2012 SEPTEMBER BLOG

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NATURE AND GEOMETRY is the theme, DARK TULIPS is the title of my latest 30" x 30" canvas. My challenge of choice is to marry these two interests, nature and geometry, in my painting compositions. I'm looking for design elements in ordinary subjects to enhance my drawing with rhythm, contrast, and repetition. Also looking for opportunities to inject my painting with greater freedom of color. (Perhaps I should have saved this painting for Halloween, the colors are right but it's not scary enough!) This painting was photographed on the exterior wall of my studio.

For painters choosing to work in nature, my belief is that these studio exercises, requiring one to be very intentional about selection of color and shapes or geometry, will influence future compositions in a positive way. Like a musician practicing scales or a writer studying grammar, I believe all artists need to work on their skills.

Daughter Laura Barrow and I will be leading a group at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Austin, TX on Wednesday mornings from Oct. 10 through Nov. 14, 10:00 until 11:30.  KEYS TO A CREATIVE LIFE: THE ART OF SEEING. It is not art instruction but rather discussions and activities to encourage participants to become more present to the Beauty in their environment. One session will include poetry reading by Tony Beckwith and another will be a field trip to the BLANTON MUSEUM OF ART with a docent tour of the exhibition "Into the Sacred City". Notices have been out for several weeks and the class in limited, however if you are interested contact me after September 11th. carole@sikesart.com .

AUSTIN MUSEUM OF ART-ARTHOUSE has a full fall agenda of exhibitions and activities both downtown and at Laguna Gloria. For information go to their website www.amoa-arthouse.org .

Until next month...

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