Here you will find a few words, alongside the works.
King Midas in His Garden
King Midas in His Garden
watercolor with goldleaf
36” x 24“
I find the myth of King Midas and his golden wish contains a few modern parallels. The bird appears to have it all, yet he still feels his life lacks luster.
Ultimately he migrates swiftly from euphoria to despair. And back again.
Beware of the man with the Midas touch.
Himmelblau und Morgenrot
How do you describe the color of the sky?
This summer my creative focus has been on color study, observing and learning descriptors, qualities and names. Many of the techniques were based off of a wonderful older book titled Watercolor Technique by watercolorist Rex Brandt. The introduction provided such an accurate and beautiful description of painting in the medium that I knew this was a man to learn from.
I ordered a copy of this man’s writings for my personal library simply because of this one quote.
The artist’s feelings and thoughts cannot be readjusted, buried or hidden. (Rex Brandt)
Paper and water carry the painter’s emotion through the tiniest bit of pigment. Yet the choice of pigment matters.
These included studies in color, transparency, layers and value. I played in washes and observations. I visited museums and spent time outdoors soaking in hues throughout the day.
Versions of color studies can be seen within the newly opened Bauhaus Museum in Weimar. People love a color wheel. My appreciation for color studies began last summer with a visit to the Cooper Hewitt’s exhibition, “Saturation:The Allure of Science and Color”. (Also, reason number 1000 why I believe education should be pursuing STEAM and not STEM programing.)
As Fall approaches, I will be revisiting my summer explorations.
My sky studies were my favorite portion of this summer color study. I’m thinking of sharing these studies through a type of watercolor challenge series on Instagram, because they were so fun.
Which leaves me with how do you describe the color of the sky?
I’m still not sure I can describe the color accurately by pigment color. You?
9 Eggs: Inspired by Christopher Robin
These nine eggs were made using materials found in my backyard and easter egg dye. I was reminded of a few childhood treasures through the process. Things I wish I could have held on to a little bit longer.
The How: I adhere the leaf to the eggs by using hosiery squares and bread ties. They are then dipped in dye and set to dry for about 30 minutes or so. (There are several videos online featuring the process. If you’d like to try it a quick google search will get you started.)
I love making these because each one is like an unexpected gift, especially as they are unwrapped. And I appreciate their resemblance to watercolor paintings.
Wishing all a Happy Easter and enjoyment of the Spring season.
Even Artists Have Seasons
I am incredibly grateful for a recent artist talk by the remarkable Alice Ballard. It was a reminder to me that there are seasons. I painted a LOT in the past two years, yet I still have so many ideas to put on paper.
Studio guilt.
It’s a real condition. The inner critic is so loud sometimes. And mine even speaks in two languages!
Why aren’t you in there in the mornings before work or at least a few minutes after work? Was ist denn los mit dir???
Alice reminded me that even if one isn’t producing, an artist is mentally always creating and processing new ideas, thoughts and work through their daily encounters. (All the emoji praise hands!) She spoke to exactly where I am ... and extended the grace I needed to hear. That these seasons provide the material for the works ahead.
And I love that.
I’ve discovered that my studio rhythm includes painting more through the months of April-December, while January-March tend to be times for where I am more in tune to the bookkeeping, reading and studying type of work. And so that is what I have been doing.
My Spring Shop is now open online. It will be open through May. I hope to add to it a bit in the weeks ahead. Putting all the works together helped me realize how productive the last two years truly have been.
Take that, Studio Guilt.
