studies, studies and more studies....

                                                                                                                          

Realism one minute; abstraction the next.....  what gives?!  If you've followed my blog or checked the different galleries on my website, you know I might paint traditional oil pieces one week; something whimsical the next.   







Earlier in 2011,  I began a series that originally was to be called "Spring", which...I have not finished yet. ooooops! Got a bit sidetracked with some other work..so my goal is to finish four new bigger pieces by early-mid February.







 These little abstract pieces above are studies, 6x6" ...to help me work out not so much a finished form but to get my motion (mojo!?) going.  A way to play with brush strokes, energy and color.  A way to loosen up before I begin the big painting, especially after some tighter traditional work.

Lagoon  5x7" click to enlarge

This, like the geraniums in the window (last post) are works on paper. They're done mixing acrylic and lots of water - very loose, building texture in wet layers rather than loading the dry brush with thick paint.  Before painting like this, you need to apply 3 coats of protective gesso to create a good barrier between the water/paint solution and the archival paper. Also, the more water one adds to acrylic paint, the duller it looks when dry...but then you give it a coat of varnish and voila! all that brilliant paint color that was there when wet reappears.  And what's cool, you can either use art product varnish ....or just regular ol' boat varnish..which will make your piece last for eons!

Aeroeskobeing (click to enlarge)

Like for many of you, these last few days before Christmas find me baking (biscotti), wrapping gifts, thinking about meals.  So, tonight I'm posting a small, older painting (acrylic on paper). We visited Aeroeskoebing back in 2002 when hubby had work in Denmark and I took several photos of windows and flowers pots for painting.  This charming island is full of thatched roofs, window flowers, bike trails and lovely rolling hills full of sheep.  Only 7050 people live there but over 300,000 tourists swarm the place from late May to winter. Luckily we were there in April and had the place to ourselves. 

Happy Holidays, Bloggers!

     

Today one blog reader sent me an email full of good news and warm holiday wishes.  I'd like to extend the same to each one of you. As the year draws to a close I wish you special time with friends and family. May next year bring good health and fun adventures.  Thanks for your emails with feedback, ideas etc.  Keep 'em coming in 2012.  And to my students...Keep On Painting! Mary

Lean on Me

Lean on Me

oil, 6x6"

Actually painted this a few weeks ago, when the first persimmons hit the market.  Never can resist them.  They are so inviting you just need to have a couple even, if like me, you tell yourself you'll make persimmon pudding or other such holiday delicacy, but rarely do. They earn their keep though, being willing subjects for me to paint and..looking festive for several weeks.  Hope you all are enjoying this gorgeous fall we're having...and getting into the spirit of the holidays.  More soon, Mary