Indigo Mermaid Cut Out- in progress

You know when you call on a great master to help you out with something, they typically answer. Maybe they are thrilled to be called on, maybe they are thrilled to be remembered? Anyway, I created the indigo mermaid cut-out on one side of the buoy- and then I was REALLYstruggling with the figure on the other side. Then he spoke to me- Henri Matisse spoke to me. Henri told me to create the same figure, to use my gorgeously painted papers from last week, and reverse the image. Matisse reversed and repeated images in his works all the time! Duh- after he told me, I felt dumb- like I should have thought of it. I still think the all indigo side is stronger- by I’m grateful to Matisse for his guidance and wisdom

tonight.

Maintenance Monday

This evening’s studio activity included studio clean up- painting paper- and bouy painting planning.
Matisse inspired Monday night session.

Blue Period

My students ask me all the time what my favorite color is. One look around the studio and I think it’s safe to say it’s blue. Being out of the studio for over a month- I knew I had to keep it simple and stay grounded in reality. And honestly water has been my saving grace the last several months. I don’t consume half my body weight in ounces everyday, but I try! Happy hydrating!!
I only wish I could have my college roommate, (someone who takes her water drinking very seriously) Cherese complete the lettering and graphics on this bottle.

Large composition- final

Detail of Large composition 

Large composition- final

Another detail of large work

On the Dock Masconomo Point

Kai & Clarise

On the Dock- Large Format

A larger “On the Dock” painting. This composition taken from Masconomo park dock in Manchester by the sea.
On repurposed canvas. Seems right to challenge myself with a large canvas for my last studio session of the summer:

On the Dock Series

I like the odd shapes, the dramatic shadows from the bright sun, and the close values between colors. The surprise is I’m enjoying painting the water as much as I enjoy painting the boats. The water is where the emotions go.

Clearing the path to my art

Not the easiest of days. Three difficult conversations with three loved ones. I spent the day trying to let it go and be present with my kids. Let me be clear. I was “trying” but I couldn’t actually let anything go. Until I entered my studio. 
These were part of my studio work tonight. The Tomatoes have been bothering me for two days (probably part of my unrest today). On one hand I thought the painting was strong: good use of color, good composition, bold brush strokes, and in the other hand it was muddy and the Tomatoes were over worked. I polished it up- and still have to add paisley pattern to the bowl. I like it better now.

Also work on the summer “dock series”. Started a new one and refined one from last week.

Lila

”Lila”- an auction donation item for Saints Academy

“Feeling Left Out” Summer bowl of Tomatoes

still life from direct observation.

Members Use Only

Working my series of boat paintings. This one is oil on repurposed canvas.

On Coffin’s

On Coffin’s today with Ian and Patrick. There was a lot of cloud coverage, but it was balmy and when the sun broke it was warm. Hot even. It was also delightfully silent. Ian surfed, Patrick boogie boarded and swam. I sat a good distance from them alone in the sand and took it all in. Moved by the grays and blues and that touch of green in the water reserved most of the time for

the tropics. And moved by the silence. Watching everything without sound.

A Look back

Leaving the beach in the afternoon I’ll often glance back looking for Patrick or to make sure I didn’t leave anything behind. It is in those moments I witness color and shape situations that truly delight me.

The iconic house that sits a top a mound of granite overlooking Good Harbor beach. It’s where I spend my summer days watching my children play in the water. Watching strangers play long into the evening hours. This is a view from boardwalk #3. 

Hop In

Embraces the easy going summer lifestyle on Cape Ann.

Watermelon or Lemon

“Slushy Guy”- My children went to the beach with a friend on this day. After they got their Italian ice, they reported everything they learned from the vendor. 1. Sixth grade is the worst 2. Nature’s Classroom counselors are high.  I can’t confirm these statements are true or untrue, but I can confirm this slushy slinger was dressed for the job he wants, not for the job he has.

Under the bridge and dreaming

On a perfectly hot Sunday at high tide, we visited the Annisquam footbridge. These dingys were nestled up on the lower dock. Alex and Ian enjoyed their first jumps from the footbridge into the Annisquam River. Patrick stuck with the lower dock jumps this year. It’s fun to share all of the secret treasures of Cape Ann with the next generation.

A walk around Conomo

These paintings were done in response to an afternoon walk around Conomo point. It was the first time in the studio since the end of June. Going to get back to three times a week. The fourth, family and travel definitely was a factor.

A quiet walk through Conomo Point- Essex

finally got out side to shoot some photos and take in natural light. Been dying to do a dingy painting. Here’s #1 of hopefully a good series.

Spotlight on iris arrangement

I was working at Bloomingdales interior design department for only one week and my boss gave me this classic glass, white vase. It was Christmas time- and I didn’t know the department exchanged gifts. I only stayed in that department a short while because I had just received word that I would begin my teaching career Jan 4th. The vase has moved with me several times. A reminder of generous people you meet on your journey.
The irises were cut from the garden. I sharpied a sketch on this panel before I painted. I think a more concise contour drawing helped me with the organic ins and outs of the iris petals.

Had to tweak this one a little- this is the updated image 

Spotlight on the Gerber Daisies II

Spotlight on small gerber daisies

Why still life? Landscape and outdoor scenes were always my preference. Since having kids, and since kids have had busy schedules, my only paint time is afterhours. Usually 8-10 or 11. I’m hoping as we head into the longest hours of daylight, I can get outside again.

These photos are from tonight’s session with gerber daisies with a high contrast background. Painted to the soundtrack of The Greatness Showman.😌 🎪

Orange and White

it was last minute, it was impulsive, it was not the right size canvas, but it happened. I have been loosening up- but this one might be too loose with out enough structure or wow factor in technique, color, or composition.
It might grow on me, or be the right painting for the right person and the right amount of looseness to lead to a better painting. Every painting has an important role in each artists journey,

Flower Selections and clippings

Thursday night session- still life- keeping it simple- keeping it loose.

Maxx & small hydrangea arrangement

First night in the studio since before City arts festival. I worked on Maxx- and a small arrangement from my student Jack. I tried to keep the still life loose.

April Showers

Here are the May flowers brought to you by April showers