March has had a slow start to making work (I reflect more on this in another recent post), but I wanted to reflect on the pieces I completed and two beautiful commissions that found homes this month. I also launched a new portal for commission inquiries, which you can access at the link here, and felt inspired to share the stories behind the work and their processes.
Custom Oil Commission
The Lanai Fountain, oil on canvas, 44” x 18”, 2021
While this painting deviates from my usual practice, I welcomed the opportunity to go back to my oil painting roots and create a custom work for two collectors in Sarasota, FL. Ruth and John have the most tranquil lanai, with the star of that being a geometric fountain surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers. I wanted to capture that lush aesthetic and the feeling of running water with paint trips streaming down throughout the piece. The work has a strong vertical to fit a specific location in their home, but I think it also reflects the narrow shape of the fountain.
Click here to inquire about a custom commission.
Small Moon on Silk
Full Moon - Feb 2021, Flashe paint on silk, 10” x 10”, 2021
I think “Just Because” gifts are often the most thoughtful - they’re unexpected and truly show that the person was on your mind. This little full moon carried that same sentiment for a client who simply loves the moon. I worked with the gift-giver on choosing the silk pattern/color and wanted the piece to reflect on February’s Snow Moon. This moon is all about putting intentional actions in place behind your goals. It also brings in the energies of hope, change, transition and creativity.
If you would like your own silk moon, you can inquire about a commission at the link here and I will get back to you with the next steps.
Flashe Paint Tree Study
Automatic 7, Flashe paint on paper, 22” x 30”, 2021
Going to Shelby Park in East Nashville has become one of my daily rituals and the trees throughout have a magical energy. The tree that watches over the dog park is my favorite. It has a gnarly trunk and branches that extend in all directions, yet the trunk halts to a strange tip.
I have been reading “The Hidden Life of Trees” by Peter Wohlleben and it has taken my understanding of trees to a whole new level. I make up more stories about them and view them even more as equal, but slower, beings.
Click here to see the available work from my flashe paint series.
Blue Moon Phases
Waning Gibbous I and II, Flashe paint on silk, 10” x 10” each, 2021
Waning gibbous moon phase is all about gratitude and is a time to restore your intentions. I have been gravitating more towards these phases recently, especially when I spot them during the daytime. Each piece was painted on two layers of silk and the bottom layer’s patterns shine through when the piece is held up to light.
Read more about the silk moon process and inquire about your own custom moon.
Oil Landscape Studies
Oil Sketches, Oil on hand dyed linen, 10” x 10” each, 2021
I wrapped up May with sketches inspired by trails throughout Tennessee and little creeks that I spot on my runs throughout the neighborhood. The linen is hand-dyed with indigo and these small pieces were a nice departure from my usual process.
If you are interested in an oil sketch, or other work, feel free to inquire through my contact page.