Work in Progress

Above is my current work painting at it's very beginning. This is my largest painting at 36"x48". It is a self portrait of myself at age 2-1/2. It will be a challenge as I haven't painted people in a very long time. I am taking on this endeavor for an upcoming NAWA show, Sisterhood. In the Sisterhood exhibition we are asked to be insipired by another NAWA artist. I am choosing my sister, Barbara, as my inspiration artist. In particular her use of color and storytelling. I will see where this piece leads me as I progress.

 

My Working Process

Painting is an observation. One often passes through the landscape or a place often without recognizing its’ uniqueness, emotion, or imagination. Traveling along our chosen path every day, taking what we see for granted. One fails to realize that these images will become important elements in our memories. Reflecting upon a landscape that I have recently passed through, or recalling one from childhood, brings me images to paint. The colors and shapes are strong, yet often fragmented images in my mind. The “snapshots” when melded together may tell a story, create a mood, or recall a memory. Many of the final paintings result from sketches made while riding through the landscape. The motion forces me to draw quickly, without apprehension. The sketches are fresh and filled with movement. These sketches are transformed and blended together to create paintings in my studio. I search for a sense of place, how I relate to it, and the emotions and memories which it evokes. I learn to explore my place in the world; where I have been, and where I want to go, both physically and emotionally.