I find that observing rather than recording what I see works much better for me when I paint. What's on my daily observation list today? I get lost in the water in the shower, rain coming off the roof, puddling in the driveway, little gems on the spider web and the river a walk away, as it goes back and forth to the ocean. Here's some work that's come out of past observations. Some of this will be available as prints at my sale on July 20-21.
Showing posts with label Yellow. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Yellow. Show all posts
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Fresh Landscapes
I've been working on some more abstract landscapes. These are still in progress, using oil bars and poppy seed oil paints. Big inspiration in the backyard from peonies, new baby RI red chicks and spring rain that turns everything bright and pink and acid green. Can you tell Helen Frankenthaler has been an inspiration lately?
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
More and more spring please
It seems like it all comes in one afternoon. Spring. The tiny pinks, pops of yellow, itsy blues, sprays of acid greens. And the smells. Because the daffodils are on the early side, the yellow they trumpet is the smell of new spring air. There's a little meadow of daffodils (thousands and thousands) with young sapling trees and wood mulch paths open to the public for Daffodil month in Dartmouth MA. Bit of a secret and feels a little like a chapel when you go. People talk in hushed voices, walk slowly with reverence, rejoice it's finally here. It's Parsons Reserve and worth the drive, walk up a hill and through the woods. More info here. Thank you farmer Parsons.
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Up close in Parsons field via flickr by Adam Salisbury |
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Painter Lulie Wallace found here |
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Centerpiece inspiration by Bridal Banter |
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Uppercase and Feeling Bookish
Uppercase, the incredible magazine, gallery, book and papergoods store in Calgary just put together an exhibition of over 40 best of book designs sent in
from readers entitled Feeling Bookish. The call for submissions was to design a cover that is a self portrait of your life. Uppercase gallery will show the work in their gallery at Art Central, opening tonight. For those of us who have to work tomorrow and can't pull off the drive to Canada, Uppercase is offering their magazine subscribers a peek at the majority of submissions in their upcoming Issue No. 7. Here is the link to their site and to their blog with more info about the show. Below is a winning submissions by Andrea Armstrong who sees herself as Chicken Girl, a title very close to my heart.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Fun Friday
You guys were amazing this week helping me grow my follower list. We added close to 40 new peeps. I'll be sending some little packages of color vivipary to Thea and Maria. Please let me know if I've missed anyone. Some of you have sent new friends my way but it may not be clear yet in the follower list who they are. Have a beautiful weekend and keep your eyes open for those lovely sighs of summer yellow.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
I Really Like Walter Feldman
As many of you know I get a little wobbly before a show. I think it's just what we get for wiring as artists. If we're sensitive to all the beauty around us why wouldn't we be sensitive to the criticism? I find showing and talking about my work to some trusted people just before, really helps. Gets me ready to let the work go and finally stand on my feet. I made a trip to the Little Compton studio of artist Walter Feldman this week and shared my work. I met Walter a few years ago because I sat across from him at a restaurant that has 10 of my collages on their walls. He asked the waitress who's work it was... he really liked it. We started talking and he told me he did a little painting, too and gave me his number if I wanted to get together. Walter is a charming 85 who has a lovely wife Barbara. When I came home and casually mentioned the encounter to Paul he nearly fell off his chair. "Walter Feldman likes your work? Sweetie this is great!" "Who's Walter Feldman?" I asked. Here and here are links to his work. A little intimidated to say the least, I brought my pile to him on Monday and with in minutes felt inspired rather than intimidated. He knew immediately which works were tied to my heart and which weren't. And how to tweek the ones that weren't quite singing yet. I felt so lucky to have this time with him. Some how we got around to this blog and the friends I'm finding on it and he asked "What is a blog, anyway and do you think I need a website?" So guess who get's to do a little payback and bringing Walter up to speed on this blogging thing?
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
8.17.10 Tuesday's Color Swatch
P M S N o. 1225
little sigh
of summer yellow
of summer yellow
you ease your soft head
onto our laps
as we sit at the picnic
tables of august.
the monarchs on the
joe pie weed
have our eye so
we don't notice you
reaching your peek,
until your soft voice
clears it's throat
and trumpets orange
-Alyn Carlson
-Alyn Carlson
Photo by Sylvie Van Hulle
found here on flickr
Monday, August 16, 2010
8.16.10 Poem for Monday
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A Lemon
-Pablo Neruda
Out of lemon flowers
loosed
on the moonlight, love's
lashed and insatiable
essences,
sodden with fragrance,
the lemon tree's yellow
emerges,
the lemons
move down
from the tree's planetarium
Delicate merchandise!
The harbors are big with it-
bazaars
for the light and the
barbarous gold.
We open
the halves
of a miracle,
and a clotting of acids
brims
into the starry
divisions:
creation's
original juices,
irreducible, changeless,
alive:
so the freshness lives on
in a lemon,
in the sweet-smelling house of the rind,
the proportions, arcane and acerb.
Cutting the lemon
the knife
leaves a little cathedral:
alcoves unguessed by the eye
that open acidulous glass
to the light; topazes
riding the droplets,
altars,
aromatic facades.
So, while the hand
holds the cut of the lemon,
half a world
on a trencher,
the gold of the universe
wells
to your touch:
a cup yellow
with miracles,
a breast and a nipple
perfuming the earth;
a flashing made fruitage,
the diminutive fire of a planet.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Keri Rounding's Wearable Felted Art
I've been coming across more and more artists finding inspiration where I have lately- the sea and especially on a microscopic level. Keri Rounding's felted, delicately colored sea creature have been on my "love to have one" list for awhile. I can see one of her petri dish brooches on a nice white coat.
Keri Rounding is a graduate of Sheridan Institute’s Crafts and Design Program: Textile Studio. There she learned that she had a passion for creating unique wearable accessories made using handmade felt and embroidery. She now strives to create what is new and unusual. Using science and the sea as inspiration, she creates a sense of humor, a story and a personality in each piece. Working out of her home studio in, she is now exhibiting and selling her work in person around the Toronto area and online through Etsy.
www.kerirounding.com
Can you tell me about your latest body of work?
I am currently working on a series of felted pieces inspired by the sea. I am hand making the felt from raw wool using needle and wet felting techniques. The pieces are becoming pins, hair pieces and necklaces. I am experimenting with lots of colour combinations and different shapes.
What inspires you the most lately?
I have always been inspired by creatures from the sea. But lately, I am looking into scientific images and working with images of amoeba, germs, and other microscopic creatures.
Can you describe the best thing you saw on your last walk?
Lately I have enjoyed visiting the local nature conservation areas and taking hikes through their paths. I see so many interesting root systems, trees and plants. Specifically, I came across a tree that was split into six pieces that seemed to have been hit by lighting. I stood there for awhile trying to figure it out.
What are five things that would happen in the perfect day of work for you?
- Wake up early without using an alarm clock
- I would be super inspired to create and new ideas would flow
- The lovely spring weather would not appeal to me at all and I would actually stay inside and work
- I would be packaging up lots of sales
- The studio would stay clean!
Can you describe the best pair of shoes you've ever owned?
I bought a pair of flats that cost less than $20 which were the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned. They weren't pretty and I wore them until they were
just plain ugly. They finally fell apart on a camping trip.
What are you doing this weekend? (May 15 and 16)
I most likely be outside enjoying the weather, possibly a hike.
www.kerirounding.com
Can you tell me about your latest body of work?
I am currently working on a series of felted pieces inspired by the sea. I am hand making the felt from raw wool using needle and wet felting techniques. The pieces are becoming pins, hair pieces and necklaces. I am experimenting with lots of colour combinations and different shapes.
What inspires you the most lately?
I have always been inspired by creatures from the sea. But lately, I am looking into scientific images and working with images of amoeba, germs, and other microscopic creatures.
Can you describe the best thing you saw on your last walk?
Lately I have enjoyed visiting the local nature conservation areas and taking hikes through their paths. I see so many interesting root systems, trees and plants. Specifically, I came across a tree that was split into six pieces that seemed to have been hit by lighting. I stood there for awhile trying to figure it out.
What are five things that would happen in the perfect day of work for you?
- Wake up early without using an alarm clock
- I would be super inspired to create and new ideas would flow
- The lovely spring weather would not appeal to me at all and I would actually stay inside and work
- I would be packaging up lots of sales
- The studio would stay clean!
Can you describe the best pair of shoes you've ever owned?
I bought a pair of flats that cost less than $20 which were the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned. They weren't pretty and I wore them until they were
just plain ugly. They finally fell apart on a camping trip.
What are you doing this weekend? (May 15 and 16)
I most likely be outside enjoying the weather, possibly a hike.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Poem for Monday
Is my soul asleep?
Is my soul asleep?
Have those beehives that work
in the night stopped? And the water-
wheel of thought, is it
going around now, cups
empty, carrying only shadows?
No, my soul is not asleep.
It is awake, wide awake.
It neither sleeps nor dreams, but watches,
its eyes wide open
far-off things, and listens
at the shores of the great silence.
~Antonio Machado
-Painting by Yangyang Pan
Is my soul asleep?
Have those beehives that work
in the night stopped? And the water-
wheel of thought, is it
going around now, cups
empty, carrying only shadows?
No, my soul is not asleep.
It is awake, wide awake.
It neither sleeps nor dreams, but watches,
its eyes wide open
far-off things, and listens
at the shores of the great silence.
~Antonio Machado
-Painting by Yangyang Pan
Friday, April 23, 2010
Fun Friday Design Crush
I have a serious design crush on Doshi Levien. Jonathon Levien and Nipa Doshi are London based designers who seem to work in every industrial design category. Shoes!? They've even designed shoes? I think they have a lot of fun. They remind me a little of Charles and Ray Eames. To get to their site go here.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Busy Bees at Beehive Kitchenware
I am so lucky to have so many clients that are friends or friends that are clients, not sure which comes first. And among those near and dear who make something beautiful with integrity and don't dent the earth very much are Sandy and Jim from Beehive Kitchenware. We've worked together for about ten years and they've entrusted me with designing their logo, website and marketing materials. Portfolio worthy pieces and many lovely practical perks that end up in my kitchen. I do love my sexy lemon reamer. Paul and I recently finished shooting photos for the new brochure they've asked me to design. Thought I'd share a peek inside the studio/factory they have in Fall River, MA. To get to beehive's site go here.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Opening the Kimono a Bit More
Labels:
Artist Interviews,
Black,
Craft,
Fine Art,
Green,
jenna goldberg,
orange,
Pink,
Purple,
Teal,
Yellow
Monday, April 19, 2010
Poem for Monday
I Take Master Card
(Charge Your Love to Me)
I've heard the stories
'bout how you don't deserve me
'cause I'm so strong and beautiful and wonderful and you could
never live up to what you know I should have but I just want to let you know:
I take Master Card
'bout how you don't deserve me
'cause I'm so strong and beautiful and wonderful and you could
never live up to what you know I should have but I just want to let you know:
I take Master Card
You can love me as much as your heart can stand
then put the rest on
account and pay the interest
each month until we get this thing settled
You see we modern women do comprehend
that we deserve a whole lot more
than what is normally being offered but we are trying
to get aligned with the modern world
So baby you can love me all
you like 'cause you're pre-approved
and you don't have to sign on
the bottom line
Charge it up
'til we just can't take no more
it's the modern way
I take Master Card
to see your Visa
and I deal with a Discovery but I don't want any American
Express 'cause like the Pointer Sisters say: I need a slow hand. Nikki Giovanni
Friday, April 9, 2010
A Little Sun for Fun Friday
Yes, yes, yes, really happy the last week and a half is coming to a close. I feel like I may have a true weekend coming up. By Sunday we should be done with the bulk of the flood clean up and I can get back to the usual craziness. Some pretties for you with that yellow I've needed all week.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Felted Sunshine
Some flickr finds. Chicks sitting around making things with felt. Need yellow this week.
The artnetshop ring you can find here. Fun camera by sheishine here and a lovely Elista necklace here. Monday, April 5, 2010
Poem for Monday
So Much Happiness
It is difficult to know
what to do
with so much happiness.
With sadness there is something to
rub
against,
A wound to tend with lotion and cloth.
When the world falls in around you, you have pieces to pick up,
Something to hold in your hands, like ticket stubs or change.
A wound to tend with lotion and cloth.
When the world falls in around you, you have pieces to pick up,
Something to hold in your hands, like ticket stubs or change.
But happiness floats.
It doesn’t need you to hold it down.
It doesn’t need anything.
Happiness lands on the roof of the next house, singing,
And disappears when it wants to.
You are happy either way.
Even the fact that you once lived in a peaceful tree house
And now live over a quarry of noise and dust
Cannot make you unhappy.
Everything has a life of its own,
It too could wake up filled with possibilities
Of coffee cake and ripe peaches,
And love even the floor which needs to be swept,
The soiled linens and scratched records….
It doesn’t need you to hold it down.
It doesn’t need anything.
Happiness lands on the roof of the next house, singing,
And disappears when it wants to.
You are happy either way.
Even the fact that you once lived in a peaceful tree house
And now live over a quarry of noise and dust
Cannot make you unhappy.
Everything has a life of its own,
It too could wake up filled with possibilities
Of coffee cake and ripe peaches,
And love even the floor which needs to be swept,
The soiled linens and scratched records….
Since there is no place
large enough
To contain so much happiness,
You shrug, you raise your hands, and it flows out of you
Into everything you touch. You are not responsible.
You take no credit, as the night sky takes no credit
For the moon, but continues to hold it, and to share it,
And in that way, be known.
To contain so much happiness,
You shrug, you raise your hands, and it flows out of you
Into everything you touch. You are not responsible.
You take no credit, as the night sky takes no credit
For the moon, but continues to hold it, and to share it,
And in that way, be known.
Painting by Yangyan Pan
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
A Duck Named Teal
Apparently the color is named after a duck. The common teal, a duck who's eyes are rimmed with the color, would love my basement right now. As you've heard on the news, New England is a float. My basement at midnight last night had 14 inches as we began to set up the sump pump we'd scrambled for all day. The waterfall down the street, with the 15 foot drop, doesn't fall. It's one gigantic river. I'm skimping on the posts this week but find more of the beloved color squares of Josef Albers very soothing this am. Little windows of it's going to be ok. Some tea and teal will get me up and going again.
"Abstraction is real, probably more real than nature." - Josef Albers
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