winter's gifts

Winter can pose some challenges. As someone who runs about 20 degrees behind the rest of the world, the onset of winter means for me, trying once again to figure out how many layers I can put on at one time….and still be able to move!! That said, winter in New England has its gifts. Winter skies are amazing. Is it because the colder molecules cast a cooler, clearer light? Is it because the earth is tilted further away from the sun? Is it because the lack of foliage allows an expanded view? I really have no idea. I just know that winter skies are unparalleled. They are gorgeous expansions of blue, purple and silver light. And then there is the snowfall. A fresh blanket of snow quiets the landscape visually, creating a sense of stillness. I have been developing a series which I hope evokes that feeling. I have completed several pastels which can be viewed here. Next I plan to work on some large canvases in acrylic with the goal of creating the experience of one’s stepping into that stillness. Stay tuned………..

genius

A friend recently stopped by my studio to purchase a painting for his new apartment. As he was looking around he said he thought he would like to buy a new painting for each season and then rotate them in the same space. What a fantastic idea! I'm pretty sure he is a genius :)

the thousandth layer

While visiting my family in FL last week, I was working on some small paintings on my Dad’s back porch. One in particular seemed quite problematic. I kept tweaking, revising, shifting the horizon line, etc………and still I could not make myself happy. Until finally, with one brushstroke, whatever is was, I smiled. Something good was emerging. And I thought, ”ah, on the thousandth layer.” Of course that is a bit of an exaggeration, but the point is that sometimes you have to stay with things for awhile before the good stuff surfaces. All of the layers underneath which were less than successful are an important part of the process add to the richness of the final painting. I will post some pictures as I finish series.

something new!!

There is something new in my online shop...... my very first, hot off the press, holiday card!!!
I KNOW, we all like to think that the holidays are off in the distance, but before you know it, we will be in that whirlwind of decorating, baking, shopping and socializing that make the holiday season a fun, but hectic time. So get a jump on things and order your cards early!

2010 calendars at the MFA

My friend was recently at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts gift shop and snapped this picture of my calendars on display there! This is the third year that I have been fortunate enough to sell my calendars at the MFA and it is still super exciting!

AND..........a recent not so small pastel

small works in acrylic

I just finished up some small paintings in acrylic. NO, not as small as the mini pastels for the deCordova gala. These are 6"x6". Some are on canvas and some on panel. It's nice when working this size, to be able to experiment with materials. In some cases I primed the surface with modeling paste. In some I used iridescence in the paint and / or finished with a glossy "leveling" gel.

heading to the deCordova!!

I just finished up 19 tiny …………and when I say tiny………….2”x3” pastels for a special event being held at the de Cordova. Kim of Three Graces Gallery will be bringing her Teeny Tiny Art vending machine to the de Cordova as part of the preliminary festivities to their annual gala fundraiser. I wasn’t sure how it would be to work THAT small. But actually, it was fun! Gave me some ideas for a new series!

wrapping things up!

I THINK this is going to be the week to wrap up a couple of important projects. One is my 2010 calendar. I just had the final proofing session with Bill at Phineas Graphics. AND I think my new website which is being designed by Kim at Three Graces Gallery should soon be up and running. YEAH! In addition to my work in pastel, the new site will also include my works in acrylic as well as an expanded giclee offering. AND.....I am also actually doing a little painting, a series inspired by my early morning walks.

is it true artists have more fun??

Some days it is! Yesterday I went with a friend for my FIRST surfing lesson. What a BLAST!! It was fun,exhilarating and an amazing workout. I had NO idea. The surf was big, so just paddling out was a challenge. I think I actually forgot to stand up all the way on my longest ride, so it was more of a "squatting maneuver", very graceful I am sure. Still I was screaming with delight the whole time.

So what does this have to do with art? Well, they say that one cannot create in a vacuum, but rather needs to experience life and then respond to it through their work. Just part of the job, I guess.

paint, beautiful paint

I have been working away on some acrylic paintings for the Nahcotta Landscape Show. Last week at some point, I thought to myself, I LOVE this medium. Wasn’t always so. Several years ago, when I began to explore acrylics, I was aggravated when they did not behave in the same manner as pastels with which I have had many years of experience. So more often than not, I would pack the paints up after a brief time and return to my familiar, trusted pastels. Two years ago, I decided to commit to this relationship. True, acrylics are not as immediate as pastels. Not always as opaque…..AND they dry a bit darker. BUT, they have many wonderful qualities of their own. I am really enjoying exploring textures and iridescence which are now available to me. The paint can go thickly with a palette knife, or be brushed on in many transparent layers yielding a rich, luminous surface. I feel as though I am on the verge of some exciting new work. Glad I stuck it out. The best is yet to come.

umbrian magic

I recently stumbled upon a series of pastels I started on location as an artist in residence at the International School of Art in Montecastello. All these years later, I could see something new in these pieces and so I decided to pull them out of the flat file and finish them up! It brought back some wonderful memories about a magical place. Soon I will be delivering the series to Diana Levine Fine Art in the Boston Design Center and HOPEFULLY they will find a new home!! To see the entire series, click here.

acrylics at nahcotta

Deb and Abbie did their usual amazing job in hanging the work for the May show. The first time I walked into the gallery and saw my acrylics in their lovely space, it was like I was seeing them with with fresh eyes. Just wanted to say, "thanks, ladies!!".......... and to share a few pictures.

another reason to appreciate art...........

.....it appreciates!! At a recent opening, a friend of mine was inquiring about art biz in these clearly challenging times. Well……………challenging, I would say. He made the point, and a lovely point it is, that art is one thing that consistently appreciates. Maybe there was even MORE reason for people to be buying art now. Also, it is something that can be enjoyed every day. Other collectors have suggested that art is a home improvement that they can take with them when they move, a legacy to pass onto to their children and a place to find solace in our often stressful lives. Something to think about.

works in progress

My studio is currently filled with LOTS of paintings at various stages of development. I have been working primarily with acrylic. Most of the images are abstracted landscapes. I am also still interested in exploring the many textural additives that are available to me with this versatile medium. Yesterday I decided to hang some of the "works in progress" up so that I could get a better look at them. It's nice to see them as a body of work. I need to spend a little more time looking and tweaking. SOME may even be finished.

pastel show

This week I delivered some "hot off the easel" pastels to the Powers Gallery in Acton, MA. They are getting ready for their much anticipated Pastel Show. I am honored to be exhibiting with such notable pastel artists as Christal Bjork, Robert Carsten, Wolf Kahn and Will Klemm. It's always amazing to see the many ways in which artists use this rich, vibrant medium. Show dates are March 7- April 11. I hope you get to check it out!

Enormous Tiny Art Show 5 !!!

I just delivered twelve small paintings to Nahcotta for the ENORMOUS TINY ART SHOW 5. They are works in acrylic done on 6x6 panels. Deb and Abbie are knee deep in tiny art! As always, it's exciting to see the great diversity of work. The opening is Friday, Feb 6th, so mark your calendars!!