On the Dock- again

I tried to take enough photos of boats last summer to last through the winter. Here is a panoramic from Masconomo

The next best thing

Creatives always need to be focused on doing the next best thing for their creative process. Sometimes that’s purchasing and preparing surfaces to paint on, or going to art supply wholesale for more paint, or uploading to Etsy.  Not being in a super strong flow, I discovered I was short paint surfaces tonight. I found a small 8 x 8 and created a simple study of pears. I feel so so about it. 
Also tweaked last week’s pear painting and the simple apple study.

Back to the Stills

I’ve been studying the art of Carol Marine and Sarah Sedwick for some time. Both artists have a nice fluid easy grace with their approach to still life. This still life is very much influenced by their work. I’m working on layering more tones, and color while using limited brush strokes. When I assemble these still life’s and begin to paint, it is very much like deconstructing  a puzzle. I had to paint yesterday. Except I forgot to turn the heat on in the studio and I was painting in 30 degree weather. Brrrrrrrr! I might have done more fine tuning, but my hands were shaking.

First Painting of 2020

Since September I lost momentum in my personal work. This winter the buoy has been my only creative project. School and teaching and mothering encompass so much of my energy. It is difficult to save energy for my own creative work. Last night I entered the studio without a clue as to where to begin. I didn’t know where the creative process would lead me. Long breaks usually lead to starting over, being rusty. I did not want to work from a photograph- so I set up a little still life. Hopefully I can pick up momentum and get in there more often. On this painting I tried to work on brush stroke economy- saying more with less.

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.