Delivery of New Work ~

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of visiting two wonderful galleries and delivering some new work.  I went to Hampton House Art & Framing in Winston-Salem, NC, and ArtSource Fine Art in Raleigh, NC.  Unfortunately, I forgot my camera while I was at Hampton House, but I remembered it by the time I got to Raleigh!

Some paintings that went to ArtSource:

Contemplation: Quiet Nest

oil on canvas, 14"x11"

click here for purchase info

 I also had the pleasure of having lunch with the program coordinator at Raleigh's Visual Art Exchange.  This wonderful organization is about to unveil their brand new location in Raleigh.  I had a sneak peek, and it was awesome! 

New Painting ~

Contemplation: Spiral Conch on Gray

oil on canvas, 8"x10"

For purchase information, email info@susannapantas.com

Progress on the conch shell painting

 ~ in progress ~

What I am working on this morning...

~ in progress ~

New Rural Meditation Painting ~ Finished

In the Field, Late Afternoon Calm

oil on canvas, 24"x30"

for more information about this piece, email info@susannapantas.com

Second Surprise ~

Sampson

oil on canvas, 10"x8"

for Shawna and Josh Brickman

First surprise of two ~

Zuli

oil on canvas, 10"x8"

for Shawna and Josh Brickman

Painting Blades of Grass

Still hard at work painting the green pasture this cow calls home.  Here is an updated photo showing the progress:

To see more completed work from the Rural Meditation series, visit this link.  Works from this series are currently on display at ArtSource Fine Art in Raleigh, NC.

Graceful Repose ~ finished

Graceful Repose

oil on canvas, 30"x40"

I have been working on this painting for many, many hours now.  Finally, I think it is complete and am glad I can share it.  

Recently finished ~

Into the Soft Arms of Silence

oil on canvas, 24"x18"

In keeping with the theme, I will share a poem by Thomas Hood, which I first became acquainted with through its presence in one of my favorite films, Jane Champion's The Piano.

Silence
by Thomas Hood

There is a silence where hath been no sound,

There is a silence where no sound may be,

In the cold grave—under the deep, deep sea,

Or in wide desert where no life is found,

Which hath been mute, and still must sleep profound;

No voice is hush’d—no life treads silently,

But clouds and cloudy shadows wander free,

That never spoke, over the idle ground:

But in green ruins, in the desolate walls

Of antique palaces, where Man hath been,

Though the dun fox or wild hyæna calls,

And owls, that flit continually between,

Shriek to the echo, and the low winds moan—

There the true Silence is, self-conscious and alone.

Beginning stages of a new Rural Meditation

Here is one of the first photos of a new painting I am working on.  This is another from my Rural Meditation series, and I am going to take a photo of each stage of the process to make into a slideshow (hopefully!).

Winsor & Newton Commercial...

I just received a much anticipated shipment from Winsor & Newton... a whole box of supplies to replenish my stores.  Mediums of every kind, ready to be opened and used.

Prior to this shipment, the only medium I have been mixing in my oil paints has been Liquin Fine Detail.   Liquin is an Alkyd medium that actually speeds up the drying time of the paint.   However, I have been itching to paint with linseed oil & solvents.  I'm ready to luxuriate in the slower drying time that Linseed oil allows.  More time to fiddle and blend - yay!  

Two of a kind...

Contemplation: Kindred 

oil on canvas, 11"x14"

Late yesterday afternoon offered great light to photograph several new paintings.  Above is one of them, a small oil from my Contemplations series.   I feel such a sensation of security and warmth by these two small nests hugging so closely together.  

Installation Photo of "Fanfare"

A collector who recently commissioned a vibrant painting of a peacock has sent me some installation photos.  Here is Fanfare in its new home:

Fiery Strands...

Painting strands of red and strawberry blond hair one by one, and adding shadows and highlights until it is finished...

Above is a detail photo of a figurative painting in progress.

Nearing Completion

Well, this journey through sisal rug detail, a glittering shirt, folds of white, puckering blankets, and cascading cocoa hair is coming to an end.

I am finishing up the smallest of details on this 30"x40" figurative piece and will be posting the completed painting soon.

The Zebra Dream - Revamped

When I got this painting back from a gallery and took another look at it, the background was bothering me.   I didn't like reddish wood flooring in the background, and felt like it competed too much with the zebra-print blanket.  I felt like too much was going on.  I thought that this painting was too different from my other work and that its mood was too tense and not restful enough.  So... I reworked the background.  Here is the before and after:

BEFORE

AFTER

The Zebra Dream

oil on canvas, 12"x16"

In the end, I didn't hate the first version, I just prefer the second.   I think the second version, with the calmer background gives a dreamier, more restful mood.

To purchase this painting, email info@susannapantas.com.

New Painting!

Contemplation: Quiet Nest

oil on canvas, 14"x11"

I like the moodiness of this painting.  It just came together that way, and I am very satisfied with it.  Silent nest, little fragile shelter.  It is remarkable to me that little squirming, clawed baby birds are held safe in such a fragile woven home.  The nest I used as the model for this painting is a perfect little cup that almost fits into the palm of your hand.  Round and small and delicate with a few twigs astray.

For purchase information, please email info@susannapantas.com

One of each...

As I was working to pull all of the artwork together that is heading to Hampton House Art & Framing, I noticed that these three paintings would make a great trio.  One from the sea, one from the sky, and one from the land:

From left to right:

Contemplation: Sand Dollar Pair
 oil on canvas, 10"x8"

Contemplation: Remembering of the Wind
 oil on canvas, 10"x8"

Contemplation: Box Turtle Shell
 oil on canvas, 10"x8"

These paintings and others are headed to Hampton House Art & Framing, in Winston-Salem, NC, this coming Friday.  Hampton House Art & Framing has been a staple of the Winston-Salem art community since 1977 and I am delighted to be one of their artists.  For directions to this gallery please visit their website at www.HamptonHouse.net.

Headed to Hampton House in Winston-Salem

A group of new paintings are making their way to Hampton House Art & Framing in Winston-Salem, NC, this Friday.  Here is a photo of one of the new ones from my Contemplations series that is on its way there:

Contemplation: Sand Dollar Pair

oil on canvas, 10"x8"

To purchase, please contact Hampton House Art & Framing

at 336-723-8869 or www.HamptonHouse.net

Figurative piece in progress

Countless hours have been spent on this painting so far, and it is such a pleasure to watch it take shape and come into focus.  

Sand Dollars, Beauty in Life and Death

In painting the beauty of the dried sand dollars, bleached white by the sun, I got to thinking about what these silent little discs were like when alive.  I found a video online to share -

Live sand dollars are covered with velvet textured spines which help them move over the sand.  By the time they are found on the beach, these spines have been rubbed off and their skin has been bleached white.

Here are a few of my recent "Contemplations" paintings of sand dollars:

Sand Dollar on Slate Gray

oil on canvas, 8"x10"

Sand Dollars on Blue

oil on canvas, 14"x11"

New Work...

Peaceful Greeting On a Clear Day

oil on canvas, 24"x30"

I haven't come up for the exact name for this series.  Paintings of cows and the field they inhabit.  I want the feel to be spaciousness and calm.   I'm tossing around the ideas of "Freedom," "Rural Time," "The Field".... but I haven't nailed it down yet.  Still mulling it over, and thoroughly enjoying the process... much like, ahem, a cow chews the cud!

Summer Friend

Many of you may be familiar with.... the Eastern Box Turtle!

Contemplation: Box Turtle Shell

oil on canvas, 10"x8"

email info@susannapantas.com for purchase information

The subtle patterning of colors on the surface are gorgeous - and I marvel at the symmetry.   I wonder about the small soul who once lived within the orange and black patterned armor, and whether he or she liked blackberries or mulberries or wine berries best.  

One of the new little ones

Contemplation: Remembering the Wind

oil on canvas, 10"x8"

email info@susannapantas.com for purchase info

As I mentioned in my previous post, I am working on many more from the Contemplations series.  I just can't get enough of this series!  The small format of the canvases makes these paintings quick and fun for me.  This painting, above, may look familiar, as it is the same butterfly featured in another painting that is called "Contemplation: Remnants of Flight," however this is from a different angle and on a smaller canvas.  I wanted to continue to push myself with trying to create the powdery and glittery aspect of the fragile Swallowtail wings.  I just love how the edges are a bit jagged and the perfection of the butterfly isn't quite... yet the beauty still remains.

Busy, Busy, Busy (Thankfully: Productive too!)

Things have been steadily chugging along in my studio lately.  I don't know if it is the beautiful spring weather that has been adding a creative wind to my lungs or what  (somehow I doubt this... considering my new Claritin regime!).   I think what has happened is that I am finding myself incredibly inspired by those around me and in the creative world.   Spending time at the recent opening, on March 11th, at ArtSource Fine Art in Raleigh was so much fun.  Seeing old friends and new artwork has added more grease to my wheels and stirred me to paint.  Here are a few images I took in my studio today:

Above: I'm working on new small Contemplations as well as several larger paintings in an as-of-yet-unnamed series.  These paintings are all in various stages of completion.  Sometimes it is hard to know when they're done!

Above: a reclining figurative piece that still has a long way to go...

Above: Pictures of new works in progress, including one from my Avian series in the top right hand corner of the photo.

I usually work on several pieces at once, finding that the medium of oil paint forces me to slow down and take breaks even when I want to continue.  Each layer has to suitably dry before I can add a new one, so when that happens... on to the next!  It's actually very refreshing and allows for a mental break of sorts.  If I'm working on an especially repetitive detail or pattern, working on a broader application of paint on another painting helps to loosen my tension and paint more freely.

Painting the Peacock

Recently, I had the privilege of painting one of the most exotic and flamboyant of birds, the peacock.  This was a commissioned work that was intended to hang in a client's study.   She was basing her entire room around the colors in a peacock - the golds, teals, blues, and greens - and this painting was to be a focal point.  A lifelong lover of rock-n-roll, this client would also accompany the painting with framed rock album covers hanging nearby.  I knew this piece had to be fun, dramatic, and energetic.  I used a variety of photos from the internet as references to create a piece that was truly my own.

Here is the finished painting, which is an oil on canvas, measuring 24"x30"

Fanfare

oil on canvas, 24"x30"

SOLD

closeup 1

closeup 2

A bit about my work on ArtSource's blog

ArtSource Fine Art in Raleigh, NC, recently featured my work on their blog - here's a link so that you can check it out:  http://artsourceinformation.blogspot.com/2011/02/curious-works-of-susanna-pantas.html

ArtSource celebrates their 20th year this year, and I am so blessed to be a part of their great group of artists!

Bird's nest = sticks + ______________?

This new painting is titled "Contemplation: Woven Nest" and is an oil on canvas which measures 12"x16".  It is currently for sale through ArtSource Fine Art in Raleigh, NC.   The original nest actually had bits of bubble wrap amongst the sticks.  My attempts to paint the bubble wrap ended up looking like an octopus tentacle was woven into the nest - which wasn't the comforting bed for baby birds I was striving for - and thus I decided to omit it.    Thus.... no bubble wrap in this painting, but a charming little nest still the same :)

Contemplation: Woven Nest

oil on canvas, 12"x16"

SOLD

This painting is currently for sale through ArtSource Fine Art 

in Raleigh, NC.  Email sarah@artsourcefineart.com for purchase information

On their way!

Seven new paintings will be making their way to ArtSource Fine Art Gallery & Consultants, in Raleigh, NC, this weekend.  I've been spending time getting them ready to go - varnishing, framing, attaching hanging wire, updating my inventory lists, etc..  Though these tasks are routine and somewhat boring, this time round I have thoroughly enjoyed the work thanks to the spring-like weather we are having.  I have had the windows open and a gentle breeze has been blowing through my studio.   Having such a comfortable environment helps to banish any irritable feelings that arise from doing routine work.   Getting work ready for a show or to deliver to a gallery is always a process, but feels very good when it's all through and they're packed up and ready to go!

Here are a few of the ones on their way:

Quiet Moment from Across the Field

oil on canvas, 24"x30"

Contemplation: Tiger Swallowtail Wings

oil on canvas, 8"x10"

Contemplation: Jewel Box Shells Take Flight

oil on canvas, 8"x10"

Contemplation: Memory of Tiger Swallowtail

oil on canvas, 8"x10"

If you are interested in purchasing any of these paintings, please contact ArtSource Fine Art in Raleigh, at 919-787-9533 or email sarah@artsourcefineart.com. 

I have also recently updated my website with new work and would love to have you visit my online gallery at www.SusannaPantas.com.  

Hours and hours painting the sisal rug

The cold weather is still outside these days, so it is fitting that I seem to be spending a lot of my time painting blankets and heavy rugs.  Hours and hours have been spent working on a large 30"x40" figurative piece, and I have spent the last few sessions focusing on the sisal rug (shown above).   I call it an exercise in patience!  Slowly but surely, though, the rug starts to take shape and will eventually come together.  

For the new couple

Wedding present for two friends - a painting of their dog. Here he is relaxing on the NC coast:

I hope that they enjoy this painting as much as I enjoyed painting each strand of black, white, and gray fur.  I delighted in His soulful amber gaze.  Painting this little guy was actually such a joy and hope that people will commission other similar paintings. If you're interested, please email me at info@susannapantas.com and we can get started!

Little Cows, Coming into Focus

The cow painting is coming along...

Here is a recent photo of one of their faces that I am working on:

above: detail of work in progress

Grays from the Ocean Blue

This painting is of a Florida Surf Clam on a worn wooden background.  This clam is from my mother's vast collection of seashells collected over her lifetime.  This one in particular was found along the white sand beaches of Naples, Florida.  It was so interesting to paint all of the striations of color.   Slate blue gray is one of my favorite colors, and it works well with the warm tans and beiges of the clam's ridged and dappled surface.

Contemplation: Surf Clam in Grays

oil on canvas, 8"x10"

email info@susannapantas.com for more information

Three Recent Commissions -

The following three paintings were recently commissioned as Christmas presents. Each small oil painting only measured 5"x7" - I used lots of tiny little brushes!

 Luna Moth

oil on canvas, 5"x7"

SOLD

Olive Shells

oil on canvas, 5"x7"

SOLD

Pansies in Silver Cup

oil on canvas, 5"x7"

SOLD