Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Dr. Ph. Martin's - Starry Summer Nights

During my textiles course at Otis School of Art and Design over the summer, I learned how to use a variety of new mediums, my favorite being Dr. Ph. Martin's liquid watercolors and Bleed Proof White. I had a lot of fun experimenting in these mediums and gained a renewed appreciation for painting on paper. I found awe and fascination in the richness and beauty of these pigments, and am still discovering tricks for using them with each session.

The other night, I was listening to Eckhart Tolle's A New Earth (audio book). I wasn't particularly in the mood to create any artwork, but I have been exercising more discipline in doing art, even when inspiration eludes me. Sooner or later, I found myself in a flow, guided by his voice.

While completing a small section in an abstract painting of mountains, I discovered how to paint little stars using Bleed Proof White paint over dry watercolor. Even though it was about midnight when I made this discovery (and even though I was tired)...inspiration had struck!!

In a bout of energy, I created That Summer Night, just before bed. I am excited to share it with you.

That Summer Night
There is a certain feeling that comes on when looking up at the stars in their infinite glory.

I titled this painting That Summer Night because I imagine that most of us have personal memory attached to a starry night.

In the heat of Salt Lake City summers in Utah, I can still hear the sound of crickets playing in unison, the clearness of the sky, the warm breeze in my face, and the night speckled with stars. I can also remember laying on the tennis courts at Camp Arowhon surrounded by my closest friends in Algonquin Park picking out constellations.

Summers held a special place in my heart growing up; I channeled that feeling into this painting.

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Donuts Are Always a Good Idea

One of the greatest feelings of reward that I get as an artist is seeing my work installed in someone's home. I also love it when I get to see images of artwork framed.

I am delighted to share the following photos of my work installed in a client's home after framing! I love everything about the way things turned out, from the color palette in the room, to the salon-wall of works, to the mixture of artistic styles.

Installation view of my paintings installed in client's home

Closeup image of the works framed (I love how they turned out!)

Closeup on my abstract painting