Happiness Project
Less is more~Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
“Happiness project” was a new adventure for me, painting a much larger painting than usual, (48” X 48”) and also have the under-painting be entirely bright red. For some reason the red under-painting made the canvas feel larger. Trying to have control in this unfamiliar setting was even more difficult.
I am definitely not a minimalist in a classic way, but when painting I like to use my teacher’s guideline, “when it says what it is there is no need to say more”.
Leaving bits and pieces of the red underpainting created a glow, especially when a transparent hue was used. When taking a photograph, the reflection of the red under-painting vibrated, that is why I took a video of the detail to give you a better view of the color and value.
I was concerned about painting the red out. I found myself asking the question “When is the painting finished?” That one extra stroke can put it over the edge.
When do you think the painting is finished? Have you ever gone to far?
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wq89E-TSZ-s[/youtube]
*ART20K footage completed 9380 square inches.
*Painting "Happiness Project" measures 48" X 48", oil on museum wrapped canvas, price $5760.
*All art from Janet Vanderhoof’s Fine Art Gallery, maybe seen in Janet’s studio at Morgan Hill, CA. You may purchase through contacting my email jvander51@msn.com or phone (408) 460-7237. Thank you!
"Guardians of Being"
Every being is a spark of the Divine or God. Look into the eyes of the dog and sense that innermost core. ~Eckhart Tolle
I was commissioned by friends of mine to paint their dog Ollie. I felt it a privilege that they would trust me with such an intimate painting. Painting a pet is similar to painting someone’s child. I found the best way to capture the essence of Ollie" was through his eyes. Isn’t it true that the eyes are the windows of the soul?
As they talked about Ollie, I recognized their deep love for their friend. I also shared my love of my dog, Daisy, a yellow lab. I noticed instantly that our moods quickly changed to delight, smiles, and a deeper connection, relating to each other as dog lovers and owners.
Because dogs are always in the moment, they have the ability to connect us to stillness, being and awareness. Dogs are not caught up in the mind like humans. When we pet and hold our animal it connects us to that being-ness.
My dog Daisy is a love; she loves lying on my feet as I sit in my sacred place. I can tell when my son Blake pets Daisy, he feels instantly calmed, centered and peaceful. My husband walks Daisy daily, which instantly balances him, helps him get out of his mind and into a state of being.
Here is a wonderful video with the Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan and Eckart Tolle, talking about the core of goodness in dogs and how we can benefit from them.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20v_BPVRwX4[/youtube]
Do you have a pet? Do you have a story to share?
*If you are interested in commissioning me to paint your pet, please contact me either by email, jvander51@msn.com or phone (408)460-7237, thank you!
Vulnerability And The Big Challenge
36" x 48", acrylic on museum wrapped canvas
“Armed I am with love. Disarmed I am.”
― Manuel Alegre
Tomorrow I am going to speak about my #paint52 project for Alyson B Stanfield’s Art Biz Incubation group. I have taken three of her workshops and been so pleased with the outcome and her standard of quality in anything she offers.
Our topic will be on committing to doing a “big project”. Doing two big projects in a row #paint52 and now Art20K has pushed me in many ways, just due to its natural progression and momentum. I don’t want to elaborate for I will be talking about it tomorrow. But, let’s just say talking in front of a group is pretty "big" for me.
The painting above was also out of my comfort zone. I did something totally unpredictable and unexpected for me. It felt very uncomfortable. I posted it on Facebook and many people enjoyed the painting. I could have left it as is, but I needed to push myself further, even if it was a disaster. I could risk and perhaps still did ruin the painting. Yet, the only way I learn and grow is to push myself.
Now what does doing big projects, talking to Alyson’s group and my painting has in common. I guess first of all I am putting myself in a vulnerable situation. I risk failing. In the end I have to be all right with it not being perfect, exposing who I am and realizing I am still good enough. Isn’t that always the bottom line, “Am I good enough”?
What risk are you afraid to take and why?
*ART20K footage completed 6996 square inches.
*Painting above, Title: “Delicate Vulnerability", measures 36″ x 48″, Acrylic on museum wrapped canvas (no need for framing), Price $4320
*All art from Janet Vanderhoof’s Fine Art Gallery, maybe seen in Janet’s studio at Morgan Hill, CA. You may purchase through contacting my email jvander51@msn.com or phone (408) 460-7237. Thank you!
The Colorist and Crayola Crayons
“Artists are just children who refuse to put down their crayons.” Al Hirschfeld
Only 3 years old, I have fond memories of my mother bringing a fresh box of 48 Crayola Crayons home to our barracks in the Aleutian Islands -Adak, Alaska. Little did I know that it was such an influence in my creative life? I would analyze each color, the milky color of apricot, complimenting the silvery periwinkle and perfect combination with magenta. The combinations were endless and I was determined to explore as many as I could create.
I do remember my first coloring, a pig, with the famous Carnation Pink. I don’t think I cared about the pig as much as seeing the beauty of the luscious pink. Is this my imagination? Could a three year old have experienced such intensity?
My first day in Kindergarten I was handed a box of 8 crayons. My first thought was “where is my box of 48? How could I possibly create anything with these primary colors?” I remember asking my teacher if I could bring my own crayons. “Of course, Janet if you can bring them for the entire class to share”. Well that ended that. I had to learn new ways to compensate, outlining in black, which soon changed because the teacher thought I was depressed. Then I would outline the inside of the object and color it different colors or layer colors.
Today I relate to the crayon colors similarities to my oil paints, bittersweet becomes Quinacridone Burnt Sienna combined with white, midnight blue now the famous Prussian Blue, Brick red similar to Indian Red and Magenta close to Permanent Rose.
Crayola Crayons simply prepared my sensibility to color. Could it even of affected me at a neurological level, as described in the book, "The Talent Code" by Daniel Coyle?
Color is my first love and as I have always said, "Without color I wouldn't paint".
*ART20K footage completed 5268 square inches.
*Painting above, Title: "A View From The 18th Hole", measures 36″ x 48", Oil on museum wrapped canvas (no need for framing), Price $4320
*All art from Janet Vanderhoof’s Fine Art Gallery, maybe seen in Janet’s studio at Morgan Hill, CA. You may purchase through contacting my email jvander51@msn.com or phone (408) 460-7237. Thank you!
Is Bigger Better?
Changing my challenge this year to paint 20,000 square inches, Art20K, instead of amount of paintings, as in last years goal, #Paint 52, has been quite thrilling. I have found myself painting much larger and in turn experiencing much more freedom and joy painting. Creating a body of work feels more substantial painting larger and more conducive to preparing for a show. Although, I love painting larger, I have found myself asking questions about the upside and downside of painting large vs. small.
Is it easier to market smaller paintings than larger, due to their affordability?
As an artist, should you make sure you have a balance of sizes available for market?
Does certain subject matter demand a larger format?
What are the advantages of painting larger or smaller?
What are disadvantages of painting larger or smaller?
What tools are needed when painting a large painting, that may not be needed when painting small?
Is studio space an indicator for size selection?
Does painting large equal being a serious painter and more appropriate for gallery representation?
Is intimacy affected when painting larger?
What are your feelings about painting large vs. small?
Thank you for your responses always love hearing from you and hearing your perspective.
*ART20K footage completed 3,540 square inches
*Painting above, Title: "A New Balance", measures 36" x 36", Atelier Interactive Acrylic on museum wrapped canvas (no need for framing), Price $3240.00 SOLD
*All art from Janet Vanderhoof’s Fine Art Gallery, maybe seen in Janet’s studio at Morgan Hill, CA. You may purchase through contacting my email jvander51@msn.com or phone (408) 460-7237. Thank you!