Sandbox

Sandbox   oil/canvas   11 x 14

There is nothing quite like sitting in a hole dug out of sand at the beach...secure, yet grimy, as the small particles eek their way into suits, ears and hair.  A truly memorable childhood experience!  As we morph into adulthood, we choose more comfortable seating...beach chairs and towels to soften the experience.  This painting is indeed about sitting in that hole and, if we are lucky, doing so alongside a companion.  

And so, while I relished the painting of these children, I kept my eye on that unifying hole...a shadow that unifies both figures.  The challenge here, for me, was the use of strong and diverse values that do not really occur at the shore, as the light is so pervasive.  A glazing of transparent Indian Yellow over the dark shadows allows for the illusion of light entering into the sandy depths.  I am satisfied.  
 

Midsommar 2

Midsommar 2  oil/canvas   20 x 16 x 1.5

My natural rhythms ebb and flow with the light of the seasons.  Our granddaughter was our guest this year during the summer solstice and she is definitely a symbol of the increase of summer's light and energy.  The reference photos were shot spontaneously as I crafted a headdress for her from weedy blooms that had appeared in the garden.  She is a natural poser with a bit of theatrics involved in all endeavors.  I actually had no idea that the image would evolve into a painting until I looked back at the photos taken during her visit.  Here in northeast Ohio, we enjoy and celebrate the turning of the seasons with joy as the light, and the season, affect our daily routines, our cooking and our bedtimes!  It was a welcome surprise.

Spoons and Oatmeal

Spoons and Oatmeal   oil on canvas   14 x 11 x .56

Our kitchen is well used and well loved.  There is something cooking all the time.  Although neither of us professes to LOVE to cook, we do love to cook simply delicious meals from healthy ingredients for both ourselves and our dear ones.  Oatmeal is a frequent breakfast selection.  Artistic compositions abound in the kitchen....what with all of those interesting tools...strainers, shredders, scales, spoons and the like.  While preparing for this work, I took a variety of photos for possible paintings.  I decided to do this one now as the bouncing summer light was so very appealing.  I am satisfied.