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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Torn Apart - Ruth Andre

"Torn  Apart"

4"x6" Mixed Media Paper Collage 

by Ruth Andre

With so many active spring days I have been painting and not posting every painting. I finished the Red Painting above titled, "Torn Apart" yesterday. I had been cleaning in my studio when I saw a painting on the wall just begging for attention. I thought it was time to let it go so I tore it in two pieces. I liked the tear and continued to tear the paper and formed a collage. After adding a new layer of paint the work was completed. It was such a fun and a "Letting Go" experience. When I think all is lost it is fun to experiment and see what happens. It has been, "A Painting Day". 

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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".

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Scarlet I, II - Ruth Andre

"Scarlet I and II"

Each Painting - 4.5"x4.5" Oil-Wax on Paper

by Ruth Andre

Each Painting Matted and Framed $300

The two "Scarlet" paintings are bold and have done their best to make a statement. It is amazing what a force a small painting can make. I am working on a few larger paintings. While they dry between layers of applied paint I like to paint small paintings to keep the energy going. The buzz is on and fun.  Enjoy! It has been, "A Painting Day".

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China Sea - Ruth Andre

"China Sea I, II, III"

24"x6"x2.25" Oil-Wax on Cradled Panel

-by Ruth Andre

$2,100

My son, Ian, is a product designer and his company is ChicWrap. Ian is a talented designer and believes in the need for products that simplify our lives. His goal is to design products that are aesthetically beautiful and easy to use. Ian travels to China quite often to visit manufacturers that produce the products for ChicWrap. I have been lucky enough to share part of his adventure through photos, not only of the manufacturing plants but the people of China and how they live. The foods available are quite different and something for the American palette to get used to. The painting today, "China Sea" has been influenced by the world that has been shared with me. It has a quiet and lively palette of pale green and red.I have taken my own journey to China with my painting, "China Sea". It has been, "A Painting Day".

CraftWrap Dispenser

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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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Cloud Shadow - Ruth Andre

"Cloud Shadow"

3"x3" Oil-Wax on Paper

Matted and Framed 10"x10"

by Ruth Andre

$150

The painting is the lone survivor of a group of four. I tape off sections of paper and when I took off the wonderful artist tape the paper tore and made a lovely mess. So, "Cloud Shadow" reins as queen for the day. Take care and enjoy! 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-Three - Ruth Andre

"Nest-Three"

Acrylic on 9"x12" Paper

by Ruth Andre

This is "Nest-Three" in the series. I have been enjoying the freedom of working with acrylics on heavy water color paper. The palette of colors is quite different compared  with the oil paints that are my usual choice.  I am a little frustrated at times but also find it interesting. I have been learning a whole new color palette for mixing my favorite hues. It has been, "A Painting Day".

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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".

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Representation - The Art Spirit Gallery

19th Annual Small Works Invitational - Ruth Andre

"Stormy Weather"

6"x10" Oil-Wax on Paper

by Ruth Andre

My husband, Tom, and I are in Coeur d"Alene, Idaho for the 19th Annual Small Works Show at The Art Spirit Gallery. If  you are unable to attend the show in person here is a LINK. There are 30 artists showing paintings, sculptures and clay works. Needless to say I am more than happy to be represented by the gallery and having my work shown in the holiday exhibit. 

We may have rain on our visit to this beautiful city, Coeur d'Alene, but so far no snow is predicted. I hope the weather stays as predicted. Driving in snow and ice has never been a favored activity. 

Come along and enjoy the show. It has been a traveling journey for many, "A Painting Day".

PS: Meanwhile our mare, Hopi is being boarded at a neighbor's barn. She is happy to have Whiskey, a gelding, in the next paddock. We have good neighbors, Donna and Ron.

PS:

Hopi-Photo by - Designs by Donalyn

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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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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Happy Halloween - Phantom I and II - Ruth Andre

"Phantom I and II"

Each Painting 4.5"x4.5" Oil-Wax on Paper

Matted and Framed 12"x12"

by Ruth Andre

    HAPPY HALLOWEEN

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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".

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Totem - Mesa I and II - Ruth Andre

Totem - Messa I and II"

1.25"x12" Oil-Wax on Paper

Matted and Framed 5"x16"

by Ruth Andre

This is the start of a new series of works that have brought true joy to the studio. I hear artists say, oh, it was fun painting this or that but in this case it is true. I have been thinking, Paint Big, but left that all behind to start this series of Totems. The Totems are symbols of what I have lived and see. The project has been in progress for a few days so be prepared to see the Totem series as each piece is completed. 

It has been, "A Painting Day".

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The Mountain Speaks - Ruth Andre

"The Mountain Speaks"

4.5"x4.5" Oil-Wax on Paper

Matted and Framed 12"x12"

by Ruth Andre

The change in seasons has brought new energy to the studio along with a few new ideas to pursue. I am working on a few projects just for me and it feels so good. The first rain for the year came down last night and today the air was crisp and the trees seem to sparkle. My morning walk with Sadie was a bundled up affair. The valley is surrounded by mountains and the biggest mountain is directly in front of our home. There is no moving mountains but they do give shelter from the winds and shade from the sun. Our neighbors that live on top of this mountain drive eight miles past our house and up, up, up to get to their homes. I often wonder how they do it. The reward must be the view from on top since they can see for miles. I love the valley floor and the flat land with the creek's life force coming and going with the seasons. At times the mountain makes me feel as if it is alive with many stories to tell. It is good to be working in the studio on these cool Fall days. It has been, "A Painting Day".

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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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