Take Me On A Journey

Here's my newest group of paintings, full of color and light, but in a much more abstracted way. As an artist, I am continually experimenting and exploring new ideas. One series may be all about our big skies and glorious light, and the next a more abstract exploration of shape and space. The more I just hint at things, the more stories I find hidden in the paintings. Each time I look, they take me on a journey.

"On The Outskirts", 30" x 30", oil on canvas, framed

Below is "On the Outskirts" in situ. I love to see my paintings in home settings. These paintings are now available on my website.

"On The Outskirts", 30" x 30", oil on canvas, framed

As many of you know, I want lots of layers in my paintings. In the early stages, the playful stages, I lay down lots of color and all kinds of marks, knowing many of these will be covered later on. There is a history in the layers that adds such richness.

Because I work in oils, I find it best to work on many pieces at the same time. Sometimes I get so impatient waiting for a layer to dry, but I've learned over the years that it is well worth the wait.

"By The Sea", 24" x 24", oil on canvas

After working on one, I set it aside to let it dry, and then move on to another piece. They are painted in tandem, each informs the others. A mark or element that I love in one, will reappear in the next. If I'm stuck on how to proceed one day, more than likely moving to another piece will provide the solution.

"By The Sea", 24" x 24", oil on canvas

Each is quite distinct, but if you look closely, you can find common elements. In this series I'm working with color blocks, some with straight edges, but all individual and not squared up or even. In the piece above, I loved the gradated sizes to the dark blocks on the bottom. So that has surfaced in a number of the others in this group.

"Shades of Lavender", 24"h x 36"w, oil on canvas

I am keeping these quite abstracted, hinting at things, hoping to trigger your imagination or memories. For me, this is what makes abstract work so compelling, each time I look at it, I can find something new. New stories keep unfolding.

All these pieces inch forward as a group, sometimes taking weeks or months to complete. Below is the last one started in this group, it's the most abstracted and the one I am most excited about. There is light and dimension, but nothing spelled out. It takes me on all kinds of journeys.

"Through the Door", 30" x 30", oil on canvas, framed

Here is "Through the Door" in situ. I find it very helpful to see my paintings in a setting.

A number of these are larger paintings, 30” x 30” and 24” x 36”. It feels so good to be back to painting bigger with lots of room to gradate colors. I'll have some of these and whatever comes next at the TAOS STUDIO TOUR this Labor Day Weekend, September 4^th, 5^th & 6^th, 2021. Mark your calendars and save the date to come and see all the new work that will be displayed. I'll send out more info in August.

Lastly, I'm thrilled to share my latest feature in print. A few weeks ago, I received an email from a freelance journalist, Haven Lindsey, who had been assigned to write a story about my art and process. It was such a pleasure to be able to freely invite her into my studio to discuss what I've been working on. What perfect timing, as I had just finished this new group of paintings. It's just come out in the Tempo, the Taos News arts section; here's a link to read it.

Now that things have opened up again, I'm happy to welcome visitors to my studio by appointment, especially if you are unable to be here during the Studio Tour. I hope you'll get in touch.

Take care,