White on White

White on White 6 x 8 oil on linen panel
I, like many artists struggle to improve or perhaps change/adapt. I want the goal of my paintings to be "less is more" I want the subject to merge with the background or if you prefer the space around it and I find working with white a challenge as well so this is yet another attempt at that. Just One Apple a previous post is also a study in losing edges and merging subject and space around it. Hmmm maybe I will make chicken for dinner. Enjoy!

Beauty in Purple

Beauty in Purple pastel 12x9
Seems I just can't paint enough lilacs, one of my favorite flowers. We have in our yard plants and trees that were planted by my husbands parents and have survived the sub-zero winters, neglect and now again love and care. It is very nostalgic when they bloom they remind me of my Mother-in-law,no longer with us but their beauty is always a reminder of her spirit and good nature.

Two Little Red Hens 6x8 canvas on panel
These two little hens belong to Emily, our cook at the Retreat Center in Alexandria, we have enjoyed the fruit of their labors in many a breakfast platter. I think their white tail feathers are a wonderful accent to their red/rust bodies, Here again I have tried to lose edges in the tail of the one on the right and keep all but the focal area softer rather than sharp.

Just One Little Apple

Just One Little Apple

                                                                 6x8 oil on panel
I think I finally got it. I have been working on simplifying and losing edges except on the center of  interest. I am looking for a more ethereal feeling in expressing myself in paint. This went together very well and was purchased as soon as it was finished. So-----------------maybe I will see if I can get this effect again. I start extremely loose with just a few strokes of paint and I am encouraged so will perservere.

You may have noticed I haven't posted for a bit. I have just completed my last week of teaching at Mt. Carmel Retreat Center in Alexandria, MN. What a wonderful group of students I have had during my weeks there. It is such a joy to introduce people to oils and pastels and see the excitement they feel when they have accomplished their first painting. It is quite a rush. I am never sure who has the better time, them or me.
Below is a poem written for me by one of my students this last week and thought I would share it with you all.
J is for jolly- she'll put a smile on your face,
E is for energetic - she keeps up the pace,
A is for artistic, is that a surprise?
N is for nature, a feast for her eyes.
   Put them all together they spell JEAN- she is Mt.  Carmel's Pastel Supreme!
Thank you Janis for this delightful poem.

A Ribbon Runs Through It

                                               A Ribbon Runs Through It  14 x 18  oil on canvas
One of my favorite subjects and colors as well. some years ago I needed a touch of color in a stilllife and added a ribbon, it is now a favorite touch to add especially to florals.  The movement  of the ribbon draws your eye around and back again. Hope this sparks your day.

July Storm Approaching

                                                                    July Storm Approaching
                                                                 5 x 7 inches oil on linen panel
Tired of weeding and frustrated with not having painted for a week or so, I looked at the sky and thought, perfect painting.  Dropped my hoe, ran into the studio and got my easel and paints out, in about 45 min. I had the painting done, storm passed over and more or less dissolved, and unfortunately I went back to weeding, feeling much better  having had a chance to push some paint around. Every once in awhile, these spur of the moments depict something elusive from a photo.