Just back from new orleans

Giving eggs continued

Stacked with books and set with a backdrop of a romantic pair of horse riders... Give me my fantasies. Another egg scene is of a small pot of growing flowers, and mini seed packets. Give me my seeds of hope. And the third is of a cow lounging by the mailbox, and a letter/ envelope resting on the ground. Give me my home farm. Sorry for the blurry scene. These Lenten eggs are impossible for me to photograph.

Inside my own head...

I am in plenty of company. There's constant chatter about plans, dreams, failures,forgetfulness... Days when I follow the steps needed to take to be clear and to paint...and other days when I am just showing up to the desk with no ideas except to put in the time. Does having coffee matter? Does a morning ritual of prayer make a difference? Does staring at an empty bank account help the focus? I wouldn't mind today if someone stopped by and distracted me!

Out to face the world

The weather seems on our side these days... letting us get to the important stuff.

Chicken transition

sold
In order to celebrate the first day of spring I am feeding my five hens and one rooster some peanut butter cookies. Yesterday we cleaned out the shed- their winter abode- and have started transitioning them to their summer home on wheels.
Sitting outside the studio this morning I saw my first winter snow bird- a Winnebago- heading north... We are all the same- chickens and Florida tourists! Just following the sun. This chicken painting has been sold to raise funds for Haiti. If you would like a chicken painting I accept commissions for small (4x6/ 5x 7 inches) $250, medium (9x 12) $400, and larger...

Never too early 4 mother's day

SOLD- Thank you Ms. Stanley!
Why not give your mother something that will last? Flowers die, and even a broken heart heals- but paintings last forever (when properly handled).

The subject of these was a holiday bouquet from my sons a couple years ago. Still look fresh and alive!
These are two small 4 x 6 and 5 x 6 paintings on paper. Available this week only on eBay. Search for works by "Tilly Strauss".

Beautiful place called home

SOLD- thanks Elise!
Thanks for the feedback- almost overwhelmingly the third sketch is the favorite. I also feel- though I may have challenges anatomically with the neck and shoulders, that this image will be the easiest- free flowing and nice... not as loaded as the other two could be. I will post the painting as it progresses. Right now I am excited about the sunshine and a forecast that promises I might be able to paint on location tomorrow! Did I tell you I live in this most beautiful place on earth. This landscape is why I want to live here. This actual site is where I wanted to have my son's eyes first open to daylight and whisper to him, "welcome to the planet earth", 6822 days ago today.

Questions in sketches

Pondering my intention and afraid of manifesting the wrong thing, I did a couple sketches tonight instead of starting another panel. Not sure which one of the three I will go with. The first one seemed a bit bent over... too much navel gazing? The second one, where she stares down the road might bit a wee bit harsh in both pose and landscape. The third one ties in a local landscape- actually a scene from the most beautiful place on earth, and has a nice one quarter profile, but I am not sure the drawing is a strong when it comes to the neck and shoulder definition. If anyone reads this, tell me quick which one you'd choose. Which one would you choose? Why?And do you like one egg or three in the nest?

Steps to forgive

I think I've stopped dissolving. This painting has gone through as many transformations as my flighty horoscope-gemini-mood-moon-calendar! First it was too illustrative, then unbearably dark and shadowy. A frustrated brainless attack left the painting a surface victim. Now, after today, I find the line and color are resolving themselves. In my own life I am starting to feel less the protagonist in a dramatic short story, not as much in the guilt ridden shadows, and actually, eventually, more substantial and brilliant. It took measures such as confessional tea dates with very patient girlfriends, driving across states to help a bigger cause, spending time rooted with siblings, working the gratitude list, crying salty oceans, and telling myself over and over that I forgive me. I forgive me. I didn't do it perfectly, but I can believe in more joy. The maps in the image are of places I have been and had wonderful times in... Boulder, Boston, etc..

PAINTINGS for Haiti/ red cross

ALL SOLD




I spent much of the weekend painting for the red cross effort in Haiti. On Friday, 7 artists set up in the Providence Convention Center under the guidance and inspiration of Kim Ellery (see her at table). Kim had gotten sponsors to donate materials and the booth space. The artists were diverse and working in pastel, oils, pen and ink. It was like a glutton being at an all-u-can-eat buffet. I just cranked out the paintings and tried a new material for each one. Love the panels...

Thankful that I can help others

Heading to the Rhode Island marathon paint-a-thon for Red Cross/Haiti. Jerry's Art-a-rama is providing canvases and I will be painting for 8 straight hours- (probably at least two chicken canvases!). All the paintings will be sold lottery style and proceeds donated to help the earthquake victims. I don't know how else I can help. My sister Lise flies down there on Saturday to help set up schools in refuge camps along the Dominican border for the homeless, school-less kids. I am thankful to Kim Ellery for coming up with this idea and letting me be a part of it. I will post images on the blog when I get back on Sunday.
Meanwhile I have eggs in the studio. A whole workshop of busy bunny eggs... gift items... help an artist!

Ransom note with empty nest

Sometimes paintings fall flat, and other times they sing. This one makes me cry. I am not sure who (get in line), or even what, it is meant to convey the message to.
My studio is downsizing. Had to give notice today.

Some kids just love to paint

mill street loft

Building an arc in one day

On a clear blue sky day I faced the task of building an arc for Noah's Flood at the Rhinebeck Performing Arts Center. Due to scheduling difficulties I had only a day to start and finish it... It was pretty awesome! Thank you Michael for helping. Thank you Cait for the opportunity!

Some wolves at the door

I am attached to my anxiety. After all, doesn't it prove I am a good mother if I worry? What kind of mother would live as if she had nobody to worry about? How can I paint when there is so much anxiety?

killing a prickly plant softly with my song

I can see from where I am sitting at this keyboard, that I am killing the cacti. It lacks water. My paint feels all dried up. Is there no juice at all these days? I am failing in my Lenten commitment to create an egg based idea every day. I have ideas, I have eggs, I don't have inspiration, and I don't have focus. I am also wondering if I have the skills, or the voice. Nothing is flowing easy. In truth, the idea, though possibly clever, is a stupid waste of time. I have better things to do- even if it is to just pace back and forth in front of my easel, or wander from desk to drawing table, and stare out the window. (ndp)

UPCOMING show at the RPA

Noah's Flood Adapted from the Chester Cycle, Directed by Cait Johnson.
I am doing the props for it... The show opens Friday April 9th!

Vulnerable as a peach flying south

SOLD
Funny how a fruit can be autobiographical! I Feel like this old painting of mine captures my evening:half blushed, rolling, alone (by choice),and bruising. On paper... made from cotton and Iris leaf pulp. Need to purge stuff away right now... cleaned a closet and found an almost full pack of diapers. Is it 14 years old? This painting is 5 years old. Selling it on eBay this week. Need to raise funds. Being an artists isn't cheap!
No egg for this 12th day of Lent. I have fallen behind, having only painted eight. Hope to get back on track soon.