Friday, June 17, 2016

New Work: Whatever! (2); My Art Matches My Sofa...

Whatever! (2)
collage
image size 15" x 18" approx
Should I be ashamed to admit that I made some art to match my living room decor? Well, I did, so there!

I wanted to do a redo of the last piece. The colors were not me. In fact, I have made some questionable color choices lately which I guess is all part of experimenting to figure out what you like and what you want to say. I learned a little bit more about my tolerance level for combining paper and texture. I also enjoyed mixing my colors once again from the primaries. I can make a neutral like nobody's business! Very happy I learned how to do this along the way. There is a real challenge in trying to find just the right balance of dominant color and chroma (saturation). I really enjoy it, I admit. And I was surprised about the choice of that blue color. I had a green color on my mind but nothing I tried seemed to work. For me, that blue was the ticket. 

This week has been hectic. We had our HVAC unit replaced and so the past two days have been stressful because of needing to sequester our indoor cats. The company truck was also parked directly next to my studio window and the unit itself is directly over my studio. It's all a good thing though because while it has been unseasonably cool here, it is getting ready to be very warm. People live here with no air conditioning. I know from my time in our last home though that 100+ temps with no air is incredibly uncomfortable. So, while the installation was stress inducing, I am grateful for the new unit. 

I have some poetry and writing in my sketchbook this week to share. The first is a poem by William Stafford, called Cutting Loose. The second is a quote from writer Diane Ackerman, included in the blog post of Parker Palmer, also a writer. I found both things to be uplifting and wanted to pass that along.

Hope everyone has had a good week. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Libby
 



8 comments:

  1. I would like to put my take on the statement you made of your art matching your sofa. It is usually used as a put-down. I have never understood why because we decorate our homes with the colors and items we like. We then place everything within that space... arranging them just we like. This is "our personal taste." A painting is SUPPOSED be a recording of the individual taste of the artist who painted it. So, Libby, color and space placement in the living room AND the painting ARE YOU!
    I happen to think this one is my personal fav of this series. The band of white background running across with only the small vertical blocks of color and soft diffused gray letters makes this one very special (to my taste)
    Enjoy your cool house. I find the heat very bearable here, but only because of the wonders of AC,
    My daughter is visiting and I have to brave the outdoors, but she knows i wilt fast. h
    Have a great week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Julie,

      I couldn't agree with you more! I have both heard and read that statement. It's almost always made in a derogatory way isn't it? I have been experimenting with all of these bright colors and while I like them, I would prefer some brighter earth tones instead. When I look around my home, everything reflects me so as you suggested, why not my work? I would have to add that I suspect many new artists struggle with this; making work that fits their personality. We try on many hats before we find the one that fits:)

      What would we do without our beloved AC? I know people live without it but also know from experience that it is very uncomfortable. And I know New Mexico is in for some record temps. Us too here in CA. The weather is going to get bad! Have a good time with your daughter. Thank you as always for the visit and comments.
      Libby

      Delete
  2. There's that black doing its job again! The amount of that color is just perfect to add zest without taking over.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Carol! I am trying to be judicious in my use of that black (which is really a dark gray). It can overpower quickly so I am trying to be strategic!

      Thanks for the visit and comments. I appreciate it:)
      Libby

      Delete
  3. Definitely that blue in this piece steals the show. The three squares with the blue semi-circles makes me think of purses. Think you are onto something with this series. Glad your air conditioner is in and ready to go. Hope you have a super day. Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Debbie! That blue was a real surprise to me. I just kept looking for a color that seemed to make sense. And I thought about purses also for those shapes. I originally thought about locks of course but a handbag works just fine:)

      Hope all is well. Thank you for your visit and kind words:)
      Libby

      Delete
  4. I love for art to match its people or its surroundings! Personally, I find it also helps me to narrow down the rainbow. Without taste to dictate my choices, I worry that I might put all the colors in all the paintings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gwenn,

      Seems like a real no brainer that both the art that you make and the art that you buy would go with your decor and reflect your tastes. I am not sure how the idea took on a pejorative meaning.

      I like to have some kind of a guide too otherwise I feel like my color choices aren't terribly organized or informed. Having some idea of what you like really helps!

      Always glad to get a visit from you, thank you. I hope you are doing well.
      Libby

      Delete

Thank you for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it! I reply back in an email if you are signed in and I can see your address. Otherwise I will post the reply here under your comment. I tend to cut and paste my emails too so that others can experience the back and forth which I think is integral to blogging.
Libby