Winter Reading - Getting to the Point

Winter Reading   oil/canvas   11 x 14 x .5

Boston Beat...oh,, the Irish!

Boston Beat   oil/canvas   40 x 30 x 1.5

 

As Is

Snow Peas and Tomatoes   oil/canvas   12 x 12 x .5

 Imperfect things are often sold "as is", inviting the purchaser to decide if the imperfections fall within his/her notions of acceptable. It is for this reason that almost everything I buy is pre-owned.  I happen to enjoy the scuffs and snags that give household items and clothing some vitality.  And....likewise....I have come to dislike "perfectly arranged" set-ups for paintings.  You know...the two ceramic items and a flower for a still life.  And a seated figure, perfectly lit, in a comfortable chair, holding a teacup.  Just writing about it gives me the creeps.

I really really like noticing the artful that is all around us in our daily lives.  This strainer holds rinsed snow peas and cherry tomatoes that will be stir-fried.  They were balanced in my sink and backed by a large cutting board whose shape has been retained without distracting details.  The circular shape has been reiterated.  This work is color-driven.  I am pleased.

Find some preexisting art today...it is all around you....even in the basement.  

Saint Brigid's Day (Imbolc)

 

Spring Snow   oil/canvas   14 x 11 x .5

is a folk tradition in Ireland marking the beginning of Spring.  Even before I was aware of this Irish festival, I was greatly aware of the changing of the sun this time of year.  Snowy days seemed warmer.  Shadows longer.  

This small painting illustrates that change with warm colors and translucent feels.  This painting was selected to be a part of the Winter Exhibition at Cuyahoga Valley Art Center.  The exhibition runs through March 5.  Gallery Hours:  M-T:  10-3; Wed:  3-6; Thurs-Fri:  10-3 and Sat.  10-2.  So many wonderful paintings grace the gallery.  Call:  928-8092 for further information.  

The Cuyahoga Valley Art Center is located at 2131 Front Street in Cuyahoga Falls.

Fadeout

Fadeout   oil/canvas   20 x 30 x 1.5

 

Scene:   A typical drive back from Columbus on 1-77 North

Task:  Photograph as many barn scenes as possible from my passenger seat in my moving vehicle

I have never had luck with this before, but current technology allowed me to zoom in on the scenes most satisfactorily.  Barns have really never been my thing...nor landscapes, for that matter.  But....I am a believer in pushing myself.  This particular scene really stuck my fancy with the barn  disappearing into the horizon in the grayness of the day.  I finished the work to my almost-satisfaction but the scene did not allow this painting to be read at any distance.  And so I added a slight color temperature shift at the top of the roof.  That seemed to do it for me.

And as for barns?  Why do we enjoy them so much?  I am not sure, but the simplicity of the shapes, and of the scenes, keep us in touch with our primitive agricultural roots.  Enough said

Maybe another barn next year?.