On July 2nd, Jill Zaheer at Jazzworks posted the most thought provoking post. I have been thinking about Jill's words and photographs and contemplating her words since. She reminds us to "Awaken our senses- they are the nourishment of our souls."
Sometimes in this crazy world we forget to do just that... she has reminded my that each day is a renewal in and of itself... Thank you Jill...
I have noticed that now I can again awake each morning and see the day as a gift... for what will I create today, what new flower will bloom, what bird will visit my garden?
My life in the summer is a solitary one... for when the trees leaf out little can be seen of the world outside of my home.
My love for painting is in a state of renewal, as well...new textures, new color combinations, new visions...
For my show in April, (thankfully such a long way off...) our plan is for me to show primarily landscapes, collages and books.
This is the story of my landscapes...
...and in the distance there stood a house. This house seemed to change colors with the sky as it moved by each minute, each day and each month. I wondered what lied beyond the house. What did the woman or man, or family inside it's walls see out it's windows? What was the secret of the house... it's sadness and dreams... it's loves?
I have four different canvases that I'm working on right now... all in various stages but completely covered with textures and layers of gesso and medium... I have been using a pallet knife for this, tired of the messes on the paintbrush..(I ruin one after another!). I like these paintings to look like part of a wall... a very old wall...
A close up...
I'm trying out some purple here...
And this will be a collage, like two pages open on a canvas...
...and here are some garden pictures to fill you with color...
Roxanne, this is beautiful. Your work is always so soft and soulful. I especially like the little house with the big window to the world behind it.
I did visit Jazzwork's post and that was lovely, too. It's so true that each day is a new begining, a chance to start again, down the same path or choose a new one. I used to read her blog a lot and somehow drifted away. I must return, as you have shown me that I miss it.
Posted by: katiejane | July 05, 2009 at 04:25 PM
Roxanne, I am so touched by your post and appreciative to know you. How exciting to hear that your creative soul is feeling a sense of renewal- with color and texture and new visions. That's the amazing part of valuing each day as a new gift- somehow everything is a renewal- just like all the leaves on your trees. Your photos are gorgeous- their color, clarity and vibrancy- all reflections of your inner energy- your amazing you!
Love the views you've shared of your house within
the landscape. I can just picture the color changes, and wonderment of what is seen both looking out and looking in! Thank you so much for all of your generosity- in thought, creativity and --
with me. Jill
Posted by: Jill | July 05, 2009 at 05:12 PM
I am with you on Jill's post Roxanne. In fact, I am currently linking to it from my Inspiration Station on my blog! So glad to hear you are beginning to feel renewed. So much energy is evident in your paintings and oh that texture!!!
Posted by: Seth | July 05, 2009 at 08:18 PM
oh, roxanne! these paintings sing!! and i love the purple! woo! xxoo
Posted by: lynne | July 05, 2009 at 11:08 PM
Beauty in the flowers and beauty in your paintings. As always wonderful work!
Posted by: Leanne | July 06, 2009 at 03:15 AM
Roxanne, Looks like you are in your blissful groove...painting place that is!!I wish you many hours of blooming with paint on canvas just as your beautiful garden blooms. What a summer!
Posted by: mary ann | July 06, 2009 at 04:28 PM
Beautiful Roxanne, sometimes we need a little reminder....summer is a good time for that, as everything looks new and fresh each morning.
Your paintings are stunning...as always...
Posted by: Stephanie | July 06, 2009 at 07:43 PM
beautiful Roxanne! thoughtful and lovely!
caterina
Posted by: caterina giglio | July 07, 2009 at 06:50 PM
You are such an inspiration Roxanne. You always quiet me and make me look inside.
Thanks.
Posted by: Leslie M | July 07, 2009 at 08:17 PM
Your love for nature is something that allows me to feel so connected to you. You have an artist's soul, dear one.
I just wrote a post about solitude on my blog. It is something that I have been thinking about, lately. I am so glad that you are feeling a sense of renewal. I hope to get there soon.
Hugs,
Debbie
Posted by: Debbie | July 08, 2009 at 06:56 PM
I love how your paintings have that old worldly weathered look to them, I think that you have recreated the worn look very well. They are beautiful as are your photos, they always brighten my day.
Posted by: azirca | July 08, 2009 at 09:45 PM
Wow just beautiful, all the images, the photographs and ones you have created. I'm behind everywhere, just got back from another trip.
Posted by: sandy | July 09, 2009 at 10:13 AM
there is truly an old world quality to those paintings... and your flowers flounce... is that a word!? The orange tiger lillies were so abundant in my gardens in Boston, the woman who lived there before me loved flowers.
Such a reminder, thank you!
enjoy your art making and your solitude... school will open again so fast! (don't hold your breath).
Posted by: mansuetude | July 09, 2009 at 07:21 PM
I just love the textures you are achieving in your latest work -- beautiful!
The flowers in your garden are bursting with delicious color!
:)
Posted by: Susan Tuttle | July 09, 2009 at 09:28 PM
i must admit, i haven't been around for a while, but loving your latest updates... wish i could see your work in real life.. bliss.
Posted by: vivian | July 11, 2009 at 12:59 AM
I lost you for a bit - you rolled from blogspot to typepad? You might try leaving off the @typepad.com off your sig when leaving comments as it leads to a 404 page.
I am glad you are going towards larger pieces. This is lovely combination of painting and collage
Posted by: AscenderRisesAbove | July 13, 2009 at 07:53 AM