Friday, February 23, 2018

Two From the Desert - Ruth Andre



"Desert Grasses"
Image - Acrylic on Paper 5.5"x7.5"
Matted - 14"x14"
by Ruth Andre


"Wind Currents"
Image - Acrylic on Paper 5.5"x7.5"
Matted - 14"x14"
by Ruth Andre

After returning from Joshua Tree desert I painted these two paintings. The paintings are minimal in color but so very much like the desert land. The desert feels ancient with its desolate solitude. The torn bottom of the painting edge gives the feeling of the desert's roughness. It reminds one to be strong and diligent.  It is amazing to see the plants and animals that thrive in the desert with little water. My framer, Jim Ginney, made these lovely heavy bottom mats. I think he did a fabulous job and it is fun to see my paintings accented so well. Thank-you, Jim.
It has been, "A Painting Day".





Monday, February 19, 2018

Desert at Dusk - Ruth Andre



"Desert At Dusk I and II"
Vertical and Horizontal Views
Each Painting: 3"x10" Acrylic on Paper
by Ruth Andre

I have procrastenated long enough and need to move from the house back to my painting studio. I do love having my paints ready at any hour of the day or night without making the pilgrimage to the barn studio. I have gotten spoiled it appears. This diptych, "Desert At Dusk" was inspired while visiting Joshua Tree, California, the dessert community near Palm Springs. I had a chance to watch the changing sky and the shadows on the surrounding mountains. The desert colors are subtle and bold all in one. It has been, "A Painting Day".

 Lily is only a freshman, so there are a few years yet before she is at that point. 

Sunday, February 18, 2018


"Mountain Side"
4"x4" Acrylic on Paper
Matted and Framed 10"x10"
$250

This is a small painting full of energy and strength. I am enjoying being back in Sutter Creek but the visit to Joshua Tree has given me new painting energy. 
It has been, "A Painting Day".


Saturday, February 17, 2018

Two Doors Down - Ruth Andre


"Two Doors Down"
5"x4" Acrylic On Paper
Matted and Framed 12"x12"
by Ruth Andre

I think the title, "Two Doors Down" really makes this painting. The title may make the viewer take a second look and ponder about what is going on. While in the desert we saw lots of  white sand and in different neighborhoods homes painted in bright and unusual colors. There is a free spirit that prevails in the desert. It is hard to describe but it is there. Joshua Tree, California is becoming an art outpost and enticing many artists to the area. It is also close to Palm Springs if one needs a bit of city in their life. 


Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Happy Valentine's Day - Ruth Andre


Heart Rock - Joshua Tree Desert-2018



Heart Rock Collection - Sutter Creek
Ruth Andre

The post today is about hearts, love and remembrance. I hope you all have a wonderful loved-filled Valentine's Day. My husband and I went to Joshua Tree, California this past weekend to visit property purchased by my late father many years ago. Joshua Tree was a very sleepy little desert community that has now grown in population ten times over. Luckily my father's land is still in a quiet area allowing the desert's serenity to remain. As we walked the property and checked boundary lines my thoughts were filled with my father's love for this country. It was an emotional visit and as I walked along I found a heart-rock and then another and another as shown in the first heart-rock photos above. I have been collecting rocks all of my life and lately rock-hearts have fallen to my prey. I question what to do with this raw land and wondering if my father is still telling me to keep it in some mystical way. It has been, "A Rock Hunting Day".



Saturday, February 3, 2018

Nest - Five and Six - Ruth Andre



"Nest- Five and Six"
Acrylic on 9"x12"Paper
Each painting can be matted and framed together or separately


The "Nest" paintings are growing in numbers and each one has its own story. You will see in these two painting the Blue lines traveling through the paintings. The found nest had blue baling twine woven in and around the oak branches. I could not resist adding the vibrant blue color in these two nest paintings. It has been, "A Painting Day".






Friday, February 2, 2018

Nest-Four - Ruth Andre


"Nest-Four"
Acrylic on 9"x12" Paper
by Ruth Andre

The nest was found in the creek with water washing over its sides. The small nest branches and the found twining  were dark and soaked through. The creek is a never ending source of inspiration one just needs to stop and look. It has been, "A Painting Day".



Thursday, February 1, 2018

Nest-Three - Ruth Andre


"Nest-Three"
Acrylic on 9"x12" Paper
by Ruth Andre

This is "Nest-Three" in the series. I have been enjoying the freedom of working with acrylics on heavy water color paper. The palette of colors is quite different compared  with the oil paints that are my usual choice.  I am a little frustrated at times but also find it interesting. I have been learning a whole new color palette for mixing my favorite hues. It has been, "A Painting Day".