Hold On

Why name this post “Hold On?” I cannot wait to share, gentle reader. But first, in case you’re new, here’s more information. This is a place where, each week, I share my paintings, process, art history, and inspiration. Whether this is your first or millionth visit here, hiya, hello and a warm welcome! I choose a theme to guide my paintings each year. This year’s theme is Vessels, Views and Vistas. If you think your 2024 needs more color, consider subscribing to this weekly blog. When you do, you will also receive a monthly newsletter called “Art In Real Life.” In it, I share news about artwork and art walks. Some I have seen IRL (in real life). Others are from around the world, maybe even near you!? If so, maybe you’ll go see and share what it’s like to see art in real life. Let’s get to this week’s view. OK?

A Hold On Confession

Right now as I write this, I am remembering one teacher’s critique from the last year I was in Art School in 2018. She said, “I can teach and share all that I know with you. But! I cannot constantly (constantly!) remind you of your tendencies.”

Oh my! Six years later that statement rattles in my mind and reminds me to pay attention, think, assess and do value studies. Wot?

In the world in which I love to live and paint, value studies are so simple and yet so challenging! Here’s the quick value study in oils that I did for this week’s painting.

Why bother you might ask? Ya I use to think that too. But not any more. Even as I look at this value study, I see my tendency to paint too dark. And, that’s all a value study is; a study of the image in black and white. You can do a two value study (black and white only). Or if I want to harken back to the first year of art school (aka charcoal hell), I can limit value studies to either 3, 5 or 7 values. Whichever approach, this is such a helpful tool to use before moving to color.

Here’s the Studio View

As we navigate this (already) extremely challenging, yes difficult year, I am seeking out anything and everything that makes my heart sing. Such as? More whimsical, delightful pottery of craftswoman, Suze Lindsay, whose work I also painted two weeks ago in this post. Here’s the view from the studio this week.

Why Hang On

You may still be scratching your head and wondering why I name this painting here, Hold On. Before I explain, here it is. It’s 5×5 inches and painted on panel in oils. And, this painting is a part of a series! None of these sa-weet small paintings will be for sale till the series is complete later this spring. So, I hope you enjoy looking here in the meantime.

There’s lots of paint in this painting. And, there’s some scraping and texture too. I love the handle on that Suze Lindsay mug on the right. In fact, the handles on all of her mugs are divine. So, I challenge you to take any mug from your kitchen and hold the handle. Go on! Do it right now. ;-D

Does the handle curve into your fingers as if it was made for you? Do you feel a bit transformed, taken away by the lip of the mug as you hold it near your lips for a sip? If not, do yourself a favor, start seeking out handmade mugs in 2024.

You may not be a fan of Suze Lindsay’s mugs. In fact, I am 4 ounce coffee drinker and so this mug is actually too big for me these days. But! That means I can paint her mug in a still life (especially since it’s so old it has a crack in it’s rim ;-/) I will share other handles of hand made mugs I love in future posts.

But Really Why

OK OK late last year, as I was savoring my favorite cup of coffee from our local roasterie, “Cup of Joe’s” I felt sad. Why? Oh the guy who founded the place died in his sleep recently. But then a few days later I get news that a dear, much younger friend is pregnant. Oh joy!

Combining or streaming or connecting these two events seems to be a perfect metaphor for the crazy world we’re in. So, I think Hold On! And, then I think of the literal meaning of “Hold On” to a coffee mug. Then, my mind immediately goes to the incredible song by Tom Waits.

And, then I paint as I listen to my current favorite version of “Hold On” by Madison Cunningham. Holy Mackerel her voice and guitar playing chops are fantastic.

There You Go

So hold on to your hats everyone. Ready or not 2024 is barreling along, like it or not. My wish and hope for you is that you enjoy your favorite warm beverage, listen to your favorite song, do what you can to “hold on!” In fact, I would love it if you could share what you are doing to cope, connect or even hold on as this challenging year unfolds. Thank you for being here!