Absentee artist posting once again

I've been neglecting this lonely artist blog & instead have posted regularly to my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GinaGrundemannArtist. I don't know about you, but I find that trying to keep up with all the assorted web postings is rather exhausting & distracting from my painting. I will try to do better :). It is so valuable to not only create but to also share the why and how of being an artist.

The ever changing rural landscapes of western Colorado and Northern New Mexico is still such an inspiration to me. This original oil painting, "Home on the Range" captures a slice of our country life and the ranching way of using the land and its bounty, living a simple and wholesome life.

Having new eyes

The voyage of discovery

is not in seeking new landscapes

but in having new eyes.

– Marcel Proust

My recent works for the Colorado Pathways show are once again glimpses from my playground, the western Colorado landscape. This quote rings so true as I look with new eyes at the views around home and continue my explorations of the pathways through the rural landscape. What one day appears mundane with no interest, the next day reveals a stunning view with dramatic color and drama.

Striations in Blue & Gold

This painting may be a finished one. Been staring at it & tweaking it. This scene was captured as we were riding the motorcycle between Gunnison & Crested Butte. What an incredible day it was with cloud filled majestic views as we skirted between the thunderstorms getting only a sprinkle along our journey.

As on this painting, I start out by laying on a quick ground of an orange or alizirin crimson wash. Then I sketch in the composition developing a monochromatic tonal layer that helps me define the darks, lights and hopefully lays the foundation for a dynamic composition. Once that foundation is laid, in the same painting session, I begin to layer on heavier paint and build in blocks of color. It is an intuitive process for me. I don't get analytical about it until the painting is nearly finished and I am adding the final touches.