Edge: A Tribute

Well why in the world call this post “Edge: A Tribute”? It’s all in a word that I’ll share with you shortly, gentle reader. But first, I will welcome new readers and share the purpose of this blog. OK?

Transitions

Welcome! Each year, I select a theme for my weekly paintings. This year’s theme is Transitions. I am expanding on last year’s theme. 2021’s theme was “Small Spaces Special Places“. Since we were all spending a lot of time in or close to home last year, it made sense to me to keep paintings small and simple.

Why Transitions? So many reasons. Here are one or two. I plan to transition to larger paintings this year. In fact, the first painting I posted this year was huge (for me.) It measures 8×24″…wowza. Here’s the painting and post for that week. Second, I am focusing on transitions within my painting process, too. This includes transitions from light to dark. Something I love to think about as I compose a painting. I also love to think about the negative space around an object. An example of this is the painting I shared two weeks ago called “Blowing in the Wind.”

I’m also trying some new processes that I have never done before including glazing. I’ll share more about that process once I have some results worth sharing. In the meantime, there’s lots of painting going on here.

So there you have it! The scoop on transitions as the theme for 2022.

If you are not subscribing to this blog yet and think you might enjoy a weekly dose of unique artwork with a dash of color and musings on life, sign up here. Let’s get to this week’s topic!

What Edge Needs A Tribute

In a word, the edge that needs a tribute is Ukraine. During this week’s Zoom call with my sisters, I learned that Ukraine, this amazing breadbasket for the world, has the word “edge” in it. So of course I did a little bit of googling and noodling on this and came up with several different sources, including this one, that this is true.

Incidentally, here’s a link to my Instagram account with the small color sketch version of this painting posted on March 9th. When I started the color sketch that led to this painting, I had no idea it would lead to a tribute to mighty Ukraine. But as I looked at the finished result, learned that the word, krai in Ukraine, is a reference to the edge, I had a name! My hope is the edge of rocks in the foreground lead to a peaceful road ahead.

Here’s this week’s painting which is 8×16 inches, painted in oils on a panel.

SOLD! I donated 100% of the proceeds to World Central Kitchen and it’s effort to feed refugees fleeing Ukraine.

The Road to Edge

There are so many thoughts swirling around in my head as I write about today’s painting. Since I have no real expertise in diplomacy or this horrible and aggressive war on Ukraine by Russia, I will stick to my own knitting. I will share the latest iteration of my painting process with you. Here goes!

First, I created this painting completely from imagination. My painting process usually starts off with a timer, a sheet of canvas paper with taped off small sections equal to ratios of my larger painting panels.

I set the timer for 45 minutes. And, we’re off to the races! I paint 10-12 sketches from imagination. My goal: joyfully paint. What happens at the end of 45 minutes? Uh, not to be a smarta$$, but OK to be a smarta$$, the timer goes off.

Does this mean the 10-12 little sketches from imagination are done? H-E-Double-Toothpick no! The timer just helps me feel a sense of urgency to apply paint and not think too much. I set the timer many more times over the course of a day to a few days before these sketches are done.

How Many and What’s Next

Since January, I have completed over 70 oil color sketches. Next up? Choose the very best of the best of these intriguing little devils and paint them as larger paintings.

What’s really interesting to me is how many more of these I want to do. And, yes, these paintings are certainly inspired by hikes and camping trips we have taken. In fact, I can’t wait to think what paintings may come from our recent trip to Congaree National Forest.

Some of these sketches will stand on their own and be a part of the show I’m having from May 16 to June 30 at ArtsPlace in the Stokes County Arts Council building in Danbury, NC. Stay tuned on that.

One More Thing

Just one more thing I want to share with you this week. I have a new oil paint color “best friend forever” aka “BFF.” It’s Napthol Red. Holy Smokes I am in love with this color. And, well, I have kind of gone nuts. I’m even using it as the imprimatura on a few paintings this week. Here’s one in progress. The thinking is that the beautiful red will ultimately be covered with the later ‘passes’ of this painting. But there may be moments where the red will peak through the layers…or not. We’ll see!

In the photograph below, the painting in progress is on the left. And, you can see the small 3×6 inch color sketch I did on the right.

Your Edge: A Tribute

How about you gentle reader? Have you noticed the ‘edge’ or ‘krai’ in your world? Is it a desire to help Ukraine in some way? Or is it some other pressing need in the world right now? Either way, I would love it if you share your thoughts in the comments below.