Reworking a painting

Tonight, I decided to rework one of my paintings of a cow in a field.  This painting originally had a more turquoise sky and a cooler green hue to the grass.  Perhaps it is the time of year, but I wanted to brown some of the grass and mute the sky. I think I'm happy with how the painting is coming along.  The photo above is a bit blurry, but you can still see the colors. 

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

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.

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!).

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.  

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