I'd like to share a new creative path with you as it's emerging....

Sometimes I have  naturally occurring common experiences which develops into unique new thoughts and a desire.  This happened to me this month and I'm eager to Show & Tell it all!

I woke early and joined my friend for a photo hike up in Washington, specifically a portion of the Lewis River which has beautiful areas of river, climbable rock/boulders, and beautiful river falls.  I believe all the planets aligned that morning... minimal traffic, golden sunshine emerging, the perfect temperature with blue skies, AND... no one else there!
Before I go on I want to show you how lovely.

​I'm a Capricorn, so the goat in me had no trouble climbing rocky areas to find the perfect places to capture landscapes or close up water photos.   I admit that half of the time was spent sitting quietly...listening to water music, birds, and my deep sighs. 

Back in the studio I am studying each photo for potential composition, interest, and my "joy-painting" factor.  As I study, I realize the river has a personality!  It becomes a live entity to me now and displays lazy, languid pools or busy flowing waters with purpose.  I see transitional flows, trickles, rushes and deep drops of fury throwing it's spray into exclamation with a natural carefree release, to calm.

It occurs to me.... I want to paint more than what I see.  I want to capture the river's mood's and personality in my paintings!   And I want to paint how I felt!   Yes, that feeling.   Most mornings I lie in bed thinking about a project I'll start or one already on the easel, and that enthusiasm washes over me, demanding I  start my day in the studio.  I listen and go.

 "COLORS OF WATER"
12"x24" acrylic on canvas.  Sunlight and shadow factor in the color of water.  Add turbulence and movement which expose, alter, and visually surprises!  Interesting water is alive and moves...don't you feel invigorated looking at this?!

And here is where I tell you that I have challenged myself to paint 15 large paintings, studying the river's flow and patterns between, alongside, and down rocky structures.  I intend to paint more than what I see.  An essence, feelings using temperature of color and techniques of brushwork.  I'll point these out to you as I post paintings in upcoming newsletters.

I also want to culminate this creative project with solo Gallery show.  I'll be thinking more about where later.
Life seems to work when a compelling idea takes form and progress is consistently made. 

So that is  my plan these next many months and I'll be sharing my progress.

Thought you might enjoy knowing where my art comes from.  (I'm often shocked and interested where it comes from, myself!)

I have  10 of my watercolor paintings hanging at the
RISE GALLERY
10445 SW Canterbury Lane
Tigard  97224
through  August 31, 2022.
Gallery hours 10am-4pm Monday-Friday

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To let you know... I have been juried into the
Portland Open Studios 
October 8-9
and
October 15-16
so the rest of the summer and early Fall,  I'll be happily  working on my River series.  If you are interested in my progress, give me a call and stop by my gallery.  I'll be happy to show you.  Bring a friend...I would appreciate that.
Or go to my website as I'll be posting them there...but they are not as fun as looking at the originals.

Enjoy your summer!
Create Happiness...
Patrice