07 May 2009

Earl Grey, hot


6x6 oil on board

This felt good! I haven't painted in weeks, nor have I spent quality time with my blogging pals. There are quite a few artists online with whom I'd love to sit and have a cuppa.

I follow an embarrassingly large number of blogs. It is a celebration of people as well as the art they create. I enjoy reading about the sordid lives of the Pre-Raphaelites as much as the next person, but I am fascinated to learn what present day artists, of all levels of experience or education, are thinking and feeling when they work.

As for me, I was thinking, "boy, this old paint is gummy" and "I wonder if I put enough money in the parking meter." I painted this in an hour. I made myself walk away before I started to nit-pick or tidy up. There is something about this piece- the hues, the color washed background, the thrift store tea pot?- which feels like home. It feels like me.

Feels like Home, sung by Linda Ronstadt, written by Randy Newman.
Home, sung by Bonnie Raitt, written by Karla Bonoff

35 comments:

Ann Reyes said...

Hey, glad you're back, Dar! I've missed you. This is really a nice teapot. It is so shiny.

Marian Fortunati said...

Lovely way to return to painting DAR!!! If it feels like you even better.... because it's terrific!

Diana Moses Botkin said...

Keep it up, Dar! You're on to something here, working away and then walking away. Take a look later.

Connie Chadwell said...

Hi Dar - glad to see you painting again - the teapot is beautifully done!

Jala Pfaff said...

Love the composition (cropped top), colors, and simplicity. Great job.

http://www.onpainting.wordpress.com said...

This is a good piece, Dar. Sometimes they come together. This one did.

Dar Presto said...

Thanks Ann. It was so shiny, I had to ignore some reflections. Editing is a good lesson for me.

Marian, thanks. It felt encouraging after a long time away.

Thanks Diana. You're right. Incubation and fresh perspective are very important.

Hi Connie, thank you so much.

Jala, you set a good example that a single item can be meaningful. Thank you.

Thanks Bill. One of the unexpected lessons I've learned by painting and by reading the experience of others is that sometimes it works, in spite of our obstacles, and sometimes it's a turd, in spite of our efforts. I had no idea!

Susan Carlin said...

This painting makes my eye happy and want to swirl 'round and 'round inside it for a while. I really like your color harmony.

Dar Presto said...

Thanks Susan, I endeavor to keep your eyes happy! :)

Anonymous said...

It's not how often but how.
And how!
You got it in an hour and it needs not one more thing. It's wonderful and makes you want to run your hand over the shiny surface.
And this after not painting for weeks?

Sheeeesh....

Dar Presto said...

thank you, Bonnie, I appreciate it!

Diane Hoeptner said...

Yes, Susan is right the color harmony of this painting is wonderful. You found that tea pot at a thrift store!? FAB!!

Ann Reyes said...

Thank you, Dar, for visiting my blog! I'm looking forward to your next painting. I hope all is well in your world.

Dar Presto said...

Thanks Diane, it was a lucky find. I chose not to depict the faint metallic dragon which swirls around the pot!

Thanks Ann. We're doin' well here, just busy busy.

http://www.onpainting.wordpress.com said...

Dar - time is moving on - let's get to work on another piece, please.

L.Holm said...

Hi, Dar - Glad to have found your beautiful work. This is gorgeous--glad you 'walked away' when you did and left it so pure and lovely. Best regards, Liz

Nava said...
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Nava said...

Yet anther still life that you've managed to turn into a personal portrait. There is indeed something very cozy and comforting about this guy - and nice color scheme. Like Bonnie, I wanna run my hand over it, but - it's hot, right?

Sheila Vaughan said...

This is a lovely little painting Dar - wow, those greens talk to each other!

Pam Holnback said...

This is a beautiful piece. It makes me feel like home, too. I would love to have a cup of tea from this pot.

Dar Presto said...

Sorry for my delay, I had some computer issues.
Bill, yes, the tea has grown cold. That's not very hospitable of me.
Liz, thank you. It is my habit to fuss, so this was a good lesson for me.
Thanks Nava. Still life can be so frumpy if we aren't careful. Take a look at my early attempt of this pot, in my first blog post ;)
Hi Sheila, thanks. I had fun building up those colors.
Pam, welcome and thank you, stop by for tea anytime.

Laurel Daniel said...

This little thrift store teapot is the perfect shade of green. Is there such a thing? If so, I think this is it. If I were there, I would ask you to pour out! :) Love it!

Dar Presto said...

Thanks so much, Laurel.

http://www.onpainting.wordpress.com said...

Yoo hoo - Over a month now Dar. Hope you didn't fall on your brush.

Marian Fortunati said...

Hope you are well, Dar..

Dar Presto said...

Sorry for my absence. I've been tending to parent health issues again. Everyone is fine at the moment though. :)

indiaartist said...

Same my feelings,as I have also missed visiting artists on their blog and know even more the importance of being the part of artist community. Love the greens in this painting, seems so simple and elegant. Take care,

Nava said...

Hope things are OK and you'll get the emotional bandwidth to paint soon. You are being missed.

Dar Presto said...

india and nava, thanks so much. I hope to get back into painting and blog-visiting soon.

Susan Carlin said...

Just one more friend sending her good wishes and hoping all is well...
XXXOOO

Barbara Pask said...

Hi Dar, Just checking in, missing your posts. I hope all is well.

Dar Presto said...

Thank you Barb and Susan!
I'd better come out from hiding soon. :)

Jack said...
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Renata said...

This is perfect- and it really makes me want to have a cup of tea! I love your description, too- It seems as though this painting will give you good memories :)

Dar Presto said...

Thank you, Renata. I'll brew a pot, and continue to look 'round your blog, which is very positive and inspirational.