Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Acquisition of "Autumn Moon" - o/c 20" x 24"

Autumn Moon
20" x 24"
sold

Sunday afternoon, I welcomed another patron into my home studio. After conversation and consideration, they observed that "Autumn Moon" was a unique subject of mine. Yes, it's rare that I place an ethereal full moon in a tonal landscape.  They decided to add onto their personal art collection and acquired the painting. It is their second original oil of mine collected over the years.

"Autumn Moon" has depth with carefully applied brush strokes and dabs of various hues throughout during multiple applications of oil.  However, because of that, one can almost see footprints left beyond on the sloped path towards the dense trees beyond. There also appears to be movement in the blades of grass. Is it from a gentle breeze?

A solitary tree placed at the right side with the moon's glow upon it, draws the viewer further into the landscape. After a few moments, the eyes again return to the full moon, and then down onto the moon's reflection in the middle ground. Gradually, a glimpse back toward the solitary tree, and the eye rests there. A final step or two back the viewer gazes at the entire painting; serenity overcomes the senses.

I've always felt there to be beauty in trees full of leaves. Yet trees without, appear to have a quality of strength in their limbs and branches as they reach outward and upward.  Perhaps because these trees convey how quickly time passes . . . we understand we are one with nature.

While the work was created from my imagination, it's technique, vision and sensitivity that brings the breath of life to "Autumn Moon." Knowing this painting and the other original acquired years ago is treasured not just today, but for years to come by these patrons, continues those wonderful feelings within me as well.

Monday, November 17, 2014

Placement of Paintings

sold

Yesterday afternoon, the above pair of classical oil landscapes was acquired from my home studio. These particular works are 8" x 10" on archival canvas painted in the same color palette. Ornately framed, outside dimension of each measure 17"h x 19"w.

The originals were created to hang one over the other as shown in the studio photo above, or next to each other in an entryway, living room, dining room, den, bedroom and hallway. They create a statement when welcoming guests to step further into one's home, and depart peacefully as well. They can also provide guidance directing one to other locations within a home. And at times, they provide quiet companionship when one prefers a few moments of contemplation.

Small sized paintings such as these, often speak volumes over larger works because they embellish ones imagination with a sense of tranquility due to their composition and exquisite autumn hues. In this way, unique light glows within the work and is reflected outward when color changes every hour of the day and season within a room.  A painting then becomes a breath of life itself.  It is my intent to create works that project those feelings within others when viewed. If those feelings are not within an artist's nature, paintings are silent; non-dimensional. And if those feelings are not within the viewer's nature, it will not be seen.

These paintings were hung in my patron's formal living room and graciously shared by sending a photo shortly after. It is how they choose to place their new paintings in their beautiful home that's exceptionally special. I'm flattered through this experience because it warms my heart knowing that this pair of classical oil landscapes is treasured not just from yesterday, but for many years to come.



Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Clipper Ships - o/c 36" x 36"

Clipper Ships
36" x 36"

Growing up in the Northeast and enjoying sojourns along the coast as far south as Florida and north to Cape Cod and Nantucket . . . how could I not want to convey the turbulent waves and salty spray of another age when clippers ruled the seas?

Travels years later to the White Cliffs of Dover . . . watching the junks sail in Hong Kong Bay . . . docking in Nice's harbor a few days . . . etc.  I can easily continue with nautical stories, yet, I understand there has always been times for many of us who hold in our hearts a romance of the high seas that bring forth our adventurous spirit discovering new places.

http://www.christinenauman.com

Friday, July 4, 2014

Blue Hydrangeas with Apples and Lemon Still Life - o/c 24 1/2" x 28 1/2"

Detail

24 1/2" x 28 1/2"
sold

I decided to portray the blue hydrangeas, apples and lemon in glass vase in a style reminiscent to Van Gogh's paintings he created while living in the South of France. Paying close attention to applying thick layers of oil in vivid colors and defined short brushstrokes captured his essence. Also, limiting the appearance of shadows, which both Van Gogh and Cezanne eliminated as well. 

Pleased to have the painting complete after working longer than usual hours in my studio this week. Especially considering flowers wilt fairly soon when cut and placed in water, I had to decide quickly which details to leave in the painting, or not to simplify the subject without becoming dull.

Unique to my individual artistic style and symbolism, I added fruit to the composition and separated the 5 into two groups. Placing 3 apples in one group, and 1 lemon and 1 apple in another indicates their individual differences (bitter - sweet), I remained true to the oriental numeric philosophy I learned while living in Tokyo 4 years.

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Floral Still Life - o/c 16" x 20"

Yesterday, I began creating a floral still life. Hydrangeas in glass vase with fruit in the foreground added more interest to the composition. Longer than usual to set up, however well worth the extra time as the arrangement is stunning. It's also mathematically correct in design theory . . . and the numeric oriental discipline I learned during my years living in Japan.


Thursday, January 16, 2014

Thank you!

Happy New Year to my patrons and readers of this blog. I'd like to take a moment to thank you for your support in both collecting my original oil paintings and remaining in touch through either e-mails from afar and personal connection locally. Without all of you, I'd not be able to continue my dedication to this profession.

So whether you're one of my previous collectors from 23 years ago who encouraged me when I was just starting out by acquiring a painting to begin your personal collection or adding onto an existing art collection of some of the great artists of centuries ago, or a new collector of mine as recent as last year by choosing one painting or a few at one time . . . I am more than flattered. And, with all my heart, I will always appreciate your patronage.

http://www.christinenauman.com