This painting began with numerous sketches and photographs. The angular, rusty shapes attracted my attention and I found myself searching out these old industrial areas. Centerville has a lot of interesting places to paint. I completed a full-size sketch of this to begin with, seeking out big, abstract shapes and value patterns. I find this […] more »
Machine compositions seem to have captured my interest again! This design is just a small piece of an old threshing machine. I love the old rusted pieces of metal and weathered wood sections of the machine. It would be fun to see it actually working in the field. When I begin my watercolor compositions, I […] more »
I’m very pleased to announce my acceptance into the Illinois Watercolor National Exhibition 2013. My painting, Wheels & Belts, was chosen to be part of this show by juror Ratindra Das. 60 paintings out of 249 were selected for the show. It will be held at The Next Picture Show gallery in Dixon, Illinois. This exhibit […] more »
I’ve painted another design of the crushed and mangled cans that I viewed at the recycling center here in Centerville. I find the abstract metal shapes fascinating and have to simplify the elements as there are too many details within each can. In this design, the round bottoms “frame” the larger can with ridges and […] more »
I’m continuing my metalscape series with all the interesting ridged cans and circular lids. This is the eighth design, and I used a limited palette of burnt sienna and various blues. It took me about a week to paint. I began by doing a couple thumbnail designs in my sketchbook since I worked from my […] more »
Seems like the possibilities are endless in my quest of metal landscapes. Besides noticing all the junk people recycle. The little snips of red break up the gray-striped pattern of the soup and fruit cans. The round lids add interest to the reflected patterns. It is a challenge to mix different shades of gray, warm and cools. […] more »
Another fabulous “tinscape”! These crushed cans are in another landscape formation, with the Folger’s coffee can being most prominent. Being a coffee sipper, I really appreciate the bright red can among the striped soup cans and pull tabs. Lots of movement in this design — all the varieties of gray shapes make the red pop. more »
The third painting of my recycled mashed metal cans. What caught my eye was the red-striped Barbasol can — something used by my husband every day. It contrasted with the Hy-Vee Refried Beans. The ribbed can patterns are interrupted by the top circular sections and reflect surrounding images. The bright colored labels are offset by […] more »
I began this series by taking loads of photographs of the crushed metal cans at the landfill. It was an endless composition of mangled metal — about twelve feet high and six feet wide. Each of my watercolor designs is just a small piece of the whole. I found the ribbed patterns exciting with some […] more »