Friday, August 31, 2012

Floating at Post Road Art Center

The Dream
2012
mixed media sculpture




Post Road Art Center
has a juried show with the theme "Floating"


I have done many pieces recently that would be suitable, but they are all too large. I ended up submitting The Sound of the Ocean (see July 28, 2012) and reworking this small sculpture.

It was so last minute that I didn't get the chance to photograph it. I grabbed this image off the Post Road website.

Both pieces have been accepted by the juror, Elizabeth Geller from DeCordova Museum.

Show runs until September 27, 2012 with a wine and cheese reception on September 6th, 2012 from 5:30-8:00 p.m.

Visit their website for more information.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Recent Plein Air Painting

Dunn State Park
2012
10x8
oil




Two weeks ago I went to Dunn State Park in Gardner to do some painting.

Honestly, I am much more comfortable painting in my studio, but somehow, on a lovely summer day, it just seems criminal not to head out with the paints.

My first attempt (not shown) was really tight and miserable.

I am more happy with this one.

As with nearly all my oil paintings, I used a combination of water mixable oils and R&F Pigment Sticks. Using the sticks helps me keep things loose and bold.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Recent Abstract

Suddenly in Flight
2012
15x45
oil





Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Figure Painting

Standing Woman with Shadow
2012
48x36
oil








The challenge here for me was to keep the fresh, loose feel on a larger scale.
Part of the issue is getting tools large enough (I use a lot of kitchen tools for this) and getting used to mixing large quantities of paint (and trying not to think about the expense).
A special thanks to Dominique, who did such a wonderful job modeling for me!

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Still Life




Couple
2012
8x10
oil








I don't frequently make paintings of objects, but it can be a rewarding challenge to try to get mood and meaning across with such banal subject matter.

I had been remembering the quiet, contemplative works of Morandi, and feeling my own deep sense of security I have from being part of a well-matched couple.

Here is a good article about Morandi if you are unfamiliar or want a refresher.

So here's a question for you: Okay, this is a still life, because of the subject matter, but unlike most still life paintings, it was not painted from observation.
Does that change it somehow?
Is it now more of an abstract? a fantasy? a doodle?
Does it make it seem better or worse knowing that it came out of my head?
How many questions can I pepper you with before you scream?


Monday, August 13, 2012

as of yet, untitled
2012
24x24
oil




Thursday, August 9, 2012

Mixed Media

Navy Man
2012
11x14
mixed media

Monday, August 6, 2012

Redhead with Sunflowers, no. 3
2012
10x8
oil

Here is the last of this series.
This one is my favorite of the bunch.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Landscape show



Pine
2012
8x10
oil




This was selected to be included in the
Landscape show at Post Road Art Center,
juried by Bob Collins of the Danforth.

Bob is an accomplished, prolific painter, and a generous teacher.
You can see his work at his site.

Wine and Cheese reception will be on
Thursday, August 9th, 2012 from 5:30-8 p.m.
Show will be up until August 29th.
1 Boston Post Road, East in Marlborough, MA

Visit their website for more details

Friday, August 3, 2012

Redhead with Sunflowers, no.2
2012
10x8
oil


Here is another one.
This was Bob Collin's favorite from the series.

Well, it was.

It had a little accident in transport.

While still totally wet, it slipped from my hand.
I caught it, but smeared the sunflower.
It was better before.

I might fool with it now that the surface is dry.

The thing about painting, oils in particular, there is no "going back" to fix things, you can only move forward, and hope the changes you make are for the better.
Just like life.