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.

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.

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.