New Work

I have been so absorbed in my work that it continues to flow. I don't feel hesitant to paint, make wholesale changes...the images are right near my hand. And I am painting for myself in a way that I haven't in quite some time. It feels quite miraculous and hard to explain in words. The images float through my dreams, meet me when I awaken and stay on my eyes as I head for the studio to start work again. I won't talk about it anymore because I think I may be superstitious.

New work

The last three weeks were spent finishing a large number of paintings for a gallery. It was rewarding in the fact that I am now working with great concentration at a time of the year that is not usually a very good one for me. I'm not sure why but the winter has always been a difficult time even though after the first of the year I have always had a lot of time in the studio. One big difference is just how busy my schedule has been. So many activities I am presuming have energized my work.

Now I've begun work on the next series of paintings and am working non-stop, experimenting and planning as never before. If it is this good now, I can't wait for the summer my most productive time. "Regeneration" to the left.

A Day Away

I'm taking a day away from the studio today. Need to refuel, repair, and rethink. Well maybe not think too much. After delivering so many paintings this week, it was almost like I had mounted an exhibit. My energy drained and time to rest. An uncertainty always takes over after mounting a marathon of painting and perhaps a letdown. I need space so that I can see again.

The painting pictured here was especially rewarding and will lead me forward.

Auction

The Trinity School artists' market is about to get underway. I delivered my work today after being delayed by the snow for a couple of days. The latest I've delivered in the nine years of participating. If you can't get out of your driveway, you can't. I also delivered my painting for the auction; that is something new this year and I decided to participate. Hope the painting makes some money for them.

Fun with wax

I must admit to having fun while painting with encaustic though at times it is a daunting task to forget the process while using so many tools, electrical wires and heavy duty extension cords everywhere as well as so many pots of paint, sharp ceramic instruments, irons, the list is too long. As time has passed I am freed, most of time, to pursue the "subject matter" that I'm exploring. It is so difficult not to blown off course by process experimentation. Especially since I've been teaching other artists how to use this method of painting. The workshop and classes are great and as I've said before I learn alot.

It is so interesting to me that my path has now led to the incorporation of "real" images though I still vacillate between pure abstraction and shall I call it semi-abstraction. Yes I am playing with terms knowing that most will say all art is abstract. But you get my meaning. Using the silk organza photographs in my work give it a new quality that I quite like. I have now spent many hours photographing winter trees for future incorporation.

Above is a photo of some of the encaustic paintings I recently delivered to Rick and Dave at Griffith Gallery in Pelham, Alabama. Rick made the photo for me after he framed some of paintings to hang. I often say it and will say again my nearly eight relationship with the Gallery is stellar. I'm lucky to work with great gallery owners who send me commissions of which I am very appreciative. Thanks guys!

Creativity and the Holidays

Each year I notice that as the year winds down it is harder to work. I go in the studio in the morning and sit for a long time or pace around and around trying to decide how to proceed. It's hard for me to know if it is the outside world invading the studio or just a memory overload from all holidays past. There is definitely a sea change in the atmosphere.

I remember several years ago having an exhibit open in January. The struggle to finish all the work in December was very daunting and I determined never to schedule another exhibit in January and have kept that promise to myself.

Each year I plan a vacation during this time. It seems the best thing to do under the circumstances and at least I can leisurely draw and take photographs just for myself. This year it will be the beach, sand, cold wind and breaking waves that will in concert by my muse.

Open House

This weekend was "Open House" at the Artisan Resource Center where I have my studio. Really love my studio, by the way. So many people came through and I had the chance to talk about the encaustic work I am doing now, do a little demonstrating, and meet such great people.

Friday night was the first anniversary celebration at dk Gallery. So many of the artists represented were there and I continue to be impressed with owner, Donna Krueger, who cares about her artists. She is really an amazing person and I'm lucky to know her. I also admire the artists' works that are in the gallery and enjoy just going in to be inspired. The gallery has changed the landscape of the Marietta Square.

I now look forward to a trip to Savannah to not only have a few days of r&r but also time to take photographs. There hasn't been much time lately. Spending time in Bonaventure Cemetery will be wonderful this time of year. So many old trees. Just being in Savannah is like going home in a way. Living there for a while was such a pleasure...though I don't miss the heat and humidity of the summer.

The image above doesn't really have anything to do with this post. Just an image of a recently completed oil painting that I like.