A Painting Day - The Land Between - Ruth Andre

"The Land Between"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Cold Wax on Paper

12"x12" Mat

Challenge Painting Fifty-Five

by Ruth Andre

$125.00

I don't often say this but this painting is one of my favorite paintings in the 

"Challenge Painting 100 Series". It is a quiet painting and there is something in the quietness that brings my thoughts to the surface and lets me dream. It also brings thoughts of having land that is separated by natural barriers. Rivers, mountain ranges and roads can leave the land in the middle in solitude. It is land that may not be appealing to most but I seek the gift of silence that is often found there. This is a painting that sets me free. It is, "A Painting Day".

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A Painting Day - Dry Creek - Ruth Andre

"Dry Creek"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Cold Wax on Paper

12"x12" Hand Cut Mat

Challenge Painting Fifty- Four

by Ruth Andre

The creek is a bed of sand and rocks with grasses and ferns growing in its sandy bed. This is the season the creek is hidden away underground. I am looking forward to the first fall rains and the creek's renewal. It has been, "A Painting Day".

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A Painting Day - Where Does It End - Ruth Andre

"Where Does It End"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Cold Wax on Paper

12"x12" Hand Cut Mat

Challenge Painting Fifty-Three

by Ruth Andre

Our small ranch property has a creek on one side and the dusty mountain road on the other side. Both stream and road bring interest of different kinds. As you can imagine the creek has its special place in the valley and brings life and beauty to the region. The road may have been just a horse trail and then upgraded to a wagon trail and now it is maintained for cars and trucks. There are many places along the road that will accommodate only one car to pass so there is often a juggling or backing up and moving over as you travel the back road. We get travelers that are lost and almost panicked stopping by. They do not know where they are and they don't now how to get back to where they started, back on the main road. The big question is often, "Where Does It End"?  It has been, "A Painting Day".

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A Painting Day - This Side of Dark - Ruth Andre

"This Side of Dark"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Cold Wax on Paper

12"x12" Hand Cut Mat

Challenge Painting Fifty-Two

by Ruth Andre

$125.00

There are times when I need to check on the horses after dark. I have found when I don't take a flashlight it can actually aid my way to the pasture gates. There is often just a glimmer of light making it just this side of dark. The horses  nicker when they hear my footsteps thinking that I may have a treat or will give them an extra brushing. Letting the light flicker through the darkness has made for, "A Painting Day".

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A Painting Day - Strangers - Ruth Andre

"Strangers"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Cold Wax on Paper

12"x12" Hand Cut Mat

Challenge Painting Fifty-One

by Ruth Andre

$125.00

When you live as remotely as I do you get to know who is traveling along our back country road. One thing that gives a stranger away right away is they have a clean car. The other thing is they have a black clean car. Neither will last for long on the dusty and bumpy road. It has been, "A Painting Day".

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A Painting Day - Kome - Moon - Ruth Andre

"Kome-Moon"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Cold Wax on Paper

Available with 12"x12" Hand Cut Mat

Sold

Challenge Painting Fifty

by Ruth Andre

This is Challenge Painting FIFTY. I am now half way through the "Challenge One Hundred Series". One hundred paintings, even small paintings is a true challenge. I am looking forward to completing the next fifty works. Yesterday's painting was titled "Hiema-Sun" a Miwok Indian word and today I use another Miwok word, "Kome-Moon". I feel our small ranch was once a place where the Indians met and gathered acorns. The trees are quite old and the acorns are abundant and close to the creek. Water is needed to leach out the toxins in the acorns so they can be used for food. We all walk on sacred ground but here in the valley I can feel the spirits of those from the past. It has been, "A Painting Day".

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A Painting Day - Hiema-Sun - Ruth Andre

"Hiema" - Sun

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Cold Wax on Paper

Challenge Painting Forty-Nine

by Ruth Andre

$125.00

"Hiema" is the Miwok word for "Sun"

I have had the opportunity to work with the Miwok Indians, a local Indian tribe. I met with the tribal women and wove fine craft baskets. We wove with pine needles, natural twine and linen using the coiling technique. Romona, an older weaver, had years of weaving experiences and was well respected by the other women in the group. All of the women were serious basket makers and they waited to see what I would weave. Once Ramona blessed my work, so to speak, my work was accepted and they welcomed me to share this special time together. The Miwok's are a beautiful people with much history in the Sutter Creek-Ione valleys. the painting, "Hiema" is dedicated to the Miwok Indian tribe. It has been, "A Painting Day".

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A Painting Day - Ebb and Flow - Ruth Andre

"Ebb and Flow "

9"x12" Oil and Cold Wax on Arches Paper

by Ruth Andre

$150

Today's painting, "Ebb and Flow" brings to mind images of nature and also of what we send out into the world and how it returns to us. Being more and doing more and then letting go with no expectations is my constant goal. Walking through life on, "A Painting Day".

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A Painting Day - High Noon - Ruth Andre

"High Noon"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Cold Wax on Paper

12"x12" Hand Cut Mat

Challenge Painting Forty-Eight

by Ruth Andre

$125.00

It is summer with the days heating up making me take shelter from the sun mid day. It is especially quiet outside. Even the pesky ground squirrels stay in their underground tunnels until the breezes start late afternoon. It has been, "A Painting Day".

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A Painting Day - Still Standing - Ruth Andre

"Still Standing"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Cold Wax on Paper

12"x12" Hand Cut Mat

Challenge Painting Forty-Seven

by Ruth Andre

Here is another painting inspired by the old buildings in and around where I live in Sutter Creek, California. This painting was inspired by the old wooden buildings. Sometimes they are leaning and have slates of light coming through the old timbers. They were built so long ago and they still make one think about how they were  used. I am happy a few of these old structures still stand as a reminder of times past. It has been, "A Painting Day".

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A Painting Day - Abandoned - Ruth Andre

"Abandoned"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Wax on Paper

12"x12" Hand Cut Mat

Challenge Painting Forty-Six

by Ruth Andre

$125.00

Living in the foothills of Sutter Creek, California we are reminded daily that the area was once alive with Gold Rush minors and mining companies. The old rock buildings still stand. Some are preserved and in use today while other stand abandoned giving memories of another time. The old rock cabins are small and seemingly too small in height to accommodate anyone very tall. Even the most humble buildings are beautifully made as if a craftsman's hand set each stone in place. I love to see these old relics from the past. They remind me of the people and their spirited life that went on here years ago. It has been, "A Painting Day".

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A Painting Day - SWA Talk and Demo - Ruth Andre

"Trails"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Cold Wax on Paper

12"x12" Hand Cut Mat

SWA Demonstration Painting

Challenge Painting Forty-Five

by Ruth Andre

$125.00

Yesterday I was the speaker for the Sierra Wax Artists group. The headline for my talk was, "Where the Ideas Come From". I was able to talk about how to find ideas and how important it is to find ideas for painting that are meaningful to you. If you have passion for what  you are painting it will comes through to the finished work. I also talked a little about my background working as an artist representative in Los Angeles and then working for a New York textile company with a showroom in Los Angeles as an outside sales rep. I got to see how artists worked their creative genius and how the art directors took those idea to make ad campaigns. Being surrounded by the products of designers from around the world at the design center let me see the very best designed home and office furnishings. It was a busy time and I loved the energy of both industries. There is more to the story but for today I will just say design has been a big part of my life.

Here is a photo of Kae Sable running through the SWA coming events. She also set the stage for my program and introduced me to the group. Kae is a SWA volunteer and does a fabulous job making sure the website and events are set to go. I also want to mention Charlotte Cooper, an encaustic artist and one of the SWA board members. Charlotte was the go to person for any and all questions that I had and made sure all went smoothly for the meeting. 

My artist friend Bruce Hancock took a few photos of me getting ready to for the demo. The whole event went smoothly and the audience was enthusiastic. It was a good day and, "A Painting Day".

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A Painting Day - Far and Away - Ruth Andre

"Far and Away"

6"x12" Oil and Cold Wax on Paper

Paper 12"x16"

by Ruth Andre

$175 sold

Today I gave a talk and demonstrated the oil and cold wax process for the Sierra Wax Artists group at the downtown Sacramento University Art Store. There was a good group of artists wanting to know more about painting with Oil and Cold Wax medium. In a future post I will show a few photos and the painting I made today. Last week while getting things set up for my talk I decided to treat myself and took a few days away from the Challenge 100 paintings to paint the painting above, "Far and Away". The red splash of color is quite bold. A collector in Arizona saw the painting and decided to add it to her art collection.  I truly loved painting this painting. It has been a busy few weeks  and I will be happy to settle back into my regular daily schedule. 

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A Painting Day - Workshop Videos - Ruth Andre

DVD - Workshop Videos

"Inspired Painting With Oil and Cold Wax

By popular demand I have added my two Oil and Wax Workshops on DVD discs. 

They are now available! Yeah! The "Inspired Painting With Oil and Cold Wax" video shows how I find my inspiration. It is a guide for you to find your own inspiration. Learning to see using a creative focus will transform your paintings to be all about what inspires you and will give you the tools to make truly meaningful paintings. 

DVD - Workshop Video

"Paper To Paint With Oil and Cold Wax"

This video workshop, "Paper To Paint With Oil and Cold Wax" will 

give you the inspiration

 to start painting. We will start by using paper to build an idea and then 

take that idea through to the painting process. Working with paper and 

paint is a fun way to get your creativity in motion and start painting.

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A Painting Day - Hiding Out - Ruth Andre

"Hiding Out"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Cold Wax on Paper

12"x12" Hand Cut Mat

Challenge Painting Forty-Four

by Ruth Andre

$125.00

Haven't we all wanted to just hide out and take a break and just enjoy life feeling totally free? I think after my coming talk and demo for the Sierra Wax Artist I might take a day or two and just relax. It will be a self imposed mini vacation. I hope you are having a great summer and are able to travel and enjoy what you love. It has been, "A Painting Day".

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A Painting Day - Silent Creek - Ruth Andre

"Sleeping Creek"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Wax on Paper

12"x12" Hand Cut Mat

Challenge Painting Forty-Three

by Ruth Andre

NFS

The seasonal creek that runs through our property is no longer flowing. It is a sad time to see the creek bed with water captured by the rocks and blocked from continuing downstream. The sun is stealing the last bits of moisture day by day. The creek represents a life being born in the fall of the year and then passing on in early summer. The creek's short life is a reminder to me to live each day.  It is a somber time as I watch the creek disappear into the sandy creek bed.

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A Painting Day - Wings - Ruth Andre

"Wings"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Cold Wax on Paper

12"x12" Hand Cut Mat

Challenge Painting Forty-Two

$125.00

Our small ranch in the valley is mostly flat with some sloping as the land falls to the creek then the land veers at a steep angle as it moves past the creek and up the mountainside. The ground squirrels find our little plot of land a great spot to hang out. They seem to have a good life until the shadow of a soaring hawk shows itself and then the squirrels run for shelter. The hawks glide over the land and perch in the tall trees always on watch. I do enjoy watching the hawks soar with their wings held wide in the sky. 

This coming week may be a little crazy. I am preparing for my talk for the Sierra Wax Artists meeting at the University Art Store downtown Sacramento, California next Sunday, July 19th. It seems there is always more to do. I have worked on an outline but will also need to think about what to paint and what Oil and Cold Wax techniques to show. There is much to consider that may give inspiration for the artists that come to the meeting. 

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A Painting Day - Sunlight - Ruth Andre

"Sunlight"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Cold Wax on Paper

Hand Cut Mat 12"x12"

Challenge Painting Forty-One

by Ruth Andre

Clouds are passing through the valley making for a cool and grey day. Once in awhile a sliver sunlight finds its way through the cloudy sky. I love the restfulness of the day. It has been, "A Painting Day".

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A Painting Day - Sierra Wax Artistis - Ruth Andre

Moonlight II, oil and cold wax, Ruth Andre

Today I am posting about an upcoming event. I will be giving a talk and painting a demonstration Painting at the Sierra Wax Artists meeting Sunday July 19th at the University Art Store downtown Sacramento from 1:00 to 3:00 in the afternoon. It is a free event and I will talk about finding ideas to paint abstract works from what you love. I will share my supply list and the demo will show how I use oil and cold wax medium for painting. I believe we each have a creative spirit that just needs a nudge. I hope to show how an artist can work on paper with a small workspace and limited supplies to make paintings that can be proudly displayed. It should be a fun showing and one where I hope to meet a few of my blog followers. Come paint with me!

Sierra Wax Artists

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A Painting Day - Night Rain - Ruth Andre

"Night Rain"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Cold Wax on Paper

Matted 12"x12" - Professional Hand Cut Mat

Challenge Painting 40

by Ruth Andre

$125  Sold

When the temperature turns down just a little after so many days of really hot weather it is truly wonderful. We had cool breezes coming and going today. Walking to the creek late this afternoon was delightfully cool and invigorating. We may be seeing a rain come our way either tonight or tomorrow night. A little rain would be so lovely. It has been, "A Painting Day".

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A Painting Day - Wild Flowers - Ruth Andre

"Wildflowers"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Cold Wax on Paper

Challenge Painting Thirty-Nine

by Ruth Andre

$125.00

During spring and summer the wildflowers appear in the valley. They are heirlooms from the past. The California Poppies arrive in the spring and cover the mountain sides and then a tiny white flower follows and then all seems to go dormant except for a few solitary flowers that usually only last a few days. When driving out of the valley I have seen small lilies and tiny sunflowers and then a few flowers with names unknown to me make a showing. The flowers are truly a welcome site among the dried grass. It has been, "A Painting Day".

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A Painting Day - Summer Grasses - Ruth Andre

"Summer Grasses"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Cold Wax on Paper"

Hand Cut Mat 12"x12"

Challenge Painting Thirty-Eight

by Ruth Andre

$125.00

Today I want to share a photo I took while driving into town yesterday. In the photo you will see the tall almost white grass that lines the road way. The summer grasses are bleached by the sun until they almost sparkle. The dark oak trees are so beautiful with the background of the quiet pale grasses. This was my inspiration for today's painting. It has been, "A Painting Day".

Road to town - Summer Grasses

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A Painting Day - FASO Featured Artist - Ruth Andre

"Frozen In Time"

7"x7" Oil and Cold Wax on Paper

 Professionally Matted 20"x16"

FASO Featured Art Work

by Ruth Andre

$150.00

I am taking a one day break from the Challenge 100 Paintings to share with you a special feature.

The FASO website has featured my work in their FASO Website. It was a nice surprise to receive recognition for my abstract paintings. The Newsletter is filled with interesting news regarding art, artists and events in art. If you too would like to read the Featured Article the link is below.
The Painting, "Frozen In Time" is one of the paintings featured and I am showing it above matted and framed. I thought seeing the painting with a lovely mat and frame shows how even a small work can be impressive and add to your art collection.

FASO Featured Artists: Artist Ruth Andre

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Matted

Option 1 $150.00 USD Option 2 $225.00 USD Option 3 $0.00 USD

A Painting Day - A Road Less Traveled - Ruth Andre

"Road Less Traveled"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Cold Wax on Paper

Challenge Painting Thirty-Seven

by Ruth Andre

$125.00

Living in the back country on a dirt road has in its rewards and its setbacks. The county works on the valley road twice a year and in between those times the road can become an obstacle course at best. After our venture to Southern California and the constant traffic we were somewhat in love with our old road when we returned home. It is fine and dandy. The washboard drive in and out of the valley are virtuous compared to 7 lanes of traffic going one way down the open road in Los Angeles. The painting today made me think of the valley road in summer with the dust and bumps. Welcome to country living I say when friends arrive from town. It has been, "A Painting Day".

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A Painting Day - Storm Clouds II - Ruth Andre

"Storm Clouds II"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Cold Wax on Paper

Challenge Painting Thirty-Six

by Ruth Andre

The painting today is the follow-up for yesterday's post, "Storm Clouds I". The clouds moved through the valley and we did have a little bit of rain. The rain felt so good as I walked up the hill late afternoon. No need for a coat since the temperature was so warm. The rain made for a good time and good memories here in the valley. It was, "A Painting Day".

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A Painting Day - Storm Clouds I - Ruth Andre

"Storm Clouds"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Cold Wax on Paper

Challenge Painting Thirty-Five

by Ruth Andre

$125.00

We have a chance for rain today and the clouds are forming at the east end of the valley. I love watching the sky as the clouds gather. The valley is an endless inspiration for my paintings. The 

beauty of the valley and how it changes day to day is what makes me happy living here. It has been, 

"A Painting Day".

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A Painting Day - Sacred Ground - Ruth Andre

"Sacred Ground"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Cold Wax on Paper

Challenge Painting Thirty-Four
by Ruth Andre
$125.00

Feeling the heat today must have made me paint with red. My paintings are usually quiet almost minimal but today I used mixtures of red paint giving the painting an intense feeling. The title, "Scared Ground" represents the Indian burial grounds that are found in the valley. Our small ranch must have been a harvesting area for acorns long ago. We have found rocks that make me believe they were hand held and made useful by the early settlers.

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