Paintings included in "Banana SPLIT" erotic show

in 2012, I made a series of paintings exploring the human figure. In these paintings, I wanted to convey emotion through the poses of a woman alone and with her partner. Several paintings from that series will be shared at the upcoming erotic show “Banana SPLIT” this weekend at the SPLIT Gallery, 2561 Leavenworth St. in Omaha. Check the link to see gallery hours for the weekend show.

Vulnerability and loving touch were the primary ideas I considered as I painted in a limited palette. I also wanted to explore universal themes of loss, frailty, grief, change, love and comfort. In her review for The Reader of the show where these pieces debuted, Sally Deskins said of my paintings: “The narrative is enjoyable to follow, almost as though you are watching through the lovers’ window. The passion of the artist with her story is evidenced in the accentuated line quality and intensity of hues. Her intention was utilizing the body’s ‘touch’ to espouse emotion; and in that way she was successful.“

Deskins describes the painting “Kiss,” included in the upcoming SPLIT show and shown below. The embracing couple “displays emotion with just a torso — the hands, genitals and legs are affectionately achieved — with her color choice and romantic narrative, the result normalizes the nakedness rather than shuns it.“

There is a great line-up of local artists for the show at SPLIT and I’m looking forward to seeing the variety of interpretations. Please join us!

“Kiss” oil on canvas, 36” x 48”

Happy holidays

Holiday season is in full swing and I’m enjoying the sunshine and mild temperatures, which are very welcome in Nebraska this time of year! Birds are visiting our feeders, lights are twinkling and soon I’ll be baking biscotti, making toffee, wrapping gifts and tying them in colorful bows. Then we’ll share all those things with extended family and friends we don’t get to see often enough.

I’m grateful for all the support in the past year and am looking forward to new endeavors in 2019. Stay tuned for announcements about exhibits, workshops and other news.

Happy holidays to you with wishes for warmth, laughter and love as we embrace the season.

open houses and upcoming workshops

I’ll have the studio ready for visitors for the upcoming open house at Hot Shops Art Center. Stop into my place, Studio 210, between noon and 5 p.m. Saturday or Sunday. After 5 p.m. Saturday, I’ll join John Miller in Studio 219 to play some music. You’re welcome to join me for that, too! Even though I’m on the second floor now, I still recommend starting your visit on the third floor and working your way down through the building. There will be lots to see, and you can follow your nose to the delicious aromas from food available from Bang Catering on the first floor.

In my studio, I’ll have some new paintings, as well as some works in progress and selected paintings and woodcut prints on display and available for purchase. Also, I’ve scheduled two workshops in the new year, so if you’re curious about cold wax and painting with this versatile medium in a two-hour session of creative play, you can get signed up.

Parking will be available in the Mastercraft lot just north of our building, and on Saturday, our neighbors at Midco (check out the Haney Studio) and Bench will be open, too!

A 15” x 15” painting that may be done but is still on my work wall, part of a series in progress in my studio right now.