February 11, 2012 In art, drawing, fine art, illustration, painting By Patricia Saxton

Details, Details

Details rule my days, all day, most days. Design details, illustrative details, word details, project details, scheduling, parenting, you name it. (Which is partly why, I suppose, that I love to paint backgrounds with giant sweeping brushstrokes, and why I love big, broad views with never-ending skies.)

When it comes to my art, people often ask “how do you do that shading with a pencil?”, or “how do you create that sense of depth on a 2-dimensional surface?”. Of course I can show them, or I can teach techniques, but the truth is that when you’re in the throes, you’re not really “thinking”, it’s more like feeling your way. (And it should also be said, that one of the key things about details is knowing which ones to leave out.)

In any event, since details play such a big role in my work, I thought it might be interesting to share some “up-close” artwork. Hope you enjoy the closer look!

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Detail of "Cairo Market" / Oil on Canvas / © Patricia Saxton

"Cairo Market" / Oil on Canvas / © Patricia Saxton

Detail of "Osprey 1" / Pen & Ink / © Patricia Saxton

"Osprey 1" / Pen and Ink on Paper / © Patricia Saxton

Detail of "Eagle" / Pencil on Paper / © Patricia Saxton

"Eagle" / Pencil on Paper / © Patricia Saxton

Detail of "Storm II" / Oil on Canvas / © Patricia Saxton

"Storm II" / Oil on Canvas / © Patricia Saxton

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January 29, 2012 In art, fine art, inspiration, life and the universe, painting By Patricia Saxton

Roads Travelled

patricia saxton , "searching for buffalo", oil on canvas

“People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness.
Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they’ve gotten lost.”

~ Dalai Lama XIV

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September 21, 2011 In art, music, painting By Patricia Saxton

Art & Music / International Day of Peace

Because it’s the official “International Day of Peace”, and I seem to have a thing for peace, I thought I’d share some peacefulness with you … in the form of one of my paintings, and in the form of music, by my brother. It won’t save the world from its madness, but fitting some gentleness into one’s day sure can’t hurt. So take a moment, some nice deep breaths, and enjoy.

(click arrow to hear music)

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First established in 1981, September 21 is designated as an annual day of non-violence and cease-fire. The UN invites all nations and people to honor a cessation of hostilities during the Day, and to otherwise commemorate the Day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace.

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July 13, 2011 In art, fine art, painting By Patricia Saxton

Waiting

“every flower must grow through dirt.”  ~ anonymous

I’m a patient person. I’ve even been accused of being too patient. Usually in good ways though, like being a patient listener, or patience with someone trying something new, or struggling to understand something.

But we all have our Achilles heels, and one of mine is “waiting”.  Not necessarily waiting for the light to turn (okay, well sometimes…) or the pot to boil, but things like waiting in long lines ~ drives me up a wall ~ or waiting for people to follow through on a task, or being kept waiting for a scheduled meeting or call. I suppose it all has to with how we value our time.

So lately (among other things) I’ve been waiting for my newest book shipment to arrive from overseas… I’m feeling impatient! Impatient to get all the parts in place, get the wheel cogs turning and keep the ball rolling.

Then I remind myself… “all things in their right time”. (Maybe I should go back and read my “P” post on Patience). But still, it happens. We’re human. We aren’t perfect. And I am not patient every minute of every day. There, a confession.

It also reminds me that “every flower must grow through dirt.”  Just like the one in the painting above, before it made its way to my canvas.

Some things are worth the wait, and worth some time spent in the dirt first. Sometimes, “waiting” is what’s needed… even if we don’t think so at the time.

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June 30, 2011 In art, fine art, imagination, inspiration, painting By Patricia Saxton

Suspended in Time

I’ve been a little lax in my postings this week. Not for lack of things to say or share … honestly, I’ve just been pushing pretty hard, lots of irons in the fire. And in some ways I’ve been feeling a bit like this painting.

When I painted this piece several years ago, I didn’t have an “intent”. I simply liked the visual that came to mind, and have always liked drawing and painting fruits… which, if I thought about it, is probably because they’re shapely, rich, innocently sensuous; somehow mysterious, cloaking nature’s passion.

Once the painting was complete, I stood back and quickly understood what had been a subconscious expression ~ and it’s been a favorite of mine ever since. It holds promise and vitality; it breathes and ripens ~ yet floats, in suspended anticipation, like a dream awaiting fruition.

You can almost reach out and pluck it from the air … just not quite yet. But soon.

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April 27, 2011 In creativity, drawing, illustration, inspiration, painting, poetry, writing By Patricia Saxton

Creative Duet: Kahlil Gibran

“All our words are but crumbs that fall down from the feast of the mind.”  ~ Kahlil Gibran

the-prophetAnd what an incredibly rich feast lay in the mind of this poet/philosopher/artist!

Best loved for The Prophet ~ (considered his greatest achievement, translated in more than 20 languages, and of real note, has never been out of print since its first publication in 1923) ~ Kahlil Gibran’s essays, parables and poems are some of the most inspirational and cherished works ever written.

Rarely has one individual written consistently with the depth, sensitivity, and mysticism of Gibran. He has literally touched millions of hearts with extraordinarily beautiful – yet very accessible – prose. His words rise from the soul, easily intermingling divinity and humanity. His wisdom is truly timeless.

Gibran’s path started early; his gifts publicly recognized while still in his teens. But that recognition was not for his writings. First, he was an artist …

Around the age of 15 his drawings were published on book covers, and by 21 his works were being exhibited in Boston galleries. A few years later, he was in Paris, studying with Auguste Rodin.

gibran_art2

I find this really fascinating in light of the fact that Gibran’s youth (in Lebanon) was one of poverty, with no formal education – and that after emigrating to the U.S. in 1895, his mother raised the family alone by peddling lace and linens.

So how did his opportunity change so profoundly?  He went to public school ~ nothing special there. The key seems to be that at the same time he also went to a local art school, where his artwork caught the eye of his teachers. A couple of those teachers had significant associations within the Boston community, and were compelled to open some fateful, well-connected doors for the young Gibran that inevitably lead to his success.

The simple fact that he arrived in this country at the age of 12 and was already making an artistic imprint during his teen years, speaks volumes about his remarkable abilities. And I’m one of countless who are no doubt grateful for the teachers who perceived greatness in their midst and opened those doors.

Gibran was one of the world’s most brilliant minds. Though known today for his writings, his talents manifested with equal eloquence and exquisiteness in both the visual and verbal realms ~ with expressions that will continue, indefinitely, to uplift, guide and reach the innermost spaces of people’s hearts.

gibran_art1

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“His power came from some great reservoir of spiritual life else it could not have been so universal and so potent, but the majesty and beauty of the language with which he clothed it were all his own.”  ~ Claude Bragdon

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Kahlil Gibran was born on January 6, 1883 in Lebanon (then a Turkish province of Syria). He died on April 10, 1931, in New York City. If you’re interested in learning more, resources about his life abound – and if by chance you haven’t read his works, particularly “The Prophet”, I urge you to do so!

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April 17, 2011 In creativity, drawing, fine art, illustration, inspiration, intelligence, painting, poetry, writing By Patricia Saxton

Creative Duets & Human Nature

The human mind is a minefield of creativity and brilliance.

A couple years ago, inspired by Donald Friedman’s acclaimed book “The Writer’s Brush: Paintings, Drawings, and Sculpture by Writers”, I began to look more at artists who write and writers who draw and/or paint ~ creative people who are known for excellence in one art form, but also have credibility in another. Sometimes the second is overshadowed, or completely overlooked, due to the prominence of the first, but it’s interesting to see dual talents exposed.

"Palm of Creativity" / © Patricia Saxton

I love the topic. But it got my thoughts bubbling. …  As I see it, there have always been artists who cross mediums. Artists who write, writers who dance, dancers who sing, singers who paint, poets who play the saxophone.

It’s as if all these outlets arise from one great vat of creative expression.

So it makes sense to me that individual creativity, more often than not, spills from one medium over into another. It’s probably far less common to find a musician without a drop of interest for painting, or an artist with no stirrings of choreography running through their mind.

At the same time, it seems to be human nature to categorize or label: He’s a writer. She’s a dancer. He’s an artist. She’s a pianist. Just the way someone is a carpenter, or a doctor, or an accountant.

Yet none of us are one-dimensional. We arrive packaged with multi-faceted interests, talents, skills, propensities. I never understood why some feel the need to box people in to one “thing” or another, to say they “are this” or they “are that”. But to answer my own question, I suppose it helps frame the individual, helps us see them in some logical way.

In reality it isn’t always logical. There may well be strong leanings – creatively, mechanically, scientifically, etc. But there are also lawyers who paint, writers who fix cars and accountants who sculpt.

It starts early. There are “good kids” and troublemakers. Cheerleaders and jocks, geeks, nerds and rebels. Later your career choice defines you. Or your mate’s career choice. Or your kid’s career choice. There’s some real pigeon-holing that goes on. But we are all so much more!

We’re all fascinating, creative beings – whether writing, painting, solving crimes or tending the sick, cooking, singing, crunching numbers, building engines or raising livestock.

Sure, it’s flattering, that someone who writes and paints and draws is considered somehow unique. But I don’t agree that it’s so unusual ~ I believe that every single one of us has gifts that overlap. Maybe they’re not as easily defined, or maybe just not as romanticized, but they’re there ~ awesome, mysterious and immeasurable.

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February 28, 2011 In art, design, painting By Patricia Saxton

A Plethora of P's / #10: "Paint"

What would the world be without paint?! Whether you’re an artist or an appreciator, life without paint would be a lot less interesting. So … why not … paint something?!

Paint a wall. Paint a chair. Paint a picture. Paint a story. Paint a dream.

Not good with a brush? Here’s the really fun part ~ you don’t have to paint a thing. You can paint in your mind. Paint with your imagination. Slather on some color with sweeping mental brushstrokes. Dab the corners, glory in the details, add some highlights, make it as bold or as subtle as you want. Go ahead! Get messy. Paint from your heart and let those pigments passionately permeate your world. Paint your day a new color.

Problems might still be there when you’re done (unless you’ve managed to paint them away…!)… but you’ll probably come at them with a refreshed point of view. And if nothing else, you’ll have had a fun break.

 

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February 2, 2011 In appreciation, art, painting By Patricia Saxton

Deliciously Cool: Google's Art Project

Imagine each stroke of Van Gogh’s brush. Or Matisse or Manet’s.

Well, now you can see them. And from the short time I’ve had to wander through Google’s Art Project, the images are as brilliant and breathtaking as any virtual images could be. Possibly a masterpiece itself.

It boggles the mind – what a massive undertaking! – and it’s superbly done. Online, you can “Explore museums from around the world, discover and view hundreds of artworks at incredible zoom levels, and even create and share your own collection of masterpieces.”

If you haven’t already (I’m sure the buzz has swelled by now!), it’s a site completely worth visiting. It’s an experience!

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October 13, 2010 In art, painting, work and play By Patricia Saxton

Inside My Head / 1

Been burning the candles at both ends. Late at night, early in the morning… many projects, many ideas, lots of hot fudge to keep me going.

And it occurred to me this morning that my overwrought brain might indeed have its own image… so if  the inside of my head were a picture today, this is what *came to mind*.

It’s colorful, for sure. But like my thoughts, the colors are alternately colliding, competing and complementing. Kind of interesting (I think.).

Then I realized that as the day wears on, the inisde of my head will change – because nothing ever stays the same, does it. So, around noon, it might look like this:

And later still …

And if I’m lucky, by the end of the day, it will calm down to a restful glow…

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