Newest Paintings!

"Genesis" 12x24" expressive and intuitive abstract

I created this piece most recently as I was instantly inspired and determined to finish this painting along with a, let's say, "kindred spirit" painting, "Evolution". This piece is the smaller of the two and was named "Genesis" as this piece was the beginning for the color palette. The carmine/red color represents the birth of this painting and the inspiration and idea with the color palette that I chose.

"Evolution" 24x24" expressive and intuitive abstract

I created this piece most recently as I was instantly inspired and determined to finish this painting along with a, let's say, "kindred spirit" painting, "Genesis". This piece is the larger of the two and was named "Evolution" because I took the color palette chosen for both pieces and changed my brush strokes and markings and evolved the colors into a very moving and expressive and intuitive piece. As you look closer you will still see hints of the carmine/red color that was also used in "Genesis" because it represented the birth/the beginning. I included more green into this painting to represent the growth of these paintings and their color story.

“The Light Within” 24x24” expressionist and intuitive abstract

This painting gave me such joy to create. As always, my favorite part of my paintings are how I can get lost in them when creating as well as when viewing the finished creation. For me, I like to look at all of the different markings and squiggles from each layer. I find it calming.

"Works from the Heart" Donated Art Piece

I’m happy to say that this piece, “You Are Loved” will be donated towards a great organization called Kids First, Inc. in Elizabeth City, NC. They’ll be holding an artwork gala fundraiser on May 3, 2019!

I felt this painting was most appropriate with its title and color story. These colors are bright and colorful and I hope to inspire feelings of happiness and peace when one sees this painting. May it find a new loving home and may they find peace and happiness when viewing this painting.

I was recently told by an artist friend about this child abuse center and their need for donated artwork to help raise funds. The center helps provide on-site medical and forensic evaluation as well as support for the child and family after the fact. There’s so much more that they do so please feel free to look them up or read the brochure included in this post.

Anything Goes 2018 Ending Reception

Well the month for the exhibit surely came and went very quickly. Unfortunately I didn't place in the exhibit and I didn't sell my "Awake" piece but that's okay. Sure it's a little discouraging. I would by lying if I told you I didn't feel a twinge of disappointment from not placing and/or not selling my artwork. We all will feel disappointment or feel discouraged at some point especially when it's a career that you put your heart and soul into, but it's best we don't let that deter us from meeting our goals and dreams.

To all of the dreamers and doers - Keep on dreaming and doing! You WILL get there in due time.

Not every artist (or whatever your field is) made it overnight. Seriously. I believe every artist I've EVER come across or talked to have said that they didn't make it overnight. For some, it took a few years and some it took over a decade before they "made it" to a more satisfactory state of their career.

Some days I feel like What's the point? and other days I feel confident and thinking to myself I got this!

I look forward to submitting to more exhibits and call for artists and more importantly to just keep creating more art.

When do I consider my artwork to be "complete"?

I recently came across a posting from Zen Art Supplies on Instagram. They asked their followers/viewers "How do you know when a work is finished?".

Ironically I JUST  had this exact discussion with my husband the night prior to seeing their post.

So, when do I personally consider my artwork to be complete? Is it every really complete? 

Well, I suppose I could just say, "It's just a feeling." Even though that's true...to an extent...there's more to my process. I do love texture, movement, and a color with my paintings but what is something that can add an extra element to my paintings?

A few months back I started to really think about ways to help me make my pieces more dynamic...to dig a little deeper into my mind and my soul on what else can inspire me to achieve this. 

Once I got lost in thought, I thought to myself What if someone was colorblind and looked at my painting? What would they see? Would they be able to enjoy my painting just as much as a person who sees color?  Will they be just as moved by my painting by seeing the variations of lights and darks as opposed to a person who sees the colored version? 

That's when I decided to use the B&W feature on my phone's camera. You may be thinking Dana, that's not really a big deal...there are plenty of artists who use B&W on their cameras to view values. Yes, it really helps to see the color values.  For me, it was so much more than that. It was more than seeing if there are too many areas of lightness or darkness? It helped me see my paintings in a new light, so to speak. This became another way to help me connect with viewers.

I used this for the recent painting I was working on for an upcoming juried show. It's one thing to see your painting with the colors you used, it's another to see it in a different way using B&W. Prior to viewing it in B&W, it seemed to be missing something...seemed like there wasn't enough contrast in my painting. After seeing it in B&W, I realized my suspicions were true (in my opinion) and I added a few different "areas of interest" by using more color and brush strokes until it looked and felt complete not only in color but also in B&W. 

I wanted to include Before/After photos of the painting so hopefully help you see what I'm talking about. Unfortunately, a photo never quite does a painting justice since they are better when experienced up close and personal.