September Swaths

I so enjoy the adventure of painting! For much of my art, I gain inspiration from a special scene or favorite photograph and the process, depending on the complexity of the picture, can be an interesting journey – selecting the photo, determining values (shadows and light), sketching the scene on paper, and then moving the brush from water to paint to paper. And while I start each painting enthusiastically, about halfway through the painting, I have a brief spasm of doubt – this is usually when I whine to Paul that it looks horrible, I’m on the verge of creating mud and this whole thing is not going to work! He listens to the rant, tells me to get back to work and as I relax, continue to move forward and “trust the brush,” suddenly the potential of the painting begins to emerge. It’s this wonderful element of discovery and surprise that makes painting so rewarding.

This week’s painting is a favorite of two rustic buildings, seemingly forgotten, except by the farmer swathing hay in the nearby field. “September Swaths” is a 6” x 12” painting on 300 lb. watercolor paper. See more on the website at www.wildriverarts.com.

Plan now to make a trip in February to the artZ Gallery in Amery, WI! I’ll be one of the feature artists for the month-long “Feb-Hue-Ary” exhibit. The gallery is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and the Artists Reception will be held on Friday, February 8, from 5-8 p.m. Join us for this evening of visiting with the artists and enjoying hors d’oeuvres.