A Painting Day

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

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

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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Monday, October 29, 2012

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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Sunday, October 28, 2012

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

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

Saturday, October 27, 2012

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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Friday, October 26, 2012

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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Thursday, October 25, 2012

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

Monday, October 22, 2012

Last Run - Ruth Andre

Rain finally arrived today and the rocky creek pockets are filling with water and soon the creek will be in its winter mode with water rushing through the valley. The sun has made a lovely appearance but more rain is promised for the rest of the week. I am reluctantly accepting the season's change. It has been, "A Painting Day".

"Last Run" 6x12x1.5 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Desert Rain - Ruth Andre

This is another long narrow canvas and to see the painting better just click on the image for an enlarged view. This painting went through several changes. It would be almost completed and then it was not so the painting continued. Painting from my impressions of the desert has made for, "A Painting Day".

"Desert Rain" 6x36 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

Saturday, October 20, 2012

"Desert Light" - Ruth Andre

Recently I entered a review program for a Desert Residency in 2013. I know there will be hundreds of entries to consider but if luck comes my way I will be spending six weeks tucked away in a desert home making art. The notification for those artists getting the residency is months away. The desert seems to have its own calling and is being reflected in several of my recent paintings. During my last visit to the desert the weather was overcast and cool. The desert colors were rich but quiet all in one making for, "A Painting Day".

"Desert Light" 6x12 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre
Triptych - Three 6x4 inch panels

Friday, October 19, 2012

The Red Dress - Ruth Andre

Painting can takes its own path and so do painting titles. I was just finishing this painting and the title came to me so I am going with it. If you look at the painting closely you will see horizontal marks as well as the obvious vertical strokes of paint. I loved the intense orange moving to the delicious reds. Enjoying the red palette made for, "A Painting Day".

"The Red Dress" 10x10 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Listen To the Quiet - Ruth Andre

Today as I walked from the barn to the pasture to feed the horses I felt the wind currents go from cool to warm and back again. It is such a lovely feeling to have the afternoon breeze fill the seemingly empty space and hear the quiet of the valley. As I look at today's painting I feel the quiet of the day and I immediately start to relax. Today was indeed, "A Painting Day".

"Listen To the Quiet" 20x30 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Restless - Ruth Andre

Maybe it is the change of season or just a bit of good news but I am feeling restless. As I look out my studio window I see a serene landscape but the voice inside my mind is constantly searching for something new. Feeling the restless chatter in my mind has made for, "A Painting Day".

"Restless" 4x12 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

Wind Chime - Ruth Andre

"Wind Chime" 4x12 inches oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

I think of the sound of the leaves as they wrestle about when the valley winds pick up as another sign of fall's fast approach. The painting is shown as one unit and below each unit stands on its own. Hearing the quiet chatter from the leaves playing in the wind has made for, "A Painting Day".

"Wind Chime" #1"

"Wind Chime #2"

"Wind Chime #3"

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Boundaries - Ruth Andre

It seems that the days in the studio have brought a newness of thinking. One question is where and how do we set our boundaries? Socially we have boundaries but what about the boundaries for our creative minds? How do we forge through the barriers and continue to grow? I believe for myself the act of doing will expand my creative boundaries and let me grow. I hope you like the little painting today. The colors have given my spirit a lift. It has been, "A Painting Day".

"Boundaries" 6x4 inches, oil on canvas by RuthAndre

Monday, October 15, 2012

Creekside - Ruth Andre

The painting above is rather narrow and long and to see it larger just click on the painting image. Fall weather is making for cold mornings and nights here in the valley. Rain showers are sure to follow and with the rain the creek that passes through our property will fill with fast moving water taking with it what ever may have rested quietly all summer. Looking down at the creek from the water's edge is a delight to the senses. The river speaks as it careens and swirls down the creek bed. The colors are also luminous and can take you in. Thinking of the changing season has made for, "A Painting Day".

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

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Night Life - Ruth Andre

Today I painted a more textured canvas. It was an experiment to see how the canvas would hold the paint. The paint moved across the canvas easily giving the painting a little extra depth. My mind is still on New York and I am remembering my visits to the big city and how New York truly never sleeps. The light and the movement is constant making for, "A Painting Day".

"Night Life" 10x10 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

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Saturday, October 13, 2012

City Life - Ruth Andre

I lived in Los Angles for many years before moving onto a new life and a new career. Today I had thoughts of the big city and as I painted the painting above made its way to the canvas. The city is always in movement and seemingly everyone has a destination in mind. Thinking about "City Life" made for, "A Painting Day".

"City Life" 8x24", o/c by Ruth Andre

Friday, October 12, 2012

The Settling Sun - Ruth Andre

If you have been following my blog you know I have been posting quite a few small studies but today I took the plunge and painted a larger work in my new abstract style. I have had the canvas primed and set up ready to paint but I needed to decide to take it on and today was the day. Doing what you want to do is not always easy. Painting big made for, "A Painting Day".

"The Settling Sun" 36x36 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Snow Bank - Ruth Andre

This little painting maybe frozen in time, the palette is so cool. It is interesting to experiment with color, shape and design. Working with the cool colors of winter has made for, "A Painting Day".

"Snow Bank" 6x4 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

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Wednesday, October 10, 2012

The Crossing - Ruth Andre

Visiting a ranch in Nevada and seeing the open space gave me the memories for this painting. As I traveled the main highway I could see fields that went on forever and at every ranch entrance there would be a cattle crossing grate laid down to keep the cows in just in case someone forgot to close the gate. So the title for this painting is still in the works. My first thought was to name it "Cattle Crossing" and then I saw more and thought of the people in history that traveled our lands making the crossing to their new found homes. So with my mind crossing with ideas has made for, "A Painting Day".

"The Crossing" 6x6 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Canyon Light - Ruth Andre

My abstract paintings have drawn me in and the excitement I feel when painting is amazing. I work quickly and instinctively laying down the paint. Layers of wet paint blend and express feelings of a calming strength. My memory of standing at the base of a canyon has made for, "A Painting Day".

"Canyon Light" 9x12 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

Monday, October 8, 2012

Dream - Ruth Andre

Dreams are like silent gifts. They can guide us and free us and help us work things out at times. I have been remiss lately but I used to always right down my dreams. The writing seemed to bring their meaning to the surface. Capturing a dream is fleeting and needs to be done quickly. Making a painted dream has made for, "A Painting Day".

"Inside A Dream" 10x30 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Passing Clouds - Ruth Andre

Do you follow Interior Design Blogs? I follow a few and one of my favorites is the The Lettered Cottage. It is a fun blog and the couple, Kevin & Layla Palmer are full of ideas and inspiration. When I finished this small painting, "Passing Clouds" I thought that it would fit just right into a cottage interior. I get caught up with textures and seemingly old faded paint colors in these WISH home interiors. I also like to watch the clouds as they float by. The combination of paint and places has made for, "A Painting Day".

"Passing Clouds" 6x6 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre sold

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Winter Sage - Ruth Andre

The plants of the desert have a quiet palette but are not usually plants to embrace. They protect themselves from the elements and burrowing animals with their spiny limbs. The ever so lovely colors painted in the abstract have made for, "A Painting Day".

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

Friday, October 5, 2012

Fence Line - Ruth Andre

It was a quiet day and I spent my time in the studio working on several small studies. There was a cool breeze and the valley seemed to be taking a nap. It was a lovely day and, "A Painting Day".

"Fence Line" 4x12 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Just Follow the Main Road - Ruth Andre

I have often stopped for directions and have been told countless times, "Just Follow the Main Road" The more rural the area the more unusual the directions often seem to be. In Missouri when people would ask how to get to town from our farm, we would tell them to go down the road until it dead ends, turn right and then when you come to the five horses on the left turn left. Silly as it was the directions got people were they wanted to go. I may be doing several of these very small 4x6 inch paintings to work a lot of kinks out of my mind right now. They are freeing and the colors sooth my soul. Heading down the road has made for, "A Painting Day".

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Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Spirits - Ruth Andre

I had planned to travel to Fort Bragg, California on Sunday and paint the beautiful sea and coastal cliffs. As happens plans change so I am home. Saturday my mare, Angel, became ill and after three veterinarian visits, working and watching Angel all night we finally had to let go and say good-bye to this good and beautiful friend. Angel came to our farm 18 years ago. She and I were the best of friends. I will be sharing with you a post just for Angel in a few days. Angel was loved and loving. Even at the very end of her life she nuzzled my hand as if she was saying Thank-You. I am heart broken and her two pasture buddies are as well. Through tears of sadness it has been, "A Painting Day".

"Spirits" 4x6 inches, oil on canvas by Ruth Andre
Contemporary Abstract Oil - Palette Knife Painting

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Monday, October 1, 2012

Canyon Shadows - Ruth Andre

Painting small studies gives so much information as far as color and design but when moving up in size the tools change to a larger size and there is more paint to mix. The mixing area on my palette has grown and I need ever inch of it. The painting today, "Cloud Shadows" is not huge by any means but to paint this piece it took a whole new way of moving the paint. I love challenges and I look forward to each canvas no matter the size, making for, "A Painting Day".

"Canyon Shadows" 12x6" oil on canvas by Ruth Andre

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