Fresh off the easel

Contemplation: Still Regal

by Susanna Pantas

oil on canvas, 14"x11"

This painting is currently for sale at ArtSource Fine Art in Raleigh, NC. 919-787-9533

Finished!

Contemplation: Monarch Dream

by Susanna Pantas

oil on canvas, 14"x11"

This painting is currently for sale at ArtSource Fine Art in Raleigh, NC. 919-787-9533

Feathers.......

"Contemplation: Majestic Blue Jays"

by Susanna Pantas
oil on canvas, 11"x14"

Well, what can I say? Blue Jays are spectacular. From watching them, I've gleaned they are quite feisty and dignified. I know some bird watchers get annoyed with them because they're so temperamental, but I still love them. It is quite a delight to be walking through a wood, and see a quick flash of bright blue.

This painting is for sale at ArtSource Fine Art in Raleigh, NC. 919-787-9533

Monarchs

Monarch butterflies are facing serious problems due to a loss of their food, the humble milkweed, and their habitat.

I found a dead monarch butterfly a few weeks ago during a walk and thought I would try my best to capture the way light shimmers through their wings. I have heard people compare their wings to stained glass windows.  So, with that introduction, here is a new painting of a monarch butterfly, fresh off the easel -

"Contemplation: Monarch"

oil on canvas, 11"x14"

For those interested, you can learn about the concerns of habitat loss and what you can do to help (hint: PLANT milkweed!) by visiting these websites:

• http://www.fws.gov/savethemonarch/
• http://www.saveourmonarchs.org/

This painting is currently for sale at ArtSource Fine Art in Raleigh, NC. 919-787-9533

"Contemplation: Sanctuary"

This is another of the five paintings that I have in Grovewood Gallery's "Birds & Bees" exhibition in Asheville, NC. The show opens February 14, and continues through May 10. I figured that a nest certainly fits into the birds theme, and this one was a pleasure to paint. I liked working on the individual twigs and bits of pinestraw in the nest, and I also really enjoyed working on the colors of the background of the painting.

"Contemplation: Sanctuary"

oil on canvas, 11"x14"
SOLD

"Contemplation: Ocean Whisperings"

Contemplation: Ocean Whisperings

Oil on Canvas, 14"x11"

For purchase information, contact 

ArtSource Fine Art

in Raleigh, NC

sarah@artsource-raleigh.com

(919) 787-9533

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! 

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.

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.