Seeking Olana

There seems to be an insidious mentality that has invaded the working world environment. It is the "be thankful you have a job" culture mindset. Now, don't get me wrong. I do understand that in this economy, where 1 out of 10 people are out of work and some of the other 9 are working at jobs that pay them chump change, my day job affords me a decent salary and benefits. What is difficult to accept (and I try to always live in a either a state of acceptance, joy or enthusiasm) is the fact that many of us are working longer hours and trying to stay on top of work loads and living up to expectations that might be accomplished easier by 2 people. So....last night I was looking at an unfinished painting of my dearly beloved Catskills wishing I lived the quiet relaxed life I always envisioned for myself there...inspiration hit and I grabbed the oil paints and went to it. I am constantly searching for beauty, peace and serenity....Olana embodies all of those elements and if I can't literally live it, I can be there in my mind.

Still messing with the oils. This is a work in progress - have to get up the nerve to finish the porch. This is painted from a photograph that was taken by my friend at Olana. Olana was the home of Fredric Church, who along with his buddy Thomas Cole, did some very famous paintings and become quite prominent in the late 19th century art world. They are quite the ticket around here in the Hudson Valley.

My creative life has been quiet the past couple of weeks although I recently began working with oil paints. This picture is my second oil painting, done in class yesterday. I find oils very freeing. I seem to be able to work with them quickly - much more so than pastels or textiles. The instructor works without mediums so we just put the paint on our palettes and go for it! I'm in love.