Full Harvest Moon

This is a detail from a recent painting that is currently hanging in my studio while I decide if it is finished or not. I have included full moons in many paintings, but this Harvest Moon has a barn in a moon play on the man on the moon theme. Or has the moon harvested this farm? I am not sure I know the answer to that question yet!

An Unexpected Pleasure

Monday morning bought an unexpected pleasure my way, an impromptu mini Sketch Group meeting at the Art Institute. An opportunity to meet with a writer interested in learning more about our little group gave me a chance to get out and talk about what we do and then sketch for an hour before moving on with the rest of my day. I added a little color after returning home. What a great start to the week!

Experimenting

I read an article recently in Watercolor Artist Magazine about covering failed watercolors on paper with a mix of gesso, matte medium and water. This gives a new, textured surface that allows some of the previous design to show through. Having several discarded paintings on hand, I decided to try it. The effects are very different, paint sits on top and color can be lifted easily. I saved a few elements from the first painting but most of the shapes emerging now are new. This is definitely a learning experience!

Bubble Up!

This is a detail from a nearly done painting. I had started it some time ago but had to put it aside while I finished the work for my recent exhibit at the CAC. Now I am trying to get it done along with a few other pieces. I also have some new work just getting underway but not quite ready for sharing!

Bits and Pieces

Trying to get back to work after the creative push to do the two person show has been a challenge. Pushing thru so much new work in five weeks proved to be a real creative drain! Also trying to choose the next direction to take with new work, so I am dealing with bits and pieces of smaller works, paper prep and palette cleaning and will see where it takes me.

Show Closes

All the children returned home this morning as we deinstalled the exhibit at the CAC Gallery. It was a great experience and I hope to find other spaces to show some of this work soon. And I am inspired to move forward with interesting new work! Thanks again to all that visited the exhibit.

Paintings From Exhibit

I spent some time today at the gallery documenting and journaling some thoughts about the show and my work. Exhibit is up for two more days and has to come down by late morning Wednesday. Looking at it all for a while helped me to gain some insight and perspective on my work, especially after receiving input from others. This will help me as I move on with new work in the next few months. These two paintings, Sky Squared and Purple Haze, are two of the most recently completed works in the show.

A Visit to the Gallery

I had the pleasure of taking fellow painter and friend, Marilynn Derwenskus to see my work at the CAC Gallery today. She enjoyed her first visit to this wonderful exhibit space and seeing all the work in the current shows. It was very nice to have the chance to discuss my works with her and it gave me many new ideas to consider with my next paintings. The exhibit is up thru March 6.

Exhibit Poster

This is the poster for the two person exhibit I am currently a part of at the Chicago Artist's Coalition. As a member of the Hatch Project at the CAC I have the opportunity to exhibit in the large space along with fellow Hatch member Dan Giordan. Fifteen of my watercolors are on display thru March 6. The gallery is located at 217 N. Carpenter in the west loop.

Daley Plaza-October

Finally had a chance to add some color to a sketch done late October at Daley Plaza. Altho a sunny day, the plaza was shaded and the breeze strong and chilled. I never took my paints out, just did a pencil drawing and took some photos. This was our last outdoor meeting for the sketch group, we will do a monthly outing to an indoor location until warmer weather returns.

Coalition Gallery Artist Exhibit

I have had the honor of being accepted as a Coalition Gallery Artist 2011-2012 at the Chicago Artists Coalition. There are 16 in our group and our first group show opens tonight at the CAC space on Carpenter Street in the west loop. My painting, Falling Into Place, is a part of the show. Opening tonight is from 6-9 pm. This will be an exciting venture!

A Piece of Autumn

Have not had a lot of time for painting outside this October. Altho we had nice weather, other activities took priority. Did sketch with the group at Daley Plaza last Monday but I only completed the pencil sketch and need to add some color. This small work was done in the studio but inspired by the season!

Painting at Olive Park

Two weeks ago today was a lovely warm and sunny day and I was out at Olive Park to sketch and paint with our group. After finding a good view in a shady spot, I set up and started work on this section of the skyline. It was windy and beautiful clouds were in constant motion. Time passed quickly as well so I only got one painting done that day.

Back at the Zoo

Last week it was back to the Lincoln Park Zoo to sketch. Our original plan was to work on the new Boardwalk but shade was scarce and the sun warm, so we opted for the shade near the Gardener's Cottage above the north west end of the lagoon. The quaint cottage of stone and wood was surrounded by trees and plantings and served as my subject for the afternoon.

Belmont Harbor

Monday was a trip to Belmont Harbor for an afternoon of sketching and painting. Another lovely day, we were finished and back home before the rain moved into the city. The boats are a challenge since they are in constant motion even when not in use. Sailing lessons for children started while we were there, colorful little sail boats moved in and out. I took some photos of them so will try to do something from those.