Life after 60 in 60



60 Paintings in 60 Days
(Double Click Image to Enlarge)

 What a fun ride this project has been! Thanks to everyone that gave me that needed support during the past 2 months. And thanks to everyone who came out this weekend and visted with me at the Art Festival.

The big question now is:

What's next? I have a few shows lined up to enter and the large mural idea that would combine the characters and marks is taking shape.

I am looking for a venue to display the final piece... It could be as large as 4"X15" or so. If you have any ideas please e-mail me.

Day 60!!!!!-Oh What Fun!

Day 60- Oh What Fun !

Here I am -project complete. What an amazing time this has been. 


As a painter I have definitely grown in my ability to work through a problem and continue on a given path. My painting technique has improved through sheer practice and I am delighted that I have finally moved away from dull colors and am comfortable with bright ones that make much more sense with the drawings.


I am very happy that I was able to complete the project, as one week before I was scheduled to begin I tore tendons in my right elbow and was unable to use my painting arm for 4 days prior to my start date.-I am still working on the elbow and will be glad to have the rest coming up.


But...I have a new idea....I want to find a space to paint a very large painting/mural, possibly on a piece of canvas 20-30 feet long...oh yeah.


Watch for one more post, next week with photos of the paintings together and of the exhibit. If you are in the Champaign-Urbana area this weekend, drop by Lincoln Square Mall to see the work in person. I will be painting :) on-site Friday, April 8th 12-4pm and Saturday, April 9th all day.


Also, my daughter will have a rock'in exhibit of "1000 Origami Stars for Hope", starting Thursday at The Art Coop, also at Lincoln Mall. Opening for the show is Friday, April 9th 7-9pm. Definitely check this one out.


Over and Out (for Now)
Kim

Day 59- Family of Three

Day 59- Family of Three

If you've been following the project you will not be surprised to see this painting. As with the other figures I again move back to the family-the place I started. These figures are so very different for me, less linear but more texture.


One more day to go-tomorrow's painting is the hardest of all. How to end the project?

Day 58- You & Me Again

Day 58- You & Me Again

Day 57-New Figures

Day 57-New Figures

This is the second time in this project that plant life has evolved into figures. These figures are very primitive and look a bit like cave drawings. I am excited to explore this direction further...only 3 more paintings to go-we'll see where I end up.

Day 56-Peacefulness

Day 56- Peacefulness

I decided I needed some peace and calm in my life so I painted these trees swaying in communication.

Day 55-Twilight Trees

Day 55-Twilight  Trees

More trees today. I am enjoying the texture and the possibilities of these marks. I wish that I could take that walk at twilight through trees such as these.

That truly is the beauty of being an artist-you can create your own world. How lovely.

I am feeling the project a bit today-this has been a great deal of painting! Fun for sure-but work.

5 days to go-now my attention begins to turn to such things as labels, hangers and all the other details involved with hanging a show.

Day 54- Bright Day

Day 54-Bright Day

Today I wanted to incorporate the new trees with some of the older shapes. Here is the result-they do work together. The brighter colors are a nice relief to the dull ones I used in Days 1-4. This has been a great experience-the focus on the work is so fun and I've become a better painter.


Now, only 6 paintings to go. I will also be painting at the gallery on the weekend of the show.

Day 53-Three Trees

Day 53- Three Trees

These trees are coming along-I like the playfulness of the patterns. More gestural than some previous work. Now it is time to combine these new shapes with the old ones and see what happens...

Day-52

Day 52- Sparkling Trees

These are a new direction for tree paintings-There is definitely possibilities here for more exploration and experimentation.

Day 51- New Trees

Day 51- New Trees

I've been thinking about trees and set up a problem for myself to break down trees into simple form. When considering tree they are complex with leaves and limbs, movement and direction. These two trees have life and movement. Watch for more trees in the upcoming days.

Day 50-Family Portrait:Baby Girl

Day 50-Family Portrait:Baby Girl

Day 50 ....the home stretch awaits me. 10 more paintings to go.


Today continues the Family Portrait Series. I decided to paint this one because we have two new Baby Girls in our family. I like the jaunty tilt of her head. All the girls and women in our family are "spunky" I would expect no less from these new additions.

Day-49 Family Portrait: Grandma & Bingo

Day 49-Family Portrait: Grandma & Bingo

This family is so happy to be together. I love how elderly people love their animals and how their animals love them.

Day 48-Family Portrait: 3 Generations

Day 48- Family Portrait: 3 Generations

Today's painting is of an extended family. We have Mom and Dad, two kids and a Grandma on the right. I particularly like the skinny teenageer and the grandma together.

Day 47-Family Portrait 2

Day 47-Family Portrait 2

Today's painting is a Family Portrait of a single parent with two kids. I realized that in my writing yesterday I called that painting a "typical" family. I'm not sure that is true-it is the stereo-typical family, mom,dad and a 3 kids, but the reality is that there are many, many single parents working their hearts out raising their family.

Day 46-Family Portrait 1

Day 46-Family Portrait 1

This is the first in a short series of Family portraits. This family is fairly typical, 3 kids, mom and dad.

Day 45- I Walk the Line

Day 45- I Walk the Line

Though not a huge fan of Johnny Cash, I definitely grew up on his music and others like Hank Williams. In the song Mr.Cash is walking the line of fidelity, that's not my meaning here.

I am referencing the line we walk as artists. How far to go for art's sake? What is sacrificed when a big project is in process and the artist is totally focused on the work? Is it worth it? Is it healthy?

As a mom, wife, employee and someone who has many & varied roles-I sometimes do not realize when I'm completely distracted by the art work. 

It's only when someone calls me back to "real-life" that I realize how deeply I've been ingrained in the creative process.

As I complete my 45th painting today I know that I am now nearing the finish of this project.

I wonder, how will that feel ? 

Day 44-Falling Slowly

Day 44- Falling Slowly



 A bit of humor here on day 44. This painting was painted upside down, so the entire piece feels a off balance.

Day 43-Aquascape 2

Day 43- Aquascape 2

This painting is a preliminary work for a larger piece. I am going to be painting 2 works to donate to an auction to raise money for a new animal + art  project in New Mexico. I'm happy with the background colors and blending, the plants are pretty cool too.

17 Paintings to go!

Day 42-Spring Garden 2

Day 42-Spring Garden 2

Today was a beautiful day with a high in the upper 60's! This is welcome after a long and cold winter. Spring brings out the optimism in me. Things look brighter and being outside is not a test of survival.

Day 41-Walk'in on Air

Day 41- Walk'in on Air

There are good days, there are bad days and then there are Days that are Perfect. I'll take more of the latter, thank you.

Day 40- Signs & Symbols

Day 40-Signs & Symbols

This is a curious little painting-not sure where the idea came from. I like the hieroglyphic feel to it-it also has the look of constellations. The background is definitely sky with stars.

I also have a Déjà vu feeling about a couple of the figures. (Possibly not enough sleep and too much painting :)

Day 40- A big landmark in the 60in60 project. The home stretch in in sight!

Day-39 Big World, Small World

Day 39-Big World, Small World

Today I am thinking about how at times I feel so removed from other countries in the world. Events that occur "there" seem to have little to do with me living my life. But we are all connected, related and what happens far away concerns us all.

Today I am preoccupied with the events in Japan. So I painted the night sky and wonder when I look at "my" sky who might be looking at it too.

Day -38 Make New Friends

Day 38-Make New Friends

The title of today's painting says it all-we all can exist in peace regardless of our differences.

Day 37-The Meeting

Day 37-The Meeting

I'm excited to have the figures and the fish together in a painting. The meeting is the first step in  any relationship- When I feed my fish  in my pond, they come to the surface just like this, with their noses out of the water.

My goal is to go to the next level-push the true relationship...my daughter thinks the next step might be a bit strange- imagine that.

Stay tuned.

Day 36- Brothers

Day 36- Brothers

These two fellows definitely feel like brothers to me. There is a companionship, a familiarity in them that says family. I like the rhythm that sibling children have. I grew up close to my brothers and sisters and many times as kids we seemed to function as one unit.

I'm excited about the plant on the left too, it is a new design and I think it has possibilities. Now, those plants at the bottom are another thing altogether...are there new figures emerging here?

The development of the Language of Line continues.

Day 35-Fashion Fish

Day 35-Fashion Fish

So, Okay I don't see life like everyone else.

These fish are another jumping off point for me. Stay tuned for more fantasy creatures from the deep and beyond!

I've added a new painting to the link above called "Other Artwork"-it is a take-off on Day 1's painting "A Fine Day".

Day 34-First Guppy



Day 34- First Guppy


I am very happy to be painting fish in this series. Years ago fish were a subject that I worked with often-particularly in computer generated art.

I am a "fish-kinda-girl". I grew up near a large river, learned to fish at an early age and had great uncles who were actual fishermen and I have had many. many aquariums over the years. Currently I have a 1100 gallon outdoor pond. 

My Fav. Grandma raised fish in a cement pond in her yard. She would raise fantailed guppies in the summer.

The natural sunlight did amazing things to the colors of the guppies. And, if you've ever had guppies you know they are prolific breeders. So in the fall, we would help her "bring the fish in".

There would be hundreds of the most beautiful huge fantail guppies. We would sit for hours watching them in large aquariums in her kitchen.

It feels like coming home to be creating fish again.

Day 33- Sweet Pea & "Baby" Kink

Day 33- Sweet Pea & "Baby" Kink

Today's painting is inspired by an amazing animal foster story. Melissa & Kurt were looking for a puppy when they came across a 911 ad on the Albuquerque Craig's list. The ad was looking for someone to foster a mom and 10 puppies who were at high-risk for euthanasia. Melissa & Kurt had never fostered before, but they stepped up and said "Yes, we'll take responsibility".

Here's their story:
http://momand10pups.blogspot.com

My daughter and I have been animal fosters for 4 years -we've seen the sadness and abuse that animals can face today. So this story is particularly touching to me.

All of the puppies have been placed in homes and this painting shows the mom, Sweet Pea and her pup, Baby Kink enjoying a romp in the sun. They now live with Melissa & Kurt.

Day 32- Image for Poster

This is the image for the poster I am creating for the show-I love seeing all the pieces together.

Day 32-The Conversation

Day 32-The Conversation

This painting is directly from life. It is fun to observe various conversations and the dynamics that go with them. In this work there are the two primaries and the observers.  The gestural lines communicate their interest level.

Day 31-Happy Birthday Baby

Day 31-Happy Birthday Baby

We are celebrating again today as our family has a new member! I have a new grand-niece and I and delighted.

The painting is sentimental baby colors with bright stars in the sky.

Day 30-Breaking the Plane



Day 30-Breaking the Plane


So at last one of the figures has entered the painting (within my painting).I'm not a football fan, but I've always liked the phrase: "Breaking the Plane" when it comes to touchdowns-Nice visual.

So the figure broke the plane and entered the painting. Fun Stuff.

Today is Day 30-Halfway home to 60 in 60 Days.  Nice feeling, also a bit daunting...30 more ideas.

Day 29-A Moving Experience

Day 29- A Moving Experience

Yesterday I was at the Indianapolis Museum and saw an exhibit called "Hard Truths: The art of Thorton Dial" which is a retrospective of the artist's work. At times I found myself speechless while viewing this body of work.

Mr. Dial works in very large assemblages made of found objects on canvas. Also sculpture. Here is the link to the website. If you are anywhere in the Midwest I highly recommend this show. It will be on exhibit into September.

Thorton Dial at Indianapolis Museum

Today's painting is the impression I had of the work. Moving.

Day 28- Baby Steps

Day 28- Baby Steps

The past few months I have spent a great deal of time learning new things. I love learning about new subjects-especially if they relate to art.

I've become a docent (tour guide) at the university museum and am having a great time with that-but so much to learn. I also have been trying to learn more about photography and then there's learning to use my labeler (no kidding).


The painting is called "Baby Steps" because as I struggle to learn these days I am indeed taking baby steps. But I love the feeling you get when the excitement hits as you learn new information. Not so much, when you think you know it all and you find out you don't.

Day 27-Confessions of a Museum Junkie

Day 27-Confessions of a Museum Junkie

I admit it-I'm hooked. I love museums. I love museums of all kinds, railroad, art, airplane, history, fish lures...you get the pictures. I don't however like medical museums or crime museums or weird stuff- Why, do we need these?

For me museums are hallowed ground. A visual feast. There's always the quiet and the anticipation of what you might see next. In the case of art museums, you can share another person's view of the world through their art-How cool is that?

This painting is inspired by anticipation of traveling to a new museum tomorrow with my trusty side-kick daughter. We are both very excited.

She's the perfect companion in a museum-over the years we've developed a rhythm of sorts. We each give the other space, but still share the experience. 

A Fine Art Indeed.

Day 26-Cookie Dog's Dream Day

Day 26-Cookie Dog's Dream Day

My dog Zoe comes back into the series today. Honestly this dog will do most anything for a "cookie" or something that resembles a cookie. She is a mix between a Chihuahua and a Dachshund (get that picture, she's also black and white-go figure) and tends to gain weigh easily (I think she's just Big Boned :)

Anyway, she is cookie crazy.

Because of her weight issues she was plumping up even on low-cal doggie cookies, so we devised a way to still give her rewards, but keep the calories down.

We bought a different brand of low-cal dog food than the one she gets for meals and those kibbles became cookies! Magic- instant cookie treats.

She doesn't seem to realize they are the same size as dog food-she loves them and is so proud when she "earns" one. I never said she was a genius. I'm pretty sure she's not.

In the painting it is every dog's dream to have it raining cookies, especially on a sunny day.

Day 25- The Followers



Day 25-The Followers (6" X 6")

 I've been thinking about how we are constantly being bombarded with opportunities to belong, to be part of "something". Many times these are very positive opportunities, but to me there are TOO many good things to be a part of.

I'd love to go to another country and tutor children, work with kids here in my town, travel the world, join the book club, write a book, teach a class, be part of something BIG, ....the list goes on and on.

There is a deep desire in all of us to make a difference, sometimes though that difference is in the examples we set for our kids and the way we live our quiet lives.

Being decent and ethical always makes a difference

Day 24- The Long & the Short of It

Day 24- The Long & the Short of It

I've been working with the tall figures for a while in my sketch book. They add another element to my growing number of marks.


I am entering a show that focuses on the origins of an artist's work. I need to write an artist statement to submit along with the paintings.


When I look at my current work I see definite influence from my childhood. My Grandmother was a quilter and my mom is terrific at hand crafts.  In particular, I see in my work the influence of the "stitch" from quilting and work such as needlepoint or crewel.

Another aspect of my work comes from growing up on a farm and lines that are inherent to the fields and countryside. Long rows of crops, rolling hills and the patterns that are seen from a distance play into the world of my work.

I also see the influence of being a freelance graphic designer for many years. The graphic nature of the work along with the minimal use of detail definitely is from that experience. The dots are a mystery to me, I've always had a passion for polka-dots-just love 'em.

Day 23- Blown Away-In a Good Way




Day 23- Blown Away-In A Good Way

 

"Blown Away" American Slang:

1. to kill with a gun (see action movie)

2. Defeated (see sports with High-5 slaps & body bumps)
3. Impressed (see the first time I saw a Jackson Pollock Painting in person).

Day 22-Blue Garden



 


  



Day 22- Blue Garden

  

Day 21- On the Ropes








Day 21- On the Ropes

    

It's pretty safe to say it has been a busy couple of days. I'm the tight rope walker juggling too many plates and not enough time to get everything finished.

My Goal is to be like a 5 year old-that is, Wake- up every morning with a clean slate-A New day-A New Adventure!

Tomorrow is a New Day!

The Good News: I passed 500 page views today! Thanks for listings my link-keep up the good work!

Day 20- Stroll'in

Day 20-Stroll'in




 

Day 20! I am 1/3 complete on the project.

I finally bought a new camera to take photos of my artwork. After may days of frustration -I warmed up the checkbook  and bought a new camera-I need to break the news to my husband that "I am in Love." With the new camera that is.

I still need to learn how to use it, but so far the colors and reproduction of my work is great . I had my old camera about 10 years...in digital camera life that is forever.

Today's figure is Stroll'in along without a care in the lime green and purple world.

Day 19-Runway

Day 19-Runway

I like fashion, but I am not particularly good at it. You can like gourmet food, even if you can't cook.

I have read that Einstein had a closet full of the same shirts and pants and wore the "uniform" each day-the fact is that in his later years at Princeton he wore sweatsuits and sandals! Oh My, now that's fashion, but if your were Einstein who cares!

The figures in the painting are very uniform and that is what I think of when I see the women coming down the runway.

So very uniform.

Day 18- Encounter






Day 18- Encounter

   This painting is a significant move in a new direction. The "flower characters" of the past few days have now emerged as real characters. They are much more fluid and gestural than the previous ones.


Possibly a dancer series is on the horizon.


Day 18 and I'm feeling the work a bit-There is a definite feeling of confinement in working only on 6"X6" canvases.


I have a painting to make for a friend I am bartering with. It will be considerably bigger and I hope to start it this week in order to get more space in the work.


Two shows to prepare entries for this week too-so more time at the administrative part of my career.

Day 17- Is me you're looking for?



Day 17- Is it me you're looking for?

 



Actually, the title should be "Hello, is it me you're looking for? But that's a bit wordy.

These new characters evolved from the plants in the previous posts.  They have taken on a life of their own and it seems here they have a relationship of some sort-some communication.

Stay tuned to see what's next.

Day 16- A New Day




Day 16- A New Day

  My garden is evolving and I couldn't be happier!


It is so fun to continue to push the abstraction of the plants.


Since I am making the drawings directly on the canvas without preliminary sketches I do not know what is coming next. At times it is as big a surprise to me as it is to you.

The series is beginning to make sense as I now have 16 paintings to look at all together.

Note: I've added an e-mail address to the homepage, if you would like to contact me.

Day 15- The Sun at Last!



Day 15-The Sun at Last!

 Day 15, that means I am 25% complete on the project-so far, so good! I surpassed 400 page views yesterday, so thanks to everyone for following along!

This painting is expressing my sheer joy at having warm weather and sun that actually warms you up! So nice.

Though, I have to admit that my sun in the painting is a bit ominous! A bit aggressive Eh?

But I am lov'in that plant on the left-very spunky! Something new to add to my "garden".

Over and out-gotta go play outside!

Day 14-The Non-Yes Man



Day 14- The Non-Yes Man  6"x 6"

Conformity has never been something that I have excelled at-not really. Though I don't make it a point anymore to be profoundly different, I rebel against sameness.

As a teenager I wanted to be the same as others but I wasn't, as a young artist I didn't want to be the same as anyone and went to great lengths at times to be sure that was not the case.

Currently,  I just try not to embarrass my daughter more than 3 or 4 times a week by being odd.

But the truth of the matter is, I'm unusual and it works for me.



Day 13- Dreamscape 1

Day 13- Dreamscape 1

Day 13- boy times is going by on this project. It is a great deal of fun and I have settled into a rhythm of sorts. I am making the drawings spontaneously  which is giving a "flow" to the series. I am now thinking of the 60 Paintings as One Piece of Art.

Today's work is based on a dream I had-even though the dream was much more dramatic I wanted to use the colors and feel in a painting.

Dreams can be great fun, especially when they are "Movie-quality", other times, not so much.  It's the ones where you wake up wondering where you are that scare me.

Note: I added some info under the "Paintings" link above about my painting technique.

Also, thanks to everyone who is following along and have e-mailed me-it is great to hear from you all !