Winter Inspiration

 Watercolor painting by Joel Optholt

Finding inspiration in the depth of winter can sometimes be a challenge.  Here in the Chicagoland Midwest, it sometimes feels like we're hibernating in between going about our daily lives of working.   There are the challenges of bundling up every time we step outdoors and moving slower everywhere we go because of the snow.  I think of this time of year as "filling the well".  Here are a few of the things that inspire me.  The above painting was done by my talented brother.  His watercolors are done in a style uniquely his.  I often think of "stealing" some more of his watercolors when I go to his house.

 Evening Pines by Deborah Paris

I feel so lucky to own this original oil painting by Deborah Paris.  I've taken online classes from her and continue to learn from this very talented artist.  Her work has certainly inspired by own painting and      is a constant source of inspiration. This painting hangs in my dining room and I sometimes take it off the wall to examine this painting up close.   

 Landscape Study #28l by Tracy Helgeson

This small landscape study by Tracy Helgeson inspires me on a daily basis.  Tracy is not afraid to use vivid color in her landscapes.  She is a prolific artist and is completely original with her designs.  Here you can see the layers she uses in her painting.  I'm in awe. 

 This is a good time to dust off some old titles in the library.  Reading certainly inspires the soul.

My latest addition to the library is A History of American Tonalism:  1880-1920.  My goal is to read it from cover to cover.  It explains the mentality and philosophy of the American artists in historical terms.  But that's a subject for another post.

Where are all of you gather inspiration from at this time of year?

New Beginnings

I started this underpainting for a fairly large square format painting this week. It's 24x24. I've never painted a large square before. I think I'm going to like it. Starting a painting always gives the feeling of excitement. Kind of like going on a new adventure. I used Shale by Vasari, which is a rich, warm color with purple undertones. Anyone who has taken a class with Deborah Paris is familiar with this color because it's the workhorse of her color palette.

Here's the reference photo I'm using. I took this shot last summer while my husband, dog and I were walking the trails of Silver Springs Park. Of course, I manipulated the composition (artistic license). As I lay in various layers of opaque and transparent paint, I'll post my progress. But that might take a while, since every layer needs to dry before the next is applied.

Abundance

Abundance

24x30

oil on linen

Here is my latest large painting done in Tonalist style.  It was completed about five weeks ago and since then I've put it in a black frame.  I think the black sets it off nicely.  

The thing I've noticed about paintings done in this style is that they seem to glow on the walls.  Unlike some of my Impressionist work, one notices the many layers of opaque paint, translucent paint and transparent passages.  I've fallen head over heels in love with this style.  Although the learning curve has been extremely steep for me, I think it's been worth the many months of study.  

Very soon my new on-line class starts with Deborah Paris.  It's called Magic Hours.  I'm so grateful to her for showing the way.

Being a Tourist in My Own City

View of Millenium Park from

the Modern Wing - Art Institute of Chicago

I read somewhere that artists should make an artist's date at least every two weeks.  The purpose of the artist's date is to get out of the studio and fuel the soul with new inspiration.  Now I can see why.  From now on, I'm going to mark my artist date on the calendar and make sure I keep it.  Yesterday I met my brother in downtown Chicago where he works .  He took a half day so that we could just have fun viewing the new Modern Wing at the Art Institute.  

I didn't take any shots inside the Art Institute because I was so drawn in by the amazing art, that I was quite overwhelmed.  It's been way too long.  Next time.

Before we knew it the whole day flew by.  Here are pictures of Millenium Park (where I have never been).  I only live 25 miles from Chicago, but rarely go to the tourist attractions.  It was so much FUN.  

We quickly walked into the Chicago Cultural Center and climbed up the stairs.  Here's the amazing stained glass that was just overhead.  

And of course, I stopped by the Hildt Gallery on State Street to see Deborah Paris's work for the first time, where it was not over a computer monitor.  It's so much more beautiful when you see the actual paintings.  They were overwhelmingly beautiful.  The gallery owner graciously took this amazing painting closer to the natural light for me to take a picture.
An artist's date fuels the fun, inspiration and imagination.  Now back to the studio.

Finding One's Authentic Voice

Strolling Along

9x12

 My work is about to take a detour.  I've always been in search of my true voice and it's been a long, winding path.  Trying to get in touch with one's authentic artist voice is a push and pull of learning from others and listening to oneself.  Sometimes the listening to oneself is the most difficult.  

Being objective and critical of one's work takes some distance and time.  It's a matter of knowing what works and what doesn't .  When it doesn't, I feel it's a waste of time and energy.  But in fact, all those "mistakes" are how I've learned.  And all those "mistakes" have shown me where I want to go.  

I'll be talking more about where I want to go in future posts.  In the meantime, I'm taking an on-line course with Deborah Paris.  She's a gifted artist and an amazing teacher.  She knows how to pare down compositions and paint in a truly luminous style.  I'm learning so much from taking this class.  But  I don't want my work to look exactly like hers (which is beautiful and unique).  I want my work to look like mine.