Our summer was mild, not so humid and not so hot. That meant I could paint outside on the north porch more often. My knees were bothering me, so it was more comfortable to sit rather than stand as I usually do. I was out of ideas, so I began these three pieces by moving the brush in a continuous line until there was no more paint. Then like a child (more…)
On this last day of summer I write about the “Summer Atlas” series of 29 artworks, which began in early June with the purchase of a new brush. I decided to challenge myself to use only that one brush, and my Holbein “Irodori” Antique Watercolors (does anyone know why a Japanese company would use a Dutch name, Holbein?). First I made squares, like pixel marks. Then I swerved the brush moving it until no paint was left in the brush. While painting this outside I heard a Wood Thrush sing for the first time in our lower forest. (more…)
Summer is almost over, we’ll be celebrating the Equinox in a few days. I start this blog series of “Summer Atlas” with the last of the 29 artworks completed this summer, “Things That Fly, Like Summer”. This is the only collage of the series that is a Golden Rectangle, (more…)
“Lux Aeternum”, from Mozart Requiem for 9/11, collage by Kathleen O’Brien, 2002
All month I’ve been allowing myself to explore new directions using new materials. Sometimes I judge myself for having scattered imagery. The analyzer in me likes to know what I’m doing, like, why choose these shapes, these colors, does it follow the track I’ve been on, should it follow? When I see a consistency, even if subtle and might not have an overall appearance of being related, I confirm to myself that I in fact do know what I’m doing. I need visual proof.
I was rather stunned to see right before my eyes this triptych oil from 1990 that has what I call ribbons coming down from above. It is a recurring image that is freighted with meaning, and so almost automatic in my mark scribing that I take it for granted. They represent a celebratory sense of opportunity, of party, of constant available energy, of prayers answered.
Boulder Valley From Haystack Mt.,, oil Triptych 1990, ribbon detail by Kathleen O’Brien
After finding this small detail of the triptych mate, “Long Path to Peace”, I sectioned off areas of my latest watercolor landscapes that illustrate this point.
I am honored that my friend and collage artist, John Andrew Dixon has written a comprehensive post about the amazing JUXTAPOSE exhibit, that you can still experience at the Community Art Center until April 2. Grab a cup of coffee, and treat yourself to this expansive virtual tour before seeing the many artworks in person. Be sure to follow the links to the artist pages, and John’s insightful Collage Miniature posts. You will emerge fully versed in this art form.
Every December I review the past year. It is always worth the effort to distill the gems of what was learned and achieved. It helps to sort out the way forward. this year I did an illustrated review which you can see in the PDF below. One thing I forgot to mention is we have a new camera, so here are a few parting shots of the year, all the best in the dark time of the year. (more…)
100 years ago you were born, dear Edith, December 19, 1915. Thank you for singing your heart for us, dear rose and little sparrow, your voice opens my heart. (more…)
Summer is here, a time of minimal online interaction because so much is calling me elsewhere. It is a time of external growth in the garden and internal slowing down long enough to allow new ideas to steer my direction. I have joined Cigdem Kobu’s Summer Sojourn, Slow Down and Get Spacious, a 21-day virtual retreat that guides you to slow down, feel grounded and recharge. Based on benefits from her programs, like the Winter Joy Retreat and as member of Progress Lounge, I look forward to allowing creativity to percolate in expanded ways. (more…)
Last week Stan Brunn, Professor Emeritus, Department of Geography, University of Kentucky sent me this lovely poem, with a suggestion that it could be a good theme for a painting or a song. So I took him up on it, as my way to say thank you to the Earth and my friendship with Stan. (more…)