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.

Welcome to my blog!

Here are a sample of some of my most recent paintings:

above: "O Time, Suspend Your Flight

(Black Swallowtail Butterfly + Imperial Moth)"

oil on canvas, 10"x8" 2009   SOLD

This painting includes a quote from French poet Alphonse Lamartine's "Le Lac. The translation, from french, is something along the lines of:

"O time, suspend your flight! And you, precious hours,

stop your course!"  

above: "Anticipation" acrylic on canvas, 18"x24" 2009

For more information about this piece,

please contact ArtSource Fine Art in Raleigh, NC.

(919) 787-9533

Earlier this fall, I was honored to have Anticipation be included in the juried N.E.W show at the Visual Art Exchange in downtown Raleigh. The oldest non-profit in North Carolina, VAE hosts an annual "N.E.W" (never exhibited works) show, said to be their most anticipated show of the year. I was honored to have my work chosen. 

above: "Stolen Moment, with Cardinals"

oil on canvas, 16"x20" 2009   SOLD

This painting, Stolen Moment, with Cardinals, was one of my first paintings completed in oil. I have been relishing in this medium, and am learning more everyday. Continuing with my Avian Series of paintings, this piece explores a dreamscape in which humans freely mingle with birds, where there is a connection with nature.