Time Out

Time Out

Oil on Wood

12"X12"

This little painting was something else before. And something else entirely before that. Weren't we all. Now it is this and I think that is that. But one never knows what the future holds.

Long Lines

Long Lines

Oil on Wood

8"X6"

At the National Gallery of Art,  East Wing again this weekend. A favorite confluence of art and architecture and figures in motion. This is what art is for me. Like dance. A series of experiences, visual and visceral. One builds on another creating meaning over time. Art is a continuum.  Nothing static about it. What went before, unseen, and what comes after is all a part of the picture. No standing still. Life goes on. And On. And all that was still is and will be still.

The White House in May

The White House in May

Oil on Wood

6"X8"

To be in Washington in May. The White House. With family. Laughter, love, and awe.  Awash with the wonder of it all.

Summertime

Summertime

Oil on Wood

8"X8"

...and the livin is easy. A little breakthrough for me and none too soon. Friday I went to artMRKT San Francisco and found a whole bunch of inspiration. Especially Rebecca Farr's Edge paintings. And two from Marion Tivital.  I could go on about the grayed color and close values and simple composition and contemplative feel of these works. But in the end, it all boils down to the same old thing. Do your own damn thing however you need to do it and drop the fear. Don't mind if I do.

Dear Dog

Dear Dog

Oil on Wood

6"X6"

Back To Cows

Back to Cows

Oil on Wood

6"X8"

Yesterday I got the urge to paint cows again. With people coming and going hither and yon, just seeing cows dotting the green- turning- golden hills  makes me feel at home. Which is where I am glad to be. 

Nap Time 2

Nap Time 2

Oil on Wood

6"X8"
SOLD

Oh to be a dog. To never question your worth. To love and be loved. And call it a Life.

Afternoon Nap

Afternoon Nap

Oil on Wood

6"X8"

Afternoon nap, or is it morning? How would you know? Could be anytime and any place that Rosie curls up in a circle of fur and settles in for a snooze. It's one of the great things about having a dog around.  The world's turmoil  dissolves in an instant,  just seeing her there, a reminder to calm down and dream a little.

Rosie on the Rug

Rosie on the Rug

Oil on Wood

10"X8"

The sun is back and it's the weekend. Setting off for Sonoma, having decided to pass on Open Studios this year. The studio is full of paintings about to be shipped to Maine. And dogs galore. If anyone wants to take a look before they go, stop by early next week. (Call first.) 

The studio is also filled with notes jotted down on scraps of paper here and there. Each a little inspiration coming from someone on the radio or in an article, or from my own mind. Having read Jane Brody's "Making Progress Against Clutter" article in Tuesday's New York Times, I am on a throw- everything -away binge again. But I'm having a hard time parting from the little pieces of paper:

"dumb luck and good fortune" - Explanation for marrying my best friend and biggest fan.

"shine a light on ordinary life" - Wish I could remember who said that. It's at the root of what I try to do.

"close to home" - Title for a series of paintings. Or a book. Three words that calm me right down.

"seeing in a different light" - Another title or series idea. 

"at sea" - Along with "off course" and "struggle," describing my state of mind.

Now that I've written them here, maybe I can toss the pieces of paper and head for the hills with Rosie.

Cocktail Hour

Cocktail Hour

Oil on Wood

8"X10"

 Yesterday evening was downright balmy, warm enough for the boys to gather for cocktails on the deck. Rosie savored the camaraderie and neighborliness of the occasion, which was an impromptu, unofficial celebration of Life. Our favorite kind. 

Rosie at My Feet

Rosie at My Feet

Oil on Wood

12"X12"

I like it when Rosie chooses to lie down in my studio, although it doesn't leave much room for moving around.  Close quarters. Not such a bad thing. 

All afternoon I have been thinking about Paul Bloom's, "What we Value Most" on NPR's Ted Talks.

A lot of information, but what struck me is his comment, "When you buy art you're buying a story." Whoa. Light bulb. That's what I do here every day. Now how to transfer the daily post to a permanent place out in the real world? And how to create paintings that are experienced as a series which is how I see and experience the world?