My new class at Oregon Society of Artists has been keeping me hopping! The first day (Sept. 3) I also juried their monthly exhibit. It is always an honor to be asked to jury a show. I take the responsibility seriously and always feel for the artists whose work is eliminated from the show. I celebrate with those who win the awards and always wish there were more awards to hand out. I think the show looks great, and I hope you’ll take time to see it.
The class is focusing on shape this month, and here was my first demonstration for them. I decided to paint a more realistic subject, not wanting to freak them out about abstraction 🙂
“Fabled Fox” ©Ruth Armitage, Watercolor on Paper 13″x13″ SOLD
If you would like to join us… the class is open on a drop in basis, every Wednesday (with the exception of 9/24) from 9:30 -12:30. OSA is in SW Portland near the Multnomah Athletic Club. This week’s class got a bit full, so be there early!
Then last Thursday I was the featured speaker at the monthly evening meeting at OSA. I was able to show some slides of artists whose work relies heavily on shape. You can see some examples on my Pinterest Board about Shape. I showed the beginnings of a painting… and promised the final results would appear here.
For those who like to see some of the in-between stages of a painting, you might enjoy this post: Abstract Painting in Process
Here is the painting in the beginning stages:
photo credit: Carrie Holst
My initial rough sketch
and the completed work:
“The Day Has Come” ©Ruth Armitage, Mixed Media on Paper 30×22
My critique group was very complimentary about this image. They felt it had a rather science fiction look to it. I won’t say too much about it, but it does relate to the same series of work: ‘Down on the Farm.’ Thinking about shape really helped me to pull this together… contrasting large and small shapes and shapes that are more curvy with more angular shapes. I will be taking it to the Riversea Gallery this weekend.
Let me know what you think! If you’d like to receive my weekly summary of the class assignments and demonstrations, Contact me!
I hadn’t realized it until now, but your critique group has a point–that orb does give it a “science fiction” look, but it’s good when people interpret paintings in different ways. Mass appeal! I like the simplicity of your sketch, and the way you added more complex colors and linework to bring it all together. That came together quickly—way to go, Ruth!
thanks Liz!
This is probably my favorite painting that you have ever done, until I see the next one. (The one starting w/ the vessel sketch)
Thanks Carrie! I think when we see a painting in the process of being ‘birthed’ it deepens our connection to it ????
That might be my truth! I think you will win an award with this one.
There is so much to see in this painting. I’ve been having fun looking at it from the different angles. I see wonderful design no matter which way it is turned. I would have had a tough time deciding which one. Great paintng. It will be fun to hear the comments from visitors when they are standing in front of the painting in person.
Thanks Diana!
I enjoy seeing your fearless process taking you to new places.
No guts…No glory!
Thanks Linda! I learned from the best to enjoy the process!