Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Back to the Studio

West Shore, November, oil on canvas, 24" x 22"

I have recently finished an eight week teaching position at Stowe High School in Stowe, VT. I was back teaching painting, figure drawing, and ceramics. As I reflect on the experience, I realize that I had forgotten how much vitality and passion these young people have for their creative work. It was a sincere pleasure to be in their midst every day, watching them work out the problems of design and composition that full time artists grapple with each day as we work in our studios.

Now, I am back in the studio again, starting a new series of paintings for a show that I will have at the Fisk Farm in Isle La Motte this August. I am returning to my compositions of the water and sky, early morning, and at the end of day. I am hoping to explore more fully the abstract forms of color that are unique to this subject. I never tire of painting the peaceful calm of the lake at these transition times of each day. I am also continuing with a series of paintings documenting the barns, mostly ancient, of the Champlain Islands. The brilliance of light that exists here in the islands seems to illuminate these old buildings, giving a sense of time and history. I will post photos soon.