"Abundance", 11x14"

Abundance,  14x11"

Moving is stressful!  Selling a house, planning a new house, and leasing an apartment in a city high-rise (Denver) is uprooting- literally.  It's interesting to me that during this time of general upheaval, my painting has become more controlled and meditative.  I'm drawn to flowers right now, particularly white ones.  They force me to slow way down and really examine them.  Form, light and shadow, and undiscovered colors are pulling me in.

I'm developing a series of floral paintings that I'll be showing at the Petter Gallery this summer, in a show called "Bouquet".  It'll be all about the bouquet of flowers and wine.  I hope you'll be able to come.  The date is July 13, in Saugatuck, Michigan.  Sounds like a great time for a mini-getaway!

"Contemplation"

"Contemplation", 10x8", oil on panel

Mary Williams Fine Art

In my last post, I talked about how I will change my technique to "fit" different subjects.  A lively, colorful subject (like the peaches in my last post) will likely get a very impressionistic approach with lots of thick paint and color, perhaps with a bit of palette knife application while I'm there.  I'll also change my approach to fit my mood.  With these white roses, I decided to slow way down and really see my subject.  The color shifts and the edges were full of subtlety, so I needed to be patient and build the painting gradually.

Today's art market encourages artists to find a certain style and stick to it, making that technique their recognizable trademark.  Try as I might, I can't stick with the same approach to all of my paintings.  For me, art is an exploration and I'm constantly seeking new subjects and new ways to approach them.  

Thank you Sherri Burritt, fellow artist and green thumb extraordinaire for sharing these home grown beauties with me!