Sheds

Sheds watercolor 12 x 12 In our neck of the woods, (used-to-be-rural-but-is-now-semi-rural) sheds are a commonality....everyone seems to have at least one. What's not to like about them? They exude charm without a drop of pretentiousness. They provide storage and ambience to country living on larger properties where they just seem to fit. I watched a few episodes of "Grand Designs" with Kevin McCloud, having been recommended by another artist. In one episode that takes place in Wales, I think, the builder has been inspired by the sheds that dotted his childhood landscapes. The sheds in my painting were viewed in October from hiking trail that abutted a private property. Autumn, of course, provides an automatic color palette when painting from life. Design was more of a concern as one of the sheds needed a dominance. Flow was also a deliberate consideration as I strove to keep a unified whole rather than two separate halves.

Define Painter...

Paint Brush (labor series)   watercolor   8.5 x 14

There are many kinds of painters. Recently, my studio has been emptied....closed down....for a couple of weeks for home improvements and painting. Bummer. I have been avoiding it for several years, but it had to be done. Instead of painting, I have been watching my husband paint the walls and woodwork. Over the years, he has developed a seemingly effortless stroke....knowing just how much paint should be on the brush, and manipulating the brush in a rhythmic and sleight-of- hand fashion. No matter what task we are performing, repeating the action again and again gives us an ease and relaxation that not only aids the task, but also beckons us into "flow". Muscle memory is involved. Beginners often over-control and choke up on their brushes and pens, causing a stilted and awkward movement. Those who are more comfortable, with many hours under their smocks and painter's pants, move their hands up toward the handle tip, allowing more freedom, more expression and a lightness of touch. They hold the brush more loosely. Muscle memory is involved as well. So, for a while I am dedicated to endless cleanup and selecting of new colors. It has been said that you learn a lot in the off-season. "Paint Brush" - Labor Series can be seen at Hudson Fine Art and Framing.