Category Archives: Uncategorized

As a journalism major I was taught the first line of any news story should answer the questions: Who? What? When? Where? And Why? Despite my reluctance to see this type of criteria for viewing art, it’s becoming apparent that … Continue reading →

After a dearth of studio time for the past year, this week I dove in. Paint– sumptuous, full of promise, easily jumped onto the canvas. What a feeling! Although I knew that the-ease-of-doing would be short-lived, I relished every minute … Continue reading →

The image of the lone artist, toiling away in isolation in a solitary studio may be more of a romantic idea than actuality. Other than painters, sculptors and poets or novelists, all various kinds of art-makers need others to make … Continue reading →

Ask people why they pursue any activity beyond their daily necessities and the answer will generally fall into one of two categories–self-improvement (includes duty, generosity and illumination) or pure enjoyment. If art-making is not a daily necessity, why do it? Some … Continue reading →

This past weekend a film of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s new production of Henry V showed locally. The day of the actual performance was the 600th anniversary of the famous battle of Agincourt, (featured in the play). And as next … Continue reading →

A visit to the Portland Art Museum this week began with a terrific visual assault of towering walls covered in  19th century style, oversized wall paper. These walls are then covered with paintings, hung salon style, from the museum’s collection. … Continue reading →

That statement is a compliment—praise, approval, kudos, etc. Blue and orange, violet and yellow, red and green—they are complements. In traditional color theory it is considered that they make a balance. Think of the color wheel with a pencil going … Continue reading →

Well, no. But Billie Holiday, who wrote the song of the same title, was much of the time and so was Picasso, at least for a certain period—his “Blue Period”. As a young, just-moved-to Paris-artist, Picasso found himself broke and … Continue reading →

“Painting is silent poetry, and poetry is painting that speaks.” Plutarch I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o’er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the … Continue reading →

It’s clichéd now, but when I first saw this bit of philosophy on a decorative sign it seemed pretty profound, especially because it was in the studio of a good friend who grew up in an era when “good girls” … Continue reading →