Two From the Desert - Ruth Andre

"Desert Grasses"

Image - Acrylic on Paper 5.5"x7.5"

Matted - 14"x14"

by Ruth Andre

"Wind Currents"

Image - Acrylic on Paper 5.5"x7.5"

Matted - 14"x14"

by Ruth Andre

After returning from Joshua Tree desert I painted these two paintings. The paintings are minimal in color but so very much like the desert land. The desert feels ancient with its desolate solitude. The torn bottom of the painting edge gives the feeling of the desert's roughness. It reminds one to be strong and diligent.  It is amazing to see the plants and animals that thrive in the desert with little water. My framer, Jim Ginney, made these lovely heavy bottom mats. I think he did a fabulous job and it is fun to see my paintings accented so well. Thank-you, Jim.

It has been, "A Painting Day".

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WHODUNNIT - Ruth Andre

"Jackson Pass"

6"x6" Acrylic on Canvas

WHODUNNIT - 2018

by Ruth Andre

This painting, "Jackson Pass" will be shipped out next week to a wonderful showing called, WHODUNNIT. Each year the ART ASSOCIATION OF JACKSON puts on a wonderful fund raising show called, WHODUNNIT. Each artist submits a piece of art and only signs the back of the piece so it is anonymously shown. The WHODUNNIT show is quite popular and I wold imagine it is also a lot of fun for patrons viewing the many entries of art to purchase and take home. The art association facility is a beautiful and welcoming facility with many teaching programs.

For more information for WHODUNNIT check here

Since I am still convalescing from my holiday FALL I have set up a work station on the dining table. I have made a mess of things but the lighting is wonderful and I can stir the soup on the stove or throw in a wash between adding layers of paint. I kind of like my new space. 

It has been, "A Painting Day".

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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Representation - The Art Spirit Gallery

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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Representation - The Art Spirit Gallery

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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Representation - The Art Spirit Gallery

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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There Is Always A Bright Spot - Ruth Andre

"There Is Always A Bright Spot"

7"x7" Oil-Wax on Paper

by Ruth Andre

This painting has a new home.

This has been a very busy week. I shipped paintings to The Art Spirit Gallery. The gallery is featuring me in an off sight exhibit and needed more paintings. I will be blogging about the coming show shortly. After all the rush to get work framed, packed and shipped in just a week's time it is  now time for a breather, a break to recharge. I went to the studio and my painting became very introspective. The title says so much and is directed to all the crazy comments that come ones way when in a crisis or death situation. There is always someone that point out what they believe are helpful words such as, luckily you have two children or, your family member or friend lived a long life or... Saying sorry is all that is needed, not a pep talk. I know they mean well but they do not understand. The bright spot may come and I am sure it will but not while the grief is so close to the heart. It is a time for healing from within. These are somewhat somber words for the day but the painting took me there so I went with it. It has been, "A Painting Day".

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Cloud Cover - Ruth Andre

"Cloud Cover"

4.5"x4.5" Oil-Wax on Paper

by Ruth Andre

I love seeing the afternoon sky and how the color changes from shades of blue to pink, orange and yellow. The sky is like a beacon of light and then the color changes and night follows. 

It has been, "A Painting Day". 

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Dream Landing II - Ruth Andre

"Dream Landing II"

4.5"x4.5" Oil and Wax on Paper

Matted and Framed 12"x12"

by Ruth Andre

There are times in life when each day feels like a Saturday and then other times each day feels like a Monday. Lately I  have been waking to Saturdays and enjoying each day immensely. With the week-end and July 4th holiday coming soon there are festive times ahead. Painting in the studio is my plan for the next few days with no distractions. I hope you have a wonderful holiday. 

It has been, "A Painting Day".

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Dream Landing I - Ruth Andre

"Dream Landing I"

4.5"x4.5" Oil-Wax on Paper

by Ruth Andre

I tried something a little different today and painted without painting in the formatted square but let the paint stroke stop before meeting the edge showing a loose finish. I also wanted to paint with a very quiet palette. I had moved a table to an open area in the barn to feel the cool breezes flowing through from outside. Our wild cat, Mommay Kitty, kept me company as she watched from her high perch. Take care and enjoy, it has been "A Painting Day".

PS: Dreams do come true.

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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".

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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.

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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. 

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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".

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Sky at Dusk - Ruth Andre

"Sky at Dusk"

4.5"x4.5" Mixed Media on Paper

Matted 12"x12"

by Ruth Andre

Spring is a magical time and the valley is alive with green grass, leafing old oak trees and wild flowers. It is a beautiful time of year. My painting today, "Sky at Dusk" is what I see at the end of a few special days here in the valley. The sky is filled with pink clouds. The sky is alive with brilliant shades of pink. The sky is one big canvas and is there for us all to enjoy. 

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Landing Gear - Ruth Andre

"Landing Gear"

8"x8" Mixed Media on Handmade Paper

Mat Available

by Ruth Andre

The act of flying and enjoying the freedom of flight is a passion, a choice, a love. I can only relate with my own passion and that is the act of painting. There is something within us that can be nurtured and brought to life to bring a sense of weightlessness and freedom. Coming down from a soaring happy time of discovery is allowing the landing gear to slow us down and enjoy the moment of discovery.

It has been, "A Painting Day".

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Challenge Painting One Hundred - Ruth Andre

"Afternoon Glow"

4.5"x4.5" Mixed Media on Paper

12"x12" Mat Available

Challenge Painting One-Hundred

by Ruth Andre

$125.00

This is the One Hundredth painting in the Challenge 100 Paintings. I can say it has been a fun journey taking on the Challenge. I decided not to put a time limit for its completion because I wanted the Challenge to be something that I could enjoy without any anxiety. Moving at my own pace to make small paintings was my goal and to make 100 for the final collection. A friend asked me what I learned from the Challenge. I learned several things and I have listed a few of them below:

Take chances.

Be bold.

Remember to bring to the canvas what you see and feel daily.

Use nature's palette as a guide.

Have confidence.

Push for a little more.

Enjoy new ideas.

The list could go on and on but the one thing that I let happen and that was 

to let myself enjoy painting and to enjoy the moment.

I may continue painting small paintings for the mere reason they let me begin and with the beginning there is room to continue. I hope those that have followed along have enjoyed the Challenge as well. 

I also want to mention that the afternoon light in the valley brings an unbelievable glow of light that makes me stop and look around. The light is fleeting and it is there for only a few minutes and then it is gone and the day has moved on getting ready for night. The last glow of the day brings a special beauty to the valley.

It has been, "A Painting Day".

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A Painting Day - Ms Piggy - Ruth Andre

"Ms. Piggy"

6"x6" Oil on Canvas Panel

by Ruth Andre

SOLD

This little pig has brought a lot of joy to the studio these past few days. She is a requested commission from a painting I did years ago. My style has changed and the brushwork is a bit wilder but the little face shines through. It has been, "A Painting Day".

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A Painting Day - Pink Clouds - Ruth Andre

"Pink Clouds"

4.5"x4.5" Mixed Media on Paper

12"x12" Mat Available

Challenge Painting - Ninety Nine

by Ruth Andre

$125

The sky is a constant reminder of nature's beauty. The expanse of color hovers above giving a daily masterpiece to enjoy. We have had rain and grey skies and dark clouds then yesterday the storm cleared and a rainbow shown crossing the valley. The colors were so amazing to see. Walking in the afternoon I have seen the sky full of pink clouds and enjoyed just standing and taking in the many shades of color. I sometimes wonder what brought me to this small valley and why. I am at odds at times with the area as a whole but once I am walking the land and enjoying the quiet I feel at peace within

It has been, "A Painting Day".

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A Painting Day - Be Mine - Ruth Andre

"Be Mine"

12"x12" Mixed Media on Paper

by Ruth Andre

$450

I was feeling a great sense of love and happiness when I painted this painting, "Be Mine". The palette of colors are very different than most of my paintings. I almost had to force myself to set out only a few pastel paints so i would not stray to my love for grey. Sometimes we have to give ourselves permission to make a change. It is so easy to stay in our found circle for what we consider safe. Reach out and take risks to find new paths is my goal for 2016. It has been, "A Painting Day".

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