NEST on Fire

9 1/4 inch by 8 1/4 inch acrylic on birch luan panel
Reminded of a sermon (at fccpok.org) last spring during Pentecost- when pastor Bruce said "sometimes you have to burn the nest to be free to fly". Or something like that.
This small painting took me more than a few days to get looking "right'. I'm afraid with all my concentration on the heat, I may have lost the spiral shaping of the nest.
Last week I delivered six small paintings to Kenise Barnes Fine Art- a delightful little gallery in Larchmont, NY. It's been located on Palmer Avenue for the last 14 years- a lovely strip of shops and restaurants. It would be awesome if someone who reads this actually went there and ASKED to see my work.
I also went to New York City and dined with uncles, aunts and cousins and, as a trustee of a charitable organization I gave away more money than I can dream of making.
Back at home, I've cut some large 32 x 24 inch panels and primed them. My hope is to REALLY paint out the empty nests in my heart, head, soul and eyes. I know I should be making nicer pictures, and these are holding me up in some sort of funky sad way.

Natalie, age 4, paints God, a pony and herself

She's letting me keep this one!

Truth and denial in art

I found this painting done a few years ago, stashed in the basement. I remember making it- I started by using a sharpie pen and just writing words all over of what I wanted, what felt right, what was "my truth". Then I flipped it upside down and wrote the words to my shadow side...the words of fear and loathing and status quo.
Decided I might hang it over my bed.

Studio in transition

You'd think after the studio tours my place would look pristine- but instead there is a cacophany of calls... from the desk that is loaded with attention getting detritus, to the signage waiting to be installed for the new classes. 

And I have to head to NYC tomorrow...

never ever is enough time to do all that I want to do.

NEST out on a Limb

Oooh look here! This is a nest from years ago... like decades ago...
doesn't the branch look fragile and the frame of the nest so teeny and what was I thinking when I painted all that sky!
22 x 24 inches acrylic on masonite

Nest on round aluminum tray

This is a recycled cookie tray about 24 inches wide.
I always knew being an artist would be fun because a studio can (and should) be a place of play. When I was a child my grandmother exposed me to Alexander Calder. He had a studio near her home in France. Once in proximity to Calder it was obvious to anyone, even a shy child like me, that here was a grown up who knew how to play. I didn't see many other adults with that skill intact.
The week after my open studio has been one of playful abandon.

Creepy eyes watching you painting

This is a fun piece- fit for halloween- I tell children it is my "security camera"... the eyes follow you.
But the thoughts tend to wander...