Hannah's Portal

Hannah, a 20 year old  tuxedo cat, was my walking companion during a visit to Harpswell Maine a few summers ago.  She and I strolled the shore early in the morning. I was amazed at both her agility to manage the rocks and her acuity for such a wizened cat. Returning from our exploration of the nearby cove, we passed beneath the bows of an ancient apple tree reputed to have a strong spirit residing within.  It was a bit creepy and I felt compelled  to give it a nod of respect as I  snuck under the gnarled limbs. Hannah has passed on since that summer.  I wonder if she has joined the spirit of this enduring apple tree. I wish my little friend well. I drew this 22x 30" image with 4-6B graphite pencils on a sheet of beautiful BFK Rives 140# cotton paper.  The furry surface adds to the diffused feeling of this drawing.  This was a study with the intent to eventually to make a colored pencil painting. But I love this graphite so much, just the way it is.  And it has been filed away for almost a year now, so I get to experience it objectively. I doubt a color rendition would improve the message.  Mean time, it remains in cue for one day. Enjoy!

"Departing" is accepted into the Cincinnati Art Club, View Point 47 Exhibition, October 3rd-31st, Doug Eisele Gallery of Fine Art

"Departing" is soon to be exhibited in its fourth show this year!  The fun part is the exhibition is hosted by my old boss Doug Eisele, owner of Old World Restorations, (where 20 years ago, I learned patience as an art restoration technician,) in his gallery: Doug Eisele Gallery of Fine Art.  Talk about full circle!   This should be interesting, right?

Departing

"Departing," 18.5 x 25" various lightfast colored pencils mixed with solvents on 4 ply mat board.  The reference is from a series of photos I took as my 25 year old daughter prepared to board her plane to California.  The painting is about leave taking and letting go.  I may have gone a little crazy with all the details, right down to the turtle charm bracelet, which she has had since she was small enough to collect everything turtle, the safari bag she found in my closet, her high school back pack and the thrift store suitcase. I include these things because they are necessary to create an accurate portrayal of this cunning, free-spirited artistic person, whom I love beyond measure, in her moment.

Waiting

"Waiting," 30x16" Prismacolor Pencils on rag mat board.  The reference is mine of course.  If you follow my blog and work at all, you will see these three characters crop up often.  This is what I imagine dog purgatory to be- that somewhere in between breakfast and when mom gets home.   The cat can do as he likes, but for the moment, is interested in something outside. I chose the french grays for inside and full color outside to create an obvious border between dream state and full awareness. I hope it works.  I had to try anyway.

Yes, another cat!

This is a very early work in progress (WIP) of yet another cat.  Using Thomas again.  This should be fun.  My favorite time of year is Halloween. Can you see the broom beginning to emerge? Let's see if I can pull it off. I'm working on 4-ply rag mat- less forgiving than my most recent cats, which were painted on linen mat. I have to be very careful to leave untouched surface for the brightest white.  Keeping those areas pristine is difficult when creating large areas of dark. I use the scoring method, which also has draw backs (oo a pun,  Get it?).  I tried using a liquid mask once, but it was a total bust. Enjoy and be sure to check in from time to time.