Tuesday April 17, 2012 Still Life #75

Still Life #75 22"x22" gouache on w/c paper

This is my latest still life. I have made a small change in the grid, on which the composition is based, the viewer is no longer able to see the horizontal lines, as much, therefore less aware of the original grid. Still working with Joseph Albers ideas about color.

Still Life #70 24"x24" gouache on w/c paper

The life of an artist is to be a hermit. In the morning go to the studio. Create the work. Give and take with the galleries that handle the work. Look for opportunities to share the work. I think we have a responsibility to share what we are doing, it might be easier to create the work, and put it under the bed, but on the other hand the work might give others the inspiration to create.

Often our work is not appreciated. Today I got another rejection, which is part of the 'game.'

Art Competition
Turn on computer
Read the email
Like a slap
Crack!
Or a door slammed
In the face

Don't like it
Don't want it
Not chosen
Not good enough
Doesn't please
And yet...

I have done my part
Over years
Created the work
Entred on time
Paid my fee

My ears sting
Still waiting
For your smile
Take a breath
Sun shines
Wind chimes tinkle
In the breeze

Scrape myself
Off the floor
Begin again

Note: There are many more rejections in an artist's life, that acceptances. Where does the artist get the strength to believe in their work? It comes from deep inside, the eyes see the work, and based on all the years of study, and work, the artist must believe....

March 9, 2012 Still Life #64

Still Life #64 24"x24 gouache on oriental paper

In Still Life #64, I am using intensity for the gradation. So the piece gradates from bright to dull, each way.

I have recently had a new brochure printed and have been sending them out. Which brings me to rejection,.... again.

“This manuscript of yours that has just come back from another editor is a precious package. Don't consider it rejected. Consider that you've addressed it 'to the editor who can appreciate my work' and it has simply come back stamped 'Not at this address'. Just keep looking for the right address.”
― Barbara Kingsolver

I like this quote, and will rewrite it for artists. "This painting of yours that has just been rejected is a precious painting. Don't consider it rejected. Consider that your've addressed it 'to the dealer, curator who can appreciate my work' and it has simply come back stamped, 'Not at this address'. Just keep looking for the right address."

February 19, 2011 Still Life

Still Life #60 40" sq. gouache on w/c paper

This piece is the second still life I have done as a 40" square. The first one I kept the grid at 2", but really didn't like the outcome. This piece, the grid is 4" and I like it much better. In painting there are so many elements to deal with; size, form, shape, texture, value, color, intensity.

Feburary 4, 2011 Still Life

Still Life #53 24"x24" gouache on oriental paper

In this still life the colors are orange and turquoise blue. The gradation is from bright to dull, or intensity.


I am thinking about art as the visual language and silence or "still life." The desire of the artist is communication, but it is a different communication, one without words or sounds. Ideas are expressed visually and the viewer is allowed to have their own thoughts based on what is before him. Sometimes the viewer forgets the painting is expressing ideas in the form of elements and principles of design. Emotions are expressed through color.