A Painting Day

Friday, March 16, 2018

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".

Sunday, March 11, 2018

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".

Contact

Saturday, March 10, 2018

Black and White Four - Ruth Andre

"Black and White Series - Four"

Each Painting - 3"x3" Oil-Wax on Paper

Matted & Framed $150

by Ruth Andre

"Black and White I"

"Black and White II"

"Black and White III"

"Black and White IV"

These paintings were done for an online class I am taking with Nancy Hillis. Our assignment was to paint high contrast value paintings. It was suggested we paint small works and a lot of them. The "Black and White" paintings were painted with black and transparent white oil mixed with wax. The two layers merged making a lovely blue cast. I will be adding more small value paintings in the next few weeks. They are way too much fun to stop painting them.

"A Painting Day".

Friday, February 23, 2018

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".

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 17, 2018

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.

Thursday, February 1, 2018

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".

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".

Monday, December 11, 2017

Plate Series - Blue Plate Special - Ruth Andre

"Plate Series - Blue Plate Special"

11"x11" Acrylic on Torn Paper

Painting Matted and Framed 18"x18"

by Ruth Andre

$450

I have had a couple of inquiries about yesterday's posted plate painting. The Plate Series of paintings were painted on heavy watercolor paper that was sealed with gesso before adding the acrylic paint. The backing is not a paper plate. I appreciate the inquires. The holiday activities are often centered around food and beautiful place settings. The Plate Series reminds me of fun and happy times with family and friends.

Thursday, November 30, 2017

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

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

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

Sunday, November 12, 2017

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".

Purchase

Friday, November 3, 2017

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

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

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

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".

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

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".

Friday, October 20, 2017

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".

Monday, October 9, 2017

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.