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Monday, December 22, 2014

All That Glistens

All That Glistens   mixed on canvas   24 x 18
I was the student whose reports the teachers hated.  I simply couldn't resist using glitter on the covers of all my book reports.  There was just something magical about the glistening and sparkling that tickled my fancy.  I was too young to think about that glitter that ended us on their coats and in their vehicles.  These days, I use glitter with more discretion....but I still love it.

The dark season needs the glitter of metallic surfaces and the reflections of brilliance off of glass surfaces.  It makes me happy.  And given the number of friends who have a hard time dismantling their Christmas trees, I don't think that I am alone.

The true brilliance, however, comes from the conviviality and love  of all the dear ones coming together to celebrate good food, conversation both serious and silly, enjoyment of nature, hugs and kisses.....from children, grandchildren, friends and the friends of friends.  Our home has glistened brightly....I am replenished with the goodness and love that it takes to begin another year of work and exploration through paint.

Glory be!

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Christmas Chaos

Christmas Chaos   watercolor on Yupo   8 x 8
Like it or not, the heightened festivities also come with more to do, more to make, more to feel.  And, yes, I send too many cards, put up too many ornies and bake too many cookies.  Untangling strings of lights and following unfamiliar recipes can be frustrating, for sure.  But when all is said and done, chaos gives way to the altered experience of the holiday season, and, briefly, takes us out of the mundane.

How fitting that this work was painted on Yupo paper, a synthetic paper with a surface not unlike wax paper....control is forgone.  Accidents rule.

Relish the chaos.  Relish the glitter.

Oh yeah.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Three Lads

Three Lads   conte/charcoal/relief ink on paper   19 x 14
was inspired in part by a vintage photograph in our family archives which features my father-in-law Luther and two companions on a boat ride on the Hudson River sometime in the 30's.  By subtracting detail and color, the three gestural shapes are emphasized and empowered.  White values start at the top and work their way down.  Just the opposite with the darks.  Ties were printed on later using relief ink, erasers and tracing paper templates.

This drawing was begun in a workshop "Using Value to Punctuate and Strengthen Drawings and Paintings".  I joyfully finished it at home.