Autumn Oldie

Autumn Woods

Oil on Canvas

18x24

I was going through some of my old paintings and came across this one from years back.  This style is so foreign to me now.  It was done when I was just learning to paint with oils.  But I just had to pull it out because autumn is my very favorite time of year.  It's hard to believe that it's almost October.

Here is my favorite autumn quote:

The fields are harvested and bare,

And Winter whistles through the square.

October dresses in flame and gold

like a woman afraid of growing old.

                        - Anne Mary Lawler

Kindred Spirits

The Magic Hour
Oil on Linen
24x30
Sold

My painting "The Magic Hour" sold last weekend.  I have several paintings in a new gallery in Forest Park, Illinois, not far from Chicago.  The owner told me that foot traffic had not been good this summer.  Maybe because of the economy, heat, or other factors.

Suddenly this painting was bought by someone who just had to have it.  Which leaves me wondering ... what is it about certain paintings that compel people to buy them?

I have certainly purchased my share of paintings over the years.  Usually there is something about it that I relate to very strongly.  I just have to have it.  I guess what I'm wondering is what that certain something is about my own paintings.  Are your collectors really kindred spirits?

Distilling Down to the Essence

Beatitude

Oil on Linen

16x12
Sold

As I look back on all the paintings I have done over the years, I realize that I am painting with less detail.  Years ago I would get so wrapped up in the details.  And when a painting was finished, I was rarely happy with the result.  Now my goal is to capture the essence of what I am trying to say.  My paintings have become much more distilled.

No longer do I sit when painting.  I constantly stand in front of the easel.  This gives the painting focus and energy.  I also back up every so often to see just exactly where the painting is going.

These days, my paintings seem to come from somewhere in my subconscious.