Blog

This has been an extraordinary year, 2015, and much of it required time away from my easel!  We moved to Texas in May, and the months preceding were full of decluttering and organizing in preparation for a new life!  Well, here we are and I'm finally on a roll again with painting and studying and meeting artists from this beautiful, unique state.  I'm feeling refreshed and curious as ever and I believe this change is an inspiration to my psyche....

 

One of the books I've been studying is Hensche on Painting by John Robichaux...Henry Hensche was an artist/instructor who came up with the "colorist" theory which I am gleaning is about identifying and painting the "color of light."  This got me thinking and looking in a new way.  I had been studying the landscape and world through eyes seeking the value changes that the light source brings....often, this is the emphasis of art instructors, to learn to see the value shifts to get the forms right.  Well, after reading this, I began to see the color in the values, as well, somehow more distinctly than before.  It was a revelation!  Just another dimension to work with to make the painting come alive!  

 

This past week I attended a meeting and workshop of the Texas Pastel Society here in San Antonio.  What a friendly and delightful group of artists who seem truly interested in learning and sharing their discoveries and talents!  Enid Wood, a pastel artist from Bastrop, Texas, taught us how to use "pan pastels," a medium I had purchased and only briefly tried a few years ago.  Wow, was I surprised at the painterly quality of these pastels after learning just a few tips on how to use them.  Enid is a fantastic instructor and because of her guidance I feel my skills have increased alot.  Actively working at art means that no matter how good we seem to get at it, we are always in a "student" state, learning and discovering anew each time a new piece is attempted.  

 

Additionally, I've been submitting to juried art shows again and feeling gratitude that my work has been accepted into two shows recently....3 paintings in the New Braunfels Art League Artoberfest show and one in the Pastel Society of the Southwest juried show in Grapevine, Texas.  I got a call to be sure to attend the reception for the Art League show as one of my paintings is receiving an award! 

 

In conclusion, I am so thankful to have time in my life now to paint again and explore creativity.  I suppose I am seeking to express the wonder I experience in the world around me through my artwork, to somehow bring to life and show you all how beautiful I feel this world truly is.  Yes, I know there is alot of ugliness, and chaos...but, after years of facing into this head-on (career in child welfare), I am committed to reflecting the beauty and grace in this world.  So, thanks for your interest...cheers!!