Where Will I Stay

30 Paintings in 30 Days, hosted by fabulous artist Leslie Saeta.

Day Eighteen:  "Where Will I Stay"

Just two days ago I bought a book about the history of barn buildings at my favorite thrift store. How odd I thought. And today I've already got to use it excessively - there you go.

The bundled-up person is from a Snow White storybook, as she's looking for a place to stay, after having been lured into the woods for killing purposes. She's walking on a path through sinking - disappearing -  barns, yet towards the sun. Yes, there is going to be a place for you, for sure, there is. A place where you will love it, and where you will be safe. Just keep going, sister, keep going!

When I was finished with this piece I realized that somehow I was telling the biblical story of Mary in an updated way. Sort of.

And the story of all of us.

"Where Will I Stay"

Mixed media: acrylics, red and yellowed edges from a century old book, book clippings, ink, on canvas panel, 16" x 20" 

Dinner Party

30 Paintings in 30 Days, hosted by fabulous artist Leslie Saeta.

 

Day Seventeen:  "Dinner Party"

 

A modern home, something to show off and the perfect place to "entertain" ("entertaining" - instead of having some friends over - seems to be the big thing nowadays). I think, the simple colors and lines work quite well as a setting for this low-spirited get-together. 

 

The dining table comes from an 80s punch-out furniture layout kit. Originally, I included four dining chairs but then found that they made it look way too comfortable and inviting.

 

"Dinner Party"

Mixed media: acrylics, punch-out shape from a furniture layout kit, magazine clippings, ink, on canvas panel, 9" x 12"

The Unknown

30 Paintings in 30 Days, hosted by fabulous artist Leslie Saeta.

 

Day Sixteen:  "The Unknown"

 

A man and a kitchen appliance. And nothing to add.

Mixed media:  watercolor, ink, man and toaster, both clipped from storybooks, on watercolor paper, 7" x 5"

  

 

Moving Mom

30 Paintings in 30 Days, hosted by fabulous artist Leslie Saeta.

 

Day Fifteen:  "Moving Mom"

 

I've been dealing with lots of different moving issues lately. Moving things from place to place, questioning things, throwing out things, holding on to things. How does it feel to move somewhere uncertain, or to be moved from one place to another completely unprepared. Thinking about destinations in general. 

 

 

In this context I made this one about a woman who is going to be moved into a "home". Her belongings are reduced to a small amount of sentimental objects, and she is taking her chair because she's allowed to take one piece of furniture for comfort. A box full of letters is telling her life story. Who has she loved?

 

I placed the woman and her life inside a huge moving box because I felt it would underline her fears about the unknown. 

 

"Moving Mom"

Mixed media: watercolor, storybook clippings, ink, on watercolor paper, "15" x 11"

To Have and To Hold

30 Paintings in 30 Days, hosted by fabulous artist Leslie Saeta.

 

Day Fourteen:  "To Have and To Hold"

 

I found some doll-making instructions in a seventies' craft book and loved the armless look of the creature on step 5. Instant bride for my nifty little troll, I thought. 

"To Have and To Hold"

Mixed media: watercolor, book clippings, ink, on watercolor paper, 9.25" x 5.5"

 

 

What Will I Do

30 Paintings in 30 Days, hosted by fabulous artist Leslie Saeta.

 

Day Thirteen:  "What Will I Do"

 

I made a piece about loss, feeling lost, and about finding the sense to move on. 

The four women are actually one, being in several coexisting states of mind. 

She's walking down the stairs and is about to step into an empty space. She is not moving anywhere, just looking a bit here and there, hesitant to find something to wish or hope for. To put something in her empty basket.

"What Will I Do"
Mixed media: watercolor, books clippings, ink, on watercolor paper, 11" x 15"

I Jam What I Jam

30 Paintings in 30 Days, hosted by fabulous artist Leslie Saeta.

Day Twelve:  "I Jam What I Jam"

 

A situation on the grocery shelf. Notice how some jars are turned towards the non-conformist. 

Deep stuff.

"I Jam What I Jam"

Mixed media: acrylic, red book edges, storybook clippings, ink, on canvas panel, 10" x 10"