Eve 24" x 24"

Here is the piece in which I incorporated the linocut into the background. I left the grain of the wood exposed which also led me to paint with acrylics rather than oils as I could eliminate the need for gesso. I probably still should have prepared the area under the painting with gesso, but with acrylics unlike oils I don't suffer as much for this oversight when trying to manipulate the paint. Initially, I was painting a pigeon in the top lefthand corner of the picture - a poopy pigeon. I really didn't like how it was turning out. So today, after I added the apples, I sanded the bird out. I am left with a rather rough looking portion in the painting and I am not sure yet how or if I will resolve this. The whole piece has been fun, fabulous, and messy!

Great Big New Age Southwest Painting

Slowly, slowly...

I did get a small beginning on my ellipse piece as well, but it's not worth posting just yet. It's all very exciting!

Lino Mania

We went away this weekend to Monument Valley where I took this photo. Seeing the landscape for myself gave me a little insight into the painting I am working on right now.

Today, the first day back in town getting myself settled I opted to work on more linoleum cutting. The pattern of ellipses I cut today and intend to use as a background for a painting. The finches were cut the same day as the sparrows - also intended as background.

I printed the ellipses on a 2 foot square piece of wood that was languishing in my studio. The design didn't print very evenly as the wood is beginning to warp, but I think it is interesting nonetheless. Check back for more linoleum fascination.

Lino Sparrows

I am having a little more fun today.

These sparrows are a lino cut. The block is small with only two sparrows cut into it, so to get this look I printed the block three times on the sheet of paper.

Great Big Brand New Painting 30" x 40"

This painting is very much outside of my experience. The imagery, the surreal aspect, the restrained way in which I am working on it (background to foreground). I'm terrible at restraint when I am painting, but I think that limits me in a way. It will be far less frustrating at this size and complexity if I plan out my composition beforehand and then finish the painting in sections - like my first painting teacher tried to impress upon me. I think all my time working with acrylics in university developed a fast paced frenetic way of working that I love; but doesn't fit me right now. Hmmmm. This painting should be fun.

Almost Finished

I think this photo is a little out of focus, but I guess now you know how lazy I can be...
I added a bird to the painting, and I was struggling with the composition. Was it complete? Did I like the movement in it? Was it too "composed"? But I just stopped worrying. I'm going to live with it. I also developed the table the pepper is resting on. It is sitting on a white cloth, and I began articulating the folds. I am not sure I like this change a lot. There was something nice and clean about the previous flat white surface the pepper rested on. But again, I am going to go with it. I feel compelled to do so.

More red pepper painting

As usual, I am excited about how this piece is developing. I am thinking about adding another element on table with the red pepper, but haven't yet decided what.