Sunday, March 22, 2009

Ode to Van Gogh


Canvas oil painting measures 20"x24" . I painted this corner of my studio years ago when I wanted to explore the impressionists methods. I remember as an exercise it was REAL work but I learned so much about light and shapes because the painting was done without drawing or layout just one mixed color shape after another.I used a strong light to create the shadows. It hasn't been my desire to paint realistically for years but I can appreciate the skill . I added the apple and considered it to be my ode to Van Gogh and his yellow chair. Margaret Ryall of
Painting On has a wonderful post on the empty chair...well worth it to visit her site.
Good news or at least unplanned opportunity for me...my friend, Deena has had a show scheduled for April/May at a local salon/spa but for many personal reasons asked me to take the slot and she would show later in June. The place requires about 16 good size pieces so I have been taking work off the walls here and repairing, framing and creating title and price lists...this is not my favorite part of showing art! When I began this blog it was instead of showing and so far I put myself in a juried show and now a two month show...go figure! I had wanted to finish some new pieces to share but that will need to wait for a week.
Spring has sprung here...windy today but loads of sunshine!

19 comments:

  1. a wonderful painting. Love the colors and the subject matter and the forms of the objects too. Congrats on the new show. Very exciting!! Good luck in the preparations.

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  2. Thanks for the comment about my recent post. Chairs have great structure and symbolism and they are worthy subject matter for consideration. Your chair makes four yellow chairs I've seen in art work this month. I'm thinking crocus!

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  3. I love the brightness , isn't colour welcoming, will look at the other post as I have a fascination for chairs in art...hope that does not indicate my energy levels!??
    Thanks for your visits and comments it is special

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  4. I really enjoyed your post and the look forward with you on the oportunity for the show. I think that maybe I will post a painting on "What's on Your Wall" wednesdays. That will give me an opportunity to show off my paintings.
    The chair is delightful. The colors are terrific. You got it gal!

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  5. I love this, Mary Ann! Totally delightful and so you!

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  6. Just want to bite that apple - perfect!

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  7. the yellow chair with the red apple - wonderful!

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  8. oh and a huge congratulations on your show!

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  9. Suki, I'm knee deep in plexiglass and hanging wire. Thanks for the painting comments!

    Margaret, Amazing run on yellow chairs! I like chairs and have true favorites...comforting.

    Janette, Thank you. Where there is a chair, I'm sitting! ha

    Pat, Oh, good...a wednesday wall convert...I'm looking forward to seeing your post.

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  10. Willow, Thank you. Me, as in stacks of cardboard, and empty paint thinner cans...so true! ha

    Karen, Warning...anything eaten in my studio just might have bits of something artistic stuck to it!

    Jeane, That yellow chair was the end of my realistic painting career!
    Thank you, I'm up on the walls for 2 months...lots of people to see the work!

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  11. I'm wondering about this "what's on your walls Wednesday" thing? Can anyone join in? How does it work if you don't mind me asking. I'd love to share if possible.

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  12. Terri, Please share what is on your walls....we all live with art on our walls...whether it be our own or others...I believe that is what makes our homes truely warm and alive.
    I made up Wednesday Walls so anyone can share! ha I'm very nosey!

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  13. Wow! I really love the chair and congrats on your show....it will be Awesome.

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  14. Nikki, Thank you. I'm just about ready for this show...one more to reframe which makes 16 total...some are small but it should be okay! Our house looks like we are moving with so much art off the walls! ha

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  15. This is very Van Gogh-ish, and well done, although I prefer your new collage work. Like you, I admire the talent required to paint realism, but it's not what I want to achieve.
    Wonderful news about the new exhibition,,,,I think sometimes it's best not to have time to agonize over it, just jump in and go!

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  16. I love that you are pulling out old art, and seeing it with fresh eyes... I have been thinking of empty chairs as well, and am working on a collage about one. I love your painting and your beautiful wall hanging! Have a beautiful weekend! Roxanne

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  17. Babs, I agree...this type of ism isn't for me...but I did want to try "it on" so to speak.

    Roxanne,Always enjoy when you stop by...with this nice spring weather here in California and Oregon...we should all have a great weekend.

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  18. What an opportunity for you--that upcoming show!

    I find your Van Gogh homage completely charming. I too have a thing for empty chairs. Then again, you probably know that, considering the image that heads my blog.

    The palette in your painting is luscious, as is the proffered apple, and the act of proffering it.

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  19. San, I love receiving your comments and on this piece especially. Yes, your empty chair in your header has always been a strong symbol! Thank you.

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