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Ambiguity: Oil on 20″ x 16″ Canvas
Tag: contemporary art
Fruits and Teapot: Acrylic on 16″ x 16″ Canvas
I have not painted with a acrylic for some time. I really like how expressive I can be because of the quick drying time. I also love the vivid colors. It is certainly different from oil which leaves a more delicate finish. I was wanting to do something bold and fun.
Dulce Flores: Oil on 18″ x 18″ Canvas
Memories: Oil on 16″ x 20″ Linen
I’ve always been attracted to the Chiaroscuro style, implementing the use of contrast and atmosphere to capture emotion. It is hard to tell from the picture, but the candle is highly textured to create a 3D -like affect.
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Peering Through the Trees: Oil on 18″ x 20″ Canvas
I’m fortunate enough to have a tiny preserve right behind my backyard. I decided to paint the wetland area. This is on 18″ x 20″ Canvas. I can’t wait to more studies like this. I feel as an artist we shouldn’t get lost painting what others want us to paint or what society tells us is appropriate to paint in order to get noticed. In a time where people’s ideas are so heavily influenced my social media and identity politics, it is important that we remain honest with ourselves. These are things that should inspire us naturally. It has always been about aesthetics first no matter who or what I paint. The rest is always left to interpretation.
Peach Delight: Oil on 6″ x 6″ Canvas
Another mini-painting. I played with the colors on this one!
I am inspired by many forms of art—Abstract, Expressionism, and Realism. I always implement various forms into my artwork and seek to find a sort of balance between the various forms of artistic expression.
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More on Fields: Oil on 20″ x 20″ Canvas
Portrait Study: Oil on 12″ x 9″ Panel
I wanted to get some practice painting a portrait. For this painting, I wanted to catch the light as accurately as possible. I may go back to this in a few days, depending on how I feel. This is a portrait of my husband, by the way.
Portrait Study: Oil on 9″ x 12″ Cradled Panel
It has been a long time since I have worked on a portrait with oil. I did this in two 3-hour sessions working in alla-prima (wet-on-wet) using a 50/50 mixture of Grumbacher Stand Oil and oderless turpenoid as my medium. This combination is said to mimic mediums used by the old masters, whatever that means. Either way, I really like that it dries quickly and retains some nice brush strokes. I did use Liquin during the initial sketch, but I see could have use the stand oil mixture from start to finish. I will try to take progress shots on my next portrait. I may do a post on different mediums and/or other tools and tips if anyone is interested in learning more about oil painting.
“Just do it!” Oil Painting 8″ x 10″ Panel
I have to admit, there are just some days that I do not feel like painting. It is super hot in Savannah, GA–over mid-90s so going out to find inspiration is not fun. I have also been focused on getting myself into some healthier habits–eating, sleeping, and exercise. I have been trying not to push myself to paint when I do not feel like it, but I also fear that going too long without painting will cause a set back in my artistic process–or worse, I’ll become someone or something else.
But seriously, I have been allowing myself to take some time off, usually a couple of days, in between engaging in some kind artwork. I have been also reflecting on the style I want to implement and the subject of my focus. I try not to force myself into a specific style or genre as I want to be moved and shaped by what is around me. Although I feel my style becoming more pronounced, I am happy to paint anything and not limit myself.
In order to make this post brief, my thoughts on today’s painting session is that sometimes you have to “just do it,” like Nike—of course, always make sure you are in a good emotional state to paint, but do not feel stuck and overthink the process—this applies to all creators. Today, I decided on two simple eggplants with different colors that I had in my fridge–because I am healthy. The artist in me never feels that my work is perfect enough, so I use each painting as a lesson and avoid over-criticizing my painting.
For this study, I wanted to mimic the smooth texture of the eggplant and contrast that with some textured impasto work. I used mainly one brush to sketch and paint alla prima, a soft brush to smooth some of the white and edges, and a palette knife. The quality of this photo is really rough due to the lighting, so I apologize.
Here is a better photo with better lighting:
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