Plate Series - Gold Plated - Ruth Andre

"Plate Series - Gold Plated"

11"x11" Acrylic on Torn Paper

Matted and Framed 18"x18"

by Ruth Andre

$450

This is the third and last plate painted for this series. I hope you have enjoyed the whimsical plate paintings. Each painting brings with it thoughts of sharing and giving. 

It has been, "A Painting Day".

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Plate Series - Blue Plate Special - Ruth Andre

"Plate Series - Blue Plate Special"

11"x11" Acrylic on Torn Paper

Painting Matted and Framed 18"x18"

by Ruth Andre

$450

I  have had a couple of inquiries about yesterday's posted plate painting. The Plate Series of paintings were painted on heavy watercolor paper that was sealed with gesso before adding the acrylic paint. The backing is not a paper plate. I appreciate the inquires. The holiday activities are often centered around food and beautiful place settings. The Plate Series reminds me of fun and happy times with family and friends.

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Plate Series - Cake Plate - Ruth Andre

"Plate Series - Cake Plate"

11"x11" Acrylic on Torn Paper

Matted & Framed 18"x18"

by Ruth Andre

$450

Sometimes an artist needs to go off the reservation and just have a day to try a new technique or a new idea. The studio is a laboratory of sorts and when the door closes it is time for experimenting. The Paper Plate series was started a few years ago and while looking through the studio archives I found the long lost paintings and thought I would share them with you. The painting, "Cake Plate", is matted and framed. I love the whimsy and playfulness of this sweet plate. Send me a set for Christmas-please!

It has been, "A Painting Day"

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19th Annual Small Works Invitational - Ruth Andre

"Stormy Weather"

6"x10" Oil-Wax on Paper

by Ruth Andre

My husband, Tom, and I are in Coeur d"Alene, Idaho for the 19th Annual Small Works Show at The Art Spirit Gallery. If  you are unable to attend the show in person here is a LINK. There are 30 artists showing paintings, sculptures and clay works. Needless to say I am more than happy to be represented by the gallery and having my work shown in the holiday exhibit. 

We may have rain on our visit to this beautiful city, Coeur d'Alene, but so far no snow is predicted. I hope the weather stays as predicted. Driving in snow and ice has never been a favored activity. 

Come along and enjoy the show. It has been a traveling journey for many, "A Painting Day".

PS: Meanwhile our mare, Hopi is being boarded at a neighbor's barn. She is happy to have Whiskey, a gelding, in the next paddock. We have good neighbors, Donna and Ron.

PS:

Hopi-Photo by - Designs by Donalyn

Totem - Star Light - Ruth Andre

Totem - "Star Light"

1.25"x12" Oil-Wax on Paper
Painting Matted and Framed 5"x16"

by Ruth Andre

This is another painting to celebrate the coming holiday season, "Totem-Start Light". I really like this painting and "Totem-Star Bright" in the last post. They give me a feeling of true joy. The lively saturated colors entertain many memories. It h as been, "A Painting Day".

PURCHASE

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Star Bright - Ruth Andre

Totem - "Star Bright"

1.25"x12" Oil-Wax on Paper
Painting Matted and Framed 5"x16"

by Ruth Andre

I don't know about you but shopping for the holidays takes planning and a lot of hunting and evaluating to find the perfect surprise for those special people on the Gift List. I usually shop all year long because I am not good working my way through the holiday crowds and feeling the pressure to buy just so there is a present ready for giving. Today's painting is giving me a little festive push to gather some holiday spirit. It has been, "A Painting Day".

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Searching - Ruth Andre

"Searching"

4"x14" Acrylic on Paper

Matted and Framed - 10"x20"

by Ruth Andre

As promised in yesterday's blog post here is the third painting of the supposedly triptych. This painting went astray so I let it take me on another journey. The story behind this painting must be my husband's search for a favorite LOST flashlight. We have searched high and low to find this portable light fixture. FINALLY it was found this morning hiding under a tarped tractor in the barn. I think we should have celebrated and maybe we did in a way. With the mountain lions and bears roaming around our area at night it is good to see where you are going and see who else is lurking in your path. A flashlight is a necessity so I have been told!!!!

It has been, "A Painting Day".

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Falling In Place I and II - Ruth Andre

"Falling In Place I"

5"x5" Acrylic on Paper

Matted and Framed 12"x12"

by Ruth Andre

"Falling In Place II"

5"x5" Acrylic on Paper

Matted and Framed 12"x12"

by Ruth Andre

My online course, Studio Journey, is taking me into new painting territory. I am doing my best to work with acrylic paint and try different palette colors. The acrylic paint colors are so different from oil paints that it is a challenge. I mix a color and when I put it down it takes on a different look and also has a transparent quality. The class suggests to challenge yourself by working in a different way. As mentioned in the last post the class is working on paintings within a series. I started three paintings yesterday and when I started painting today the third one took a totally new direction, I decided to let it go and stayed the course with the, "Falling In Place" paintings above. I will be posting the third painting shortly. I am enjoying being in the online Studio Journey class.

It has been, "A Painting Day".

Studio Journey

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Carousel I, II and III"

"Carousel I"

5"x5" Acrylic-Oil on Paper

Matted and Framed 12"x12"

by Ruth Andre

"Carousel II"

5"x5" Acrylic-Oil on Paper

Matted and Framed 12"x12"

by Ruth Andre

"Carousel III"

5"x5" Acrylic- Oil on Paper

Matted and Framed 12"x12"

by Ruth Andre

Studio Journey

I have started an online class called "Studio Journey" with Nancy Hillis. Our first assignment is to paint works in a series. We also are asked to write down our thoughts and ideas as we go along. The group of artists have joined together from all over the world. it is truly a fabulous experience to be part of this group. If you would like more information about Nancy's classes check out this .LINK.

We are also using acrylics and painting on paper. I decided to start with a small series using a different palette than my usual. I don't remember every choosing  to paint with green, lavender, navy blue and pink before. Each painting is quite different allowing the paint colors to hold the paintings together as a series.  I need to make some notes and start planning series number two.

It has been, "A Painting Day".

Studio Journey

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Happy Halloween - Phantom I and II - Ruth Andre

"Phantom I and II"

Each Painting 4.5"x4.5" Oil-Wax on Paper

Matted and Framed 12"x12"

by Ruth Andre

    HAPPY HALLOWEEN

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Totem - Red Sky - Ruth Andre

"Totem - Red Sky"

1.25"x12" Oil-Wax on Paper

Matted and Framed 5"x16"

by Ruth Andre

Totems Available Here

I just put a link up for the Totem Series. I will be adding to this collection prior to the Holidays. Each Totem painting is available Matted and Framed. Enjoy! Take a look around.

The studio was rocking today. The Totem painting above, "Totem - Red Sky" was completed and another larger piece finally made it to the photo-finish table. I have lots to say about the evasive painting and will share my trials and tribulations in the next blog post. I love painting the Totem paintings and if  you knew how long they take to paint you might be surprised. The paintings decide what they are going to be and I get dragged along until they say, done. 

It has been, "A Painting Day".

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Structure - Ruth Andre

"Structure"

4.5"x4.5" Oil-Wax on Paper

by Ruth Andre

The painting, "Structure" is a favorite work. It is minimal with strength in color and design. The title came to me as I finished the painting. I questioned whether the title depicted where we live or how we live. It seems structure is needed in our life to keep things running smoothly. We also need a structure to live in for protection from the elements. The painting also has a masculine vibe, a wool suit vibe. Maybe you see or feel the painting says even more. I feel it takes a fearless painter to be able to paint minimally. The tendency for a painter is to add rather than to subtract. Maybe this is true for all of us and the way we have learned to live. It has been, "A Painting Day".

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Totem - Mesa I and II - Ruth Andre

Totem - Messa I and II"

1.25"x12" Oil-Wax on Paper

Matted and Framed 5"x16"

by Ruth Andre

This is the start of a new series of works that have brought true joy to the studio. I hear artists say, oh, it was fun painting this or that but in this case it is true. I have been thinking, Paint Big, but left that all behind to start this series of Totems. The Totems are symbols of what I have lived and see. The project has been in progress for a few days so be prepared to see the Totem series as each piece is completed. 

It has been, "A Painting Day".

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The Mountain Speaks - Ruth Andre

"The Mountain Speaks"

4.5"x4.5" Oil-Wax on Paper

Matted and Framed 12"x12"

by Ruth Andre

The change in seasons has brought new energy to the studio along with a few new ideas to pursue. I am working on a few projects just for me and it feels so good. The first rain for the year came down last night and today the air was crisp and the trees seem to sparkle. My morning walk with Sadie was a bundled up affair. The valley is surrounded by mountains and the biggest mountain is directly in front of our home. There is no moving mountains but they do give shelter from the winds and shade from the sun. Our neighbors that live on top of this mountain drive eight miles past our house and up, up, up to get to their homes. I often wonder how they do it. The reward must be the view from on top since they can see for miles. I love the valley floor and the flat land with the creek's life force coming and going with the seasons. At times the mountain makes me feel as if it is alive with many stories to tell. It is good to be working in the studio on these cool Fall days. It has been, "A Painting Day".

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The House Next Door - Ruth Andre

"The House Next Door"

4.5"x4.5" Oil-Wax on Paper

Matted and Framed 12"x12"

by Ruth Andre

Have you ever walked by a house or walked down a road and had the feeling there could be lingering spirits watching you as you past by? The painting today celebrates the Halloween Holiday. It is a holiday for fun and play but it also congers up scary stuff. Enjoy!

It has been, "A Painting Day".

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Briarwood - Ruth Andre

"Briarwood"

4.5"x9" Oil-Wax on Paper

by Ruth Andre

The painting today is a small study but imagine it to be 36"x72" or 48"x96". How would you perceive the two pieces? I believe size does matter when it comes to painting. I am not saying we should all paint big or every painting should be big but a large painting is commanding. A large painting brings you into its space making its own landscape. I worked for a short time for a contemporary artist, Norman Zammitt. Norman painted large paintings, some being 30 feet wide. Being in his studio and watching him work was educating and exciting. I assisted by working on small studies to double check what he must have had in his mind's eye. The studies were tedious and small ranging in size from 8" to 36" wide. It took days to prepare the canvas support with many coats of gesso finely sanded after each coat dried. Then the meticulous measuring of lines and finally the application of paint. Norman was never far and oversaw each step. Norman taught me many things but what I saw working in the studio was that I was in the presence of a true artist. There was nothing that got in his way to paint what was his statement. To see a promotion video for Norman's painting, "North Wall",  follow the Heather James Fine Art Link. It is an inspiring video that lets you peek inside and see one of Norman's works. For me working with Norman was life changing to take part in Norman's painting process and experience Norman's work in progress.

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Indian Summer - Ruth Andre

"Indian Summer"

10"x10"x1.5" Oil-Wax on Cradled Panel

by Ruth Andre

After a hot summer the fall weather sets in and sometimes the temperatures are quite cold. The sweatshirts and parkas are much needed for morning walks. In years past after the rush of cold comes a week of warm weather and windy days that send the drying tree leaves on their way. This time is called, Indian Summer, and a time that I love. The seasonal change seems to bring a new energy to be enjoyed. I hope you like this painting. This particular panel has been painted and finished three times. After completion the painting has been hung in the studio and after a few weeks I have decided it was not quite right so the new painting begins. I think, "Indian Summer" will stay to be enjoyed.

It has been, "A Painting Day".

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Xanadu Gallery Catalogue - Ruth Andre

Xanadu Art Catalogue

Paige 10 - Paintings by Ruth Andre

 Xandu Gallery promotes artists in their monthly art catalogue. I chose to show the paintings, "Land I and Land II". The catalog of artist's works make for an enjoyable way to shop from your own home. Check out Page 10 for my two paintings available for an online purchase.

I want to say, thank-you for the many comments I received regarding acrylic paints. I fear I am not alone with my understanding of the medium but it seems we are all willing to give acrylics a try.

It has been, "A Painting Day".

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The Journey - Ruth Adnre

"The Journey"

4"x10" Acrylic on Paper

by Ruth Andre

$400

I decided to give acrylic paint another try today. I have to say acrylic paints totally humble me. I am not in love with painting with acrylics but I like the outcome. Maybe it is the added tears that bring it all together. A good friend, Theresa Paden, paints animal portraiture using acrylics. She paints large canvases and she makes painting with acrylics look easy. I sent Theresa an email to let her know I am in awe of her painting skills. I know I am making more of this than necessary but the whole acrylic process astonishes me. The paints are very liquid in body and then once down on the paper they turn to glue. No kidding!!! The word practice comes to mind so I may try a few more works and see how they go. It has been, "A Painting Day". 

PS: I will try not to complain.

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Passing Storm - Ruth Andre

"Passing Storm"

7.5"x9" Acrylic on Paper

by Ruth Andre

I have been away from the studio for a few days. A group of artist friends rented a house in Fort Bragg, California and spent four days on the coast. Need I say it was a fabulous time away and a much enjoyed gathering of friends. I will post a few of my plein air works here in a day or two. 

Today I got back to the studio to work on a new project. I decided to work in acrylics to test for color and painting technique. Acrylic paints are challenging at best. The colors are so different than oil paints. They dry a different color and the dry time and workability is quite different than oils. I guess what I am saying is I love oil paint and I really love working with Oil and Wax medium.  The nice thing about my acrylic painting is my painting will be dry in a few hours. It was a learning day and, 

"A Painting Day".

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Crossed Paths - Ruth Andre

"Crossed Paths"

6"x24"x2" Oil-Wax on Panel

by Ruth Andre

Painting on paper has become my go to backing but today I am showing a painting on a nice deep 2 inch cradled panel. The panel depth gives the painting strength and the look is really nice. This painting is hanging in the studio but it may need to come into the house. It is a quiet restful painting and it would be good to see it given a special setting. Maybe it needs to be seen in its forever home environment.  

Enjoy! It has been, "A Painting Day".

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The Possibility is There - Ruth Andre

"The Possibility Is There"

8"x4" Oil and Wax on Paper

by Ruth Andre

I have been painting for a coming Small Works show at The Art Spirit Gallery in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. As you know I love working on small paintings. The small works give me time to explore and the pressure to make a good painting is much less than on a larger painting. I have been contemplating a venture that is rather costly but one that I seem destine to try. I am checking off the possibilities to see if I want to say, yes, or no. I will keep you updated if my answer is yes.

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First Blush - Ruth Andre

"First Blush"

6"x10" Oil-Wax on Loose Canvas

Matted and Framed 10"x15"

by Ruth Andre

The cooler weather is giving my new work a lighter feel. I had planned this painting to be quite graphic and dark. It is good to let go and let the painting find its way. The medium is a mix of oil, wax and oil paint sticks. Does anyone else love paint-sticks like I do? 

The farrier was here this morning, I mean all morning. He is a good guy and is good with our mare, Hopi. I thought you might like to see the sweet girl and how the valley grasses have turned a deep golden color. 

It was, "A Painting Day".

Hopi 

I need to take another photo. Poor Hopi looks like she has a rather wide behind. She really is a gorgeous mare. Hopi came to us wild and only 7 months old. I spent a lot of time with her in her stall so she would learn to trust humans. She was also placed in the stall next to our head mare, Angel. Angel must have taught her the ropes because it was not long before Hopi was walking on the lead. I loved living in Missouri Farm Country. 

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Drift - Ruth Andre

"Drift"

4"x14" Oil-Wax on Canvas

by Ruth Andre

The breeze came from the west while walking this morning. The change of seasons is here. The trees are turning golden and losing their leaves. It is thrilling to feel the coolness of autumn in the air. I had started this painting, "Drift", a few days ago. It is painted on flat primed canvas. I think I will have it matted and framed showing the lovely canvas rather than having it stretched on wooden bars. I love the look of the canvas peeking around the painting. Life felt very mellow today with no appointments to run. It was a day to drift and enjoy. It was also, "A Painting Day".

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Stormy Weather - Ruth Andre

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"Stormy Weather"

6"x8" Oil-Wax on Paper

by Ruth Andre

My thoughts are with the ravaged flood victims. My thoughts and prayers go out to the people and all of the animals that cannot fend for themselves. 

It has been, "A Painting Day".

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Early Moon - Ruth Andre

"Early Moon"

4"x6" Oil-Wax on Paper

by Ruth Andre

This morning I felt the first glimmer of fall. The air was cool and the tree leaves along my walking path had started falling. The influence of nature's palette must have met up with me in the studio today. My painting, "Early Moon has captured the essence of autumn. It has been, "A Painting Day". 

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One More Step - Ruth Andre

"One More Step"

14"x10" Oil-Wax on Paper

by Ruth Andre

My exercise of choice is walking and I take two walks up the hill behind our house per day. With the heat this summer it sometimes feels like a monumental task. It is also rewarding and this summer I have crossed paths with quail, turkey, a bob cat called, Bobbie, and a snake or two. Luckily the cows have stayed behind their fences and the mountain lion only appeared after leaving the shade of the big oaks by the creek. The neighbor's guinea flock shout at us but I love seeing them with their bulbous bodies and tiny heads. They remind me of old grandmothers wearing scarves. The horses stretch their heads over the fence of the their paddocks and whisper a greeting. You can see I am not alone on these walks and to make sure Sadie our red Border Collie is by my side.  

"One More Step" has made for, "A Painting Day".

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The Band Played On I and II - Ruth Andre

"The Band Played On I and II"

Each Painting 4"x14" Oil-Wax on Paper

by Ruth Andre

When life happens whether it be good or bad the news is shared and thought about and then it seems life moves on.  There may be follow up words of care but mostly, The Band Played On. We each have to make our own way and it is lonely at times as we press on. 

Wishing everyone a good long week-end for Labor Day. It has been, "A Painting Day".

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Clouds on the Horizon - Ruth Andre

"Clouds on the Horizon"

12"x12" Oil-Wax on Paper

by Ruth Andre

Labor Day is fast approaching and I hope you all have plans to relax and enjoy. 

It has been, "A Painting Day".

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It Fell From the Sky - Ruth Andre

"It Fell From the Sky"

6"x10" Oil-Wax on Paper

by Ruth Andre

When good things happen we sometimes say, It is like it just fell from the sky. I have had this feeling a few times in my life and it is a wonderful happening. Mostly good things come slowly after days, weeks and years of preparation. I believe it is the journey that makes our life interesting. There is a lot of energy in this painting that has made for, "A Painting Day".

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Sideward Glance - Ruth Andre

"Sideward Glance"

Each Painting 4.5"x4.5" Oil-Wax on Paper

by Ruth Andre

My escape to the studio was a two part adventure today. I was able to paint this morning and then again late afternoon. It works well when I give the paintings time to rest before adding more layers of paint. I also get to see the painting with a fresh eye or in this case a sideward glance. If there are two eyes here in these paintings it is truly abstracted but the name came to me as I finished the two works so I am going to go with it.  It has been, "A Painting Day".

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