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".



Wednesday, August 23, 2017

The Sun Is Out - Ruth Andre


"The Sun Is Out"
6.5"x6.5" Oil-Wax on Paper
by Ruth Andre

This painting was once white and blue with a hint of yellow. I thought it looked nice but it did  not jolt any strong feelings so I let it sit for a few days. Today after feeding our sweet mare, Hopi, I went to the studio to see what could  be changed for a stronger painting. It had been a safe painting and now it is a painting that makes me know it is alive. It has a pulse. I am laughing at myself a little but it is true. While living in Encinitas, California the ocean was out my front door. Every morning I would walk to the front windows and look out to see the ocean. The fog was often my sad reward but then as the morning went on I would call to my husband and say, The Sun Is Out. It was a glorious time living by the sea but short lived. We left sunny California to farm in the Mid-West for several years. My morning view changed from  ocean blues and greens to green and yellow wheat fields as the season changed. I must admit it was a cultural shock but one I soon grew to love. 
It has been, "A Painting Day".




Sunday, August 20, 2017

The Back Door - Ruth Andre


"The Back Door"
6"x10" Oil-Wax on Paper
by Ruth Andre

Every summer when my kids were growing up we would take a summer vacation to Falling Leaf Lake in Tahoe, California. The old summer cottages were quite rustic. The kitchen had an old vintage stove, a small refrigerator and a table covered with a plastic floral cloth. There was a patio and a back door with a screen that would slam shut with a bang when the kids went in and out of the cabin. The old door had seen many visitors and it had been painted several times. There were a few chipped areas to let  you know it was not always a green door or a yellow door but was also a red door at one time. These were happy and relaxed days away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The painting today, "The Back Door" is a strong and graphic painting with big areas of direct color. I like the strength of this piece very much. It has been, "A Painting Day".





Saturday, August 19, 2017

Stop Ahead - Ruth Andre


"Stop Ahead"
6"x10" Oil-Wax on Paper
by Ruth Andre

I was thinking about snow once again while painting, "Stop Ahead". The painting makes me think of snow covered walk ways and the swishing sound of cars streaming by. It could be a small one-stop-sign-town or a busy city street. No matter the location there is a feeling of quiet isolation. 


Friday, August 18, 2017

Well Red - Ruth Andre


"Well Red"
6.5"x6.5" Oil-Wax on Paper
by Ruth Andre

When we think of Minimal Art we usually think it is white, grey or black. The painting today, "Well Red" is painted in a minimal style and is definitely red and yet minimal. The color really sings and it feels warm and inviting. It has been, "A Painting Day".



Thursday, August 17, 2017

Sojourn II - Ruth Andre


"Sojourn II"
12"x12" Oil-Wax on Paper
by Ruth Andre

The Sojourn series has begun and continues with, "Sojourn II". The painting from yesterday's post and this one today are a little different in style. It is a new direction and one I have decided to explore. The paint is layered and scrapped to reveal layers below. Maybe this is a  letting go of sorts so the paints  can go their own way. It has been, "A Painting Day".





Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Sojourn - Ruth Andre


"Sojourn I"
12"x12" Oil-Wax on Paper
by Ruth Andre

This painting caught me off guard and maybe the same thing has happened to you. I went to the studio with a definite plan for a painting. As the paints were added the painting took on a life of its own. I kept hearing a voice saying, the painting is done. I was so caught up with my plan that I kept saying, NO it needs more. Finally all motion was stopped and I took a long look and decided to wait until tomorrow before continuing with the painting. Now that I have had a moment to walk away, my quiet sojourn, and view it once again, I am thinking the painting is finished. It was not only 
"A Painting Day" it was "A Wild Day" in the studio.







Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Traverse - Ruth Andre


"Traverse"
10"x10"x1.5" Oil-Wax on Panel
by Ruth Andre

What happened to quiet summer days? It seems this summer has been busy from the get-go. The vacation trip to the North-West and then painting for The Art Spirit Gallery, art classes and family visits have made this summer extra special. I love the positive verve and the spirited days bringing more to life's experience. A friend once told me, you never want the game to end. It might mean extra innings but the game must go on to keep us satisfied. I chose the title, "Traverse" for this painting thinking the painting shows movement. It also shows there is usually more than one way to get from one point to another and you might need to take side paths to get to the final destination. Going back and forth eases the way for progress. It may seem slow at times but progress is being made.  
It has been, "A Painting Day".


Monday, July 31, 2017

Barrister Winery-Art Spirit Gallery Exhibit - Ruth Andre






The Art Spirit Gallery is featuring my paintings along with three other artists at a special exhibit with 
the Barrister Winery in Spokane, Washington. The exhibit will run through the month of August. Each artist has their own unique style and will have several pieces available on display. 
The art reception promises to make for a lovely evening with music by Daniel Hall and dinner options by Beacon Hill Catering.
Enjoy!

Reception: Friday August 4, 2017 - 5:00 to 10:00 pm

Sunday, July 30, 2017

Snow Trail - Ruth Andre


"Snow Trail"
7"x7" Acrylic on Paper
by Ruth Andre

It is quite hot here in Northern California. We are experiencing another heat wave. I am thinking the last heat wave may not have ended. Thoughts of cooler temperatures must be guiding my way in the studio today. Taking a snow trail and listening to the quiet of the snow covered trail sounds quite lovely right now. I have always wanted to try cross country skiing, but never have. It would be a wonderful way to see the back country's snow-covered trails in winter.