Last Bloom

Last Bloom, 6 x 6

At my home in Atlanta, I have an almost totally shaded yard, so the idea of a hibiscus thriving or even growing,  is pretty ridiculous.  Notwithstanding that fact, about 3 weeks ago I bought a hibiscus plant, intending to paint a couple of flowers in a jar or something.  Basically,  I liked the creamy colors and the red centers.  

Well, I never got around to it, but I did get a moment to paint this small study; since we leave for France tomorrow,  I guess the hibiscus moment has passed.  I intend to post from Provence, and am excited to breathe in the essence of that special place.  A bientot!

One Foot Out the Door

Read to Me, 12 x 16

Well, one week from tomorrow is the long-awaited departure day for France - yay!  The Provence workshops are upon us ... there was a meeting at Huff Harrington yesterday to go over packing light, yet adding a few last minute art supplies, and details for the train to Avignon, etc.  Of course, Ann and Sarah served champagne and tarte jambon to the attendees, and we toasted to the soon-to-be-realized dream of painting and just breathing l'essence de Provence!!  (I am bringing my computer and hope to post from Les Murets).

The painting above has a certain gentle spirit that I sought -  I spent lots of time refining the expressions and focus of the children, while trying to avoid too much detail.  I sketched like crazy before applying paint -- not sure whether that was a good idea, since it kept me a bit literal.  BUT - I really wanted to be exact in catching the flow.

Sketch (unfortunately on a reddish-tinted board, which drove me crazy) is pictured below.  You can see that I was really working the angles. 

Rosemary's Peonies

Rosemary's Peonies, 36 x 36

Right around July Fourth, my friend Rosemary and I went to the wholesale flower market.  I was buying something ordinary, don't even remember what, while she found and purchased some wonderful yellow tree peonies.  The next morning, she was knocking at my door -- "you have to paint these!"  So, I did, which was no easy task.  They were opening, dropping petals, and changing by the minute; finally, I quit chasing the shapes and approximated the feel, or at least, that's what I was attempting!  I do like the shadow and the movement of the stems here - those elements make it kind of dramatic.

Love Oil Paint

Londolozi, 6 x 6

While at the easel today, I kept thinking -- "I love oil paint!"

It's just so versatile... thin and sketchy, or expressive and juicy, or thick and sculptural.  As a former watercolorist, I am always aware of the flexibility of oil.  I can smusch edges, drag color into other areas, or just wipe totally off if needed.  This afternoon, I probably should have been finishing some large paintings in progress, but instead, I did 4 or 5 small pieces (6 x 6) and just had a great day!  It was nice to be enjoying the paint, and enjoying the freedom from "production" mode.  When doing small studies, one is less committed to results, an attitude that often leads to freer, more soulful expression.  For me, that's the ticket!

Les Aubergines, 6 x 6

Commissions vs. Inspired Ideas, A Comparison

My Balloon, 18 x 14

Well, I just read a post at www.theartfullifestyle.com, (the Huff Harrington Gallery blog) about commissions, and since I had been recently working on the one above, I was contemplating a few comments myself on that subject.  

My Balloon is a good representation of the subject in a photo taken by a friend, who wanted this painting of her grandchild.  I like the striped robe, but generally feel that this painting is tighter and has less soul than I aim to capture.  The buyer might as well be sitting on my shoulder, as my response to the subject is more timid, less interpretive.  Wish it weren't the case, but that seems to be my mode, confirming for sure that portraiture or anything even close would not be a path to personal happiness!  My hat goes off to those painters who welcome the commission challenge and make it work for them.

In contrast to the balloon girl, below is one created from my photos, done simply because I liked the light effect and pose.  The piece evokes a certain je ne sais quoi -- that elusive quality that makes for a better painting (and thus a happier me).

Solo, 16 x 12

Donation Thoughts

Tulip Dance, 10 x 10

Anticipation, 10 x 10

Well, these two were painted specifically as donations for an event held annually benefitting the High Museum here in Atlanta.  The request was for small gallery-wrap paintings, 10 x 10 or 12 x 12, to be auctioned online and at a luncheon in the fall.  The top painting of tulips was done for last year's High Arts Day, and I did the Tiffany box for the one to be held this year.  

In most cases, however, when I receive donation requests (usually for silent auctions), I give a piece I already have on hand.  Several times I have donated a custom painting of a child, to be created after the purchaser wins the auction.  I don't recommend this, unless one is looking for more to do.  It gets complicated, as the last one of these (which I am just now completing - almost a year after the auction) ended up with the buyers wanting not 1 but 3 kids and ay yi yi!!  They paid the charity a lot for it and I had made a promise, so there you go.  Below is an image of that one.

Sittin on the Dock, 20 x 20

I think my new plan going forward is to donate 3 - 4 pieces annually of current work and to call it a day!

Simple Shapes

 Photo Reference of Sarah

Charcoal placement

Follow Me, 12 x 9

Loved the simplicity of this shape -- I kind of exaggerated her head in the painting, and made her wider too, I see.  The angles here appealed to me, as well as the attitude of the pose, which was better captured in the sketch than in the painting!  The solid confidence of little kids is pure and strong; it's fun to pare down all elements to the minimum and let it shine.