Sue Flanagan’s Website

How did I miss November? The year is quickly coming to an end. A couple of weeks ago, Rita Rogan, invited several artists to her home. We created abstract paintings on material that will become curtains for one of her large windows in her home. Joyce Leas provided the structure for the panels and the rest of us splashed, poured, stamped and stroked paint of primary colors. We called it our Jackson Pollock moment. We took a break and had some great chili and other snacks. Here are the results of this fun afternoon.

Back to pastel, I decided to do something that I have been meaning to do for awhile. I painted a still life with white on white with white. I used a statue that I bought in an antique shop. I liked the graceful curves of this statue. I placed it on top of a white napkin with three white rosebuds in a small glass bowl next to it. Here is the outcome.

This was a very good exercise. It requires close observation of color, color temperature, and value. I like the painting. I am currently working on another still life of white objects. However, this one has been more challenging and the frustration level is high.

So, what about plein air painting? It is currently about 25 degrees outside and it is a very gray day. This is the time of year when I find little motivation for plein air painting. It is difficult to find beauty in the barren trees and fields and the wind chill can be brutal. However, I did go to the Morton Arboretum a couple of weeks ago and will return when there is a nice snowfall. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving and hope that you have a blessed Christmas.
Sue Flanagan