A beautiful scarf from Nancy

From this picture, you can't really tell that it is a scarf.....this is just one part of it.  The ball fringe goes all around the edge.  It is reversible, so I turned back the edge a little bit to show the other side....a little darker.  The design is very intricate, but I simplified it.  I love how this turned out and may use it as a card.  To me, it is abstract and fun at the same time.  If I hadn't explained what it is....you might have your own interpretation!

The scarf itself is a triangle, so I think the best way to wear it is around the shoulders, with a knot in the front. Nancy's last name is Hugg---this scarf feels like a hug when I wear it that way.  

It was an early Christmas present.  My pleasure in receiving gifts, documenting them in a thank-you note, posting it here, and mailing the thank you to the giver continues.   It has been so much fun that I might continue it in 2012.

Something to Spice Up My Day

Here's something fun....a pepper plant!   My friend Celeste surprised me with a very cheerful potted pepper plant.  With the dreary weather outside, it is a welcome red/orange with green leaves.  I put it in a turquoise Bauer pot.  Does anyone know about Bauer pottery?  It's a classic!!!  

Thanks, Celeste....you are well represented in my "Thank You Card" series, and I've probably missed something. It's because you are so generous.  Generous with tangible gifts and with a very nourishing friendship.  It warms my life as well as my kitchen on these shortening days.

Labyrinth IX

Hey, labyrinth lovers!  Here's number 9.  This is one called the Santa Rosa labyrinth and it is contemporary.  The designer is Lea Goode-Harris.   It fits into a smaller space than most of the other designs and yet the paths are wide enough for wheelchairs.

Well, of course, I made some changes and this is my own interpretation!   My painting is currently on display in the Plum Gallery.

Labyrinth VIII

This is the eighth in the series.  I think it is my favorite so far.  It validates my love of the uneven path and unpredicatability of our life's journey.  In the design, I included only steps (or lack of steps where a "leap of faith" is needed), and no other symbols.  Sometimes, choices need to be made because there are several possibilities and most times, it won't matter a lot.  Other times, though, choices lead to the path that needs to be taken.

Thanks to those who have joined me on this exploration of labyrinths and the images they inspire.

Tomorrow, the Portland Plein Air and Studio Painters will visit the Labyrinth Show in the Plum Gallery, and I'll be interested in seeing their reactions....and their comments in the guest book.  This series is not at all about plein air or landscape painting, but I have come to think of it as an interior landscape work.  I love the colors, too.

The Guest Book in the Plum Gallery

Since the opening of the Plum Gallery in June, 2009, I have encouraged guests to sign my guest book and make a comment.  The comments really mean a lot.  Actually, I look at them fairly often and love to re-read them.  The comments for the opening were particularly exuberant--"very exciting launch!" and "great use of the space" are examples.  The help me recall the excitement I felt at just doing making the Plum Gallery happen.

Other favorite comments are "a beautiful idea come to life," "a visual feast,"  "What a surprise!" and "a great presence."  A special favorite is "Fantastic! Fabulous! Fun!"

Recently, I had visitors to the new "Labyrinth" show, and was especially warmed by comments in my guest book.  It is nice to know that others are inspired by my work, and that it brought one viewer "peace."

I paint to express myself, especially in the labyrinth series, but this sort of encouragement makes it more fun. I'm glad I started that guest book.  I will have a special reception for Portland Plein Air and Studio Painters on Tuesday, and I'll encourage them to keep the tradition.

Labyrinth Show is UP at the Plum Gallery!!!!

The "Labyrinth" show is up in the Plum Gallery and so ready for viewing.  Portland friends:  let me know when you want to see it.  Out-of-towners:  I could put you up in the guest room if you want to make the trip!

These are the five currently showing--Labyrinths II, III, IV, V, and VI.  You've seen them on the blog before.    I have three more ready that need to be framed, and one in O'Connor's Restaurant that I will trade out on Tuesday for one of these.....so it is a "rolling" show.

Here's a quote from T.S. Eliot that reflects some of my thoughts about labyrinths:

"     We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time."


I'll post that in the gallery as part of the show.  PS:  I haven't reached the end of my exploration of the labyrinth yet!!!

Tuesday is sketch day

Celeste and I were the only ones sketching today at my house.  We had a nice visit.  She is such a good friend.

This lily is very pretty and short, but so colorful.  The surface I worked on is a gessoed piece of cardboard.  The paint is gouache--it's the first time I tried gouache over a gesso ground.  It ended up with a lot of texture, and I like that.

Labyrinth V

Here is another Native American design--this time from the Hopi tribe.  At their Oraibi pueblo, which may have been settled as early as 1100 or 1200, there are five small square labyrinths carved into stone.  There is also a sixth one that is more rounded.  They are only five to seven inches in diameter.  The native name for this labyrinth is tapu'at, or "mother and child."  It is actually two labyrinths, with the child in the womb surrounded by the mother. No one knows for sure, but it is possible a newborn baby would immediately be placed on this symbol.  Some southwestern tribes used to make a sandpainting while a woman was in labor and placed the new baby on it.   This may have been a more permanent version.  To emphasize the design, I simplified the steps along the "paths", using round positive shapes for the child and square negative shapes for the mother.   I got the information about this labyrinth from a book called The Unending Mystery by David Willis McCollough.  With the Plum Gallery, sometimes you get a little history as well as an interesting image.

The Plum Gallery is planning a labyrinth show!  More details later.

Blue Kangaroo Coffee House

Sometimes, it is a good idea to check out other galleries and not just hang around the Plum Gallery.  Yesterday, I went to the Blue Kangaroo Coffee Roasters to see a show of paintings by Celeste Bergin.  It looked great.  The place smells terrific--that good fresh coffee smell!  How I love it!  Here's some of Celeste's paintings, featuring figures:



The mother and daughter in my picture were charming.  They were practicing grammar---mostly the difference between verbs and adjectives.  It really was quality time. Here's some more of Celeste's paintings:

This is also a good time to say, "thank you, Celeste"...for your friendship, for being a great companion on the mural varnishing project, and for all around good times...such as a great lunch at Brasserie Montmartre...and more.

PS:  David McBride is also in the show, but I wanted to feature Celeste.  

Russian Nesting Dolls-Matryoshka

This is a very interesting doll  who actually holds several more.  The set is called a "Matryoshka."  When Celeste and Carrie were at my house on Tuesday, I made this painting of the biggest one of my set.  My set is special because my mother bought in Russia many years ago.  There are a total of six in the set, and they look like this on the ledge in my stairwell: 



The painting is pretty simple, but I like the fresh look of it!  









Jim Gronsand Virtual Show (Posthumous)

For the first time, the Plum Gallery hosts a virtual one-person show, featuring the art of Jim Gronsand.

In Memorium

March 29, 1942 - April 6, 2011

Flame

oil

10" x 10"

oil

NFS

Not Ourobos

oil 

36" x 36" 

NFS

Fall, or Sometimes in Front of Every Cloud There's A Silver Lining

oil

36" x 36"

 NFS

I-Ris

oil

42" x 42"

NFS

Him-Mah-too-Yah-lat-keht

Chief Joseph of the Nez  Perce

oil

84" x 54"

Collection, University of Oregon

Law School





Final on mural project

The mural I was working on is finished, and I feel a wonderful sense of accomplishment.  It is in Room 201A of the Buchan Center at First Unitarian Church, Portland, Oregon.

Tragically, Jim Gronsand, who was working at the same time on a mural in the next room, died suddenly last Wednesday.  He had been having problems with his heart, but it didn't seem to be something that couldn't be treated.  He fainted at home on Sunday and went to the hospital.  I talked to him Monday and he said he would get a pacemaker Tuesday and be home Wednesday.  He was going to help me set up for the art show at the church, so said he'd call then and let me know if his doctor said he was up to it.  He was getting ready to leave the hospital Wednesday when he collapsed and couldn't be revived.  Even his doctor doesn't understand why he died.  The memorial service will be tomorrow.  Here's a picture of Jim and the mural he was working on:

And another picture that shows more, but not all of his mural, but doesn't show him very well:

The white strips were for marking grids.  You can see his working image taped on. To the left of that is an isolation template so he could work on a specific sqare at a time.  The moon is in the upper right.

Although we were quite different as artists, we became very good friends.  I will miss him.  Jim's mural was not finished according to his plan.  Those of us working with him decided no-one else should paint on it, though, and it will stand as it is...with grid chalk marks where he put them, but not the white strips.  I will get a full picture of the "final" and post it later.  Jim was a supporter of the work of the Carolyn Rondthaler and the Plum Gallery.

Fine Arts and Craft Show

The First Unitarian Church Arts and Crafts Show was a big success for me.  I don't know how much I made, but I sold a big painting and several small ones and  cards.  I had many friends stop by, and I loved that.  This is a picture of me and Celeste in front of my display, which was dependent on her grids.  It was I good show, and I made lots of good connections....and new friends for the Plum Gallery and for me.  I am so glad I did it, but I missed my friend Jim who died Wednesday.  He was going to help me set up on  Thursday and was a good promoter of what I am doing,  It was totally unexpected, so it was especially hard.  Life is fragile--hug your loved ones.  And make whatever art is first in your heart. One good thing is that he recently completed three new major paintings aobut the cycle of life.  Who knew? 

Hip 2 B Square

I took this piece in for a show in Hillsboro at the Sequoia Gallery.  It should be a fun show.  All of the paintings, including mine, are 12" x 12."  The Sequoia Gallery is at 136 SE Third, right in cental Hillsboro.  The show will be up through the month of April.

For the show, I had to do the painting on a canvas that I got in March from the Sequoia.  I treated the canvas with Golden Absorbant Ground so that I could use gouache.  After the painting was finished, I varnished it with a matte varnish.  The canvas is a gallery wrap, and participating artists were to submit the work without a frame.  To finish it, I used black acrylic on the edges.  I'll use this process again.  I like the way the gouache works on the treated canvas.

The subject matter was influenced by Gregory Kondos, an artist from Northern California.  His landscapes are of the scenes I grew up with.  This painting is titled, "River Trees."  I priced it at $125.  The Plum Gallery supports Sequoia Gallery!

First Unitarian Church Fine Arts and Crafts Show

This coming weekend, The Plum Gallery will go "on the road" to the Fine Arts and Crafts show at First Unitarian Church in downtown Portland.  I'll have lots of paintings, "shrinkwraps," and cards there.  The Patron's Reception is Friday 7-9 pm.  Although it costs $25, it includes wine and appetizers and benefits the church Arts and Music programs.  Plus, first chance to buy the art and jewelry and other crafts.  The show is open Saturday for free 10 am to 6:30 pm.  A concert will be at 7 pm.  Sunday is also free, and will be from 10 am- 2pm.  This is the first time I have participated.  Thirty percent of everything sold goes to the church.