K.I.S.S.

We all know what that means - keep it simple stupid. I'm finding its especially true in painting. A simple composition, a simple palette, quick and decisive brush strokes are the keys to a fresh timeless painting. I kept this in mind while painting this garden pond scene and I'm pleased with the results.

 

I Wish I Had Met...

Samuel Bookatz. Unfortunately he passed away last year at the age of 99.
I had a conversation this week with Dick Kleinman at his Eton Square Gallery about local and regional artists and the artists that he represents. Dick said that he did represent Samuel Bookatz and was surprised that I had not heard of him. So you know as soon as I got home I was googling Mr Bookatz and came away in awe of his incredible life and prolific work.

There are a number of examples of his work at Dick Kleinman Fine Arts. It was written that Bookatz  works “simultaneously on nearly a dozen different paintings at a time,(he)moves back and forth between different styles, media, and subjects as if they were all pieces of the same complicated puzzle." A man after my own heart. An 'everything painter'.

There is an obituary in the Washington Post that chronicles his amazing life story.

and a few more

I had time to work out two 8x10s while at the marsh Sunday. Both are done with palette knife on canvas. 
I had to leave all the paintings, varnished and framed at the Academy by 5:00 on Sunday. All the artists had fun comparing notes as they came in from the field and got their work ready for hanging  I had to choose two to enter into judging. The other three will also be displayed. I must say that coming home without my paintings felt very strange... like coming home alone and leaving my new baby at the hospital! The competition will be judged by Larry Churski and the opening reception is June 26th. Hope to see you there!

Day 2

On Sunday we got started a little later in the day. Once again there were thunderstorms in the area. I knew I wanted to paint at the marsh.

I set up at edge (as far away from the poison ivy as possible) and close to the parking lot (well, there's lots to carry and the real possibility of a speedy exit being a necessity). I had decided to use a palette knife; partly for speed and partly to catch the rough gnarly feel of the marsh. the bull frogs were croaking and I painted.

 I met lots of great folks who stopped to chat. At times the sun poked thru. It was a great day.

Day 1

I started painting about 9:30 Saturday morning with one eye on the storm clouds. The view is wonderful and I turned the easel so I could paint the northern view of the Cuyahoga.

This is the painting. It is 8x10"

 

There was still plenty of time so I started a 12x12 stretched canvas of the tree roots that were hanging over the edge of the bluff.

 By 2:30 I was ready to clean the brushes. The clouds were dark and I got back to PAA just as the rain started in earnest. 

 

Plein (Air) Fun

Here I am painting at the back edge of the property behind 'Fire and Water', a great book store/coffee shop in Peninsula. The Cuyahoga River runs below my vantage point and the drop off  is sudden and steep.I 'm painting the view of the river as the morning sun hits the water.

This is the front of the shop where owner Jeff makes coffee and bakery and everyone likes to stay and chat.

I was joined this morning my local artist Nicki Lanzi who also worked in acrylics.

Ginny

The 1964-65 Worlds Fair was a huge event for anyone growing up in the NYC area. It was the place to go, a place to get a glimpse of the future - imagine computers and fax machines and phones with tv hook ups!


It was a place to have fun and ride the sky cars and thats just what I did with my sisters.



Today, on the third  anniversary of Ginny's death I remember happier days when we flew through the sky, wearing silly hats and had the world at our feet.

Knife and Day

Hudson Clocktower

This was done with palette knife on canvas. Looking at the image on the screen the tower looks a bit out of whack... something I didnt 'see' with the naked eye. I'll fix that!  I'm getting ready for the annual June Days Art Show this month in Hudson an decided t odo some local scenes. 

Art Gallery at Law Firm

r.

Here's a link to the Day Ketterer law firm website  where I have a one woman show this summer. The folks there have been great supporters of local artists. I have 16 pieces there.