Daily Painting

two paintings of Providence

16"x20", oil on cradled panel. These cityscapes feel forced to me compared with the florals. But I want to give myself a chance to find a playful attitude with the cityscapes which might mean putting up with some discomfort for the time being. But if the discomfort keeps me out of the studio, as it has for the last several days, then maybe its not such a good idea? Ahh, well...

Watercolor sketches of same subjects here.

Brief indications: thrilling

In a conversation with Louis Aragon, Matisse spoke of his search for "the briefest possible indication of the character of a thing.” I am light years away from that but the idea is exciting and encourages a shift in approach. Its in keeping with recent conversations I have been having in class and with Elizabeth, who saw this idea on display in a Quentin Blake exhibition in April. I think she is employing it with thrilling results in her recent paintings .

Tonight the Weaver Library will be screening MATISSE: PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST, a film by Didier Baussy at 6:30PM. Afterwards their will be a brief discussion which I will facilitate with my usual grace and enthusiasm. Please come and share your thoughts.

5"x8", watercolor on watercolor paper.

More room to play

16"x20", oil on cradled panel.

After yesterday's watercolor class I had a great conversation with another artist about how paintings can be more interesting the more that is left to the imagination. Back in the studio I asked myself, on her advice, "How little can I do to express my ideas here?" and tried to stop before I thought I was finished so as to leave more room for the viewer to get in there and play. 

5"x8", watercolor and pencil on watercolor paper.

Providence watercolors

From Benefit street, looking west, toward downtown, between the buildings of the RISD Museum.

Washington Street, looking East.

 

Approximately 5"x8, watercolor, pencil and pen on watercolor paper.

Monday, May 20, Matisse film at the Weaver Library in East Providence, 6:30PM

Please join me at the Weaver Library Monday, May, 20th at 6:30PM for a screening of Matisse, a documentary film presented in conjunction with the Providence Artists Loop, a monthly program for artists and art enthusiasts. I will introduce the film and facilitate a brief discussion afterward.

Essaouria

The ancieant sea side town of Essaouria, on the Atlantic coast in Morocco. 8"x5", watercolor and pencil on watercolor paper. (See sketches of Essaouria's medina here and here.)

View from Prospect Park, Providence, RI

The view from Prospect Park, Providence, RI. 16"x20", oil on cradled panel. This one will be in a show at the AS220 project space in July.

Orange Tulips and a lime

From yesterday's still life class, with color swatches along the bottom. Oil on cradled panel, 16"x20".

Portsmouth pear

A demonstration painting from last Saturday's workshop at the Portsmouth Arts Guild in portsmouth, RI. Oil on canvas panel, approximately 5"x7".

Floral paintings at Studio Hop on Hope Street in Providence

This week the window displays at Studio Hop on Hope Street include some of my floral paintings. Owner Nina Tegu curates an appealing collection of art objects from a wide variety of sources. (And she's always wearing somehting really cool.) Seven Stars Bakery is two doors down!