Trumpeter - un certain "Je ne sais quoi"

Trumpeter   oil/canvas   40 x 20 x 1.5

In any given gathering or situation, there are prospective painting subjects that move me...who knows why?  These are not Facebook poses with smiling faces and an outward positivity that are being given to the world of "out there"....the audience.  The poses that speak to me are those with an inward stance that reflect a quietude and introspection that, to me, are more knowing, more charming.

These days, more than ever, taking photos of strangers seems so invasive and could be taken as perverted.  And so, most of these opportunities are discarded for the sake of privacy and respect.  In this case, a middle school band concert, the band was asked to stand at the end of the performance for group photos and audience appreciation.  This fellow's hesitancy stood out to me and several surreptitious photos were taken.

Painting instruments is difficult, especially when your references were quickly shot and leave out some vital visual information.  Luckily, I was able to fudge it.  The pose is sweet and so-very-middle-school.  Circle motifs were added to reference the trumpet and the circular sound it produces.  In my mind, this young fellow is a star.

Fish Story

Fish Story   oil/canvas   20 x 16 x 1.5

 Every family has them.  This one involves two brothers who, instead of dipping their poles into the lake, hooked a dead large mouth bass onto one pole and headed for home, expecting accolades from their mom.  Apparently the stench preceded their arrival.  This story gets funnier and funnier to the brothers over the years but, as always, I relate to the mother role and fret over how to dispose of this stinky fish.

The previous textured painting on this canvas was painted over with light blue.  The painting proceeded in earthtone shades of brown.  Some green was added for resistance.  The tattered wooded fence is the only background element.  I loved making this painting and I still love the result.  (the actual painting OR the emotional connection?  I must beware)

Wabi Sabi.  Jolie laide.  In between.  

Winter Reading - Getting to the Point

Winter Reading   oil/canvas   11 x 14 x .5

I have always admired the painting-a -day artists!  Their brief spontaneous strokes are inspiring...as well as their ability to let go.

While I, too, attempt to use broad expressive strokes, there always seems to be a passage or two that needs more tending, more detail.  But, as we all know, adding another stroke or a bit more detail leads to the domino effect.  If you tend to this over here, then you must tend to that over there.  I liken it to cutting your own hair.  The improvements are soon out of control and you yearn to back up to the fresh beginning!

This painting was no different in that I longed to add the book labels, titles, etc.  But I resisted the compulsion, and two weeks down the line, I am glad I did!  The books and the mug are enough.  I am happy.

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?.