Dogs Are Angels

Dogs Are Angels- Oil on wood panel with silver leaf. (14" x 14 ")

We are dog crazy. It is strange that we don't have our own mutt. We take frequent walks in our neighborhood and pretty much know every local dog by name.

We are lucky to dog sit Queen Dog every now and then, who will hopefully pose for me one day. She, like most of the dogs I ever had the chance to know, miraculously bring down my blood pressure and always make me smile. They are kindred spirits. 

Gia, a former pet of mine, was thought to be some kind of Shepherd mix. She had a lot of people fooled. When we got her a companion sister I realized that the companion was truly a dog and that Gia was a disturbed human in a dog outfit. I checked several times to find the zipper to find the little person inside. I realize now that Gia was an angel. At the pound where we found her, she was the only pup pushed up close to the front of her cage. All the other yapping hounds were either in the back of the cages or more amused with their toys or food. Gia had picked me as her human.

Play- Oil on wood panel with silver leaf (16"x 20")

Play (Underpainting)

The painting process for "Play" began with an underpainting that provided the underlying color and some texture for the final piece. Working geometrically, I quickly created a triangular composition as I imagined myself on the sea floor looking up to the surface.

The early stages of this painting helped me to imagine the silvery, fluid currents of schools of fish as they pass through the dolphins' world. 

I think I must have been influenced by my recent visits to Sea World. I'm mesmerized by the dolphins' sleek physique and the ease in which they glide and play in the water. I was pleasantly entertained as I played with the creation of this painting.

A Rare Fish

A Rare Fish

Phase 1 (underpainting)

 A Rare Fish- Oil on Wood Panel with Silver Leaf ( 18" x 24")

The process of painting "A Rare Fish" involves 4 distinct steps. In the first phase I apply a dry base, meaning that I do not mix additional oils or varnished that would impede the drying process. This first layer needs to dry completely before the next step.

In phase 2, additional shading is applied. In phase 3 (not shown), a contrasting paint color mixed with soft wax is added over the dried first layer. In phase 4, details are painted in and line work is scratched into the visible layer which reveals the contrasting color beneath. Lastly, silver leaf is applied to the painting and color adjustments are made to integrate the paint and silver leaf.

Phase 2 (shading)

Finished Painting

The Passing of Five Suns and Moons

The Passing of Five Suns and Moons- Oil on Wood Panel (16" x 20")

In this painting, I wanted to give a sense of the passing of time with the multiple suns and moons. The simple, curved lines of the polar bear and the rough texture gives a vibrancy to the painting. 

The basic outlines are meant to approximate the Lascaux cave paintings. The cave paintings were thought to have the magical potential to summon the herds to assure a plentiful hunt. In this case, the intended magic is to protect the polar bear population.

New Paintings in Progress

I'm training myself to continue to be as productive as possible with the new paintings. With the new process, I can't really pick up a blank primed panel and work "wet on wet". The new process involves thinking through the bottom layer of paint and letting it dry thoroughly until the second layer mixed with soft wax can be applied. Once the wax layer is applied, I can scratch, paint and work out the details of the piece. 

So now, paintings in their first state of drying are taking up the limited space in the kitchen and living room.  They are similar to the Sirens of Greek mythology in that the bright colors beckon attention, yet passing by the paintings in this state may bestow unwanted streaks of oil paint on clothing.

I have also been a perpetual work in progress, not solely in my world of creating artwork. Firstly, there is the marketing and social aspects of the art world that is necessary for the recognition that I want my art to have. Secondly, knowing that future art shows will allow me to eventually show the pieces prevents me from social isolation. Without the shows, where I am committed to participate, I run the risk of isolating myself to the kitchen where I paint in the comfort of my solitude. The actual painting process is a very isolating experience yet I am not at heart a hermit. 

Painting has also rescued me from almost certain mental breakdown, particularly this year. For me, nothing is worse than an idle mind with too much time to think and no creative project for the inner mind to work its cures. At some time during this blogging experience, I know I will not be as secretive about the circumstances that can plague me. Still, I also know the benefits of not dwelling on all the ugliness. Obsessing on the tragic is so toxic to the soul. 

Soon, blog world, I will be sharing more paintings. In two weeks there will be a 2 week recess as Dave and I have an adventure in Cambodia and Laos. I plan to capture as much visual material as possible to capture the memories and for use as possible source material for future paintings.

Blue Elephants-
Oil on wood panel with silver leaf (16" x 20")

A good friend of mine accompanied me to the zoo this afternoon after a meeting. We watched the keepers feed two bathing elephants romaine leaves and celery. The elephants' prehensile trunks so tenderly lifted the tender leaves from the surface of the water. I admire how such huge animals can be so gentle.