A Painting Day

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Memories - Ruth Andre

"Memories"

7"x7" Acrylic-Oil-Wax on Paper

by Ruth Andre

This has been another busy week. The days are flying by. I just want to sit out on the back porch and enjoy the view. I did get to the studio yesterday and it felt so good to try a new painting approach. I started by using a graphite pencil and then filling in with large color acrylic shapes. The veiling of white oil and wax was the final layer. I like the contrast of the pale white and strong color shapes.

It has been, "A Painting Day".

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".

Saturday, January 20, 2018

WHODUNNIT - Ruth Andre

"Jackson Pass"

6"x6" Acrylic on Canvas

WHODUNNIT - 2018

by Ruth Andre

This painting, "Jackson Pass" will be shipped out next week to a wonderful showing called, WHODUNNIT. Each year the ART ASSOCIATION OF JACKSON puts on a wonderful fund raising show called, WHODUNNIT. Each artist submits a piece of art and only signs the back of the piece so it is anonymously shown. The WHODUNNIT show is quite popular and I wold imagine it is also a lot of fun for patrons viewing the many entries of art to purchase and take home. The art association facility is a beautiful and welcoming facility with many teaching programs.

For more information for WHODUNNIT check here

Since I am still convalescing from my holiday FALL I have set up a work station on the dining table. I have made a mess of things but the lighting is wonderful and I can stir the soup on the stove or throw in a wash between adding layers of paint. I kind of like my new space.

It has been, "A Painting Day".

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Plate Series - Gold Plated - Ruth Andre

"Plate Series - Gold Plated"

11"x11" Acrylic on Torn Paper

Matted and Framed 18"x18"

by Ruth Andre

$450

This is the third and last plate painted for this series. I hope you have enjoyed the whimsical plate paintings. Each painting brings with it thoughts of sharing and giving.

It has been, "A Painting Day".

Contact See More Work - Website

Representation - The Art Spirit Gallery

Sunday, December 10, 2017

Plate Series - Cake Plate - Ruth Andre

"Plate Series - Cake Plate"

11"x11" Acrylic on Torn Paper

Matted & Framed 18"x18"

by Ruth Andre

$450

Sometimes an artist needs to go off the reservation and just have a day to try a new technique or a new idea. The studio is a laboratory of sorts and when the door closes it is time for experimenting. The Paper Plate series was started a few years ago and while looking through the studio archives I found the long lost paintings and thought I would share them with you. The painting, "Cake Plate", is matted and framed. I love the whimsy and playfulness of this sweet plate. Send me a set for Christmas-please!

It has been, "A Painting Day"

Monday, November 6, 2017

Searching - Ruth Andre

"Searching"

4"x14" Acrylic on Paper

Matted and Framed - 10"x20"

by Ruth Andre

As promised in yesterday's blog post here is the third painting of the supposedly triptych. This painting went astray so I let it take me on another journey. The story behind this painting must be my husband's search for a favorite LOST flashlight. We have searched high and low to find this portable light fixture. FINALLY it was found this morning hiding under a tarped tractor in the barn. I think we should have celebrated and maybe we did in a way. With the mountain lions and bears roaming around our area at night it is good to see where you are going and see who else is lurking in your path. A flashlight is a necessity so I have been told!!!!

It has been, "A Painting Day".

- Contact-

Sunday, November 5, 2017

Falling In Place I and II - Ruth Andre

"Falling In Place I"

5"x5" Acrylic on Paper

Matted and Framed 12"x12"

by Ruth Andre

"Falling In Place II"

5"x5" Acrylic on Paper

Matted and Framed 12"x12"

by Ruth Andre

My online course, Studio Journey, is taking me into new painting territory. I am doing my best to work with acrylic paint and try different palette colors. The acrylic paint colors are so different from oil paints that it is a challenge. I mix a color and when I put it down it takes on a different look and also has a transparent quality. The class suggests to challenge yourself by working in a different way. As mentioned in the last post the class is working on paintings within a series. I started three paintings yesterday and when I started painting today the third one took a totally new direction, I decided to let it go and stayed the course with the, "Falling In Place" paintings above. I will be posting the third painting shortly. I am enjoying being in the online Studio Journey class.

It has been, "A Painting Day".

Studio Journey

- Contact-

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

The Journey - Ruth Adnre

"The Journey"

4"x10" Acrylic on Paper

by Ruth Andre

$400

I decided to give acrylic paint another try today. I have to say acrylic paints totally humble me. I am not in love with painting with acrylics but I like the outcome. Maybe it is the added tears that bring it all together. A good friend, Theresa Paden, paints animal portraiture using acrylics. She paints large canvases and she makes painting with acrylics look easy. I sent Theresa an email to let her know I am in awe of her painting skills. I know I am making more of this than necessary but the whole acrylic process astonishes me. The paints are very liquid in body and then once down on the paper they turn to glue. No kidding!!! The word practice comes to mind so I may try a few more works and see how they go. It has been, "A Painting Day".

PS: I will try not to complain.

Talk To Me - Contact

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

"Moonlight"

4"x4" acrylic on paper

matted and framed 11"x11"

by Ruth Andre

This was painted after a full moon made the valley as light as day. Looking out the kitchen door I could see Hopi, our Paint mare, in the pasture resting in the moonlight. It has been,

"A Painting Day".

Monday, November 21, 2016

This Too Shall Pass - Ruth Andre

"This Too Shall Pass"

8"x8" Acrylic on Handmade Paper

by Ruth Andre

This is the week we in America celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday and I would like to wish everyone a very special Day of Thanks. Be thankful for the people and things in your life that really matter. I plan to stop for a moment to take a deep breath, relax and of course be thankful.

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Changing Seasons - Ruth Andre

"Changing Seasons"

12"x12" Acrylic on Paper

by Ruth Andre

The painting today is to celebrate the October rains and the change in seasons. It is a beautiful time of year. I feel as if our home has been transported to a new location. The valley has had several rain storms lately. The dry white grasses are now green and the creek is filling with water. My view has changed with a new palette of fall colors. It has been, "A Painting Day".

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Grasses - Ruth Andre

"Grasses"

7"x7" Acrylic on Arches Paper

by Ruth Andre

Todays painting came after the valley was washed with rain and cooler temperatures this past week-end. It was so good to feel and smell the rain. Yesterday I took a walk down by the creek and saw new grasses sprouting under the under the oaks and in the open pasture. The dry tall grasses still stood but will soon be replaced with new growth New life has been released after a long dry summer. It has been "A Painting Day".

Hillside - Quartz Mountain Road

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Mountain Ridge - Ruth Andre

"Mountain Ridge"

12"x12" Acrylic on Arches Paper

by Ruth Andre

This painting is what I see daily as I step outside to be with the horses or walk to my studio.

It is my interpretation of the mountain ridge just steps away.

It has been, "A Painting Day".

Saturday, October 8, 2016

Back Gate

"Back Gate"

4"x12" Acrylic on Paper

by Ruth Andre

With fall comes cooler temperatures and the big oak trees start to drop acorns. The wild life find them, eat them and store them for winter. The horses like them too and can become sick with colic eating them so they have to be removed from the pasture. My husband and I have made harvesting acorns a daily competition. We each have a bucket and pick our way through the wild grass and dropped oak limbs to find the pesky acorns. Actually getting out to the pasture and enjoying the cool fall breezes and the warm sunshine makes for a wonderful outing as silly as it may sound.

The painting today is an abstract view of the acorn hunt. I read a blog post recently by Nancy Hillis about making "starts" when you paint and not to worry about the finished painting. It is a very freeing way to paint when you say, I will just make a start. The concept is simple but things happen when you try it. Nancy has a wonderful website and blog and offers workshops. She is an artist with many talents.

It has been, "A Painting Day".