In My Mind

What’s In My Mind? Oh I can’t wait to share with you today. But first, in case you’re new to this virtual space, here’s a bit more information about it. 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 blog. When you do, you will also receive a monthly newsletter called “Art In Real Life.” In it, I will share news about artwork and art walks that I have seen IRL (in real life). I hope you’ll subscribe here. Let’s get to this week’s view. OK?

Current Conditions

Typically, I like to think of myself as an outdoorsy person. But, lately the weather has been a bit nippy for more than the necessary dog walks. Why does that matter? It means I skip painting outdoors and set up still life painting objects indoors in the studio.

There’s something so comforting about working away in my small but warm studio. And, even though I think 17F outdoors is cold, I realize this is nothing compared to what you may have been experiencing this past week.

The Set Up

Here’s the painting and objects I used for the still life. I can’t wait to share why I chose each one of them.

As I See It

Initially I had a plan to paint rocks and sticks. You know, sticks and stones. Why? No reason other than we had an abundance of sticks in our yard from recent storms. I figure, if I can’t paint trees and be outdoors right now, I can at least paint branches. Right? I love painting them. They each have their own personality.

The rocks? They are gifts. Yup. When David and I walk on the beach or in the woods, he finds unusual objects. The next thing I know, he’s placing said object in my hand. Both of the rocks in this painting had a distinctive white stripe, almost like a belt, around their mid-section.

I tried all kinds of sketches, configurations, a little shiny metal container. But nothing felt right. All I know is if I’m going to paint something, I have got to love luv luv luv it. I also study other people’s paintings. More on that in another post.

Use What’s Nearby

I have some nifty pottery here in the house. And, I added a beautiful warm red Ben Owen vase into the set up. Now we’re talking! I did a quick value study that I”ll share with you here.

Something’s Missing

As I worked on other paintings, walked the dog, cooked dinner and day dreamed, I knew there was something missing. Thank goodness for time and attention. On one of my daily dog walks, I picked up a holly branch on the ground. Voila! I had found the missing piece of the painting puzzle. The little berry and leaves landed in the lower right hand corner of the painting.

In My Mind Painting

Without even realizing it, I have painted a still life with a vessel, rocks and branches all from North Carolina. The branch in the vase is from the tulip tree in our neighbor’s backyard. The holly branch is from the bush in our front yard.

Cue up James Taylor singing “Carolina In My Mind,” right?

Here’s the painting! I love it. The objects, the feeling I had as I worked on it. And, I’m experimenting with paint handling here too. It’s not for sale yet but it will be. Stay tuned.

How About You

What’s in or on your mind, gentle reader? I would love to know. Please share in the comments below. And, thank you for reading here today.