Russian Iconography

Andrei Rublev, Trinity, c.1400

One of my favorite forms of art is that of Russian Iconography. I was only familiar and in love with the exquisite detail of their small oil paintings on wood (an example shown above). My relationship  grew and my appreciation deepened last week when I was introduced to a new exhibition of work at the Russian Art Museum. Just as exquisite in miniature detail, the imageries were not painted, but instead cast in copper alloys such as brass and bronze. A few were then decorated with gilding and enamel.   

While I learned about the history of Russia back then and the people who created these wonders, I also caught a glimpse of Artists' perspectives on creating their works. Not only did they embellish the fronts of a casted cross with detail and story, so they also paid attention to the backside with complimentary imagery. I loved being able to see some casts where both sides were exposed to me! And then knowing this unseen side existed, I loved the mystery to other casts throughout the exhibition where the backside was hidden.

This has gotten me thinking. As I have recently come across (in combining my studios) works in progress (specifically tri-fold paintings) where the story could so easily be suggested on the outside of the piece - complimenting what is going on within. I am eager to explore my works in progress further (perhaps this idea is what was needed for me to move a work in progress to completion?!) with what I have witnessed and learned from these 18th-20th century artists (thank you!). I look forward to sharing with you what comes about from this recent influence.......

A Time for Patterns

 

I decided to finally take the time to pull together all of my patterns that I have created over the years from my original oil paintings. I have a portfolio designed (to be constructed locally in Minneapolis) and materials have been ordered ~ everything is coming together! As I have been figuring out the layout and putting names to each of my patterns, I unexpectedly found/was reminded how much I enjoy the work I have done. It has been fun to revisit the stories in the layers of oil and to see how I interpreted them into pattern.

I can hardly wait to have this tool to share with everyone! As always, stay tuned  :) 

Oil Painting on Wood!

It's hard to believe I hadn't picked up a paint brush, with fresh oil paint on it, in almost a year. At times this bothered me, but I always did deep down know the desire to paint with oil would return. And when it did, it would come back new and exciting, yet familiar as an old friend. 

The painting below was one I had started years ago. For the last number of years, the wooden canvas and the acrylic finger-painted foundation had been sitting in my studio waiting for inspiration to strike. (I had cut the wood myself, and though it's hard to see, had made 2 vertical cuts - approx. 5" in from each end. I intend to hinge this triptych all together..... so as always, stay tuned to see the end result).

Intentionally, I approached the roughened-out image with what I had learned in the class I took last year. Expressive brushstroke, paint applied in a loose yet deliberate manner.  What do you think? 

23 3/4" w x 7 3/4" h

I found the whole experience to be wonderfully freeing and thoroughly enjoyable. As this is just one of many layers to come (as I have an idea! (on where this painting is going)), please stay tuned. I look forward to sharing this process with you  :)

oil paint thickly applied (for me) - colors laid down on top of and closely to each other

Prepping for tomorrow's painting day

Ready to go!

I'm looking forward to pursuing the ideas that have been tumbling around in my mind since before our travels. I pulled out the wood cradles this morning, looking and feeling for the 'right' size. The ones shown here are the winners - I figure they can be both horizontal and vertical in nature....

Yummi-ness!

My current work-in-progress is on a companion door to the door that my most recent completed story, My Inner Reptile, is painted on. This canvas has the knob which I think adds such an unique 3D feature to the piece. This 3D element also seems to follow/mimic the circular orbs located on the lower right and left areas within the painting....

Today I continued laying out the colors and blocking out the forms with a not-so-often used larger brush (the result is shown above). Now I'm eager to start laying in the details with my favorite tool, a water-color brush by Winsor & Newton.

And the off-white doors beckoned.....

It didn't take me long to start seeing an image in the foundational layers of my process. I'm loving what is emerging! I think it's somewhat Alice in Wonderland (which I've now have seen it 4 times and each time just gets better!) inspired and intestinal influenced....

Custom frames underway....

I have designed 6 different frame profiles for my upcoming show ('the continuation and punctuation') at the Hudson Hospital in March. My talented father is able to take my ideas and put them into reality. I assisted him this past week in his wood shop. Now it's my turn to take the wheel and hand-finish each and every one to compliment the painting that will go inside.

Stay tuned - I plan on posting the process and progress over the course of this next month.....