Something blue...

It began as a curiosity. When I saw “naval” (SW 6244) introduced as Sherwin Williams’ 2020 paint color of the year, I pictured the ends of our world — midnight skies, depths of oceans — and imagined possibilities for its use in my work. 

SW 6244 latex paint & canvases

In February, I started my #BLUE series with familiar materials: dried flowers, black inks, red glass beads, acrylic paints & mediums to create “hydrangeas” (36x36” canvas, #BLUE no. 1). Since then, I’ve been using varying sizes — 6x6” (each, no. 2, 3); 20x60” (no. 4); 24x36” (each, no. 5, 6, 7); 30x40" (each, no. 8, 9); 8x10" (each, no. 10, 11); 36x60” (no. 12) — to explore new ideas. 

hydrangeas (my lucky #6) - 36x36" mixed media on canvas - #BLUE no. 1

​While working in my art studio, I listen — to the news, music, friends, family, or nothing but the movements around me: wheels of my easel rolling, birds living outside, Jinx barking at the delivery truck in our driveway, the tired hum of our 15-passenger van bringing Ken back home. And sometimes when I’m not painting, I’m reading. Admittedly old-school and nerdy, turning paper pages of hard-covered books and medical journals that arrive by snail mail are my favorites. Creating, working, listening, reading, learning... all reminders that I’m lucky to have another day. 

medical journals since mid-March 2020

always #chooselove - 20x60" mixed media on canvas #BLUE no. 4 - private collection

​Art reflects life — feelings & emotions, thoughts & actions, places & moments, friends & strangers. These days, the process of using blue in my art inherently reflects sadness: too many lives lost and devastatingly impacted by extraordinary events. I miss seeing smiles on faces, going to faraway places, being with you in person, doing seemingly ordinary things. Focusing on blue may seem ordinary, that is, before that initial curiosity grows with exploration. Then, using navy blue in series to reveal its potential — vast, far reaching, deep, peaceful, calming — becomes an unexpected source of joy. 

#BLUE no. 10, 11 - Leaves, R & L - mixed media on 8x10" each, grey toned panel - private collection

​As winter approaches, I’ll continue to take breaks from extraordinary. Look and listen in spaces without noise. Be curious. Choose from my stacks of favorites. Read. Explore new ideas. Learn. Make art. And hope you’ll find joy, perhaps even in something blue. 

View process photos for #BLUE series, updated in Gallery. 

Please continue to take care, be safe, stay well and mask up. 

With deepest gratitude and love, this is dedicated to Dad (R.I.P. Sept. 2019) and Mom
​...married 50+ years today. 
​
#becauseARTmatters ❤️