Pins and Needles - Ruth Andre

"Pins and Needles"

6.5"x6.5" Oil-Wax on Paper

-by Ruth Andre

There are times when we just have to be patient and hope for the best. It is what I call being on "Pins and Needles". I am wishing for the best and planning for the worst. I read a long time ago that when things seem to be falling apart they are actually falling together. Those words have carried me through some rough times. I remind myself change is inevitable. 

Have a great week-end. Enjoy! It has been, "A Painting Day".

PS: The painting above will be on display at The Art Spirit Gallery in Coeur d'Alene, ID along with several of my other paintings being represented by the gallery.

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The Wall - Ruth Andre

"The Wall"

2.25"x4" Acrylic - Oil on Handmade Japanese Paper

Matted and Framed 10"x10"

by Ruth Andre

$150.00

I love words and what they mean. When I titled this painting, "The Wall" I thought it was funny since the painting is quite small. How could a small wall be a threat or a deterrent and then I thought of emotional walls that we carry with us each and every day. My son and I were talking and he said he had forgiven everyone in his life and he felt free in a new way. He said we should all forgive and let the old walls crumble away. Letting go of barriers would allow new things to come into my life. The process sounds easy almost like jumping into a cold lake. There is a real yes and no that goes on and I am wondering why. Am I comfortable with the old, the unhappy parts of my life? Let me know your thoughts. I am most interested in your experiences with your own wall. 

It has been, "A Painting Day".

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Garden Party - Ruth Andre

"Garden Party"

16"x3" Oil-Wax on Paper

Matted and Framed 22"x6"

-by Ruth Andre

Garden Photos

Ruth - 1996

Garden Photos - Ruth and Bailey 1996

This time of year the seed catalogs arrive and dreams start forming for a garden of vegetables and flowers. It is a dreamers dream thinking about the warm sunny days of spring planting a variety of seeds. One year I mentioned to my husband that I thought I needed therapy. I had recently lost my sister and I was overwhelmed with her loss. My husband told me to wait a minute and he would be back to talk to me. When he came back to the house he handed me a seed catalog that carried seeds of course but also carried plug plants. He then explained that he had disced an acre of land for my garden. 7,000 plants were planted that year. It sounds like a lot and it IS! The ground was ready and I planted. I then watered and trimmed and cut flowers and harvested vegetables and more and more. The weeds were a constant battle so I was out in my garden everyday that summer. At the end of summer after the garden was complete and the ground was cleaned I told my husband,  I have had therapy. Everyday I worked and thought about my sister and let the tears flow and then started remembering all of the good times we had shared together and how lucky I was to have had such a beautiful sister in my life. The painting today is titled, "Garden Party" in remembrance of the love for my sister and the love for the land. It has been, "A Painting Day".

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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".

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"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".

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Two Doors Down - Ruth Andre

"Two Doors Down"

5"x4" Acrylic On Paper

Matted and Framed 12"x12"

by Ruth Andre

$300

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. 

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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".

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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".

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"

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Representation - The Art Spirit Gallery

Totem - Star Light - Ruth Andre

Totem - "Star Light"

1.25"x12" Oil-Wax on Paper
Painting Matted and Framed 5"x16"

by Ruth Andre

This is another painting to celebrate the coming holiday season, "Totem-Start Light". I really like this painting and "Totem-Star Bright" in the last post. They give me a feeling of true joy. The lively saturated colors entertain many memories. It h as been, "A Painting Day".

PURCHASE

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Representation - The Art Spirit Gallery

Star Bright - Ruth Andre

Totem - "Star Bright"

1.25"x12" Oil-Wax on Paper
Painting Matted and Framed 5"x16"

by Ruth Andre

I don't know about you but shopping for the holidays takes planning and a lot of hunting and evaluating to find the perfect surprise for those special people on the Gift List. I usually shop all year long because I am not good working my way through the holiday crowds and feeling the pressure to buy just so there is a present ready for giving. Today's painting is giving me a little festive push to gather some holiday spirit. It has been, "A Painting Day".

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Representation - The Art Spirit Gallery

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

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Representation - The Art Spirit Gallery

Carousel I, II and III"

"Carousel I"

5"x5" Acrylic-Oil on Paper

Matted and Framed 12"x12"

by Ruth Andre

"Carousel II"

5"x5" Acrylic-Oil on Paper

Matted and Framed 12"x12"

by Ruth Andre

"Carousel III"

5"x5" Acrylic- Oil on Paper

Matted and Framed 12"x12"

by Ruth Andre

Studio Journey

I have started an online class called "Studio Journey" with Nancy Hillis. Our first assignment is to paint works in a series. We also are asked to write down our thoughts and ideas as we go along. The group of artists have joined together from all over the world. it is truly a fabulous experience to be part of this group. If you would like more information about Nancy's classes check out this .LINK.

We are also using acrylics and painting on paper. I decided to start with a small series using a different palette than my usual. I don't remember every choosing  to paint with green, lavender, navy blue and pink before. Each painting is quite different allowing the paint colors to hold the paintings together as a series.  I need to make some notes and start planning series number two.

It has been, "A Painting Day".

Studio Journey

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Representation - The Art Spirit Gallery

Briarwood - Ruth Andre

"Briarwood"

4.5"x9" Oil-Wax on Paper

by Ruth Andre

The painting today is a small study but imagine it to be 36"x72" or 48"x96". How would you perceive the two pieces? I believe size does matter when it comes to painting. I am not saying we should all paint big or every painting should be big but a large painting is commanding. A large painting brings you into its space making its own landscape. I worked for a short time for a contemporary artist, Norman Zammitt. Norman painted large paintings, some being 30 feet wide. Being in his studio and watching him work was educating and exciting. I assisted by working on small studies to double check what he must have had in his mind's eye. The studies were tedious and small ranging in size from 8" to 36" wide. It took days to prepare the canvas support with many coats of gesso finely sanded after each coat dried. Then the meticulous measuring of lines and finally the application of paint. Norman was never far and oversaw each step. Norman taught me many things but what I saw working in the studio was that I was in the presence of a true artist. There was nothing that got in his way to paint what was his statement. To see a promotion video for Norman's painting, "North Wall",  follow the Heather James Fine Art Link. It is an inspiring video that lets you peek inside and see one of Norman's works. For me working with Norman was life changing to take part in Norman's painting process and experience Norman's work in progress.

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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.

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Passing Storm - Ruth Andre

"Passing Storm"

7.5"x9" Acrylic on Paper

by Ruth Andre

I have been away from the studio for a few days. A group of artist friends rented a house in Fort Bragg, California and spent four days on the coast. Need I say it was a fabulous time away and a much enjoyed gathering of friends. I will post a few of my plein air works here in a day or two. 

Today I got back to the studio to work on a new project. I decided to work in acrylics to test for color and painting technique. Acrylic paints are challenging at best. The colors are so different than oil paints. They dry a different color and the dry time and workability is quite different than oils. I guess what I am saying is I love oil paint and I really love working with Oil and Wax medium.  The nice thing about my acrylic painting is my painting will be dry in a few hours. It was a learning day and, 

"A Painting Day".

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Drift - Ruth Andre

"Drift"

4"x14" Oil-Wax on Canvas

by Ruth Andre

The breeze came from the west while walking this morning. The change of seasons is here. The trees are turning golden and losing their leaves. It is thrilling to feel the coolness of autumn in the air. I had started this painting, "Drift", a few days ago. It is painted on flat primed canvas. I think I will have it matted and framed showing the lovely canvas rather than having it stretched on wooden bars. I love the look of the canvas peeking around the painting. Life felt very mellow today with no appointments to run. It was a day to drift and enjoy. It was also, "A Painting Day".

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Representation - The Art Spirit Gallery

New Gallery - New Show - Ruth Andre

The Art Spirit Gallery 

415 East Sherman Avenue

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho 83814

208 765 6006

I am very proud to announce my work is now being represented by The Art Spirit Gallery in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. I have followed The Art Spirit Gallery for a few years and have always enjoyed the represented artists and the gallery exhibitions. It is such a delight to see my work also being shown on the gallery walls. The gallery is currently celebrating with their 

20th Anniversary Exhibition. It is a big show and one that is a delight to see. 

Preview the show HERE.

The Art Spirit Gallery chose my triptych "Red" series for the exhibition. 

It has been, "A Painting Day".

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Dream Landing II - Ruth Andre

"Dream Landing II"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Wax on Paper

Matted and Framed 12"x12"

by Ruth Andre

There are times in life when each day feels like a Saturday and then other times each day feels like a Monday. Lately I  have been waking to Saturdays and enjoying each day immensely. With the week-end and July 4th holiday coming soon there are festive times ahead. Painting in the studio is my plan for the next few days with no distractions. I hope you have a wonderful holiday. 

It has been, "A Painting Day".

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Snow Bank - Ruth Andre

"Snow Pack"

6"x10" Oil and Wax on Paper

by Ruth Andre

Today felt like a snow day compared to last week's weather. We had cooler temperatures and it felt so good to be outside. There was no snow but this painting was influenced by my online property search for real estate in the north west. The photos are always beautiful and filled with green grass but a few photos show deep snow. I love looking at different areas for land and the homes that are offered for sale. Sometimes it makes me feel lucky to live right here in the valley.

It has been, "A Painting Day".

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