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".

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".

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

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Totem - Red Sky - Ruth Andre

"Totem - Red Sky"

1.25"x12" Oil-Wax on Paper

Matted and Framed 5"x16"

by Ruth Andre

Totems Available Here

I just put a link up for the Totem Series. I will be adding to this collection prior to the Holidays. Each Totem painting is available Matted and Framed. Enjoy! Take a look around.

The studio was rocking today. The Totem painting above, "Totem - Red Sky" was completed and another larger piece finally made it to the photo-finish table. I have lots to say about the evasive painting and will share my trials and tribulations in the next blog post. I love painting the Totem paintings and if you knew how long they take to paint you might be surprised. The paintings decide what they are going to be and I get dragged along until they say, done.

It has been, "A Painting Day".

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Structure - Ruth Andre

"Structure"

4.5"x4.5" Oil-Wax on Paper

by Ruth Andre

The painting, "Structure" is a favorite work. It is minimal with strength in color and design. The title came to me as I finished the painting. I questioned whether the title depicted where we live or how we live. It seems structure is needed in our life to keep things running smoothly. We also need a structure to live in for protection from the elements. The painting also has a masculine vibe, a wool suit vibe. Maybe you see or feel the painting says even more. I feel it takes a fearless painter to be able to paint minimally. The tendency for a painter is to add rather than to subtract. Maybe this is true for all of us and the way we have learned to live. It has been, "A Painting Day".

Sunday, October 15, 2017

The House Next Door - Ruth Andre

"The House Next Door"

4.5"x4.5" Oil-Wax on Paper

Matted and Framed 12"x12"

by Ruth Andre

Have you ever walked by a house or walked down a road and had the feeling there could be lingering spirits watching you as you past by? The painting today celebrates the Halloween Holiday. It is a holiday for fun and play but it also congers up scary stuff. Enjoy!

It has been, "A Painting Day".

Sunday, September 17, 2017

The Possibility is There - Ruth Andre

"The Possibility Is There"

8"x4" Oil and Wax on Paper

by Ruth Andre

I have been painting for a coming Small Works show at The Art Spirit Gallery in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. As you know I love working on small paintings. The small works give me time to explore and the pressure to make a good painting is much less than on a larger painting. I have been contemplating a venture that is rather costly but one that I seem destine to try. I am checking off the possibilities to see if I want to say, yes, or no. I will keep you updated if my answer is yes.

Talk To Me - Contact

Friday, June 23, 2017

The Moon Over the Water - Ruth Andre

"Moon Over the Water"

4.5"x4.5" Oil-Wax on Paper

by Ruth Andre

This painting brings memories of summer nights, a full moon, and seeing the creek water rustling over the rocky creek bed. I may have needed to paint with cool colors on this very hot day hoping for a respite from the heat. Stay cool. It has been, "A Painting Day".

Painting - Matted and Framed 12"x12"

$300

Sheila Vaughan's Blog, REAL ART

Monday, October 10, 2016

Night Moon - Ruth Andre

"Night Moon"

4"x12" Acrylic on Arches Paper

by Ruth Andre

I thought I would try and work with a very subdued and limited palette on this new painting. I am working on contrast whether it is using just a few colors or many. Getting a dramatic change or accent is important and also one of the hardest things for me to remember at times. It is so easy to stay with a quiet palette and not move on to make a more dramatic painting. I see reasons for doing both but of late I wanted to make a statement punch. I follow several artist's blogs and websites and I have found a few artists that influence me with their strong creative spirit.

Nancy Hillis' Blog and Website

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".

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Bear Hunter - Ruth Andre

"Bear Hunter"

5"x7" Handprinted Japanese Papers on Board

by Ruth Andre

On Hold

"Bear Hunter"- Bear Fetish

One day our neighbor, Peggy, came to the house and she said she had just seen a bear cross her property following a path next to her home. She first thought it was a man hunched over and then she realized it was indeed a bear. She let it pass but had a good look at the big guy through a window. I have thought of Peggy's story am hopeful if this or another bear pass through I will see him before he sees me. This collage is embellished with an ebony bear fetish that was found on a trip to Santa Fe. The bead shops in Santa Fe and Taos are quite lovely and once you step in the door there is no leaving without a purchase. I won't say how many beads I brought home but I am happy to report a few of them are finding homes in these new collage pieces.

Monday, July 18, 2016

Loose Ends - Ruth Andre

"Loose Ends"

7"x5" Handprinted Japanese Papers - Linen on Panel

by Ruth Andre

On Hold

The "Loose Ends" painting is my favorite collage so far. I feel it is strong and with a sweet softness. The linen pieces are held tight but still venture out into the painting. By painting these papers I feel a connection that makes the collage my own experience to share. If you too are interested in collage you might like visiting the National Collage Society's website. You will be able to see several artist's work and the diversity that represents collage. It has been, "A Painting Day".

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Roadblock - Ruth Andre

"Roadblock"

5"x5" Oil and Mixed Media on Paper

by Ruth Andre

My husband just returned from a driving trip across country. He had many stories to tell since he was away for five weeks. On his way home traffic was stopped in Texas due to a sand storm. A detour was set up that took him over hill and dale on a windy two lane road. You can only imagine the traffic and the sandy landscape. I must have been thinking about the Texas adventure when I painted this painting. I can feel the wildness of the open land.

It has been, "A Painting Day"

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Dry Lands - Ruth Andre

"Dry Lands"

5"x5" Oil and Mixed Media on Paper

by Ruth Andre

I have been painting more than posting lately and need to catch up this week. The season has changed dramatically with the temperatures rising to 105-degrees in just a day or two. I thought it was hot at just 98-degrees so I am in for a shock once things really heat up. The green grasses are almost gone and have taken on the a mellow tan color. Latter the grasses will turn a very pale yellow and the oaks will stand out as dark sentinels along the creek and the rolling mountain sides. It is a time for transition and wearing a big hat when out in the sun. It has been, "A Painting Day".

Sunday, February 7, 2016

Forest - Ruth Andre

"Forest"

6"x6"x.5" Mixed Media on Canvas

by Ruth Andre

Art Association of Jackson Hole, Wyoming - Donation

The "WHODUNNIT" Show takes place each year as a benefit to raise money for Art Association of Jackson Hole's education program. It is an one night event and from what I understand it is quite a popular and lively show. The artists are allowed to only sign the back of their paintings leaving the patrons to find the paintings they love and make their bid.

www.artassociation.org - 307.733.6379

Center for the Arts Theater Lobby March 4th beginning at 5:30pm

It has been, "A Painting Day".

Sunday, January 31, 2016

Challenge Painting One Hundred - Ruth Andre

"Afternoon Glow"

4.5"x4.5" Mixed Media on Paper

12"x12" Mat Available

Challenge Painting One-Hundred

by Ruth Andre

$125.00

This is the One Hundredth painting in the Challenge 100 Paintings. I can say it has been a fun journey taking on the Challenge. I decided not to put a time limit for its completion because I wanted the Challenge to be something that I could enjoy without any anxiety. Moving at my own pace to make small paintings was my goal and to make 100 for the final collection. A friend asked me what I learned from the Challenge. I learned several things and I have listed a few of them below:

Take chances.

Be bold.

Remember to bring to the canvas what you see and feel daily.

Use nature's palette as a guide.

Have confidence.

Push for a little more.

Enjoy new ideas.

The list could go on and on but the one thing that I let happen and that was

to let myself enjoy painting and to enjoy the moment.

I may continue painting small paintings for the mere reason they let me begin and with the beginning there is room to continue. I hope those that have followed along have enjoyed the Challenge as well.

I also want to mention that the afternoon light in the valley brings an unbelievable glow of light that makes me stop and look around. The light is fleeting and it is there for only a few minutes and then it is gone and the day has moved on getting ready for night. The last glow of the day brings a special beauty to the valley.

It has been, "A Painting Day".

Friday, December 4, 2015

A Painting Day - Hill Top - Ruth Andre

"Hill Top"

8"x6" Oil on Canvas Panel

by Ruth Andre

SOLD

I set my easel up on the back porch to paint the mountain to the north of our valley property. The mountain has a ribbon of evergreen trees nestled at the very top. As you descend down the mountain there are a few oaks and rock boulders. The land is mostly barren but is good crazing land for cattle and deer. It might be nice to paint a larger canvas and paint the view from the trees all the way down to the creek. The day was cool with gusts of wind but it felt good to be out painting in the quiet of the valley.

Thursday, December 3, 2015

A Painting Day - Early Morning - Ruth Andre

"Early Morning"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Mixed Media on Paper

12"x12" Mat Included

Challenge Painting

by Ruth Andre

$125.00

The early morning landscape has a spiritualness about it that does not come at any other time of the day. There is a quiet with hushed sounds. The horses nicker quietly as they wait for their grain and hay. The communication is not filled with words as I pat the horses walking in and out of their stalls. They know my moods and I know theirs. It is a lovely way to be knowing that there is more than words, there is quiet. It has been, "A Painting Day".

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

A Painting Day - Creek in Winter - Ruth Andre

"Creek in Winter"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Mixed Media on Paper

Challenge Painting

by Ruth Andre

$125.00

The "Challenge 100 Paintings" are nearing completion. I need to go back and make sure my count is correct before ringing the bell for celebration. I think I still have two or three more to post before the big day. Painting this series of small works has given me the opportunity to experiment with color and composition as well as finding new ideas and new techniques.

It has been, "A Painting Day".