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 !

Day 12- In Sync

Day 12- In Sync

I'm very interested in how we are in sync with other people. From time to time my husband and I are so "tuned in" that we are thinking the exact same thing-about strange little details in life and business. We just seem to know each others thoughts. Now my daughter and I are most always on the same page-some times it's scary.

This painting was inspired by a story I read about twins sisters who were both pregnant. One was due Jan 3 and one Jan 11. On Jan 1, one of the sisters went into labor, the other twin came to be by her side and promptly went into labor herself! They both had babies within a few hours of each other.

Day 11- Creativity

Day 11- Creativity

I'm all about overflowing creative ideas and creative solutions-sometimes I think my family would like it if I'd stop suggesting ideas-

Just don't get me started!

This painting is all about creativity. At times there are too many ideas and they swirl around, especially for me when it comes to painting-they overflow. That's a good time to have a sketch book around or a seat belt!

Unfortunately, some times I  work an idea all the way through and create it in my mind-then there is no reason to paint it, the creation is already finished.

Day 10- Moondance



Day 10- Moondance 6"x 6"


"Well it's a marvelous night for a moondance

With the stars up above in your eyes..."
Moondance by Van Morrison

I heard this song yesterday and remember how much I like it. It's hard to believe it was released as a single in 1977, 34 years ago.

I added a bit of Fred Astaire to the painting as the original song was written about a couple dancing. It's reminiscent of his slide move. Oh Yeah....


(Today is Day 10 and I am 10% done with the project)



Day 9- Little Sprout



Day 9- Little Sprout


Family is a reoccurring theme in my painting. I like the idea of a small child being a sprout, I'm a farm girl and it works for me. We have a little sprout in our family and it is so great to have her. There is nothing like a new baby to bring endless joy and celebration!

When my daughter was born I felt overwhelmed with possibilities and potential. Luckily for me those emotions have continued with her over the years.

Even though my little sprout is lovely and tall I remember fondly those early days.

Oh My. Has any ones seen my Kleenex?

Day 8- Spring Garden



Day 8- Spring Garden 6"X 6"

 I am dreaming of my spring garden. We've had mountains of snow and very cold temperatures this winter. Now, I like white as much as the next person, but I feel I am getting permanent snow blindness.

Poor Zoe, the dog is developing a belly from not walking and the look on her face when I open the door for her to go when it is below zero is classic.

So here is my imaginary garden as it pushed through the ground.

Day 7- Art Immersion



Day 7- Art Immersion 6"X6"



I have the privilege of being a docent (tour guide) at a University Museum, so I have the opportunity to experience many types of art up close. 

For me, the best experience with a piece of art is total immersion, when the rest of the world fades to gray and it's just me and the work.  I feel a kinship with the other artist and I am so happy that their communication has reached me.

What a wonder to be able to see all of the fantastic creations available to us. What an honor!

Day 6- Rock n' Roll Tree

Day 6- Rock 'n Roll Tree  6"X 6"

 I'm smilin' at this "Rock n' Roll" tree in the painting.

It's hard not to, as it is full of life and silliness. I think there is a possibility that these trees may develop into a new character group on their own.

It's the abstraction that I love, the challenge-how to communicate in the simpliest way.

Day 5-Squiggle Tree



Day 5-Squiggle Tree

 I am very excited about this new tree-the one with the squiggle trunk! Only an artist could get all excited about a new tree trunk. But, here I am.

On this journey of creating  marks and characters, my trees have always had straight trunks. Why? Who know. But on this painting here came a squiggle. I like it because it give the tree personality and movement. Watch for more Squiggle trees.

I'm feeling the work tonight-long day and I'm just finishing up my painting.  I will need to get a better schedule as I work towards 60 paintings.

Day 4- Universal Homage

Day 4 -Universal Homage 6"X6"

Why is religious tolerance such a difficult thing to achieve in this world?

If we could just recognize and respect others' right to believe their own truths, then the world would be a different place... a better place.

Peace.

Day 3 -Zoe, the Wonderdog



"Zoe, the Wonderdog" 6"X6"


Here's my fav. dog-girl, Zoe with her ball.

Zoe is a "rescue-pup" who's mug-shot I saw on the Internet. We adopted her about 1 year ago from a small shelter.

We don't know anything about her "back" story, someone just brought her to a shelter and that was it, not sure what her name was, but seems to rhymes with Coco. Funny, when I named her my first choice was "Coco, before Chanel", but my daughter suggested Zoe, so that was it.

When we first adopted her she was 2 years old, but now one year later, she is 5 or 6 yrs. old!  After a health incident and some x-rays and closer exam it was decided she was much older. Now, she is growing those gray grandma whiskers.

But, after a good night's sleep she awakes as a puppy and is ready to play, with her ball always near by. (She just came in and brought her ball, hoping I will lug it out in the hall.) She drops it and rolls it around to show just what a great ball it is and how Fun it would be for You to throw it. Gotta Love It.

OK, she's still waiting-I better give it a toss.

Over and Out from Here.

Day 2 Line-up



Day 2 "Line-Up" 6"X6"



Often in life we find ourselves standing in line. I spent time this week with a group of kindergartners and Oh what fun!


We sure did a lot of "lining up", "keeping in line" and "staying in line".


As adults we are so well trained that unless it is the grocery line with the person in front of you running back into the store to get that forgotten item-we generally are a civil group.

In the case of the wayward grocery shopper all bets are off! Civility is out the window!


So today's painting is titled "Line-up", only this time the trees participate too.


A special Shout-Out to Knut and friends at the Art Coop Art Supply Store for ordering my 60 canvases in bulk. Thanks guys!


Over and Out!

Day 1: A Fine Day

#1 "A Fine Day" 6X6"

So 60 in 60 Days is off and running!

#1 is titled "A Fine Day", which is a reoccurring theme in my paintings. There are numerous variations: A Fine Day, A Fine Day Indeed, then I branch into Sunny Days or Sunny Days except it is Cloudy...you get the picture. 

I like Fine Days.

Today has been a fine day indeed, so I painted it.

I love unusual color combinations-like this purple and yellow with a touch of deep red and of course the smack of the blackest black!

My grandma was a quilter with a smart sense of color, so I grew up without the boundaries of "proper color combinations". An experience that has driven my work over the years.

Today is also a good day because it is the opening of a show I am exhibiting in the Albuquerque, NM.

Wish I was there. 

Day 0

So, here I am Day 0-that is the day before I start this project. Over the years 100 paintings in 100 days projects have sprung up and since I am a lover of "over the top-are you nuts?" kinda projects this appeals to me.

So why 60 in 60 days?

This series will be exhibited at the gallery that reps me Wind, Water and Light Gallery in Urbana, Illinois during  The Boneyard Arts Festival 
April 7- April 10, 2011. So, there are only 63 days between tomorrow and the start of the festival, so 60 will do.

THE Rules: (da-da- dum)
1- 6X6" oil painting each day from February 4th through April 4th (nice and symmetrical eh?)
1- Blog post each day with photo
0- crying, whining, dramatic outbursts, quitting, or swearing (well maybe a little).

That's it. Share this blog freely.

Stay tuned and comment -I'll need it!