Moods of the River......Towards the end of 2021 I wanted new artistic challenges and decided to change my medium from watercolors on paper to acrylic paints on canvas. A novice again, but that 's OK...it's what I needed and wanted. All the art supplies were new and I entered into this process with persistence and motivation. It was during this discovery time I would hike out to Oregon and Washington rivers to relax and enjoy. I'd take photos of the water and, one interesting painting later... a passion was born! I took many hikes to many rivers and have been painting, painting, and painting throughout 2022! A novice no more. This entire year I have been working on a body of work, (defined as a cohesive series of artworks which are all linked in style and theme) and have been focusing on the 'Moods of the River'. I've mentioned this before in these newsletters and at my open studios, but today I'm going to share some of my experiences and writings with you. I've been very consistent with my painting practice and am delighted to say I have finished 23 water works with my intention goal of obtaining Fine Arts gallery representation in this new year. "TOTALLY TRANSPARENT" 20"x24" Totally Transparent is such a trendy contemporary saying but I chose this title for the beautiful transparency in the water... the pale green down the falls and show of the under water rocks. Did I see the delicacy of this while sitting there observing and experiencing? No. While there I merged my awareness in the fast moving waters...the smoothness to turmoil. I love that term since it frequently describes the movements of these waters. The turbulence and sunshine both contribute to the color and light you see in these rushing waters. And... let's not forget that I am the creator of my dreams and can add red rocks whenever I am inclined. "WATERS OF REFLECTION" 30"X24" Reflections are calming, some say healing. They soothe and make me sigh. Water reflects the beauty surrounding it. There is much happening in this painting and at first it seems the rocks and boulders take center stage but, looking further you may become aware of how the water settles over and around the rocks with its own unique information. This results in an abstracted realism which interests... before its entirety calms. This is my favorite characteristic of water and the quality I witness makes each hike and visit to the water's edge surprising. A gift. To be painted. ALL THE RIVERS RUN 20"X24" And here I have captured a common and reoccurring attribute of water...its ability to adapt and adjust. This last hike I brought my breakfast of hot coffee and goat cheese stuffed dates, wrapped in bacon, to eat while I sat on the boulders and studied the water. Yes, an odd breakfast but I wanted to try my son's recipe, and it was portable. I watched the flow around obstacles and became enchanted by the swirling designs water makes leaving the flow, only to course correct and eventually blend back into the current. Enjoying my dates I realized, here was a teacher...reminding me not to take myself so seriously and be more at ease with life, and course correct as needed. The river somehow accesses an openness to wonder and thinking for me. This inspires me to paint what I see and capture how I felt. And now I've shared three moods of the river with you. Perhaps you can sense the joy in my process. There will be more to share, stay tuned. Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese 12 pitted Medjool dates 3oz goat cheese 6 strips of bacon 1. Preheat oven to 375 and line baking sheet with parchment 2. Fill dates with 1-2 tsp goat cheese 3. Cut bacon in half and roll around stuffed date 1 1/2 times and stick a toothpick in the middle to hold it together 4. Bake for 10 minutes then flip dates onto their sides and bake another 10 minutes...or until bacon is crisp... but not too crispy. I've included the recipe as this might make a tasty appetizer during your holidays. Happy Holidays to you!
Hugs, Patrice
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