What's New

I hosted a little get together over the weekend to show some friends and neighbors what I've been up to with my painting. It was so fun hanging my art around the house and even more exciting to see people's reactions. I am grateful for all the positive feedback and feel incredibly motivated to keep painting and pursuing my passion!!

 

       

                                  

I had so much fun painting these figs!  I got the photo reference from Jacqueline while in Australia and I've been looking forward to painting it ever since.

I'm typically not too interested in doing still life paintings; however, there was something about this photo that drew me in.  Was it the vibrant colors and the interesting shapes and shadows in this photo?  I think so ... the contrast between the simplicity of four figs on a table and the variety of color and form intrigued me.

Once I sketched out the shapes, laid out the colors and grabbed my paddle brushes, I was off ...

It is so much fun painting on large canvases!  I love the physicality of it, using big sweeping strokes. There's an abstract element to it, you just go with what comes out of you, then step back and see what you've created.  It's really cool.

I totally dig these figs, do you?

Wow, my Australian adventure was awesome!  

The 2 weeks went by so fast and the whole experience was even better than I had imagined.  Spring in Kapunda was magnificent, I've never seen such beautiful roses bursting out of gardens onto the sidewalks. There were "chooks" (chickens) running about and, yes, I saw some kangaroos too!

 

 

 

 

   

It was the perfect setting to get lost in painting. With guidance from Jacqueline Coates, I explored my love of color, mixing every shade of blue, green, red, yellow ... finding combinations that would jump from the canvas as I painted.  I was excited to use reference photos I brought from my hometown of Rockport, MA.  I love the beach and ocean and all of the bold bright colors of buoys, boats and fishing shacks.  This is an exciting new subject matter that has endless possibilities for me. 

I also enjoyed trying some new things ...  like gold leaf, water based oils, impasto with palette knife.  So fun!!

It was a wonderful trip and learning experience for me.

I must say though, it's great to be home :)

After a very long 30 hours of travel, I arrived in Adelaide, South Australia. Jac met me at the airport and took me around Adelaide to see the sights.  We enjoyed some time walking through the Art Gallery of South Australia where Jac pointed out some of the works from well-known Australian artists. We then made our way through the countryside to beautiful Kapunda in the Barossa.  Our first stop was at Salon Rouge Gallery which is where I'll be painting for the next week and a half.  

It's everything I expected ... an open and inviting space filled with gorgeous paintings. Just stepping inside makes you want to roll up your sleeves and create!!  Jac's works are truly inspirational and incredible motivation for me to work hard and get the most out of this experience.

 

Sitting on the plane waiting to take off for my Australian adventure ... I'm so excited for my 2 weeks Down Under! I'll be participating in the Barossa Art Residency in beautiful Kapunda. The amazingly talented Jacqueline Coates will be my mentor (and new friend). I can't wait to paint along side Jacqueline and the other students in the program. I'm particularly excited to paint with oils and use a palette knife - both new to me. So thankful to my wonderful husband and family for encouraging me to make this trip. Time to turn off the phone ... here I go!!

I had a terrific morning last week at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.  Seeing original works from famous artists I've learned about over the years always gives me a chill.  Standing two feet away and admiring paintings from Picasso, Matisse and O'Keeffe was just awesome!

 I particularly enjoyed seeing Matisse's examples of "Fauvism."  In the early 20th Century, several French artists challenged conventional methods and painted using vivid color and bold brush strokes.  This early modern style was criticized by many and the artists were referred to as "wild beasts" or "Les Fauves."

Matisse's "Woman with a Hat" (1905) is one of the most well-known examples of Fauvism.

For me, the use of unexpected color and freedom of form is so intriguing.  I love their brave interpretations of the subject matter.  It's certainly inspirational for me as I move along in my painting journey.

It's a busy time of year and family things have pulled me away from painting lately.

It feels so good to be back in my studio!  I have the window open and I'm listening to the gentle rain along with SiriusXM's Coffee House.  Of course, I have my cup of tea too!

I'm working of the first of two commissions I recently obtained.  I'm excited to get started on a beautiful pink "Hermione" peony.  Who doesn't love peonies?!!

I grew up in Massachusetts in a beautiful coastal area filled with art galleries.

My passion strangely enough has been sports but art is something I have always appreciated and admired.

 

As an adult I found myself exploring art museums.  It’s been an evolving relationship which has drawn me closer in over time.  During the years of being home with my children, I have had the time to delve into this interest even more.  Studying with a mentor, I picked up my brushes and explored what happens with paint on canvas.

 

At first I felt nervous about what would happen.  But with a little guidance, I found my feet and discovered I could do this painting thing!  And, not only could I do it, but I love it!

 

This has been my secret passion I am now sharing.  I love being in my studio, using bold colors on large canvases to create and express myself.  Painting the natural world has drawn me in too. Zooming in on the details in nature has taken me into a world of many exciting fields of color.

 

Here I am declaring myself to the world about my creations.  Let’s see what happens next!  It’s my journey and I am loving it.  I hope you enjoy my paintings too.