Done...almost done

done

almost done

The smaller nurse log paintings are complete

These are 12"x12" paintings, with thread or thread and brass nails added! :0

I think they capture my thoughts about the intersection of humans and nature. Also the thread is adding a new element refering to other ideas - spider webs, surveyor's lines, embroidery, cats-cradle string games.

These are just my iphone pics - not the professional shots I will get in a few weeks.

The work will be included in my (3 person) show "Layers" at the Walters Cultural Arts Center in Hillsboro - February -through March. More details coming.

forest thoughts, progressing

I have made several smaller paintings this summer and am working on this larger one, 24"x 24."

It is not done, but at a critical point where I need to make the finishing decisions. As this style is new to me, I am not quite sure, or am unsure about my next steps. I am keeping an open mind and heart* while trying to be patient as I wait for the resonating solution to come to me and not forcing a completion.

What to do with the background area?
Allusion to night sky is what comes to me....

* heart - may sound woo-woo, but a logical solution is easy, but my goal is a heart-felt resonating resolution and sometimes that takes the fresh look that comes with letting the painting rest for awhile.

summer - studio time :)

I am continuing my thematic shift towards my concern for the planet! - specifically TREES.

The Pacific Northwest is blessed with a climate supportive of tree growth and past civic leaders in Portland set aside Forest Park - a forest in the city, close and with many hiking paths. I go there to appreciate nature and take a "forest bath" - which is especially therapeutic in this tumultuous time.

So...I am shifting my painting efforts to the subject of trees. When I began working I discovered my interest was specifically on nurse logs - the fallen trees that support all kinds of life and new growth. How optimistic?

I did a test painting - unfinished below.

While I am waiting to decide on the final elements I took a printmaking break this week. These monotypes will be taken to 3/4 completion, I'll put them away and put the unifying, finishing touches on them another time. So don't judge yet please.

 

More to come soon!

Around Oregon - group show at the Corvallis Arts Center

Opening Thursday June 20 -
Fun to see what is happening in studios around the state.
I am pleased to have had a painting accepted for display.

Check it out

https://theartscenter.net/around-oregon-annual/

working...

I had some time in the studio recently...figuring out the new direction my work is taking me and I am pretty excited.
more trees, more woods!

But before I get going on that new path...setting up...reference photos have been ordered and I  am stewing about formatting ....its going to be satisfying.

Here is some work started awhile ago - as I am still trying to experiment with making new shapes within the work - it too is coming together
(hmm the color is off...with a phone photo...but it gives me something to review)





Do you recognize the shape of the green wire? probably not -
I am a little obsessed with this painting by Tristram Hillier - I have loved this painting for years! ever since I saw it in person 23 years ago at the Tate Modern.
I wonder why I respond to it...another mystery I guess.

Recent Paintings

Well I had a show deadline that motivated me to get quality pictures taken (by Dan Kvitka-thanks), just yesterday.

Here they are- they took me a long time to finish as my thoughts are evolving.
Stay tuned - a couple of these are moving the new direction with new environmental concern.

I myself am curious to watch what unfolds.

Cairn: Circling, Cycling

We are at a crossroads

French birds in the spring snow

snow day...or prediction of snow day....

All it takes is a little bad weather to make time for organizing art work (or getting extra studio time).

Today I took time to sign, title and list monotypes that I intend to take down to The Arts Shop, at The Arts Center in Corvallis Oregon.
Clearly my love and concern for the forest is shining through in these prints that were made last summer and fall.
I love trees, I respect and am quite concerned about nature and climate change.
The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful place to live with these values and awareness.

These are just iphone shots to catalogue the work that will head to the shop.
Very reasonable prices all  - and The Art Shop has a fantastic selection of NW artists' work.

Sometimes the path is difficult to find. 15"x 22"

Regrowth 1 - 17"x21"

Red bed under forest sky - 17"x21"

Safety Orange - 17"x 21"

Yellow gate at the forest - 17"x 21"

Update

Hi-
It's been a busy time with lots of extra volunteer responsibilities, but that is over now!
I have worked on art...as always and here are some recent paintings with a few monotype prints mixed in.  Here are a few examples, I have many more....