Moonrise

Spring Moonrise

24 x 24

Available at Hildt Galleries, Chicago

Hello All! Yes, it's been a long time. It's not that I haven't been writing (I have) but just elsewhere. But, I have wanted to get back here for a long while, and here I am. Hope some of you are still out there.

Moonrises have been on my mind this week. I am teaching an online class on Nocturnes right now, and since this week is the full moon, it is not only the best time to observe the moonlit landscape but also to observe moonrise and moonset. That's because when the moon is full, it rises at about the same time as sunset, and sets at about the same time as sunrise. The sun in the opposite sky from the moon makes for lots of evocative light and color and also for interesting compositional opportunities.

Moonrise, Flood Tide

24 x 30

Private Collection

The moon and moonlight are full of mystery and mood. At full moonrise, before it is dark, we can feel the day slipping away, giving way to the night. Unfortunately for me, the skies in northeast Texas are too cloudy to enjoy the show. But, if its clear where you are, be sure to watch for moonrise at sunset tonight and moonset at dawn tomorrow!

Moonrise over the Pines

36 x 30

Private Collection

Velatura

Moonrise Over the Pines

36 x 30

“Trenta, quaranta velature!” (Translation: glazes, thirty to forty)
Titian

Velatura- don't you just love that word? Go ahead, say it a couple of times...doesn't it just roll right off your tongue? I've been doing some research on terms that were used in the Renaissance to describe what we refer to as glazing or to indirect techniques in general. Velatura seems to be used here by Titan as a synonym for glazing. But, other information indicates that this word referred to a milky or translucent glaze made with opaque paint rather than transparent paint. So, a scumble, right? Well, maybe. But, the distinction, at least among some writers, seems to be in the consistency of the mixture- a velatura being a more fluid glaze like consistency and a scumble being a dryer mixture. Whatever it was, Titian is said to have put it on with his fingers.

What comes through loud and clear is that all of these techniques were used in various ways, combinations and with great inventiveness in order to achieve desired optical effects and create form. For example, in Titian's case he used methods used in the earlier Flemish school, those developed in Venice and his own unique variations of those. Later, Rembrandt did the same, combining directly painted passages with voluptuous layers of both transparent and thinned opaque paint.

I started this painting as a demo back in April when my workshop group was here. Since then, I've worked on it off and on and added many layers- glazes, velaturas and scumbles. I've also used passages of glaze impasto- something I've been unable to find an historic term for, although Rembrandt used them. Whatever you call it, I love the look it creates. These details give a good idea of what the surface looks like and the soft, atmospheric look it creates. It also shows how much the larger image "tightens" up in the photography.

Velatura. Say it slowly...

Spring Moonrise

Spring Moonrise
24 x 30
Available at Huff Harrington Fine Art, Atlanta

Six weeks ago I promised myself I would do a few spring paintings, even if it took me until fall. Here is the first of those. I was interested in that pinkish undertone much of the foliage has in the spring and how that might play against the moonrise and of course those greens. It is an incredibly delicate balance of color harmony that only lasts for a few weeks, a limited engagement for those paying close attention.

On the Road

Showers Offshore
9 x 18
Available at M Gallery of Fine Art

I'm leaving early tomorrow for Florida but I wanted to post a few more paintings from the show. The opening reception at M Gallery of Fine Art in Sarasota is Friday, February 5 from 6-9PM. If you are in the area, please stop in!

Moon Over Myakka
18 x 24

I also wanted to mention that I have two online classes coming up- Painting the Luminous Landscape and The Painted Sky. Info and registration is here.

Myakka Evening
18 x 24

More Inspiration

I was walking back to the house from the studio a few days ago, watching the late light flicker through the trees on the southwest corner of our property. I turned around and saw this- the rising moon. The white oak still holding onto its autumn color provided a beautiful warm note. Of course what the photo didn't pick up was that lovely pinkish hue at the bottom of the sky. And that, of course, is why you have to get out there and see it for yourself.

Harvest Moon

Early Moonrise II
36 x 30

We had a spectacular early moonrise this evening ahead of Sunday's Harvest Moon. As a confirmed moon watcher, I'm looking forward to a weekend of moon gazing. Moon set should be terrific too. Must. Get. Up..for that!

BTW, I've three spots left in the online class and two spots left in the Workshop/Mini Mentorship. Info and registration is here.

Start your engines, moon watchers!

Twilight Moon 3

10 x 10

One of the pieces I've done for an upcoming show...more to come.

Home Again

We're home. July 4th in Telluride was terrific as usual. I wrote a bit about the celebration in the last post. One of the things I didn't mention, is that in addition to the fun funky part of the parade and festivities, this little town goes all out to honor Veterans. Every year, all Vets present on the 4th, whether from Telluride or visitors, are invited to march in the parade. This year my husband Steve (USMC 1967-1970) marched with about 25 others (including several artists from the show). The crowd cheers, small children shout "thank you", the band plays- it was very moving-especially since Steve and his comrades never got a parade or thank you when they came home. I was very proud.

The show ended on a positive note with another sale, and we headed home on Sunday morning. Driving through New Mexico, we were treated to what we used to call "Maynard Dixon skies" all day...



Then, a big storm rolled in and we saw this:

And, finally a moonrise through the storm clouds

Quite a show.

Telluride Plein Air Day 3

Twilight Moon
18 x 15
Sold

The moon won't actually be full until next Monday but I've taken the liberty of showing it about two thirds full here- a little artistic license! Tomorrow morning we have to deliver our pick for the silent auction tomorrow night- this one is in contention, but I'm still working on a larger triptych that might win out.

Tomorrow is also the quick draw on Main Street and then we vote for Artists Choice, which will be announced at the silent auction. The public sale starts Friday and continues through the 4th. Crunch time!

Telluride Plein Air Day 1

We arrived yesterday afternoon after spending the night in Placitas NM (where we lived for five years) with our friends Ted and Linda Heath. The drive through northern New Mexico, our old stomping grounds, was beautiful as always. Then, we traveled through Durango to Delores, winding through the mountains to Lizard Head Pass and finally Telluride.

First stop was to drop off frames to Jill Carver who was painting from this spot above Telluride.

That's the village at the end of the box canyon. I've painted two nocturnes from this spot in previous years, but this year, as I did last year, I plan to focus in on some more intimate scenes. Next, we stopped at the Sheridan Opera House so I could get my canvases stamped, then on to our hosts' home on the edge of the village.

This morning Steve headed back down to south of Lizard Head Pass to fly fish while I organized my stuff and tried unsuccessfully to get my ancient laptop to cooperate. Later we found a spot on Leopard Creek to fish and paint .

Tonight there is an artist orientation -but not until 8:30- so there will be plenty of time to take advantage of late light and the rising moon.

Early Moonrise

Early Moonrise
36 x 30
Available at Hildt Galleries, Chicago

"To rise, I must have a field to rise from."
Mary Oliver

I've been looking into phases of the moon lately and moonrises in particular. Online you can find out when the moon was full a hundred years ago or when it will be a hundred years hence (remember, hope springs eternal). What surprised me though was how often the moon rises at midday or early afternoon. When I was out walking this afternoon I looked for it. There it was almost directly overhead at 6PM. So, those early moonrises on summer nights when the moon rises as the sun sets are not so early after all.

Hayfield Moonrise

Hayfield Moonrise
10 x 12

This is the third small piece for the Albuquerque Museum Miniatures & More show next month.

April Moonrise

April Moonrise
Oil on panel 20 x 24
Available at Hildt Galleries, Chicago

A couple of weeks ago there was a spectacular moonrise. I did a small painting of it but wasn't really satisfied. So I made a few adjustments for this larger piece and I think I captured that brief moment when the sun has set in the west, the moon is rising and night is falling.