I love spending half an hour in the studio after all the visitors have left. Recalling shared conversations or intertwining harmonies in songs fuels inspiration. Open houses are for me both exhilarating and exhausting. I enjoy sharing stories about making my work with curious visitors. Selling pieces is always a thrill. Comparing notes and spending time with fellow artists is lovely. It's quiet now, and we'll welcome visitors again tomorrow from noon to 5 p.m. You might even catch a song or two between studios. Come see work by me and thejadedog.com in studio 311.
Reduction
Most people imagine adding layers of color when you tell them you paint. My work on this piece recently was all about scraping and scratching into the surface to reveal colors underneath. The idea of reduction -- taking away -- is one I learned in printmaking. In that medium, one approach is to carve away sections of block after each color layer until the last lines are darkest outlines or shadow.
In current paintings where I use wax mixed with oil colors, I can build up layers, scrape down and build up again until I'm satisfied with the results. I've been working on this 20x20" panel as a way to avoid attention to pieces destined for the CostaRica-themed show I'm doing in September. At the same time, working on this piece allows me to experiment with colors, shapes and techniques that will likely appear in those paintings, too.
Work in progress, oil and cold wax on 20x20" panel
first solo show
I'm so excited to show 25 recent paintings in my first solo exhibit: "A Prairie Perspective". The paintings, which range from 30x30" panels to small framed paintings on paper, are abstracted views that explore color, texture and line, inspired by landscape. The ESO Gallery is curated by artist Rachel Mindrup. The gallery is in a physician office, located in a strip mall just west of 78th Street on the north side of Davenport. The VFW is on the south side of the street. Brazenhead Pub is across 78th. Look for ESO or Eye Specialists of Omaha signs, and you'll know you've found it. The space offers large walls and intimate hallways to show artwork. We'll have a reception 1pm to 4pm Sunday. Details about the event are posted on Facebook here. I'm very proud of the work and would like more people to see it!
Barrio
Working on a series of paintings based on my winter trip to Costa Rica, I'm enjoying layering the vibrant colors. My intention is to make pieces that are loose and lively with a bit of whimsy.
Based on hillside neighborhoods in San Jose, Costa Rica, this is a section of a painting in progress.
All the potential
Thirty 8x8" birch panels, sanded, taped, with a first coat of gesso. Through the spring and summer, I'll be working on a series of paintings based on my travels in Costa Rica. So many possibilities!
