Cold Wax and Oil Painting, Childhood Memories in Art, and Ocean Perch

Under the Deep Blue Sea
oil and wax on paper 9x12

My husband walked into my studio and said - "It smells different in here".  He's right, the smell of hot wax is absent and the smell of oil paint has taken over.  I'm finding myself drawn to painting with this new medium more and more.  I'm less inclined to be warming up the encaustic wax, yet I still do.  I'm finding being a beginner is fun and at every turn there is something new.  I'm also finding abstract difficult, so I had to take a little break from it and paint something more tangible - i.e. fish.

 

I've been wondering why I've been so compelled to paint fish lately and specifically ocean perch.  Other than they are fun for me because I love the texture and color.   Yet, I was still pondering the connection and why.  Then it came to me - I have very fond childhood memories of surf fishing with my Dad.  It was one of the perks of growing up at the beach on the pacific coast and being able to live off the bounty of the ocean.  We would spend many a summer day, wading out into the waves and throwing in a line.  The catch of the day was usually ocean perch as they were plentiful and really loved our bait of razor clams.  It was such a thrill to feel that tug on the line and reel in a silver flapping fish to bring home for dinner. This is my connection, and I have to say it makes me smile every time I look at my fish paintings.  Do you find fond childhood memories that come through in your art?

Also, I'm starting and Inspiration Today post on Tuesdays.  I'm sharing what's in progress in the studio and what I am finding inspiring.  The first of the series was this past Tuesday. 

Happy Friday!

Inspiration Today, What's Happening in the Studio and Work in Progress: 151

 

Detail of Work in Progress
oil and wax

Here's what's happening in the studio and the things that are inspiring me today.

1. I have a new Pandora station that I love - Iron and Wine Radio - and Sam Beam is also a painter :)
2. I'm doing more abstract painting and delving a little deeper into using oil and cold wax medium.  I'm finding aerial landscapes and satellite images with their shapes and patterns are really inspiring.
3. I think a tube wringer is worth the price in that you get every last drop out of a tube of paint.
4. Thanks to my friend Ingrid, she turned me on to this amazing blog showing stunning beauty in nature, its simplicity, color and texture.
5. Deepak and Oprah have just started a new free 21 Day Meditation series.

What is inspiring you today?

Happy Birthday, Paint Party Friday, Self Portrait

Happy Birthday PPF!  In celebration of 4 years, we are asked to show our faces in the form of a self portrait and celebrate together this happy birth day.  Thank you to Eva and Kristin for four years of hosting a place where artists can share and come together every week.  Its an incredible group that over the past few years, we have continuously given support and love and most importantly, shared art.  Its been so enlightening to see my fellow artists blossom, move through styles, and grow in leaps and bounds.  We've walked together along the artful journey and I have to say I have met some of my very favorite people in the world through this weekly gathering.  Thank you everyone, I am grateful to be part of this tribe.

Thoughts Become Things, Rescue Dog, and Wesley

Red Dog, Red Ball
encaustic on birch 8x10

I am a firm believer in "thoughts become things" or putting a thought, an idea, a wish, a dream, whatever - putting it out there - in the Universe - asking.  To me, by doing this, its like tossing a pebble into the water and causing a ripple.  A little tiny ripple which carries my thought on it across the fabric of the Universe - out there - to be answered and returned back to me when the time is right and the answer is just what I need at that very moment. 

 

We've been wanting a dog.  Its been close to a year since we lost our sweet dog to old age.  We were ready even though it means giving up a bit of freedom and spontaneity.  So, I did just this very thing.  I painted the painting of the red dog about a month ago.  I tossed my tiny pebble into the waters of the Universe and asked that a dog would come to us.  The right dog, the one we've been waiting for and is looking for us, the one not to replace the dogs I've had but to add to their history and compliment our family.

 

Unplanned, unready, bad timing... Here's Wesley - a half basset hound, half lab 1 1/2 years old surrendered to the Oregon Humane Society because his owner died and the people who ended up with him and his identical brother couldn't keep them.  We took Wes and another family went home with his brother just one day after being in the shelter.  Call it good timing, good fortune, call it what you like - but my little ripple was returned to me in a 50 lb package of pure love and snuggles.

 

I'm actually quite amazed at how closely he resembles my painting.  I missed the white toes and white on his chest but you have to admit its a bit uncanny (or not).

 

Wesley

Happy Friday everyone!  Hit the button and join the party -