Geranium

I love flowers and my mom always got geraniums every Spring.  I continue that tradition.

I love them.  This one was just begging me to paint it.  Tried to pay attention to value,

and paint it in a simple, almost abstract way.  Hope you enjoy!  Trish

My Self Portrait and Alice Neel

I resist self portraits because of the stereotypical "artists are so into themselves".
But, the truth is we always have ourselves for exploring, and practicing. 
All I need is a mirror and a medium.  Plus - it is kind of fun to do self portraits.

I extended this to a portrait of Alice Neel, one my favs as far as portrait artists go. 
What did I learn?
I learned that (reminded actually) pastels are so versatile. I am in love.
Also, that I do better with a limited palette for painting, and to use as few
strokes as possible, or I muddy up my paintings pretty fast.  Trish

Moi (pastel on Arches watercolor paper) detail and full

Alice Neel (Oil ) full and detail

 

Knockout 3 in Acrylic

Same bush in acrylic, 24 x 24.  I learned a lot from the studies I did outside.
This one was done indoors. 

Follow a Hedge

I got some advice from artist Jenny Saville to "follow a hedge".  My "hedge" of choice has been a knockout rose bush.  This is my 2nd go this time in a rectangular format 6x12 and in pastel. 
I decided to include all three bushes.

Kyle Marting Workshop - Lima Ohio. Ruth Ann Sturgill, Host.

Although I did not often paint plein air before I went to this workshop, I
was always curious about it, and it seemed that those who did paint outdoors
were usually passionate about it, so I thought I'd give it a try.

I loved the workshop and learned so much.  The main idea is how the light
changes the colors as the day goes on.  There were quite a few discussions on
value and temperature as well.  It turns out, that since artists are quite (usually)
fascinated with color, plein air is like a haaaaaaaaaa moment especially early or late,
meaning the sun is not directly above, although that can also generate some
interest.  Plein air in a word, exciting.  I am guilty now as well of singing
its praises.  Below is a 6x6 in oil of a knockout rose bush.  It is a study, and it was done outdoors.

Where have I been?

I have a new name and a lovely new husband Scott.  That is what I have been up to.
The wedding ceremony was beautiful, with an organ and a cantor that sung a rich tenor. 
I always thought I wanted a female cantor with a lilting voice but I could not find one. 
I am so happy I was open minded enough to go with Chris Camp.  He was amazing and
it added so much to the ceremony. 

But what about my art?  It has been there the whole time, but not documented on my blog
in a couple of months.  I am back to updating my blog more often...yay! 

There have been paintings mostly of flowers.  One I sold to a friend who admires my art.
One was given to my cake baker because she admired it and I couldn't say no.
She promises to hang it in her office where she meets clients and to give a shameless plug
if anyone inquires about the "artist who painted that". 

There have also been sewing projects that I have given a whirl.  Birds and hearts quilted and stuffed.
This has been fun, but a bit fustrating as all things are when you are just learning how to do them.

I have also come to the realization that I don't think I am a "daily painter".  There is something about it that pressures me and not in a good way. I am a painter who likes to paint often, in a larger format.  That is where I am on this journey.

Trisha Lyons Ansert

Alice Neel

Charcoal of Alice Neel by Trisha Lyons, 9 x 12 Paper $25

Buy Now

She painted this....

which I have admired many times at the Speed Art Museum in Louisville.

She also painted many other portraits of all walks of life.

She was an original through and through. 

I dig her style and independence.

(note: I am on tree 4/10 and portrait 1/10 in the Series of 10)

March Snow

March Snow, 6 x 6, Pastel and Graphite,

Wallis paper mounted on Foamcore

Late season snow in Louisville, early March.

Only here a day, but beautiful while it lasted.

Forest Gaze

Forest Gaze,  9 x 12 Pastel with Medium; Sketched with charcoal.

Jefferson Memorial Forest.

Sneaky Sunshine

Pastel and Charcoal, Pastelbord 9 x 12.

Jefferson Memorial Forest, Fairdale, KY

Paul Yost Trail