Q1 and what have I done?
Isn’t This an Oxymoron?
The first quarter of the year is almost always studio time – it allows me to focus…mainly on distractions mind you. This is quite important because I, as a Master Procrastinator, managed to delay the start of a major commission! Although in all fairness to me – I wanted to get new work into the gallery before I go radio silent while working on this rather ambitious painting.
Crow Paintings: Capturing Presence and Attitude
Five crow paintings took center stage – two as part of a Midnight Series that I have been planning and three just because I wanted to. Each painting leans into their presence – direct, curious, and a little confrontational. Crows have a way of holding ground and I leaned into that. Direct gazes, forward movement, with lots of attitude. They feel less like subjects and definately more like encounters and all from my own close observations. Crows don’t fade into the background, they are all attitude and I try to capture that in their personality as I paint them.
Commission Work: Another Kind of Focus
Additionally, a custom commissioned painting ran alongside the crow series. Commissioned work always asks for a different pace. They require more listening. There’s always a different kind of attention with commissioned work – quieter, more deliberate. Listening as much as painting. Letting someone else’s story sit comfortably inside my process without losing my own voice.
I am so very grateful that I was asked to paint this commission. It is a really heartfelt painting for the owners and through the early discussion stage we discovered that we have a connection that made this process even more special…and deeply emotional. Often in our lives I profoundly believe that we are guided to make connections. This experience was most definitely one of those times. I am grateful…
I combined three different photos to create this piece. Acrylic on cradled wood panel 12×24”
Everlasting Memories
What does one do with their collection of shells? Well, rather than make a wreath…I created a painting of a wreath from my shells.
These shells mean a lot to me as I’d collected them over many years and really do treasure them. I now know we are not supposed to take shells from the beach, but at the time it was an acceptable thing to collect.
This painting is a “Round Tuit” – meaning I’ve been planning on painting this project for many years and I finally got around to it!
24 x 24″ oil on deep canvas. Custom framed in a white oak floating frame
Special Delivery
Robins bring joy to my heart. They are most often the first of the migratory birds to come back – giving us hope that spring really is on its way. And with that hope comes nesting season. We have had robins nest at our cottage, at our home beside our power meter, and in our climbing hydrangeas in our backyard. It is always delightful and is such a privilege to witness.
Spring Delivery is a bit of an experiment. I started out by pouring acrylics….they were not happy to pour on this surface – but I stayed with it and it worked out. My goal was to add some depth before I started painting. Acrylic on gesso board. 12×16”
Process can be seen here
Moving Forward
Three distinct subjects, but all are connected with attention to detail and a willingness to push familiar subjects a little further. The crows brought intensity, the commission brought focus, the robin fun, and the shell wreath allowed me to revisit my shell collection.
What comes next you ask? I am so hoping for some better weather for some Plein Air adventuring. And I do have room for a couple more mid-size commissions. Details on commission process here – Inquire about commissions here
Currently:
Art at the Airport – continues until April 22nd
What’s in the Box – Saint John Arts Centre Fund Raiser
Until next time – cheers
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