Best Art of 2018
My art friend, Patti Edmon had a great idea to post her best artworks from 2018, so I followed suit with two categories, color and black and white. What are your nine best? (more…)
New Paper and Bead Artifacts
New Paper and Bead Artifacts
This week I finished some paper and bead artifacts that have been in process for a while. One reason I like opening my studio four times a year, is for the deadline effect. I love creating the work, the creative challenge, for myself because I know I’ll always be accountable to myself to finish what is started. (more…)
Summer Atlas, Part 2
Summer Atlas, Part 2
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…)
Good Trades
Good Trades
Most artists I know are regular traders, swapping their work for pieces from other creative types. Such trades typically have very little to do with money — they’re mostly about trading ideas & inspirations. That’s what makes them so valuable.
Recurring Image
Recurring Image
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.
Celebrating Mid-Autumn, Studio Update
Celebrating Mid-Autumn, Studio Update
As of the Mid-Summer studio update, I thought things were settling down, but things have been busier than ever with art coming and going from the studio, there is a lot to share in this mid-season studio update. We are so grateful that the hard work of summer is behind us, our gardens fed us well, our milkweed has created a butterfly sanctuary. This is a favorite time of year, the time when we can slow down and count our blessings, Samhuin, the night of the Ancestors, is just past. (more…)
Beyond the Horse
Beyond the Horse
Beyond the Horse exhibit featuring 20 artists at tribeca trunk was seen by appointment.
Considering the spirit beyond the representational rendering of horse, ancient earthwork tributes come to my mind, thus the idea for Talisman for White Horse 1 and 2. (more…)
Your Invitation to my 7th Annual Open Studio
You are invited to my 7th Annual Open Studio, it’s the 3rd year as founder and participant in the Annual Open Studio ARTTOUR, which has 10 studios and 2 art centers you may visit. In this post I share some details about what you’ll experience. I’m looking forward to seeing you, bring your friends! (more…)
12 New Greeting Card Sets
12 New Greeting Card Sets
That’s 48 cards! I suddenly was inspired to create new cards, it has been a while since I tended to that side of the business and what you have expressed an interest in seeing more of. It takes a motivated state and a lot of time to do the many steps from start to finish. (more…)
Curve of the Earth, Birth of Thunder, watercolor collage
When I first painted this I had no idea where it would lead me except that I heard the title in my mind upon first glance. That magical evening in the studio was six weeks ago. We were having so much rain, I guess that was uppermost on my mind. Now we long for more rain. The end result of this piece surprises me, I seldom have such a minimal collage additions compared to other pieces. But it felt perfect to me.
I am happy to be showing this at the Horizon: Contemporary Landscape exhibit, at Community Arts Center, Danville, October 1 through November 14, opening reception 6 to 8 p.m on October 8. From 250 submitted works, 50 were accepted that best fit the contemporary landscape theme of the exhibition.