large scale pastels

Wanting to work in pastel on a larger scale, I began to explore materials.  I knew that Golden Artist Paint made a medium specifically for pastels, so I wrote to one to the technical experts at Golden about an appropriate substrate.  He had a number of suggestions.  I decided to try sintra, as it was more like a "board" than like paper.  The surface required several coats of priming, first with gesso and then with the acrylic ground for pastels.  Once the final coat was dry, I had a beautiful, "toothy" surface, just waiting to accept many layers of pastel.  It was so exciting to blend color on this amazing surface and to feel immersed in the larger scale of the piece.  Framed right to the edge, using museum glass, the painting has a very contemporary feel.  This is the first of many to come!

Luminous Transition

  

"Luminous Transition", 30 x 60 inches, acrylic on canvas

Enormous Tiny Art 17 opening: Friday, February 6th, 5-8 PM

"Copper Light 1"  5.75 x 7.75 inches, acrylic on panel

The amazing staff at Nahcotta is busily installing 300+ tiny works in anticipation of the opening the Friday night.  It's always a crazy fun night.  I would highly encourage you to attend if you are able!! Otherwise, perusing online is the next best thing.  (pre-buying is encouraged!!)

one month to go

Today is July 1st.  My solo show at Nahcotta opens one month from today.  Let the hyperventilating begin!  Something happens to me (and I think most artists) when I am working towards a solo show.  I go a little crazy.  There are so many paintings to paint: there is so much to say about my inspiration; my spiritual connection to nature.  And about my materials, pastel and acrylic.  It is not possible to say it all.  I know this, particularly because each painting triggers ideas for so many others, but somehow, that does not keep me from trying.

Diebenkorn: The Berkley Years

I recently saw this incredible show while visiting San Francisco.  I have always been a Diebenkorn fan and seeing a large body of his work was amazing.  His color and paint are beautifully rich.  There is almost an underlying tension in his very well considered compositions.  There was so much to learn from this work and the accompanying video in which he was interviewed about his process.  LOVED this show.  I wish I could see it again!

A day at the Met!

LOVE, love, love the contemporary wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  I have seen this piece by Ellsworth Kelly many times, but this time I really looked at the thoughtful transition of hues from a cool yellow to a warm yellow.  Wow.

Inventing Abstraction, 1910–1925 at MOMA

 

Diagram at the show's entrance

I saw a great show at MOMA this weekend: Inventing Abstraction, 1910–1925.  It was so interesting to see and read about how some forward thinking artists of the day, shared ideas, interacting with one another as well as musicians and writers. Their explorations served to re-define “art”, opening countless doors for artists of the future. 

 http://www.moma.org/visit/calendar/exhibitions/1291