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Sunday, August 1, 2010

Past Loves

























Cross My Heart 12 X 12 acrylic, ink, oil stick, and charcoal on canvas

Are you getting tired of me jumping around and not sticking with one style? The truth is I paint what I need to learn. Last week I set out to paint an abstract, and a seascape appeared. I'd never done a seascape, and I'd just returned from Charleston,S.C., so I wasn't surprised when the ocean emerged on my canvas. This week I did return to one of my past loves(according to this week's Mixed Media Monday prompt), and I managed to actually finish this abstract piece. Despite this blog post title, the term "past love" is relative because I've only just been painting for about two and a half years. I painted a few abstracts back at the beginning, and, since my college art appreciation days in the '70's, I've been totally fascinated by Matisse's fauvism, Kandinsky's abstract expressionism, and Picasso's cubism. More recently, I've been studying the powerful work of Katherine Treffinger, an established painter from Oregon, and an emerging Atlanta artist, named Melissa Payne Baker, known for her strong color palettes and thick texture.

The secret language of form and color in abstract art inspires me. I love the task of trying to achieve balance and meaningful interplay in nonrepresentational art. When I work in the abstract, I feel challenged and free at the same time. Like I said, for me, painting is all about learning, but sometimes it's about having fun too. When both happen, it's perfect.

15 comments:

Lori Saul said...

Yes this is perfect- I've noticed a bit of abstract in your backgrounds but this whole piece is superb. A wonderful balance of color and sketchiness. I find myself looking for form but it is a form in itself. Truly lovely!

Nan said...

I really like your art and this is very beautiful as always. I can't paint abstracts but I was always fascinated with Kandinsky's work and still have a small book of his work.

Rosie said...

Gloriously vibrant and full of colour Kathy. I LOVE how you explain your process, your thinking and your passions - it's such an enlightening and inspiring read! Bravo!

johanna said...

love your post... the painting and your thoughts about the process...

Marit said...

Oh my... I love this painting too! Yes, I can see Kandinsky... I love your bright colours! Learning while having fun - that's the ultimate combination! I wish you a lot of that in the next week!

Cindy Adkins said...

Oh, I love this painting, Kathy! I especially love the title and how it is played out on the canvas...beautiful and vibrant! I've worked with so many new mediums this past year that I always feel like I'm a work-in-progress...
Have a beautiful day!
Cindy
xo

Cindy Adkins said...

Hi Kathy,
I am coming back on here because I just saw your post about your blog...I think it looks great AND I love the music...it's awesome!

My website has the black background and the thing about it is I think it shows off the art the best...so, that's why I think this looks great, PLUS I love your header.
Hugs,
Cindy

Unknown said...

oh this is great Kathy!!! what a wonderful piece...love the colours and textures!!! you are amazing!!!

WrightStuff said...

Well I for one am glad that you jump around so much - it means we get to see all these great pictures. Very impressed that you've only been painting for 2 years.

Silvia(Barnie) said...

Wonderful painting.

joanna said...

I love the vibrant colours in this painting, Kathy! your work is wonderful!!
xoxo

ALTERED ARTIFACTS said...

Stunning!
Inka :)

Jenny said...

Lovely post Kathy and gorgeous abstract...such wonderful colors...

Jenny x

Mary said...

Hi Kathy...I haven't been by for a couple of weeks...I must say, my jaw dropped. I love the "love" pieces...the colors rock!!!

Diane said...

Amazing, Kathy! Diane