Spring is here and getting itchy . . .

Well, finally! Spring arrived at 7:44am here in New England and not a moment too soon. It's cold yet but you know that winter is over. It's definitely a "mental" thing.

Another "mini" to add to the collection:

"Farmhouse on the Ridge"
2" x 2"

This is probably the smallest of the batch -- again, it was part of a larger floral still life that just didn't cut it. So I did -- cut it, that is. I once read that Monet kicked his boot through the canvases he hated because he didn't want future generations to see them. Dramatic but very effective.

Well, I have only a few more weekends free before the garden demands my presence, so I hope to spend hours in the studio both days. Morning coffee, a walk and then to paint -- then a good book and some wine later to reward myself for persistance, if nothing else . . .

I cannot wait.

Mini Art and Close Scrutiny

Substrata
oil pastel on bristol paper
2.25" x 3.5"

It's been awhile since I last posted. Going through budget hearings and waiting for cuts, etc. at work. Not a happy time for my non-profit organization, as is so with many others.

The other night I was so tired but knew I wanted desperately to work with color, something positive, something creative, but too tired to go downstairs to my studio especially as I had a fire going in the fireplace. So I reached for a box of oil pastels, a charcoal pencil, some heavyweight bristol paper and a clipboard and sat down on the couch to scribble, sketch and scratch.

I did about 3 or 4 of these "miniworks" -- they measure no more than 2.5' x 3.5" and I envision a whole wall of minis, framed in simple 8x10 black frames. I think this small scale works on several levels: their size forces one to pause, they invite close scrutiny, a sense of intimacy with the viewer.

Also, if I screw up, no great loss -- just start another one. They also allow one to react on a more visceral level, not intellectualizing too much. I'm also liking the richness and impasto-like quality of the oil pastels. They are immediate and easy to use. I have oil sticks, too, but have not really played with those yet, so must try that. I think that, mixed with Liquin, the oil sticks would be good for outdoor painting this summer, as well as the oil pastels.

If you'd like to see the others, go to my "Mini Artworks" gallery at ArtID, and I'll continue to post more as I work through this series of petite art!