A Painting Day

Sunday, October 29, 2017

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".

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

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".

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

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".

Friday, October 20, 2017

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".

Sunday, October 15, 2017

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".

Monday, October 9, 2017

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.

Friday, October 6, 2017

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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Thursday, October 5, 2017

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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Tuesday, October 3, 2017

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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