There is No Blue

Summer Siren--16x16 oil on canvas

There is no blue without yellow and orange.  Vincent van Gogh

It’s kind of ironic that only a few posts ago I mentioned how enjoyable and valuable it is to work on smaller daily paintings.  Another reason I enjoy working on smaller paintings is that they keep me engaged and and humming along in a contented painting rhythm. Mmm...Also, I know collectors enjoy the smaller paintings and I greatly appreciate all the sales and support I’ve had on DPW this summer. Thank you all!

But in the last couple of weeks, I’ve challenged myself to begin working on some larger oil paintings in preparation for a group show later this fall. As many of you may know, it can be rather daunting  to “go big” and still have a successful painting. On the positive side, though, I’ve found working in a larger space offers room to move around and play with shapes and colors. Maybe take more risks. Try new things such as texture variety. 

Today’s posting is a 16x16 oil painting of a flowering canna plant from the gardens in Washington Park near my Denver studio. How can an artist resist that powerful red-orange vs. blue-green color combination that was also one of Van Gogh's favorites?   

Speaking of Van Gogh, I can’t wait to see the long awaited "Becoming Van Gogh" collection coming to the Denver Art Museum next month. Several years ago I was lucky enough to be in Chicago for the Gaugin Van Gogh exhibit and it was fantastic.  

In fact, I was so excited when I was buying my tickets on line last Friday, I ran from my laptop to get my credit card and ran smack into a large piece of furniture. There was kind of crunching popping sound and then searing pain. 

Long story short, I’m now recovering from a badly broken “ring toe” on my right foot. For those of you keeping track--Yes this is the second bad "flip flop" injury I've sustained. You'd think I'd learn but I really don't like painting in shoes/socks. Anyway, though, as long as I keep my foot elevated by my easel I can still paint. And on that note—the show must go on so back to the easel. Hope your week is filled with fall color!