OCTOBER WORK

Here is the start of another painting where I am paying attention to my mark making and exploring the language.  This is acrylic on 300 lb cold press paper 30 x 22.  Initially the marks and colors are chaotic and the space is broken up into to many segments.  But I was having fun!

It went through many changes before deciding on this final version (below).  With this painting I really enjoyed the process. 

NEW WORK

I have been working away this month with a focus on my mark making.  Here is a finished painting on 2 sheets of 300 lb cold press (30" x 22") paper using acrylics, graphite and India Ink.  Below is the story of its humble beginnings in the studio.  These photos were taken as reference images only so are shot under less than optimal conditions.  However I find it helpful to take photos of my work's progression as I like to study them on a computer screen once away from the studio

Above is the start with India ink scribbles.

While it is a double panel painting I tended to work on one panel at a time on the easel.  I then transferred both to the floor and worked on it there ala Helen Frankenthaler.  The different viewpoints help me to study it with "fresh" eyes.  I also like to view the work upside down.

This was a process of building and burying elements.

As you can see it went through many transitions.  I do like the finished piece (at the top) and I also  like working with acrylic paint again.  This is a plus as I cannot use oils in my studio due to the lack of proper ventilation.  

More new work to come in the following days.

SWEET AFFIRMATIONS

WILD BEAUTY
oil/panel
8" x 8"

I delivered this painting (above) last week to the new owner.  They bought it when they first saw my announcement of my August show as guest artist at the Barb Jackson Gallery in Rockport, Maine.  That was a wonderful response to my new work just painted this summer while in my home state.

DRIFTING ECHOES
oil/panel
8" x 8"

And I feel very fortunate and grateful that these other three paintings received the same acknowledgment and are now in new homes.   Thank you new owners!

HEARTBEAT
oil/panel
8" x 8"

A secret about this body of work is that I painted in the same place everyday down by the ocean on a jagged spit of land with views of a cove rimmed with the granite running from the sea up to bushes and brambles then topped by the pointy pine trees that are iconic of this state.  These paintings are my emotional response to the landscape and its wild beauty.

WHERE ROCKS WANDER
oil/panel
8" x 8"

RECENT SALES

Isle of Shoals
mixed media on paper
28 x 36 framed

These two paintings recently sold at the Rocky Neck Gallery in Gloucester, MA.  Both are from my Journeys series started in 2012 and this series continues to expand.  Originally I was working with old road maps retracing the routes my parents traveled and imagining the trips they took.  This evolved to the concept of travel we take once we recall our own stories.

I feel very honored that these works on paper have been invited to new homes.  You can see more of my work on my website.  The Journey series has sparked a new body of work I started this summer called Remnants.   I am very excited to be exploring this idea in the studio now.

If I Leave Now
mixed media on paper
36 x 28 framed

On another note my painting workshop scheduled for this weekend at Mother Brook Arts in Dedham has been cancelled due to low enrollment.  We are planning another concept for the spring that might be more attractive for interested artists.  I will keep you posted.

PAINTING WORKSHOP

I am teaching a 3 day painting workshop at Mother Brook Arts & Community Center in Dedham, MA starting Friday, 10/24 - Sunday 10/26.  This workshop explores the graphic language and helps students become stronger painters and develop their unique creative voice.  I hope you can join me for a fun and rewarding few days in a supportive environment painting and experimenting with the language.  Mother Brook Arts is located on 123 High Street in Dedham (formerly the Avery Elementary School.  For more information email info@motherbrookarts.org

This is a brief description of the workshop:

Learn how to become a stronger painter and develop your skills by exploring the elements of the painting language: color, value, shape, line, texture, size and direction. Each class will cover a subject (or two) on form and through demos, viewing master artworks and doing painting exercises students will strengthen their comprehension of the visual language. Class time will allow students to paint with individual attention. Each session ends with a critique/class discussion. Watermedia.

A supply list is on the Mother Brook Arts site course description.  If you have any questions please email me at marthawake@aol.com.

Friday, October 24 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 25 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 26 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Course ID: 

Painting Workshop

Categories: 

adults