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.

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