INTENTION

This painting I started in December, 2014.  It is acrylic on paper 22 x 40.  

The painting has gone through many stages this month.  There are more photos of its progression (or final stage) if I could call it that.  But since it wasn't happening (I am not happy with the direction) I have put it away - for now.  My problem is realizing I had no idea what I am trying to say.

It may be resurrected... once I can decide on my intention.  In the meantime it is better off left alone.

ART POSTING CHALLENGE

I was invited by Jane McKinnon Johnston to post my artwork on Facebook for the next 5 days in the art posting challenge.  So I posted 3 paintings from my scissor series.  This was my first time working in series and exploring an idea again and again through painting.  I started this series in 2008 and return to it often over the years.  It has also been well received in the marketplace with paintings from this series now at Meditech Corporation and many private collections.

I love scissors - this was my main tool when I was a fashion designer in New York City.

ANOTHER DAY

Today I know I am channeling Joan Mitchell...is that so bad?  acrylic on paper 14" x 11".

WARM UP

Warm up exercises in the studio today.  22 x30 watercolor on paper.

EXPLORING

Since the new year I have been at the studio daily.  Most of my practice now is just exploring paint, color and mark making on  different surfaces.  Above are the rough warm up paintings I started before the holiday.  These have been a great starting point.  It is always a good practice to leave unfinished work in the studio for one's next return.

From some of these I have come up with the following paintings that intrigue me.  All are roughly 11 x 14 inches, acrylic on paper.

I will have quite a pile of sketches by the end of the month.  My goal is to keep painting until I discover an idea or subject that I want to explore in a series.   By just painting I feel the inspiration will reveal itself.  More sketches to come.  

2014 REVIEW part 3

In fall of 2014 I had the chance to show my largest work to date.  My circle paintings.  Two were included in the show Greater Than The Sum of Its Parts at Lasell College in Newton.  This exhibit featured the talented artists of our coaching group:  Adria Arch, Brenda Cirioni, Jodi Colella, Merill Comeau, Margot Stage, Ilana Manolson,  Catherine Evans, Kathleen Volp, and Jeanne Williamson.

The idea for this circle series was inspired by my time as a artist-in residence at Vermont Studio Center in November of 2012.  The paintings measure roughly 82" x 82" and are acrylic on canvas.  They reflect a daily ritual and take a long time to complete.  I have completed 6 of these circle paintings to date with one still in progress at the studio.

After hearing Cutie and the Boxer talk at the MFA last spring I have become a cartoonist.  This new series of 23 cartoons (so far) is for a dear friend and private collector.   Introducing Pajama Boy!  I get inspired daily with tales to tell of his many adventures.

One event that marked 2014 was losing a mentor and friend Jon Imber after he fought a heroic battle with ALS.  A movie about his art and life was released this year titled Imber's Left Hand part of the Maine Master's Project and directed by Richard Kane.  His words, art and personality live on in this moving masterpiece. A must see film! You can watch a 5 minute video here.

So 2014 started out with an amazing 3-week trip to India and ended with a delightful painting sale to a high school classmate via Facebook.  2014 presented challenges and some art experiences never to repeat again, but these make great stories now.  As the months flowed I had the chance to work with, paint with and be inspired by so many artists.  2015 is starting out with time in the studio - daily.  I am so grateful for all these gifts.  

2014 IN REVIEW part 2

In 2014 I was invited to show my in Somerville, and Newton, MA, and Rockport, ME.  These venues proved fruitful as my paintings sold here along with a very good year at the galleries that represent me: Rocky Neck Gallery in Gloucester, MA; Hope Gallery in Bristol RI, and NOW Designs Studios in Acton, MA.

Black Chemise #2 acrylic/paper 2011
Love Shack exhibit February 2014 @ Nave Gallery,  Somerville, MA

Wild Beauty o/p 2014
Guest artist @ Barb Jackson Gallery in Rockport, ME

Isle of Shoals
Journey Series
mixed media /paper
28 x 36

My Slip series from  2011, the Journeys series started in 2012 and Wild Beauty, new this past summer, have all been well received with paintings from each series invited into new homes.  This recognition is such an honor!

Another fun part of 2014 was having the opportunity to paint on location in many parts of New England.  It is a inspiring change from working in the studio.

Pemaquid , ME where my series Wild Beauty was born

I promise just one more day of a review and that will be brief as the studio calls to me.  I wish you a day of fun even though the sky is milky grey, the sun hides and the temperature stays in the single digits.

2014 IN REVIEW

By now we are almost in the middle of January 2015 and maybe looking back seems like stale news. But this review is a good exercise for my direction for the new year.  I just got back to the studio last Thursday after the holiday season and other events that required my attention.

It felt a bit strange to have been away from the space for so long - a week seems like a long time.  The first day I spent just organizing supplies, cleaning up, taking inventory and reviewing unfinished work.  My second day back I did pastel studies and warm-up paintings just to get back in the groove of working.

Last year was very productive.  The plan for this year is to make my studio practice better and different.  In 2014 I had many wonderful opportunities to work with other talented artists and to show my work in new venues.  For those occasions I am very grateful. Here I hope is a brief recap.

Flirt reception @ Mother Brook Arts
photo courtesy of D Stein

2014 started out with my first curatorial experience launching the inaugural show at the brand new art organization Mother Brook Arts in Dedham, MA.

The show Flirt featured 14 well-known New England artists.  This exhibit showed over 60 pieces of art on 2 floors/2 stairwells including paintings, site-specific installations, printmaking, fiber art, photography and mixed media.

Half way thorough the planning process I was lucky to have Jeanne Williamson, artist and marketing guru join me as co-curator.  The 6-week long exhibit was well attended and received accolades from the local press and Artscope Magazine along with red dots through out the show (aka Sales!).

Installation by artist Danielle LaPointe

I can see already this review may be lengthy.  So I will break it up into smaller posts and strive to keep your interest.  Another 2014 highlight is as staff writer for The Palette Magazine.  I wrote 4 feature articles on professional artists along with a few pieces on painting technique.  This year the editors plan to put all past issues on the web and we are excited about another year working on this gem of a magazine.

More to come as a 2014 review.  And now back to the studio.  

BACK AT IT

After the merry holidays I finally got back to the studio last week.  It was one of those January days,  sunless, cold, with a touch of snow.  This image above is a view of the parking lot from my studio window.  I love the contrast of the black paving against the white snow and the tire marks that seem random but reflect a purpose.

Even though I was intrigued by the black and white composition outdoors I really needed to work with color.  

Here I made sketches using pastels playing with purposeful mark making while trying out some ideas for future work.  I am still finding my way for my next series so just being here scribbling feels productive.