Repurposing

Is that a word? About a month ago I decided I was tired of looking at a few paintings and put hang tags on them with great discounts. And they're still here. So, in the spirit of "Living Green" (there's an expo with that title going on at The Factory today) I decided that I would simply redo the skies and add a few highlights on a couple of paintings. It helps my creative juices flow, recycles paintings, and gives them a fresh look that I'm not tired of looking at. I call that a win-win situation!
Rushing Waters before is to the left. Rushing Waters after is to the right. 16x20 $400

Dance Anyway

Today I will close the studio early to attend a memorial service of a young man who died suddenly in a car accident last week. It's been a difficult week as we stood believing for a miracle and then heard the word that he had died. How do you find joy in the midst of that situation except to stand on the Rock of our Salvation? There is a passage in Isaiah that tells us that the Lord turns our mourning into dancing. I think it's the only way. This life is full of storms so it is imperative that we learn to dance anyway. To learn to dance in the midst of the storm is truly miraculous. Thanks be to God that He holds the key and gives it to His children. Shall we dance?

"Dance!" 18x18 $375

Different Perspective

Yeah, yeah, I know it has been a very long while since I've written...and I apologize and pledge to stay on top of things. It is interesting how a month or so can change your perspective on things...kind of like this painting vs the previous Redwood painting. I am fascinated by people's reactions to these two pieces in the gallery. Each has its own unique message and energy level and I find myself being drawn to one or the other depending upon my mood and energy level on a given day. Interesting. Being the ponderer that I am, it also interests me to see how one month later I am looking ahead with different lenses. Moving forward in the journey of life does that. Suddenly you have rounded a bend and the horizon looks different than it did just the other day. So, this being the month of new beginnings I wonder where the next bend in the road will take me. Wherever it is, you can be sure I'll still be painting! Until next time....peace for the journey and vision for the future be yours.

It's taken awhile...

So interesting that my last blog spoke about painting majesty. Last Saturday I began this painting titled "A Road Less Traveled". It measures 24x48 and in fact in person it does a pretty good job of communicating the majesty of these incredible trees. At least that's what my artist's heart felt as I worked on it. It really was an exercise in worship of the Creator. A joy filled and very fulfilling experience. May we always approach the canvas with a sense of wonder and amazement. I believe it unlocks the creative process in a deeper and unique way. Today a friend commented that in fact I had to go down the road less traveled in order to be able to paint this piece. Guess that happens when we step up to a new level of operation; it feels strange and bit foreign. Eventually we adjust to the view and the new perspective...that is until it is time to step up again.

Inspiration

Here's the question. How do you paint majesty? Over the past week, I have witnessed amazing landscapes, terrain, and vistas. Desert, mountains, ocean coast, giant redwoods, rolling hills, and now vineyards rising on every hilltop. We have taken over 200 photos (thank goodness for digital cameras). I don't paint from a photograph usually so why the photos? To remember is the obvious answer and that is truth. But also to study. How do light and shadow work together to communicate to the eye the shape of a hill? Where do lines converge to give scale to these giants of creation? How do colors fade or brighten as the horizon fades or waves lap the sand?
Can't wait to get back to the studio and explore the possibilities.

From California

Greetings! I have been in California now for several days. As I woke this morning I realized that I wanted to share an experience of a couple of days ago. We were in Redding earlier in the week, surrounded by mountains and it was time to head west to the coast and the redwoods. No quick way to get there. One must traverse the mountains in order to get to the ocean. So we did. It was beautiful. So here's the thing. I have never been to that part of California but as we traveled from Redding to Trinidad I kept repeating "This is amazing! I've never been here, but I've painted it!" I've had others tell me that I have painted a place I've never been, but I've never experienced that for myself. The Creator whispered something in my ear, inspired me to paint, and brought to canvas something I've never seen with my eyes. As an abstract artist that's more understandable. That He would bring to my vision a specific place? All I can say is "Wow!"

Muti-Faceted

This morning I have been struck by the multi-faceted nature an artist in business must have in order to succeed. Yes, there's the obvious right brain/left brain, creative/business contrast. More than that however, in today's economy I see artists all around me pulling out the stops to stay in the business of art. Whether it is developing new ideas, new products, or new venues for exhibition, I am amazed at the creative thinkers that surround me. It is what keeps us going I think: creative exploration. When artists take their creativity off of the canvas so to speak and apply it to marketing, sales, scheduling, product development, etc. it is fun to watch. It is why I love being a part of an artistic community where ideas are tossed out, shared, and hands reach out to help. It is what community is all about.

This piece is called "Brilliance" it is 18x36 and sells for $850. As a part of my multi-faceted approach I am submitting it for an exhibit, so it's "on hold" until I hear whether it has been accepted. I keep ya posted!