“Backstories 16”, detail, by Kathleen O’Brien
I’ve been preparing the series “Backstories” for some time. It’s for the annual small art holiday special. “Backstories” is shared first to the loyal readers of my lovingly written emails and blogs as an appreciative thank you (more…)
Author: Greg Orth, footnote by KO’B
“At the recent Open Studio event held by my wife Kathleen O’Brien, I was lucky to have a chance to talk about our homestead, and the 22 years spent developing Sunwise Farm and Sanctuary. In doing so I was reminded of some of the decisions made (more…)
It was sunny yesterday, so I photographed the studio, which is ready for the 13th Annual Autumn Open Studio. As I did it occurred to me how seamless it is to transform it from studio into a showroom. (more…)
Adorn Yourself and Your Walls, was the idea that came to me when the sun was brilliantly shining into the studio. Rather than use the usual white background, I could pose the new bead jewelry on the newest watercolor series, October.
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Whether you celebrate The Night of the Ancestors (Samhuin), Dias de la Muertos, Halloween, or all of them, Happy Mid-Autumn Celebrations! (more…)
The series “October” began with a free flow of writing messages. Some written in black ink, the color I associate with the autumn season, west direction and some in white china marker, invisible until painted over. (more…)
Last Daze of Summer is the most recent artist book from the Alexander’s Library series. Today it’s turning cold, I still have zinnias blooming, and many figs to pick and dry. The longing for summer still lingers. Sometimes I remember to photograph the steps as the project progresses. Read on to learn about this one. (more…)
There Is No Hurry is the title from Alexander’s Library,for all seasons. This 32 page artist book is imbued with the reminder that in autumn the energy tends to push us to hurry, but really, there is no need to hurry, every season has its purpose, and reasons to savor each moment. (more…)
The idea to create ”Alexander’s Library” slowly emerged after (more…)
I’m back from a most wonderful reunion with my children and grandchildren! But I’m still not back from posting on social media. The time zooms by (more…)
I am happy to announce that “Bamboo Structures”, was created for and is featured in the online exhibit “Opening”. It is curated by Sergio Gomez for the members of Art NXT Level. (more…)
In 1988 I wrote: “I am attracted to petroglyphs in a deep way. They came from a time when art was an integral aspect of community, when the artist was a healer. Even though scientists are reluctant to give meaning to these symbols I think ancient artisans knew that the power of manifesting an image was to cross the bridge to spiritual nourishment. “Bridge Across Time” was the first oil painting in a series of over 100 that depict petroglyphs. (more…)
Happy Lughnasa, time of the first harvest. This time last year life at Sunwise Farm and Sanctuary was all about “Art of the Garden”, growing (more…)
Happy Summer Solstice, and best wishes for a spectacular season for you to get out and about. I wanted to let you know I am taking a hiatus (more…)
Coming or going? Where does one leave off and the next one begin? Apart and together, crossing and passing. On Aka threads we retrace our steps, begin again. (more…)
Sweet thoughts occur after a recent trip to America’s prettiest art town to pick up artwork from New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art. It marked the end of an era, and got me reminiscing about that period and how much the town has meant to me as an artist. (more…)
“Seeing from Both Sides” is a little black and white book that started with the Beltane bonfire. In a rare moment of clarity, I remembered (more…)
Celebrating Mid-Spring Studio Update
Isn’t this just the most favorite time of year for many people? The lusty month of May lies ahead at Mid-Spring, Beltane, Mother’s Day, Earth Day and here in Kentucky, Derby Day. All the green is busting out, like we humans are also emerging out of the pandemic. There is much to be grateful for. (more…)
II am pleased that all three of my Rock Paperglyphs were selected for the virtual exhibition Rock Paper Scissors, curated by Kate Savage for Arts Connects Lexington. Artists were asked to respond to the idea of “Rock, Paper, Scissors”. (more…)
You know how sad it is to finish a good book, well that’s how I feel as I finished Nesting book. But I pushed ahead to include it in the Bel Studio Special. The theme is all about the Beltane season; coupling, nesting and honoring motherhood. (more…)
A few days ago Sergio Gomez, curator, teacher and artist from Art NXT Level wrote: (more…)
On this sunny morning, I’m working on the Spring Studio Special, coming soon to a screen near you. Subscribers know that the first few days (more…)
We started this year thinking the winter would be mild. Many days I had the front door to the studio open. Now we have another fiery icy mid-winter to add to the memory banks. It seems to hit around Valentines’ Day. (more…)
Imbolc means literally “in the belly”, which refers to both the birthing of young animals and the presence of Brigit in the center of the world at this time. Below, I say more about the holiday, taken from Atlas of the Year. (more…)
The returning and increasing light is daily perceptible and cheering. This Imbolc, Candlemas time is associated with St. Bridgid. Mid-winter seems more like pre-spring when I notice robins congregating on the lawn. (more…)
Today I finished my year review that is titled “20+ things I liked about 2020”. It’s December 23, The Day Out of Time, (more…)
I love this day and the following days, my favorite time of the year, as it is for many of you. On December 14 the Halcyon Days begin. It’s an ancient mythological tradition, (more…)
I forgot to celebrate 10 years of blogging last March. I wonder why? Too much on our minds I imagine. One project that I am proceeding with is (more…)
The reason I created the “Little Love Letters” series was to offer small artworks with cheerful uplifting messages via stamp imagery, at affordable prices. Knowing that most people are thrilled when they receive a pleasant thing in the mail, it seemed like a logical choice for a theme during these stressful times. (more…)
Bonus for Little Love Letter customers! I have created two (more…)
In this three part post, I’m sharing details of “Little Love Letters”, which is a series of 36 small paintings on paper in sizes 6×8” and smaller, each inspired by Realms of Wonder, (more…)
In this three part post, I’m sharing details of “Little Love Letters”, which is a series of 36 small paintings on paper (more…)