Notice the Little Things

Why Notice the Little Things?

So glad you asked gentle reader. I will share more shortly. 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 need more color in your world, 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?

Set Up for Small Things

Last week I mention that I lost a very dear friend named Barb. She was fantastic at noticing the little things. Whenever we got together, she would notice and compliment you on your new haircut. Or she would notice the new earrings or nifty top you found at a thrift store. In fact, the very last time I saw Barb in her own home, she was quite sick but smiling, dressed in a skirt and sitting in a wheel chair. She noticed and expressed delight in my striped socks I was wearing! You can bet that generated a giggle, big hug and a good cry.

As I worked on this week’s painting outdoors, I am filled with so much gratitude for her friendship. Here’s a picture of the setup. It’s in our driveway.

More Inspiration

There’s more inspiration for this (and last) week’s painting too. Here’s one, well OK two, paintings by Fairfield Porter; a realist painter during the era of Abstract Expressionism. He, of course, saw merit in his approach to painting while appreciating the abstract artists’ who were thriving at that time. Side note: for a fantastic look at the women painters of that era, read “Ninth Street Woman: Five Painters and the Movement that Changed Modern Art.” Yes it’s hundreds of pages but it’s a fantastic read! Back to Fairfield Porter’s paintings. Here are two of his paintings that inspired mine.

I love the way he uses the roof line of the house to help our eye return back into the painting on the left. The title of this one “Sunset and Lillies” encourages us to keep searching for those lilies. Do you see them all? And, then, that seascape on the right!!! First it breaks composition rule 101. How? That dark green cluster of trees is smack in the middle of the painting. But who cares. Porter uses texture in the clouds and a warm foreground against the purply water to keep our gaze engaged. Oooh la la!!!

It’s the Noticing

Here’s this week’s painting. And, I guarantee you, my pal Barb, would notice those fallen camellia blooms in the foreground first. But wait there’s more. Here, take a look for yourself.

There’s a fun little twist in this painting. If you notice that quirky twist, let me know what you think it is here. I will take all the correct answers and do a drawing for a free limited edition print of this painting at an artist meet and greet in the works for May.

What Has Inspired You Lately

How about you, gentle reader? What has inspired you lately? Whatever the inspiration might be, I would love to hear from you. Please share in the comments below and thank you for looking and reading here today.