Beginning, Starting, Developing

I had my last of the 4 birthday critiques with local artist Lisa. From the beginning we hit it off and as I've said before her critique style has been good thought provoking questions and interesting proposals. I had been complaining recently of great beginnings and the losses in the process of returning, reworking and finishing a piece. She understands my need to begin with a strong narrative and the frustrations about losing the 'light'. She challenged me to ONLY begin my work. One after another, yet another, each time one session in the studio...not going back, not clarifying or redeveloping intuitively or in a planned way.The photo reflects four pieces on paper that I've begun...some work more refined than others given how much studio time that one particular day. In some ways the pressure is off...In other ways there is desire to go back in and complete the story?! I'll attempt a few more and then give her a call...I'll need a 5th critique!

Perils of Clear Tar Gel

10"x10" panel, acrylic, 2 stencils. This is the last of my 'witness' series as well as my summer materials exploration. I can see wonderful uses for clear tar gel...one being the ability to pour a thin or thick line. I used my bent paper cup pouring on most everything. On this piece I used the tar gel in the stencil colored with red oxide denoting separation from my shadow birds. Also used ordinary acrylic for the other stencil of cream and yellow. I look into my trees and see shadows of birds living out their simple lives....I hear them much better than see them. Wrapping up these three, I used tar gel, acrylic encaustic and crackle paste...anyone of these will show up in later work.

I've closed up my oil painting studio on the deck and converted it to acrylic. For years I was an oil painter and for a few short weeks (only warm mornings) I tried to return and for me it was trying to step back into the same place in the river. I have acquired art making habits and acrylic offers me the best opportunity to create. I gave it a fair try and used new gels and driers but for now, it's back to acrylic. Starting new work using both inside and outside studios...possibly more abstract and leaning on my journal and ongoing meditations.

When I first moved to the beach as a widow, I ordered from Daniel Smith (art supplier), a huge stack of Rives BFK paper. I especially like it for printmaking and mixed media. In my dramatic moments I told myself when I'm done with the paper...I could easily be ready to die. I'm now on my second large order of Rives along with a 4 inch stack of assorted papers given to me from a friend's studio. I guess I'll stick around awhile longer! ha

Post to 4-24 Unknown Outcome

Still acrylic on Rives BFK paper, still measures 18" x 18". I am reporting a couple more approaches of several hours and I feel it is done. The columns speak to me in many ways and several of the spirals were made with a rugged stamping process. There was writing on the bottom, light colors, stripes but the bottom of the piece is dark now, the writing covered and it seems to anchor the columns...I like it. I thought of the artist Hundertwasser through out so you might say this is my ode to him and his dedication to the natural line and shapes.

This week has been the start of my new studio hours ...mon., wed., fri., several hours each day. Tuesday and Thursday I push all my obligations...laundry, shopping, banking, and swimming or movies and although it makes two full days, it allows empty hours for work. I am serious about building new work for a website.

Lately I have been feeling like an artistic dinosaur....I was on a site recently site.booksmartstudio.com/blog/ viewing a show called ALTERNATIVE DIGITAL PRINTING EXHIBITIONS by selected artists. I didn't have a clue on how most of the work was completed. I just know I loved several pieces in the show. One especially by Deena Haynes (friend)... her piece is a digital image heat pressed on metal!!! Beautiful! Drop by the site just for a look...some lovely pieces. As for being a dinosaur, well, I just don't have these skills but I so admire the art...the question I ask myself, do I continue with my skills for my vision or do I take on new more modern skills for my visions? I will compromise and read a book titled "Digital Art Studio"...we shall see?!

This Saturday we are going on an Architectural Home Tour. We will review a map and travel to each home. The money for the map goes to support Habitat for Humanity so it's a good cause and I get to do what I love...check out other people's homes!! Have a good weekend!

Unkown Outcome

Acrylic on Rives BFK paper, measures 18" x 18" . The second approach and I would say it is in a precarious position. I'll need to journal, look, watch and paint some more but right now it's not holding my interest. I have been wrong before in not believing a piece has potential but we shall see. I recently read an article on

textures shapes and color about extroverts and introverts and big surprise...I am an introvert. I'm also a Scorpio and I like to keep secrets and veiled aspects of myself and the work. The article said an introvert needs time to go to feelings and examine meanings and that is so me. If I can't find a REAL reason for painting this painting then it is on shaky ground. So far, I see my love for the artist Hundertwasser and maybe I can follow that lead otherwise I will either save the good parts or gesso over the whole thing...drives Pablo crazy seeing things around her appear and disappear. I'll post something if there is anything new. Tomorrow I am having Deena over for some studio play time We both need to just talk and explore and get out of our regular lives for awhile and maybe next week I will return to this piece with "new eyes".

Weekend entertainment will include the movie "State of Play" starring an A-list cast. Also major interest in the MBA playoffs. Monday I am having my windows washed inside and out...that should open the world to us as the windows are awful from all the winter rain. Have a great weekend....eat your asparagus!