Painting as I want

'One day seven years ago, I found myself saying to myself- I can't live where I want to- I can't go where I want to- I can't do what I want to- I can't even say what I want to...I decided I was a very stupid fool not to at least paint as I wanted to...as it seemed to be the only thing I could do that didn't concern anybody but myself...'

Georgia O'Keefe, 1923

Hillside Bouquet

Pastel on Ampersand Pastelbord, 16x20

...painted as I wanted to

...with energy, fullness of color, and an unusual perspective...of one of my favorite places.

On exhibit March 4th-28th as one of the "staff's favorite picks" in the gallery at Liberty Town Arts

Less Blogging, More Painting

Closing out the Thanksgiving week, I am reminded that 'Thanksgiving' is not just a holiday...but thanks giving is a state of mind that should be carried with us every day. I am thankful for many things this week...most notably, my friends and family who uplift and enrich my life.

Serendipity

9X12

Pastel on Ampersand Pastelbord

'Tis the season for small works... perfect for me, stripped down to the essentials of time, no time for large works, delay, analysis, procrastination...self doubt...only time for the fervor of work, and creative energy. In this fervor, I am finding a flow and rhythm in landscapes (that until now, I have unintentionally avoided), responding to the watercolor underpainting with a deeper sense of expression and intimacy... and with an efficiency that comes from the pressure imposed by time.

A few of these landscapes will be on display for the "Small Works" exhibit opening

Friday Dec 6th at Liberty Town Arts in Fredericksburg.

Paintings will also be on exhibit in December...

The Workhouse Arts Center at Lorton

Merger of Art and Design: MAD Artist! Designer's Choice Exhibit

Nov 22nd-Jan 4th

as well as

The Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts

Small Wonders National Juried Exhibition

Dec 6th- Jan 28th

Happy Thanks Giving today and every day!

Southwest Art Top 50 Finalist

Secret Places

Watercolor on Aquabord, 22x30

As an ode to my southern Texas roots, I entered this painting in a juried competition with Southwest Art, entitled "21 over 31" for their November magazine issue. Though the scene for this painting came from a small Virginia town, the image seems to transcend location, recalling those places in so many small towns...that draw in curiosity and the potential of undiscovered treasures.

Among the company of over 3000 entries, "Secret Places," didn't quite make the "21", but was selected as one of the top 50 finalist. To see the winners and some amazing "runner-ups," visit their website.

And finally...after many trips here and there around Virginia, "Secret Places" is "home", on exhibit in my studio at Liberty Town. If you are in the downtown Fredericksburg area, stop by and check it out.

Energy of Spring and "The Patron's Show"

I love the energy in spring, something in the air that calls us to rearrange, clean our spaces, and take on new projects (more on this later). The green fog of pollen must work in a similar way to the oxygen pumped into the casinos in Vegas, alerting our senses. So with this "energy", this week I gave in to urge to rearrange the furniture in my studio at Liberty Town.

Above is a photo of Studio #3 at Liberty Town Arts in downtown Fredericksburg...my space, my solace, where some of my work gets done, and I teach a few workshops throughout the year. Over the past few years, I attribute my success and growth as an artist, in no small way, to the support, camaraderie and creative energy of the artists and mentors at Liberty Town. In May, Dan Finnegan, the founder is hosting Liberty Town's Annual "Patron's Show". Local artists come together to donate paintings in support of the arts and vision of LibertyTown, and to celebrate it's anniversary. The concept for the "Patron's Show", simple: buy a ticket, take home an amazing piece of art... and enjoy the company of the colorful community of artists and patrons in Fredericksburg. Tickets for the event go on sale "First Friday" May 7th. Visit the website for more information. www.libertytownarts.com

Another love to share this week...watercolor sketching (long overdue)... simplified, loose, and rich in color. Doing small sketches, I can explore a concept, test a composition, plan a color scheme and structure without having to commit. If a design doesn't "work" as a sketch, it won't work when enlarged to a finished painting. Only, I won't have invested so much time to the idea and therefore feel compelled to persist. I also avoid that uncomfortable middle ground in a painting, full of self-dought, when I am not sure if I can pull it all together. "Energy" takes on many forms.

A few sketches, soon to become paintings.

"Creativity Takes Courage" -Henry Matisse

The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to re-examine artistic goals, personal priorities, and renew intentions. These aspirations provide a pathway to guide decision-making and help to clarify the directions we should take on our creative journey [and in life]. One of my most valued [and rewarding] intentions for 2010 is to continue to share the processes I have learned in art through teaching workshops. Over the past few years, I have had the amazing opportunity to teach and encourage the artistic growth of many developing painters of all levels. This month LibertyTown Arts is exhibiting artwork from Liberty Town "students" (aren't we all students of art) created in 2009. The Opening Reception will be Friday, Jan 8th from 5-9PM. Below are 6 of the paintings on exhibit by artists from my workshops this past year. Thank you all for participating in the exhibit and having courage to explore your creative drives. I am renewed by your energy and enthusiasm. For information and to view my 2010 Workshop Schedule.
Melange aux Fleurs by Sandy Staley

Hawk by Shirley Buckler

Tortuga by Sue Henderson

Sun's Flower by MaryBeth Algert

Hydrangea Close-up by MJ Bradley

Canna by Charlotte Plaxico

From There 2 Here

As part of the Torpedo Factory's 35th anniversary celebration, Target Gallery presents From There 2 Here, an exhibition featuring artwork from three regional art centers that were inspired by the Torpedo Factory's groundbreaking concept. The participating art centers (including LibertyTown) are similar in design to the Torpedo Factory in that they have open studios and galleries inside of re-purposed architectural spaces. LibertyTown was an old plumbing supply warehouse in Fredericksburg converted to 30 or more unique studio and gallery spaces by the vision of Dan Finnegan.

My Pelican Party was chosen for the exhibit and will be on display in the Target Gallery in Alexandria, Virginia from September 10th- October 18th. The gallery will hold an artist's reception September 10th from 6-8PM.

The Dreaded Apple, Pastel Sketch

Today I attended a workshop, "The Un-Still Life," taught by and amazing artist and instructor, Bobbi Pratte. I must admit I was more than a little intimidated by the idea of staging, drawing, and painting a "still life" in a class setting. Though I have drawn countless paintings, I usually labor over this part of the process alone at home where there is no judgement, except from my cats, husband, and children. But I believe growth comes from putting yourself in sometimes unsettling situations. And this class was just what I needed this week to get out of a rut.

During the class, Bobbi showed examples of the many avenues for a "still life" painting, including as a personal commentary. So, our assignment, choose a single item that is personal for you and sketch ideas of how to break up the space of the painting and incorporate compelling design elements. In the event we weren't able to come up with a personal item, we could use "the dreaded apple," an object that has been painted so many times throughout history, no one could ever paint it differently than it had been done before. Well, I love apples... so I chose to rest an apple on a cinder block outside against the purple wall at LibertyTown. My 10 minute design plan... have a balance of contrast in shape (organic round shape of the apple vs the geometric shape of the block), contrast in value, contrast in texture (smoothness of apple peel and rough texture of the block), and finally a contrast of secondary colors (purple, orange, and green), contrast in intensity and color saturation. We had about 1 1/2 hrs to work on our sketch; and some things worked, and some didn't. But it was a great day to be outside painting, I overcame my fear of judgement (at least for now) and I have new insight into constructing and recognizing "un-still life".

Student Artwork on Display at LibertyTown

Just a few of the amazing artworks on display in the Liberty Town Student Art Show, exhibiting through Jan 2009. Many of the artists had never painted in watercolor. Thank you to all who participated. Follow the link to see the Complete Class Schedule at Liberty Town Arts Workshop or visit my website http://www.artbyariel.com/ for future workshop schedules.

Creativity Takes Courage.

~Henry Matisse

A Boy in the Park

Above is a 5X7 watercolor sketch done from a photo I took a few years ago. I had been thinking for a while how I would work a painting from the image. I am fascinated by the way light reveals a subject. So in this exercise, I simplified and "cooled down" the light cast on the subject and the ground. I also simplified the shapes and used the shadows to unify the painting.

Why now? Friday I had a wonderful conversation with a dear studio neighbor at LibertyTown, Kathleen Walsh. She recently returned from Africa and was brainstorming a theme for a group of paintings inspired by the area. Part of the brainstorming... the commonalities of simple life experiences... a mother's sigh when she sees the price of milk, mother's scolding, and children's laughter... all sound the same no matter where you hear them in the world. I took this photo in San Antonio, Tx but have seen this scene reenacted many times in other parts of the world; a child playing with pigeons. Recognizing the simple experiences we share offers a hint of interrelatedness and, hopefully, a unity among people.

First Friday at LibertyTown

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas...at Liberty Town and in my studio. Join me at LibertyTown this First Friday, Dec5th 5-9PM. The artists and craftsman at LibertyTown are exhibiting Small Works in the Main Gallery. The gallery will be transformed into a Craft Emporium: Guest craftsman, New displays, New furniture, An All New Look. And Mirinda Reynolds and I will be hosting a Silent Auction in our Studio (No3).

Foraging, No2, Pastel, 5X7

This is one of my new works that will be on display and for sale in the Main Gallery at LibertyTown for the Small Works exhibit.

New Paintings up for Auction

I have decided to try something new in my studio (No3) at Liberty Town Arts. I am putting two of my newest paintings up for silent auction December 4th to December 5th (First Friday). This is a great opportunity to potentially purchase a new work for much less than the exhibit price. If you are unable to visit my studio on First Friday, you are welcome to email your bid.

Starting bid $95, or you can Buy-it-Now for $250.

Standing Tall, Watercolor, 16X20 Framed, Image size 8X10, Sold
Liberty, Watercolor, 16X20 Framed, Image Size 8X10, Sold

Both paintings are framed with a contemporary black wood frame and double thickness white mat. The sunflower I used as a reference for the paintings was growing outside at Liberty Town (planted by Aline). The compliments of the purple paint on the building and yellows in the flower were stunning. I chose to use the same palette in the paintings with varing intensity and demonstrated the painting in my watercolor workshop this October.

I will notify the winner (if not present) by email or phone on December 6th and the paintings can be picked up anytime at the end of auction.

Happy Bidding!

Visiting Artist Workshop at Fredericksburg Academy

On Friday, I taught a watercolor workshop at Fredericksburg Academy for two classes of fabulous Fourth and Fifth graders. I demonstrated the steps for the above two 4X6 paintings in each class. Then the kids followed along with their paintings. We drew our sea animal pictures in pencil and then applied liquid masking fluid over the pencil line. Once the masking fluid was dry, we watercolor painted using wet-on-wet technique to create the ocean background. For some, we added salt for texture. Once the paintings are dry, the masking fluid (and salt) is removed leaving a white outline of the initial drawing.

This workshop is part of the Liberty Town Visiting Artist Program created by Mirinda Reynolds. Mirinda is the lower school art teacher for Fredericksburg Academy (and my wonderful studio-mate at Liberty Town, not to mention a brilliant oil painter). The program hosts a guest artist to lecture and demonstrate the last Friday of each month. The children are able to ask questions and participate in a short project taught by the visiting artist.

I had such a great time sharing this technique with the kids, helping them create their mini-masterpieces, and being a part of their creative energy. Thank you Fredericksburg Academy!

Among A Woven Field

Over the past few months, I have been working on a collaborative piece for an uncoming exhibit "Point of Connection" opening Oct 3rd-Nov 3rd at Liberty Town Arts http://www.libertytownarts.com/. The exhibit displays works of art created in collaboration by a pair of artists working in various media: fine art, fiber art, and craft. Above are three sunflowers I painted in watercolor for the exhibit. The paintings are suspended from a woven wall hanging done by Lynette Reed. The collaboration was such a fun process full of creative challenge. Check out the article about the exhibit in The Free Lance-Star, view my interview on the web, and see a sampling of the works created. Art, Outside the Lines

Opening Reception for the show

Oct 3rd from 5-9PM,

Liberty Town Arts,

916 Liberty St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401