peacock and the buffalo

I've been losing steam on this one in terms of emotion, personally its lost its meaning for me (which is a very good thing actually). Otherwise, I'm getting more and more happy with it. I'm enjoying the pattern and the learning process that has come with trying to do something a little new. There will be several more layers on the face, more value range and more glazing. I need to figure out how the image of the buffalo will work out and I want to build up the background considerably. I also need to fix something that is a little off in the eyes. I'm officially sick of painting myself, but I may have to for a little while longer in order to follow through with some ideas that are stirring inside. I plan to incorporate more patterns in my work and more elements aside from the figure. I also plan on doing some smaller pieces for a show I have lined up in January. I may stay away from the human figure for a while with that new series. I plan to revisit painting on mylar or do some graphite and charcoal drawings. Mylar as a creative surface has been calling me for years and I'm feeling ready to take the plunge I've been envisioning. It is a surface of many possibilities in terms of light and translucency. It also is so wonderful to scratch into or wipe away from. When done right the effects can be breathtaking. It's the whole 'done right' part that is tricky.

New Studiomate

I am now sharing my lovely studio with another fantastic artist, Scout Coumo. You can check out her work here http://scoutcuomo.wordpress.com/ . She paints, draws and makes charcoal animation films (which I find fascinating!) So far it's a great fit for both of us. I had more space than I ever could need and she was cramped up in her tiny attic trying to paint. That just sounds miserable in this heat. We have a little AC unit that brings both of us here often, nothing like making art in light and comfort. Having prolific creative energy around is so inspiring and contagious. I'm so grateful for her presence in the studio, she is a valuable peer and is becoming a new friend.

Yes and No make quite the pair

I'm currently back in the studio, painting everyday. I'm finishing up "Yes Sayer" since I've sold it as a pair with "The Gift". It's coming along very well. I anticipate that it will only need a few more layers, some more dark and light values, more work on the chest area and several more layers in the background. Now that the two paintings are officially married as a couple I want them to carry the same weight technically. I want to make some color and brushwork decisions that intentionally bring them together as one. They will still function on their own as individual works of art but they do feel much more powerful together. Once the "Yes Sayer" gets to the same finished stage as the "The Gift" I hope they speak even louder. That's the intention anyway.