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?

Peaceful Moment

Winter Study

oil on canvas

8x10

The week between Christmas and New Year's is my favorite time of the year.  It feels delicious and decadent to relax after all the hustle of entertaining, cooking, socializing and taking care of hundreds of little details in preparation for Christmas.  

Suddenly it's all over.  After the cleanup, there's a hush that takes over the house as everyone takes extra time to snooze or relax.  Finally there is time to putter around, do things slowly and really notice all the beauty.  The decorations will be up for at least another week.  Now there will be time to take a leisurely stroll outside.  This is when I take my camera to scout out winter scenes for new paintings.  The colors in winter are subdue and elegant.  It takes me more time to study and record the subtle nuances than at other times of the year.  But that's okay because now the days stretch further.

I plan on doing lots of small studies in the next few months.  Transparent colors will be on the agenda this year.  I've experimented with glazes in the past but now I'm going to go further in this direction and see where it takes me.  

That's the extent of my art goals for 2009.  Ahhhh.

Gratitude in Turbulent Times

        

Early December

Oil on Canvas

16x20

As Thanksgiving Day approaches, I'm reminded of all the bounty in my life.  It's been a turbulent year for this nation but not one without hope.  Some days it's hard getting through the morning newspaper reading about the stressful economic pressures that people are experiencing.  Of course, this affects the art world too.

My husband and I are not wealthy, by any means, but we have our health, close relationships with family and friends, a cozy modest home and a certain degree of stability in our lives.  Our children are at a point in their lives where they are trying to establish themselves in their chosen careers.  My son has a good job.  My daughter decided she needs her Master of Library Science degree to get the kind of job she wants, so she's going back to school.  

The point is...we have have more than enough.  

I plan on putting in a lot of studio time in 2009.  I'm grateful to be an oil painting artist.  I can't imagine wanting a different career.  Lately, there has been all kinds of advice to artists on how to survive the economic downturn we are all experiencing.  Mostly the advice has been to use this time to improve on the art we are making.  I believe this is sound advice.  Because when things get better, the world have have even more beautiful art to view.

Happy Thanksgiving!