Exploration

Way to the Pond

By Susan Roux

Original oil painting 30x40"

Exploration.

What comes to mind for you? A simple word filled with intrigue and wonder. A journey into something unknown, something unfamiliar. Oh, the things we could explore! Anything from what's in our minds or deep in our hearts, to a walk down a different path or even a shopping spree. It all qualifies.

I feel like having a day of exploration. Will you join me?

Today, between loads of laundry, I want to explore color. I want to move paint around in no particular way, just move it around. I want to react to what I see appear before me on canvas. Just let it flow. Let my emotions flow out of me in whatever color or shade presents itself. I want to explore unfamiliar mixtures. Pretend my palette is magical and watch what it creates. I want to make surprises happen.

Today is February first. Let's get out of the daily humdrum we get caught in, especially in the middle of winter. Let's shake things up and put some excitement in our day. Let's take a little voyage into the unexpected. Go someplace different for lunch. Call an old friend out of the blue. Bake cookies for your family. Anything. Anything different. Go have an exploration that will make you smile and stimulate your spirit!

Let spirits soar

The snow is falling. Quietly falling.

I awoke to six inches of new snow and it continues to dance down in large beautiful flakes. It clings to everything, every branch, every object. I love the interesting shapes it creates, transforming shrubs and evergreens into magnificent works of art! My garden bench is always a particular favorite. With every snow fall and partial melting in between, it becomes an evolving work of art. The snow shapes left behind and the new snow added collects on the rails and slats in new and interesting patterns each time. I could stare out the window all day...

Black-capped chickadees take turns at the bird-feeders. The green gazebo shaped one is their favorite. I love the way the snow cones up high on its roof. In and out they go. The tufted titmouse joins in their feasting. Aside from the continuous falling snow, theirs is the only movement.

A day of calm and serenity awaits. My spirit rests. After the recent difficult news our family has received, a day of rest is is needed and welcomed. I'll start a fire in the wood stove. The warm heat will add to the day's peacefulness, relaxing the body to its core.

I will paint.

My "children at the beach" series needs my attention. They sit dry, calling to be added to. Dripping new layers of paint will be healing. I chuckle at the contrast with the day. Pure white snow and cold temperatures versus oceans of color on a warm beach day. Its exactly what my spirit needs. Don't you just love dates with your easel? In the calmness, I'll let my creativity soar.

Pictured is Marching, a finished painting in this series. I have many to go to be ready with inventory for my galleries this year. I think painting is the best job someone could have. Today is a holiday, but I choose to go work on my day off...

I wish you moments to let your spirit soar, no matter how heavy life may feel. Those precious days of calm and peacefulness are a gift to be embraced. Go embrace yours with whatever makes you feel good!

Ocean Roses 2

Ocean Roses

Susan Roux painting in progress...

This is a continuation of last week's post titled Ocean Roses. I wanted to show you the painting in progress as it develops with my class. When teaching a beginning class, I simplify things differently than if I were painting alone. When I run across similar elements in a painting that other classes have struggled with, I search for new ways to simplify it further.

Last class we concentrated on our flowers. We began by placing the yellow centers. Rugosa roses are structured differently than florist roses. I find it necessary to point out the structure of something before we paint it. If your subject is not understood, its very difficult to paint it correctly. These particular flowers are cup-shaped and have few petals. Class was very familiar with these coastal beauties and the grand perfume even one blossom can give off. How wonderful it would have been to have a bowl of them on the table! The fragrance alone would have aided in capturing the spirit, the essence of these delicate delights.

We painted them from outside in, pulling each petal towards our yellow centers. This gave us control over the outside shape, but allowed us to let the brush flow gently and freely towards the center. Paint them too rigidly and you loose the dainty properties of a flower all together...

After finishing blocking in the blossoms, we had time to begin the greenery. We focused on the bulging form of the plant, moving values from dark to light. Time ran out and it left the incomplete painting at a strange stage to stare at all week. I don't think I ever left greenery to sit like this before. It will be interesting to return to it next class and connect it like a unified form. Teaching has a way of presenting its own unique challenges...

Its part of what keeps it exciting, challenging and fun!

I'll keep you posted on our progression as we bring our painting to its end.

After class, two students had fun painting a different canvas. Paul has been using his sweatshirt as a cleaning rag, continually wiping his brushes on himself. During class he mentioned he should use the excess pink shades and paint a heart over the greying strokes on his shirt.

Jen proceeded to help him accomplish this...

Nothing wrong with a little fun...

Don't take your art too seriously. It will be better if you take time to relax and have fun with it!