Tag: Nature

Keeping Watch Through the Storm: Oil on 12″ x 16″ Panel

Posted on by Vanessa Withun

Keeping Watch Through the Storm: Oil on 12″ x 16″ Panel by artist V.W., 2021

This is a painting I began a couple of years ago. I did exhibit this at a few locations and decided to put it away in my personal collection. I liked how the textures came out as well as the movement of the water–there is so much going on! I was thinking of adding a boat or a ship in the distance and may still decide to this in the future. I have a couple of shows next year, so may decide to put this in one of them.

I wanted to challenge myself to paint more abstractly, but still remain representational. I also wanted to contrast beauty and chaos. In times like these, especially, I think it is always important to remember that things are constantly moving and shifting around us and not to get lost in the negative aspects of life or get caught up in the wave of politics and ideologies. There is beauty in accepting the impermanence of nature and our state of being, and there is freedom in letting go of our negative past, feelings, and thoughts. Although impermanence seems like a scary word, there is permanence and objectivity in ideas like beauty, which means that there is always a permanent light that can be found even in the midst of a storm.

I am currently in the process of painting another storm on canvas. This one will be slightly different. Will post the finished piece once completed.

See more: www.vanessawithun.com

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Autumn Leaves: Oil on 12″ x 9″ Panel

Posted on by Vanessa Withun
Autumn Leaves: Oil on 9′ x 12″ Panel by Artist V.W. (Jeremiah)

I wanted to post this painting I worked a few weeks ago for a show in Jacksonville, FL. This was my first time painting dead leaves from life. Fall is my favorite season and inspires me to create. I have been painting lately, but have taken on off from posting to work on a new series. I am also in school for Web Design and Graphic Design. So, about the new series I am working on–these paintings are a bit different that what I normally paint in that they are not focused on Realism, although they can still be considered representational. I have begun using the term “Tonal Expressionist” to symbolize my work. My new works are a bit more expressive, bold, and plays with colors and tones. The truth is, I paint in a variety of styles, but I train in Realism. I will be posting a sneak peak of some of my newer artwork soon, and some older works that showcase a variety of styles. Thanks for those who follow my work and have commented. I hope everyone is safe and well! Stay tuned!

http://www.vanessawithun.com

Distant Light: Oil on 18″ x 24″ Canvas Insta-@vanessa_withun_art

Posted on by Vanessa Withun

Thanks to those who have been following my work! It really pushes me to continue in what I do.

If you are familiar with my work, you know that I have a fascination with wetlands and a respect for these precious and overlooked areas. I wanted to capture a serene ambiance. With all the events of this past year, I want to represent peace and hope in my art.

I have also started a new Instagram page @vanessa_withun_art

Please follow if you are on Instagram! I will be sure to follow back. 🙂

Peering Through the Trees: Oil on 18″ x 20″ Canvas

Posted on by Vanessa Withun
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.

Happy New Year! First Painting of 2021

Posted on by Vanessa Withun

Hope everyone had a blessed holiday and a Happy New Year’s Day!

For the past few weeks I had been busy moving and happy to say I am settled in and ready to paint!

I decided to revisit an old photo that I painted from a while back for this painting. The other painting similar to this has sold so I don’t have a reference of my first approach. I was surprised at how much I remembered the process, although I feel this one turned out a little bit different.

As someone who grew up in an urban city in NY, I was captivated by the coastal scene and wetlands of the South. Perhaps it is because they are mysterious and full of wonder. There is beauty, but also darkness and mystery. The twisting twigs can appear chaotic and tell a story. I feel it is reflective of who I am. I can’t say this piece it is quite done, so I will leave it alone for a bit and come back to it.

Silent Stream: Oil on 18″ x 18″ Canvas
Underpainting progress…

Follow me on Instagram: v.w._art

contact: http://www.vanessawithunfineart@gmail.com for pricing information!

Art Show and New Painting!

Posted on by Vanessa Withun

Hope everyone who celebrates had a happy Thanksgiving. Like many of you, I am looking forward to the continuation of the holidays! My solo show in Savannah was a success. Some of my paintings found homes.

Since I have not posted a painting in a while, I will post this one I am currently working on…

I didn’t know how realistic I wanted this to be, but I wanted to tease the viewer somewhat. Would love to hear your thoughts. What do you think of when you see a rose, specifically a yellow rose? Most people think of pink or red when you say the word rose.

Yellow Rose: Oil on 10″ x 8″ Canvas by Vanessa Withun

Untouchable: Oil on 12″ x 9″ Linen Panel

Posted on by Vanessa Withun
Oil on 12″ x 9″ Linen

This painting is based on a beautiful photo taken by my husband. I was present when he took it, so I was able to absorb some of the scenery. I added my own touch, of course. I asked people on FB and Instagram to give me a name suggestion, and someone suggested the name “untouchable.” I really liked the touch of irony in the name as I attempt to draw you in with the textures.

My reflection for this painting is to continue to pursue what makes you happy!

I’ve gotten asked several times by people why do I paint given my background. Honestly, I don’t have a good answer. I was in the Army, have gone to nursing school, and hold two bachelor degrees, but I chose to pursue art out of the many things I could have done. I think art was always in me. I had several relatives that were artist, and my uncle is a well know graffiti artist (No it’s not Banksy!). I grew up in Bronx, NY in what you would consider a “rough” area with a single mom, and was able to get through college on my own. It wasn’t until later in life that I began to draw. It took a couple of years to call myself artist, but five years into my art journey, here I am doing this and with no compulsions to quit. I hope that my art and words inspire someone to not give up, and to pursue what makes them happy despite what others think.

This painting and a few others are now available for sale on my website. Simply click and scroll down to the painting: https://vanessawithun.com/