COLOR /VALUE QUIZ answer (newsletter)

SO.....you knew it was a trick question, yes? The answer is that the the line in all three rectangles is the same, but it appears altered by the colors and values of the the colors surrounding it. (value meaning lightness or darkness) This is something I learned many years ago...and I use it all the time in my work......and yet it STILL fascinates me!!

MFA visit

The minute I walk through the doors at the Boston MFA, I can feel something wash over me that is a mix of serenity and exhilaration. This happens every time. It can be the new wing (which is AMAZING, by the way) or the older part of the museum. It doesn't have to be any particular show. It is just so amazing to be in a space where art is revered and beautifully displayed. Some people are talking animatedly about the work with friends, some are sitting with it quietly. Some work you love, some you don't. Other pieces seem hard to access. This is all okay. You are looking, thinking, expanding your own vision.

tiny art time!!

I just dropped off some small acrylic paintings on paper to Nahcotta for ETA 9! The tiny art shows are a great opportunity to try something new or develop an entire series on a single backboard in the studio! Working a number of pieces at once is a favorite way of working for me. Each informs the other. As I have been spending a lot of time looking at the winter sky, I chose a soft, muted palette for this series.

As always, I am excited to see the work of other participating artists. This show is always so diverse. I love that!

sentinels of winter

Every year once the leaves have fallen, I find myself watching the bare trees and the light surrounding them. They are sentinels standing against a silver sky. The motion as I walk or watch from a vehicle constantly shifts their relational positioning and flickers of light bounce off the bark. I am beginning to explore this fascination in my work.

Ogunquit Museum of American Art Invitational

The OMAA invitational was a fun and BUSY weekend. Such a gorgeous spot and there was a wonderful and varied group of exhibitors. LOTS of attendees came through and were very receptive to my work :) It was great to see some dear friends who made the trek and I must say a special thank you to my friend who crazily volunteered to help with the set up!!

magical place

I just finished up a little pastel series based upon a magical place in Denmark, Maine.

steamy opening!

The ETA8 opening at Nahcotta was hopping. It was crowded and steamy! Kind of like and opening and a spa treatment all in one! As always, it was great to see such diversity in one show. I had the pleasure of chatting with Virginia Fitzgerald who is new to the gallery. Love her work. Check out her blog! Am crazy about the beach installations which are part of her dress project.