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!!