Angel

Angel

I just finished this new painting, Angel. Each time I complete a painting I feel like I've had a love affair with it through the work, I stare at it and remember the application of each layer, each mark, the planning of each drip. I find every excuse to step into the studio for one more quick glance, or a long gaze. I am particularly happy with how the washes in the environment of this piece turned out. I wanted it to feel very light and airy yet to have a palpable weight to the space and I feel like I got there with it in all of the layers. I am especially happy with the black washes on the big butterfly/moth, they turned out exactly as I envisioned them in my mind's eye.

This week Frank and I have been working hard on space clearing in our big studio space. We have been doing the difficult work of sorting through years of our paintings and drawings, while deciding what we need to hold onto, and move with us, and what it is time to let go of. We are enjoying the lightness that comes with making space, while there is still much work to be done! I'll post some pictures of our big clear out soon.

I've also been missing my "Painting of the Week" postings, so I've decided to bring those back, this is the first one.

Cheers!

[Painting of the Week] Cascade

Cascade, mixed media on canvas

This piece is about how I feel when I'm full to brimming with emotion, with energy, with ideas...all buzzing around in my heart and in my head creating an overflow,

a Cascade.
We have spent the past week exploring beautiful Cornwall, the south west peninsula of England, where we stayed in a cottage on a farm. It has been breath-taking and overwhelming for the senses, just fantastic.
I can't wait to share photos of all that beauty here. I think I'll have a moment to sit in quiet tonight at my brother's house and process it all. 
More England... coming soon.

[Painting of the Week] Inflorescence

Inflorescence, 4 by 5 feet, oil and mixed media on canvas

Here is another of my all time favorite pieces, this is one of my larger works that I made in a series all of this same size, about 10 years ago...time flies!

I wanted to share this painting with you during our time in England, while we are visiting gardens and manor homes, as there is a lush overgrown garden feeling to this one, and the black stenciled vine reminds me of the wrought iron fences and gates that I have seen so often here. I wanted this painting to feel like something broken down, old and faded but still quite beautiful. 

Right at the center of the piece there is a swarm of dragonflies making their way through the flowers, I imagine them darting to and fro.

Before we moved into our house in Brooklyn with a backyard, after years of apartment living, I often felt that I directed my yearning to garden into my paintings, which this one really bears evidence of. The huge garden in my mind, wild and free!

*My work was just featured in this gorgeous Etsy treasury, each piece is very feminine with a slightly moody, nostalgic edge.

[Painting of the Week] Dawn

Dawn

Dawn is the time that marks the beginning of the twilight before sunrise. It is recognized by the presence of weak sunlight, while the sun itself is still below the horizon.

Here is another of my favorites from the past few years, and one that is very close to my heart. I made this painting when I was newly pregnant for the first time, 7 years ago this month. I was so full of hope, excitement and joy, but also hesitant, fearful and really struggling with embracing the unknown.

I still see all of that in this piece.

Sending you rich blessings for this Monday!