Fish Basket - Ruth Andre

"Fish Basket"

5"x7" Handprinted Handmade Papers on Board

by Ruth Andre

On Hold

Now that I am back to my own studio I have started some new collage pieces feeling very peaceful in the making of them. Setting down and cutting shapes and working with color and the papers is so restful but also exhilarating. I liken the work to be a lot of happy accidents making it a serendipitous art form. I do have a plan of sorts when I start but then I let go and let the papers guide me to find my way. The painting is what I see here at home during mid summer the creek starts to recede and small fish are sometimes spotted in the shallow waters. When I look over to watch the fish they scatter to a sheltered hiding place. I am not sure how many collage pieces I will make or for how long I will be making them but for now they  feel like an extension of my oil and cold wax works. 

It has been, "A Painting Day".

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Castaway - Ruth Andre

"Castaway"

7"x7" Oil and Mixed Media on Paper

by Ruth Andre

I am painting for  a group in Paris. I sent four paintings out for review and now I wait to see if they will accept my work. The waiting on any showing is always a challenge  I know Paris really sounds exciting but I am trying to just paint and not think about it. Ha, Ha, Ha! I say that and here I am writing about it. I have decided that keeping my head down and painting is the best way to go no matter what the final decision may be. I have also been asked this week to participate in a very nice site and once my work is made available I will sing out and let you know the weblink. I have to say being invited to this site was very nice and also a surprise. You may be thinking what does this blog post have to do with the "Castaway" painting above and I guess it is my feeling of being out to sea. Maybe  it is just having what seems to be a lot going on with my art right now. The good stuff sometimes happens when we are in unknown waters. It has been, "A Painting Day".

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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"

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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".

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Lasting Memories - Ruth Andre

"Lasting Memories"

5"x5" Oil and Mixed Media on Paper

by Ruth Andre

$98

Matted - $125

There are memories that haunt and enliven but they are both lasting and seemingly make themselves known. I wonder why with so much in one's life there are those memories that create themselves over and over again. Maybe they are there to remind us of the good in our lives to be thankful and appreciative and then the haunting memories might remind us what we need to atone for in this life. A good friend of mine has said, she would not change one thing in her life. I was so shocked by this statement and amazed with what must be her happiness or her endurance. She has not had a life without challenges. I know I have had many lessons in this life and try to understand the why of it all. The Lasting Memories are there for the duration. There is  no replay button or going back. Take care, it has been, "A Painting Day".

Back and Forth

"Back and Forth"

5"x5" Mixed Media on Paper

$98 - No Mat / $125 Matted

by Ruth Andre

There is always change and with change comes the back and forth of what if this happens and our questions of what will happen. Life is quite mysterious. We never really know what time we have and we do our best to think about what is best for the future and then there are always more questions and more back and forth decisions. I tried something new lately and that is instead of giving my full like or dislike for a situation I said, to a friend, you will know what to do. It is interesting that my input was not really needed but I must have been a good sounding board to their ideas because positive things have gone on and the outcome has been good. Letting go is one of the hardest things to do in life. Letting go to move on when we are young, letting go of our children and remembering they are adults and can find their way. Letting go enough to let life move us in the right direction. Letting go long enough to listen to our inner selves. Letting go to hear those special people in our lives. Letting go to bask in the light of our own triumphant and the triumphant of others. Letting go to give guidance when asked. My goal in life has been to give when I can and accept what others give graciously. It is interesting how life evolves and letting go is all part of the big picture. Take care - 

It has been,"A Painting Day".

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Solace - Ruth Andre

"Solace"

7"x7" Oil and Mixed Media on Paper

by Ruth Andre

There is so much to say about being free and able to enjoy a few minutes or even a full day of solace. It is a time to think, maybe even reflect and hear your own unspoken words. I find slowing down or  stopping in place can bring new ideas and new thinking. Take a moment to enjoy the solace. 

It has been, "A Painting Day"

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Shades of Spring - Ruth Andre

"Shades of Spring"

10"x10" Oil and Mixed Media on Paper

by Ruth Andre

$319

Each spring there is an assortment of wildflowers to be seen along the road way going out of the valley. They are vintage blooms and each year seems to bring out different varieties. The flowers have a short life but bring such beauty and remind me of times past and the wild times that brought people to the valley. It has been, "A Painting Day".

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Ready - Ruth Andre

"Ready"

7"x7" Oil and Mixed Media on Paper

by Ruth Andre

I have had some challenges lately and it seems working in the studio is my salvation. My mind enjoys the moment and allows me to submerge myself in the paint. The painting above, "Ready" is full of energy. The color red cannot be dismissed. It is bold full of life.  

It has been, "A Painting Day".

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Through the Rain - Ruth Andre

"Through the Rain"

5"x5" Oil and Mixed Media on Paper

Without Mat $98

With Mat- $125

by Ruth Andre

Looking out the studio window I can see rain clouds in the distance. Then the rush of wind buffets its way through the valley and finally the rain comes pelting down on the studio's metal roof. The landscape with the lush spring colors seem to slide down the glass as the rain showers the land. 

It has been, "A Painting Day". 

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Passing Clouds - Ruth Andre

"Passing Clouds"

10"x10" Mixed Media on Paper

$320.00

by Ruth Andre

This has been a spectacular spring. The sky has been showing off with clouds that are just dreamy with a blue sky as a backdrop. I am often amazed that I have the privilege to live in this beautiful valley. There is so much to enjoy everyday. 

It has been, "A Painting Day".

Paradise - Ruth Andre

"Paradise"

9"x6" Mixed Media on Paper

Matting Available

by Ruth Andre

Are you ready for summer and that dream come true vacation? When I see ads for far away places with photos of the calm blue waters I can only dream about drifting along and enjoy the peaceful haven. Today's painting, "Paradise" is as close as I am going to get to this dream at least for this summer. The painting feels cool and warm with a bit of "dream" thrown in. Enjoy the coming summer and those quiet times whether they are stolen moments on the back porch or off to a new adventure. It has been, "A Painting Day".

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Spring Clouds - Ruth Andre

"Spring Clouds"

7"x7" Mixed Media on Paper

by Ruth Andre

Spring is always awe inspiring. The hills are a brilliant green, the trees are leafing out and the valley floor is covered with tall grasses. There are wildflowers on the hillsides and along the road leaving the valley. The beauty of the season abounds. Enjoy! It has been, "A Painting Day".

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Sky at Dusk - Ruth Andre

"Sky at Dusk"

4.5"x4.5" Mixed Media on Paper

Matted 12"x12"

by Ruth Andre

Spring is a magical time and the valley is alive with green grass, leafing old oak trees and wild flowers. It is a beautiful time of year. My painting today, "Sky at Dusk" is what I see at the end of a few special days here in the valley. The sky is filled with pink clouds. The sky is alive with brilliant shades of pink. The sky is one big canvas and is there for us all to enjoy. 

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Primarily Blue - Ruth Andre

"Primarily Blue"

6"x16" Mixed Media on Paper

Professionally Matted with Sleeve

by Ruth Andre

$400.00

I have been away from the studio for a few days and it felt so good to get back to painting this past week. I am totally enjoying painting on paper panels. I am showing these pieces horizontally but they could be shown vertically as well. The painting above is the third painting in the "Primarily" series. "Primarily Yellow" and "Primarily Red" were posted in previous posts and below. Museum quality mats will be ordered for each painting. 

It has been, "A Painting Day".

"Primarily Yellow, Primarily Red and Primarily Blue"

Each 6"x16" Mixed Media on Paper

by Ruth Andre

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Primarily Red - Ruth Andre

"Primarily Red"

6"x16" Mixed Media on Paper

Professionally Matted with Sleeve

by Ruth Andre

$400.00

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A Painting Day - Heartstrings - Ruth Andre

"Heartstrings"

12"x12"x.75" Mixed Media on Panel

Wired and Ready for Display

by Ruth Andre

$450

May the painting, "Heartstrings" bring thought and joy to your day. 

It has been, "A Painting Day".

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A Painting Day - Rain Clouds - Ruth Andre

"Rain Clouds"

12"x12" Mixed Media on Paper

by Ruth Andre

$450

The New Year has arrived. I hope 2016 is a year filled with love and success garnered from the good works we have to make our life full. There is so much to think about and care about. I have found painting allows a deeper sense of myself and my surroundings. It is an anchor and a healer that lets me thrive with new ideas. Art has its purpose and if you make art or enjoy art you know of what I speak. 

We have had a good amount of rain here in the valley and we are all thankful to see the hills covered in lush green grass. The creek is alive and is making its way through the valley roaring at times and then settling with such a lovely sound as it rushes by. It is so good to see the sleeping river bed full and alive once again.

Have a wonderful New Year from, "A Painting Day".

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Churning Waters - Ruth Andre

"Churning Waters'

12"x12" Oil and Mixed Media on Paper

by Ruth Andre

$450.00

Over the week-end rain started falling as the storms made their way through the valley. It rained day and night leaving small waterways through the pastures down to the creek and ponds of water formed along the roadside. The creek is running with a churning force bringing the dust, silt and rocks from the creek bottom to the surface. It is as if the creek is angry and running with a new found freedom pushing its way through the landscape to not only be seen but heard. It has been, "A Painting Day".

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A Painting Day - Tides - Ruth Andre

"Tides"

10"x10" Oil and Mixed Media on Paper

Available with Mat 16"x16"

by Ruth Andre

$350.00

The ocean is beautiful and ever changing. It has its own voice. It sings to us as the tide is constantly moving in and out from shore. If I did not live in a mountain valley I would want to live by the sea. At one time my first view of the day was the ocean and it was always an inspiration and guide for the day. 

It has been, "A Painting Day".

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