coincided with a new chicken jerky treat they both ate.

Henry continued to get worse, in and out of the vet, until it was determined emergency surgery was necessary.

We can not be certain that the chicken jerky treats caused both D-con and Henry's sudden illness, but I have since learned that these treats, especially those made in China, have been reported as the cause of numerous illnesses and deaths in pets, so I thought I would pass along a caution to anyone out there who might have furry family members.

new paintings to follow soon ....

and finally the good news that "Clay"

won "Best of Show" this past Friday night, at The Highland Park Art Center's annual competition. The show will be up for the month of January. I am overjoyed to have received such an honor and a great start to 2012!

Thank you all for such a wonderful 2011, and a belated happy holidays and happy new year!

Biscuits or Rolls?

2011-11-22T10:27:00.000-08:00

I haven't even gotten my shopping list together for Thanksgiving yet!!!!

Am I alone here on this one? (resounding YES!)

I'm assuming most everyone has listed, shopped, and probably MADE half your meal, but just incase you're a biscuit vs roll household, here's my latest recipe for these buttery delights.

I continuously tweak this recipe in search of the perfect combo of flavors, so pass along all your secret ingredients!

Neha

2011-11-18T11:19:00.000-08:00

Neha is next in my portrait series. She is another close friend of mine, and also an artist here in Chicago. I am really lucky to have a great network of friends and artists that are willing to participate in this series. You can check out her art and website HERE.

This is a how the portrait came together:

Working from a photo that I've cropped to a square, I half my panel vertically and horizontally to find the center, and measure to find the center of the photo, which happens to be just under Neha's nose. This gives me a starting point for drawing in the shapes.

(this photo was taken at night so it's a little off in color)

I've developed a habit of starting with the eye in light, then work my way out, trying to see each neighboring piece of color.

Attempting to place these flat blocks of color right next to each other hopefully in the exact area I want them to go, then leave alone - no blending.

Continuing out and around until finally piecing in her hair, hat and background. Adding strong red outlining around her shoulders and neck, and the final bits of contrasting color.

Thanks for reading!

Hummmm ... now who's next? :)

Pink Cupcake

2011-10-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

So ..... Barbie on a cupcake?

I better not try to explain this one :)

"August"

2011-10-11T12:09:00.000-07:00

Sold

My new favorite!! And greatly inspired by my studio assistant.

Everyday when working in the studio, Henry lets me know when it is time for his walk....

(My studio keeps getting smaller!! What is up with that???)

Our favorite neighborhood corner to stop and sniff and take in the beauty...

an abundance of zinnias... with their oranges and pinks and touches of yellow make our day.

This abundance of blooms inspired the flower patterned ribbon I used for August's linocut.

But when it came time to capture the colors of the zinnias, the floral ribbon just wasn't vibrant enough.

So I returned one of my favorite hand-dyed silk ribbons I used in the 2007 painting "Flame."

"Flame" is a rare painting for me because the wrapping paper is something other than white.

While "Flame" was inspired by the extreme heat of a 2007 visit to my mom's in Alabama, 2011's orange needed touches of the exaggerated pinks and purples of the zinnias.

I don't know my neighbor who tends this corner that brightens my day, I wish I did so I could thank them. Sometimes I question why I paint and wonder if there isn't something more important I could do. August reminds me something as simple as planting a seed is sometimes enough.

But that is for another day, for now someone's ready for his walk :)

"August" has sold, but see All Available Paintings on my newly undated website.

this Friday night ...

2011-10-04T19:33:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to be participating in a group show in Charleston, SC at Lambert Gray Gallery and Studios opening this Friday, Oct. 7th ...

and honored to have my painting selected for the poster!

If you are in the area, please drop by for the opening reception from 6 to 8 pm. Click HERE for more information. Thank you Hilarie Lambert and Lambert Gray Gallery!

"Clay" selected for INPA

2011-10-02T16:33:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to share the exciting news that "Clay" has been selected for the International Painting Annual vol. 2. I am very honored to have a painting selected for this publication, over 1300 paintings from 452 artists were submitted and 118 paintings were selected. I am overjoyed!

INPA is a publication of Mainfest, a gallery and non profit art organization in Cincinnati Ohio. Click HERE for a list of selected artists and more information. Thank you Manifest!

"August" .... just a little behind schedule

2011-09-02T14:32:00.000-07:00

I am so happy to introduce the latest addition to my linoleum block series .. "August"

"May" and her rainy days, "June" with her curling buds waiting to bloom, "July" in full blossom, and "August" in abundance. A summer quartet :)

For purchase information click HERE.

"August" the painting, will be very tardy.

Lots of paintings on the easels! Much more to come soon, stay tuned :)

"Bags"

2011-08-14T16:39:00.000-07:00

10x20 oil on canvas

Have you ever started a painting and wondered why in the world haven't I tried this sooner!!??

detail

Painting for me is like a treasure hunt of finding all the unexpected colors...

detail

that actually make up what we perceive as one color.

How fun this was to explore just how far I could push color and brushwork in this painting! I'm seriously in love with brown .... I mean magenta, and cad orange, and pink, and gray, and blue, and violet paper bags now.

I think I'll so another :)

July - painting

2011-07-31T17:38:00.000-07:00

Sold

It took two tries to get this painting the way I thought July should feel.

My first attempt was a sad striped bow.

Terribly dreary little thing that I carefully painted, and re-painted, and re-painted all the stripes until the painting itself just flopped off the deep-end.

So a new canvas, a deep breath, and a fresh start turned up this deliciously bold turquoise bow :) I wish the photo were better, the background has touches of pale yellow and the variety of blues, grays, and purples is much greater than in the photo. Sigh.

Click HERE for purchase info.

"July" - linoleum print

2011-07-30T11:02:00.000-07:00

Available

I am soooooo happy with this latest print, the third of my monthly series!

When I first decided to start this series, I didn't think about how difficult it was going to be to come up with 12 unique compositions all in the same size (5x7) using the same subject (a present.) Now I realize what a design challenge this will be.

I want each print similar in format because I plan on grouping all together when the year long project is complete. Seeing the first three hung helps me think about the overall dark and light patterns I'll want for the entire series...

Hopefully making each one a strong visual statement on its own, but somehow being different from it's neighbor. I certainly have my work cut out for me these upcoming months, but I am really excited how this project is pushing me to think about bold design!

Click HERE for purchasing information.

Kate

2011-07-20T10:08:00.000-07:00

Number two of my volunteer/victims.

Kate is one of my good friends here in Chicago, who happens to be a fabulous artist - plus has this awesome winter hat I have coveted for two winters now. You can check out her blog and work HERE.

This portrait was much harder than my husband's. Probably because I know all the planes of his face so well. This is where I fall short working from photos and get frustrated. I need more information!!

I might keep working on Kate's portrait, but I'm pausing here for now.... July is closing fast and a GORGEOUS blue striped silk ribbon is calling my name.

Clay

2011-07-14T18:31:00.000-07:00

In between my monthly series of 5x7 presents I've been busy convincing family and friends to allow me to take their photograph, so I could paint their portrait.

My first volunteer/victim is this handsome devil who happens to be my husband.

I use to paint commissioned portraits years ago, and have had an incredible urge to paint people again.

This return has been inspired by Euan Uglow, Alice Neel, a Cezanne portrait I saw in the National Gallery in DC, and Andy Pankhurst (a student of Uglow's whose paintings I saw during Art Chicago.) I have linked all the names to google images of their work ... check it out.

June

2011-06-30T19:16:00.000-07:00

Sold

Before June turns to July, and the peonies disappear until next year, here is "June." A tiny 5x7 reminder of the flower that inspires me to keep blooming :)

June

2011-06-29T19:39:00.000-07:00

I am very excited with this second linoleum block print "June." I'm thrilled with the stylized, almost art deco feel this new print has.

I am so fortunate to have these peonies in my yard, planted by the previous owner of our house long ago. I didn't even know that this variety existed until they slowly opened to reveal one thousand curling petals! I couldn't believe my eyes.... gigantic pink bows!

"June" has a limited printing of eleven and the second of my monthly series of block prints. She comes framed in a UV protected glass, black frame with an overall size of 16x20 and print size of 6x8. For more info click HERE.

And the painted version of this pink "petaled" present I'll post next :)

May

2011-05-31T09:56:00.000-07:00

Sold

5x7 oil on canvas

My southern transplanted self celebrates the end of May!!

Finally the arrival of green ..... and flip flops!

Making the block printed version of this painting first really helped me find the "caricature" of the present, which I was inspired to push for after hearing Wayne Thiebaud in THIS inspiring video. Check it out!

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend!

I Love Linoleum Block Printing!

2011-05-26T14:25:00.000-07:00

I believe it was Kimberly Santini who posted a comment and predicted that I might soon be inspired by a black and white color scheme :)

Black and white has been the LARGEST color combo in my life these days.

So that certainly explains my latest obsession with Linoleum Block Prints and Etchings. Suddenly instead of gorgeous colors, all I can think about are stark graphic images. Plus I really want a grouping of black and white for my house.

Many of you may have worked with block printing in art school, I'm self taught and learned about lino cuts through the next best thing, You Tube!

Basically here's what I did:

Then framed like so:

These framed prints are available for $100 + $15.00 shipping. I made a limited printing of eleven, each is slightly different - being lighter or darker. CLICK HERE for a downloadable PDF file to see each print and compare. The frame size is 16x20, 1 inch deep black matt finish metal frame with UV protection glass. The print size is 6x8.

Please email me any questions, and for more purchase information CLICK HERE

I plan to make a new carving for several months until I get my grouping, and one last thing, I couldn't resist gorgeous color :) a 5x7 painting of this silk green ribbon present I'll post next!

Lemon Drop

2011-04-19T12:46:00.000-07:00

And a request for a painting donation to benefit ArtReach at Lillstreet, which provides art education and programming for communities in need ....

The live action will be April 30th if you live in the Chicago area. All proceeds go to ArtReach click HERE for more information, or feel free to email me.

Girl Power

2011-03-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

"Girl Power" 18x36 oil on canvas

Who would think that adopting a 5 month old great dane puppy would make it so difficult to stay in the studio and work?! :)

No fear at ALL of him bumping into my precariously stacked bow set up!!

But at last "Girl Power" is finished, whew!

My initial idea for this painting was based on the idea of how to SAY girl power, and it started like this.

A comic wrapped present with Lucy at bat. But seeing it sketched on the canvas, it didn't SAY girl power to me. Yes, the comic did, but the overall bow ensemble and painting didn't.

So I gravitated to an over-the-top girl color scheme and arrangement of bows in a strong tower.

When I began this painting I was feeling particularly strong and girl powerful, but during the four months this painting lingering on, I suppose some of my powerfulness evaporated. Suddenly lots of negative space between the bows started happening.

As if this strong, securely built girl power facade could come toppling down any minute.

Strong and secure one minute, then potentially fragile the next.

Maybe that's not all bad.

A special thanks to all who have participated in the Present And Accounted For project! It has been so thrilling to see these presents passed along and the idea behind the project spread!! Thank you!

Invisible

2011-02-28T10:20:00.000-08:00

Sold

This morning I woke up to the most beautiful sheer glazing of ice, lightly covering everything.

Perfect timing.

I've been delayed in posting (and most all normal activities) because something new has been under foot.

Let it snow

2011-02-05T14:12:00.000-08:00

I have been painting presents over six years now, pondering ideas about what we can see (what is visible to us in our lives and world), and what remains unseen and unknown. After Wednesday's blizzard and now the digging out, I've been thinking a lot about a photographer Wilson Bently whose photographs always inspire me.

In 1885, using a microscope and a camera, he captured the amazing unseen detail of snowflakes.

Over 5000 photographs exist, showing us that each snowflake is unique.

So much hidden beauty existing for just a brief moment.

Are these magnificent works of art created just for the joy of creation?

Is creation limitless?

I have a copy of one of Bently's photographs in my studio. It reminds me that there will always be an abundance of beauty in the world just waiting to be discovered.

And now, back to shoveling out my driveway which is abundantly covered with tiny unseen works of art.

Sweet Tooth

2011-01-03T11:41:00.000-08:00

Sold

Happy 2011!

I was selected to be featured on ArtSlant Chicago this week. I am thrilled! Click HERE for ArtSlant's home page, and you will see my link under the News & Buzz section.

If I didn't paint, I think I would want to be a baker ... here's to a year of unlimited possibilities!

split personality

2010-12-22T16:02:00.000-08:00

First and foremost a great thanks to a fabulous artist I'm sure you all know, Silvina Day, for sending in photos of her present for the Present and Accounted For project! Silvina's present is the first present to be mailed out, the #1! :) And her three photos perfectly embody the spirit of this project!!! Please check them out. Thank you so much Silvina!

So, I'm guessing that most of you are doing what I am; scrambling around trying to get those last gifts purchased, gathering holiday recipes...

... shopping for those crazy -why-did-I-decide-to-make-a-dish-that-calls-for-lingonberry-preserves-and-what-the-heck-IS-a-lingonberry-anyway!- ingredients :)

I was super hopeful that THIS would be the year that I would finally send out Christmas cards since moving four and half years ago, but that is not going to happen...

... since I'm still trying to find a way to get my pumpkins, which are completely and utterly frozen TO my front porch, off my front porch, so I can put more appropriate holiday decor out there!

Before the crazies of the holidays started, I began a larger painting (18x36) of this multi-bow combo with the idea being 'girl power.'

the set up

the sketch

digital sketch to check basic color patterns before painting.

(I'm not trying to plug a product...iphone iphone iphone... but I don't know how I managed without my phone apps that let me do quick sketches, learn Italian, check the weather, be TOLD where best to eat, all while listening to Christmas carols)

beginning of painting.

I started applying paint in what I see as the super juicy spots first. The very glowing red areas which exist in the inside of the largest pink bow. I will continue to modify and exaggerate these colors as I go, but this initial pass will give me a anchor to judge my other pinks.

There is something about the over the top feminine pink, yet super strong tower of bows that really excites me about this painting! And I'm hopeful that 2011 will bring me the time and energy to get back to this again, but I just haven't been able to jump into the mind frame I need for this painting lately, so I have two easels going and this 12x12 is now in progress.

here is the set up

Start of painting.

Even though I wrapped this present with the idea of an angel, looking at the presents on their respective easels I see something else - myself split....

... one minute feeling like a strong woman ready to take on the world - and the next ... a tiny, lost, almost invisible soul. Or maybe I'm letting my imagination get the best of me.... or maybe it's those dang Lingonberries!

Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas!

more presents ...

2010-12-15T10:30:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much to everyone for the wonderful comments and sweet emails about Scottie. It has helped so much just knowing that you all are out there and care. I can not tell you how much I appreciate your thoughtfulness.

I could not ignore the timing of losing Scottie and starting the 'Present and Accounted For' project since one of the main concepts is about appreciating the many gifts of our lives then passing along those gifts we've received. So it has been difficult for me to think about my next post. But the flood of requests for presents and the many pictures that have been steadily coming in, are nudging me back.

Before Thanksgiving, I received more request for presents than I had, so I went straight to work making the small army of presents you see above!

Then boxed for shipping.

Of course no ordinary shipping label or box would do ....

You can imagine the scenario at the post office with the line of people behind me and my stunned reaction that the postal stickers have to go on top of my carefully handcrafted "bow" labels and "ribbon" tape! :)

Scene:

Karen enters post office with fifteen separate packages to ship. Suddenly all at once, many people get in line behind her.

Postal worker: How may I help you?

Karen: I have fifteen packages to ship, each going to a different address.

(groans and sighs from the line can clearly be heard as the postal worker prepares the shipping)

Postal worker: This package is going to Canada, you will need to fill out the customs form.

Karen: I have five going to Canada

Postal worker: Then each one will need a separate customs form.

(more sighs and groans)

Karen: I'm not sure what to list under "contents" for the form.

Postal worker: What is inside?

Karen: Well... it... it's sort of a present.

Postal worker: If it is a gift, check the box that says "gift" and list what the gift is

Karen: No, it's not actually a gift.... it is... well... it's an art project

Postal worker: A what?

Karen: Well it's a symbolic gift, it really isn't anything..

(people start leaving the line, those that stay put hands on hips and make other visual clues of dissatisfaction)

Postal worker: Well you have to claim how much the contents are worth

Karen: But it only has symbolic value...

Postal worker: You will have to put a value of some sort...

Karen: Well that really depends on how well this project does :)

Thanks again to everyone participating! I have updated Present and Accounted For with new photos, and I have many many many more to post. I will continue to make and ship presents to anyone interested. Thank you to everyone, thank you for spreading the word about the project, thanks for the Facebook links!

I have new paintings to post about soon, but until then, my most sincere hope that you do not find yourself behind someone like me in the post office! :)

Scottie

2010-12-03T20:13:00.000-08:00

Over Thanksgiving, my husband and I lost a huge piece of our hearts. We were out of town for the holiday and our cat sitter caring for our two cats, gave the wrong cat insulin injections. We are thankful that D-con, who needed the shots, survived, but we are terribly heartbroken over losing Scottie.

He never asked for anything - never meowing for food or treats. All he seemed to want was to be near us. He was constantly by our sides and in our hearts, and we miss him.

Present and Accounted for

2010-11-11T15:09:00.000-08:00

I had an idea of presents being shared and passed around from person to person, until eventually presents are circling the globe - being documented along the way so that each participant could keep track of just how far their tiny present goes. Not the most original idea, I know, but one I thought was particularly fitting for me to do.

My recent residency gave me the opportunity to test out this idea, and at first I thought it had been a colossal failure. People kind enough to come to my reception, were also kind enough to take a present with them as instructed, but weeks and weeks later no photos of presents appeared in my inbox. But then ... pictures started coming in!! Wonderful photos showing where these presents are going and what they are seeing! I am so excited I can barely stand it!

SO.... I've started an auxiliary blog that I hope will continue to grow with new photos! The blog is called Present And Accounted For, I hope you will follow along! The first post is on the new blog now and tells the inspiration behind this idea. The next post will show how the project developed and the photos of the presents and the participants will be posted as they come in!

Also, I have a couple of extra presents if anyone is interested in participating please email me and I will mail you one. Do note, it is a symbolic present, there isn't anything inside, but you can read more about this on Present And Accounted For.

Reach Out

2010-11-03T11:37:00.000-07:00

Well how can I possibly explain this one! :) Nothing but presents (with the occasional purse or two) for three years of this blog and suddenly Barbie in all her glory.

My very early paintings were large still life ensembles like this painting below, and Barbie made several appearances. I know this does not explain, why Barbie, why now, but here she is... she insisted..... I'm just as shocked as you may be :)

"Help"

2010-10-20T12:30:00.000-07:00

I am utterly blown away by synchronicity! I finished this painting two weeks ago and loaded it on my website, but hadn't posted it here. What is amazing to me, is that when I decided on the title two weeks ago, I did not know the overwhelming amount of kindness and HELP that would be directed my way! Thank you so much to Sande Chase from A Gift Wrapped Life who posted my painting "Look At Me." Thank you Sande!

Plus many many thanks you to those who have emailed to let me know my paintings were also appearing on other fabulous blogs too! Thank you to Shelter , Design Darling , Patterson Maker's Tumblr , and Crush Cul de Sac, for somehow stumbling upon my paintings and being kind enough to spread the word! Thank you so much!

When I wrapped this present to paint, I tried to make the arms (ribbon) outstretched as if asking for help. I did not know I would receive it! Now I see that outstretched arms give help too!

"Look At Me" selected for show!

2010-10-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

My recent painting, "Look At Me" was selected for the Beverly Art Competition and Exhibit. I am extremely excited and honored to be included in this exhibit!!

The reception is November 5th, from 7-9pm for anyone in the Chicago area. Yea! Now I'm off to celebrate :)

"Secure"

2010-10-09T11:34:00.000-07:00

During my residency I worked on a collaboration project with Mark Toncray, a metal sculpture artist. He suggested working together on a project, so I started brainstorming right away on ideas.

My initial thought was to have only the ribbons of the present constructed in steel. I made this example above using a sculpting product called Paper Clay to see what it might look like. I made a framework out of wire first, then wrapped with the paper clay. I wanted the metal inside not only for support, but so I could suspend the piece off the wall (with nails and magnets) for interesting shadows.

I liked the way the clay piece looked but I felt there was something else I wanted to say with the steel. Journaling and doing tiny thumbnail sketches helps me sort through ideas, it's like thinking out loud. I realized I should incorporate the meaning of the material in some way - steel as a barrier, strong, safeguarding - so the idea for the steel box with chains as ribbon and several padlocks piled on top for a 'bow' hit me! This pic above shows the original idea of how I thought it might look.

Then Mark went to work, and appeared with the real thing! This is a picture taken during the reception. I hung the box on the wall along with the drawing and painting of piece.

The drawing is graphite on Yupo. I loved drawing and painting my chain ribbons! Working on transparent papers during the residency was a way to experiment with ideas about losing the box. And suddenly it felt like the box was saying, "oh no you don't, I'm here to stay!"

And finally the painting, "Secure" which is oil on Yupo.

I love Mark's box, it's a more subtle idea of a present, not as obvious as the multiple locks. But being the obsessive person that I am, and being really excited about potentially a strong visual statement, I made a trip to Home Depot last night for more chains, metal flashing, and 8 padlocks. :) Who knows if it will work out, I'll let you know.

Drawings

2010-09-21T07:11:00.000-07:00

"Blueberry" - graphite, charcoal, ink pens, india ink, and white oil paint.

Lately I've been spending more and more time with the prep drawing portion of the painting - enjoying the process and loving the look of the ribbons and bows in black and white. But the drawing eventually disappears under the painting and I end up wishing I had the drawing too. So for my residency I decided to experiment with drawing and painting on papers, particularly transparent ones.

"Blueberry" was my first drawing to do during my stay, and lesson number one - I will eventually use wet media, so regular vellum is out for me. The wrinkling paper was caused by the ink wash and white oil paint I used, so sad :(

I like this drawing a lot, but as soon as it was finished I felt there was something about it that seemed too something ... not me? Too much of an illustration look..maybe ... too much with all the curling ink lines?? I'm not sure. What do you think? But I really loved the velvety appearance from the ink washes.

"Over the Top" - graphite, ink markers, india ink, white oil paint on multi media vellum

This drawing was next, and even though I am unhappy with how this turned out over all, I really started figuring out how to use the inks.

In this close up, the thin wash and lucky accident of the long triangular drip helped me see how I could manipulate the inks for a look I liked better. I really like the more purposeful graphite lines visible through the ink washes. I loved layering the washes for multiple values too, but when that drip happened .... oh I fell in love! I haven't worked with inks and didn't know that a drip continues where the surface is wet, but stops where the surface is dry. Knowing this I really started to play!

"Pink" - graphite, India ink, and white oil paint on Yupo

"Pink" was next, and Yupo feels like silk, I adore it. I believe it is typically used for watercolor, and I can see why. The ink washes slide right across the surface and layering and drips were easy and fun. It is heavier than vellum, and holds the oil paint well too. Plus I felt it was easier to get darker values with the ink layers.

The lesson here though was the initial graphite lines I like to see peeking through, lift off once washes go on. Spray fixing the graphite drawing before applying washes is what I will do from now on. Even still, this is my favorite drawing of the res.

I LOVED how this long drip made its way all the way down the center ribbon, then just magically stopped!

It is difficult to see from these photographs the effect the transparent papers have on the drawings, but once hung, the shadows from the wall itself contribute to the drawings' values. I hope to continue to play around with this now that I'm home. PLAY being the key word and one of my most important lessons learned :)

Residency Video

2010-09-16T14:01:00.000-07:00

This video starts the moment I arrived at the Blueberry View Artist Retreat by making my first late night pot of coffee for unpacking and setting up my studio.

In 4:36 seconds I squeeze all the things I worked on while there, plus the inspiration behind these projects, then finally breaking down my studio to hang and prepare for the final reception. I've included the gorgeous surrounding areas I happened upon too - incredible beaches, farmland, and even a hummingbird I was lucky enough to get on film!

I assumed from the residency's name, I would be inspired by the blueberry fields so I ordered hundreds of blue bows shipped directly there. These blue bows and bushes never made it into my main video project, but occupied days of filming in all sorts of weather. I only wish I had ordered 5000 bows .... maybe next time :)

"Blueberry"

2010-09-16T09:39:00.000-07:00

I'm back from my residency, and sooooooo much to tell, I don't even know how to start! But first, to any subscribers out there, I must apologize. I deleted a few older posts yesterday, and apparently this caused posts from 2009 with inactive links to re-posted. Many apologies for the confusion, and thank you to Christine Holzschuh, Chirstine Bray, Silvina Day, and Cindy Revell who emailed alerting me to this problem. Thank you so much for taking time to let me know!!

The residency was INCREDIBLE! So much in fact, I've decided to divide the photos and info over several posts because the experience was so inspiring I have a lot to share.

It is called The Blueberry View Artist Retreat, in Benton Harbor, MI, and is brand new. I was only the fourth resident, which made me feel all the more lucky and honored to have had this opportunity. It is hosted by two incredible artists, Janet Sullivan and Mark Toncray, who generously provide an artist the use of a private complete apartment with a light filled 300 square foot studio. I do not adjust easily to new studios, but somehow Janet and Mark know exactly how to make the studio and surrounding gardens filled with inspiration. They are tremendously hospitable, generous with their own time and encouragement, I could go on and on, and probably will!

I completed four paintings, five drawings, two collages, a small clay sculpture (experiment), a metal sculpture collaboration piece with Mark who is a fantastic metal sculptor, and I completed the video project I thought I would only have time to start! I've also put together another quick video to sum up my two week flurry of activity which is already on my website, but I will post here next. Needless to say, sleep was not a priority and I'm still recovering, so I only hope these posts make sense!

"Blueberry" was my first painting there. It is oil and ink marker on vellum. All of my paintings and drawings were done on papers of some sort, and during the two weeks, I taped finished works on the wall of my studio. However, for the closing reception, I hung all the works using nails and magnets. You can see in this photo the silver round magnets in the corners of the paper and the nails are about one inch off the surface, causing the painting to float off the wall, or in this case, shadow box Mark made (more on this also.)

I am forever thankful to Janet and Mark!

Orange Twist

2010-08-29T07:33:00.001-07:00

Well I'm all packed and ready and soooooo excited I'm about to bust! I'm leaving today for a two week residency. You would think by the enormous amount of supplies I'm taking, that I'm staying for months - and this is not even the half of it, I ordered even more bows that are being shipped directly there. Sort of embarrassing, but who knows what color will inspire me once I get there.

My proposal for the residency is to work on a video/installation/drawing and painting project. Which sounds like a lot to tackle in only two weeks, at least for me. But I feel like I have a pretty good plan and I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I'm thinking that during the day, I'll work on the video and installation portion, and at night back in the studio work on drawings and paintings similar to Orange Twist.

With the drawings I plan on experimenting with more inks and washes, this drawing is a combo of graphite, charcoal, India ink, and gesso on paper.

The painting is a combo of graphite, India ink, and oil on vellum. I am very excited about playing around with vellum and yupo as a surface for paintings. I adore the semi-transparent quality of these papers, and how once hung, the shadows and wall itself can play a part in the painting.

Hopefully I'll have lots of interesting things to post about when I get back. Of course the best laid artistic plans sometimes get side tracked, so who knows how off course all these plans will get once I am there. But this is the plan, and for now, I'm sticking to it :)

Look At Me

2010-08-19T08:33:00.000-07:00

Today, tomorrow, and for a long time to come, I celebrate finishing this painting and finally having water connected in my kitchen sink! Seeing this painting finished now, I might be persuaded to think that my longing for water (and my 10 months without) had something to do with the choice of color for this painting. Could it be mere coincidence that the polka dot bow was used in an earlier painting "Swim" and the dark blue sparkle bow was "Sprite," (which we all know are water fairies) and the two large bows actually feel like water formed into a bow to me.

The truth is, I'm most excited because in some strange way I feel this painting moves a step closer in helping me figure out my obsession with presents/bows/ribbons. I'm not there yet, so I'll just have to keep working on it :)

This painting has already been spoken for but, I am currently working on several smaller present/bow ideas I can't wait to post next..... but for now, I'm on my way to the kitchen to splash some water on my face and rejoice!! Hope you have a wonderful day!

Kitchen renovation anyone?

2010-07-12T09:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, sadly it is true, pink tile and all, this was the kitchen window when we started our renovation .... 9 months ago! I did not know then, how determined and focused I would have to be just to get the sink under the window. But I persisted, and with bulldog determination and a plumbing job of re-routing pipes and venting like no other in the history of kitchen renovations, I finally have my sink under the window.
Why, you may ask, am I dragging my personal life into this? Time painting, and therefore posting, hasn't been very consistent this year, and I hate to point fingers but .... all the blame goes to my kitchen sink! :)

Well ... it could also have something to do with the coyote that almost ate my cat and his extended stay in the emergency vet. Or it could have been my poor mother in Alabama who had an undiagnosed broken femur for two months and my visits there to see specialists. Or there was that crazy light pole that fell and crushed our car AS we were driving down the highway.

But I'm going to blame it all on the sink! Because 9 months without a kitchen sink certainly has the potential to make one a bit crazy, or at least derail creative output. And even though I don't actually have counters, faucet, or water yet, I'm confident enough in the progress to feel I might be getting back to normal soon.

Soooo.. with all this positive energy flowing I decided it is time to share new paintings that I'm SUPER excited about!

The small one first, a 10x10. This is the sketch and early color block-in phase. As you can see, I'm pushing some boundaries and really, really, really feeling great about it!

Of course I'm also just overwhelmingly grateful to have this beautiful kitchen, my mom, cat, and our escape from near disaster car crash to complain about, and I hope you and yours are safe and enjoying your kitchen sink wherever you are! :)

Sizing Up

2010-06-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

I'm so sorry for the long delay in showing this finished painting, the bottom line is, I just couldn't come up with a title! Crazy I know.

This painting will be included in a book project of Steve Worthington's to help raise money for animal shelters. It was so much fun to include Steve's mouse in a painting, and I will keep everyone updated when the book is available.

This is the only present painting of mine where I have included another object, and the process was fun to share. It also caused me to contemplate exterior appearances in a new way. Does one only need a costume and cape to be a superhero? Or is it an interior state of mind? I know a pretty new cape always makes me feel invincible. :)

This painting is available, please contact if interested.

Continuing On

2010-04-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

The four of us met because we all rented our studios in the Contemporary Art Workshop. The Workshop housed 22 individual artist studios and was owned by Jack and Lynn Kearney, Jack a well known Chicago sculptor, was one of the original founding members of the CAW in 1949. The building was sold in 2008, and all 22 of us had to relocate our studios, with almost everyone in a different location around the city. The loss of our artist community was hard, and many of us tried to maintain the bonds by meeting together at coffee houses at least once a month. The four of us started meeting regularly, and even though our work varies greatly, we are very similar in many ways - one being a common love for Van Gogh and his desire to create his own artist community in Arles in the yellow house that he lived and worked in.

The title of our show, "Continuing On" was to celebrate our continuing on after the CAW, but I would also like to think we are continuing on, in the teeny tiniest of ways, Van Gogh's dream of artists working together, showing together, and helping each other out. And of course the sunflowers in the entry are for Van Gogh.

Kate has quite a fantastic group of paintings in the show, 4 large canvases and 10 mid to small size. Her paintings show the viewer gorgeous interiors, all with her signature drips and washes of color, and loaded with interesting lines and brushstrokes all over the canvases.

Neha has been working this past year on 3d pieces and what she has in the show are several great new works created while in a recent residency at Anderson Ranch. Through the door you can see a glimpse of her installation of diaphanous forms created from paper which are suspended over a floor of turmeric. She also created several transparent ceramic pieces that are shown with a light box.

Joanne has 4 paintings and one large drawing in the show. I think of Joanne's work as almost dream like, she references and explores ideas of memory. The use of text has always been a key part of her paintings but her new canvases are so highly textured that the evidence of lettering is almost buried, which really pulls the viewer in.

Lots more pictures of all of our work can be seen on our Facebook events page, Our show will continue through the first week of May and will be open during Art Chicago's River North Gallery District Reception and Party Evening, next Saturday, May 1st from 6 to 9pm. Please stop by if you live in the area, should be fun!

Here are a few pictures from our opening reception night.

We were thrilled to have as our very first arrivals Jack and Lynn Kearney, what an honor!

I was so excited to have these four ladies come to the opening. A couple of months ago, I had been invited to speak at New Trier, a local high school, for their annual "Career Day." Mark Bowers, remarkable artist and teacher, invited me to speak with his classes, and at the time, I didn't realize it would be the day before our Friday night reception. The entire career day experience was an amazing honor and treat for me, and these four seniors were kind enough to take time out of their Friday night, to see the show! I was blown away!

Thanks so much to everyone who came out to the show, and those who emailed congrats and best wishes. I can not tell you how much I appreciate your comments, feedback and encouragement! Thank you!

Show Pics

2010-04-20T08:39:00.000-07:00

It has been a crazy, constant flurry of activity since the four of us began to install our artwork for the show. The four being, me, Joanne Aono, Kate Lewis, and Neha Vedpathak. There are so many pics to show and so much to talk about, I decided I better make several posts. So I'm starting right before the show opened with a look at my portion of the show. More pics soon of the entire show, how it all came about, and the excitement we all had for our large turn out!

This is the entrance, with a pile of white bows to hint at what's to come.

The view as you enter and see the main wall. Now you can see where all those 400 pink bows were going!

Opposite wall with smaller paintings grouped together. From left to right are, "Cream Soda" 8x8, "Melt" 10x10, and "Cherry Bomb" 8x8.
"Joy to the World" 14x18
"Sugarcoat" 20x20, the long awaited painting is finally finished! I wish I had gotten a better picture before the show, but I literally put the last strokes of paint on only days before I installed. The variety of grays, blues, and pale violets are not showing in the photo. This painting has areas of thin and layered paint, especially in the paper sections, and super thick juicy paint in the loops of the bows. I am so extremely happy with this painting!!
Sorry for the glare here too, same story, finished in the nick of time. This painting actually has wonderful movement in the background that the photo doesn't show. There are small marks of turquoise, pale blue, and magenta that radiate out around the bow. The title is "POW" (a reference to pop art comic paintings) and it is 36x36 and in person this painting glows like it's on fire :)
And my excitement overflows for this piece "O+"

More to come!

Here comes the Show!

2010-04-10T09:44:00.000-07:00

400 pink bows arrived just in time.
Frames, 100 white bows and more pinks, plus show postcards which look fantastic! I'm getting excited!
Last minute tweaks on paintings and the heart installation pre 400 bows. I've been power painting non stop trying to get everything ready, and I am so pleased that both big paintings are ready in time for the show!! The opening is this Friday, below is the evite! Anyone in the area, please come!! I'll be the one dazed and exhausted :)

Cream Soda

2010-04-07T22:28:00.001-07:00

Yummy!

Spring is early

2010-04-01T09:31:00.000-07:00

Seems like only yesterday I posted a snow heart. Now, flowers I didn't even know I had are popping up all over my new yard! What a wonderful surprise! But of course, this can only mean one thing ..........COLOR!
It all started with the melting snow and seeing the wonderful earth again, and the most fuzzy, pale caramel, velvet ribbon insisted on my attention.
Then feeling the sun once again reminded me of this huge painting I started and never completed during last year's studio move. So out from storage came the painting and the present. Yes, I kept the present for over a year, just couldn't give up on it.
Green started appearing and so did this bronze mouse from sculptor Steve Worthington. He has been recruiting painters to help him with a book project to raise money for animal shelters.

And the news of an opportunity to have a show with three of my friends - in the gallery district this month (which is the big Art Chicago month) has my heart about to burst from all the excitement! More on this installation piece, the painting projects, and my show soon! In the mean time, Happy Spring! And no, this is not an April Fool's joke :)

Progress report

2010-03-05T10:18:00.000-08:00

I'm making small steps of progress on my painting, nothing helps the creative juices like an inspiring art trip..... or getting out the really big brushes. I was getting to a desperate stage in the painting, either I needed to make progress or give up. If I don't finish soon, Spring will be here and all my snow and cloud inspiration will be melted away!

My podcast about our trip to New York

2010-02-26T20:12:00.000-08:00

I had SUCH an incredible trip and saw SO much art that I decided it would make too long of a post, way to many photos and way way too much to read. So on a whim, I decided to try my hand at making a podcast.

Of course I've never done this before and had no idea what I was doing, which is why it has taken me a week to update about my trip. I had the best time figuring out how to make it though! What a blast! My husband really got into the project too, actually going out and getting me this fancy microphone! Isn't it cute!

The podcast is on my website which you can see here. There are over 70 images to see, plus all the galleries and their websites are on this page too. I hope you enjoy it!

Back from New York

2010-02-18T10:18:00.000-08:00

I can't wait to share some of the highlights from my trip. It was amazing and inspiring on so many levels, even enduring the dreadful weather seemed to add new insight and meaning to the whole experience.

While I was away, a wonderful artist and teacher, Karen Lynn Ingalls, was kind enough to feature me on her blog. Karen asked me several questions about about my approach to composition and painting in general. You can see that post here, and please take a look at her beautiful paintings on her personal blog here. Thank you Karen for this honor.

I would also love to thank all the wonderful suggestions we received for our trip! I only wish we had had more time to do every single one!

Love and trip to New York

2010-02-14T21:32:00.000-08:00

"I tell you, the more I think, the more I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people." ~ Vincent Van Gogh

I am going with two of my friends, Kate Lewis and Joanne Aono, to New York for an all out art spree. We've made a map, plotted our course, and are attempting to check out as many galleries, museums, and vegetarian eateries as possible. We leave tomorrow and only have a couple of days to manage the 21 art spots on our map, an artist lecture Tuesday night, plus the 15 possible places we've picked out to eat.

I am just so excited I can barely stand it!! If you have any suggestions for must sees or eat, please leave a comment, which I can check while on the road!

Also take a look at Kate's website here and blog here, and Joanne's website here.

Hope this day and everyday your heart is full!

Joy to the World

2010-02-13T00:50:00.000-08:00

This is actually a painting I finished before I moved but never posted, although it has been on my website. This is the second painting experimenting with the idea of the ribbons being held in a transparent container.

Most of my paintings deal with ideas about exteriors we can see versus interiors we can't. Thinking about ways to really dig deep and explore this core idea, a friend of mine suggested addressing directly my fears. For reasons unknown to me, the first idea that popped in my head was to make the container transparent, and without thinking more about it, I put a bow in a glass and painted Cordial. Then I revisited the idea with this painting. I didn't know what to say about it at the time, still unsure about this idea, so I packed it up and sort of forgot about it with the move.

Well I recently unpacked it, and Wow.... I could see that first layer of meaning! At least enough to know that I definitely want to pursue this idea a bit more. Pretty cool.

The painting is a bit larger (14x18) than most I post, so I thought I would show a couple of cropped shots. You can view a larger photo of the painting here on my website. I adore how all the colors melt together, and love this glowing interior space.

I particularly enjoyed using thick blobs of paint for the transparent surface, and love the distortions of the ribbons as they press against the inside. Seeing this spot below with fresh eyes actually caused me to go back and rework Cordial, which you can see here.

Slow progress and mixing grays

2010-02-06T10:42:00.000-08:00

Progress has been very slow and difficult with my new painting, so I thought I would share some of my difficulties, and what I'm doing to get through them.

First COLOR!!! Usually the fun, joyful, thrilling part for me. I'm having the most difficult time seeing the color ... well I'm seeing it, but having a hard time translating it. My bows are white, but almost all in shadow, giving me a majority of grays, right? Well not as I see it. I see purples, and dark blues, and deep oranges, and yellows even. But when I try to paint purple-gray, and yellow-gray, the colors are NOT beautiful. I keep painting and scraping off whole sections. This has not been fun.

So I decided to adjusted my thinking. I love working with rich, saturated colors, so what I needed to work with wasn't gray, but super rich luscious saturated neutrals. Now that sounds fun to me!

I know this has to be clearly all in my head, that how I feel about a color effects the way I see and paint it - gray (sad) versus rich neutral (yummy), but it is working, and that's all I care about, so here we go:

Earlier I posted how I mix color based on opposites, and this is just another example, so I won't go into as much detail. The earlier post I used yellows and purples, this time I'm using oranges and blues. Opposites mixed together give us lots of beautiful rich neutrals, plus mixing this way gives me a lot of control. This makes it so simple to warm up a color or cool it down, plus it's very easy to remix a color. Here is a sampling of some of the colors I will be using:

Cad Orange + Radiant Blue in the left pile, which gives me a warm silver, the right side is the same mixture + Nickel Yellow, which just glows in person.

The top dark pile is Ultramarine Deep + Cad Orange. From that dark I can get a variety of grays just by mixing more orange (left pile) or blue (right pile) + white.

Below that dark group is King's Blue + Cad Orange, these are super rich in person, and the palest group of purply pinky pearly neutrals is Radiant Blue + Shell Pink (= purple) adding Ivory White (yellowish white - purples opposite.)

Now I can put these saturated colors to use. I'm focusing on the bottom bow first because it has some of the strongest contrasts, which I can use to judge all the other values.

More soon!

Getting settled in to a new Studio

2010-01-19T10:53:00.000-08:00

Guess what? I moved again. Four moves in four years. I'm a needy organized nester, and moving seems to keep me out of sorts longer than would seem necessary. At least this will be my excuse for the long periods of absence on my blog, and lack of finished paintings for 2009. I do want to apologize too, for the delayed responses to comments and emails I've received over the last two months, I have let myself get so far behind being distracted with the move and getting my studio set up. The good news is, this time my husband and I bought a house, so HOPEFULLY we are staying put for a while! Yea!

I've been busy painting the walls/ceiling/trim all white, so it seems only fitting that my first painting in my new space would be inspired by all white as well. Of course, all the snow might be responsible for the white set up too, but I think the real source of inspiration started back in June by a comment by Alia El-Bermani on my post for Fireworks. She stated that "cloud nine" would have been a good title for that painting or a new one, because of my own joyful reaction to my recent paintings. Of course, my crazy brain immediately jumps to... cloud nine...yessss...nine big canvas of all white!

Well, that might be a bit ambitious. I have a very bad habit of starting a huge painting (that I never seem to complete) every move and new studio. But, seeing that I have so much white for inspiration around me, with clouds, snow, and a bright new studio, I just might get this done! I'm hopeful.

The canvas is 20 x 20, and this is the charcoal sketch so far.

Till Death do us Part

2009-10-02T14:49:00.001-07:00

Sold 12x12 oil on canvas

What self-respecting realist hasn't painted a skull? :) How Killer!

South Shore Arts Salon Show Award

2009-09-22T14:05:00.001-07:00

I'm excited and honored to be the recipient of the "Ernestine 'Dolly' M. Wisnewski Memorial Award" which I received at the opening reception of the South Shore Arts Salon Show. The reception was wonderful, and the show itself is a diverse and fantastic group of artwork. About 70 pieces in all - paintings, photography, sculpture, video, and one installation piece.

I am so pleased to be a part of the show, and extremely honored to be chosen for this award!

Sharing some good news

2009-08-24T14:38:00.000-07:00

I am so grateful and excited today, and I thought I would pass along the news. I have been featured on a wonderful blog I just discovered called, A Gift Wrapped Life.

As anyone might guess, Sande Chase, author of this inspiring blog, and I share an obsession with presents. Sande Chase's blog is a companion for her website which specializes in gorgeous gifts wrapped so beautifully I could cry! Her blog is a wonderful new source of inspiration and I am very honored to be featured there. Thanks so much to Sande, for her generosity and for her incredibly kind words. Also many thanks to Lara Harris, a fellow artist and blogger who saw the similar passions, and was kind enough to make the connection.

One more bit of good news, two of my paintings, "Fireworks" and "Melt" have been selected for the 66th Annual South Shore Salon Show in Indiana. I am very excited about this opportunity, it is a great honor for me to participate and I am thrilled these two paintings where chosen.

Fireworks

2009-06-10T08:57:00.000-07:00

Sold

Wow, am I pleased! I know I keep talking about how excited I am with my own paintings lately, and I must apologize. But I am absolutely in love with the results of allowing the paint itself to play a much larger role in my paintings. The challenge and joy for me, is finding the balance between using paint to create the illusion of form, versus using paint to become the form.

Paint becoming the form is a goal I've been striving for, for several years now. finding my own unique voice to do that with is key. Each painting I do lately feels closer and closer to realizing this goal, so I'm just on cloud 9!

Multitasking

2009-05-18T08:31:00.000-07:00

Two easels going - this is a first for me! Lately my head is bursting with ideas for new paintings and compositions. Suddenly I can't keep up with the inspiration I seem to find everywhere.

I've posted a good bit more on my inspiration behind these paintings HERE for anyone interested. I would love to hear how you get inspired, and what inspires you all out there.

Art Chicago - Next 2009

2009-05-05T19:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Chicago's annual art event, Art Chicago - Next, came to a close. This event is an opportunity to see galleries from all over the world, and the artists they represent. It is the highlight of my spring to see so much artwork all under one roof, and one of the reasons I'm grateful to live here.

This year was my favorite of the three I've attended, and I have posted a video of my visit to the show on my new blog. Click Here, and enjoy!

Melt

2009-04-21T12:38:00.000-07:00

Is it wrong to say how much one loves their own painting? I can not tell you how much I love this painting and all the new possibilities I'm thinking about right now!

I've posted in progress shots on MY NEW BLOG AND WEBSITE. I'm considering eliminating my original website for this new one, I like that I have almost complete flexibility with design aspects. I'm not a trained graphic designer, so feedback would be welcome :)

This painting is 10x10, if you are interested please email for info.

Dandelion

2009-04-17T16:08:00.000-07:00

Sold

Passion for Painting

2009-04-17T09:21:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Sara Winters, who tagged me for the Passion for Painting award. I am honored! Sara's paintings are flooded with light and clear color, and her execution of reflected water with unblended brushwork seems fresh and new. Take the time to enlarge her paintings to see the abstract quality to work.

Here is how it goes, name 7 things I love, and 7 other artists whose blogs I follow.

Seven things I love:

1. God

2. My husband, Clay

3. Family

4. Friends

5. Paint

6. Sunshine, fresh air, 80 degree flip-flop wearing day.

7. Snow, 25 degree boots/scarf/hat wearing day.

I follow many many blogs, which makes this difficult. I decided to name blogs that contain discussion, advice, observations, and information, that help us grow as artists. From step by step PhotoShop advice, to gallery solicitation advice, to serious discussions about being an artist. Hope you enjoy.

1. Alia El-Bermani

2. Larry Groff

3. Edgar

4. Edward Winkleman

5. R. Garriott

6. Christine Mercer-Vernon

7. Neoteric Art

Chocolate Dip

2009-04-15T15:29:00.000-07:00

I've been trying for two days to upload my finished painting "Dandelion" and for some reason the painting's colors are very washed out compared to the actual jpeg. Has anyone else experienced this problem? I noticed this with my last post, but since the painting was in process, instead of completed, I didn't worry much about it. I am using a Mac with iPhoto to crop the image and making zero adjustments to color. The jpeg is vibrant, but when I load it into blogger, it loses a lot of color??? If anyone knows what I might be doing wrong, please let me know. The painting above posted very close to the original jpeg, I can't figure it out???

While I was trying to figure it all out, I luckily decided to paint this monochromatic painting. I talk a lot about color, but not much about value, which is a key component in inspiring my paintings. I have always loved monochrome paintings and value studies, and don't know why I don't do them more often. They seem quiet and still to me. The actual bow is red, but I used Burnt Umber, Payne's Grey, and white, to show the form using only value.

Besides the actual meaning I find behind these bows and presents, they offer a kaleidoscope of color and strong value shifts within one single object, and I seem to never tire of their possibilities.

Painting in Progress

2009-04-02T08:01:00.000-07:00

Form or Color? Which is more important - this is the question that's always in my head. I love both. I LOVE form. I love seeing the volume and weight of an object in a painting. But color ..... ah .... how I ADORE color. Color feels alive to me.

One part seeing, one part feeling, hard to choose. Both are magic.

Painting in Progress plus Palette

2009-03-28T15:00:00.000-07:00

First layer of color, and I already love it!
This is my palette, but I never use all this color at one time. I select specific colors for each painting based on a complimentary color scheme (even though this painting is actually a close-compliment scheme of yellow and blue.) First I decide my "star" color. The star for this painting is yellow, so I'll want to pick out a variety of yellows and its compliment purple. My main yellow will be Cad Yellow Medium, and main purple, Garnet Lake.
I've mixed this on a piece of glass to see the color easier. I rarely use tube earth tones since I can mix them using compliments. In this case, making a yellow ocher, which I can easily make lighter and darker, or warmer and cooler. If I use a cooler and bluer purple, the colors will end up a bit on the green side, and I'm seeing a lot of greenish-ocher color in the shadow side of the "flower."
These are the rest of the colors I will use for this painting, plus white. I love having lots of choices, so I usually add warms and cools for each compliment. For my yellow side, I add a warm of Cad Orange, then four cooler yellows. I'm not going to add a warmer purple, because I can warm up the one I have with the Cad Orange, but I am going to add several blues.

That's my color scheme theory in a nut shell.

Drawing and homemade view finder tool

2009-03-12T09:20:00.000-07:00

In typical Chicago spring fashion, it's snowing here today. Lucky for me, I have my own make believe spring growing right here in my studio. This is the completed drawing on the 10x10 canvas, basically the same as my last post's drawing, except bigger and on canvas. I did spend more time with this one, and I really loved every minute of it.

Since this is more or less repeating my last post, I thought I would show my little homemade view finder tool.

I made this years ago, as you can see by the smudges and dried paint, from a 5x7 gray mat you can purchase for framing photos. I cut the corners, then marked off the interior edges, starting at the corners going out, every half inch. I can view my set up through my adjustable opening and determine exactly what size canvas will make the best composition. Once that is decided, I paperclip the corners and continue to use it to help locate the major shapes during the drawing phase. The mid-toned gray can be used to judge values as well.

Now back to fun with flower!

Dandelion

2009-03-06T11:47:00.000-08:00

Once again, rejoicing over the weather is causing me to throw caution to the wind, and celebrate by posting this very merry latest idea. It is one that has been brewing and stewing in my brain for some time now. I had planned to wait until the actual painting was completed before going full steam ahead, but I just couldn't wait, not on a day like today. For tomorrow is sure to be cold again, but today is today!

STEP ONE: photo of wire armature

STEP TWO (I know I should have made more photos of getting to step two, but I wasn't really thinking as usual.) I used clay for the stem and leaves with actual bow and curling ribbon for those curly green things that are usually at the base of a flower. Two light cans are visible, but only one is being used to light my 'flower.' I am aiming for a 'fantasy' playful rendition of a flower, so the next one I do, I may need to push that a bit more. But for now I'm excited!
STEP THREE: I am what the book, Cheese Room Three, calls a Scurrier - one who has tendencies of scurrying to problem solve, instead of taking the time to think, before acting. I've been doing a LOT of scurrying lately; starting new ideas and paintings, only to get half way into a huge canvas before realizing it isn't really a direction I want to continue. My husband gave me a little pep talk, brought on by the mound of half finished paintings leaning against my studio wall, and suggested I might not be really thinking these ideas through before jumping into a painting. I decided he was right, and that I would from now on, (or until I can no longer hold back the scurrier) start doing sketches and oil studies on paper before proceeding to canvas. Besides, this set up has many potential compositions to explore, AND I've really been obsessing over Euan Uglow lately and doing painting exercises (will post later) to study his approach, so I thought this would give me a great opportunity to try mixing drawing with the painted surface. I used Conte crayons for the sketch, which is 6x6, then sprayed with a fixative before painting on top.
STEP FOUR: Could not be happier with the outcome of this oil sketch and plan to continue this on a 10x10 canvas. I feel in many ways this is what I was after when I started my giant multi-yellow present painting LAST spring. I've spent a year searching for what to paint since that incomplete painting. Is it possible that an idea wants to be expressed so much, that it will hang on and torture you for a YEAR until it is figured out? Looking at it now, it is so simple, what took me so long to act on this very obvious way for me to interpret Spring's first glorious show of color here in Chicago? I suppose sometimes the most obvious is the most overlooked. Funny too, the Dandelion is certainly an overlooked flower, and just like my idea that refused to go unrealized, the Dandelion is certainly a persistent little thing! Tomorrow there may be snow, but for today may there be Dandelions!

Danae

2009-02-19T10:44:00.000-08:00

I keep apologizing for my long absences. Honestly, I've been allowing myself the indulgence of focusing on my paintings - playing around with what direction I want to explore next. I have had two new purse paintings finished, but wasn't certain I was ready to post. Mainly because I wanted to see if these purses were going to make up a new body of work.

One of the reasons I'm interested in purses, is similar to my attraction to my presents. Both are elaborate, decorative surfaces that disguise/hide interior content. The main difference for me is that we have a pretty good guess as to what might be inside a purse. Purses are so personal too. They reveal our personality, whether we like it or not. Funny thing is, I myself rarely carry an actual purse. Maybe I'm just not ready to commit to a personality yet, or maybe I haven't found a purse that can adequately hold my personality. I think I'm going with that last one.

Anyway, I'm actually pretty certain that purses are not going to be a totally new direction, (I am actually working on two bow themed paintings right now) but I do think they will continue to make guest appearances. They give me the opportunity to ponder an intriguing question..... what shiny fun self do we show the world, and is it the same self as our inner private one?

Thanks as always for tolerating my musings.

Take a Listen

2008-11-24T14:48:00.001-08:00

Everyone make a cup of coffee or tea, sit down and take a listen to the podcast on Bad @ Sports Great honest advice from Edward Winkleman about how artists might best approach galleries plus other nuggets of wisdom.

Amy

2008-11-20T12:39:00.000-08:00

Sold

Two and a half years ago while living in Atlanta - in the south where I had always lived - I thought it impossible to jog in the snow. As a matter of fact, knowing that we were moving, I purchased a yoga dvd thinking I would be forced into an indoor workout throughout the entire winter. Would I have believed I could actually LOVE jogging in the snow? Never!

This morning I headed out for my cold winter jog. It's now my third winter here and I actually had high hopes that this day might bring my first snow jog of this winter. Towards the end, as I made my way back home, I started thinking about how lucky I was for this change in my life. Suddenly, on cue, the snow came falling down in those big fluffy swirling magical flakes. I was reminded on my snowy lakefront path, that the impossibility of the unknown can actually be an unknown joy, just waiting to be found.

So, being inspired with positive thoughts of change, I decided this would be the perfect day to show the newest change in my subject matter. "Amy" is actually the very first of this series, and although I have completed several now, she's the one that seemed perfectly dressed for today's silvery, snowy day.

Riptide

2008-10-28T09:14:00.000-07:00

Sold

I don't know exactly what it is about these presents that keep pulling me back. I can't explain it. Maybe I'll eventually figure it out and never need to paint another one, or maybe not. All I do know is that I'm still very co-dependent, and this aqua bow was determined to show me that.

What started as a wave to ride back into shore, turned into a struggle with a current. Every stroke in my direction taking me further out. A reminder that I don't always know the path I'm suppose to take, but also a reminder that I've been in currents before, and if I can just hold my breath I'll eventually find land.

Swim

2008-07-18T11:41:00.000-07:00

Sold

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.

Exciting News

2008-04-22T13:08:00.000-07:00

Two exciting pieces of news I would like to share with everyone. First, I was interviewed by a new website called Neoteric Art. The site was started by a friend of mine and I am very flattered that he asked me to participate. He asked some tough questions and they were fun to answer. Just follow the link over to check it out.

Second, the dandelions are here! Serendipitous moments happen to me all the time! I have long awaited these beauties and I can't believe they decided to pop up today. Weed to most, but to me it is the first glorious color after the long winter. Right now they are just dots here and there along the lake front, but soon it will be a sea of gold!

Dark Comedy

2008-04-20T17:38:00.000-07:00

SOLD
First I'd like to thank everyone who has been so helpful with suggestions/comments and emails concerning my hard drive. I have very much missed keeping up with all the blogs I visit daily. I hope to get totally caught up with everyone and everything soon. Thank you all so much!

While struggling with this painting and with my lingering winter, I happened to be reading a book about the history of color in art, and one chapter dealt with black. The most interesting line suddenly leapt off the page. It was that Matisse made the observation that Manet and Renoir turned “black into a light.” Suddenly it all made sense to me, not in the way Matisse had intended, but it was just the thing I needed to hear. I immediately saw light everywhere, in my bow and in my winter. I was able to finish up this painting with the thought that I already knew, but just needed to be reminded of. That thought is not just that there will always be light in the dark, but that by trying to understand my dark I can turn it into a light. And sure enough, as I’ve finally finished up this painting, the first signs of spring have come.

Black and Blue

2008-02-25T15:47:00.000-08:00

A new twist on my ribbons and bows.

Five

2008-02-18T08:21:00.000-08:00

SOLD
One more framed piece to post. Spotlight on Art opens this Tuesday night at 6:30pm for anyone in the Atlanta area. This is a large art event with many artists participating, which makes this show a fantastic place to see a diverse collection of art work all under one roof.

Morning Glory

2008-02-08T11:33:00.000-08:00

SOLD
This painting I finished just a couple of months ago back when the Morning Glories were in full bloom down by the lakefront. Ahhh....the sun and flowers! Soon, I keep telling myself, soon.

This painting called for a totally different style of frame because I wanted the edge of the canvas, which is painted an orange similar to the present's cast shadow, to be seen. I love using these 'floater' style frames just for this purpose.

Ginkgo

2008-02-02T10:41:00.000-08:00

SOLD
"Ginkgo" was previously posted, but I want to re-post it, showing it in its frame, which finally came in. This painting is slightly larger than most of my blog paintings of late, and I knew right from the first brushstroke that I wanted it in a heavy thick frame. The decision to frame, or in some cases not to frame, is always part of my overall visual idea.

This painting will be packed up and sent to Atlanta in a couple of days for a show I am participating in, Spotlight on Art , which is an annual fundraiser. I will actually be very sad to send this painting; it has been a very bright sunny spot of color in my studio during this month of overcast Chicago days.

Icicles

2007-12-19T07:40:00.000-08:00

SOLD

I was drawn to the cool silver color of this satin bow because of the snow and ice in my world right now and probably here until June! The ice and snow is amazingly beautiful and I wonder if I will ever get tired of seeing it. This is only my second winter here in Chicago and being a newbe every falling snowflake, glazing of ice and even the slush is wonderfully gorgeous! It is definitely worth getting a little cold to be lucky enough to see these beautiful sights.

The thick silver paint dripping over the edges of the warmer cream tissue, what else could it be but the draping of icicles after a great winter storm? So, If you are lucky enough to have a winter, bundle up and go take in the show!

Ginkgo

2007-12-01T11:08:00.000-08:00

Well I could write pages on this painting and the experience, but I will try and keep it short. Suffice it to say, I feel like I have finally painted the painting I've been trying to paint for years, and I think it is all due to my little experiment with the abstract paintings. I strongly encourage everyone, not just painters, to try something out of your comfort zone, see what insight it may bring to you. I think our subconscious leads us toward things we need to experience, who cares if we look crazy! Who cares if we don't do it well! Just try it, whatever it is, as long as it is legal!!

This painting is titled Ginkgo. I hope you are lucky enough to have a Ginkgo tree nearby, they are the last trees to change into their Fall outfits. Here in Chicago Fall is breathtaking, full of oranges, reds, rusts, and ochres. Then, as if for the final curtain call before Winter the Ginkgos, whose branches extend way past their trunks in crazy right angles, explode into gold. This year it was too brief a show, just like a shooting star! But never fear, this winter storm today has lead me straight to a fabulous silver satin ribbon.

Royal Party

2007-11-06T21:17:00.000-08:00

Yeah! I am so glad to have this painting finished, not that I haven't loved every minute of it, mind you, I am just a wee bit nervous about having enough paintings ready for the December show. I wish I could post the entire group as I will hang it, which is with about an inch of space in between each canvas. I may have to break down and buy Photoshop if I am going to continue these split paintings, unless someone out there has an idea of how to fix this on going problem of mine. Anyone????

Thanks to everyone who has encouraged me along the way with this piece too!

"Heartache"

2007-10-15T21:40:00.000-07:00

SOLD
Amazingly this is the first true red bow I have ever painted. This true red was inspired by seeing the website of Duane Keiser who has fantastic Utube video demonstrations, one of which is a gorgeous candy apple. I just could not wait to dive into red after seeing it!

My heart literally beats faster when I paint red, how about yours?

"Nesting"

2007-10-05T13:23:00.000-07:00

Sold
I am sorry I could not get the picture straighter. My photography skills have been terrible the last several posts. Must be all the over consumption of caffeine! I will save this little one for the show as well, and hopefully get a better picture of it before it makes its way to Atlanta. I think this painting will be best seen in person no matter how good of a photo I get anyway. I do love how it turned out and feel it captures the 'hushed' mood I've been in as of late.

Morning Glory

2007-10-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

I don't know that much about plants and flowers, but when I lived in Atlanta I did try my best to grow things. I loved growing both Morning Glories and Day Lilies. Both have blooms that only open for one day and by late afternoon they have already started to fade. This time of year the Morning Glories start to produce their seeds in little papery round pods that are fun to gather up and toss about the yard for next spring. It is a flower where time is counted, spent and is waiting.

As far as the painting goes, I loved painting the tissue just as much as the velvety bow. I enjoyed layering all the rainbow of colors that actually make up this "cream" tissue. What fun!

I am starting to prepare for an up-coming show in Atlanta which will be taking place December through February. This painting will be available through this show and I will keep everyone posted as the time draws near.

Thumbnail sketches

2007-09-19T22:31:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh! How gorgeous is this vintage plum velvet!?! Okay so I've had purple on my mind as of late, likely caused by a collision of many ideas and sources streaming in all at once showing me purple. I so wanted my next painting to contain several presents in the same composition. I played around with several presents trying to figure out a theme or idea. But this guy just seemed soooo very demanding, so right now he's got all my attention.

I've been starting these demo posts by showing the set up and beginning oil sketch, but I realized that is leaving out a bunch of steps. First step for me is inspiration, and I see it everywhere. I have ten paintings being painted in my head all the time, so I keep a personal journal where I keep these thoughts. Then suddenly one idea, thought, color, feeling singles itself out and wham.... purple velvet. Next are these tiny thumbnail sketches where I play around with composition and see which format will best suit what I'm trying to say. The top two sketches I envisioned as another split painting. I like the middle idea, and may come back to it, but have settled on the bottom right hand corner composition. Hope this hasn't been too boring.

"Summer Leaves"

2007-09-19T12:55:00.001-07:00

SOLD
I've been trying for two days to get a decent picture of this painting and still haven't manage to get one. I'm not sure what is going on, normally the light is so great in my studio that my photos turn out perfect. The greens are actually much richer and warmer. Anyway, at least you can see the painting and an example of the frames I've been using for these smaller sized paintings. These "floater frames" allow the edges of the canvas to be seen, which in this painting I left the earthy orange color that served as the canvas undertone.

My original inspiration for this painting came from the variety of greens that late summer brings and the beauty of the dappled shadows that will soon be gone once all our trees lose their leaves. This is one of my favorite times of the year in Chicago, almost over night the leaves change. No, not their colors yet, but their sound. The wind plays a new song.

"Patience"

2007-09-08T16:26:00.000-07:00

SOLD
Somehow, some way, this painting decided to change course. The present just no longer looked as if it wanted to wave and flap about, suddenly and wonderfully it just seemed still. I suppose sometimes on some days you desperately want to flutter about, and sometimes on some days
you are willing to spread your wings and simply wait - content.

"Sprite"

2007-09-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

SOLD
Well this was just four square inches of fun! Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend.

"Sprite" in process

2007-08-31T16:33:00.000-07:00

As could be expected after looking intensely at orange for so long, I've been craving blue. This tiny blue glitter bow was just the what the doctor ordered! I do love a stick on bow, maybe not as glamorous and elegant as the silk, satin, and velvet varieties, but boy are they loads of fun! And that's just how I wanted to feel today... cute and fun.

I'll be able to post the finished painting tomorrow, it is too dark now to get a good picture, but I could not wait to share my joy filled day!

"Flame"

2007-08-30T12:08:00.000-07:00

SOLD

I do so hate being away from painting for an entire week, I was so glad to get back to my brushes and the smell of oil. I had plenty of inspiration for the feeling of heat in Alabama while I was there! My goal was to have this painting convey that sense of heat we are feeling from our summer days and maybe a secret flame or burning passion.

"The artist must create a spark before he can make a fire, and must be ready to be consumed by that fire"....Auguste Rodin

Varnishing Day

2007-08-08T19:12:00.000-07:00

Don’t you just love varnishing day??!! Wow, what a difference varnish makes in the colors, like sparkling jewels. This has been a bright spot in an otherwise gloomy day. I needed to varnish my most recent little paintings for an “Open Studio Night” I am participating in at the Fine Arts Building this Friday. If anyone reading this lives here in Chicago, I’ll be on the fifth floor. Please come by and introduce yourself! Oh… and I got my haircut today and to my receipt they stapled a little piece of yellow paper that said, “Wherever you go, go with your whole heart”, just thought I’d pass it along. Oh my, the sun is coming back out!

Woops, forgot to add one of my favorite new spots

2007-08-01T20:20:00.000-07:00

Seeing Spots

2007-08-01T16:27:00.000-07:00

"Every picture shows a spot with which the artist has fallen in love"....(Alfred Sisley)

These past several days I've been working on a painting that has not been coming together for me. I've loved the color and composition, but just could not make it happen.

I have a book titled "A Painting a Day" which is basically a calendar with a painting and a quote that accompanies the painting. Today's quote for the day was the Sisley quote above. It made me realize that the painting I was so frustrated with did not have a "spot". I looked back through some of my past and recent paintings and thought I would share the spots where I fell in love. Maybe if anyone is reading this out there.... you might share your spots.

"Exist"

2007-07-28T11:33:00.000-07:00

SOLD

"There can be no blue without yellow and without orange." --Vincent Van Gogh

"Presage"

2007-07-27T17:04:00.000-07:00

SOLD

It only took me all day to figure this out. The colors in the shadow painting's photo are off, in person the paintings are exactly the same, but just getting the pictures to line up properly was enough for me to handle today. Whew! This blog world has taught me a lot more about computers than I ever thought I wanted to know!

Thanks to Carol Marine for helping me figure this out!

"Presage"

2007-07-25T12:49:00.000-07:00

I must be taking my vitamins, because this painting just painted itself. This painting is a diptych, with one of the canvases containing this present, and its companion canvas containing the present's shadow. The above post shows the two together, but the zoom capability is not very clear and I wanted you to be able to see the thick brushwork in the velvet ribbon. (which you can do by clicking on this picture for a close up view)

So what's in a present?

These paintings of presents represent for me the unseen, more specifically the soul. If the eye is the window to the soul, is it a two way street? By that I mean, if someone looks into our eyes they can see into our soul, right? So can our souls also be revealed, and maybe just to ourselves, by what we take in through our eyes? Do we let our exterior world affect our interior world?

Crush

2007-07-19T13:02:00.000-07:00

SOLD

Well I am happy I gave this little present another try. I knew there must be some reason I left it wrapped up sitting on my shelf for a year! Hope you love it too!

"Crush" in progress

2007-07-17T13:07:00.000-07:00

This is the second time I've painted this little present. My first attempt, about a year ago, just did not capture the feeling I was after, so here I am trying again. I still have the left side of the bow to finish, but since I have not posted in so long I decided to let everyone see what I've been up to. My painting process is a strange one, and until I discovered Alex Kanevsky's website I thought I might be the only painter that goes about destroying the previous days work with no hesitation. What I mean by that is; I begin a painting then the next day when I return to it I might totally change colors, light, mood, everything. I always paint my "Presents" from life, and I think this daily change has to do with the change of light in my studio, my mood and my music which are apt to change every day as well. This particular painting has changed tremendously. One day there will be lots of purples in the shadows, the next day these shadows will be ochre. I always have a 'feel' I'm after in my painting, and keeping this in mind has helped me get back on track.

2007-07-12T12:41:00.000-07:00

I have been painting, but ...... thought I would pass along a great link I found on Silvina Day's blog. http://jacksonpollock.org/ Try it out!! I had so much fun I could not contain myself, had to share! Hope you enjoy. Silvina, hope you don't mind???

Lake Shore, Wilson Avenue

2007-07-05T17:51:00.000-07:00

SOLD

This little series is finally finished. I started my blog with the blue present and basically painted in reverse. I wanted to show all four paintings together and I am thrilled they are staying together as a group. A collector here in Chicago purchased them but they are travelling soon to his new bed and breakfast in New Orleans. Next for me ..... you guessed it, more presents. I am going to take Debbie Miller's advice and do several smaller sized presents for an up-coming "Open Studio" I hope to be participating in next month.

Oh shucks, I thought all four were going to be lined up horizontally!! Oh well, hopefully you can visualize what it should look. If anyone out there knows how I can arrange this so all four are together please let me know.

Flight of the Bumble Bee

2007-07-01T11:04:00.000-07:00

Well I'm all done! Yeah! I started this blog for experimenting and doing this demo certainly has been a new experience for me. I so appreciate every one's comments and encouragement which made this demo super fun for me. I set about this painting with a couple of objectives in mind. One was to challenge the 'norm' of thin background. My background here, (or dandy lion field) is very thick and broken, the sheer fabric is painted thin and with less brushwork except in the lace and black dots which are very thick. The challenge being making the thin come forward and the thicker recede. To add to this challenge, the color I wanted to pull forward was black against the light warm background. Yikes! During this process I had to ask myself, why do we have to create this receding background??? The more I paint, the more I seem to find a desire to incorporate an abstract influence into my paintings or at least in my thought processes. Why can't the 'background' be just as important as the 'subject matter'? In abstract painting every part of the canvas is 'active' (if that is the right choice of words). I know we need restful spots on the canvas, that everything can't be equally important, but with representational art can our objects be so recognizable that our eyes are naturally drawn there and other areas of the painting be more than just background? Anybody??? Am I crazy today or what?

2007-06-27T18:05:00.000-07:00

Slowly but surely it is coming along. I don't know what it is..... but I can not get enough of bows! There is just something unexplainable and spiritual (??) to me about them. I am fascinated with all the actual colors that exist in one hue, plus these stick on bows always glow from the inside causing the richest color in the center, or heart, of the bow. For some reason this really adds to my obsession with the concept of seen vs. unseen/body vs. soul.

I will continue to work on the contrasts and edges until I feel the bow is just right. I should hopefully be through with the bow portion of the painting tomorrow.

Day 7 demo

2007-06-18T19:08:00.000-07:00

No, no . . . I did not get stuck on a polka dot, I just had my brother and sister-in-law in town for the week and I've been playing tour guide taking my sister-in-law all over Chicago:) What fun Chicago is in the Summer!! I rarely ever take a full week away from painting so I was anxious to get back to the studio. Sometimes its hard getting back in the groove after a break, but I managed to get a good bit done today.