"Waterways" Exhibition Opening Tomorrow - Dec. 12 @ 5-8pm

 I hope you'll join us at For Art's Sake Gallery tomorrow for the opening reception of "Waterways".

The exhibit will include vibrant and expressive representational landscapes of the James River through the seasons, as well as various vistas around Virginia and the surrounding states. 

The exhibit runs December 1, 2014 – February 2, 2015. For Art’s Sake Gallery is located at 9770 Gayton Rd, Henrico, VA 23238. For more information call (804) 740-1400 or visit www.forartssakegallery.com. 

Artist Statement: "Everywhere I travel scenes beg to be painted. Light and vivid color captivates me. Of course God creates the most vibrant and dynamic colors and patterns-even so, I enjoy paying homage to His designs by rendering 2D versions of what I see. I love to paint the details of what I see: the contrasts in the lights and darks and the vibrancy of the world. The heavens truly tell the glory of God (Psalm 19:1) much more effectually than my paint. They are a marvelous mystery, but still I am constantly compelled to capture them on canvas." 

Amy studied at VCU's School of the Arts, receiving her BA in Communication Arts. Now she lives in Midlothian with her husband, Mark, and dog, Theo. She paints full-time both on location and in her home studio. While subject matter can vary, she is drawn to paint the light as it interacts with the land. Her artwork often includes a hint of man-made structures settled among the natural world - a house, a figure, a pathway. Amy's paintings attempt to depict both man and land as equally subject to the effects of the sun's light and earth's atmosphere.

James River Rocks

18x24, oil

Rushing Waters

11x14, oil

Sun Drenched

6x8, oil

"Winter Hues" 16x20, oil

Winter Hues

16x20, oil

sold

I created a smaller painting of this scene earlier in the year with the thought to do a larger work. The smaller painting was titled "Old Friend" because it was a recreation of the view you see as you drive across the Powhite Parkway Bridge over the James River.

This was one of the first to sell in my "Waterways" show.

“Waterways”
December 1, 2014 – February 2, 2015 For Art’s Sake Gallery
9770 Gayton Rd, Henrico, VA 23238
Opening reception: December 12, 5:00-8:00 pm

The Making Of: "Echoes of Mercy" 24x48, oil, Painting of the Nickel Bridge on the James River

While working on paintings for my show, I knew I wanted a few bigger ones, along with a good selection of small pieces.

See all 46 paintings in person:

  "Waterways"

Exhibit dates: Dec. 1, 2014 - Feb. 2, 2015

For Art's Sake Gallery 

9770 Gayton Rd, Henrico, VA 23238

 

I started with this study:

 

"High Point" 

10x20, oil on canvas

 View of the Nickel Bridge over the James River from Riverside Drive

Richmond, Virginia

I really enjoyed the process of painting the small one, especially the sky and the foreground trees. Getting the bridge at the right angle and in a straight line was tricky. As the last bits of the smaller painting were coming together I got an itch to turn it into a larger painting.

Enter the 4 foot canvas:

 

Above is the under-painting in alizarin and burnt umber.

I need to invest in a "big girl" easel, instead of spending so much time playing with wing nuts and levels on these tripod easels.

 

First step: the sky

 

Next: middle-ground

Not pictured: The step when I added the foreground trees and the 3-4 times I repainted them and the middle ground/river/Nickel Bridge.

"Echoes of Mercy"

24x48, oil on canvas

  View of Richmond's Nickel Bridge over the James River from Riverside Drive.

Richmond, Virginia

It was a challenge to get this painting properly exposed in a photograph. I might tweak the levels a bit more and repost later... Really, you gotta go see it in person. ;) It will be available at For Art's Sake Gallery during December 2014-January 2015.

Detail image:

Detail image:

Sun Spangled River, 18x48, oil

Another one for my upcoming show "Waterways"

Exhibit dates: Dec. 1, 2014 - Feb. 2, 2015

For Art's Sake Gallery 

9770 Gayton Rd, Henrico, VA 23238

Sun Spangled River

Pony Pasture, Richmond, VA

18x24 each, oil on canvas

The two above are the "big brother" of a diptych I posted a week or so ago.

 

6x10 each, oil on panel

sold

How to Title a Painting, Pt. 2

How to Title a Painting, Part 2

Missed Part 1? Here's the link.

 Note: This painting is part of a series for my upcoming show, "Waterways".

For Art's Sake Gallery 

9770 Gayton Rd, Henrico, VA 23238

Exhibit dates: Dec. 1, 2014 - Feb. 2, 2015

 Can't wait to share more of the paintings with you!

Contentment
View of the James River from the Belle Isle suspension bridge

18x24, oil

I could have named this "spring evening" or "view of the river from the suspension bridge" or something like that. Why "Contentment"? At times -- actually, at all times -- the things I am going through in my life spill over into my artwork. I have been reading verses in the Bible on trusting God and casting anxieties on Him.  I want to be better at dealing with my circumstances in a manner that acknowledges the truth: I am not in control, God is in control and He uses "bad" and difficult circumstances for my good, to grow my character, draw me closer to Himself, or make me love Him more and this world less. 

While working on this painting I was thinking about Philippians 4:11b-13.

The apostle Paul writes:  "I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

I felt the colors and lighting in this painting expressed to me a quietness and trust, hence "Contentment". I wonder if it communicates contentment to you as well...

Pony Pasture Diptych from Summer

I wanted to paint a diptych on two panels. A few strategically placed stapes and success!

Now comes the decision to frame each panel separately or together in one frame.

One from last week at Fine Creek in Powhatan

I had a wonderful morning before some rain last week painting at The Mill at Fine Creek, a gorgeous wedding and special event venue in Powhatan, VA. You can see some of the stone structures that perhaps supported various parts of the gristmill.

So many potential paintings at Fine Creek, but this particular set of lines and shapes caught my eye.

I might have embellished the amount of yellow in that tree bough. 

Autumn's First Branches

8x10, oil

Sun Swept - 12x24, oil

"Sun Swept"

Summer - James River at Pony Pasture

12x24, oil

I mentioned I would be painting the James in every season. Stay tuned for more from spring, summer, fall and winter!

Huguenot Flatwater - From small to large

 

Huguenot Flatwater

6x8, oil

I created this little painting one morning this summer. It seemed to capture the feel of summer on the James. Back in the studio it grew up into a larger piece - 18x24 inches. Worked on the "hazy day" feel as well as creating more of the illusion of distance just as the river bends.

Was hoping to include this piece in my upcoming show at For Art's Sake Gallery in December-January, but the gallery owner found a home for it right after I finished it.

More paintings of featuring the James River in all the different seasons of the year to come!

 

Huguenot Flatwater

18x24, oil

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