What a gift it was to receive a month-long residency at the Vermont Studio Center. The contrast between leaving the bustling city of Los Angeles and immersing myself in the serene, small town feeling of Vermont is evident in the big leap I was able to make in the work. It’s clear that the landscape and thriving arts community provided the perfect backdrop for uninterrupted exploration and self-discovery.
Working outside of one’s comfort zone can be both exhilarating and challenging. Sourcing images from Instagram and private gardens I sought to expand on the pool series in a new way. The unfamiliarity of the medium, in this case, thin washes of acrylic paint and water on 5′ x 6′ raw canvas, added excitement and the occasional deep frustration to my process. To work on this scale, I was literally getting wet, which brought the feeling of vacation all over me and the studio. It’s through these moments of experimentation that I was able to gain a deeper understanding of my potential and vision.
The residency culminated in an exhibition where this new work was shared with the local community and fellow artists. It was a gratifying experience to showcase the fruits of our labor and engage with people who appreciate and understand the artistic journey.
Undoubtedly, the memories, connections with fellow artists and lessons learned during this residency will always hold a special place in my artistic development.
I invite you to view some photos from this exciting journey. Feel free to ask me questions. This work is available.
I loved working large in this beautiful riverside studio! It made me feel like I hit the big time.
How it began.
I ruined this painting. In an attempt to punctuate certain areas I put too much emphasis on the plants. As I worked, they became darker and darker. Instead of being almost done, I destroyed all the wonderful parts of the painting. For the first time in my studio life, I was so upset I cried. The intensity was real. This is what I was searching for; a transformation. After working consistently for 20 + year, it was most humbling to have this level of disappointment and struggle. Later that day, I walked into the art supply store bought more canvas and began another painting (first image at the top of this page)
Here I am experimenting and oh my goodness, I made a finished painting in the process!
Of course this California girl provided her studio guests a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc from her fancy paint bucket on opening night.
Studio View with refreshing river sounds!
Thanks for visiting! May Peace be with you!
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