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.