A Group Exhibit UPDATE!

I finally got a chance last weekend to see the beautiful CLC "Recent Works" exhibit that I blogged about here. The work in the show was very special. Here are some photos I took when we visited.

My painting Simply Put is the second one from the left

You can see this painting in greater detail here

Me and Simply Put

Like Agate, Encaustic on Wood, 12×12 Inches Unframed (15 1/4 ×15 1/4 Inches Framed)

A while back, I blogged about the great custom frame my mom found for the painting I gave her. You can see it here. Well, after seeing that frame I knew I had to have a painting (or 2) framed with it! The universe aligned with my wish when a brand new Hobby Lobby opened down the street from me and they carry the exact same custom frame! I am more than happy with the result! There's a really cool curve to the frame. Hope you can see it from the different angles below.Take a look and let me know what you think! 

Like Agate, Encaustic on Wood, 12×12 Inches Unframed  (15 1/4 ×15 1/4 Inches Framed)
Photo taken in daylight

Like Agate, Encaustic on Wood, 12×12 Inches Unframed  (15 1/4 ×15 1/4 Inches Framed) 
Photo taken in daylight

Like Agate, Encaustic on Wood, 12×12 Inches Unframed  (15 1/4 ×15 1/4 Inches Framed) 
Photo in daylight

Like Agate, Encaustic on Wood, 12×12 Inches Unframed  (15 1/4 ×15 1/4 Inches Framed)
View from above taken at night

A Group Exhibit!

I was so happy to have my piece, "Simply Put" (http://www.artforcoffeessake.blogspot.com/2015/07/simply-put-encaustic-on-wood-panel.html) be selected for the Recent Works: 35th Annual Juried Exhibition (10/9/15-11/15/15) at The Robert T. Wright Gallery in The College of Lake County.
This gallery is new to me but has been around since the '80s. I like how it's glass enclosed and situated within an active atmosphere. I hope you get a chance to check it out!

Above and below is the postcard for the show:

Unfortunately, I couldnt attend the opening night party, but I was lucky enough to find a great photo on Facebook taken by encaustic artist Cindy Martin Lesperance showing exactly where they placed my painting! Love it!

Sin, Encaustic & Mixed media on Wood Panel, 20x20 inches

Sin, Encaustic & Mixed media on Wood Panel, 20x20 inches

Converted, Encaustic on Wood, 18 1/2 x 9 5/16 inches (unframed)

Converted, Encaustic on Wood,
18 1/2 x 9 5/16 inches (unframed)

Simply Put, Encaustic on Wood Panel, 20x16x2 inches

Great to be back in the studio. The weather was perfect to work. Feeling a minimalist vibe, but you can see how my colors had to come through!  Enjoying the tension between the rough and smooth. Played with some new textural and embedding techniques. Excited to continue the new explorations. Thanks for viewing. More to come!

Simply Put, Encaustic on Wood Panel,
20x16x2 inches

Simply Put, Encaustic on Wood Panel,
20x16x2 inches
Close Up of Color Detail
(click to see in greater detail)

Momentum, Encaustic on Wood Panel, 16x20x2 inches

Momentum, Encaustic on Wood Panel, 16x20x2 inches

Momentum, Encaustic on Wood Panel, 16x20x2 inches

Commissioned Triptych: Untitled, Encaustic on Wood each 12x12 unframed, 14x14 framed

These 3 pieces were commissioned for a private residence. The client requested 3 square 12x12 inch paintings to be hung vertically. They wanted an earthy and textural feel that reflected some personal aspects of their lives. More detailed pictures to come after the install, so please enjoy these for now!

Commissioned Triptych: Untitled, Encaustic on Wood, Each 14x14 Framed

Below are some close-ups of each piece.
Please click on each photo for a more detailed view

Inside Outside, Encaustic on Wood, 12 x 16 inches

Inside Outside, Encaustic on Wood, 12 x 16 inches

Completed! Tribal Redux, Encaustic on Wood,12x12 inches (Unframed)

My last post showed this piece as a work in progress:(http://artforcoffeessake.blogspot.com/2014/08/work-in-progress-tribal-redux-encaustic.html?m=1)

It's finally complete and just needs a frame and a good home!

Tribal Redux, Encaustic on wood,12x12 (unframed)

Work In Progress: Tribal Redux, Encaustic on Wood, 12x12 inches (unframed)

I have never shared a WIP (work in progress) before, so here goes. I wanted to share a little more about my process so here is a taste.  You can see what my work space is like and the tools at hand. Plastic fork, check. Clothespin, check...if you only saw the rest. Let's save that for another day, shall we?

Work In Progress: Tribal Redux,  Encaustic on Wood, 12x12 inches (unframed)

Tribal Patchwork, Encaustic on wood, Approx 37 x 38 inches

I needed something substantial to fill a big blahhhh wall space in the family room. The last painting I had there just wasn't big enough. This 37 x 38 inches encaustic painting seemed to do the trick and blends well with my earthy vibe while sharing pops of color that my family room is longing for. Yes, my family room has feelings...that I project on it. So here is Tribal Patchwork....

Tribal Patchwork, Encaustic on Wood, Approx 37 x 38 inches (click on image to see greater detail) 

Perspective of wall size

Close up details of left side

Close up details of right side

Close up details of lower left side

New Tribal II Finds His Tribe

Made this guy a little over a year ago (where does the time go?), and much like many of my paintings waiting to be adopted, I never found a place to hang it. Finally, yesterday, I was reminded of an interesting spot I had been toying with. I think it works.  What do you think?

Biological Needs & Their Consequences, Encaustic and watercolor on wood, 12 × 12 × 2 inches

Running In The Same Circles, Encaustic and watercolor on wood, 12×12×2 inches

Get Away, Encaustic on Wood, 23h x 25 1/2w inches, unframed

Back in the studio. Tying up loose ends. Here's to a new season...

Get Away, Encaustic on Wood, 23h x 25 1/2 w inches, unframed

Encaustic In Nature Exhibit at The Art Center in Highland Park, IL Runs March 7 to April 1, 2014

Jenny Learner, a wonderful encaustic artist and teacher, curated the recent exhibit at The Art Center, Encaustic Nature In Art and I was so happy and honored to be chosen to be in such a lovely show! Below are some photos from the Opening Reception on March 7, 2014.

My little piece, In The Groove

Feeling proud...and my scarf matches! It's a good day!

I wasn't kidding when I said it was little!

Below are some other pieces from other artists in the show--Enjoy!

The show runs from March 7 to April 1, 2014

In View Art Exhibit at The Art Center Highland Park

I was so surprised and honored on January 10, 2014 to receive 2nd place for my encaustic painting, Opera Class, at this year's annual faculty and member exhibit, "In View", at The Art Center in Highland Park, Illinois. What a great exhibit with so much talent! The exhibit runs until February 1. TAC has been such a special and supportive community to me. They will never know how much I truly appreciate the wonderful team that runs this most welcoming gem of a gallery in Highland Park, IL! It is such a gift to everyone to have a place like this in a community. If you haven't been, I encourage you to check out their exhibits and classes. Here are pictures from the recent opening.

The entrance hall

Awards Ceremony led by Gabrielle Rousso, Executive Director

My piece, Opera Class, Encaustic on Wood, 20 1/4 x 14 x 1 3/4 inches

My piece hung below the amazing oil on metal painting (forgot artist's name) that won Best In Show

Update: Here Now Installation

I blogged this piece back in June. My mom and dad (ok, mostly my mom) chose this as their 45th Anniversary gift from me. My mom got it framed and installed it between the entry and the kitchen (see pics below). I'm really pleased with the pics they sent! You can see the piece pre-framed here:  http://artforcoffeessake.blogspot.com/2013/06/blog-post.html