Work Light, Introspection, Illumination

4"x4" oil on gessoed masonite artboard


"I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart."
- Vincent Van Gogh



Happy New Year! With much gratitude for all your comments, questions, kind words and shared stories- and special thanks to my collectors who've shared this vision of the world with me over the years! It means so much to me!

Seems like I've fallen off of the blogging planet, but I've just been on extended travel with very little internet service, lots of driving, and no oil paints. Sounds like a horrible combination, but it's been a good holiday season spending time with people that I see way too little of. At this point I am craving my studio more than ever and can hardly wait to return to my work space.

I'm posting a little sketch that I did the day before I left on my travels, "Work Light, Introspection, Illumination", quite a mouth full for a little 4"x4" painting. It was actually a 'progressive' titleling. I first called it Work Light - because the writer in this image has the light she needs to see adequately, and I find back-lit subjects especially compelling. I also had this feeling of introspection that I usually find myself in through out December, and finally by January as if some bit of magic comes along, Illumination- where I can see what it is that I've been seeking, or at least the path to follow for now.


This work is 4"x4" oil on gessoed masonite artboard and is available to purchase from my DailyPainters.com gallery store.

I've had the good fortune to return to a few favorite places over Christmas break and find the inspiration I was seeking. First, down in Winter Park, Florida, I was able to return to the Morse Museum- a phenomenal collection of Tiffany works AND get a sneak peek into the Daffodil Pavillion opening in February this year! I can hardly wait! A day in the sunshine at Leu Gardens in Orlando, with my mom & family was another real treat. Even though most of our trip was in cold places, I did get a couple days of warm sunshine while visiting my mom.

While stopping in Arlington, VA visiting with daughters, we took in a day of sight-seeing our favorite places in DC- heading straight over to the US Botanic Garden Conservatory - the most fantastic greenhouses you have ever seen. I spent the whole time with a blissful grin on my face. There is NOTHING like going from a cold wintry day outside,escaping the frigid air, straight to the 'Jungle' room in the big glassed in conservatory. It is like a combination of my favorite warm places (Hawaii, San Diego, and Florida) all contained in one extraordinary place. What a sensory delight, my face hurt from grinning so broadly! Truly delightful, what a joy.

We headed straight from there to the East wing of the National Gallery to see an exhibit of Small French Paintings from the impressionist & post-impressionist period, a wonderful collection of small works. These are such wonderful, personable pieces. It was also like a confirmation in the benefits of working small, whether as a complete body of finished works, or studies for larger paintings. Even small works of art can carry powerful benefits to the viewer. This is the second time I've gone through this exhibit, and was glad to see it again. Any time I can come face to face with a Monet, is a real thrill for me- not in a jumping up & down kind of way, but a 'walking back & forth' kind of way. First seen from a distance, how does it 'read' from a distance, then walk up as close as they allow without having a guard put cuffs on me & haul me out of there! I study the surface, every color, every texture, how did the brush lay the paint on? Then I'm back & forth several times, taking in something new in this same painting with each advance & retreat. Lessons in paint right there for the viewing!


This traveler is glad to be home, at least until the next adventure beckons!!




*****Last week!! - Here in CT: I have three paintings juried into the Lyme Art Association "Deck The Walls" show, which runs from Dec. 10th- January 8th 2011. I am honored to be able to take part in this show with some of New England's finest painters!


I'm currently taking commissions for next year - 2011- if you have a special pet, event, memorable place, that you'd like to commemorate!