White Dog

Landscape, fits and starts

2012-01-23T20:04:00.001-05:00

no title

oil on canvas

24 x 36

This painting started as something different; eventually evolved to this. It changed because I didn't like where it was going. At all. ~~Unfortunately~~ Fortunately I don't have the beginnings painting documented. I was so frustrated with how the painting looked that I was going to put a coat of color over it and start fresh with an entirely new piece.

Instead I took a lithography pencil, palette knife, cut up credit card, an oil pastel, an old stiff paint brush and started drawing and scratching into the painting. Which felt very good.

I began to like what was happening. Energy was entering the piece.

I rode the coat-tails of that energy and kept painting, feeling right about the new direction.

In the end, I find myself looking at the painting often. Enjoying the layers of color, the leftover scratches and pencil marks.

Here is a close up which shows detail and the subsequent layering of color and texture that happened after I almost scrapped the painting.

Title ideas anyone?

Instant Gratification (what an artist does when she isn't painting)

2012-01-15T21:13:00.000-05:00

This Fall I got an I Phone and I've been having fun with it ever since. My kids have been a goldmine of information on how to use it along with introducing me to some interesting Apps. Two photo Apps I'm currentl messing around with are Instagram and Photosynth. All of the photos displayed here are modified using Instagram and some are taken first with Photsynth and then reworked in Instagram. For those of you who aren't familiar with either of these apps; Photosynth takes multiple shots to create a panorama and Instagram is a little program which provides filters and some smudging tools to modify photos. It also provides the square format seen here.

West Woods

Instagram Photo

Wacky Photo

Photosynth modified with Instagram

Tree Heart

Instagram Photo

Larry

Instagram Photo

Fingers

Photosynth Photo

Windowsill

Photosynth Photo modified with Instagram

Wacky Feet

Photsynth Photo modified with Instagram

Good Night Moon

Instagram Photo

Equine Pair

Instagram Photo

Table Top

Photosynth Photo modified with Instagram

When I take the Photosynth Photos, I don't take them the way they're supposed to be taken. Normally, as the camera pans across the view, the camera clicks in succession thus taking a panoramic, 3-d picture. I move the camera up, down, sideways, anywhich way, overlap...so I can get strange accidents. Then through Instagram I zoom in on an interesting composition and continue from there using Instagram filters.

Who'd a thought an I phone could be so much fun?

By the way, If you have a smart phone and download either of these apps, they're free! Plus you can follow me on Instagram...and I can follow you. Fun : ))

200

2011-12-20T19:47:00.000-05:00

This is the 200th post for Orion Art at White Dog Studio! It's true!

I've been looking over my blog from when I entered blogland on June 23, 2007 to the present. At times an art journal and at times a personal journal, either way I've enjoyed sharing my thoughts, ideas and art in this space. For a while I considered closing this blog, mostly because I couldn't give it the time I felt it deserved. But, when I realized it was ok; that I don't have to be a daily blogger or even a weekly blogger. No rules. I can just blog, whenever...allow for the ebb and flow of life.

Here's to more posting, paintings and life!

Last week my AP Studio Art Class finished up a unit which incorporated the figure into textural acrylic paintings. My goal was to utilize some figure drawings they'd done while exploring surface texture on canvas. We used acrylics, gesso, newspaper, mediums added to the acrylics, pencils. Individuals added whatever other media they felt inspired to add. They scratched into the paints and added to the paints. While working the students were thoroughly engrossed in the process and I believe they are happy with the results.

Here's a few of the student works:

This last one is what I produced.

I really had fun playing with the textures, juxtaposing flat areas against raised portions. The color palette was toned down and limited compared to what I usually use.

Until # 201, wishing all a season filled with Peace and Love!

An Outpouring

2011-12-10T21:05:00.000-05:00

Light Behind

Oil on Canvas

30 x 40

Thanks to a couple of shows this December, a beautiful barn down the road and the incredible Autumn light, I had a painting outburst that from which I produced four paintings that I'm really happy with.

Light Behind is just what the title implies. As the shadows grew longer this fall, the light behind this barn was...well...so many things. A visual, soulful feast.

I've been soaking up the views of this barn for many years, but nothing emerged until now.

Glow

Oil on Canvas

30 x 40

Same barn, just zoomed out.

Red Sunset # 1

Oil on Canvas

22 x 28

The last two aren't of the barn, but instead are landscapes of nowhere in particular. My focus and goal was to work real loose using the canvas as an exploration in messing around with color and texture. With Red Sunset #1, I had lots of fun with layering colors, then scratching into the surface, then laying glazes on top, more scratching.

I haven't used glazing much in my paintings, so this was an interesting and different approach for me. I called it Red Sunset #1, because I enjoyed the process and end result enough that I plan on painting more red paintings. What is it with red lately? I think our taste or desire for certain colors is like food cravings. For the last few years, I've been using, loving and craving reds (especially raspberry reds) in my art and life.

Home Fields

Oil on Canvas

22 x 28

The second of the two landscape in my head paintings.

My apologies, the photo isn't the best.... but I think it relays the essence of the piece.

Products of workshops

2011-11-09T20:15:00.000-05:00

Long time no post. I think that's how all my posts will have to open these days.... For a number of reasons. A slow computer; which leads to frustration when I'm trying to do just about anything on it. I'm giving it a go tonight, hopefully with success. The school year has been busier than usual which has led to minimal time for artmaking and blogging.

However, I've had the chance to attend a few workshops and produce a few little pieces. I took my AP studio art students to a Plein Air workshop which was sponsored by our local Park District. The students spent a morning painting after time spent with local artists who shared their knowledge and experience of Plein Air painting with the group. The afternoon was spent critiquing results. It was a great day for the kids, I was happy with the work they did and I think they were too. While they were painting I took an hour or so to paint, producing this:

Last week I attended a workshop for art educators called Walking the Path. It was a chance for art teachers to spend time reconnecting with their creativity through yoga, journaling, introspection, creating art and interaction with one another. For the art component we were given a slice of wood from a fallen tree, a myriad of art materials; including paint, pastels, glue, hammer, chisels, nails, wire, string, yarns, fabrics and much more. From this we created a piece which reflected where we are on our path--art path, life path, educator path---at this point in time. I produced this:

I began this post on Sunday, today is Wednesday. I was only able to upload the first image and then the computer froze. Urggg. But, I was able to upload the last two pics tonight. I was hoping to post one more pic, but the computer isn't in the mood. Again. harumph! Oh, well, some other time : )

It's Been a While

2011-09-04T22:36:00.001-04:00

There has been lots and lots happening at Orion White Dog Studio. Where to begin?

As of the last post, things were being wrapped up for the show at BAYarts. The show went well, 3 paintings were sold, including the one shown here.

The staff at BAYarts is fantastic, a special Thank You to Erin who invited me to have this show, then tremedously promoted the show along with hanging the work beautifully; showcasing every piece. Somehow I managed to paint about 20 new paintings this summer. Phew! Lots of time spent outdoors painting in the morning and the evenings. Every minute and brushstroke wellspent. Even when the brushstrokes were off, still valuable.

Yesterday, I picked up the work from BAYarts and brought some of it along with some paintings from home to Carnegie Kitchen and Dining. The owner of the restaurant asked me a while ago if I'd like to hang my work in his restaurant; which opened this year. The food is wonderful and so is the atmosphere. Now that 25 paintings are hanging on the walls, well.... I really do love how my paintings look! My son, daughter and sister helped me hang the work yesterday. (Thanks : )) It took a few hours, but the Cleveland Air Show was going on while we were hanging, so we were entertained by the Thunderbirds flying over the entire time. I love to watch them!

I was planning to put a few more photos of the paintings hanging at Carnegie Kitchen and Dining, but this old laptop isn't obliging my request. To see more, if you're a Facebooker, go to this link: Carnegie Kitchen and Dining and you'll be at their FB page.

What else? Oh, yeah. Here's a link to an online magazine called ARTZINE that covered the Natural Light: Paintings by the Ohio Plein Air Society exhibit at the Riffe Gallery in Columbus in which I have 5 works included. The show is very, very nice, tastefully curated and the space is full of light which makes all the beautiful paintings even more beautiful.

School has been back in session since August 16th, so there hasn't been much time to paint. But the days and weeks are developing a rhythm which will allow for some personal art time. I'll go out in the next few weeks to sketch, paint and gather information for some paintings that are resting for now in my imagination.

Last, my apologies to my fellow bloggers. I've been reading your blog posts, but haven't been able to leave comments. I don't know if it's my laptop or Blogger. I've installed some updates, so we'll see what happens. I'm following you! Just not saying much : )

Four to Go

2011-08-07T16:24:00.000-04:00

Windowsill II

10 x 12

oil on panel

This is the final piece I painted for the BAYarts Exhibit. This and the second to last painting ended up being paintings of my kitchen windowsill, thanks to my right knee. I strained it about a month ago and it got progressively worse until it was extremely uncomfortable and painful to walk far. So, no going out in the field for this painter. C'est la vie! On the bright side the knee is getting better.

Also on the bright side, the two windowsill paintings turned out to be bright, fresh and colorful. I just loved painting the light, the shadows and the rich colors of the fruit.

The opening for "Summer Color" is Friday, August 12th at BAYarts in Bay Village, from 7- 9 pm.

The show runs through August 31st.

Three to Get Ready

2011-07-11T12:17:00.000-04:00

Orchard Path

Oil on panel

6 x 8

This little piece was painted last Friday morning, another one for the show at BAYArts this August.

This photo doesn't do enough justice to the juiciness of the paint application nor to the beauty of the colors. The painting 'happened' after I spent an hour fixing another painting--which is so-so. I guess I needed to loosen up.

Two for the Show

2011-07-05T16:08:00.003-04:00

This summer's paintings are being generated for a solo exhibition in August at BAYArts. I'm painting like a madwoman, trying to create works that are energetic, colorful and ideally with a focus on morning and evening light. The show is titled SUMMER COLOR, I know I'll get the color part down, since I really do love working with lots of color.

This one was completed last week. It's a view from our property looking at my neighbors barns, which were built by my husband's grandfather.

Yaro and Yaro

Oil on Canvas

16 x 24

Sky Song

Oil on Canvas

30 x 40

Springtime to Summer

2011-06-24T17:41:00.001-04:00

April

24 x 30

Oil on Canvas

Okay. Hello.

It's been quite a while, but here's some paintings!

( I wish I had posted sooner. I've missed posting! Things, stuff, and busy-ness interfered : ) )

The one above was started at the end of April when the first bright yellowy lime greens were happening in the leaves, contrasting against the reds and browns of the tree bark and leftover winter/fall color.

Russell Park I

8 x8

Oil on Canvas

Russell Park II

8 x 8

Oil on Canvas

These two were completed last week at one of the local parks. They've been donated to BAYArts in Bay Village, Ohio for a fundraiser to raise money for their art education program. The show is titled 553. 500 artworks for $50.00 each, sold in 3 hours. All artworks are 8 x 8 inches in size. It should be an interesting show to see.

I went to Marco Island and I saw....

2011-04-11T20:55:00.000-04:00

a really cool bug. what is it?

beautiful shells.

brown pelicans.

peaceful sunsets on the Gulf of Mexico.

On a side note and a sad note, before we left we had to say goodbye to an old friend. Little Kitty was with us for 18 years. Here she is with her new pal Larry. Larry has been acting oddly since she left, animals really do know, don't they?

1. an ice storm 2. a snow storm 3. a dead computer

2011-02-25T15:21:00.000-05:00

1. Sunday night an ice storm hit Ohio. From Sunday night until Wednesday morning we didn't

have power. Despite the inconvenience of not having electricity, there were bright spots too. Sitting by the fire at night, reading by flashlight/candlelight. We have a generator, so we had one lamp and two space heaters running. And of course coffee too, unplug the space heater, plug in the coffee.

The real gift was the day after the ice storm when the sun came out. Magic. My students said it looked like Narnia. Trees covered in ice, fleshing them out as if they had grown white foliage. Incredible. The ice stayed for days, beautiful the whole time.

Snow Storm Painting

Oil on canvas

36 x 48

2. Last night (Thursday) a snow storm blew through Ohio. Still blowin' now. The plus is a snow day! The downside of that is it's our 7th calamity day this year, which means we have to make up days missed as we're over the limit. I started this painting a few weeks ago, finished it today, or almost finished it. The snow is blowing hard out there with intermittent calm spells.

What I enjoyed about painting this was painting snow, which I rarely do. The variety of grays, blues, yellows, pinks, purples, violets. hmmmm. yum. All in muted grays. A beautiful challenge.

3. Our laptop died last week. I'm working on an old laptop of my daughter's. (Thanks, Ali) I adjusted the value and colors of the painting a little bit, but I don't think this photo does the painting justice. I like it better in real life. But maybe this laptop isn't showing me a good image? I just took another picture of the painting and made some adjustments and it looks better. Plus I took some closed ups showing the lovely grays. But...this laptop isn't cooperating and I can't upload the image! Oh, well. maybe another time.

I hope we can revive our laptop enough so I can recover pictures and music I have stored on it! I have some things backed up, but unfortunately not everything.

Dabbling with abstraction...Paintovers

2011-02-13T17:41:00.000-05:00

Well, it had been so darn cold and snowy here for such a long time that it was...just sapping our energy.

While it was cold, I had the desire to paint but no particular subject in mind. But there were colors all jumbled up inside my head. I took some old landscapes and did a few paintovers.

oil on canvas

12 x 16

love the colors here, the shapes too.

oil on canvas

16 x 20

I left some landscape elements in this one. When I started this, the colors were driven by a new color I bought, Van Gogh, Azo Red Light.

Oil on Canvas

20 x 20

Not sure about this one. I plan to draw into it more, might change some color. Might paint the entire painting over! Who knows?

Figure Unit

2011-02-07T18:23:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again, when I spend a week or so with the AP students drawing and painting the figure. I love this unit! I forget how much I enjoy drawing/painting people until I sit down with the kids and draw.

So here's a sampling of my figure studies:

Lesson two.

Double portrait. Emphasis on contour line using waterbased marker, then value/form emphasis by adding water to the marker lines plus watercolor washes.

Lesson four.

Acrylic washes to lay in values, then worked into with oil pastels.

Lesson two.

Water based marker, contour line drawing, watercolor washes for values/form.

Lesson three.

Broad washes with watercolors on yupo paper (nice hard polypropylene paper, very smooth finish; leading to real cool effects with the watercolors) laying in lights and darks, then working in the details as needed. The students came up with some beautiful results on this one.

For lesson one we spent the classtime (about an hour and 15 min) exploring gesture drawings using charcoal and conte crayon; we moved from quick gestural studies to longer poses.

Finally, just for fun...this picture of Larry, who says hello!

Hi, it's me...here's something new

2011-01-17T17:19:00.000-05:00

Ok, so it's been ages since I posted and I bet everyone has been chomping at the bit. Waiting. And waiting.
I flatter myself...hmmm.
I have been reading other blogs, gaining insights, laughs and good ideas. (Hallie, you are my laugh place, you make my day and mood lighter) Just laying low, taking a time out, I guess. Reading. Resting in the winter quiet. It is comforting and soothing to nestle into the dark and cold winter nights with a good book or a movie. Popcorn, hot tea.

I have been working on a few paintings and have this one image to post, the others are in different stages of done or not done or going to the paint over pile.

This painting is derived from a photo I took this summer of a row of trees that intrique me. Every time I drive by, I look at them. Year round. I'm not sure what kind of trees they are; I think they're some type of poplar or willow. I took artistic license with how they really look and put my own spin on things. I was going for the light around and behind the trees, which is what grabs me whenever I see these trees.

With a nod and a thank you to Iona, who mentioned "Singing Trees" as a name for my last painting that I posted, I'm calling this "All Singing".

Larry loves Snow and so do I!

2010-12-06T18:18:00.000-05:00

It looks like snow is on the way. Will you put on your red boots? Let's go out and play.

This is great! Tail up!

I love SNOW!

Masked!

No Name Yet

Oil on Canvas

30 x 40

I love snow because I got a day off. I got to play with Larry and finish this painting. Well, I think it's finished. It might get a little tweaking here and there.

and What?

2010-11-04T20:11:00.000-04:00

This image wouldn't come up for the last post so it's flying solo.

This started as a demo with my AP Studio Art for a media play day using acrylics. I added some newspaper, inda ink, and oil pastels. Some areas of the surface are textured with gesso and then parts are scraped away. All to get the kids to loosen up and play! Experience the media. It worked, the students produced some nice, loose images--no preconceived ideas or expectations.

Boxed In, Bobwhite Quail and What?

2010-11-02T21:33:00.000-04:00

I call this one Boxed In (how I felt). This started as a demo piece for Media Play Day in my AP Studio Art class. We were messing around with acrylics that day, I ended up adding india ink and oil pastels. What began as shapes, mark making and color applications led to this image. It had been a very full and hectic couple of weeks and I was beginning to feel boxed in to the point where tension was settling in my shoulder blades---Not good! Thankfully artmaking is always therapeutic and such a release. Often revealing the truth!

This afternoon when I took the dog out, we came across four of these beautiful Bobwhite Quail in the yard. This is only the second time I've seen them on this property in our 14 years here. Two male, two female.

When I came inside I got a phone call from a person who had bought one of my paintings several years ago. He came across my card in his desk, looked up to where my painting was hanging, picked up the phone to call me and tell me how much he enjoys looking at the painting. What a great thing to do and on my end, so nice to hear!

The "and What? " section will have to be a ?. Blogger isn't letting me upload the last image.

Until next post.....

A Field Trip, an Exhibit at the Local Hospital

2010-10-11T20:53:00.000-04:00

Another teacher and I took a group of students on a field trip to the flats area of Cleveland. Some were photo students and others were AP Studio Art students. The kids took photos and did some sketching. In the spirit of the day, I brought along my camera and played at being a "photographer".

A sampling of my exhibit at Geauga County Hospital. There are a total of 24 paintings hanging and it looks wonderful. The work is hanging in a main corridor of the hospital; so it's getting plenty of viewing. I've gotten positive feedback on the show, so far!

Marblehead, Ohio~~Lakeside

2010-09-26T20:05:00.000-04:00

Lake Erie Through the Trees

Oil on Panel 2010

6 x 8

This is the view I painted last Sunday morning at the Marblehead Peninsula during the Ohio Plein Air Society Paintout. As mentioned in the last post, it took me a while to get in my groove, and I'm not sure if I ever really did. I loosened up by the time I got to this painting, (after a good night's sleep which helped the head cold turn the corner), but not to where I wanted to be.

Oh well. C'est la vie.

It was still beneficial practice learning to paint the colors of Lake Erie and so great to be with other painters.

HW Farber asked me what cornhole is in reference to the last post. Ahhh. Cornhole. How to explain it. For those of you who don't know what it is and those of you who do and would like some mild enternainment courtesy of my brother then you might like to visit here.

I'm not entirely sure where the game started, maybe southern Ohio. Very popular on college campuses, tailgating parties and parties in general. It is lots of fun, even the atheletically challenged (me) can play. It's just tossing a bean bag at a board with a hole in it. 1 point if the bag lands on the board, 3 for getting it in the hole. Play usually goes to 21.

Enjoy the video!

Phew! It's been a long time!

2010-09-20T20:59:00.001-04:00

Looking Toward Kelley's Island from Marblehead

Sept. 2010 Oil on Panel

6 x 8

It seems like ages since the last post, well...it has been a long time! So much has been goin' on that I don't know where to start.

In my little art world...I've taken a show down and put another one up. The new show is at our local hospital; Geauga County Hospital. The show is a part of what is called Art in the Mart which is a partnership between the Geauga Council for Arts and Culture and the hospital, along with a few other locations in the county. The set up at the hospital is great. The show space is in a main hallway, it is well lit and the hanging apparatus worked beautifully. The show went up like a breeze thanks to the wonderful help from the maintenance staff at the hospital. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my camera the day the show was hung, I'll get back over there soon, take some pics to share here. I think it looks great!

I spent this past weekend at the Marblehead Peninsula on Lake Erie where I participated in a Paint Out sponsored by the Ohio Plein Air Society. I arrived tired and with a head cold. The first day of painting generated some ho-hum results. The painting above is the third of the day, I was getting into my groove. The challenge was working with a new color pallette, Lake Erie isn't my normal subject matter! But the colors of the water were beautiful....grey greens, orangey yellows, it was fun just to mix the colors, put them down, then look up and see something new, something that had changed.

Sunday morning, I was rested and produced a better painting. No picture right now, but will take one soon.

OPAS does a great job sponsoring the paintouts. Lots of recognition for the artists who attended, about 50 or more. Monetary awards with a nice awards ceremony. I met and re-met a number of other painters. People attended from all over the state and even neighboring states. Its reassuring to meet others like me! (us!) Just hangin' out talking paint, easels, pochade boxes, admiring various paintings, you know--art stuff.

On the home front, we had our annual party, which entails lots of prep, lots of people, a cornhole tournament, yummy food (last year it was a pig roast), and lots and lots of fun. This year we turned it into a fundraiser for St. Augustine's Church which is the church my parents belonged to and several of my siblings are members. The church is known for its outstanding service to the people of Cleveland. They run a hunger center, minister to the deaf community, among countless other services to help people. I'm happy to say we had a great turnout, we threw a raffle into the mix, charged an entry fee, had live music and raised a nice donation for St. Augustine's.

Okay, enough!

Pics of more paintings next time!

Yellow Sky

2010-08-22T21:25:00.001-04:00

I painted this about a week and a half ago, it seems like another lifetime.

The days have been full since school started.

Once the routine settles in, I'll get out and paint some autumn scenes.

For now there's this. A sunset over a pond at Orchard Hills Park. The sky started as a pale blue, but as the light changed it morphed to yelllow. So beautiful.

So much to paint!

2010-08-09T15:03:00.000-04:00

These are all 6 x 8 plein air paintings. Most were completed in about an hour, give or take.

The negative space quest continues. When I pay strong attention to negative space, I am being visually challenged and stimulated. Wolf Kahn talks about bringing the background spaces forward, and playing with the balance between near and far spaces.

ahhhh. it's so exciting and all makes so much sense!

Where I've been, where I'll be.

2010-07-23T13:55:00.001-04:00

Since I started blogging my posts have been sporadic, sometimes I can post regularly and other times I post infrequently. Right now is an infrequent time.

Summer. Usually the time I can post alot. Not so this year.

I've been working on Curriculum writing. 2-4 hours for the last two weeks. Hopefully just one more week. (tedium)

where else and what else?

hangin' out with this little guy.

the laundry.

we're building the deck for the barn/studio. Yaaaay!!

and then there's the garden. growin' like crazy!

If I don't post...I'll be in the studio

painting

starting new paintings.

(just made arrangements to do a solo exhibit at our local hospital for this fall)

yikes! lots to paint and thankfully I've got lots of ideas!

While I may not post for a while, I'll be visiting your blogs, checking out what's happening in your lives and with your art!

A Peak at the Exhibit at The Flying Monkey Pub~New Landscape Paintings

2010-07-12T21:27:00.000-04:00

Last Friday was the Tremont Art Walk. I have 19 works on exhibit at The Flying Monkey Pub. What's fun about the Tremont Art Walk is that every business is open for the event. Art is everywhere, restaurants, pubs, galleries and shops. It was a warm, beautiful night and Tremont was packed with people. A bunch of us got together to see my work, have some fun and walk around a bit. Here's a sampling of some of my work that is hanging. It will hang until August 10th. If you're in Cleveland, or already live in the area, stop by and see the show.

New Puppy, New Painting

2010-07-07T21:10:00.000-04:00

Larry the Dog Sedivy

Last year in February we said goodbye to our best dog, Woody after spending 15 wonderful years together. It took a year or so before we began to think of having a dog around, although we still missed him. So much.

My daughter and I have been visiting the local shelters for a few months. Nothing grabbed our hearts. Then we met Larry. (His siblings were Curly and Mo).

He's been with us for a week and he is working his way into our hearts and home with all his puppy cuteness and personality. I've got a big space in my heart where Woody rests, but its funny how hearts work. Ours have opened up with ease and made space for this little guy.

Soft Morning

36 x 42

Oil on Canvas

Last year I worked on a commission which I struggled with the during the entire process. Nothing ever rang true, although I tried to convince myself otherwise. So, after the buyer wasn't interested in it, I covered it in red and waited for inspiration. Which came while I was out birding one soft morning. The day was foggy, soft and gorgeous. I took lots of reference photos.

This is what I came up with.

It's leaving tomorrow to hang in a solo exhibition in Tremont. (nice arty area in Cleveland)

And on that note, gotta run.....so much to do for the show!

Loosening Up

2010-06-29T20:38:00.000-04:00

Orchard Hills Park

6 x 8

Oil on Panel

Since summer vacation started I've gone out to the local parks to do some Plein Air painting. Each time out has been totally wonderful. I try to arrive around 7:30 or so and spend a few hours painting. Last time I painted two panels, with this one being the better of the two.

Last year I painted this:

I liked it for a while. Then I didn't. The composition really started bugging me. I loved the colors, the brushwork, but otherwise...blech. So I decided to do a paint over the other day. I zoomed in on the Orchard Hills painting.

Orchard Hills

Oil on Canvas

24 x 24

Now this, I really LOVE. Loosening up is soooo good.

Some details:

This is color I could just Eat!

Summer Vaca has started and I've hit the ground Running

2010-06-24T15:51:00.000-04:00

Orchard Hills 6 x 8
oil on panel

Where to begin? It's been so long since I've posted and there's so much to share and say. For now I'll share a few pics of some little paintings I worked on this week. The scenes were painted in a few different parks within the Geauga Park District. What has been intriquing and of great importance to me lately has been negative space. How it is used in an artwork. I love the abstract shapes that negative space creates.

Orchard Hills 6 x 8
Oil on Panel

It was fun to mush the sky up against the trees and to paint the pinks behind the trees.

Swine Creek Park 6 x 8

Oil on Panel

This started as a demo piece, waterbased oils on panel. I reworked it a smidge this morning (the demo was on Monday night) putting regular oils over the waterbased oils. Which works just fine. I also turned the painting upside down when I worked back into it. (I revisited this idea courtesy of a friend who often paints her work upside down--she's not standing on her head, the work is upside down :) )

The Rookery 6 x 8
Oil on panel

This is a painting from last summer that I was never felt was complete. So, since I was turning paintings upside down, this one was flipped and worked into. It's more intense than before, the colors and paint is getting nice and juicey.

Soft Morning

2010-05-24T21:29:00.001-04:00

Sunday morning birdwatching in a dense fog which formed a soft, muted landscape.

This gorgeous property (owned by Case Western Reserve University; a bio-field station of sorts) is about 15 minutes from my house and I've been interested in visiting it for quite a while, in hopes to find some new painting inspiration.When I was invited to bird there, I was quick to say yes. We didn't see many birds because of the fog, but we heard many. The morning was spent being totally enthralled with the mists and fog (must be my celtic roots), enjoying the good company of fellow birdwatchers and when the sun broke through...well, then we did see birds, birds and more birds!

Oh, I'll go back to paint this summer. Eight more days of school!!

Portals

2010-05-09T19:35:00.002-04:00

oil pastel on chip board

Colours are the wounds of Light ~ William Blake

as the anniversary date of my mother's passing (through her portal) arrives, i remember and miss her on this mother's day. (and all days)

the other portal, the doorway through which my father passed.

thankful to both of them for passing on the gifts.

For the love and mystery of Birds.

2010-05-02T19:34:00.001-04:00

What started as a demo for a small face sculpture for my Ceramics One students evolved into this. It is part self portrait, not the bird part. I put the fingers and the crow on the piece to show the students ideas for adding other "stuff" to a face. I chose a crow because of the crows flying around outside the ceramics room window and because of my post in March about Crows.

The front of the face cracked off in the bisque fire. A fine example to the students of "do what I say, not do what I do"! I'm always cautioning them about hatching and slipping their work well and letting pieces dry thoroughly before we fire them.

But, as it turns out I like the cracked face and so did the students. A lesson learned in allowing mistakes/accidents to work for you.

For the assignment students were to integrate the front and back of the sculpture by making a connection with words, poetry, lyrics, a quote or any other way they could think of. This quote is from a book called The Poets Guide to the Birds, edited by Judith Ketchen and Ted Kooser.

It's like the first time you meet Someone

2010-04-25T20:29:00.000-04:00

When I draw or paint in a new place; especially one that is so different from what my eyes are familiar with, it feels like that first conversation you have with a person you've just met.
And if you like the place, its like knowing that you like the person you're talking to.
Newness, Curiosity. A need to know more.

Catalina Park, Tortolita Mountains

Pencil-Moleskin Sketchbook

Madeira Canyon Watercolor w/oil pastel in Moleskin Sketchbook

Madeira Canyon, Oil pastel, Moleskin Sketchbook

Watercolor on watercolor paper sketchbook

We spent an afternoon sketching/painting in Madeira Canyon where the Cottonwoods were the most luscious spring green. Except for birdsong, the breeze, and the sounds of my brush moving on paper all was quiet. I sat up on a hill, Muggsi down below. A few hours passed.

I've only begun to know the colors, shapes and the light of the Arizona desert. A mere aquaintance for now.

The White Dove of Desert

2010-04-22T20:48:00.001-04:00

On April 8th, Muggsi and I went to mass at the Mission San Xavier del Bac in honor of my mother's birthday. The church was built by the Jesuits in 1783. Architecturally soft on the outside.

Oh, and the morning light.

Inside, marvelous statues. And dark...such contrast to the bright desert light outside.

The Mass was lovely. A mix of Indians (the church is situated on a reservation), tourists and locals attended the mass. Sitting in this beautiful space, remembering my mother on her birthday was peaceful.

Arizona and Back

2010-04-14T20:19:00.066-04:00

Last week's visit to Arizon was Magic. For the names alone...

Madeira Canyon

Sonoran Desert

(Fallen ) Saguaro

Cholla

Ocatilla

A Shell of What?

Prickly Pear (mystery hole)

Muggsi and Me (on Henry Moore rocks)

The desert was in full bloom the week I visited. Mexican Poppies, Lupine, Mariposa Lilies....flowers I'd never seen before. All the cacti were flowering or beginning to flower. According to the residents of Tucson this has been a banner year for the wildflowers, due to the large amounts of rain they've experienced this spring.

Speaking of things I'd never seen before, how about 25 life birds!! Vermilion Flycatcher, White Throated Swift, Mexican Jay, Canyon Towhee, Flame Colored Tanageer (a rare bird from Mexico), Pyrrhuloxia, Yellow Eyed Junco...to name a few. And of course RAVENS galore! Love 'em!

My apologies for my blogger Faux Paux! A big oops :)

I started posting a few days ago, got sidetracked, posted briefly, then decided to redo the post...it got late, I got tired, and no post. It's not you, it's me!

Following a Dream

2010-04-04T23:11:00.000-04:00

Leaving HERE

to go

HERE

You can go HERE for the backstory. Five days/nights of sunshine and starlight... hiking, birdwatching, sketching, sleeping and being in the desert. Catching up with a friend!

What Looks Like a Stormy Day

2010-03-25T17:53:00.000-04:00

At an apple orchard last Fall I took this picture with my cell phone. What I love about cell phone images is the distortion that occurs. For the last few years I've been using cell phone pics as reference material for paintings. Because the images are "bad photos" there is less to be tied to when I start painting.

Stormy Day

Acrylic, Oil Pastel, water-based Oil on board.

18 x 24

For this week's lesson in Ap Studio Art each student is using their own cell phone pics as reference for a painting. For a ground we're using backing board (used in matting art work), then a gestural pencil sketch , followed by an acrylic wash to lay in general color and values. After the wash the students can either continue with an acrylic painting or begin working on to of the acrylic in oil pastels.

For mine I started in acrylics, began working in oil pastel, then because it seemed better to work in oils; I used water based oils along with the oil pastels. Kind

of a back and forth thing with the oils and oil pastels.

So now I've opened up the oils option to the students. The assignment is due next class, I'll post the pics soon after. They're doing great so far, it'll be interesting to see where they end up!

Barn

2010-03-14T21:09:00.003-04:00

Art's Barn Oil on Canvas (16 x 20)

A couple of summers ago, my sisters and I visited a friends home which is an old farm situated on a pretty piece of land about 15 minutes from home. I took several reference photos that day, with every intention of getting back to spend some time painting on site. I never did.

Every so often I'd come across the photos. Last week I began this painting of her barn and I finished it today. It's such a great old barn, kinda weathered and falling apart. Most intriquing to me is the opening from the door in front through the back door, you can see through to the view behind the barn. The whitish rectangle in the painting is the opening. In my reference photo the view is from back to front so the white I've shown is actually her house.

That day carried the weight of summer-- heavy with moisture plus the sounds of a summer afternoon. Looking through that opening, the negative space was the frame for the sensations of that day.

This summer I'll paint en plein air at her house, painting the view through the opening to the back.

(Linda if you're reading this, can I come and paint at your house again?)

Painting in Acrylics~~~Haven't used them in a while!

2010-03-06T20:41:00.000-05:00

Acrylic on Canvas 24 x 24

While the students were painting their figure paintings I painted this portrait of one of the student models. We've been using acrylics for this assignment. Its been a while since I completed a painting in acrylic. Wow, sooo different than working in oil. I didn't realize how accustomed I am to using oils.
I started painting with acrylics when I was in college; which is when I discovered how much I love painting. I also painted with oils, but I didn't begin to truly 'get' oils until the last 10 years or so; when I dedicated all of my painting to oil painting.
I only used water to move the acrylics, so they were drying quickly...at times good, and at times frustratingly bad. I could have used a medium to push the flow and moisture of the paint. Hindsight is 20/20!
I enjoyed painting with the acrylics and loved painting a person.
Yesterday I used acrylics as an underpainting for a large oil landscape. The results so far are exciting.

For the love and mystery of Crows

2010-03-01T20:15:00.001-05:00

About ten years ago I had a dream about a crow sitting on my left shoulder. I sculpted this terracotta piece after having the dream. (it fell off a shelf a few years ago, excuse the cracks and glue!) I wrapped a Great Blue Heron around my back and shoulder.

I included a computer drawn image of the dream in the center of a collage, the image shown above is zoomed in.

After talking about crows in my last post and I found that there is a kindred feeling many of us share towards them. I love their smart, canny ways. The crowish way they move and walk. That certain tilt to the head.

Crow lovers know what I mean and could add much more.

So I got to thinking about the crows I have at home in my own art or others.

My Picasso postcard from the Cleveland Museum of Art, of Woman with Crow. (One of my most favorite paintings!)

My stuffed felt crow made by the woman who runs the fabric shop out in Amish country.

I have more crows in garden art, on ceramic pieces from other artists...I wasn't aware of my crow volume until I took stock!

Thinking about it even more, crows are used in art quite often. Leafing through art magazines, you can find crow imagery frequently. Ubiquitous. Why? Is this part of our Collective Unconscious?

Not a crow, but a raven from a larger painting of mine. Now there's a bird I love and I've never seen one! But I will.

What's your crow story? Do you have crows in your art?

Of Snow, Turkeys and Crow

2010-02-28T21:09:00.000-05:00

While driving home from work as the big snowstorm started up, a flock of about 28 turkey crossed the road.

The next day they were in my yard under the bird feeder.

The crows have been eluding my camera until I snuck this shot through the kitchen window.

Every morning they visit the feeder around 9.

They amaze me with their quickness; everytime I try to take a picture, they detect the slightest movement or sound and they're off.

Student Works--Fruits

2010-02-24T20:23:00.000-05:00

In my last few posts I've been sharing the teaching process behind the Figure Unit being presented in my AP Studio Art classes. Featured above are a sampling of the fruit paintings which I mentioned in the last post. I chose to have the students spend a few days painting simple forms in order to prep them for the painting the figure. The focus was on color mixing and better acquainting themselves with the handling of acrylics along with really studying form. We talked about shapes, not only of the fruits but of the areas of color around the fruit made through the light and shadows.
Currently they're painting the figure and doing a fine job! Tomorrow is the last day of painting, so pics will be posted soon.

Student Work --- Figure Drawing Unit

2010-02-23T19:46:00.001-05:00

We've spent the last few weeks studying the figure in my AP Studio Art class. We started with quick gesture drawings and worked up to longer sessions with the model. The students spent about 2 hours on these drawings. I feel like a proud mother showing off their work...I am proud of them! These kids are the cream of the crop and I'm so pleased with the results of this unit so far. After we finished these drawings, I set up simple fruit arrangements for acrylic painting studies. Inspired by blogger Lisa Daria's compositions, we painted fruit for two days. The sole intention was:

seeing value and developing form
color mixing
zooming in on the subject matter

The compositions were painted on toned ragboard. While not 100% visually dynamic, the goals were reached. I saw the students mixing colors in a broad range of values and hues and the compositions were interesting.

After studying fruit forms, the students are back to figure work; my hope being that they'd bring what they'd learned painting fruits to the figure work. They're painting the figure using acrylics, successfully developing form and good compositions. So far, so good! The real plus is the kids are really enjoying the painting process. The paintings will be posted as soon as they're done.

Figure Drawing Unit

2010-02-21T20:16:00.000-05:00

While teaching my students different approaches to figure drawing, I took some time to draw along with them. We started with quick gesture studies that led to longer sessions with the models--the students take turns modeling. The model sat for about an hour for this session; the students produced some beautiful works; which I'll post soon.

Book Art

2010-02-10T19:32:00.001-05:00

Playing with neutrals. Elimination of text on the right page balances the added text of the Peterson Field Guide on the left page. The page corners are cut and rounded.

Collaging with string and a bead. The torn area beneath the bead was a good accident.

After I got my first digital camera, I was taking pictures with reckless abandon. I found this toad nestled in some rocks. I printed it on paper from Nepal that a friend gave me. The photo has been sitting in the piles of collage "stuff" for a while.

(click on photos to enlarge)

More Book Art

2010-02-08T19:57:00.001-05:00

For this post I chose some of my favorites from the book plus the ones with similarities in style.
With the exception of the second picture, they all feature the odd figures that I've been drawing/painting for about the last ten years. I'm not sure where they come from, but they happen on pots when I glaze, in sketchbooks and sometimes in paintings. To me they're universal symbols--part of the collective unconscious I guess. I feel they represent a sense of joy or lightness.

The lefthand side of the second picture is a dream image--my house was on fire with a moon overhead. (On the right hand side, I was just drawing legs!)

oil paint, oil pastel, fabric, old peterson field guide, pencil, colored pencil, thread

Book Art

2010-02-05T16:45:00.000-05:00

As I said in the previous post, this book began as a place to wipe my brushes while I painted. I picked up this idea from another artist who will use her sketchbooks in this fashion, which I've been doing for a few years now. For me having color already on the page is a good starting point for sketching into and lends itself to playfulness and a lack of inhibition.
The book making was an organic, intuitive process. Each page grew on its own and at first there wasn't a relationship between the pages. I'd just open a page and start working on what moved me, either the brush marks I'd made or the text in the book.
These are pages 2, 3 and 4.

watercolor, string, photographs, photocopies, oil pastel, assorted paper

Book Art

2010-02-03T20:41:00.004-05:00

PEACE

During the months of November, 2009 through the start of February, 2010 The Geauga County Park District held The DiscARTed Art Show revolving around the theme of recycling. Artists submitted a range of works from stringed instruments made from cigar boxes (a bluegrass band played them the night of the opening), to lamps, jewelry, wall art, huge iron sculptures......

I submitted this book.

Last spring our school librarian was getting rid of boxes and boxes of books, to make room for more computers. (I've got mixed feelings about that.)

I took many of the books for conversion to Art; for both me and my students. The book I reworked was from a series called THE GREAT IDEAS. Full of writings by philosophers of whose work I know next to nothing. The first page (shown above) includes some of the names; Cervantes, Descartes, Spinoza, Newton, Locke, Hume. Faraday--these last three names are significant for any LOSTIES out there!

When I started with the book this summer, I used the pages in a random fashion for wiping my excess paint from my brushes. Which then becomes a nice start for sketching, painting or collaging on.

What you see here is the Front Cover and the inside cover (p. 1)

Collage, oil paint, oil pastel, photographs, string.

Likenesses

2010-01-30T19:23:00.002-05:00

As we're settled deep in the heart of midwinter; the red Hibiscus is blooming against the backdrop of white. It struck me with its likeness to the canvas I was prepping for a new life.

(the hibiscus is one I brought in for the winter, its leaves are a bit scraggly right now, but it just started blooming one flower at a time.)

Art Show Openings are Fun!

2010-01-18T18:15:00.001-05:00

Last Friday night BayArts in Bay Village, Ohio hosted the opening to their Faculty Exhibit. My sister and daughters (shown here) along with other friends came to see the show. The exhibit featured works in a variety of media from faculty who've taught there over the years. Although I haven't taught a class yet, I will be this summer; it was great to be included with this wonderful bunch of artists. We had a great time!

Continuing the story of the commission painting, the buyer wasn't interested in the painting for all the reasons that I knew in the back of my mind. She felt that something was lost in the transtlation from small to large. She loves my work, but this wasn't it for her.
About halfway through painting it, I had considered starting over. But I pushed through, kinda started getting "it", but never to my satisfaction. When I brought it to the gallery and I was looking at it, I could see plain as day that I wasn't happy with it. For the sake of integrity, I'm glad it went this way. I love the diptych, which I'll try to sell. The other.....GESSO and a new life!

A Few Pics from the Land of Ice and Snow

2010-01-11T21:33:00.000-05:00

The snow has been spectacular in its volume and beauty.

Exquisite!!!

Sandhill Cranes

2010-01-06T18:06:00.001-05:00

Last night I dreamed of five Sandhill Cranes ascending from a field as I drove by with my family. The kids were little.

When I woke from the dream, I was reminded of the first time I saw Sandhill Cranes while birdwatching near Lake Erie in 1998. Two cranes were riding the thermals and wheeling in circles with several Turkey Vultures. In 1998, my children were small and the time I had for art was piecemeal. Collaging and monoprinting were my media of choice at the time. Collaging more so due to the ease with which I could start and stop working on a piece.

The collage featured above was inspired by my first Sandhill Crane sighting. It is titled Grus Canadensis Dance. (grus canadensis is the latin name for sandhill cranes) Cranes have a courtship ritual which involves an elaborate dance which includes head bobbing, bowing and leaping. I'd love to see that!

Woo Hoo! The commission is done!

2010-01-03T16:01:00.000-05:00

Commission Painting

42 x 36

Diptych version of Commission Piece

42 x 36

Finally! The top painting is the commission painting I've been wrestling with for the last few months. I'm fairly satisfied. I'll send the image to the gallery owner, she can show it to the buyer. After that, who knows, either she likes it or not. The background trees are more purple than blue. I made some value adjustments in the sky and in the background trees.

I love the diptych, which I'll send along with the other. Again the blues are more purple. The center horizontal line is a vivid pinkish orange--melon. It is bolder line than the photo depicts.

On a weather note, it has been snowing all day and night. Snowing to beat the band! I measured at 11:00 and there were 13 inches on the ground. 5 hours later, I'm guessing 18 inches or so.

Audubon Christmas Bird Count

2010-01-01T20:10:00.002-05:00

8 am

coffee

an angel

winged greeting

lone trees windblown drifted

amish country barns shocks of hay

some birds seen

Bald Eagle

Pileated Woodpecker

Belted Kingfisher

Red Tailed Hawk

Red Shouldered Hawk

Bluebirds

24 species total

Lots of laughs, oatmeal cookies, muffins, slippery roads, pork roast dinner when I got home!

Dream Chapel

2009-12-31T10:52:00.001-05:00

Last week I dreamed of the shape of a church or a chapel against a dark sky with a light glowing foreground. The chapel shape literally seemed to glow and shimmer against the sky.

I like to think of this shape as a Sanctuary. Which according to Dictionary.com is among many definitions; a sacred or holy place, a place of refuge, asylum.

I'm reading Sue Monk Kidd's new book, Traveling with Pomegranates. Sue Monk Kidd is one of my favorite writers and I'm so happy to be immersed in her new book which is co-written with her daughter Ann Kidd Taylor. What I like about her writing/thinking is through her various quests to gain understanding about areas like the Feminine Divine or The Black Madonna is the honor she gives symbols in her life. Whether they be from dreams or 'chance' encounters.

I've been thinking about the chapel image from my dream. The word Sanctuary is meaningful. What shall I place in this holy, sacred Sanctuary? Why have a Sanctuary?

To have a place of refuge, not a place to hide, but a place of serenity. A place to lay out ideas, joys, sorrows, dreams, laughter, troubles.

Happy New Year!

Painting from a Dream

2009-12-29T18:44:00.001-05:00

About a week ago, I dreamed of a landscape somewhat like this. It had a mauve sky, and a dark green treeline. I don't recall the foreground so I improvised.

(In real life this painting's sky is more of a mauve, the camera doesn't relay the color accurately.)

oil on panel 8 x 16

A Legacy from my Father (Christmas Gifts)

2009-12-28T19:53:00.011-05:00

My Dad wouldn't like it if I was "making a fuss" over his work. But, I have to! I love his drawings. As far back as I can remember, he was always sketching, especially comics. He created characters and played around with the punchlines. He taught us how to draw our own comic characters. There was a steady supply of scrap paper and pencils on hand. My sisters drew paper dolls and designed outfits for them.

My Dad went to The Cleveland School of Art before it became The Cooper School of Art (now closed) for a year. Then our family started growing, so he set aside art school but he continued with a lifelong interest in art and in bettering his skills. About 15 years ago, he took a pen and ink class at BayCrafters (now BayArts) in Bay Village, Ohio. The works shown here were produced during and after he took the class. He loved Pen and Ink! After Dad died, I was given his sketchbooks. This year for Christmas I framed 8 of his drawings and gave one to each of my siblings, keeping one for myself. I loved how they turned out and I wanted to keep all of them! The hard part was deciding who should have which piece. Eventually I fugured it out; matching the drawings to personalities and interests. It was so exciting to give everyone their drawings and see their reactions! Which were wonderful!!

Skeleton in the Classroom

2009-12-21T18:24:00.001-05:00

This friendly fellow (seems male to me, don't know why) is part of a still life that is set up for my AP Studio Art Students. I decided to work alongside the students.

What I re-learned....Sketetons are hard to draw!!

The one on the top is done in watercolor and oil pastel on gessoed backing board and the Smiling Fellow is done in waterbased oils and oil pastel.

Collage in 3-D

2009-12-19T19:50:00.002-05:00

This artwork was created for the DiscARTed show at the Geauga Park District. I could only submit two entries and I made four. The two that were entered are a cigar box which I call Bird Box and a book which I altered with collage, painting, stitching and sketching. Pictures will be posted when the show comes down in January.
For this one I assembled pieces and parts of old paintings, collage materials, and plexiglass. It's mounted on a stretcher frame from an old canvas. The little popsicle stick figures were made by my daughter when she was about ten years old. They're meant to symbolize us--the human race, the owl represents wisdom. I placed the people behind the plexiglass with the idea that it represents a barrier. The barrier for when we aren't connected to earth. The circle in the background symbolizes the circle of life, our life path. The hands are painted with symbols which I read about in a National Geographic magazine. Hand prints were discovered on a cave ceiling in a remote area of Papua New Guinea. They are ancient and thought to be ceremonial, ritual handprints of an ancient culture. The amazing thing is that each handprint was painted with a different symbol. Who knows what they represent?
So I was trying to link the ancient world with the 21st century (popsicle stick people); the birds represent our beautiful earth and the inhabitants of the natural world. The Owl being wisdom, linking the old with Now. My prayer is that we are wise enough to honor and love our earth.

Gray Day

2009-12-13T20:46:00.002-05:00

After spending an hour or more working on this; the commission piece that is taking its good old time reaching any sort of resolution, I switched over to a fast painting over an old painting.

(a side note about the commission: the buyer saw one of my smaller paintings (8 x 10) that is soft and moody. She wants a larger work, about 42 x 36--soft and moody. At this point, I'm beginning to get the softness, but its been a challenge to take what is so easy to capture in a small piece and bring it to a large format. There are some compositional kinks I'm working on, and I'm struggling with the trees in front.)

Today was a Gray Day. Rain, rain and more rain.

The fast painting over the old painting is below. I plan to work some lighter grays into the sky.

I like to paint Gray Days. I find it a good challenge to capture just the right colors for gray sky.

(my camera hasn't captured the colors with accuracy)

We were driving to a Christmas dinner at dusk. The white barns in sillouhette against the white sky were striking. After painting for several hours today, my seeing eyes were charged up. I wanted to turn the car around and go home to paint the white on white.

From Here to There (sketch to painting)

2009-12-06T20:45:00.001-05:00

This summer I spent a few days with my sisters at the beach in Vermilion, Ohio on the shores of western Lake Erie. I sketched a bit one afternoon, loving the variety of blues in the water.

For the last two weeks while "trying" to paint a commission piece--which isn't going so well--I started and finished the painting above. I usually work on a couple of pieces at the same time, if a painting is too wet, I'll move to another. It also keeps my energy for the paintings fresh. This time I think I was using other paintings to avoid the commission, but also in hopes that I could take my enjoyment from the other works and infuse it into the commission. So far its not working. ugh. Fortunately there isn't a huge rush on the commission and I plan to get to it when I figure out what is blocking my creativity. (maybe I'll post a pic of what's happening so far)

So about the sketch and painting pictured here. In the painting I ended up turning Lake Erie into a landscape. Initially I had painted water, but I came back to the canvas a day or so after the water was in and it kindof morphed into landscape--which I know so much better than water--simply because I don't see the Lake on a daily basis, whereas I do study my little corner of the world everyday.
I painted a few pieces this summer which have a similar composition to the painting above. I'm toying with the idea of painting a Horizon Line series. I love the meshing of color, verging on abstraction; still landscape.

How can We Eat THIS?

2009-11-25T16:16:00.000-05:00

My Pastry Chef daughter made this wonderful work of art for Thanksgiving dessert. YUM! Beautiful!!!

Plus pie? My not the pastry chef son (although, he did work with me as pie maker's assistant when I was a pie maker) is making two apple pies and I'm making two pumpkin pies.

Gluttons? Yes! Lots of people to help eat all the wonderfulness, yes!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Twenty Minute Challenge and a Bonus Bald Eagle

2009-11-22T19:07:00.005-05:00

Not such a clear picture of a Bald Eagle, but, I had to share it! My neighbor and I have decided to walk every trail in every park in our local park district; no set time limit for the walks or for when we complete the venture. It is serendepitous in plan, we go when we can, weather permitting. The mild November weather lingered for our walk today. As we emerged from the woods into a large open meadow, one bird flew by (Bald Eagle #1), a second followed. The second Bald Eagle rode the thermals for a long time. We lingered.

It seems I can't stop with the Twenty Minute Drawings. I'm loving it! Its great practice. The two shown here were done during AP Studio Art Class. It was a quiet day, the students were working with such intensity that I was able to sit (for the most part uninterrupted) and finish in twenty minutes. The top piece is oil on watercolor paper and the bottom was done in my sketchbook using mixed media; prismacolor markers, watercolors and pencil.

I guess I'd better enter The Twenty Minute Challenge soon.

Peace on a Sunny Day

2009-11-14T11:13:00.002-05:00

YES. on this sun filled day. easy to breathe peace.

peace

it doesn't mean to be in a place

where there is no noise, trouble or

hard work. it means to be in the midst

of those things and still

be calm in your heart.----unknown

(unfortunately i don't remember the name of the artist who made the awesome hand, but her work was innovative, expressive and spoke to me. the hand sits in front of my studio. love her work!)

Twenty Minute Challenge

2009-11-11T16:13:00.000-05:00

While visiting Arting Around in SOVA I read about The Twenty Minute Challenge that Katharine A. Cartwright has set up. I found the concept intriquing, enough that I sat for 20 minutes in two different art classes and produced these sketches. The students were busily engrossed with monoprinting, so I let them fly while I sat and worked. It was great fun to do this. My students were intriqued, they love to see their teacher draw and paint. Also it was a great exercise.

I plan to enter the The Twenty Minute Challenge in the near future, tomorrow if there is time in class, I'll paint a few acrylics.

Beginnings

2009-11-07T22:33:00.003-05:00

the show in tremont this fall led to a commission work. the buyer is interested in a large work. i started with some sketches, the first sketch was done this summer while sitting on the beach on Lake Erie. i didn't choose the sketch for the commission piece but i plan to use the sketch in for a painting in the future. i settled on the sketches done at a local park in here in geauga county. i toned the canvas in purples, usually i tone in reds. i thought this might lend an interesting effect. i sketched the basic shapes in reds. colors were then added in a broad, general way. next week i'll work into the paintings further, softening the brushwork.

the funny thing is, i don't intend to sell the buyer this painting; i don't think it's going in the direction she would like (weird how a painting assumes its' own identity) i have another one started, which i'll post soon, that i think will suit her tastes. right now its a poor sketch on canvas, i got so involved in this diptych that my art energy went solely into it, neglecting the other. often i work on two things or more simultaneously, in this case, the energy went where it needed to go!

Shadows, Monuments and Pillars

2009-10-25T20:05:00.006-04:00

On Friday, my AP Studio Art students and I took a field trip to some great Cleveland locales. I took these shots at Lakeview Cemetary.

Here's a few pics, I like the juxtaposition of the tree and the massive grave obelisk (I guess it is an obelisk or a huge grave marker.)

I had some fun with shadows inside the Garfield Monument.

Birds. It always comes back to birds.

2009-10-13T17:01:00.007-04:00

So, there isn't a title for this collage yet.

There is an Art show sponsored by our local park district using the theme "discARTed" as its basis for all entries.
The show was a motivation to finish what was started some time ago. I pulled out all of my collage stuff (lots and lots, eek...!)and was able to wrap this piece up.

It is about birds. The background uses part of a 1955 National Geographic article about a trip some ornithologists took to Papua, New Guinea, which turned out to be dangerous when they encountered the native people. Along with the danger, they were educated about a people who were a 'dying culture' The imagery features birds.
I'm seeking a parallel between dying cultures and species loss. But also, noting where we (the human race)have contributed to these losses.
I've got a couple of other collages/assemblages happening, with the same themes. It'll be tough to decide what to enter, since I can only enter two works.

The Barn got in the Way

2009-10-10T16:53:00.006-04:00

These poor Yellow Rumped Warblers flew into our barn/studio sometime overnight. We found them on the floor near the sliding glass doors this morning. There is a large barn door entrance on the front of the barn where they flew in. We covered the entrance so this doesn't happen again.

As I laid them to rest in a bed of pine needles and covering them in maple leaves, I could hear and see Yellow Rumped Warblers flitting in the tree branches above.

The Eternal Collage

2009-10-01T19:00:00.003-04:00

An eternal collage and I think I like it............
This piece (12 x 12 masonite panel) was started at least two years ago. Over time it has gone through several changes some subtle, some drastic.
It started as a demo piece for one of my AP Studio Art classes. I was messin' around with surface textures by using gesso in various ways; along with incorporating fabric and plastic wrap to show ways to build up a surface. From there we began collaging.
There was a point when I absolutely loved this piece, then I decided to make some changes. Ha. It went downhill.
I set it aside for a long while.
Picked it up a few months ago, worked back into it. Kept it around the studio, stared at it.
A few nights ago I added color and pattern. Its brighter than it was and I think I like it.

Landscapes~~Oil Studies

2009-09-29T18:59:00.008-04:00

When the Geode Gallery sent out the flier regarding my art show, within twenty minutes of sending it, the gallery owener received a phone call from an interested buyer regarding one of the works on the flier.
Wicked Cool and Wow!!
I met the prospective buyer at the opening. She had decided against the one she saw on the flier; the size wasn't right for where she wants to hang it, but expressed strong interest in a commission piece.
Sooooo...
The pieces below are oil studies for a larger work. Which I'll do regardless of whether or not the buyer decides to buy one or not.

TOGETHER

TOGETHER II

LONE

Each piece is smallish; about 8 x10 to 10 x 12. They're oil on panel and I used photo references after a visit to a local park. I know the park well and stayed for an hour or so taking shots. I prefer plein air painting, but for many reasons these had to be painted in the studio.

I came across an interesting article in The Artist's Magazine (Sept. 2009)about composition and design. The writer and artist; Ian Roberts, has outstanding reminders and pointers about achieving strong and dynamic compositions. I thought about the article as I worked on my thumbnails--working with value.
I worked on simplifying the compositions and for these pieces the buyer is interested in a 'dreamy' look; so I worked more with glazing than I normally do.
I enjoyed tinkering with the figure/ground relationships and found the areas where the light shows through the row of trees really captivating. This has always intriqued me, the abstract shapes made by the holes between trees; how the shapes are indistinct..the way light glows through from behind.

2009-09-07T19:40:00.004-04:00

The opening at the Geode Gallery Friday night was lots of fun. Lots of people came, the night was warm and clear with a full mooon. The moonlight reflecting off St. Theodosius church next door was glowing.
The Geode Gallery is the building that was featured in the scene of The Deerhunter in which Meryl Streep worked in the market.
Most exciting is that the large painting I'm standing next to in the photo above sold before the show opened. A great way to start an exhibit!

Because They Are

2009-08-20T16:50:00.008-04:00

because they reflect lovely

Who does she think she is?

2009-08-18T21:05:00.007-04:00

Opportunistic cat. With the studio in a state of preparation for an upcoming show, sweet little Junior Kitty, a.k.a. "Schnook" used the canvas that is being flattened (I hope) for the perfect napping spot---for the last few days!

(Isn't it annoying when canvases warp? Darned humid Ohio weather!)

Sparkles and Shadows

2009-08-17T16:26:00.003-04:00

a morning walk, sunrise
the spiders were busy

my daughter and me

What have I been painting lately... on a cloudy August morning and sketchbook inspiration.

2009-08-13T21:43:00.008-04:00

okay, so there's plenty to look at here.
it was one of those clouds hanging heavy over the trees and earth kind of misty mornings.
i was hoping to go out and do some plein air painting but the weather kept me in. i was staring out the studio back door wishing i could go out to paint.
just looking out.
it started with a quick study (not shown) then led to another.

then another.

then this big one. 36 x 48. it's striking in real large life. i wish the digital photos conveyed how they feel like the atmospheric cloudiness of the day.

this is a sketchbook scribble paint drawing which

led to this.

i bought this canvas at a yard sale when i was in Chautauqua earlier this summer. it was already painted on and heavily textured, 36 x 36 in size. i had some fun messin' around with the surface texture--scraping away areas and adding my own lines, shapes and textures.

i call it Flight. i think of my mom and dad, not that they fled but are in flight, beautiful flight.

Art Studio Coming Along

2009-08-03T15:53:00.008-04:00

Our Barn/Studio is in the 2nd phase of construction! Vinyl siding is going up as I post.
The above photo shows the great view from my neighbor's yard.

Below is the inside view from what will be the back wall of the studio looking out to the back yard.

This view is from the side yard looking at the long wall, left half is barn and right half is studio.

More pics to follow of the outside completion! This winter we'll finish the interior, the plan is to move in next spring!!!

Where is Home? what started as a sketch

2009-07-28T22:49:00.004-04:00

Continuing with the sketchbook inspired paintings and the series which I've titled "Where is Home?", this piece is completed.
Where is Home? The question emerged sometime after my Dad died. Home in memory. All that is in a home, who makes it home.
The image of the triangle, symbolizing journey, our journeys...but there is always home in some way for most of us on our life journey.
One night I was driving home and a barn down the road was illuminated in moonlight. I identified with image of the barn and have related it to the universal 'home shape', four walls and a pointed roof.

Shadow

2009-07-13T14:06:00.004-04:00

meandering in the woods
my bright green hand
strong shadow of
my mother's hands

Birdwatching on the river

2009-07-10T14:53:00.005-04:00

a water lily
in my self

contentment
and a
Northern Harrier

Patricia Marie Cavanaugh Scott~~Mom

2009-07-05T22:52:00.006-04:00

Pat Scott April 8, 1926-May 25, 2009

It seems a lifetime has passed since last posting. Saying goodbye to this beautiful woman is a mysterious and beautiful part of my life (my brothers and sister's lives too.)

The last month or so has been spent tending my gardens and just being. Searching and navigating the new paths in life~~knowing deep in my heart that both she and Dad are dancing together.

And knowing too that she who lived each day wheelchair bound for so many years touched so many people. If you could have seen the people who processed in to say goodbye to her on her last day. Incredible.

So I know deep in my heart the lessons taught and learned. Live each day with a smile, laughter, and kindness. And there is so much more.

Thanks, Mom!

Art in the Garden

2009-05-16T22:22:00.006-04:00

Today was a good day.

At long last, time was spent painting and being with other artists. The Geauga Council for Arts and Culture sponsors an annual event called Art in the Garden which entails the gathering of many artists (visual, vocal, musicians) at local garden centers in Geauga County throughout spring.

Today the event was held at Urban Growers, located south of Burton, Ohio in the rolling hills of southern Geauga County, an area that is a mix of Amish residents and Yankees. (sounds like a tourist guide and why the heck they are called urban growers when its in a rural setting I don't know)

There were rug hookers (called the happy hookers!)-- a group of retired women who make beautiful hooked rugs and are great conversationalists to boot. A man selling birdhouses of all shapes and sizes. An herbalist. Musicians (bluegrass), a barbershop quartet, a caterer (culinary arts), stained glass artists, a beeswax artist with varied products. and me--the painter.

It was sooo good to be amongst flowers, other creative souls and lots of people stopping to talk as they shopped for some of the best things on the planet-----flowers and vegetables.

I started one painting, didn't like it. Did a quick oil sketch (not posted), it got muddy because I forgot my turpenoid. Then my husband saved the day by bringing me the turpenoid, plus he was able to shop for our veggies for planting--not a wasted trip on his end! I cleaned my brushes and...

produced a small oil of the farmhouse and barn across the road. A quick little painting that I don't even know if I like.
But it was being there that was so good. I've been starved lately for art interaction that is non school, non job related.

It was a goooood day!!

Ridgeline in Spring

2009-05-05T21:59:00.003-04:00

When I was on spring break I painted these two paintings. A few hours of quick sortof plein air painting from my studio window.

Now the leaves have popped, all is green.

Maybe another painting (same view) is in order...

Mourning Cloak and Blandings Turtle (I LOVE SPRING!)

2009-04-27T20:56:00.007-04:00

In Spring
Everyday something new
see
smell
hear
love

Lemonade Stand

2009-04-22T16:45:00.006-04:00

on a hot summer day
i'd drink lemonade all day long
if
i were sitting in one of these chairs

courtesy of zooms (Thank you very much Zooms!!) I am a recipient of The Lemonade Stand Award, which is for attitude and/or gratitude , and I would like to pass it along to:

worksbydrozda

the day of the breakthrough

Veronica Escudero
passion for painting

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs that show great attitude and/or gratitude.
3. Link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Nominate your favorites, and link to this post.

Silhouette and Shadow Play

2009-04-19T20:01:00.006-04:00

sister
Two days spent on the shores of Lake Erie
Evening in Vermilion

and

Birdwatching Galore (naturally!!)

Springtime in Ohio

2009-04-13T14:42:00.002-04:00

I want to romanticize and humanize this picture, so I will!

Aren't they beautiful?

How they cuddle, speaking softly in the other's ear.

Portraits

2009-04-10T16:25:00.009-04:00

Recently I taught a unit on portraits to my AP Studio Art class. It's fun when I get the chance to work alongside the kids. It's a symbiotic experience, they love to see their teacher create and I love creating with them. These are a few of the sketches I did, they're colored pencil on backing board.

This student is a highly expressive, messy artist. She produces works that use many media and are textural with phenomonal points of view. I envy her compositional sensibility that is incredibly strong.

This student is a lover of poetry,(e.e. cummings) music and LIFE. She looks older than 18 yrs old here. Her hair is thick and curly, and she has a strong beautiful nose. She works in oil pastel and has them mastered. Her concentration portfolio for the AP Exam is all self portrait. I'm intriqued with how she has nailed herSELF. Each piece she does truly speaks of her inner self.

Last we have this lovely student. She loves to paint flowers. She works wonderfully in pastels and she's getting a nice handle on oils. She recently finished a self portrait that is excellent. Below is her hand, she was holding a palette as she was painting a still life.

I hope to attend some portaiture sessions this summer. I want to do more!!

Artwork on YouTube

2009-04-09T16:00:00.011-04:00

About 10 years ago a friend of mine bought a oil pastel painting of mine. Until a few nights ago when Bob was youtubing our friend, I hadn't seen the painting since I sold it. Follow this link here and see an earlier piece. Done during my oil pastel years.

Plus you can listen to some music!

of turtles, coltsfoot and vernal pools

2009-04-05T15:14:00.005-04:00

Springtime in Ohio!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Birds galore spring peepers peeping sunshine and warm air
hhhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...................

Still haven't worked in the Studio, Yoga Anyone?

2009-03-29T16:10:00.003-04:00

kittyasana

No time for painting lately, but there's always time for yoga.

Too cute to not Post

2009-03-24T18:25:00.005-04:00

While packing this painting, White Dog Redux, for it's journey to Colorado (yay! a sale!), Schnooks decided to schnook around in the packing paper.

I didn't work on any art last week

2009-03-22T20:37:00.008-04:00

I didn't work on any art last week.
Just one of those weeks with lots of other things happening.
Teaching has been very busy, we're wrapping up 3rd qtr. Yikes! Where does the time go?
This week, the studio and paintings get a visit.

In lieu of no art pics, nature pics, cat pics or other I thought I'd share a few shots of a different genre.
We had a get together this weekend to honor the first day of spring and by the way Bob turned 50! Getting out of the house after a long, cooped-in winter. Necessary
Ahhh, fantastic fun was had by all!

The birthday boy up front, me and our 3 kids.

Me and my sisters. There are eight siblings, 4 boys 4 girls. Boy-girl repeated all the way down. I'm number 6 in the lineup pictured here w/ number 8 and number 4.

My daughter made the cake for Bob. (he's the gardener of the family) I ate too much of the cake, every bite was sooo good!

My son's friend/roommate(they're making a movie, more on that in future postings) and my daughter.

caio!

Paintings in an Art Show

2009-03-14T13:19:00.004-04:00

ORANGE IN MORNING 16 x 20

LATE GLOW 20 x 24

These paintings were entered in the BayArts Inspired by Nature Art Show and both were accepted. Late Glow received a Juror's Award! I went to the opening last night, it was jam packed with both people and lots of great paintings.

The funny thing about Late Glow is that I had difficulty with the bottom right corner of the painting. Couldn't resolve it to my satisfaction; which interestingly is the spot from my photo reference that was blurred by my finger. When I dropped off the painting, I discussed this with one of the employees at BayArts (who is also a painter). Last night she told me that during the judging, the juror's discussed the painting. They felt the painting was strong especially the area where the light comes through, but they felt there was something missing or unfinished or not right with the bottom right corner. Hmmmm. There are times we don't see what's going on with our own work..and times we do.

Wouldn't it be Nice?

2009-03-13T12:50:00.002-04:00

"Wouldn't it be nice to stay here in the studio today?"

Bird Moon

2009-03-10T20:21:00.008-04:00

This sketchbook drawing was a precursor to this painting. In real life (not virtual life) the sky is more of a purple in the painting.
The house image is a shape I've been toying with for a few years. (One of the shapes that emerge from within when I sketch and play, (along with the triangle)) I've posted other images of the house/moon connection. (When I figure out how to post a link to previous posts, I'll connect you) There are more percolating in my sketchbooks. Future episodes will tell as to whether or not they become paintings.

The moon was rising one late summer night, it was misty. It emerged from behind a barn. Captivating.
Two weeks or so ago, the moon was setting behind my neighbors house off to the right, attached to the house. Just like the sketch, which had been drawn already.

Entering an Art Show

2009-03-06T16:12:00.007-05:00

This cell phone pic was used as a reference photo for this painting. I'm in a big old hurry right now; places to go, myriad of things to do, so this'll be quick. I wanted to post this before I take it to a show this weekend. Hopefully it gets in.
It was fun to paint it. I was a bit reigned in with my brush work, but I really enjoyed playing w/ the shapes of the trees and the light. Not sure how I feel about it overall. I'm sure I don't love it, but I do like it.

6 hours in the Studio

2009-03-01T13:13:00.005-05:00

WHITE DOG

(click on image for a larger view)

PRAYER FLAGS

(click on image for larger view)

Parent teacher conferences on Thursday; work 12 hours, get Friday off.

Work 6 hours in the studio....Bliss!!

Besides a few paintings that are still in the works, these two collages happened from my sketchbook dumping ground. (where I brush my excess paint)

Prayer Flag~~not quite done. White Dog~~pretty much complete.

Snow Stripes

2009-02-16T16:47:00.004-05:00

Stripes in snow lines

Snow Flowers

2009-02-14T14:36:00.006-05:00

Snow Flowers for Valentines Day!!

Concert on a Weeknight

2009-02-13T16:32:00.003-05:00

Going out on a weeknight wouldn't have phased me; oh lets say about a decade ago. Now I'm a bit off kilter for a day or so. But Derek Trucks was worth it. Boy wonder who played guitar w/ the Allman Brother's Band when he was 10. Twenty years later, he's got his own band and playing slide guitar like you wouldn't believe. I don't play guitar, but I love to listen and love to see the great guitarists when possible. Derek Trucks is one of the great ones. Not only can he play incredibly, the genres he plays are diverse. Blues, Jazz (Coltrane), jamming (ala Allman Brothers), Eastern.
He has a quiet demeanor on stage; a great band with him. The percussion and keyboards were excellent.

Okay. Enough music review.

The pics are okay, only had a cell phone.