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.

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".

Sunday, January 28, 2018

Nest - One - Ruth Andre

"Nest One"

Acrylic on 9"x12" Paper

by Ruth Andre

While out walking my husband and I spotted a small mound of sticks and leaves by the creek. I fished it out and was surprised to find a beautiful bird nest that must have fallen from a tree limb overhead. The nest's lining was woven with hair from our dog, Sadie. I also saw baling string that holds the horse hay. Small twigs were all set in place with a few leaves still attached woven with long hair from out horses mane. I wonder how these nests are made. They are a wonder in themselves. Seeing the bird nest was so inspiring that I think the painting above is the beginning of a new series called, "Nest". I have been truly influences by the bird nest and its unrestricted beauty. 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

- Contact-

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".

- Contact-

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".

- 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.

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Clouds on the Horizon - Ruth Andre

"Clouds on the Horizon"

12"x12" Oil-Wax on Paper

by Ruth Andre

Labor Day is fast approaching and I hope you all have plans to relax and enjoy.

It has been, "A Painting Day".

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

It Fell From the Sky - Ruth Andre

"It Fell From the Sky"

6"x10" Oil-Wax on Paper

by Ruth Andre

When good things happen we sometimes say, It is like it just fell from the sky. I have had this feeling a few times in my life and it is a wonderful happening. Mostly good things come slowly after days, weeks and years of preparation. I believe it is the journey that makes our life interesting. There is a lot of energy in this painting that has made for, "A Painting Day".

Friday, August 25, 2017

Red Mountain - Ruth Andre

"Red Mountain"

12"x12" Oil - Wax on Paper

by Ruth Andre

The west is a place that calls to me and when I have visited the land of enchantment the red mountains and steep cliffs were totally awe inspiring. While visiting Ghost Ranch north of Santa Fe, New Mexico I walked from the small village along a mountain path and was surrounded by the steep red cliffs jutting straight up. It was a beautiful place to see. I was a new painter then taking a workshop with the artist, Mauice Larioux. He told stories of his neighbor, Georgia O'keeffe and their turbulent friendship in years past. It was a grand adventure painting and staying in such a rustic art center far from the busy city. It was, "A Painting Day".

Saturday, June 17, 2017

It Came From the North - Ruth Andre

"It Came From the North"

30"x22.5" Acrylic on Paper

by Ruth Andre

Vignettes for, "It Came From the North"

Summer is here but I am still thinking about the northern states we visited just a few weeks ago. Montana, Wyoming and Idaho were all so beautiful. I was constantly being reminded that we were visiting during the warm days of summer and I was told it does get very cold in winter. I have tried to imagine six months of wintery days with lots of snow after living in California most of my life. There would definitely be a few challenges.

Even in our isolated northern California valley we do occasionally get a wild storm and we always check to see if the storm is coming from the west or the east. The eastern storms seem to have stronger winds.

The painting today is painted on Stonehenge paper using acrylic paints. For the life of me I cannot get a true color image of the entire paintings so that is why you see three small vignettes of the painting that are truer to the cooler palette. I may try photographing the painting again tomorrow in the morning light. I just looked at the vignettes once again and I like the #3 cropped view. It may become its own painting some day. It has been, "A Painting Day".

Sunday, October 2, 2016

Passing Rain - Ruth Andre

"Passing Storm"

7"x7" Acrylic on Arches Paper

by Ruth Andre

I think fall arrived today. We had our first rain in many months. The air was cool and the wind was pushing the pasture grasses from side to side. As the rain fell I saw a small flock of wild turkeys down with the horses in the pasture. A few of the young turkeys jumped looking totally surprised. Today's rain must have been their first real shower. It was a wild time had by all.

It was also, "A Painting Day".

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Feathers - Summer Sale - Ruth Andre

"Feathers"

4"x4" Hand Painted Papers, Bead, Linen on Panel

by Ruth Andre

$75.00 - Summer Sale

Each morning and afternoon the wild turkeys in our neighborhood walk through the horse pasture. There were 11 turkeys this morning. They must sense they are safe here as they browse the ground for bits of hay and grain left by the horses. Our dog, Sadie, pays them no mind and lets them be. I love watching the flock as they position themselves to show who is in charge. The collage today captures the look and colors of wild feathers.

Backyard Vista - Wild Turkeys

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Red 2 Group Show - Ruth Andre

"Ready"

7"x7" Oil-Wax on Paper - Matted

by Ruth Andre

sold

My painting, "Ready" is in a Group Showing with Gallery 25N

The show is quite interesting with works in many mediums

"In accordance with this shows curator's theme "RED 2" the artist's work selected for this exhibition are in a variety of mediums; painting, drawing, digital art, photography, sculpture, etc. The artwork that is exhibited reflects these artist's interpretations of a subject enhanced through the use of the color red. In the work one can see how red is used to imply a wide range of emotions and feelings."

Enjoy the show - Gallery 25N

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Time Travel - Ruth Andre

"Time Travel"

6"x6" Found Papers, Painted Papers, Wire, Bottle Cap and Gold Leaf

by Ruth Andre

$150

This collage may be an entry for a coming Altered Art Show. I have never tried using found objects in a collage so it was interesting working with box paper and an old bottle cap that I found years ago and saved. I would like to compete a couple more altered works to see what finds its way to the finished work. I am enjoying the collage process very much.

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Following My Path - Ruth Andre

"Following My Path"

6"x6" Painted Papers, Glass Bead, Linen on Panel

by Ruth Andre

On Hold

There are times I look back on my life and think I might have, should have done more to follow my own dreams, my path. Maybe I did and just don't remember events as they were. At the time did I put things on hold? The passage of time has a way of sheltering our desires and making us think we could have done more. Could I have worked harder? Could I have made more time for just me and what I thought was important? Maybe there were too many important things happening to think just about myself and my own personal goals. I tell myself, now is the time to do all that I can be by being who I want to be and doing what I want to do no matter what people say. It seems there is always someone giving advice filled with suggestions. My advice is to find time for yourself by carving out time to do what gives what is needed to make your life whole. The collage work is very addictive and the process takes time to gather the papers and paint them and then cut them and place them in a pleasing composition but the work is stimulating.

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.

Sunday, July 17, 2016

Moonlight - Ruth Andre

"Moonlight"

7"x5" Japanese Papers and Paint on Board

by Ruth Andre

$150 Mounted on Paper

I can see layering papers to form an art collage can become a true passion. I have had some paper work that needed doing but I could hear the studio calling. Finally after a day away I ventured into my studio and set myself to work. Working with these lovely handmade and painted papers takes me into another zone. I am looking forward to painting some new papers and and exploring new compositions. Enjoy, it has been, "A Painting Day".

Thursday, July 14, 2016

Mindful - Ruth Andre

"Mindful"

6"x6" Japanese Papers and Paint on Arches Paper

by Ruth Andre

$150 - Mounted on Paper

The painting, "Mindful" is a reminder to me to slow down and be mindful of what is important in my life. What can I do to fill it with good deeds and good thoughts. There is such simplicity of making a meal that nourishes and gives pleasure. A simple meal is a way of giving. I have been accused of liking to cook. I wonder how that happened since I never thought of myself as a kitchen diva. In some ways it is true. There are so many ways to give and I need to remember just saying thank-you for the simplest task is usually appreciated. The new works may need their own blog site. I am thinking about adding another site for these Art Collage pieces. I have been thinking about what they mean to me and how my past has played a part in making them. It is as if the quilts my grandmother, aunts and mother made are resurfacing themselves with the collage medium. Being mindful can bring surprises. It has been, "A Painting Day".