Basement #1 (Drying out the Crawl Space)

Basement #1 (Drying out the Crawl Space)   watercolor   26.5 x 19

We had a bit of a mess in our old farmhouse this past December.  Due to an unfortunate "imperfect storm" of events, our crawl space was filled with water.  The clean-up entailed lots of work...removing many large trash bags filled with water-logged insulation.  We made every attempt, and still do, to dry out this nearly inaccessible space.  It was during this stressful time that I happened upon the notion of "beauty in the basement"...using the camera to compose scenes that one would not ordinarily consider to be beautiful.  Actually, I found several spots ripe for the painting.

This fan is perched atop a step ladder, providing an airing out of the affected space.  As I am not a fan of using masking fluid, I knew that the fan would be a challenge, and knew that, given my process, all of the plastic slats need not be rendered to perfection...just a few.  I used a flat brush and a light mix of cerulean blue to help me see the negative areas....I knew that they would be covered up in subsequent layers.  All in all, I am happy with the work.  It certainly was quite a challenge!

So are old houses.

Winter Pantry

Winter Pantry   oil/canvas   8 x 24 x .5

This holiday season we were the lucky recipients of luscious canned goods from neighbors and friends...pickles, salsa, apple butter and jellies.  These gifts from the kitchen really warm my heart.  As they were all lined up on the kitchen counter, I decided to give them a "paint".  By the time my brushes were warmed up, we had already delved into the pickles.  This work is currently on exhibition at Group Ten Gallery in Kent, Ohio.

Thank you Glenn, Julie, Ann, Scott and Bunky for your generosity!  Ohhhhh...so very tasty.

Hidden Symmetry

Hidden Symmetry   oil/canvas   48 x 24 x 1.5

The quest for balance in our lives, especially in today's fast-paced world, is a tough one, and ever-present.  For me, the self::others dialogue is the most difficult.  Although I enjoy socializing a bit, and having a few laughs with comrades, I am always most at home when I am by myself, my mind fully engaged in attempting to solve the mysteries of painting.  The feeling of being overwhelmed quickly dissolves after a good painting session, or two....or three. 

This painting involves not only the reality of a dilapidated steeple, but the juxtaposition of texture with the simplicity of a smoothly painted background.  It has always been one of my favorites.

"Hidden Symmetry" is part of the "Friends" exhibition at Group Ten Gallery in Kent, Ohio.  Come on along.  Lots of friends will be exhibiting:  Tom Baldwin, David Bamber, Vickie Theiss Callahan, Nancy Richards Davis, Sue Delac, Joseph Filipiak, Brant Gebhart, Terry Klausman, Deborah Vaughn Lindner, Bret Martell, Mike Nevin, Alan Peters, Annie Peters, John Sharp, and the rest of the artistic crew in the gallery.