Two Little Bitty Paintings - ACEOS - SOLD

 It's been ages since I've done any paintings this tiny - 2.5" x 3.5" to be precise.  They're art "trading cards" and very popular among collectors.  These two were especially challenging as they were created with great big fat soft pastels on a rough surface.  They're great fun when you don't have a lot of time to do a larger painting.  Keeps the creative juices flowing you know and it forces you to simplify, always a good practice I think.

Website ReVamp

Today, a new version of  my art website has been launched.  I believe it's now more user friendly, informative and provides a better representation of my artwork.  An exciting new feature is the addition of "Buy Now" buttons throughout the site.  Art collectors can now enjoy the ease of purchasing my original art in the privacy of their own home and have the confidence in knowing that if they're not completely satisfied they can return it within 30 days for a full refund.

Why not take a few minutes to check out my new site now? Maybe you'll see something you just can't live without.

Across the Adriatic

"Across the Adriatic", Acrylic, 24 x 48" Gallery Wrapped Canvas

 

Have you ever wondered what goes on in the mind of an artist as they're creating an abstract painting?  I have!  For me,  it's usually about colors, textures and shapes that I like.  I try to not really think, but just see and react emotionally to what I see as I'm painting.  Of late, as you can tell, my paintings have been full of radiant color.  I think that's indicative of a happy state of mind and I find that when surrounded by vibrant color, I react very happily.  In the case of this painting, you may recognize some of the textures from a previous abstract that I had done.  Utilizing those textures, I chose a more primary approach to a scene with minor references to secondary colors.  I began with covering the canvas heavy with textures, including laying on coarse pumice medium.  The entire canvas was then covered with layers of rich yellows.  Next, came areas of red and orange.  But what really got me excited was when I layered deep, rich Ultramarine and Indanthrene blues, and then brought in on top of those opaque Cobalt Blue with a matte finish - just look at how wonderful that Cobalt color is!  Standing back and seeing the painting develop, I imagined the Mediterranean with it's splendid deep blue color and the colorful structures that would sit along coasts of the seas in that region of the world.  That visual imagery lead to the title.  Of course abstract art has the ability to conjure all sorts of thoughts or concepts in the minds of each viewer.  That's one of the truly fun things about this genre, don't you think?

Pearl Gallery Fall Show Opening Night

Don't miss your chance to see two of my new pastel works as well as those of over 30 other area artists.   Popular works go fast, so if you see something you love, be sure to get it Opening Night!  "Burst of Summer" is a very large pastel, matted and framed it makes a bold, happy statement.  It's a steal for $500!  Get there quick if you think you might like this one of a kind piece of artwork.  This show runs through October 21, 2010.

Poppy Parade - SOLD

"Poppy Parade", Pastels, 9 x 12"

I loved this photo of bright red-orange poppies all lined up.  I saw such rhythmic movement and of course brilliant color.  To create the feeling I had upon seeing these flowers, I abstracted the view somewhat and married complimentary colors weaving the blue lines throughout the scene.  There's something about working with pastels that really connects "musically" with me.  Perhaps it's the vibrancy, or maybe it hearkens back to childhood - working with crayons.  Anyway, despite their messiness, I'm hooked on pastels!  Being surrounded by all these colors is definitely mood elevating.

"50 Great Painting Blogs"

I was pleasantly surprised this week to discover that my blog was listed as one of the "50 Inspiring Painting Blogs"!   I started this blog nearly 4 years ago as a journey of artistic self-discovery and a way to chronicle my growth as an artist.  Along the way it's been encouraging to know that I've inspired others to express themselves creatively as well.  Thanks for the inclusion with so many outstanding artists.

A Bit of Paradise - SOLD

"A Bit of Paradise", Pastel, 5 x 7"

 Who can resist the exquisite shapes and colors of tropical flowers?  Not me!  Bird of Paradise is one of those flowers that just captures the imagination.  It's such a unique, energetic looking flower.  I remember the first time I saw them growing during our first visit to California - I was thrilled.  My aim with this little pastel painting was to capture that energy and excitement of this wonderful flower.

Cosmos

"Cosmos" Pastel, 12 x 9"

A bit of cheer as if the Muppets performing "Bohemian Rhapsody" weren't enough!

The Muppets: Bohemian Rhapsody

I couldn't resist sharing this...Enjoy!

Mexican Sunflowers - SOLD

"Mexican Sunflowers", Pastel, 12 x 9"

Between several weeks of 100 degrees + this summer AND a new puppy who tries to eat everything in the backyard, I have little left in the way of plants.  Happily I did see many Mexican Sunflower blooms and decided to set up a still life to paint.  It was a "no-brainer" choosing the cobalt glass vase to hold the bouquet!  And, still having all my pastels out, they were the medium of choice for this exuberant piece of artwork.

I began this on a 12 x 9" piece of Grey Canson Pastel Paper and coated it with gritty pastel medium so that it would really grab the pastel pigment and allow me to pile on the layers fairly thickly.  I kept the style loose in an effort to capture the casual, energetic feeling of these bright orange sunflowers.

I'm glad I picked up this seed packet early in the Spring time.  I'll definitely include them in the garden again next year.

Farmers' Markets Today - July/August Issue

Imagine my surprise to receive my copy of the July/August issue of "Farmers' Markets Today" with my artwork "At Cherry Street Farmers Market" on the cover! 

Just goes to show you that blogging is where it's at.  You may recall that back in late Winter of 2009/2010, in the doldrums I decided to do a pastel painting of Cherry Street Farmers' Market to cheer myself.  Of course, like most other pieces I do, I posted it to my blog with a story about the piece. 

Shortly thereafter, while searching the internet, the editor and publisher of "Farmers' Markets Today", an industry trade magazine, stumbled across my painting.  She loved the freshness of the piece and requested permission to use it as the cover art on an upcoming issue.  "Of course!" I said.

Time passed and I had gotten quite busy and forgotten about the opportunity.  Happily this week I was reminded when the copy showed up in my mailbox.  What a thrill!

Incidentally, if anyone's interested the original work of art is available for purchase as are prints which can be customized and purchased here. 

A Pioneering Woman

A few months ago I had the privilege of sitting down with Patrick Irwin and his wife regarding his mother, the late Dr. Helen Irwin.  Armed with many photos and newspaper articles, as well as the book The Lady Is a Veterinarian written in 2005 by Lesley Ann Gentry, Patrick gave me a comprehensive history of his mom and her remarkable story. 

As we sat in Starbucks in Brookside, across the street from the very place that played a role in our meeting, the sleek Deco Streamline City Veterinary Hospital, the pages of my little notebook quickly filled.  These were stories of the first female veterinarian in the United States.  They were stories of the development of Brookside and what would become South Tulsa.  They were stories of a childhood growing up with two extraordinary parents, both veterinarians actively involved in promoting veterinary medicine.

As a woman pursuing a career as a Veterinarian in the 1930s and 1940s, Dr. Irwin faced tremendous odds.  The country was in the midst of the Great Depression.  Certainly the "normal" expectations for women at the time would have been to raise a family, not to pursue a career.  Telling of this attitude were numerous newspaper comments that didn't always acknowledge Dr. Irwin's achievements.  Nonetheless, she persevered and blazed a trail for women to come.  Today, 80% of those practicing veterinary medicine are women. 

For more details from the interview, see "Your Stories"