Stories Behind the Art... a personal in-depth look Please enjoy a sampling from my new column appearing each month in my art newsletter.
Harmony...
Title: Harmony, Size 20" x 36", Collage, Private Collection
Elaine came to me with a request and an idea for a custom collage painting made in her late husband’s memory. In her lovely home, I sat with Elaine, and over a cup of tea, as she shared charming details about Roy’s life as a musician, entertainer, teacher, and world traveler.Multi-talented, he mastered the piano, balalaika, guitar, and accordion, all of which are depicted in the collage painting.I learned that one of his favorite instruments was the balalaika, a beautiful traditional Russian stringed instrument which I had never even of heard of before.He was an artist himself, and I was a privileged viewer of his home hallway art gallery.Roy even had a special saying for which he was known in his circle of friends…a saying that just MUST be incorporated into the collage. Inspired by a life well lived, I returned to my studio to create sketches and to begin developing the piece.As I often do, I hid words of special meaning, including Roy’s special saying, in the artwork to encourage a deeper observation by the viewer. The piece was made specially to hang on the brick wall over the fireplace mantle.The colors were chosen to harmonize with the room.Roy’s collection of instruments are displayed on the wall and on the hearth near the artwork. It is my hope that you enjoy learning the “Stories Behind the Art” – a new column appearing each month in my art newsletter.Collectors’ photos and stories are shared only with their permission.
Lovely Peonies...
"Lovely Peonies" is a custom commissioned collage painting made specially for a private collector. The client, who is a floral designer herself, loves flowers of all types; but pink peonies are her very favorite! I used collage materials in a color palette to harmonize with her antique bed quilt in keeping with the historic beauty of her vintage home. Hidden within the painting are words and phrases that hold special meaning to her - including a favorite Bible verse.
Sunset Over Lake Chapala...
Title: Sunset Over Lake Chapala
"Sunset Over Lake Chapala" is a custom commissioned collage diptych (meaning two pieces that go together) made for an art collector, Dorothy, who resides in Roseville CA. She wanted an art piece to celebrate the spectacular landscape near her vacation home in Lake Chapala, Mexico...and what a gorgeous area that is...let me tell you! I thoroughly enjoyed talking with Dorothy in her home, listening to her stories, learning about her cherished memories and her adventures in Mexico. I learned that the area around the lake near Guadalajara is known for its "jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring" sunsets. I learned that the stars shine so brightly at night that your eyes can hardly believe what they are seeing. And I learned about heart-felt memories from a dear lady who was willing to share them with me, so I could have meaningful insight from which to create her piece of art...Gosh, I Love what I get to do!
To help me design the perfect piece for Dorothy, I took many photos of the interior of her beautiful home including photos of the furnishings, existing art, and the lovely oriental carpets - Look closely at the finished collage and you will find small, torn bits of photographs of the paisley scrolls from her oriental carpet hidden within the foliage. Close-up of the sunset area of the collage painting revealing some hidden words and imagery that hold special meaning to Dorothy.
5150 Fair Oaks Blvd. #101/319 Carmichael, CA 95608 (916) 761-0510
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