Tuesday, June 8, 2010

What I've been doing...

I have been making art since I was 2. And I've used a lot of different media. I think the first thing I drew as a very small child was actually done with a bic pen on paper, because it happened to be the writing utensil that was hanging around the house.

As far as rendering is concerned, prismacolor pencils are my favorite. Sometimes I have to throw a little black ink pen in there for the tough details... because it's very hard to find a black verithin that will actually stay sharp and not lose it's lead — seriously, it's a massive structural flaw with those pencils. And because the black prismacolors are also notorious for losing their lead when you sharpen them. But also because I own a lot of Zig Millennium pens, and I'm very fond of their quality. So, using them isn't something I fret over.

Anyway, in the event that I was somehow unclear: I love drawing with prismacolors. I would pick them over anything else on the planet. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy photography, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, pen & ink, etc., but when it comes to rendering something — get me my prismacolors.

So, when I paint, it tends to be abstract.
Abstract painting is really the kind of painting I enjoy the most. To put it in terms of litotes: it is the least tedious. Yes, I find painting "things" to be tedious. Abstract painting, on the other hand, is one of my favorites.

I'm not single minded, and I don't think there's an exact way that everything must be. That's just not the kind of person I am. So, it's not to say that I don't like or enjoy other people's paintings that render "things," just that it's not my personal preference.

So, anyway, I've been painting a lot recently. And, yes, the paintings are abstract. I think of them as "implicit landscapes" (which, yes, I know, implies that they are not abstract through and through, and yet I don't care). They're the kind of paintings I like making, because there is nothing about them that I find to be even remotely tedious.

These are some outtakes of some of my paintings. My scanner is only 8.5 X 11 inches, so these aren't the whole paintings, just parts of the middle. The actual paintings are 11 X 14 inches. Yes, I know, I could have taken badly lit photos of them that wouldn't really convey the 'details' or the color accurately, those are actually the qualities that I enjoy the most in my own paintings... But anyway, these are some snippets of some of the 20+ paintings I have made in the last week. I hope you enjoy color as much as I do.







18 comments:

Paul C said...

Prismacolors- the first I heard of them. Your work is stunning and it's so interesting to read about your artistic perspectives.

Sheri said...

oh, wow, sarah...looking at your pics makes me feel like i've discovered a new planet! the colors are vivid, the textures are amazing...a real treat for the eyes!
i appreciate you stopping by and leaving your comment on 'the 10 things i love'...it's one of the longest posts i've ever put up...i'm surprised to see you stay long enough to get through it ;)

Sueann said...

Beautiful! The colors are so bright and fresh!! Fabulous!
Hugs
SueAnn

R. J. said...

Great colors. I like the Etsy store items. Abstracts and landscapes work for me. I would like to do art work, but I have no training and no artistic talent. I'll enjoy yours.

Cheryl Kohan said...

I just love the colors on these paintings, Sarah! I love all kinds of art. Abstracts and impressionism are my favorites, though. Implicit landscapes is a perfect description of your paintings!

I have a smidgen of talent...used to do a lot of painting but haven't for a long, long time. Definitely not in the pro category like you are, though!!

Kerri Farley said...

Very pretty!!

Delphyne said...

These are really interesting - the colors are terrific. I see the Sea in all of them at different times of the day. Perfect since today is World Oceans Day!

* said...

Beautiful paintings!!!

Joanne Olivieri said...

Sarah, these are gorgeous. I see dawn, midday and dusk in these artworks. I also enjoyed learning of your artistry and vision. Very nicely done.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Prismacolors. A new concept to me. But I'm a writer. I think artists in different fields should look "over the fence" as it were to stretch their horizons. You have a lovely blog and an even more lovely talent. Roland

My Owl Barn said...

I love them all. The colors in the last one are beautiful! Have a great day!

Gracey said...

These are absolutely beautiful. I think these are my favorite abstract paintings I've ever seen. :) You do beautiful work.

Hilary said...

I remember everyone wanted Prismacolours when I was a kid but they were awfully expensive. I love the colours in your art. That first one reminds me of a roll of original fruit flavoured Life Savers. ;)

Anonymous said...

fabulous pieces

Catherine said...

Over 20 paintings in one week? Good for you! Oh to be so creative. I think the last one is my favorite ~ so beautiful.

Alina said...

I truly LOVE them! Your energy and creativity are "written" all over these paintings. Have a wonderful weekend XO (thank you for stopping by and thank you for your heartfelt comments :0)

... Paige said...

thanks for your kind visit to my 365 photo blog, drop by Paradise Valley when ya get a chance, it's my wordy place to play

you have very nice work, I love art and don't believe I have any Prismacolors...must check them out, so thanks for that tip

Angelshair said...

These paintings are really amazing Sarah :)!! I hope to see more of them!