The Sun's Dance - Ruth Andre

Happy New Year!
Have you started your Resolution List for the New Year? I plan to share mine with you as they come to fruition. May 2013 be fabulous, happy and rewarding. I am looking forward to sharing,
 "A Painting Day".

"The Sun's Dance" 6x6 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

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Late Night Rain - Ruth Andre

The rain continues to pour down here in the valley. The cow folks are thrilled with the moisture for it makes for good green grass and keeps the cows and calves well fed. Tonight after feeding the horses I went to the studio just as the day's light disappeared over the mountain. The dark of night set in and I could  hear the rain's steady fall as I painted. Listening to the ran made for, "A Painting Day"

"Late Night Rain" 8x8 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

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Morning Snow - Ruth Andre

The luminous feeling in this painting made me think of the morning sun as it shines on fallen snow or in my case a heavy blanket of frost. The white layer has only a fleeting moment to dream before the sun's rays melt it away. Morning is a beautiful time of the day and it has made for, "A Painting Day".

"Morning Snow" 12x12 inches, oil on canvas by  Ruth Andre

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The Musical - Ruth Andre

The energy of the season seems to abound with shopping, decorations and local musicals. We have a very small theater in Sutter Creek but I am so happy that it is part of the community offering weekly performances. It is a very old theater and when I walk down the rows of seats it reminds me of times past and how special the theater must have been to the local population. Live theater seems to be larger than life even on a small scale as in our theater. The entertainers are true to their profession with glittering costumes and the stage is alive with lights and the draping curtains can swallow one up with each passing scene. Being in Sutter Creek and visiting the theater has made for, "A Painting Day".

"The Musical" 9x12 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

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Canyon Spirits - Ruth Andre

The land feels alive with a closeness of those that walked the earth in times past. The ancients are not far away. Memories and dreams fill my heart and have made for, "A Painting Day".

"Canyon Spirits" 6x6 inches, oil on canvas

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Almost Home - Ruth Andre

Winter is here and I am finding the season coming to me with what I paint. Memories of cold winters and how inviting it is to be home. The morning temperatures here in the valley are in the low 20's making my trip to the barn a real adventure. The horses are waiting by the gate ready for breakfast. The land is white with frost and the water buckets have a layer of ice to be broken. Heading back to the house to enjoy my morning tea is pure luxury. Thinking about winter has made for, "A Painting Day".

"We Are Almost Home" 12x12, oil on panel by Ruth Andre

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Winter Flurry - Ruth Andre

Winter is settling in here in the valley. We had a blanket of frost that kept well in the shadows all day. The subtle colors of the winter landscape have made for, "A Painting Day".

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City View - Ruth Andre

Have you ever stayed at a high end hotel and when you open the draped window,  most of what you can see is the building next door? I guess we need to make the most of the view no matter what is in front of us. Loving my painting time for it has been, "A Painting Day".

"City View" 4x6 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

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Which One Is Yours? - Ruth Andre

This small study reminds me of an apartment view. A bank of windows seemingly the same but quite different when viewed from within. Aren't we all seemingly the same but quite different when we take the time to notice? Enjoy the view. It has been, "A Painting Day".

"Which One Is Yours?" 4x6 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

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Solo Flight - Ruth Andre

The holidays are always busy and then there seems to be a few things that come along that make all just a little more hectic than needed or wanted. I am sure I am not alone and you are all out there moving as fast as you can to get things just right to celebrate with family and friends. I did sneak out today and painted a couple of studies. I had to do it. My mind needed a break and it was so nice to be surrounded by my studio walls and the quiet.

 The painting today, "Solo Flight" is a message to myself that it is up to me to make the most of what has been given to me. I have loved ones in my life but life itself is a solo flight. Each day is special. Today was very special because it was, "A Painting Day".

"Solo Flight" 4x6 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

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Winter Creek - Ruth Andre

This is a painting I did a few months ago. It got set back and forgotten. The scene is of the stream that ran through our Missouri farm pasture separating one field from the next. It is a vision of a very cold day on the farm and it reminds me of where I am living right now with the winter rains and overcast days. It is cold too! Like many of you I am busy with Christmas, getting packages wrapped ready to ship. The holidays are busy but fun and I do love giving special gifts to those important people in my life. I hope you are all enjoying the holidays.  Once the packages are on their way and the house is decorated I do hope to have, "A Painting Day".

"Winter Creek" 6x6 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

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HIgh Desert - I, II, III - Ruth Andre

"High Desert #1"

"High Desert #2"

"High Desert #3"

Today a new neighbor invited my husband and I up to see his home several miles straight up the mountain from our property. We made it to the top of the mountain passing the winter sage,  manzanita and local bush scrub. The home was very nice and the view of the setting sun was spectacular. I felt as if I was surrounded by the colors found in the high desert just a few miles from home. It was good to paint again. My studio is still drying out but I found a dry place and it made for "A Painting Day".

"High Desert #1" 4x6 inches oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

"High Desert #2" 4x6 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

"High Desert #3" 4x6 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

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Hilltop - Ruth Andre

It rained so hard today that the barn where I have my studio became flooded with water as well as my studio. The storm that passed through came with such a vengeance that the pasture for the horses looked like a lake and then the quiet creek flooded over its banks and made its way to the barn. It will be rubber boots weather for awhile. The creek will continue to rise with water run off from the surrounding mountains. The hilltops are green and so is the valley floor as rain continues to fall.  I think in a previous post I mentioned not being ready for the season's change. Now you know why! The winter storm has made for, "A Painting Day".

"Hilltop" 6x6 inches, acrylic on panel by Ruth Andre sold

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Stained Glass - Ruth Andre

This painting reminds me of how brilliant and intense the sun can be as it slides out of view for the day.  It is like seeing a stained glass through the trees. The beauty of the sun's rays has made for,

"A Painting Day".

"Stained Glass" 5x5 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre sold

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The Fog - Ruth Andre

While visiting my daughter I was able to paint from the dining room balcony with a view looking out to the sea. The fog was coming in as dusk brought muted shades of grey and dark blues. I loved the quiet subtle colors as the day came to an end. Finding a quiet place made for, "A Painting Day".

"The Fog" 5x5 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre sold

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Casey's Barn - Ruth Andre

Inspiration can come from many sources and when painting "Casey's Barn" it came from a blog post by, The Colorist, Casey Klahn - Casey's Barn. I fell in love with this old barn and could see the renovation needed to make it a spectacular studio. 

Though it is a barn it has a very spiritual appeal and I can feel how entering this space could quiet the outer world and be a place of work and meditation. Enjoying Casey's world has made for, 

"A Painting Day"

"Casey's Barn" 6x6 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

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The Mix - Ruth Andre

We have now officially entered into the Holiday Season. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and shared quality time with family and friends. 

During my out of town visit over the holiday my son said he was looking at my website and mentioned how he had no concept as to how big or small my paintings were unless he checked the size and even then it was hard to imagine a 30x40 inch painting from the cropped photos. Today I decided to show two paintings in an interior environment. The paintings are abstract works but you will see how well they work in a traditional interior. I loved photographing the paintings in their new setting. 

"Listen To the Quiet"

30x40 inches

The morning sun was lazily entering the dining area and the light was so lovely.

"Creekside"

 8x48 inches

When I painted, "Creekside" I thought the painting would look right at home over a bed or on a hallway wall but then the easels came to mind and the painting blended together with the lovely mirror and iron collectibles. I loved the look!

"Creekside"

8x48 inches

One more view of "Creekside" as it greets you at the home's entry.

Thinking about mixing my abstract paintings with a traditional interior and alternative display style has made for, 

"A Painting Day". 

"Listen To the Quiet" 30x40 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

"Creekside" 8x48 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

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Red Sky - Ruth Andre

Driving home the other evening I could see the brilliant sun setting on the horizon. It was so intense, the color was seemingly unreal. Nature's beauty is endless and amazing. The day's end made for, 

"A Painting Day".

"Red Sky" 8x8 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

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Aqua del Rio Chama - Ruth Andre

The painting today is titled "Aqua del Rio Chama" translated Water of the Chama River. Just north of Santa Fe, New Mexico is a wonderful retreat called, Ghost Ranch. I have been lucky enough to visit the Ranch a few times for painting workshops. Ghost Ranch is surrounded by red hills and the Chama waterway that meanders through the valley. There is a peacefulness and calm that you feel as you walk the ancient lands of Ghost Ranch. Thinking of Santa Fe, the Chama river and the red hills has made for, 

"A Painting Day".

"Aqua del Rio Chama" 8x8 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

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Agua Azul - Ruth Andre

I must confess that deep water puts terror into my heart. With that said do not even ask me how I ended up on a fishing boat in Baja California, Mexico with no life jacket in sight. There I was with a bunch of fishermen trying my best to enjoy the sun and blue waters of Cabo San Lucas on a boat that seemed to get smaller with each rolling wave. THEN sharks were spotted and when they started circling the boat was when my day ended being fun. Saying I was sick for the next four hours does not quite cover how badly I felt. There was no mercy, only fishing lines being sent out to sea to catch a prize fish. No prizes were won that day and once on land heading for my hotel was one of the best times of my life. I vowed to never venture out to sea again. I decided the water looked just great from shore. Memories of Baja California made for, "A Painting Day".

"Aqua Azul" - Blue Water - 8x8 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

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The Passing Sun - Ruth Andre

As the season changes the days are getting shorter and shorter. The horses are waiting by the pasture gate earlier and earlier. When they see a glimpse of me, I hear their nickers to be fed. Hay now please. The mountains that surround the valley bear the last color of the sun as it descends. There is only light at the top of the mountain and then the sun's glow slips away. Living in the valley has made for, 

"A Painting Day".

"The Passing Sun" 8x8 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

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Sweetgrass - Ruth Andre

The land has been transformed from drylands to grasslands this past week. We had a good soaking rain. The grasses are peeking through and will soon need to be mowed so not to take over and look like a jungle. The creek ferns will be in abundance along with the creek water flowing at full speed. Seeing the change of season's bounty has made for, "A Painting Day".

"Sweetgrass" 8x8 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre


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Night Trapper - Ruth Andre

I have had to be outside after dark lately to work with one of my mares. I know I am alone but I feel the wild eyes of those animals that roam the area at night. I see quick darting movements and hear rustling sounds as the animals pass through the pasture to the creek. Coyotes abound in the area as well as deer and occasionally a mountain lion is spotted near the creek or roadway. The night is another world of activity and one I usually visit with a very big flashlight. Thinking about what goes bump in the night has made for, "A Painting Day".

"Night Trapper" 8x8 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

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Town Just Ahead - Ruth Andre

I had a trip planned to visit Santa Fe, New Mexico and I was traveling on my own. After landing in Albuquerque I learned my suitcase had not made the flight. Then the next flight came in and again the suitcase was no where in site. On the third flight after my arrival my suitcase finally arrived and I headed for my rental car and a somewhat desolate drive to Santa Fe. It was my first trip to "The City Different" so when I saw the city lights in the distance it was such a good feeling to know I would be arriving soon and finding my hotel. Santa Fe was alive with lights and the shops were open. Whew, what fun! I have been back to Santa Fe several times and each trip is a brand new experience and always welcoming. Thinking of Santa Fe has made for,

 "A Painting Day".

If you love Santa Fe and would like to enjoy the sights, you may want to check out this fabulous blog, Chasing Santa Fe

"Town Just Ahead" 8x8 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

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Trade Blanket - Night Ride -Ruth Andre

 "A Painting Day"

"Trade Blanket - Night Ride" 6x12x1.5 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

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Flower Fields - Ruth Andre

At one time I was involved with a wholesale flower business. The company grew acres and acres of flowers for market that extended across the country and around the world. It was a very fast paced business with flowers being grown, cut, processed and shipped as quickly and with as much care as possible. The business took many hands. It started with planting the flower seeds that would grow and be harvested in time for seasonal holidays. You always wanted rain but not too much. You worried for the cold and the heat. The flowers were then processed and packed and shipped by truck, bus, train and planes. Each shipper had its own schedule and timing was everything. Growing and selling flowers is a beautifully challenging business and has made for, "A Painting Day". 

"Flower Fields" 6x4 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

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Kachina Trail - Ruth Andre

"Kachina Trail #1"

"Kachina Trail #2"

"Kachina Trail #3"

Triptych - View

"Kachina Trail #1, #2 & #3"

After a short hiatus I got back to the studio today and started working on a few studies. The three "Kachina Trail" paintings work well individually and also grouped together. They are small works full of energy. Enjoying the studio made for, "A Painting Day".

"Kachina Trail #1" 4x6 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

"Kachina Trail #2" 4x6 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

"Kachina Trail #3" 4x6 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth andre

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Trade Blanket - The Red Lady

The day had come to an end, horses were brushed and fed. I just had time to clean my painting palette and head for the house to make dinner. There was a pile of red paint on the palette that just could not be left to dry. I told myself I would just start a painting by adding a thin layer of background color. Right! One more color of paint went on and then another until "Trade Blanket - The Red Lady" appeared. This painting was totally spontaneous and came from the energy from the colorful palette. I love those moments in the studio when total freedom of the moment leads me on to make, "A Painting Day". Dinner ended up being omelets and toast!

"Trade Blanket - The Red Lady" 6x12x1.5 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre


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Ranch Road - Ruth Andre

Happy Halloween!

"Ranch Road" 4x12x1.5 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

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Trade Blanket - Shifting Clouds

The passing rain has come and gone but there are a few clouds lingering over the valley. The lush green trees are turning shades of pale green to rust. Fall is a beautiful time of year. I continue with my quest to weave a pattern of paints that remind me of woven blankets and the southwest. Traveling the plains has made for, "A Painting Day".

Today's painting study is available as a triptych or as individual panels. 

"Trade Blanket - Shifting Clouds"

6x12 inches, oil on canvas

Triptych-Three Archival 6x4" archival panels

"Trade Blanket - Shifting Clouds #1"

6x4 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

"Trade Blanket - Shifting Clouds #2"

6x4 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

"Trade Blanket - Shifting Clouds #3"

6x4 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

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River Dance - Ruth Andre

It felt good to be in the studio today. I needed to close the door and hear nothing but the paint swish sounds. There are times when we all need to sing our own song and for me it is to be on my own. Today's painting is a triptych study. Working with these small panels give such freedom to put the paint down with no worries. Letting the paint strokes flow has made for, "A Painting Day".

"River Dance" 6x12 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre
Triptych - Three 6x4 inch archival panels


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Inside the Rain - Ruth Andre

There is something special about a rainy day and watching the rain through a foggy window as it makes its way to the earth. The grey clouds hover over the valley and give the feeling of closeness. Then there are the treks outside with the rain jackets and Muck boots and cold fingers that make you feel so happy to be part of it all. Feeling the rain has made for, "A Painting Day".

"Inside the Rain" 10x10 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre


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The Wagons - Ruth Andre

Each day as I travel the back roads here in the valley I am reminded of times long ago when the Gold Rush minors settled the valley mining for gold. There is evidence of the past with roads now closed that were just wide enough for a horse and wagon. The trails are still here, and remind me, we are just visitors to the earth. Time moves on. Feeling the bumps in the road has made for, "A Painting Day".

"The Wagons" 4x12 inches - (Diptych-two 4x6" archival panels), oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

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Spirit Walk - Ruth Andre

"Spirit Walk" 6x4", o/c by Ruth Andre

This was quite "A Painting Day". I decided to paint 3 small works together for a triptych and as I was moving the panels around to set them aside, I noticed how interesting each panel looked on its own. Here is the first making it "A Painting Day".

"Spirit Walk" 6x4 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

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Mesa Grande - Ruth Andre

I had my post ready to go for today when I received a lovely email from a collector. I wanted to share the comment with you and also thank all of you following my Blog and my work as it comes off the easel. The comment below is in regards to my newer abstract works. It has made me feel very good about, "A Painting Day.

I am actualy quite surprised how much I like them as my taste has always been on the "impressionistic" end of the scale but has not so far journeyed into the abstract.  It says a lot about how  evocative these paintings are that I am so drawn to them.  Thank you for giving them life.

Today's post below.

While traveling across country there were a few favorite shops along the way that I had to visit going and coming depending on what route was taken from California to Missouri and back again. There was a store in El Paso, Texas that was a must see due to their inventory of saddle blankets and all things western. The painting today, "Mesa Grande" reminds me of the displayed hand woven blankets. Bringing the colors of West Texas to my canvas made for, "A Painting Day".

"Mesa Grande" 12x30x1.5 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

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Ties To the Land - Ruth Andre

The valley where I live was at one time filled with Gold Rush miners. There was little land for farming except for small pockets of flat areas. My horse's pasture was at one time an apple orchard and the homestead was just down the road. I love walking the land and feeling the ties from long ago. When the old oak acorns fall, I know at one time Native Americans were here gathering the acorns and then grinding them and finally washing their harvest in the creek.  The old oaks gave them food, fuel and shade. Having ties with the land has made for, "A Painting Day".

"Ties To the Land" 10x10 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre


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The Ridge Ride - Ruth Andre

"The Ridge Ride"

Triptych - 3 panels each 6x4 inches

"The Ridge Ride #1"

6x4 inches, oil on archival canvas panel

"The Ridge Ride #2," 6x4 inches oil on archival canvas panel

"Trail of Tears #3", 6x4 inches, oil on archival canvas panel

When I would horseback ride the back woods of Missouri the riders would follow what was called "The Ridge". It was higher ground that made its path through the woods giving an elevated view and a good vantage point to see what else maybe in the woods. The Civil War soldiers with their horses and  cannons followed the ridge route. As I rode along the ridge I felt the spirits of the many that had been there before me. It was a spiritual place. Thinking of the ridge has made for, "A Painting Day".

"The Ridge Ride" 6x12 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

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