"Cowhide and Cactus" (unavailable)

(unavailable......in the permanent collection of dee day)

Those of you who have traveled very far in Texas have seen this "duo" time and time again. Frankly, I don't know how one state can have so much Prickly Pear cactus, but I love it! It's part of our persona. Pause today and thank God you live in Texas! (...and if you don't we love you anyway!)

This piece is a combination of acrylics, oils, and gouache. The paste paper background was the first layer and set the placement, tone, and texture of the piece. The second layer was the cactus...painted in oils "en plein air" on our property. The third layer was the cowhide...painted on a gesso base with gouache. And finally, the lettering was written with gouache.

The final piece was sprayed with a Krylon Archival Varnish intended for oils and acrylics and after the oil paint was dry. This is important because you cannot use a spray acrylic coating on top of oil paint. Notice also the division of space. That is the loveliest part of this composition and it just happened by reacting to the space divisions created in the cropping of the paste paper. Just something to think about.

"A Long Stem Rose" ($40.00)

(adjusted price.....$40.00)

Fellowship is defined as companionship or sharing as well as having a common interest. Having fellowship with a friend is like receiving a long stem rose. Especially wonderful is having a friend who is a soul mate and seems to be traveling the same road. That, my friend, is a treasure!

Maintaining the viewer's interest in a piece without going into visual overload is a delicate balancing act. If there are too few design elements, boredom sets in. On the other hand, if there are too many elements, confusion and a sense of chaos occurs.

The "g" in the background is a case in point. I think it works because it was created while the paste was wet and is completed "wedded" to the background. If the "g" had been written after the fact, it would have appeared contrived and out of place. It also provided some curved lines to contrast with the straight verticals. The rose also provided curves as well as a color contrast.

Once again, the initial process of creating spontaneous texture has to do with the technique chosen. Trying to do it directly with everything figured out in advance is not the best way to achieve spontaneity. Monoprinting, enlarging an image so much that it becomes unrecognizable, and cropping are other options besides paste paper. This is a perfect day to try your hand at spontaneous texture. Keep it as unplanned and fun as possible.

Please contact me personally to inquire about this piece.

"A Duet" (unavailable)

(unavailable)

The two characteristics that seem to consistently describe a successful person are determination and discipline. Some people are born with more determination than others, but more often than not, both qualities must be given careful thought and practice. The "carrot" to motivate us to to develop these qualities is achievement. Just something to think about.

Sometimes when creating paste paper, I get sudden urges to do things to create more interesting textures. I especially like to create texture that doesn't look contrived. After applying my paste on this piece, I created some italic letters with a broad edged shaper tool. As I hung the piece to dry, I decided to spray that area with water...followed quickly by placing a trash bag on the floor! The texture turned out incredibly well and I have new technique under my belt.

The point in sharing this is that you might want to try this yourself, but more importantly, don't be afraid to follow your "gut instinct" and experiment by doing whatever comes to mind. After all, it's not life threatening.....it's only paper!

"Journals" (sold)

(sold)

Journals come in all shapes and sizes and deal with a broad range of subject matter. This band of color represents thoughts streaming through the mind in categories much like they might appear in a journal...or a blog!

This piece could easily fit in the category of "colorist". There are artists who do amazing work with color. A "colorist" uses color as the subject matter rather than a particular image. Texture and gradation also become supporting roles in this type of production.

The entire piece was created with paste paper and shaper tools. After creating the textured bands of color, I used a 1.50" shaper tool to scrape off the paste to create soft areas of color with a smooth texture. Having the contrast between rough and smooth textures is the heart of this piece. I personally know a "colorist" who does amazing work with color in oils. Her name is Rebecca Bennett. Check out her website.

"A Shell" (sold)

(sold)

We probably all have memories of going to the beach. The very sound of waves crashing onto the shore has a rhythmic way of quieting the inner spirit. I spent many of my years growing up and living thirty miles from South Padre...before the high rises. Isn't it wonderful how memories can transport us to other places without ever leaving home?

Rectangular color blocks offer a perfect "niche" to paint an image like this shell. The softer edges of the color blocks can only be achieved by working wet into wet. The results look much more contrived if applying straight acrylic paint which is precisely why paste paper is such a happy choice. The paste also dilutes the color a bit and makes it easier to manipulate. One more technique in achieving transparent and ethereal looks. You might want to give it a try!