Painting Process

I recently read an article on a current exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

The title is “Matisse:In Search of True Painting”

The writer of the article makes the exhibit sound fabulous. In particular, the show is described as being quite informative on, not only the artist, but on behaviors that should be practiced by all artists. I've never thought of an exhibit as instructional before. But I think it is a wonderfully smart way to experience what your viewing; not just emotionally but scholastically as well. If you have access to the Met before March17th, maybe you should go. Here's a link to the article.

http://www.artinfo.com/news/story/854181/6-things-i-learned-about-painting-from-the-mets-blockbuster

The six things the article claims you will learn are; when to use black, that the background is part of the composition, that one should always do multiple studies, knowing when simplicity wins over details, why to document your process, and that there is no shame in imitating your contemporaries.

In reading what the article had to offer, I came to a conclusion that my own artistic practices have a lot in common with those of Matisse. Please mind; I am not trying to (overly) liken myself to a master painter. I am just having a bit of (fancy) fun with information that has been brought to light.

I found a few things we had in common, but most importantly (for me) Matisse documented his painting process visually. In the 30's he hired a photographer to take photos of the various stages of his work. This showed his painting was more strategic than spontaneous. Looking back at photos also helped him plan future moves. I will use this fact; that we both love to document our process to segue into my own photographic representation of one of my recently finished paintings. Enjoy. 

This is the initial photograph.

It's our Anniversary

No, not me and Phil. That anniversary is in September.

It's me and Germany's Anniversary...

and we've come a long way babe.

Read It.

Winter & Christmas Markets....

I wish I could've taken a video of my backyard this afternoon and shared it. It's definitely Winter, but I find it alive and beautiful. I could stare out the window for hours, just watching.

Why has Winter always been associated with death and solitude? My backyard has an energy I can see and feel. It is a brilliant, bright white. Big red juicy berries grow on a snow capped tree. There is green, hunter green, navy, brown, and white; and that is just the trees. The birds add a completely new level of colorful wonder. They bounce from tree to tree (along with the squirrels) singing, and making merry. This is due, in huge thanks, to Ludwig for feeding them. Every single morning he goes out and makes sure all of our bird houses have seeds in them. Our yard continues to be a delight for us all. I took some photos. They never do it justice. While photographing I make sure I am absorbing my experience with my soul as well as my eyes. The snowflakes are falling fierce. They are big and plump like the berries on the tree. I hope they fall forever. 

Back inside, the classical music on the German radio station is a good accompaniment to Winter's activity. On days like today I love sewing in my studio. I work, and listen, and dream out the window; all at the same time. Currently I have some (really fun) special order projects going. It's all coming together to keep me in the spirit of the holiday. 

Holiday spirit however, is not hard to come by in Germany. And I must admit that even the hardest working Christmas Elf needs a day off at the Christmas Market...

Every town gets dressed up for Christmas. Read it here.

Another Swiss Chair Lift

Here's how it started.

Then I made a canvas and put the drawing on it.

Then I made the stencil and spray painted it.

Then I paint.

And paint.

And paint.

Until it is finished.

Then I hang it and wait for it to dry so I can paint the sides.

In the mean time I take a bunch of cool close-ups.