Looking Back, but Springing Forward

March 2021

I keep early artworks of each new series to reference later and for inspiration. Early works in a series are innocent, most free, and untamed. One learns little things as the series develops in the process. Recently, I pulled out two pieces completed in September 2017.  I like how the oil pastels were applied quickly and reacted with the ink and watercolors. The colors weren’t ones I would normally use. How did the sepia know where to dry? Why did I choose pink? I liked the contrast of the moody skies with the solid sepia toned mountain and the abrupt up/down motion of the oil pastels. This all excited me back then, but I never showed anyone. They still excite me four years later, and inspired me to continue the series.

The time change and spring air are influencing the new works. I played in the sketchbook first, but quickly moved to 9” x 12” watercolor paper. Pink hues are popping up again, surprise! Pink is not my favorite color, but adds a “je ne sais quoi.” The blue skies in the new works add a peacefulness to the bold, colorful foregrounds. I still love the intuitive, quick application of the oil pastels. The resist creates a texture for the composition. These vivacious abstract landscapes in 2021 are bursting with color, expression, and gesture.

“Ghost Ranch”, 2017

“Untitled”, 2017

First step: ideas in the sketchbook, 2021

“Bouquet of Foliage”, 2021

New works, 2021