Something colorful, bright, and sweet to start off the autumn season. 🙂
Instagram @vanessa_withun_art
Strawberries Still life Oil on 12″ x 14″ canvas
Tag: painting
Grand Opening of the Blacks in Classics Museum, Alexandria, VA
This past Juneteenth we celebrated the grand opening of the Blacks in Classics Museum located in Alexandria, VA, a show curated by Dr. Anika Prather, Lecturer at Howard University. The show is dedicated to showcasing Black people throughout the world that have either contributed to the Western canon or are somehow connected to it via study of the Classics. When we think of Classics we think of works by Aristotle, Homer, and Plato, but there were so many Black people that have contributed to high works of culture and literature including Frederick Douglas, Terrence the Playwright , and Phyllis Wheatley, just to name a few. This ongoing project featuring my artwork will continue to expand in the coming years and will feature more contemporary Black figures, like James Baldwin and Barack Obama.
Here are some images of the grand opening:
Apples Study: Oil on 11″ x 14″ Panel
I hope everyone is enjoying their holidays! As the year is coming to a close, I wanted to reflect on the blessings experienced this year despite all of the negative things happening throughout the world. I am grateful for my health, family, and home. I also am thankful for all of the opportunities granted to me this year and the coming year. I think it is important to remind ourselves daily that many of the things we have are blessings and luxuries instead of focusing on what we don’t have and need. Having something as simple as clean water and food is a blessing.
This will be my last painting for the year and will be taking a break until next week or so. I painted this from life in alla prima (wet-on-wet). I will be posting a full demo of my still life in the near future. I wish everyone a safe and blessed Happy New Year!
El Viajero(The Traveler)Oil on 18″ x 24″ Canvas
See more: www.vanessawithun.com
Keeping Watch Through the Storm: Oil on 12″ x 16″ Panel
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
By The River: Oil on Canvas
I wanted to paint something more impressionistic, sort of Monet-like with a touch of William Turner. I tried to keep things loose and flowy in this landscape.
See More: http://www.vanessawithun.com
Autumn Leaves: Oil on 12″ x 9″ Panel
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!
Gala Apple Study with Oil on 12″ x 9″ Panel
As it Turns: Oil on 18″ x 24″ Linen
I started this painting a few years ago and decided to re-work some of the sky. I was inspired by William Turner’s dramatic skies. I wanted to apply the same concept with wetlands. I love the idea of creating something new and from the imagination.
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.
V.W. Artist Blog 