Devotion/Abalone. Oil on Canvas.

This painting was a test of my ability to paint iridescence. I also found myself bumping up against the limits of my focus - I had to complete the painting in several sittings instead of alla prima, which is the way I usually approach oil painting.

Devotion/Underbelly. Oil on panel.

I wanted to explore the texture of words (and say some things more directly), so I made a tiny zine of poetry and photography. I'm certain my literary friends could tell me what's wrong with these poems from a craft standpoint, but I'm a big proponent of just going for it, regardless of ability.

Anyway, a couple excerpts:

In other news, just trying to continue painting. I've been dealing with an overuse/mild nerve injury in my wrists ever since felting a bit too intensely at KCAI, which has made holding a brush uncomfortable. Luckily, it's improving, as I was able to finish this one today. I'm considering a series of moon snail shells in oil.

Another moon snail shell painting... oil on gesso board

 

These are some tree rubbings created during a recent hike. I've been on a productive art path so far this January and completed one painting... feeling momentum overall. Beyond that, I've been trying to just have some fun in life - eating good food, going places, spending time with loved ones, and trying to compartmentalize the general vibe of doom surrounding American political life. 

Test First. Oil on Canvas, 24" x 30".

 

I wanted to work larger, so I picked up a deep-edged canvas, but I have decided I really don't care for canvas as a substrate. It's too toothy. I prefer panel or Gesso board or even Arches paper.

We visited the Nelson Atkins in Kansas City... here are some of my favorites:

Tympanum
China
Tang Dynasty (618-906 C.E.), late 7th to early 8th century
Engraved stone

Stele for Pagoda Commissioned by Song Jingye
China, Stele carved in 558 C.E., Northern Qi dynasty
rubbing created about 1800s-1911
Ink rubbing on paper

Kamadhenu, the Wish-Granting Cow
South India, possibly Karnataka
15th-17th century
Stone and pigment with metal attachments

Stayed at the Elms hotel and spa:

Checked out George Washing Carver museum and Neosho Fish Hatchery:

And most importantly, enjoyed some good food:

One of my favorite restaurants, Billie's Grocery in KC

Look what we found in the park in the dark

We will take him home, we will call him Clark
He will live at our house, he will grow and grow
Will our mother like this? We don't know
Dr. Seuss

Moon Snail Shells. Oil on gesso board.

Doomscrolling. Oil on Yupo.

Villageless. Oil on gesso board.

Another one for the Mom Guilt series.

 

I received "Best Adherence to Theme" at JRAC's show at Spiva, Upon Closer Inspection. I was home sick with a cold so I couldn't make it to the reception, but it was a nice surprise.

Exasperation/Exhaustion. Oil on Paper, 2024

 Another one in the Mom Guilt series.

Gut Feeling/Mothers' Intuition, Oil on Gesso Board, 20" x 10", 2024

Serenity Prayer, Oil on Gesso Board, 20" x 10", 2024

Someone I loved once gave me
a box full of darkness.
It took me years to understand
that this, too, was a gift.
-Mary Oliver

Mom Guilt. Oil on Paper.

Washed up. Oil on paper.

 Another work in progress - Mom Guilt