Odd Couple Reloaded

Wait why Odd Couple Reloaded? 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?

Why Reloaded

A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog post called “The Odd Couple.” I could not help but think of that painting as I “matched” this week’s butternut squash with a delightful pitcher by Ronan Peterson. I love pairing or partnering my vegetable choices with a pottery partner in still life paintings. In this week’s case, I imagine the butternut squash inspiring the shapes of Ronan’s pitchers including this one.

But I also imagine the pitcher being attracted to that wonderful bulbous shape of the butternut squash. They just have to get to know each, don’t you think?

Work in Progress

This painting isn’t finished. And, that means, like lots of things, it’s a work in progress. So, I share it with you today knowing that it’s not the finished product. Here goes.

And, here’s the view from the studio. You can see that there’s lots of (fun!) details left for me to figure out in this painting. Such as, how much of the incredible, ca-razy and creative design on the pitcher do I paint. And, do I include a really nifty tree branch in the foreground of the set up or not? I’m (still) not sure.

Dedication

As I think about quirky combinations in my life, I gotta dedicate this work in progress painting to a dear friend who has just entered hospice. She is someone I have known for 15+ years. Her husband and mine, she and I have travelled together far and yon. They even visited us in the middle of an ice storm when we were living in Philadelphia.

Her friendship over the years has been steady as in “I got your back and I’ll be there for ya.” Her music tastes ran the gamut of our time. And, I love that she loves Talking Heads’ movie “Stop Making Sense” and saw it three times this past fall. Why? Because none of this makes any sense, at all.

What To Do

So what is there to do in times like these? Love everyone more. Spend time with that friend because you never know. And, the more I know the more I know I don’t know. You know?

How About You

Do share any of your pearls of wisdom here gentle reader. I look forward to reading them in the comments below.