LizArtWork.com

Getting Organized and Back on Track

Liz — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 18:18:40 +0000

I have collected quite a bit of photographic images over the years. This weekend I began to root through and decide which of these images are worth keeping as reference material for new paintings. The more I began to dig through what I had the more overwhelming the task became. Photos were intermingled in albums and envelopes with only some semblance of order. I am seeking inspiration as part of my creative process in developing concepts for new small oil paintings. The goal is to exhibit these in the invitational show at the Philadelphia Sketch Club in October. In addition, on a larger scale, I am working on ideas for a a colorful dynamic landscape that will fill a 30″ x 40″ canvas. Overall, it was wonderful to make the time to sit and review my images, organize my thoughts in order to move ahead with my paintings.

Back to my Studio

Liz — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 20:30:18 +0000

The holidays are over and I enjoyed seeing all my family and friends, but now it is time to get back on track.
As much as it is great to take a hiatus, it is time to jump back in and paint,paint, paint. So I cleaned up the studio and set up my new table easel. On the easel, I placed a new birch panel that is gessoed in a warm rose tone. I decided that I would start a new painting to work out that rusty feeling. I chose to paint a composition of a bride and her reflection in a gilded mirror. As I painted, I work to keep the energy of the brush strokes loose. This “warm up” will serve me well when I return to the paintings that I have in progress. My goal is keep the look of my work fresh, loose, expressive, and painterly.

True to yourself

Liz — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 15:00:43 +0000

Last night as I was working on a pastel portrait, I am mindful to keep focused on my aesthetic. I continue to work on trusting my own instincts while incorporating the good painting and drawing techniques. In each and every work I produce, I strive to express my unique vision of the subject at hand.

Make it Count

Liz — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 14:15:10 +0000

Last night as I worked on a pastel piece and an oil painting, I reminded myself to make each brush stroke count. During my painting process, I continue to ask myself: “What drew me into this composition, what is my focus, and where are the key highlights that will make this piece pop?” My goal is to breakdown each area of a piece into blocks of simple values and shapes. Painting with purpose creates sharp, expressive work.

A New Direction

Liz — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:44:52 +0000

I would like to think that as an artist I am willing to step beyond the established “artworld” boundaries. The paradox is that I working towards creating unique artwork while carrying on the same daily routine. I realize that habit is essential in structuring discipline, but I sense that it is leading me to a “sameness” in my paintings. Everyday I tell myself to change it up, use a different technique or method, do something that you makes you skittish. I ned to take chances and make the “mistakes”. And then I will begin to gain the insight to go in a new direction.

Working on multiple paintings

Liz — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:56:16 +0000

When I walk into my studio I am faced with multiple unfinished works. As I approach a particular piece , the initial response I have to the piece is fresh . But as time wears on, my eye starts to hone in on the details. It is at this point that I know I am taking the painting down a tedious path. To remedy this, I have more multiple pieces going on at a time. Some may say that this shows a lack of attention and focus. I see it as a change in perspective that will yield a fresh eye once again.

Find the energy in the paint

Liz — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:17:04 +0000

In looking over the last two or three pieces that I have completed, I have noticed that I have become tentative using the oil paints. Some earlier paintings of mine were rich in the synergy of the paint and the brushwork. Last night while working on a painting of a deep pink and white variegated rose, I reminded myself, maybe even ordered myself to get back to what is me. Get back to the energy, the expressiveness of the oil paints. After a few hours of working in this mindset, I was much happier with my results. So going forward I will continue to work on remaining true to me.

Overworked

Liz — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 04:20:52 +0000

It is now late in the evening and I have to pull myself away from the painting I am working on. I need to be rested for my day job tomorrow. When I begin a painting the look is fresh and immediate. This freshness can be beaten down by overworking the image. The key is to keep a fresh eye and not enter into the realm of tedium.

Expression in Black & White with Color

Liz — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 04:06:10 +0000

I have made my first attempt at uploading a work in progress. This is an oil painting on birch panel with stark black & white flowers in the background and rich red tulips in the foreground. I wanted to work with a black and white image as well as with a color image on the same surface. These flowers are from photos taken at the Philadelphia Flower Show which I visit every year. As I develop the composition, the black and white flowers appear to take on a spirituality as they rise behind the tulips. I am continuing to focus on using rich, broad painterly strokes for the tulips in the foreground to make them pop.

Drop Off Day

Liz — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 01:39:47 +0000

The “Philadelphia Sketch Club of South Jersey Members Show” will be held from February 5th through the 28th with a reception on Friday February 5th. One of my submissions is the oil painting of the Rowers on the Cooper River that I completed last night. After all is said and done, there is something to be said for deadlines. Time contraints give a you a push to make decisions rather than dragging your feet. Positive stress can be a good thing when striving toward your goal. As important as it is to create qulaity work, it is also important to show your work to the public. While the deadlines and logistics of an exhibition may seem tedious, the end to the means is quite rewarding.