Colorful Critters

"Colorful Critters"
9X20

Back to southwest style painting.  I finished this one today.  It is based on Oaxacan wood carvings.  If you are not familiar with them I would advise you do a Google search of images of Oaxacan Art.  They are very popular here in the southwest.  They incorporate vibrant colors and dots and designs like my own art.  Since I just finished the skull painting I was still in the mood to do something else "creepy".  What better subject than a scorpion, tarantula and gecko?  I have so much fun doing this!  Maybe I should do something soft and pretty next like a flower.  I have to think about it.....

My latest painting

"Carpe Diem"

Usually when I do a painting it contains no "deeper" meaning.  I paint for the joy of painting and for the fun of using intense color.  On the other hand, this painting is full symbolism.  I did it for my grandson Michael.  He came up with the subject matter and the meaning of each item in the painting.  Here is his explanation of the meaning of the painting...."The Candle on the skull represents the time we have to live, The Flame is Life itself, The Skull, of course is the inevitability of death. The Books ( a Bible and a Journal) represent history and guidance,   The Pen and Ink represent the potential we have while we are alive."  I must admit I had lots of fun doing this painting as I did when I did the one for my Aunt which also had deep meaning.  They are both very different from my usual painting subjects which made them very interesting and exciting for me to create!

Mandevilla

Mandevilla
8X10

Leslie's photo of her mandevilla

I haven't posted for awhile because I went through a dry phase. I lost my motivation and went through a "painters block".  That was the bad news.  The good news is that I got some spring cleaning done during that time. I now have my "mojo" back and am painting again.

  The above painting is one I did for my daughter-in-law Leslie.  The frame is an antique that was built by her grandfather.  She wanted a painting of her Mandevilla plant.  She gave me a photo of it and mentioned the photo shows the flowers a deep pink while in reality they were more red.  I decided to do them with the lattice as it makes a nice background.   I am now working on a painting for my grandson Michael which is very interesting. I'll post a photo when it is done.  I also have scheduled an arts and craft show for mid April.  You will here more about that in the near future.