For me, staying put at home is pretty much what I do, so social distancing and self-quarantining are not much of a change or a challenge for me. What I do is what I always do: I get up in the morning, have a cup of coffee and a croissant, and go to my studio to paint.
I started the month pretty much as I ended the last in terms of my style. But during March, I came across an artist who was new to me, Mary Bentz Gilkerson. She has a painterly style that is really what I've always wanted to achieve and so her work has inspired me to make that my new artistic exploration. She is also a master at motivating artists, and sometimes I can use a little motivation - not to paint - I'm always motivated to do that - but sometimes I need to break free and try something new.
Here is a quote from Wilkinson that seems especially appropriate right now:
"Get some fresh air- this releases chemicals beneficial to humans. It gives you a sense of peace and connectedness and it will re-energize you. It is one of the best ways to anchieve a peak creative state."
Since we are all keeping close to home these days, getting outside for some air and sun seems like the best thing we can do for ourselves.
Anyway, I've been having fun with this new style and like the results - enough that I've added a new collection to my FASO website: Painterly Impressionism Collection.
Below are examples of what I got up to in March, ending with the new painterly impressionistic style. I hope that everyone will stay safe and well until we meet again in April - stay home, take care of yourself and loved ones - we are all in this together!
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| Grassy Dunes Boca Grande 12 by 12 on linen canvas panel |
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| Gulf of Mexico Tranquility 18 by 24 on heavy linen paper |
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| New Mexico High Country 18 by 24 on heavy linen paper |
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| Across the River 12 by 16 on linen canvas panel Painterly Impressionism |
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| Dawn 24 by 18 on heavy linen paper Painterly Impressionism |
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| Summer Day New Mexico 12 by 16 on linen canvas panel Painterly Impressionism |
