I am back - with lots to show!

#1: Escape to Blue $125 (16x16")

To say that it has been a while since my last post is an understatement! There are probably lots of reasons for the 9 month interval between then and now (one can’t forget that nasty worldwide corona virus pandemic) but it doesn’t really matter at this point - I'm back. The fact is that I have been painting throughout this period and that has been a great source of stress relief, comfort and joy. And I have lots to show too.  Over the next few days, maybe weeks, I hope to do some catch up posts based on the different subjects I have painted - abstracts, landscapes and flowers. My usual, LOL.

The paintings here are imagined abstract landscapes. They were not based on any particular place or photo reference, but were imagined and evolved intuitively. Some were more challenging to bring to completion, and others came together quickly. And I have to say I love them all.  Click on each to see a larger version. 

Paintings #1-5 are mixed media - mostly acrylic paint with collage elements added on canvas.

#2-Kiwi Escape $125 (16x16")             #3-Ethereal Light $125 (16x16")

 

#4-Waterfall $125 (16x16")                #5-Time Travel $125 (16x16")

Paintings #6-8 are acrylic on canvas with the addition of marks in pen and or pastel.

#6-Escaping Reality $375 (20x20" acrylic/canvas)

#7-Mirage $375 (24x24" acrylic/canvas)

#8-Road Trip $375 (20"x24" acrylic/canvas)

Flash Drive

Flash Drive

16" x 16" - acrylic on paper - $65

This abstract was inspired by photos taken from the (passenger) car window and my memories of driving north to our cabin in the Haliburton region of Ontario. Hence the title is not referencing a 'USB drive', but the quick image that sticks in your brain - the 'flash' of the landscape seen on the 'drive'.  

Phoenix Rising

Phoenix Rising

30" x 30" - acrylic on canvas - $475

I did not intend to paint a 'bird', even a mythical bird. My intent was to create an active, energetic painting surface with (brush) marks using a red/pink/yellow palette - and beyond that - just see what developed. I think I sometimes have a tendency to 'overpaint', trying to perfect something, when really what I want and love is the spontaneity and energy that appears at the beginning of the painting process. Thus my second intent was to stop early enough and keep the energy visible. I did that here and I am really happy with the final work!

The title literally popped into my head as I studied it. Despite it not being a work based on an identifiable subject, the composition - the arrangement of colours and marks - suggested a surge of upward movement and flight. This particular title has been one used recently in our family as we re-build our summer cabin that burned down last year. It literally is rising from the ashes and with it, a sense of renewal. I am hoping that sense of renewal is felt here too.