The impetus for this design was an upcoming juried competition and the fact I wanted to do an abstract composition. Having a definite deadline always propels me into action. Starting with some geometric shapes, I began arranging the shapes on the support and thought about a definite value pattern. My main idea was a circular […] more »
My second model, Sally, was happy to sit and pose for this painting. She looked at me very intently, wondering what I was doing. After the picture taking, she settled in for a long nap. I do work from my photos most of the time, as pets move around too much unless you plan to […] more »
For me, the challenge is to continue this series and expand on the teapot designs. My goal is to do at least twenty unique designs. Originally the focus for this background was to be a crossword puzzle, but it evolved into the arrow-like shapes. I also wanted to use a different range of colors than […] more »
This painting is done from a photo of the old Zephyr engine located in Albia, Iowa. Currently I am working on a series of different train engines in collage. I find these old engines fascinating and love painting them using my acrylic hand-painted papers. All the details on the engines add interest: the bell, railing, […] more »
My goal for this piece was to design an abstract collage in a small, square format. A lot of my colored paper scraps were accumulating on my art table, and I saw the possibility for an interesting composition. After arranging the scraps of paper on a piece of foam board, I tacked the edges down […] more »
Inspired by the Sumi-e paintings I made many years ago, I wanted to experiment with this technique using my collage papers. When working this small, in approximately 5 x 7 sizes, it’s best to limit shapes and not get involved in the details. Sketching from some of the birds outdoors at our feeders, I began […] more »
This is the first small-sized abstract I have completed in collage. It was inspired by Kandinsky’s work — I love the geometric shapes, the triangles, circles and squares. I began by cutting various shapes and assembling the design. Collage is wonderful for being able to move things around before you permanently adhere the shapes. And […] more »
This design of the pumpkins and black cat was inspired by the autumn season. I bought a few pumpkins and photographed our newest orphan kitten among them. She didn’t co-operate much. I took many reference photos to work from and worked in the traditional watercolor method on a medium weight paper. I usually wet the […] more »
This artwork came about by way of request, but I have been thinking of doing one of the indian corn for a long time. I worked from my original pencil drawing done in 1980, which is very detailed and took me many months to complete. In the collage design my drawing is simplified — just […] more »
This is another farm animal — a black and copper metallic-speckled rooster with orange feet and lavender background. I added yellow divisional strips for the Bingo board and added round map circles in the corners. I added a copper metallic edging and UV satin varnish and a bead eye. more »