Monday, May 20, 2013

War Bonnet - Tsogadu I & II - Ruth Andre




"War Bonnet - Tsogadu I & II"
8"x20"x2" oil & mixed media on panel - diptych
by Ruth Andre


 "War Bonnet - Tsogadu I"
8"x10"x2" oil & mixed media on panel


"War Bonnet - Tsogadu II"
8"x10"x2" oil & mixed media on panel

There is a quiet place in these two paintings that make me feel as if I am in a dream state. The feelings that are so real but so far away when I wake. The valley feels as if it is almost asleep as the sun washes over the earth. The quiet of a Sunday afternoon has made for, "A Painting Day".

"War Bonnet - Tsogadu I & II" - Number Thrirteen


Saturday, May 18, 2013

War Bonnet - Talidu - Ruth Andre


"War Bonnet - Talidu"
16"x16"x1.5" oil & mixed media on panel
by Ruth Andre

Summer is working its way into the valley. The hillside grasses are almost white as they have been bleached by the sun. The weather is warm with cool breezes. I started this painting, number 12, of the "War Bonnet" series a few days ago and again it made its own path. My seed of an idea was vaulted away and the painting transformed making for, "A Painting Day".


"War Bonnet - Sadu"
24"x24"x2" oil & mixed media on panel
by Ruth Andre

Thursday, May 16, 2013

War Bonnet - Sadu - Ruth Andre


"War Bonnet - Sadu"
24"x24"x2" oil & mixed media on panel
by Ruth Andre

Recently a patron sent a  comment to say she felt my series of "War Bonnet" paintings were telling a silent story of  the Native Americans and their forced relocation march in 1830. The movement was called "Trail of Tears.

The Trail of Tears is a name given to the forced relocation and movement of Native American nations from southeastern parts of the United States following the Indian Removal Act of 1830. The removal included many members of the CherokeeMuscogee (Creek)SeminoleChickasaw, and Choctaw nations, among others in the United States, from their homelands to Indian Territory in eastern sections of the present-day state of Oklahoma. The phrase originated from a description of the removal of the Choctaw Nation in 1831.[1] - Wikipedia


After finishing "War Bonnet - Sadu", the eleventh painting in the series I feel as if my patrons words could be true. Does ones kinship with their past surface to tell a story? It has been "A Painting Day".

Saturday, May 11, 2013

War Bonnet - Sgohi by Ruth Andre




"War Bonnet - Sgohi"

This painting, "War Bonnet - Sgohi", is  #10 in the "War Bonnet" series. I have to say the painting took many turns and I thought it was done at one point before my morning break. The painting was mostly red at that point but after returning to my studio I started painting once again. Then I threw the studio windows open and enjoyed the quiet breezes as they drifted through the studio. I think the painting is telling its own story about the day and has made for a, "A Painting Day".


If you would like to read more about the Cherokee counting language Linda L. Kinyon has written a very informative article. HERE

Thursday, May 9, 2013

"War Bonnet - Sonela" by Ruth Andre


"War Bonnet - Sonela"
9"x12"x1.5" mixed media on panel
by Ruth Andre

The paintings in the "War Bonnet" series are being named using Cherokee Counting words. I love the connection but I am having a hard time not naming them the number along with an English name. Each painting evokes a story. Maybe each painting will receive its own story for the person viewing the painting and I have needed to step aside? Not sure? This painting, #9, along with the others seem to have me wanting to "Follow the Sound of the Drum" I feel there is more than paint and canvas but a spirit speaking through me. It has been, "A Painting Day".


If you would like to read more about the Cherokee counting language Linda L. Kinyon has written a very informative article. HERE

Sunday, May 5, 2013

War Bonnet - Tsunela


"War Bonnet - Tsunela"
24"x36"x2" mixed media on panel - diptych
by Ruth Andre

The painting today is a larger work and number eight in the "War Bonnet" series.  The colors are engaging and give me a moment to quiet my mind as I let my eyes move over the painted surface. It has been, "A Painting Day".          


If you would like to read more about the Cherokee counting language Linda L. Kinyon has written a very informative article. HERE


Saturday, May 4, 2013

War Bonnet - Galiquogi - Ruth Andre


"War Bonnet - Galiquogi"
10"x10"x1.5" mixed media on panel
by Ruth Andre

Today's painting, " Galiquogi" is the seventh painting in the "War Bonnet Series". I was imagining billowing red dust from the dried earth as a band of warriors  moved across the land. It has been,
 "A Painting Day".


If you would like to read more about the Cherokee counting language Linda L. Kinyon has written a very informative article. HERE

Friday, May 3, 2013

"War Bonnet - Sudali"


"War Bonnet - Sudali"
10"x10"x1.5" mixed media on panel
by Ruth Andre

This is number six in the 'War Bonnet' series. There is a scrimmage of forces at work in this painting making for a lively interface. It has been, "A Painting Day"




If you would like to read more about the Cherokee counting language Linda L. Kinyon has written a very informative article. HERE


Thursday, May 2, 2013

War Bonnet - Hisgi- Ruth Andre


"War Bonnet - Hisgi"
12"x24"x2", mixed media on panel - diptych
by Ruth Andre

The fifth painting is "Hisgi", a diptych. Can you hear the distant drums?
It has been, "A Painting Day".

If you would like to read more about the Cherokee counting language Linda L. Kinyon has written a very informative article. HERE

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

"War Bonnet - Nvgi"


"War Bonnet - Nvgi"
16"x16"x2" mixed media on panel
by Ruth Andre

The "War Bonnet" series continues with, "Nvgi", being the fourth painting in the series. 
This painting reminded me of the vistas seen on the plains before roads and trains carved their way across the land.
"War Bonnet" continues to inspire making for, "A Painting Day".


If you would like to read more about the Cherokee language Linda L. Kinyon has written a very informative article. HERE