Stop #6 in the Abstract Universe

The compositional idea for week #6 is another repeating shape; this time based on circles as shown in the sketch on the right. Also shown is the "color wheel" (I am using the term loosely) we have been using. Not a real color wheel for mixing color but a set of colors chosen for this exercize - and, frankly, I'm getting really bored with them. This week we broke with the idea of one dominant color and one subordinate color. We chose instead 3 analogous colors (3 colors that are next to each other on the wheel)- the 3 blues and added any 2 colors across the wheel to act as subordinate or secondary colors.

Class Work at Stop #6 in the Abstract Universe

Did we really stop or are we adrift in the cosmos and peering into deep space? These paintings seem to share an 'exploding universe' quality - beautiful and mysterious.
From the top, they were done by Karen Hartney,
Judith Greenwood and
Gina Quintana

Karen Hartney, friend, physical therapist, and fellow artist will soon be leaving the San Luis Valley for an new universe in South Carolina - we will miss her.

Early Christmas Gifts

Christmas Cheer came a little early this year. The Solo Exhibition of my studio work at the San Luis Valley Medical Center closed this week and I was thrilled (I mean screaming thrilled) that the largest piece in the show, 48"x60", "Into the Woods" SOLD. - WOW!
Next, I received a very welcome check from Earthwood Gallery in Estes Park for sale of "Aspen Glen"; a 12"x16" plein air piece from Rocky Mt. National Park and the SPACe Galley sold 6"x8", "Aspen Walk" at the Gift of Art Show going on this month in LaVeta. Interesting - trees seem to be the flavor of the month. . . . .
Even in the best of times, I could never take a sale lightly but in times like these, it means so much more. I feel blessed, indeed.

Week 5 - Abstract Land - it can be heaven, or not

I am finally sitting down to add some copy to these photos; and it's not 2 in the morning. Yay!
Week five's compositional idea is a repeating shape and in this case it is the rectangle- or square. My sketch is there at the bottom, and very linear, but it is only a starting place.
The orange painting was the first - shape after shape after shape. In the blue piece I started with black shapes, obliterated them, built new shapes and did the same; about the time it became too busy with tedious little shapes I would cover it and build it up again.
Last week I talked about trying to stay process focused, and actively working with the right side of the brain. That would be the part considered most visual and certainly the most perceptual and intuitive. Non-artists think that this is where artists live - I wish. Art is not magic. In reality, creating art takes concerted effort, technical knowledge and some idea about putting it together; things that the left side of the brain is better at. But there are times when art seems like magic. This could be either, when it is flowing so well you can't believe it or so not-working, you think you've lost it. So we swing between the two poles that are moments, sometimes even minutes, when the music takes you away and paint flows for pure pleasure and that sudden blip in the creative flow that can stop you cold and grip you with fear.

Week 5 Class Work in Abstract Land

In class we have gotten in touch with some things I need to mention: -first, making non-representational art is hard - harder than it appears to the novice. Any of us who ever said or suggested that a "5 year old could do that"- will never say that again.
There is also an idea that doing abstract art will loosen you up (artistically). "HA!" That ain't happenin'. During class one can almost hear the sound of brain activity, deep concentration and under the breath muttering- "this is hard; this is so hard."
The pieces shown here belong to:
1. Gina Quintana, at the top
2. Josie Perea, below
Click on the image to view it larger.

Happy Thanksgiving

Tag Again- Your IT
Now for some more tagging: Chuck Sale, his wife Teri and I used to paint together in California; both are amazing artists, now working in photography and design. The blog is beautiful, educational and always a good read. Thanks Chuck.
Urban Sketchers is another blog I go back to again and again - for the pictures. Can't get enough of it.
Finally, the Gaffney Journal, random thoughts on art, faith, movies- always smart and thought provoking.
That's about it for now. Surfing the blog world always makes me wish I was a better writer. Alas, only ever having been an artist I must persevere at what I do the best. According to the Tag Game rules I am now supposed to put up 7 interesting things about myself. Instead, I will post my latest offering: a 7"x 5" oil done today on clay board. I ordered some clay board mini panels because everyone raves about how wonderful it is - and I am definitely a panel girl. Normally, I paint on panels gessoed with a foam brush - flat with almost no texture.
My first impression of the clayboard is good but it is hard to tell on such a small sample. One thing is for sure, clayboard is very absorbent; almost sucks the glow right out of the oils. Almost immediately I could see low spots appear.
I will keep you posted.
Look for Week 5 in Abstract Land, coming up. No class this week because of the holiday.
Thanks for reading, commenting, and supporting art. Blessings this Thanksgiving.

Hearts & Stars Show in Taos

Last night at the Wilder Nightingale Gallery in Taos Sue McCullough and I attended the Hearts & Stars Miniature Show and Fund raiser for the Coalition to End Homelessness. We had paintings in the show and Sue sold one at the party -Bravo! The Wilder Nightingale Galley is always a welcoming place and one of my favorite Taos galleries; add amazing food, art, company, with the same good cause in mind and it's a good party. Some of the other artists involved were Michelle Chrisman, the primary organizer, Kemper Coley, Alan Heuer, and Elizabeth Jose, who closed the evening with some jazz vocals. Wow an artist who sings. Why am I surprised? I also found out that Alan Heuer is a classically trained clarinetist.
The show will hang until November 26th at the Wilder Nightingale Gallery in Taos. The miniature shown here did not go to Taos but I hate to post with out a visual aid.

Tagging in the Painting Playground

I have been tagged- that's a good thing, I think. Eldon Warren is always running ahead of the pack, encouraging (me at least) to expand my blogging horizons- and it's working.
I am supposed to Link to the person who tagged me, then tag seven bloggers (that I follow), comment on their blog and add a link to their blog; then see if I can get them to pick up the baton. Do I even know 7 people to tag? We'll see. Participation is voluntary so here goes. One more thing: List 7 unusual things about myself. Hmmmm.
First there is Eldon Warren, who I have to point back to as one of my favorite artist-bloggers. There is so much to be learned by just looking at his work, it is practically required reading for my student painters.
Sue McCullough, my good friend and an award winning plein air painter. I am so lucky to have her as a painting buddy. Sue has gotten me to paint out in 10 degree weather; what an inspiration. Right now she is blogging about a studio in process- check it out.
I also follow the work of fellow High Desert Painter from North Carolina Jana VanWyk. I have Jana to thank for getting me blogging.
Judith Greenwood is a beginning blogger but no babe in the art woods. Long time designer and professional artist, I want to encourage her blog in every way.
Well, that's a start. NOW get thee to the studio.

Week 4 - Abstract Mania

Well, I didn't go home with paint all over my shoes this week - maybe I should have....
This week the compositional idea was made up of horizontal shapes and lines - very landscape-like;
- funny, in the landscape, I only see shapes; in these shapes,
the landscape appears.
Here is my sketch, then the first brush strokes to establish the compositional idea - and the final at the top.
I did concentrate on staying in the right side of the brain, and that means actively working with the visual, spacial, and perceptual information. It helps to stay process focused and not product focused. View the class's paintings below.

Lost in Abstract Mania - Week 4 Class Paintings

Part of this "abstract" discussion has led us to thinking about how we function creatively. Art tends to be non-verbal, perceptual, spacial, intuitive and often paradoxical - characteristics embraced by the right side of the brain. Though we don't all process information that way,
with practice, we can help our brains get better at it. Isn't that good to know?
One of the best books on this subject, and creativity in general, is "Drawing on the Artist Within" by Betty Edwards, who also wrote, "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain".
The paintings to the right belong to the artists in this order:
1. Karen Hartney
2. Gina Quintana
3. Dee Bartee
4. Jerri Everett
5. Jerri Everett