I think I am finally striking that note of opulence which I always covet in other people's paintings. Today was a real "drag your feet" kind of day in the studio, but I couldn't be happier with the results! It's true - the days when you are most reluctant are often the ones when you do your best work.

Ready for submission

I worked more on these two panels and I think they are ready for submission. The deadline is Wednesday! So I'll take another look tomorrow and perhaps tweak the maple panel. But other than that, it's time to be done.

The first warbler

I did indeed drill holes into this painting. I felt very liberated after my discussion at the Joy St. Studios. I think I became too enamored of this project and didn't know where to take them after a while. I may still add a few more elements to improve the visual flow of this composition. But at this point, I have introduced the lavender shape behind the orzo to mimic the shape I formed with the pasta. And I have inserted screws into some of my drilled holes to incorporate other raised elements. In this picture there is some purple wire wound around the central drilled holes, but I may change that.

Warbler revisit(s)

I attended my first critique yesterday with a group of painters I met who work at the Joy St. Studios in Somerville, MA. I toted along my first two Warbler Experiments as well as three of the larger bird panels I completed recently. I got a lot of good feedback concerning my compositions and approach. And last evening I couldn't wait to get back in the studio. The subjects of discussion for the two Warbler pieces were a lack of cohesive composition and a need to develop the third dimensionality of the pieces since I had opted to open that door by adhering pulses to the panels. I went beserk with this pieces and threw lots of stand oil and gold leaf on it. I don't have a photo of the smaller Warbler painting, but I took a drill to that and then added some brass screws to the composition.

Updates

Here are some updates of paintings I am working on in the studio. (It's not all ink and paper...) I don't know what is going on with the top panel. I think the background color I chose is causing this piece to edge into very a fluffy, candy-coated, pallette. I am not sure what I think about that other than "go with it".

The second image is from the panel with the warbler and the oak leaves. I know it's not much different than the previous post, but I have begun to refine the detail in the bird and introduce some of the markings on the plumage. I had to include a shot. I am just so in love with the image.

#3 blue warbler

I wasn't even sure I had posted an image of this panel yet. I am poking along. I adhered a strip of cheesecloth along the right hand side of the panel and really like the discreet kind of texture it creates. I am a little tired of the "food" thing, but decided to work with beans and pasta in this piece again. I had considered building a type of layered look with bits of newspaper instead, but I think I will play around with that idea before using it on a panel.

#2 finished

I am simply waiting for the white paint to dry on this panel. I am finished working with it. The only decision still lingering in my mind is whether to seal the piece with a coating of resin. (I suppose if I keep coming back to the idea, I ought to try it at least once).

#3 blue warbler

Finished?

This could be wrapped up. At the moment the text isn't yet adhered to the panel. I need to purchase spray mount for that purpose. I don't know what I think about these. The initial honeymoon period is over - when I am too infatuated by a new project, but that's a good development. I have bought three more small panels and if I continue with this project I think I can do so more objectively.

My fear is that they may creeping too closely toward craft and away from fine art. But if that's what I am interested in making there is no sense in stopping simply because it doesn't jive with my perception of my work.

#2 warbler con frijoles negros

Here's an update of the 10" x 10" warbler panel. I will probably solve this in much the same way I did the first warbler panel - a graphite line drawing. Currently I am thinking it will be either an all over botanical pattern or simply a row of repeating botanical imagery. I am toying with the idea of gold leaf in the circle around the warbler, but am still undecided. Tomorrow I plan to visit the art store and purchase a few more panels to continue working on this series. But I am hoping I can open up my thinking about them and take a few more risks.

I have also begun a rather large pen and ink drawing, 22" x 60" - two sheets of watercolor paper end to end. I hardly have space in the studio for this let alone a way to photograph it. I've tried a few options, but once I figure that out I will post an image.

#1 finished; introducing #2; warbler con frijoles negros

I am having a blast making these - party in my studio everyone... I quickly finished the first experiment today; and apologize for including a slightly out of focus image of it. The second panel is 10" x 10" and I drew it all out before beginning which is very unlike me. I began applying the beans and photographed the project before the glue dried. I expect it will become clear as it dries.

#1; warbler with orzo 8" x 8"

Yea! I love it! I really felt I could loosen up when working at this size. I don't have to invest as much time or energy in each piece so I feel able to take more risks. Seeing the piece online, I think I will continue to develop the base of the composition.

Experiment #1

I purchased a few very small birch panels at Artist and Craftsman supply. This one is 6" x 6". I have only just begun the work, but I plan to explore the possibilities of adhering seeds, beans, and pasta to the panel as part of the composition. I have already started the process although it is not pictured here. It is rather tedious so I am not too certain about its future...