Comin' along

Spent an hour playing with it.







- xoxo Lori

Keep it loose.

Using a small fluid brush, I draw my shapes and negative spaces. I use my dark colors only. And, I don't worry about detail at all.





Keep it juicy Lucy.


- xoxo Lori

This photo?

I like the energy in this image. Lots of movement.




I taped off the top.
- xoxo Lori

A fresh coat of paint!

Ok. I admit it. This is one awful painting.




It has been sitting around in my studio for a while. As I was shuffling through canvases to find the right size, I came across this one. I decided this is the day to tackle it. To start, I abraded the surface slightly and wiped it with mineral spirits. Then I studied it! NOPE, it pretty much sucks. Oh well, I think it should be the unexpected in another painting. Sometimes, starting on an old piece, allows random things to pop through that I really like. We will see.




By the way, I turned it just so I wouldn't end up being influenced by the base. I'll keep you posted.



- xoxo Lori

Here's the process!

Lori busy painting.

I promised to try and show you the sequential process of a painting. I have to admit, I am really sad at trying to merge a slideshow... too bad my kids aren't here to rescue me. But alas, I think I did it.  I always love to watch other artists work... as an artist, I love to share. I think it is great to gather info from all sources.

Hope you take away something you can use.
xoxo
Lori

Good start

I like the layout and the subtle diagonal paths. Keep in touch.
xoxo
Lori
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intimidating? Nah!

Big canvas awaiting. Gonna try to remember to show the process. I am excited. Here we go.
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Bella's place!

She knows her place... right in the middle of everything.
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It's small works time.

Love it. Love it. Love it. I love painting little babies. These will be in Chroma gallery's small works show. It opens Nov 13. Can't wait.
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A New Direction

a new direction.

One of my oil paintings

Hey everyone. Been in the thought process for months about my work. thought I'd share it with you. I am currently a professional artist in Savannah. Luckily my work has always been well received. I've painted southern landscapes for years. But, last year I stopped working to take care of my mom. She passed away in November after 11 months of fighting the cancer that was taking her away. I regard that time as the most special, difficult, nurturing, loving and revealing time in my life. Would not have missed a minute, because she knew, without a doubt, how much I loved her.

Now to why I am blogging. When people ask me what started me as an artist, I say a poster contest in kindergarten. "Keep North Carolina Clean and Green - Don't Be A Litterbug". That was the first time I was recognized. I won. But now I realize something else... In all the packing unpacking and such, I have discovered memories I long forgot -quilting. My grandmother Emma, a seamstress, lived with us until I was 11. As I opened closets to pack, bits of yellows or blues would remind me of sitting with her and my mom, cutting up my dresses, and rearranging small pieces to make the most beautiful things. I remember her fragile hands sort through my outgrown hand-me-downs (the youngest sister!!!). As I recall this exposure, I realize that these simple acts are what actually shaped me as an artist. Things that I saw as domestic tasks were actually artistic processes. My grandmother and my mother were artists! Of course. And I am an artist.

Mama Grooms' Hanging Out (one of  Grandmama's quilts)

With this beautiful realization, all I want to do is connect through the process. My artistic drive is changing. I KNOW in me somewhere is the fruition of embracing my past and my current work. I am currently trying different things: cut fabric, cut paper, fabric and painting, collage and painting... OVERWHELMING! Because it is new to me, it is taking some reflection and many attempts.



I'll keep you posted.
Lori