It’s
like woodworking. Check measurements twice and then cut. Take time. Three
completed and lots of small ones yet to do. But of course, I don’t
have the saw dust.
I’m
huddled over my art table cutting mats for my watercolors. In less
than a week, I’ll be joining 15 other artists in a Biennial Art
Exhibit at VanNess North, my apartment building.
It’s
a chance for artists in our building to show their works and maybe
make a few sales. My sales will go in support of local charities and
social justice work.
I
haven’t had too many showings, so each one is exciting for me.
I’ve selected three of my larger paintings for the main exhibit.
This one is entitled Just Goldfish. It evolved from
one of my small paintings.
I’ve
gotten into the habit of posting a watercolor on the door of my
apartment. I like trying new ideas and techniques.
A small goldfish
turned out well and I decided to try a larger and more ambitious
rendering. Here I learned a lot about tonal quality and blending
colors. I think Just Goldfish has captured movement and gentle
beauty.
Autumn Color is a composite from photos. Recently, I’ve been taking
loads of pictures – many more than before. My smart phone makes
it’s easy. As they say, the best camera is the one you carry with
you. So I click away.
Back
at my art table, I sort through the photos becoming more inspired.
Often I’ll combine aspects of one with another or two.
When folks
ask, “Where’s that from?” I say a little from reality and a
lot from imagination. In the process I’m learning more about
composition.
Here
I emphasized color. I want to draw the viewers eye into the color
both near and far. I played with reflections and gave texture to
rocks and trees. My hope is that viewers will want to sit on one of
those rocks and enjoy the splendor of autumn….
Who
doesn’t love birch trees? One day I was clicking through images on
Google and I found several that featured birch trees in the snow. I
wondered if I could compose a painting of contrasts.
Snow and
shadows. “The darker the shadow and the brighter the light will
be,” I thought.
Winter
Shadows invites viewers to slide down the snowy hill and jump
between light and shadow. Pick up a few branches of autumn color and
notice the contrast on distant hills. Can you find the hint of a
pathway?
In
addition to the main exhibit, artists are invited to submit smaller
paintings for the art bins. Many of my “door paintings” will
reappear here. Here’s a sampling...
