Work In Progress Detail: Mussel Shells

Using mussel shells in a still life with blue lusterware has been in the back of my mind for quite a while. I thought that white linen would be a good backdrop for them, and it probably would be... but these old, rough-sawn boards happened to be nearby when I chose an east window as my light source, so I lined them up as a tabletop and immediately liked what I saw. The colors are just complimentary enough, the wood grain shapes just similar enough to the shells, and the texture just varied enough from the other subjects to lend a comfortable beauty to the setting.

Sharing this detail of my work-in-progress gives me incentive to keep working, through muggy weather and summer activities, and get this done! Look for the entire, finished piece to be posted soon.

A Still Life For A Cat

This is another little 5"x7" piece that I've been working on. I didn't start out with the idea of creating a still life that a cat might appreciate... it just evolved that way, which is kind of fun. I wanted to use the tiny cut glass pitcher and salter, and was looking for an interesting sprig of something green to put in the pitcher. There on my windowsill were some healthy new catnip plants that my grandson and I had started from seeds, so I snipped off a piece and stuck it in. For a moment, it seemed like a weird subject, but that's when the cat idea struck me. So, the catnip went into the salter, milk went into the pitcher, and a tempting tassel was added to the scene.

Once it's finished, I'll test it out on my cat... although, knowing him, he'll probably turn up his nose at it!

(7"x5", colored pencil on Pastelbord)

Heirloom Tomatoes & Chard, work in progress

I sketched and photographed this still life set-up a couple of years ago, when I grew these beautiful stripey tomatoes and the Swiss chard in my garden. The Roseville pitcher seemed like a fitting companion, being an heirloom itself, and having some of that subtle rosy coloring found in the tomato. I sat them all on an old wicker basket, in front of my one-hundred-plus-year-old kitchen cabinets. There is something irresistible to me about pairing the very fresh and the very old!

(11"x16", colored pencil on pastelbord)

Apple and Her Baggage

Here is the finished apple piece, and the title, which just came to me five minutes ago. This little still life was sold before it was finished, and continues to generate interest. Who would have thought that such a simple subject, and small format would be so popular? I think "Apple and Her Baggage" will be a giclee print soon. (By the way, I'm working on adding a page to this blog, where giclee prints and note cards will be available for purchase.)

(7"x5", colored pencil on Pastelbord)

CPSA 18th Annual International Exhibit

For a few years now, I have submitted entries to the Colored Pencil Society of America's annual international exhibit, but had never had one of my pieces chosen. I just found out that "Waiting" (a portrait of my grandson, Ethan) has been accepted for this year's show! It will be re-framed with plexiglass for safe shipping, and sent off to Los Gatos, California in July.

Exciting!

Title for an Apple

Here is a little something I'm working on. At just five by seven inches, it really is a little something! I was going to call this "Apple and Old Maids", because of the group of tiny, shriveled, undeveloped fruits on the same stem as this beautifully hefty one. We call unpopped popcorn kernels 'old maids', and that's what these reminded me of. Then I started to think about the term, and I just don't like it!

So, what else could I call it? Survival of the Fittest? Sole Survivor? Over and Under Achievers? Any ideas?

Still Point Art Gallery Exhibition

Three of my colored pencil pieces are currently on display in Still Point Art Gallery's current show, "Still Point II". I am honored to also have been selected as an 'Artist of Distinction' by the gallery, which will allow me to show more of my work there in 2011. The gallery's blog has articles on each of the chosen artists here. I invite you to take a look!

O. J. & Blues (work-in-progress #3)

This shot of the latest work-in-progress shows more of the loose drawing stage of my process... not to say that my process is the same with every piece... but somewhere in there, a natural, quick drawing style plays a part. I'd describe my process as follows: intuitive, practiced, and spontaneous happenings, in varying proportions.

Plums, Quince & Tea

Perhaps I should rename this blog, "The Work In Progress Journal".

So, here is another work in progress! I am actually waiting for a delivery of some art supplies to finish this, and my previously posted 'mottled' piece... and I have started another still life in the meantime. Having three pieces in progress at once is something I thought I would never do. Never say never! Now I'm thinking that I might bring all three to the same 'almost done' stage, then spend a few days just working in 'finish' mode, and complete them. It could be a good thing.

12"x12", colored pencil on Pastelbord

Work In Progress: "Mottled"

Here is a glimpse of the still life I've been working on for the past few weeks. I chose to place a speckled squash in a mottled bowl, by some freckled jars and a dappled glass pitcher... hence the title! I knew it would be a challenge with all of those assorted spots, and the addition of a traditional twining floral print fabric underneath it all ensured that I would be working on this for quite some time. While I was setting it up, by a partially curtained window, a narrow strip of sunlight hit the golden squash, creating that fantastic reflection inside the bowl. With a little nudging, I got the light to shoot through the green glass as well.

Back to work. I will be posting the finished piece soon.

((detail) 16"x20", colored pencil on pastelbord)

A Brother & Sister in Pencil, and a Group Show Report

Here is a recently done pair of commissioned portraits in graphite pencil. I really like how they have a similar feeling of confidence, with a straightforward gaze and the poses slightly leaning toward us. Such beautiful young faces!

I must take a few moments to report on the group show of last November. In a nutshell, it was wonderful! We had plenty of traffic, tons of interest, gorgeous weather, lots of fun, and we all made some sales. We hung the show ourselves (with the help of some fabulous friends), served up an abundance of refreshments at the artists' reception, and definitely got to know each other better!

The artists; Dirk Leach, Nina Fuller, Jane Ryan, and myself, with some of Jane's paintings behind us.

Work in progress: "Waiting"

This will be a last minute addition to the portrait section of my work in next week's group show. I'm still working on it, and I'm sure the matting and framing process will bring it right down to the wire!

Today, I will be picking up my giclee prints. I chose "Water Plus Sunshine", "Pizzelle On a Pedestal", "Lilac and Primaries", and "Brussels Sprouts and Delft" for the prints. Also on my list today is proofing images for note cards that will be printed this week. "Espresso and Lace" and "Winterberries" are among the chosen pieces for the cards.

(12"x12", colored pencil on Pastelbord)

Winter Is Coming

When I see these winterberries on their leafless branches by the side of the road, I know that winter is just around the corner. They inspired me to put together this still life with a holiday feel, along with some trimmings from a fir tree, a gracefully shaped old pitcher, and a bright red tablecloth. The backlit white curtains add a snowy touch.

I've chosen to have some note cards printed of this piece, and a few others, to add to the offerings at the upcoming show. There will also be giclee prints of "Water Plus Sunshine", "Pizzelle On A Pedestal", "Lilac and Primaries", and "Brussels Sprouts and Delft". I'm looking forward to a very busy and exciting weekend of the 20th through the 22nd!

(12"x16", colored pencil on Pastelbord)

Zinnia, Parsley and Pattypan

How's that for a combination? I love the shape of these little pattypan squash, and their subtle, creamy green color. After trying many different still life set ups, it was clear that a pink palette was perfect for showing them off. So, pink linen, an old Staffordshire plate, and a mix of zinnias provide the complimentary color, while a bunch of parsley and a yellow pitcher lend support to the squash's green-ness.

(12"x12", colored pencil on Pastelbord)

Brussels Sprouts & Delft..progress

Once again, this piece was set aside, but I finally have it very close to finished. The basket-like reed mats under the sprouts and pitcher have been more defined and warmed up in hue, and the long afternoon shadows accentuated. Finally, I think a few touches of a zingy, springy green on those Brussels sprouts will just about do it!

(6"x14", colored pencil on Pastelbord)

Upcoming Group Show

I am looking forward to my first local group show, coming up in November. The combination of large acrylic landscapes by Jane Ryan, fine art photography by Nina Fuller, "fine rustic" furniture by Dirk Leach, and my own colored pencil still lifes and portraits should really fill our space with energy, life and color. The space is a charming one... "The Old White Church", situated on the banks of the Saco River, repurposed as a venue for musical performances and an art gallery. It is right next door to (and actually a part of) the Saco River Grange Hall which is a wonderful little theater and concert hall.

The show and sale will be November 20th through the 22nd. Here is a map of the location. You are hereby invited!

Fall Fun

Here is a little sampling of matted prints that I am offering for sale at the Fall Fair in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 26th. My mother, a brother, a sister, and I will have a family table there that will feature a fun mix of items including handmade vintage style aprons, hand crafted birdhouses, whoopie pies, autumn themed tiaras for girls, and my art prints.

The prints were chosen from a collection of over a hundred art cards (ACEOs) that I created. The originals all sold through ebay. I have reproduced them in their actual size of two and a half by three and a half inches, and matted them in eight by ten mats. These are not limited edition prints, but they are each unique, as I added touches of color to each one with colored pencil. This "suns and moons" series was a lot of fun to dream up, as was the nostalgic, illustrative style that I employed.

I'm looking forward to an enjoyable day with family, friends, food, and music!

Another Cute Pair

It seems that portrait commissions come two-by-two for me, and I like it like that! (My last five commissions have been for two or more portraits.) Drawing a pair of siblings, as these pretty girls are, always makes me more aware of the subtle little differences and similarities in features and expressions. There is also a benefit to looking at them side by side for a few days at the finishing stage, adding a touch here and there until they are equally good. (That being said, I have no such control over scans and photographs of my pencil drawings. Why are grays so difficult?)

These two girls were a joy to meet, and to draw! The portraits are packed up and ready for their trip to California, so, off to the post office I go!

Brussels Sprouts and Delft

This work-in-progress has been in-progress for quite a while, interrupted by several pencil portrait commissions and life in general. The clean white narcissus, classic blue Delft-ware, and crisp Brussels sprouts looked quite lovely in the setting sun of early June. Even at this rough stage, I think the freshness I'm seeking is starting to come through.

(6"x14", colored pencil on Pastelbord)

Primarily Tactile

With a few more tweaks, this will be finished. Besides those primary-leaning colors, which always grab me, I was drawn to the different textures here. The bricks and their old crumbly mortar, the glazed pottery, the tender and flexible lilac blossoms and leaves, and the smooth but sturdy cloth with its creased fold; to me, they beg to be touched.

(12"x16", colored pencil on Pastelbord)