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.  

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.   

I Could be a Florida Painter in a Different Life

 Naples, FL Sunset

After the BIG snowfall this year in Chicago (20 inches), my husband and I had the opportunity to go on a business trip to Naples, Florida.  It couldn't have come at a better time.  Sunlight deprivation starts setting in this time of year.  After digging out from under the snow and experiencing extreme cold, it was time to head south.  Oh yeah, I forgot how good it feels to walk without worrying about slipping on the ice.  I forgot how the air smells when all is lush and green in the landscape.  

Our back porch after the snowfall

I took this picture through the dining room window before we started digging out.  As you can see, getting out the back door was impossible.  Luckily the front entrance as a big portico, we we were able to go out that way.  The snow was incredibly beautiful.  Especially if you were one of the lucky few who didn't have to remove it. 

Gazing out over the mangrove forest, I took some pictures of the incredible Florida sunsets.  Oh yes, I could definitely be a Florida painter in a different life.  But my lot in life is live with the four seasons.  I do love the four seasons because there is beauty in each.  Here are a couple of WIPs.  Now that we're back in Illinois, I can settle down and finish them.  That is, if there is no more digging out.

Yonder

Yonder

22x28

Oil on Canvas

This painting is finally completed.  I've been working on this one for several weeks, on and off.  It is done in a tonalist style which requires an underpainting, and the numerous build-up of painting layers of opaque paint and transparent paint.  Each layer needs to dry completely before the next is applied so that each color shows through.  

This method of painting is new to me.  I've been completely immersed in this process this year and plan to continue in this style.  It's a process that seems to progress inch by inch.  But I'm more pleased with the results than my previous painting style.  I've learned to slow down and be more patient.  Like the changing of the seasons, some things just can't be rushed.