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

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

Detail

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.

http://www.christinenauman.com

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.

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 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

Landscape Commission - o/c 24" x 36"

Since hosting the September Studio Show, I've been steadily working on a large "Open Lands" commission for one of my North Shore patrons. The painting was requested for early December in order for it to be unveiled at their holiday celebration for friends and business associates. As I'm also invited, the excitement builds because the painting is now in it's drying phase.

I'm writing today because I was recently contacted by another patron who reads my blog questioning my silence these past 30 days, I felt I'd share the reason why today.

http://www.christinenauman.com

September 2013 Studio Invitational

Hosting my annual September Studio Invitational for nine days beginning the 21st. The above is a partial viewing of some classical landscapes in oil.

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End of Day - o/c 50" x 60"

End of Day

50" x 60"

sold

After many months of working on "End of Day" she's complete. Even I, viewing her as she dries in my studio, physically feel the warmth from the sun as it sets. Serenity grows within me. 

The close-ups are an indication where I've placed the main focal point that brings depth to the painting. She beckons one to cross the stream and walk through the tall grass. 

I remember the forest preserve well. However, most of the painting is created by imagination and intuition.

http://www.christinenauman.com