more painting

I've done quite a few new paintings recently. I haven't uploaded much to this blog but the above painting is representative of the newer work. I have also recently posted at Saatchiart.com/mteter73.

Avocado Painting

I am starting a new series of still life paintings. This one is oil on panel, measures 12*12.

Won 2nd Place!

I entered this painting along with a sculpture in the annual "Artists who Teach" show put on here in San Antonio by the San Antonio Artist Educator's Association. They did a great job with the show and entries, lots of good quality artwork. This painting won second place. I appreciate the award and the judge's comments about my work. 

Doing Some Bushcrafting Mixed with a Little Bit of Fine Art

I've been interested lately in wood sculpture of a different sort. On my many hikes I come across dead trees, lots of them. Why not harvest some of the wood for art? I admire "bushcrafters" for their amazing skill and use of natural materials. They are able to create objects such as spoons, bowls, kuskas (cups), and many other interesting items from wood and other materials. They use these in the field and camp. 

I made many of the pictured objects starting with my medium sized hatchet and then used a small Gransfors Bruks carving hatchet to bring the sculpture down to a workable shape, a shape that somewhat resembles a spoon, cup or whatever. The rest is completed using carving knives and gouges. I prefer to leave the "chiseled" look rather than sanding, although a few are sanded. I finish off the pieces with raw linseed and beeswax. That enhances and darkens the grain but does not really create a high polish. I'm still into the whole bushcraft art thing and will continue to make more interesting objects from claimed wood that I find. I think as I progress in the project the work will turn more into "fine art" sculpture. It seems to be a nice combination at the moment. Enjoy the pics. Most of the wood is mesquite and cedar. Other wood used is olive and cherry. 

Ustina Finds Redemption

 

This painting was inspired by the novel, "Laurus", by Eugene Vodolazkin. What an amazing book. I couldn't put it down as I was drawn into medieval Russian world. The author created a fabulous work of art. The painting is my interpretation of the character, "Ustina", a tragic figure for who the main character seeks a journey for her redemption. The novel is thoroughly religious and speaks to the religious mindset and worldview and makes no apology for it. It is very understandable for those who retain and know Christian spirituality, particularly Orthodox spirituality. I wanted to portray the character in a spiritual and iconographic fashion with a mix of my own style and modernism. I figured it would be fun to work mainly in cool blues for the face and oranges, reds, and brown for the contrasting background.

Finally Finished with Carving

I've finally completed the cross carving started last spring. I worked on it off and on for about 6 months. It was competed in maple wood which proved difficult perhaps because of this specific piece of wood. The grain pattern and direction ran all over the place making it difficult to keep a single shape consistent. In the end I am somewhat pleased with the outcome. I guess the artist is always on the lookout for mistakes. 

I decided to give it a dark stain which certainly brought out the grain patterns. The left side grain pattern is really quite different than the right side. One of the joys of working with wood is that you don't have all of the say in the outcome especially working with hand tools as opposed to power tools. This was completely carved by hand with the exception of the initial cut of wood. I am now thinking of how it should be displayed; a chain or a frame? Also where should its destination be? Perhaps donated to a church where it can be used for contemplation.  

Some Thoughts on Inspiration

Why do artists create? There are as many motivations as there are artists I assume. Many artists paint, draw, sculpt, make etc. as a response to the world around them, the world which they observe. For me the greatest inspiration for my artwork is nature itself and the Creator of that nature. Artists throughout history have responded to this never ending source of inspiration. I think of the great Northern Renaissance Artist Albrecht Durer who studied nature so carefully while capturing its fleeting beauty. His great artistic skill, the ability to handle paint and other media strikes me. While viewing one of his portraits you can truly know the personality of the sitter. Vincent Van Gogh is another artist I truly admire, probably more for his passion and insight into the "invisible" world than for his technique. Although I love his use of brushstroke and color. His earlier work focussed on the "down and out" of society and he sought to bring dignity to their plight. 

At the moment I am inspired by artists who paint "alla prima" style. The paintings become a reality themselves because of the thickly painted canvas. Artists who can paint with a quick technique that is both fresh and very skillful draws my attention. The "important" details are said, those details that speak to the identity of the subject. 

Inspiration is sometimes hard to pin down. It changes with time but stays around long enough to ponder and study and if given the right mood art is created from it.