In Search of OM

Are you in search of OM gentle reader? Well, I don’t know much but I do know that the gourds in this painting are in search of OM. But before I explain that, I want to welcome new readers here. Welcome! And, if you’re interested in an explanation of the purpose of this post and blog, check this link here.

Define OM

So first, I guess I need to define OM, don’t you agree? And, as much I would like to have you think I have a deep understanding of the first word in Dali Lama’s mantra “Om Mani Padma Hum,” I don’t. And, this version of OM is an abbreviation for “orange mark.” That’s right. Why?

Well, check out the characters in this week’s painting. I chose them for their fantastic, organic shapes and their colors. And, I especially love each of them for their unique, orange marks. Why? Because it’s fall and pumpkin season and ’tis the time to seek out orange.

Here’s a larger version of this gouache painting which is 10×8 inches on Strathmore’s excellent quality mixed media board. And, it’s for sale for $85 + shipping + taxes. Simply click on the Paypal link below to purchase.

Early Bird Idea

Oh and hey, here’s an idea, consider giving this as a gift this holiday season. There’s nothing like giving and receiving original art, don’t you think? And, since I have already received four holiday shopping catalogues in the mail this week, I decided I could mention this early holiday idea to you. Please be sure to commit and purchase this by no later than November 15. That way, I can make sure to mail it to you so that it arrives on time.

Studio Talk

If you’re still trying to wrap your head around holiday catalogues this early, that’s AOK. Me too. Perhaps I should share a bit of studio scoop about this painting instead? I painted this gouache painting after two days of plein air painting. Meaning? Meaning I was ready to sit down indoors, rather than stand outside, and paint for a bit.

And, in keeping with my plein air pursuits, I mix all the colors from primary colors for this painting. So, I kept the premixed greens, oranges and greys away from the palette. Why? Lately, I find I enjoy mixing my secondary colors, like greens, greys and oranges, from the primary colors on the palette. So, I use red, two yellows (ochre and lemon) and two blue (ultramarine and cerulean) plus burnt umber and white. And, I hope the process of mixing these colors will help me see what works best as I grow and evolve as a painter. Stay tuned we’ll see.

Inspirational Quote

This painting is inspired by a Jamie Wyeth quote I read recently “Everything I paint is a portrait, whatever the subject.” I decided after reading that, that each of these three gourds has their own personality, worth capturing. And, each, of course, has their very own orange mark too.

Here’s a photo of the painting and the actual ‘characters’ in this painting.

In Search Of

What about you gentle reader? Are you in search of something particular? I am really curious to hear. So please share your thoughts and searches in the comments below. And, thank you, as always, for reading here today.