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.

Finished with hand stitching just about ready to be mounted on a painted canvas. Have a great day everyone.

People have told me that the art I create...whether in fabric, mixed media or pastels is filled with a sense of emotion. The first time I was told this I was a bit taken aback and considered it a lone remark. By the 3rd expressed observation in this same vein I started to believe it. Then I started to analyze it. I like earthy. I like organic. I like real. I like heartfelt. I like substance. I like deep thinking. I find these qualities attractive in people and in art. The work in progress above is constructed from my own surface designed fabrics. It may not be a masterpiece but a lot of real work, effort and feeling went into its creation.

'Tis the Season

What better thing to do with this beautiful warm weather and committment free weekend than mess around with surface designing cloth? I was inspired to try potato starch resist dyeing and I'm pretty darn happy with the results. The pieces above and below might end up as whole cloth that I'll add stitching to...maybe...I don't think I can bring myself to cut them up...not these....

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.

My latest work in progress pastel painting. That pink fruit is known as dragon fruit - very cool color! On another note...I have some batting in a dye bath right now and plan do some intuitive hand stitching on it tonight. I miss those quiet evenings where I would spend hours meditatively stitching.