Treasures

My mother loved painting and drawing, as did her father;  I remember many times when she was painting and drawing when I was young. (My brother and I were fascinated by this and she encouraged us to explore the arts and music.) She did several tempera paintings and oils, yet she preferred charcoal drawing.  Unfortunately, most of her drawings and paintings are gone (given away or misplaced).


My brother was cleaning out boxes of things in his attic and "WALLA!", found the cat charcoal drawing she was the most proud of. I was sitting with her the other night when he walked in the door with it. It made us so happy to see the expression on her face.

The photo does not do it justice, but here it is. What a treasure!

I am hoping to sort through my hiding places to see what I can find...I know I have some more of her work someplace!  I will post them as I find them. 

Against the Wind

    This early winter morning I woke, made the morning coffee as usual. The warm rising sun peered over the hill and through the window to where I sat sipping my fresh brew. The turbulent wind was howling bringing the temperature down to about 26 degrees here in the hollow. I sat amazed as the birds were able to fly against the wind, with the wind and coast to their destinations. They are amazing....

Against the Wind, an ink drawing on recycled paper 

was created with tis feeling in mind. 

New Works- Oil and Cold Wax

     Last summer I began experimenting with Encaustics, painting with melted wax and pigments. I have tried it a dew times since, and I adore the sensual feeling of the medium, as well as the numerous ways to work with the medium. It is amazingly forgiving to work with!


     Time constraints have been limiting my ability to work with the Encaustics, so after a little research, I ordered a medium called 'cold wax'. Dorland's and Gamblin both make it. Last weekend, I tried the Dorland's first. I mixed it with various amounts of cold wax, experimenting to see how it best worked for me. 

"Dancing Leaves" (C) gls oil and cold wax   8" x 16"   POR

     Beginning with the wax, oils, and q-tips to paint with, I layered on dots of color, painted broad strokes of paint, and used my fingers to blend color straight on the substrate (which, like Encaustic, has to be sturdy). while I am in the stages of experimenting with this medium, I was pleased with as few of the pieces, so far. There are so many ways to handle the medium, and I plan to explore them all. I plan on brayering, laminating, stamping, carving, and drawing into the cold wax layers to see what happens with each tool. 

   

"Bent Mountain Spring" (C) gls oil and cold wax   8" x 16"   

POR

     For now, the cold wax is similar to Encaustic, but I interpret it a tad differently than the typical hot wax mediums. Now, I am just hoping for time to further my experiments. Any ideas, or suggestions would be appreciated!

Last weekend I finally had a day to work in the studio. It was heavenly. Being able to loose yourself in paint, ink, and thought works wonders for the soul. 

"Caged Window 2" 

ink drawing on recycled paper (C) gls