I’m trying to do abstract botanicals, as a way to actually look closely at the pattern of plants. Most botanicals are extremely accurate, but we don’t see plants that way. They are in a jumble w/ others, in nature.
Tai Chi helped
We went outside to do Tai Chi today. Then I went into my studio, and had a productive day!
tag team
Karen Case suggested that doing two paintings on the same subject was a way to keep one from being “precious”. This is one of the Huechera. The other one must have moved, because the photo was blurry!
needed more paint
I rush through life. Until recently, I rushed through paintings. Sometimes it worked out okay. I find that slowing down helps me really see my own work, sort of like being outside. And I’ve started teaching Tai Chi for Arthritis, a very gentle and SLOW exercise program. The class meets in the gym where I have my studio, so as soon as the students leave, I get to work. This blossom is from a Mountain Magnolia, which the locals call a cucumber tree. I worked diligently to abstract this flora, and the more I did, the livlier it looks. Now the painting sits for another period of time, but I’m moving in the right direction. I’m over the fear of ruining it. It’s my painting, not a living plant.
Digital landscape
A friend just got a computer virus. Took her 6 hrs. to get it cleaned out. Our digital landscape is starting to look threatening.
double
Both of these paintings are from the same photo of huechera leaves. There is a distinct advantage to working on two canvases of the same image. I’m seeing how changes on one can spark movement on the other.
Rebirth
Kind of. This bloom is emerging from a tree that is 90% uprooted. I think it’s a mountain magnolia. I’ve added a LOT more paint.
not DOA
This tree fell on our power lines this winter and did a lot of damage. The repairmen cut it up. Now it has these lovely blooms. Should we tell the tree that it’s toast?
Still life
Charles & Karen came to my studio and we did a still life. We all are painting more.
the whole bloomin’ thing
I dropped off some new work at Art on Depot. This yellow daylily is appropriate for the festival on Frog Level this Saturday, and Art after Dark Fri. from 6-9.