Here you will find a few words, alongside the works.
Stay Golden
CONFESSION: Sparkly things have been distracting me. I’m feeling as if the Golden Girls have met Château de Versailles . . . but on paper.
I’m even buying frames in gold?!?! I used to loathe gold and now, I’m finding the more sparkle the better.
Today is my birthday and I’m 44. I’m wondering if I’m attracted to the glitter shimmer to make up for the “diminishing” that middle age brings in. I now need reading glasses- especially in the mornings and evenings, back pain is a new companion of mine and well, those younger people are just so plugged in. How do they even have all the opinions they do about the planet? The world, coffee, sustainable clothing and politics??? I can’t keep up. But I want to and I’m glad they are here. They care deeply about meaningful things and know how to have a good conversation.
I guess i’m thinking about these things because this year I noticed that I am too old for certain art calls. And I had four consecutive weeks where I really could do very little due to pain. So the fact is, I’m in a new season. What am I going to do with it?
Try to embrace and stay golden, I suppose. Oh, and the yoga for the back.
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.