Still Life in My Studio

A while ago, I made a still life platform/box in order to filter light the way I would like. I got the idea and specs online from another artist though I am not sure I can recall who. It's been great to set things on this and shine my lighting through the top, side while draping curtains to enable me to control the light somewhat. Here is a little set-up that I am currently working on.

Connected

This little painting is so much more pretty in real life. Photos just don't pick up all the nuances of values. I like the idea of being connected. Vine tomatoes last a bit longer than those not on the vine...reminding us that we all need connection! :)​ People are indeed more important than things but there are also times when we artists feel a deep connection through the creative process.

"Connected" oil on canvas, 6 x 6 inches

Foresight

This painting has gone through quite a metamorphosis....and I am still unsatisfied with it!! I will need to look more closely at color scheme and values to give it the glow and beauty that I am imagining for it. I feel helpless but I know what to do when that happens.

I went to a falconry show some years ago and took photos of the handlers. This young lady walked out with her falcon and I was able to catch a snap of her just so. I like that the bird faces the same direction. There was something parallel about them. The bird is blind folded so that he doesn't become distracted by what is around him. He need only be focused on the task that lies ahead. When the falconer is ready to display the bird's skill, she unmasks him and sets him free to find his reward. Likewise I think we need to remember that there is someone beyond us that guides our moves, who tries to keep us focused on what we are called to do. Sometimes we are blinded for our own protection and other times we are allowed to see what we are called to see. It's all a matter of timing. Of course as humans we have free will to do what we please, but we can miss out on the best that is planned for us, if we do not let the handler guide us. Proverbs 19:21

Schools Out..Time to Focus on My Art!

Now that school is out for the summer, I am able to do more painting and the bitter sweet thing is that I will not returning to my art teaching position in the fall. I have resigned so that I can help my daughter watch her little one and also am looking forward to being able to devote more time to my own art. I do have to admit though, that I will miss teaching the children... I have learned so much from them and my need to be humbled by them. Have met many awesome teachers over the years too. Recently, I am doing a number of still life paintings. Love painting florals...if I am using real flowers I have a window of time in which to render them before their bloom fades. So it is with children. There is a window of time to appreciate their innocence and delight w all things. The little things in life can sometimes remind us of the bigger things.

Working on a this little 8 x 10, "Milking It"

November Musings

I love drinking tea and recently I have been collecting flee market finds (tea cups and saucers) so that I can paint them. When I can, I also love to host tea parties so that those I know who love tea too can enjoy fun and finger foods while being a little bit fancy. :)

Lately I've been longing to have a party but it's so hard getting everyone together these days. I find that sometimes all I have is memories to hold on to. My work as a teacher takes up much of my time and I am growing a bit weary. Like a good soothing cup of tea I long for the solace of friends, or just time to recharge and paint. Being creative brings me such joy whenever I feel helpless or alone. And I am thankful for it. When I can't be with the ones who love me or doing what I enjoy, a good cup of tea and time to pray & meditate is a big help!

"One Lump or Two" 6 x 6 inches, (oil on board)

Another little painting I created....

"Pear'nts" 6 x 6 inches (oil on board)

Red, White and Blue

July just came to an end and thankfully I am finished with this patriotic-colored still life. I have a dear missionary friend who lives overseas who like myself, has a fondness for blue and white china/pottery. So per her request, I finished another still life painting using my favorite blue and white pitcher which I purchased years ago while living in England. I am happy to have it hang in the home of my dear friend and her husband. They have been such a blessing to our family for many years so I had to give them this token of remembrance of our friendship. They have lived many years in Austria but hopefully when they look at this painting they will think of all the many friends and family here as well. :)

"Red, White and Blue" 14 x 18 inches, oil on canvas panel

Finished Works

Below are some paintings that I completed lately. Will post ones that I am still working on, in another post. It's been a very busy summer. I find that I am constantly yearning to create but that desire, like so many others, needs temperance provided by other necessary pursuits that a mom must give loving attention to. Balance is a very important thing in life as well as art!

"Girl with a Gold Earring" 16 x 20, oil

  

"Single Rose" 6 x6 inches, Oil