Abstract view of Atlanta in 1980

Here is a fairly new piece of work. Once again I used collage to organize the page and was inspired by a photograph of the skyline of Atlanta in 1980. Of course, I took some artistic license and moved some of the shapes around to suit my composition. I painted on top of the collage with acrylics. This measures 20x24" and is on paper.

the continued journey of a painting

well, it is hard to believe the journey this little painting has taken. I think it changed drastically when I decided to fit it into my "rhythm of the universe" series. It was a natural mutation, the original painting was just the beginning layer. Many layers and much work later, hopefully you can see the evolution. Using salt, celophane and coffee, then drawing back on the marking that were made created great texture!

Back in December, I was involved in a show titled 12x12.   It consisted of 12 artists that did 12 pieces of work that measured 12"x12", and of course, it was held on 12/12.   While the show was successful, I had some inventory left.

Well, early in 2008 I started my "Rhythm of the Universe" series, which you can see below.   The other day I was looking at this painting and realized I was already utilizing circle.   However, it didn't fit in that series.   So, I started out by neutralizing the color, and added texture with sand and salt.    I thought it would be interesting to post where the painting is going now.

What you see above is the direction of the current painting on the top, with the original painting, as it appeared in the 12x12 show in December.   

I am hoping by posting here reqularly, it will help me paint more consistently.    If I post a 1/2 finished painting, I will go ahead and finish it in a couple of days to post the new one.

I will be having a one - person show at Georgia Perimeter College in October, and I only have 12 pieces completed, and most are not framed.   I have 5 paintings that have been started, so I have to get busy!!!!!

  

PASSION OF THE DANCE - ABSTRACT DRESS

This is one of the larger pieces I've done, measuring 36" x24". The first layer of the painting is made up of dress patterns and collage that contains references to tango. There are small dance steps through out the painting. I like to paint dresses that appear to be worn, but the person isn't visible. Because of the dance references, I softened the edges to make it appear as if it is motion. This was originally done for a show entitled "RED", that was shown at Georgia Perimeter College with the Women's Caucus of Art in Georgia. I am going to continue a series like this

ABSTRACT COLLAGE BASED ON A PHOTOGRAPH OF ATLANTA

This is basically a collage, I organized the page with paper, including airline tickets and old monoprints, stamps, etc. I used a photograph of the skyline of Atlanta in 1970 to organize the page. Once the page was organized with the collage, I painted on top of it, creating an abstract view of Atlanta in 1970. This is back when the Polaris at the Regency was the highest point on the skyline. My how it has changed!

ATLANTA COLLAGE SOCIETY GROUP SHOW

if you want to see these pieces in person - come to the opening on 7/17 at Limetree Gallery on Lavista Road! This piece has collage of outdated Italian Lire, as wel as stamps and netting. I think it is kind of interesting!

WHAT TO HANG UP FOR THE ATLANTA COLLAGE SOCIETY SHOW?

I titled this piece "Let's Dance" - I like the way the dress moves without a body. The collage is dress patterns, appropriate for the image! I love using dress patterns as collage, I love the lines and the shapes. They are a great tool for organizing a page

A CREATIVE IDEA FROM ONE OF MY FAVORITE FELLOW ATLANTA ABSTRACT ARTIST

Check out my friend Lance's blog by clicking on the title. He has found a unique way of using blogging to help him decide what to submit to shows. The Atlanta Collage Society's next show will open on Thursday 7/17 at LimeTree Gallery on Lavista Road in Atlanta. I am submitting paintings that began as collage - so they are technically "collage".

Fireworks in the sky

Marc Chagall -

Did you know Marc Chagall was actually born  Moishe Shagal, and when the namae was rendered in Russian, it became Mark Zakharovich Shaglalov.   Today, I was feeling a little whimsical, and because his works often have whimsy and fantasy in them, I decided to do a little research on him.

One of my favorite art quotes is attributed to him:   "Great art picks up where nature ends".

also  "If I create art from the heart, nearly everything works; if from the head, almost nothing".

Look him up on wikipedia - the link is  http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc_chagall

Who is your favorite painter?

ART QUOTES OF THE DAY

I have decided to post art quotes, when I haven't any new work to post.    Today  I was looking at quotes regarding accidents in paintings.   My Rhythm of the Universe series began as an accident. It began with me putting down layer and layers, experiementing with as many different things I could come up with.    Surprisingly, circles began emerging, and alas, my new series!  So - a couple of quote, I'll begin with George Carlin, an homage to a great comedian.

"Doesn't "expecting the unexpected" make the unexpected expected?"  George Carlin

"All painting is an accident.   But it's also not an accident, because one must select what part of the accident one chooses to preserve."   Francis Bacon