There's painting...and then there's painting...

(Click image to enlarge)
Painting lots since my last post but not so much on canvas. Long overdue, I schlepped everything out of my studio to put a fresh coat of paint on the walls and even the floor. Now that I've put everything back in place, it's time to get back to working on the 2011 series.

Here's a quick photo of the new gray floor and clean white walls. I'm raring to go - it's like I've moved to a brand new place. Watch for new work soon. Mary

HIghs and Lows and everything in between.

Sharing a peek at this weekend's Open Studio reception. (thanks for the photos Patricia)

Left photo: my pal Gerry dropped in to check out the new work. She's been a trouper - regularly supporting my shows.

Right photo: A unexpected reunion with one of my very first buyers, Barbara, and her hubby came on through. What a delight it was to connect again.

Highs and lows during these events. Some visitors come and chat about art and life ; others glance but walk on to another studio -having thick skin is important.

Bottom line? I enjoy it all and look forward to the next adventure. Will keep you posted.

Yikes! Only two days before Open Studios

Abundance, 36x48. click to enlarge

This is my most recent painting; finished it this week. It's a big guy. 4 feet wide. Had great fun painting it. It came along right on the heels of the Spring pieces and was meant to fit that body of work but seems to have a quirky personality of its own. (the painting is lighter, brighter than this but I didn't have time to correct it)

Last minute craziness today. I'm about to head out to hang my paintings at the gallery that my two pals and I are sharing for 2011 Open Studios this weekend. It's sometimes hard putting your work out there for scrutiny but it's also a joy meeting so many people as they wander through various studios, asking questions, sharing their thoughts.

We spend two full days at the studio: 11 - 6 (well longer since we go early to get things ready; stay later to clean up. The address again is 1337 Fourth Street, San Rafael. Would love to see you!This is my most recent painting; finished it this week. It's a big guy. 4 feet wide. Had great fun painting it. It came along right on the heels of the Spring pieces and was meant to fit that body of work but seems to have a quirky personality of its own. (the painting is lighter, brighter than this but I didn't have time to correct it)

Spring II - part of the Open Studio exhibit

Spring II. 30 x 48 diptych acrylic on canvas, (click to enlarge)

The other day I posted Spring I; this diptych is part of the same series. I began these paintings during a long dreary rainy spell, needing to put some color into my day. Abstract yet recognizable these pieces are less about the subject than they are about the feeling the subject inspired in me.

The levels of energy, movement and color in the Spring series are quite a contrast with work I did last year which were very still and quiet. In those previous pieces, faintly sketched subjects sat gently against pale smooth backgrounds.

I've found that over the years in my studio, the cycles of the seasons, my moods, what is going on in my life is continually reflected in my work. I guess it's a therapy of a sort.