The Last Ranch 9 x 12 Oil
In case you haven’t been paying attention, this ranch holding, surrounded by major developments in South Metro Denver will disappear soon with the planned development now commencing. I didn’t paint in the earth haulers, the enormous electric poles marching off into the distance, the crowded, exhaust-spewing Interstate highway in the near distance nor the large diesel engine cacophony and the lack of animal sounds. I want to remember this view the way it was – good pasture with plenty of water for cows and their calves basking in the abundance. I guess I am finally chronicling one of these last best places after all.
What's in an Artist's Biography?
biography, n: a written history of a person’s life. Has this definition changed recently?
My recent attempts at rewriting my bio, in order to spice up the written doldrums usually found in these documents, has proven to be a daunting task indeed. Who ever said that writing interesting things about oneself was easy certainly was not a 'self' like me. Over the years I have done this maybe once or twice a year plus simplified versions for various shows etc, but I never even thought it was supposed to be entertaining or at best anything more than just information. My recent reading of various art career manuals, which provide current information on what constitutes a good bio, have lead me to ask some profound questions. Who changed the definition of the word? When did this document become so important? Isn't our work more important? After all, some of us may have very simple, non-complex lives with no tales to tell at all; we just keep our heads down and paint. Now I agree we all need to be able to talk about our work and happily discuss art and other esoteric subjects, but creating an interesting life may be way beyond our ability. Now that I mention this, my life has been fairly interesting, at least to a few people I know, and some of my adventures I plan on sharing with you as this blog develops. Perhaps, though, what may now be required for a good bio are interesting observations about art, life, and philosophy and one’s current thoughts on personal growth and expectations. And then, at the end of your bio throw in all the accomplishments already acquired along with your education and date of birth. Seems awkward even when I try to upgrade the words. If we follow the true meaning of the word biography, these new additions don’t belong. But if we extend the definition then these items may be appropriate. Guess I just think there is too much emphasis on these documents when all that really counts is good work. Yea I know, if you just paint no one will come – you’ve got to build the baseball park (read: marketing package) too. And I agree, but when did one’s bio become the baseball park?
Give me feedback, please!
Maybe I’m just not spending enough time in the studio. I’ll absolutely agree with that, so this blog will be pretty short.
On the Easel Nature Bridge 20 x 20 Oil
For those of you who dropped into my Second Fridays Studio Walk on February 13, you had the opportunity to watch me begin this painting. I painted for about 3 hours then needed to break to catch a glass of wine and some snacks. This image shows the progress to that point. Since then I have completed the painting as seen below.
Awakening in Spring 20 x 20 Oil
I love this section of streambed just before its confluence with a larger flow downstream. The world is just about to awaken now in very early spring. Already the ice melts, trout begin to dart about in the depths as they search for nymphs and fall grass bent by winter’s snow gets swept into the increased water flow. Note the more intense deep green color in pools of the foreground water, a result of warming water in the shallows. Can you smell the seasonal change in the moist air?
Renewal 16 x 12 Oil
I reworked this one last week trying to get those fir needles to pop off the canvas. Just another day in Rocky Mountain springtime heaven! This time of year brings special memories I long to share with all of you. Stay tuned in please. I appreciate your attention and interest as I explore the changing seasons.
Another one just started finds its way onto my easel – I’m usually working on three at once. You’ll notice that once in a while one seems to disappear for a while (true) and some return with corrections (true). I consider no painting actually finished until it exits the studio in a frame for a show, gallery and/or, preferably, a new home!
On the Easel Long Shadows 12 x 16 oil
A few pencil marks came first. My oil brushes were all washed and ready for another day, but with a few minutes to spare I used the time to begin something new. The next morning I did this transparent wash and had just started a couple of brush strokes of color value before I remembered to photograph.
On the Easel Long Shadows b 12 x 16 oil
Thin color value washes begin to show the dynamics of the painting. I’ll let it get tacky before I go any further. You’ll just have to wait! Most of the water is in dark shadow – sun low in the sky to the right – lots of contrast in values with the sun full on the trees on the right. I’ll have to watch that I don’t loose the darks and keep that near water much darker than it looks now!
Don’t forget:
SECOND FRIDAYS STUDIO WALK AND TGIF
Friday March 13 and April 10
4 to 9 pm
891 Good Hope Drive, Castle Pines Village, Colorado
303-660-1458
Please bring your friends and stop by for a while to see the latest paintings up close and personal. Once again I will be painting during the evening. You can ask questions if you wish or just watch. We provide some light snacks and a pretty cheap wine or BYOB if you prefer. See you there!
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Sorry, but I really need to get back to painting so until I have a few extra hours to write – Ciao for now! Thanks for your support and interest….Ginger
