Combining Still Life and Abstract

"Oranges in a White Bowl"
8" x 8" acrylic and collage on canvas
Prints available for purchase here on Imagekind.com

I'm continuing to experiment with different styles and combinations in my work. I decided to combine still life and abstract elements this time using lots of texture.

I was inspired to do this piece because of some beautiful new paper that my wonderful friend, Melissa Langer of Pugnotes bought me for my birthday. Here's the actual paper (below)...it's a very thin rice paper that's great to collage with. You can see how I used it...with the paper showing through the white bowl in the painting. Melissa gave me two other sheets with the same pattern in different colors so I'm looking forward to using those too. Thanks Melissa!

Collage Paper

Revamp and Renew

"A Delicate Balance"
6" x 7" acrylic and collage on canvas"

Original available in my Etsy Shop
Prints available online at ImageKind.com

In working towards a new "mark" in my work, I decided it would be fun to revamp a couple of my older paintings. My thought is that it will show me more clearly some changes that are developing in my style. I also hope it will help guide me to finding new paths of expression.

The painting above, A Delicate Balance" is a revamp of the painting below on the left which WAS titled,"Happy Chances". I would love to hear your opinions about the differences between the old and the new!

New Tomato Painting

"EH Tomato"
5" x 6" acrylic and collage on paper

So, I'm wondering if I should start calling these paintings "Abstills"? They're not a traditional still life...and not quite an abstract. Let's see...how about "Lifestracts"? NOT!

I don't know if any of you watch the "American Masters" series on PBS? We watched one the other night about Annie Leibovitz that was wonderful. I've always loved her work and I appreciate her even more now. Her photos are powerful and unique. You always know a Leibovitz photo when you see it.

By the way...I DID start an Abby Creek Etsy shop so take a looksie when you have some time. I just posted the above painting for sale.

New Abstract

"Jumping Off"
3.5" x 4.5" acrylic and collage on paper

So I'm thinking of starting to offer some of these smaller prints and paintings on Etsy. I haven't had any experience with Etsy yet so if any of you have some fabulous advice...please do tell! It would be so appreciated.

It's beautiful and bright here in Colorado today. The birds are out singing away...maybe a little too much so for me. Alright already! hee hee.

"The artist is a receptacle for emotions that come from all over the place; from the sky, from the earth, from a passing shape, from a spider's web." ~Pablo Picasso

An Artful Orange

"Orange"

8" x 8" acrylic and collage on canvas

As usual...I am drawn back to fruit! Fruit and vegetables always appeal to me in color, texture and shape. Maybe it's because I'm a vegetarian as well. All I know is I love to paint them.

Here are a couple of interesting, fun facts I bet you didn't know about Oranges...

1) Oranges were once considered the fruit of the gods; they were referred to as the “golden apples,” that Hercules stole.

2) After Francis I saved Marseilles from a Spanish siege, the ladies of Marseillaise pelted him with oranges as a token of their love and gratitude.

3) An orange tree in Europe referred to as the “Constable” is said to be four hundred and eighty-eight years old.

4) Oranges and orange blossoms have long been symbols of love.

Happy Friday!

Two new paintings

I felt like I was in a bit of an art slump today...I think because I haven't painted anything for a week since my mom was here. Anyway...I decided to do a couple of small abstracts to get the juices going. Not sure how I feel about these though. James says he likes them...but they are more "primitive" than the last ones. Hmmmmm...could he mean primitive in a primary color way...in composition...or just blech! If you have an opinion...please do let me know. I always welcome constructive criticism to help me change and grow in new directions.

This weekend, I will be working on finishing up the changes on the Border Collie painting...and two still lifes. Hope I have something to show you in a day or two.

Have a fun weekend!

Go on working freely and furiously, and you will make progress" - Paul Gauguin

Snow Dog Day!

Here's a picture of my sweet baby out in the snow today. Yes, it's snowing here again in Colorado. Will we ever see spring!? I must admit that I'm really getting tired of all this white stuff...but seeing Abby outside in it is a joy. I bet she looked like a little white snowball when she was a puppy. Since we adopted Abby from a shelter when she was two...we never got to see her when she was a little Abby. I wish I'd had the chance.

"Metamorphosis #16"

6" x 7" acrylic and collage on canvas

I just finished this abstract yesterday. I'm finding that often these days...I start out with one idea for an abstract...then end up with something completely different. They just seem to take on a life of their own as I go along.

Gotta get back now to working on "Jax" the Border Collie commission. I'll be able to show you the finished painting soon. :)