En Plein Air

En Plein Air   oil on canvas   24 x 12 x 1.5

usually implies painting out-of-doors, on the spot, not in the studio, a situation that is more immediate,  more demanding, and one that requires a keen eye that can adapt to the constantly fluctuating movement of the sun.  In this case, it was the musicians who performed on the stage of a magnificent outdoor amphitheater in the botanical gardens in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.  The group of musicians were a warm-up group for a fantastical puppet show entitled "Of Wings and Feet" performed by Paperhand Puppet Intervention company.  We have never seen anything quite like it!  (The closest thing I can recall seeing are the performances of the Cirque du Soleil) Creating a painting from this completely magical evening was a no brainer.  But, to me, a painting of the huge puppets and mystical movements would have diminished their power....there were no frozen moments.  But this young musician so in tune with her instrument gave me pause.  Photos were shot at quite a distance.

Some paintings literally paint themselves.  This was one of them.  I still find myself wishing that all communities could be treated to this kind of gentle magic.

Neighborhood

Neighborhood   oil   20 x 60 x 1.5

is a concept that implies shared space, a sense of community...a connectedness to the world around us.  While it is true that I do not live in a strictly defined neighborhood, preferring to live in a rural area, my sense of neighborhood is still in tact, albeit in a more loosely defined way.  My sense of connection is not so defined by geography, but by interest.  My sense of neighborhood includes all those with whom I interact in my chosen field...artists in my classes, artists within my regional art groups, and those involved in the galleries where I do business.  These are the folks who inspire me, enrich my life, and challenge me to do the best I can.  These are folks whose resolve I so admire.  The network is strong and lively.  Ideas are shared.  There is trust.  A sense of dedication.  A sense of doing something greater than yourself.  As a young student in the late 60's, art seemed a totally frivolous way of spending time,  Now, as an older and wiser person, I realize that art, and living artfully, is a way of life, a way of solving problems, of finding joy in the present.  Art is life affirming. This is my neighborhood.

This painting was inspired by reference photos shot in early spring in the Glen Echo neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio.  My goal was to sublimate individual details in each of the homes while creating rhythm that weaves itself between them.