Galena

While enjoying a few days away for Thanksgiving this year, I was able to snap more photos for future paintings of the parks and nature preserves in Galena and the surrounding towns.  This particular photo is inspiration for another one of my Stage Coach Trail paintings.

http://www.christinenauman.com

Open Lands - o/c 17" x 19"

Open Lands LXIV
17" x 19"
sold

I often prefer my compositions with their defined horizon lines in ornate frames.  Though my work speaks volumes in subtle ways, the curves in these frames reflect how the tall grass sways as the wind passes through.  It all becomes poetic . . .

http://www.christinenauman.com

Diamonds are Forever?

Little Jewel 67
10" x 12"
sold

Over the years, I've created numerous miniature paintings.  Often as a reprieve between my larger canvases.

Early in my career, one of my patrons had acquired a few and described them as "Little Jewels."  I have always titled my paintings, but would mention if they would like to change a title, the painting is theirs, I'm surely fine with that. Patrons would share that my words reflected the paintings well, and the titles would remain.

I did feel the description this particular patron gave their collection of my miniatures heartfelt.  After that, I've titled all my 5" x 7" miniatures the same, and numbered them in order of completion. Currently, this is the latest "Little Jewel" available in the series.

http://www.christinenauman.com

South of France

"Sunflowers in Arles"

28.5" x 32.5"

sold

Arles was one of my favorite cities in France when I visited as a guest of one of my patrons 15 years ago. The "light" in Provence is magical.  Words describing it are weak in comparison to the experience of being there.  Seeing it.  Savoring it.  Whether enjoying the architecture and gardens or meandering through the streets I recall how beautiful the colors were.  Everything seemed so vivid.  So true to life!  And as the shadows became longer as the hours progressed, objects were well defined.  Perfect for oil paints mixed onto palettes by Van Gogh and Gaugain in the late 1880's.  Perfect for artists in every decade.

SUNFLOWER FIELD was created from a photo I had taken of a farmhouse on the outskirts of the city.  Early July, sunflowers are in full bloom and the flowers are harvested for oil used in cooking. I've loved creating paintings from this photo as I've used it for reference numerous times. All originals have been acquired by private collectors over the years.

http://www.christinenauman.com

Creating in Natural Light

I began working on another floral landscape as the weather forecast has been sunny for a few days in a row.  Days when the natural light in my studio is more subdued, autumn paintings are also underway.  I've always created paintings of various compositions as I feel it's important that variety conveys an artist's innate ability.

http://www.christinenauman.com

Too busy to blog

A little over a month has passed since my last writing.  Working steadily in my studio on one floral painting, while also sketching in my notebook from my mind's eye new compositions of autumn landscapes based on some of the forest preserves nearby.  I'm excited to get started on them.

We were able to take a quick 3 day trip to Springfield and New Salem last week.  Visited some historical sites and new ones pertaining to Lincoln's life.  Took some photos of his village in New Salem.  I don't foresee paintings with log homes in the near future, but I will add some of the walking paths, rivers and creeks into new compositions.

http://www.christinenauman.com

Stagecoach Trail II - o/c 25" x 29"

Stagecoach Trail II

25" x 29"

sold

Completed another painting to add onto the Stagecoach Trail series from our trip last October. 

http://www.christinenauman.com

Pride of Place in New Orleans

Open Lands VII

16" x 18"

sold

Over the years, I've created paintings I consider series work.  OPEN LANDS is one of these series and titled after the forest preserves on the North Shore of Chicago.  This particular painting was created from both my visual memories and the natural lighting conditions that influenced me at the moment. 

"Open Lands VII" was acquired from my studio by an Indiana patron for their second residence in New Orleans.

http://www.christinenauman.com