Sonata

Sonata

Oil on Stretched Canvas

16x20

I enjoy reading blogs where the postings are frequent.  Unfortunately, I have been posting sporadically, at best, lately.  I very much hope that I can start to post much more in the future.  

Painting is part of who I am at my deepest core.  I feel most at home in my own skin when I am at my easel.  I find myself getting into the zone while painting.  Time flies.  Usually I listen to music, especially Josh Groban, as it seems his beautiful voice carries me forward while painting.  There is energy in his voice.

I would love to hear what kind of music you listen to while painting or doing some other creative endeavor.  What feeds your soul?

  

A Most Inspring Quote

Rapture

16x20

Oil on Stretched Canvas

I read a most inspiring quote recently.  I need to use it as my mantra every time I get ready to paint.  

"There is a vitality, a life-force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost." (Martha Graham)

Summer Studio Painting

Gratitude
24x24 inches
Oil on Stretched Canvas

Some artists enjoy painting plein air.  I've done my share of painting outdoors, painting directly from nature.  But over time I come to realize that I'm more of a "memory painter".  I can observe the landscape in silence.  From there I record with my camera or sometimes simply from my own interpretation of memory.

Even if I paint from a photograph, the painting never looks like the photo.  For me the painting needs to come from somewhere inside.  Only then does my painting look truly authentic.  

Eucharisteo

Eucharisteo
Oil on Stretched Canvas
24x30

Eucharisteo is a beautiful word, simply meaning gratitude or thanksgiving.  Today I'm feeling healthy and whole and I'm grateful.  Back in April, I had an unexpected thing happen to me.  I caught the flu.  The kind that involves vomiting and that kind of thing.  Usually people rebound from this after about three days.  But I wasn't getting any better.

My husband had previously had the same thing but recovered quickly.  And he kept telling me that I should at least sit up, not lay down.  Long story short, my kidneys had stopped functioning and fortunately I got to the hospital in time.  After four days, I was discharged but the recovery took over a month.  

Now I'm back to normal and feel extremely grateful.  Eucharisteo.

Serenity

Serenity
16x12
Oil on Stretched Canvas

I named my latest oil painting "Serenity".  Thinking of the warm, calm days of summer makes me feel serene after the long winter we've all had this year.  I find that I usually paint a place where I want to be, even if it's only in my mind's eye.

My paintings rarely turn out the way I initially visualize them.  Most of the time, they are a complete surprise.  Only after some time has passed do I come to appreciate my paintings.  Then I wonder "where did THAT come from"?

Splendour

Splendour

20x16

Oil on Stretched Linen

I have been reading a big hefty book this summer entitled "A History of Tonalism: 1880-1920".  It isn't the kind of book that I would read cover to cover.  It is the kind where I read some and then ponder on the morsels.  In it are beautiful examples of the great American Tonalist works by artists such as George Inness, Homer Dodge Martin, John Henry Twatchtman and James McNeill Whistler.  

All of these visual delights are interspersed with the philosophies of the day by Emerson, Thoreau and Darwin.  American Tonalism came about after the Civil War.  At that time, the nation was grieving and was trying to come to grips with the horrors of loss.  As a result, there came the philosophy that Spirit is in the landscape.  And that Spirit was most apparent and visible during the Magic Hours, such as dawn, sunset, twilight and night.  

It was a time of renewal and hope.      

Evening Reflections

Evening Reflections
Oil on Stretched Canvas
18x36 inches

We're in the middle of summer already, hard to believe.  I love the sounds of the outdoors at this time of year, when it's cool enough to turn the air conditioner off and open the doors and windows.  Mostly it's the sounds of the cicadas buzzing.  Like a long exhale.

The long horizontal format in this painting is somewhat new to me.  I plan on going more in this direction with even bigger long, horizontal canvases.  This size reminds me of an actual window in a room.  

Now there is lots of time for painting in my little sun room studio.  Last year at this time, it was so busy with all the wedding preparations.  So I paint to the sound of cicadas singing.   

Dawn's Light

Dawn's Light

Oil on Linen Covered Panel

16x20

One of the best parts of summer, I believe, is getting up with the sun.  I prefer open windows in summer.  That way the sounds of the birds wakes me up before first light.  There is a kind of spiritual beauty to watching the sun rise at the start of a new day.  

Like opening a present.

Deepening the Mystery

Sweet Evening

12x16

Oil on Canvas

What makes me want to paint?  There are days when I stand in front of the easel, lost in thought, as I scoop the paint up on my brush and onto the canvas.  I can do this for hours, not realizing just how much time is going by.  For me, it's a process of entering into the painting itself and seeing where it will go.  Most of the time, I'm surprised at the result.  The painting is rarely what I initially had in mind.

I imagine it is the same for other people, whatever the creative endeavor.  Writing, playing a musical instrument, working in textiles, cooking, building furniture, etc.   We all get lost in the creative process. If I go over a week without painting, I just don't feel "right".  It's what I do.  And I hope to still be painting when I'm 90 years old.

May you all be blessed with enjoying the creative process during 2013!

The job of the artist is always to deepen the mystery.

- Francis Bacon

August Sabbatical

Silver Springs Sunset

Oil on Linen, 24x24

Sold

Just yesterday, I was informed that my painting Silver Springs Sunset was sold.  Lisa, the owner of American Artworks Gallery called and let me know.  I love it when my paintings go out into the world with a brand new owner!

I have been on a painting sabbatical for weeks now.  My daughter is getting married in September and there are lots of exciting plans being made.  This Sunday is her bridal shower.  So my head is full of things like flowers, wedding dresses and such.  

So I'm thinking that come October and November,  I will get back into the gentle, quiet days of painting in my little sun room studio.  The paints, brushes and canvases can wait.

What's Been On the Easel Lately

Evening Grace
Oil on Linen
30x40

 

It's the beginning of summer.  Even though it seems that it has been summer for quite a while, actually Summer Solstice took place just yesterday.  I do a lot of reading this time of year.  Sometimes I crave an  Agatha Christie novel or sometimes just a book of quotes.  I came across this one and it spoke to me.

All you need is deep within you waiting to unfold and reveal itself.  All you have to do is be still and take time to seek for what is within, and you will surely find it.

-  Eileen Caddy

The above painting is a commission I was working on most recently.  It sat at my easel for quite a long time because it is larger than what I'm used to painting.  At the start of each painting, I have an idea of how I want it to look but it rarely comes out looking like what is in my mind's eye.  More often than not, it turns out to be a complete surprise to me.

Feeling Right At Home

I have been looking for the right gallery to put my work in for quite some time.  I found American Artworks Gallery last fall when my brother, Joel, told me about it.  He thought it might make a good fit and he was right.  This gallery not only has paintings, but also has beautiful handmade jewelry, textiles and many other original craft works.

This is one of my oil paintings sitting on a beautiful wooden ledge.  The building was actually a pharmacy at one time and the woodwork was part of the store.  It's hard to believe that a pharmacy was so elegant with all the architectural amenities.  My, times have changed.

American Artworks Gallery is located just east of Chicago and right next to Oak Park, Illinois.  Maybe you are familiar with Oak Park.  This is where Frank Lloyd Wright's home and studio are.  Also there are many  of Wright's original homes and other buildings.  This area is an Arts and Crafts paradise.

My paintings feel right at home in this wonderful gallery.  That is, until it is time to go to a new home.  Thanks for taking these pictures for me, Joel!

Joy

Joy

12x16

Oil on Stretched Canvas

This is my latest painting called "Joy".  I've been away from the easel and computer lately because I'm involved in a different painting project.  Not my favorite though.  I've been prepping and painting the master bathroom.  It's not nearly as satisfying as painting oil paintings:)  

I find that when I can't paint at the easel, I'm still painting in my head.  I'm looking forward to getting back to doing what I love most, which is painting oil landscapes in my little sun room.  

Abundance

Abundance

Oil on Stretched Canvas

16x20

The month of November is the month on abundance.  It's the time of year when we celebrate Thanksgiving and think about all we have to be grateful for in our lives.  I love the simplicity of this holiday.  It's time to gather with family and friends and enjoy each other in the spirit of peace.

We miss those who are no longer with us, but choose to reminisce about the good times.  And it seems every year there is someone new who comes to the table, be it new friends of my children or just someone who is far from home and has nowhere to go.  

When we think about what we have to be grateful for, we're rich beyond measure.

Contemplation

Contemplation

Oil on Linen

10x8

This painting sold last week.  I'm happy that it's going to a new home, but I think I'll miss it.  As an oil painter, I always find it almost impossible to replicate a painting.  Even if I look at my own painting in front of me, it just never works out the same. 

It's almost as if every painting is "what happened that day".  Do you ever miss paintings that you've sold?

October Snippets

 Thought I'd share some of the goings on in my kitchen lately.  This is my daughter and her boyfriend.  He gave her a fantastic juicer for her birthday.  Here they are reading the instructions for the first test run.  They had just come back from the Farmer's Market with fresh produce.

 Here's Jess doing the prep work.  She loves to work in the kitchen.  Cooking is her passion.  Luckily her boyfriend likes doing dishes.  I think it's a match made in heaven.

 My latest smallish painting called "Beloved".  It's 12x16 done on cotton stretched canvas.

I entered "Chimes" at the Danada Nature Art and Photography show this year.  I'm happy the judge liked it.  I hope your October is a blessed one!

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.   

Blessings

Blessings

16x20

Oil on Canvas

Seems I've been suffered from writer's block lately.  Sometimes I just can't find the words to express what I'm trying to say.  Maybe I should write in a daily journal.  Years ago I kept journals faithfully.  I would sit down in the late afternoon and record thoughts that would pop into my head.  When I was a young girl, I kept diaries too.  

As with painting, writing is something that requires practice. We need to air out our thoughts and feelings so that they more easily come to the surface.  When I don't paint for a while, I become blocked and kind of crabby.  When in the flow of painting, I feel happy and alive.  I think that holds true for any passionate activity.  Use it or lose it.

Have you ever experienced writer's block or any other block?