More Inspiration

My family enjoys traveling to the Northwest corner of Montana with some regularity. While there are many things which draw us there, the colors are very close to the top of the list. As artists have known forever, nature knows what she is doing.

In this area of Many Glacier, Glacier National Park, Montana the reds and greens of the rocks have become an inspiration for me when I am drawn to particular hues. But it is not only the rocks, but the glacial lakes, and one cannot forget the sky! The beautiful clear skies of the summer are an inpiration in themselves.

In the photograph on the right you can see some of the colors which draw me in. In the photo on the left, you can see a close-up and clearer image of the red rock which is seen on the side of the mountain in the long view photograph. The other interesting thing about this particular rock is the hue actually beomes quite purple when it is wet!

Inspired by Materials

I am inspired by many things, but one place I can go to always be inspired is the local art supply shop or even the online shop. The supports, the colors, the mediums and even the art furniture make my head spin.

This photo of a WIP shows the use of lots of items. Clearly there is black acrylic paint, but this paint has been painted over rice paper in some places, then torn away. Oil pastels show up in the form of "pink" matter. And the sparkly, textured surface is pumice which has been "stained" with acrylic paint. If you look closely along the edge, there is also a line of yellow oil pastel which is kind of dug into the pumice. This little corner is heavy with layers of materials.

This painting has never been completed, but just working with these materials has inspired other works. So when I feel uninspired, I will either head off to the art shop or head for my computer. As has been said before...inspiration is all around us.

Between Holidays

Confusion
24" x 36"
Mixed Media

Available

After 25 people here for Thanksgiving and getting Elizabeth back to Los Angeles, this week will feel like a breeze. Oops! Wait! No! I need to work on those transcripts and other documentation for Jonathan's college applications. Oh well, so much for getting back into the studio any time soon.

But with this block of busy time, I have been thinking about how to incorporate some bits and pieces into my days. I have tended to paint large pieces, but maybe it is time for me to consider the aspect of small work to work on during excessively busy times of my life. Maybe even some works on paper. Possibly picking up pastels again would be a positive move, too. That way I could pick them up quickly and also tote them along easier. The most difficult part for me is I like to use my whole arm and not just my hand when I paint. But I need something and this opportunity is presenting itself. I must have a need to go in that direction. I need to follow the instinct.

The title of this painting has nothing to do with my current state of mind. I try to remind myself that life is really great, but sometimes moving through the confusion gets messy.

Cracked Earth

24" x 36"

Acrylic on Canvas

Available

This is a painting I did after terrible earthquake in the middle east. I was so astonished to see the people living in beautiful parks under lovely, brightly colored cloths since the earth had broken open not allowing them to be able to live in their homes.

This painting represents the beauty on the surface of the earth while below the surface there was sliding places and large cracks which was creating unstablitly for those living on the surface. Since I have never experienced an earthquake (although I have experienced several other natural disasters), I do not feel as though I can say I understand what people in this region were feeling. This painting, though, represents the image that disaster pushed into my subconsicous. I am grateful these people are now back in their homes.

In the United States this week, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving. Our celebration of the harvest season always gives me an extra time to pause and reflect on all of the areas of my life where I feel so much gratitude. This year, I am additionally grateful for all of you making the effort to stop by here to see what I am up to.

So with a bit of a pause in my blogging this week, I wish you all a Very Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving.

A Busy Friday

Today is a busy day around here. Elizabeth (my daughter who is in grad school) will be arriving from Los Angeles this evening. We are really excited to see her. Thanksgiving is next week, so there is a lot to do since loads of family will be here. Jonathan is busily working away on essays for college applications, too.

I thought you might like a quick look at one of the many crazy areas of my studio. This is where I contemplate things, work on small pieces, doodle and all kinds of things like that. Organized...only in my own mind.

Have a Wonderful Weekend.

One More Thing

Yesterday, I forgot to tell you that Lesley McIver's web site is www.glitz.co.nz She is also the link, Glitz Art Glass, in the link list. Do give her a visit. You will be glad you did.

Thankful for a Cold and Rainy Day

I woke up this morning to cold and rain. Oh yes, there is wind tossed in there as well. But Jonathan and I are snug and warm here each with our computers on our laps working away. Hopefully, later today the computer comes off my lap and I can get up into the studio to do a bit of work.

Cold, rainy and windy days can be comforting from time to time, however. I find it makes me get a lot more done than days which call me to be outdoors or to do other things. I suppose all in all, like life, it is a matter of balance. After a hot and humid summer, I am also grateful for the cold and look forward to the snow. Of course, I do not have to go out and get myself to an office away from home, either.

So I am off to get some things done inside today and start getting things in place for a lovely Thanksgiving. I am feeling very grateful, and I hope you are as well.