Getting ready for show in Arcata at Upstairs Art Gallery... It's been a challenge because I've been traveling so much, but I'm excited about showing some new paintings on new paper, painted in a new manner. I usually paint from life - the only way for me to really "see and understand" what I'm painting, but this time I painted from a photograph of a Cup of Gold plant in my yard in Hawaii (of course, only after "being" with it for years!) After doing some reading about this incredible flower I discovered that it's scientific name is Solandra maxima, is a member of the nightshade family, and is not native to Hawaii, but instead, to Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America. In fact, it is an invasive pest, but I still love the large, showy flowers that bloom only for a short time, reminding me of how transient beauty really is. I hope you can come to my show which will be up from June 10-July3 with a reception at 6 p.m. during Arts! Arcata. The show is titled "Still:Life." Here is a little about the show --
I'm entranced by the life of the flower - its beauty in form and function, the emotion it evokes after a long winter. Somehow it calls to me, and I respond by trying to capture its essence. I know its foolish to try to hang on to what is going to die so soon, but it makes me happy to see this piece of Nature brought inside.
Of course, I don't think about this when I am painting. I just paint what I see, and let it carry me away.
Of course, I don't think about this when I am painting. I just paint what I see, and let it carry me away.
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