Our Local Art Exhibit - VanNess North, Washington, DC

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...

 

  

If you’re in the Washington DC area, come check out the exhibit. An opening receptions starts at 6:30 pm on Friday, October 20 and the exhibit stays open through Sunday.