Monday, November 21, 2016

This Too Shall Pass - Ruth Andre


"This Too Shall Pass"
8"x8" Acrylic on Handmade Paper
by Ruth Andre

This is the week we in America celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday and I would like to wish everyone a very special Day of Thanks. Be thankful for the people and  things in your life that really matter. I plan to stop for a moment to take a deep breath, relax and of course be thankful.


Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Changing Seasons - Ruth Andre


"Changing Seasons"
12"x12" Acrylic on Paper
by Ruth Andre

The painting today is to celebrate the October rains and the change in seasons. It is a beautiful time of year. I feel as if our home has been transported to a new location. The valley has had several rain storms lately. The dry white grasses are now green and the creek is filling with water. My view has changed with a new palette of fall colors. It has been, "A Painting Day".


Sunday, October 23, 2016

Sky Dive - Ruth Andre


"Sky Dive"
12"x12" Acrylic on Paper
by Ruth Andre

This painting is soothing to the eye and reminds me of late afternoon clouds that flood the valley sky. The pink clouds signal the day's end with dusk to follow. It is a beautiful and fleeting time to enjoy the quiet of the valley. It has been, "A Painting Day".





Thursday, October 20, 2016

Grasses - Ruth Andre


"Grasses"
7"x7" Acrylic on Arches Paper
by Ruth Andre

Todays painting came after the valley was washed with rain and cooler temperatures this past week-end. It was so good to feel and smell the rain. Yesterday I took a walk down by the creek and saw new grasses sprouting under the  under the oaks and in the open pasture. The dry tall grasses still stood but will soon be replaced with new growth  New life has been released after a long dry summer. It has been "A Painting Day".


Hillside - Quartz Mountain Road



Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Save the Day - Ruth Andre


"Save the Day"
12"x12" Acrylic on Paper
by Ruth Andre

This painting got into the studio save box but not the blog so here it is a few weeks since it was completed. We had a rash of very hot days and finally a few clouds passed over the valley. The overcast sky was a gift giving some relief from the last hot days of summer. There was hope in seeing the clouds that rain might follow. It was a, "Save the Day" painting for sure.



Friday, October 14, 2016

Summer Lost - Ruth Andre


Summer Lost
12"x12" Acrylic on Arches Paper
by Ruth Andre
NFS

It was a busy day yesterday. First my husband and I drove about 4 hours getting materials to fix the horse shelter. Of course there was cooking and the normal chores that needed to be done. A lady neighbor helped my husband get the new shelter roof in place and I did my best to sneak in some painting. I worked on the painting above and decided to take a break. My mistake was going back to the studio and was seemingly on a mission to make a change to the painting. One thing moved on to more changes until the painting was lost. Darn is a nice way of saying SHOOT, DADGUM-IT and all the rest. Sometimes it is best to let something be than to hover over it and try and change it. Is that so true of so many things in life. I am sharing "Summer Lost" with you because I like the painting and it reveals the end of summer. The cloud like images might be the clouds that were forming outside announcing the coming rain. The painting is gone but the day is remembered. It has been, 
"A Painting Day".


Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Mountain Ridge - Ruth Andre


"Mountain Ridge"
12"x12" Acrylic on Arches Paper
by Ruth Andre

This painting is what I see daily as I step outside to be with the horses or walk to my studio. 
It is my interpretation of the mountain ridge just steps away. 
It has been, "A Painting Day".

Monday, October 10, 2016

Night Moon - Ruth Andre


"Night Moon"
4"x12" Acrylic on Arches Paper
by Ruth Andre

I thought I would try and work with a very subdued and limited palette on this new painting. I am working on contrast whether it is using just a few colors or many. Getting a dramatic change or accent is important and also one of the hardest things for me to remember at times. It is so easy to stay with a quiet palette and not move on to make a more dramatic painting. I see reasons for doing both but of late I wanted to make a statement punch. I follow several artist's blogs and websites and I have found a few artists that influence me with their strong creative spirit. 



It has been, "A Painting Day".


Saturday, October 8, 2016

Back Gate


"Back Gate"
4"x12" Acrylic on Paper
by Ruth Andre

With fall comes cooler temperatures and the big oak trees start to drop acorns. The wild life find them, eat them and store them for winter. The horses like them too and can become sick with colic eating them so they have to be removed from the pasture. My husband and I have made harvesting acorns a  daily competition. We each have a bucket and pick our way through the wild grass and dropped oak limbs to find the pesky acorns. Actually getting out to the pasture and enjoying the cool fall breezes and the warm sunshine makes for a wonderful outing as silly as it may sound. 
The painting today is an abstract view of the acorn hunt. I read a blog post recently by Nancy Hillis about making "starts" when you paint and not to worry about the finished painting. It is a very freeing way to paint when you say, I will just make a start. The concept is simple but things happen when you try it. Nancy has a wonderful website and blog and offers workshops. She is an artist with many talents. 
It has been, "A Painting Day".




Tuesday, October 4, 2016

ArtSpecifier - Interview with Ruth Andre




The link below is my interview with ArtSpecifier. The questions asked took me back a few years to the days when I first started my art career. Being an artist is a way of life and I can see art has been a part of me my whole life. I worked in industries that fed my creative spirit and did my best to have my own art on the side until finally I could paint full time. I hope you enjoy the interview and while visiting ArtSpecifier take a look around. It is a very informative and up to date art site for artists and collectors.

Read Complete Article Here

Sunday, October 2, 2016

Passing Rain - Ruth Andre


"Passing Storm"
7"x7" Acrylic on Arches Paper
by Ruth Andre

I think fall arrived today. We had our first rain in many months. The air was cool and the wind was pushing the pasture grasses from side to side. As the rain fell I saw a small flock of wild turkeys down with the horses in the pasture. A few of the young turkeys jumped looking totally surprised. Today's rain must have been their first real shower. It was a wild time had by all.
It was also, "A Painting Day".


Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Bows and Arrows


"Bows and Arrows"
12"x12" Acrylic on Arches Paper
by Ruth Andre

Give and Take can sometimes go to ruin and become Bows and Arrows. It is a wild time.

It is also, "A Painting Day".

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Looking Out - Ruth Andre


"Looking Out"
7"x7" Acrylic on Paper
by Ruth Andre

When I went to title this painting the literal part of me thought of the night and light that that comes from the house looking outside to the dark. All that is with us during the day is still there at night but it is hidden away. The other part of me thought  about how we can be seeing out from our own thoughts and seeing the dark side rather than the light. Moving past the dark can sometimes be overwhelming. I have been facing a major change in my life and am working hard to move forward but nothing feels the same. The way I think of my life has changed. I read a book years ago called, "Passages" and I most likely need to review the book since it talked about the many passages a person moves through in life's journey. 
My studio time is limited but I am enjoying painting with acrylic paint on paper. For this painting I loved the fluid paint and how it seems to cheer on spontaneity and working with an abandoned enthusiasm. 
It has been, "A Painting Day".


Sunday, September 25, 2016

White Grasses - Ruth Andre


"White Grasses"
12"x12" Acrylic on Arches Paper
by Ruth Andre

The hills surrounding our valley are covered in white grasses. The view is spectacular and I love the almost white grasses. Today's painting is the first time I have used acrylic sine the 1980s. I started using oils back then and never went back to acrylics until now. The paint is wet and loose and the application is so very different but oh so spontaneous as the paint flows onto the canvas or in this case Arches Paper. Photos below show the landscape view as I drive back into the valley. The hills are low and cattle graze year around. The road continues passing through the valley along the Rancheria Creek and the hills turn into tall mountains covered in pines. 

Contact


New Chicago Road - Sutter Creek


White Grasses Along New Chicago Road


Thursday, September 22, 2016

Manzanita - Ruth Andre


"Manzanita"
6"x6" Oil on Canvas Panel
by Ruth Andre
$95

I live in the back country and the native manzanita bushes line the mountainside as we travel the back road to upcountry. Occasionally I see truckloads of cut manzanita being hauled away. It must be going to a wholesaler that may sell to craft outlets or florists. The red bark is beautiful and and the leaf colors are the palette of old California, muted and desert like. Manzanita seems to be quite tolerant of granite and rocky soils  and can survive with little water. The deer leave it alone and that is really saying something since they want to eat everything they can on our small ranch. Last night a momma deer and her twin fawns found the hay wagon and took on loosening the tarp and having a feast. Hay is close to $20 a bale and each of our horses eats one bale a week. When we lived on our farm in Missouri we had a 20 acre fescue pasture just for the horses. Our hay bill was quite low but here in California with only five acres and just two horses the expense shines each year on the tax form. Our accountant reminds of the animal care costs. We do love our horses.
 It has been, "A Painting Day".


Sunday, September 18, 2016

Moon - Summer Sale - Ruth Andre


"Moon"
4"x4" Hand Painted Papers, Wire, Bead on Panel
by Ruth Andre
$75


The other night after all the house lights had been turned off I walked through the house and the full moon was shining through the back French doors. I could look out to the pasture and see the dark shapes of the horses. The night reminded me of other nights being out with the horses when one was sick and needed to be watched. I did not need a flashlight and could be with the horses without being a total intrusion. The moon collage above is a reminder of these beautiful moon filled nights.



Thursday, September 15, 2016

Feathers - Summer Sale - Ruth Andre


"Feathers"
4"x4" Hand Painted Papers, Bead, Linen on Panel
by Ruth Andre
$75.00 - Summer Sale

Each morning and afternoon the wild turkeys in our neighborhood walk through the horse pasture. There were 11 turkeys this morning. They must sense they are safe here as they browse the ground for bits of hay and grain left by the horses. Our dog, Sadie, pays them no mind and lets them be. I love watching the flock as they position themselves to show who is in charge. The collage today captures the look and colors of wild feathers.


Backyard Vista - Wild Turkeys


Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Red 2 Group Show - Ruth Andre


"Ready"
7"x7" Oil-Wax on Paper - Matted 
by Ruth Andre
sold

My painting, "Ready" is in a Group Showing with Gallery 25N
The show is quite interesting with works in many mediums

"In accordance with this shows curator's theme "RED 2" the artist's work selected for this exhibition are in a variety of mediums; painting, drawing, digital art, photography, sculpture, etc. The artwork that is exhibited reflects these artist's interpretations of a subject enhanced through the use of the color red. In the work one can see  how red is used to imply a wide range of emotions and feelings."

Enjoy the show - Gallery 25N

Saturday, September 10, 2016

Half Moon - Summer Sale - Ruth Andre


"Half Moon"
(view-one)
Hand Painted Papers, Metal Bead and Wire on Panel
by Ruth Andre
Summer Sale- $75.00


"Half Moon"
(view-two)
Hand Painted Papers, Metal Bead and Wire on Panel
by Ruth Andre
Summer Sale- $75.00


Well, I just don't know if I like View One or View Two the best so I will wait to sign this new work in a few days. It was good to be able to spend time in the studio today and work on a new collage. I usually take a walk late afternoon and when I was heading back home I noticed the half moon slicing between the shadowed trees and the dark mountains. It was just beautiful and I realized, Half Moon would be a perfect title for my new collage. Nature's inspiration is there to be seen and enjoyed. 



Friday, September 2, 2016

Secret Promise - Summer Sale - Ruth Andre


"Secret Promise"
4"x4" Hand Painted Papers, Linen Thread, Copper Bead on Panel
by Ruth Andre
Summer Sale - SOLD


Today is the beginning of a long Labor Day Holiday. I hope everyone will have a fun and a safe time to  enjoy. I rarely leave the ranch and plan to enjoy the week-end just being at  home. Walking the old road to the creek and watching the wildlife that travels through our small ranch gives me a lot of joy. I talk about the quiet because it is truly very restful here. I have been put on 'Rest" therapy but walking is still something I can do. I did get myself in somewhat of a mess the other day. I went  out to check on my old mare who was down and needed a dose or pain medication. I bent down, forgetting that is a NO-NO and went head over heels and landing on all fours. I hurried away as fast I could thinking the mare might flail her legs and hit me. When My husband found me he was none to happy and gave me a well deserved lecture. Then I thought about the whole mess and started laughing. I was down, the horse was down and neither one of us could get up. I know dark humor sometimes has its place. I had to have help getting up and that made me more than unhappy. Shoot, how did this all happen?  I am healing but my bones have their problems and I need to be careful and mind what I do. If any of you following my blog have osteoporosis I would love to hear what you are doing to make yourself better. I have read and read about medications and therapies and have almost decided nothing works. Any advice would be more than appreciated. By the way Old Mystery took her time but she also got up and started pawing the ground to let us all know she was unhappy and wanted her breakfast of grain and hay. Mystery may just be a little spoiled but at 31 she deserves all the love she can get. Take care.











Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Wishing for a Rain Cloud - Summer Sale - Ruth Andre

it 

"Wishing for a Rain Cloud"
4"x4" Painted Handmade Papers, Bead, Wire on Panel
by Ruth Andre


As you know I live in the foothills of northern California. The summers are hot and dry with no or very little rain. This summer we have  not  had a single drop of rain and the fields are heavy with dried almost white grasses. I found myself feeling jealous as I spoke on the phone with a favorite aunt in Kentucky. She said the sky is grey and a big storm is coming. I remember living in the mid-west and feeling the hot temperatures drop when a storm came through. The rain was a blessed event and oh how lovely it was to see the earth soak up the falling water. I found myself wishing for a storm cloud.



Monday, August 29, 2016

Golden Hills - Summer Sale - Ruth Andre


"Golden Hills"
4"x4" Painted Papers, Embellished Rock, Gold Wire, on Panel
by Ruth Andre


I got to the studio late today. The shadows from the mountains met my view showing the golden hills that surround our small ranch. The grasses are so bleached by the sun they seem to glow. The Summer Sale will go on through September. I will be adding small collage works  here to the "A Painting Day" blog and also to the Daily Painters website. Enjoy the sale by adding a collage work to your art collection.

Contact
Website

Sunday, August 28, 2016

Red Door - Summer Sale - Ruth Andre




"Red Door"
4"x4" Hand Painted Papers, Metal Disk, Linen Thread on Panel
by Ruth Andre
$75 - plus shipping





I hit a slump recently and I have been finding it difficult to get myself to walk the short path to the studio. So today I thought I would challenge myself to start a series of small collage works and have them available at a Summer Sale price. The "Red Door" collage is the first of the series. Getting this little one completed got me kicked into gear and I hope to be back into the studio tomorrow so stay tuned.


Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Time Travel - Ruth Andre


"Time Travel"
6"x6" Found Papers, Painted Papers, Wire, Bottle Cap and Gold Leaf
by Ruth Andre
$150

This collage may be an entry for a coming Altered Art Show. I have never tried using found objects in a collage so it was interesting working with box paper and an old bottle cap that I found years ago and saved. I would like to compete a couple more altered works to see what finds its way to the finished work. I am enjoying the collage process very much. 




Monday, August 22, 2016

Davis Ranch View - Ruth Andre



"Davis Ranch View"
6"x8" Oil on Canvas 
by Ruth Andre
$150

Saturday I got my husband to take me to a paint out to meet plein air artists at the Davis Ranch down Hwy 88. At the moment I cannot lift, bend or twist so Tom set my pochade box and paints up for me and I was ready to paint. The Ranch sells vegetables and fruits grown on the many acres of land surrounding the store front. We were eight artist strong and took up shady spots though out the ranch. I focused on the windrow of old oaks and tall shrubs near the back of the ranch. It was really a perfect day and I chose a shady spot under the trees leading out along the road. My friend, Bruce Hancock was just across the way painting an old tractor that had a lovely rusty patina. It was a fun outing and I had the chance to meet a few new artists. It was, "A Painting Day".


Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Gold Fever - Ruth Andre



"Gold Fever"
6"x6" Mixed Media Collage
by Ruth Andre


"Gold Fever" Collage Close-Up

Today's work is a collage with hand painted papers, gold leaf, metal and stone beads plus wire. It has been exciting adding each element to complete the collage I have been told not to bend, lift or twist to help my back heal so I am working setting down and boy is that making things challenging. My distance to see the work in progress is shortened and it feels like a handicap so I have been standing after each paper or new media is added. I also take smart phone photos to give a distant view. I decided to move the composition to a more fluid mood by adding torn gold leaf and wire that floats above the collage piece. Living in Sutter Creek and seeing the remaining old and forgotten mine hoists along with vintage metal and rock buildings is a reminder of the days when gold was found in the creeks and land in the valley. Sometimes men with metal pans are seen at creek side panning for gold even today. They all hope to find their dream, Gold. 




Sunday, August 7, 2016

Just Passing Through - Ruth Andre


"Just Passing Through"
8"x6" Oil on Canvas Panel
by Ruth Andre
$125.00

Today's painting was painted on an outing just five miles from my home in Drytown, California.  Drytown is a wide spot in the road with a couple of antique shops and an old diner called the Old Well. In its day Drytown flourished with over 60 saloons and amenities for the gold rush miners. I met my friend, Bruce Hancock for the morning paint out. We picked our shade spots and went to work. When I paint plein air the memories for the day stay with me. The rush of traffic buzzing by and then the complete silence with cars coming and going. The weather was over 100 degrees but
 we had a good paintings session and headed for home before either one of us melted.
On a personal note my back has become a real problem and I may be having surgery in the next few months. I miss my studio time more than I can say.  I will keep you posted!
It has been, "A Painting Day".

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Sunday, July 31, 2016

Following My Path - Ruth Andre


"Following My Path"
6"x6" Painted Papers, Glass Bead, Linen on Panel
by Ruth Andre
On Hold

There are times I look back on my life and think I might have, should have done more to follow my own dreams, my path. Maybe I did and just don't remember events as they were. At the time did I put things on hold?  The passage of time has a way of sheltering our desires and making us think we could have done more. Could I have worked harder? Could I have made more time for just me and what I thought was important? Maybe there were too many important things happening to think just about myself and my own personal goals. I tell myself, now is the time to do all that I can be by being who I want to be and doing what I want to do no matter what people say. It seems there is always someone giving advice filled with suggestions. My advice is to find time for yourself by carving out time to do what gives what is needed to make your life whole. The collage work is very addictive and the process takes time to gather the papers and paint them and then cut them and place them in a pleasing composition but the work is stimulating. 


Saturday, July 23, 2016

Valley Sage - Ruth Andre


"Valley Sage"
8"x8" Painted Papers, Rock, Linen Collage on Panel
by Ruth Andre
Sold

This piece uses purple and pink hand painted papers and a rock found underfoot in the horse pasture. The linen thread wraps and runs free and that is how I feel about living here in the valley. I can wrap my arms around the valley's beauty and still run free on my own land. Observing the land and thinking about its history gives reverence to my daily life. 


Please forgive the wonky photo but it was taken quickly at Jim Ginney's farming studio to share with you before the glass was added. The shadow box frame and matting has given a new dimension to the collage work and given the piece its own space. I left a few more collage works with Jim and is extraordinary assistant, Sarah Murray, for future framing. 



Thursday, July 21, 2016

Heart of the Valley - Ruth Andre


"Heart of the Valley"
8"x7.75" Painted Papers, Rock, Linen on Board
by Ruth Andre
On Hold

I live outside a Gold Rush town called Sutter Creek. The valley was the home for many miners mining for gold. The remnants of the old gold mines still exist as you pass through the country side. In the past Gold was the heart of the valley and then I believe it went back to rivers and creeks that criss cross valley and mountain towns. I like to think the Rancehria Creek that passes through our small ranch is now the heart of my valley. I am a collector of rocks. The rocks don't have to be especially beautiful to catch my eye. Sometimes it is not the color of the rocks but the shapes that I find as I walk with the horses in the pasture. I always need a pocket to tuck away a small treasure. The heart rock in this painting is one found underfoot while brushing the horses. I hope you
 are enjoying these new collage works. 


Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Bear Hunter - Ruth Andre


"Bear Hunter"
5"x7" Handprinted Japanese Papers on Board
by Ruth Andre
On Hold


"Bear Hunter"- Bear Fetish

One day our neighbor, Peggy, came to the house and she said she had just seen a bear cross her property following a path next to her home. She first thought it was a man hunched over and then she realized it was indeed a bear. She let it pass but had a good look at the big guy through a window. I have thought of Peggy's story am hopeful if this or another bear pass through I will see him before he sees me. This collage is embellished with an ebony bear fetish that was found on  a trip to Santa Fe. The bead shops in Santa Fe and Taos are quite lovely and once you step in the door there is no leaving without a purchase. I won't say how many beads I brought home but I am happy to report a few of them are finding homes in these new collage pieces. 


Monday, July 18, 2016

Loose Ends - Ruth Andre


"Loose Ends"
7"x5" Handprinted Japanese Papers - Linen on Panel
by Ruth Andre
On Hold

The "Loose Ends" painting is my favorite collage so far. I feel it is strong and with a sweet softness. The linen pieces are held tight but still venture out into the painting. By painting these papers I feel a connection that makes the collage my own experience to share. If you too are interested in collage you might like visiting the National Collage Society's website. You will be able to see several artist's work and the diversity that represents collage. It has been, "A Painting Day". 



Sunday, July 17, 2016

Moonlight - Ruth Andre


"Moonlight"
7"x5" Japanese Papers and Paint on Board
by Ruth Andre
$150 Mounted on Paper  

I can see layering papers to form an art collage can become a true passion. I have had some paper work that needed doing but I could hear the studio calling. Finally after a day away I ventured into my studio and set myself to work. Working with these lovely handmade and painted papers takes me into another zone. I am looking forward to painting some new papers and and exploring new compositions. Enjoy, it has been, "A Painting Day".


Saturday, July 16, 2016

Fish Basket - Ruth Andre


"Fish Basket"
5"x7" Handprinted Handmade Papers on Board
by Ruth Andre
On Hold

Now that I am back to my own studio I have started some new collage pieces feeling very peaceful in the making of them. Setting down and cutting shapes and working with color and the papers is so restful but also exhilarating. I liken the work to be a lot of happy accidents making it a serendipitous art form. I do have a plan of sorts when I start but then I let go and let the papers guide me to find my way. The painting is what I see here at home during mid summer the creek starts to recede and small fish are sometimes spotted in the shallow waters. When I look over to watch the fish they scatter to a sheltered hiding place. I am not sure how many collage pieces I will make or for how long I will be making them but for now they  feel like an extension of my oil and cold wax works. 
It has been, "A Painting Day".


Thursday, July 14, 2016

Mindful - Ruth Andre


"Mindful"
6"x6" Japanese Papers and Paint on Arches Paper
by Ruth Andre
$150 - Mounted on Paper

The painting, "Mindful" is a reminder to me to slow down and be mindful of what is important in my life. What can I do to fill it with good deeds and good thoughts. There is such simplicity of making a meal that nourishes and gives pleasure. A simple meal is a way of giving. I have been accused of liking to cook. I wonder how that happened since I never thought of myself as a kitchen diva. In some ways it is true. There are so many ways to give and I need to remember just saying thank-you for the simplest task is usually appreciated. The new works may need their own blog site. I am thinking about adding another site for these Art Collage pieces. I have been thinking about what they mean to me and how my past has played a part in making them. It is as if the quilts my grandmother, aunts and mother made are resurfacing themselves with the collage medium. Being mindful can bring surprises. It has been, "A Painting Day".



Wednesday, July 13, 2016

A New Path - Ruth Andre



"Paths"
5.75"x5.75" Japanese Papers - Paint on Arches Paper
by Ruth Andre
$150 - Mounted on Paper

This past week-end my husband and I drove to Mendocino. California for a workshop with Donna Watson. The workshop was just two days and was titled, "Wabi Sabi and the Spirit of Collage". I know you are most likely saying, WHAT? Collage has interested me for quite some time and  when I found Donna Watson's work on her blog and the information for the coming workshop my path was sealed. I really wanted to go the workshop and learn about collage art.
"Wabi-Wabi represents Japanese aesthetics and a Japanese world view centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. The aesthetic is sometimes described as one of beauty that is 'imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete".
The workshop was an unique experience. Handmade Japanese papers were painted on day one of the workshop and then assembled on day two. Donna spoke of her experiences and travels within the Japanese culture. I found the workshop educational and inspiring. The collage above, "Paths" was the first work painted and assembled. I loved working with the Japanese papers and found painting them intriguing. Enjoy! It has been, "A Painting Day"
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Sunday, July 3, 2016

Three Reds - Ruth Andre


"Red I, II and II"
Each Painting is 4.5"x4.5" Oil on Paper 
(4.5"x 13.5")
$250 
$375 Matted

The July 4th Week-End is here signaling to me that we are in the full swing of the summer season. It is  such a happy time to embrace family and make memories. I remember so many wonderful summers visiting relatives in the Mid-West and enjoying a different lifestyle from my West-Coast life. The car trips and the sights to be seen in each state were filled with so many happy times. The paintings above, "Red I, II and III" represent the vitality of life and the love of color and art in my life.  I hope you are enjoying these special days. It has been, "A Painting Day".


Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Sand Creek - Ruth Andre


"Sand Creek"
8"x10" Oil on Stretched Canvas
by Ruth Andre
$375

Today's painting is one I did sometime ago but it remains one of my favorite paintings. It is oil on stretched canvas. The painting is all about the creek that flows through our small ranch and with the heat of summer the creek slows and is finally swallowed by the sun and sandy creek bed. Mossy leaves and grasses still line the dry creak. I have  had to be away from the studio due to hurting my back. I miss painting and am using my iPhone apps for some fun digital painting as I recuperate. I may show a few of the digital works in the next posts if I am not better soon.  Stay well and have many, "A Painting Day'.


Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Amador Oak - Ruth Andre


"Amador Oak"
8"x6" Oil on Canvas Panel
by Ruth Andre
$95.00

What did I say just a few days ago that I would not be painting plein air since I had so much studio painting to do. Things have a way of changing and last Saturday I met the Sacramento Plein Air Painters in Amador City. Amador City is one of my favorite small towns to visit and it is just a few miles from my house so I had to go. The artists met at the Andre Bakery, (no relation to myself) and then we headed out to set up our easels throughout the town. I found a shady spot with a lovely view and went to work. It seemed that most of the painters were watercolorists so my thick palette knife painting was quite different. I paint plein air for the joy of it. The paint is a miracle in the works. Seeing color from life and then mixing paint to reflect the landscape is an amazing task. I do love the challenge very much. It was, "A Painting Day".


Monday, June 20, 2016

Andre Art Prints - Ruth Andre


"Spring Clouds"
Framed Print on Paper
by Ruth Andre
I have had requests for prints for a few of my paintings so I decided it was time to add a gallery of prints to my website and blog. This post is a preview for the first available prints. The Online Gallery offers several printing options. I am showing framed prints in this post but canvas prints are available as well. If you would like to gift yourself or a friend to a print on paper with no frame that option is available. I have 15 paintings listed at this time and will be adding more images for printing in the next few days. Enjoy!
It has been many, "A Painting Day".



"Grasses"
Framed Print on Paper
by Ruth Andre


"Heatwave"
Framed Print on Paper
by Ruth Andre


"One Last Tear"
Framed Print on Paper
by Ruth Andre


"Ready"
Framed Print on Paper
by Ruth Andre