Taking time for other pursuits

Thanks for visiting my blog. I’ve been very busy and haven’t finished new paintings for some time. Fortunately, this painting break has opened space in my life for other creative pursuits that I am enjoying very much.

You can still view my paintings on Flickr by clicking here.

Works in progress

Here are some slower paintings that are taking an intermission while I move and try to set up a new work space. In this first shot, the work in progress is on the right. I’ve been composing abstract canvases by building up many layers of transparent glazes. These new paintings seem to be about accumulation and time passing, both literally and conceptually. I’m trying to keep visible brush strokes to a minimum and I want the entire surface to have an overall smooth, glossy quality. I enjoy seeing the under layers of color show through subsequent layers of paint and alter the tone and depth of the surface. (The painting on the left is Some Other Ocean, completed back in 2008.)

Below is another example from the accumulation abstractions I’m working on. I originally began piling circles on top of one another in mixed media work, and I am now translating this idea into oil paint. Again, this painting is made up of many transparent glazes. It’s difficult to see in this photo, but this painting also has the texture and brushstrokes from an older, sanded down painting showing through to the surface.

And finally, below is an unfinished diptych I’ve been working on. The portrait side is probably complete. Rather than paint the portrait in one sitting as I usually do, I spent several weeks building up thin layers of glazes. The final layer was a transparent glaze of cobalt blue on the face to correct a too orangey skin tone. The unfinished side is made up of several layers of glaze, and I have plans for this that will just have to wait a while to take shape.

Packing up the studio

Tonight I began packing up my current studio. I’ve been in the space for about three years, so I’m feeling a little down about leaving. After the big move is completed, I’ll have space at home for a new studio. But I will miss this space nonetheless. I especially like the inner southeast industrial neighborhood on evenings like tonight when the light is just right, and the streets are vacant and lonely.

Moving a desk in was one of the best additions I made to the space this past year. Because I had a comfy space to sit and spread materials out, I began working with more media, mixing pencils with gouache, marker with oil pastel, and collage on paper.

As I was packing, I realized that I’ve had this particular Mr. Sketch scented marker set for almost twenty years! These markers are great. They still work, never seem to dry out, smell wonderful, and remind me of simpler times and childhood craft projects.

I never use this art tackle box anymore, but it really is perfect for packing up tubes of paint and brushes. Having everything neatly organized in this handy box reminded me of college art class days.

I am sad to leave this great work space behind, but I am also excited to set up a new space and find out if a new studio inspires new ways of painting and working.

Hibernation

hi·ber·nate  (hbr-nt)
intr.v. hi·ber·nat·ed, hi·ber·nat·ing, hi·ber·nates
1. To pass the winter in a dormant or torpid state.
2. To be in an inactive or dormant state or period.

(The American Heritage Dictionary)

My painting brain has been in hibernation.

This state is different than when I’m working away and experiencing painter’s block and just not coming up with anything. Hibernation is a full-on, somewhat intentional break from the studio. I say somewhat intentional because what I really mean is that life is just getting in the way of painting right now. But not in a bad way. I’m really enjoying the holidays and socializing and staying busy at work.

When my painting brain wakes up again in January, I hope to go through the productive phase that usually follows these times of rest. In the mean time, I hope to step up the writing a bit.

From the drawing archives

I recently found my old portfolio in the back of the storage unit and pulled a few sketches out. Here are some of my favorites.

Some inspiration

I have two bulletin boards in my studio that hold a rotating and ever-changing museum of images. The photographs are either my own or gathered from old family albums and antique stores. Most of the images from magazines are from vintage Life and Look from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. I also hang up studies and small drawings.

You might recognize the stewardess in the image above.

Here’s a closely held (until now) little secret of mine: I am obsessed with old cigarette ads from vintage magazines. They are relics from a bygone era, and I love the kitschy images of men and women in happy, glamorous locales. Notice the smiling couple in the picture above. You can also see one in the top picture towards the bottom of the cork board. I’m planning a whole series of paintings based on my collection of these ads… some day…

Sneak Preview

This scene features a sneak preview of a future painting. I just finished the drawing, which is olive green oil paint and mineral spirits, on gessoed canvas.

Studio Makeover

I could have spent this past weekend actually painting, but instead I decided to show my work space some love. Even though I’ve been in the same studio for a couple of years, I never took the time to make it a really comfy and enjoyable place to spend time. It was simply utilitarian. Which was fine. I did get a lot of work done, after all. But still, I was ready to make the small space fully my own.

To start, I painted the bottom 3/4 of all four walls a very light, muted gray. Very neutral; not too warm and not too cool. I replaced the nasty old metal blinds with some simple white curtains I had laying around. Next, I hung cork board on either side of the window and moved in a desk from home that wasn’t being used. Now I have a place to sit and draw. Finally, I added two comfortable chairs I picked up cheap at House of Vintage on Hawthorne, a small Ikea rug, white floor lamp, and a colorful pillow. Voila! Still plenty of utilitarian work space, plus comfort and coziness.

I really like the way the colorful rug looks next to the gray, paint splattered floor.

An old pencil case, oil pastels, a planter of succulents,
and a stack of vintage Life and Look magazines.

More studies

color study, oil on paper, 2008, 4″ x 6″

study, pen on paper, 2008, 3″ x 4″

study, pen on paper, 2008, 5″ x 5″

Chroma Love

Sometimes I discover a particularly lovely color and I worry I’ll forget about it so I make these little records. The funny thing is I never need to refer to them but I can’t bear to waste a lovely blob of paint.

Other times, I just begin to pile up paper and pictures on my studio floor in order to uncover unusual color combinations. I enjoy seeing unexpected colors together.

I also like to make a mess. This is the palette I used while making this painting.