Wind

How can I paint wind? This is one of the thoughts I had as I painted this week. How can I salute Berthe Morisot in this painting? I look forward to sharing this and more with you this week gentle reader. But first, here’s a hello to new readers and a description of this blog’s focus and purpose.

Small Spaces Special Places

Each year, I select a theme for my weekly paintings. This year’s is “Small Spaces Special Places.” One reason for this theme is I have been surprised, even delighted, with the small spaces in our house that have captured my eye.

Then, there are the special places I see on my daily dog walks here in Raleigh. Each morning, rain or shine, I love getting outdoors and looking for special places to paint.

Most weeks, I also share an exercise and/or a painter who inspires my work. If you know someone who you think might enjoy a weekly dose of color, with a dash of art history, please encourage them to sign up here for this weekly blog.

Admission

This week’s painting seems to straddle last year’s theme of Favorite Things and the 2021 theme I describe above. Why do I say this? Well, I admit that the objects in this week’s painting are objects I collect from my morning walk. Both objects, the magnolia leaf and two feathers, are set up in a still life arrangement. But, I made the decision to leave out the realistic background of this still life. Here’s what inspired me to do this.

Inspiration

Lately, I have been thinking about brush strokes, paint and the outcome of these actions. Most of my paintings have a finished look where the viewer cannot see the brush strokes I make. I find I am curious about painters whose brush strokes are visible – even prominent – in their paintings. Enter Berthe Morisot and her painting entitled “The Cage.”

I love seeing her varied and colorful brush strokes. For instance, when I look at the sweet bird cage and planter with flowers behind it, I smile. Do you?

To clarify, imagine if this painting had a background and table top with no visible brush strokes and direct light cascading from the upper right corner. Would you agree that this painting would feel more formal? With Morisot’s looser brush strokes, there’s a feeling of intimacy and ease.

Don’t let this description of her painting fool you though. Morisot was a serious, professional painter at a time when women were confined to domestic life. Do you think this photograph supports that image? Yes?

Why Wind

As I worked on this week’s painting, I wanted the viewer to see the magnolia leaf and feathers as if they were floating in the wind. I also wanted to paint the leathery texture of the leaf and the light, fluffy feel of the feathers. I know that drawing feathers in graphite has helped me as I strive towards that goal. Here’s an example of a recent drawing:

One of the reasons I feel so fortunate to be painting full-time these days is I get to think about all the technical challenges I describe here today. But I have another reason, beyond the technical, for choosing the leaf and feathers to paint this week.

It’s about the birds

We are at a crossroads when it comes to saving our environment and planet. I encourage you to read Doug Tallamy, PhD’s book entitled “Nature’s Best Hope.” He describes specific steps we can each take to support birds and life in our yards and the planet. For instance, he suggests each of us create a home grown national park! You can read what that means here.

If you have a chance to read the book, the home grown national park link and live in the Raleigh area, there is a delightful small nursery that supplies most of the plants you will need. The nursery is called Field to Cottage. Even if you don’t live in Raleigh, check out the lovely paintings on their website!

For Sale

This small 5 inch by 5 inch painting is in gouache and painted on paper. It’s ready to frame and is for sale for $45. Please contact me if you’re interested.

How about you

How about you gentle reader? What are you thinking about these days? Are you a bird fan? Are you gearing up for some spring gardening activities? Please do tell in the comments below. And, thank you for reading today!