Window Seat

"Window Seat", 10x8", oil on gessobord

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"What you really want for yourself is always trying to break through just as a cooling breeze flows through an open window on a hot day. Your part is to open the windows of your mind."

—Vernon Howard

The other day a friend asked what was up with all the chairs I've been painting recently? To be honest I am not sure what motivates my fascination? However as I reflect on the question, I have to admit I've been as moved by the illuminated windows serving as backdrops in my paintings, as I have been by the silhouetted chairs themselves. 

The yin-yang of light and dark enchants me with the omnipresence of shadowy darkness stalking ever so close, lurking on the prowl; while parallel worlds of redeeming windows stream with the brilliance of life-saving portals, open invitations for light and color to enter pregnant with the hope of possibility.

I don't know why I feel compelled to paint chairs, but those flanked with wide outstretched stuffed arms, sure seem to long to surround with the warmth of a soft embrace, offering safety and protection. To coin a phrase from Goldilock, "Ahhh, this chair is just right."

Thanks for flowing in through my window. 

nancy 

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To see more of my art or to contact me: Online Gallery  • E-mail  •  Website  •  Graphic Design Studio •  Saatchi Gallery •  Fine Art America

Seeing Red

"Seeing Red", 14x11", oil on gessobord

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"You can get help from teachers, but you are going to have to learn a lot by yourself sitting alone in a room."

 — Dr. Seuss

Here's another rocker that gets a regular workout in our home. This one was a gift to my husband when he retired from teaching high school. I am sure it was intended for a front porch setting, but serves us well in our living room. 

There is something I find irresistible about a chair sitting idle, open and waiting for someone to fill its highest purpose. Even if I have trouble finding the time to actually stop and sit much, sometimes simply seeing an empty chair permits me to mentally rest for a second or maybe two. Our lives are so fast-paced, chairs are wonderful metaphor for stillness, quiet... a reminder to stop the world now, and again...to indulge in the gift of another moment. Franz Kafka said, "You do not need to leave your room. Remain sitting at your table and listen. Do not even listen, simply wait, be quiet still and solitary. The world will freely offer itself to you to be unmasked, it has no choice, it will roll in ecstasy at your feet." 

Thank you for pausing for a spell.

nancy

PS. This is a larger painting 14x11"

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To see more of my art or to contact me: Daily Paintworks Gallery  • E-mail  •  Website  •  Graphic Design Studio •  Saatchi Gallery 

The Rocker

"The Rocker" 10x8", oil on gessobord

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"A house that does not have one warm, comfy chair in it is soulless."  — May Sarton

A silhouette of solitude sits in soft sultry light, inviting the viewer to enter into this room and take a seat by the french doors overlooking the pool; perhaps to rest awhile, read a book, or simply sit amid elongated ghostly shadows and rock in early morning's light.

This rocking chair has been in our family for as long as I can remember and beyond. I know all eight of my siblings and I were all rocked and comforted to sleep in it, just as I soothed my own children, and then one-by-one each grandbaby. 

The time-weathered cherry with its now tattered cane seat, groans with each rhythmic motion, lulling little eyes to sleep like some entrancing mantra. Accompanying lullabies were gently sung from the armless frame, such as Rock-a-bye baby, You are my sunshine, even an original Go to sleep my little baby—composed by my grandfather—and passed down from one tender lap to the next from its seat.

  

To me this chair is a priceless heirloom, one that continues to uplift this now grown child in a treasury of memories and tradition. 

I don't think I have ever said this before about one of my paintings, but I really LOVE the way this painting turned out...and the emotion it invokes. There is such a feeling of satisfaction when a painting comes together and I can step back and say YES that's it!

Thanks for letting me introduce our family's rocker.

nancy

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To see more of my art or to contact me: Daily Paintworks Gallery  • E-mail  •  Website  •  Graphic Design Studio •  Saatchi Gallery 

Darkness or Light?

"Darkness or Light?", 10x8" oil on gessobord

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"A table, a chair, a bowl of fruit and a violin; what else does a man need to be happy?"—Albert Einstein

Taking the positive view, today the quiet morning light reflected onto my wooden living room floors creating shadowy markings as precise as the painted lane markers on the freeway. I will even go so far as to say, one of my ladder back chairs has jumped in to play a round of hopscotch? 

However from the opposing viewpoint, it could also seem that this unoccupied, desolate straight back was trapped, worthless, isolated, even trapped in the darkness behind bars. 

Which is it? The same scene with two opposing perspectives. Which slant resonates with you? Is the light overcoming darkness here, or do you see darkness overcoming the light? While I see stillness, quiet, and inner solitude; another might see emptiness, abandonment or even purposelessness. Life is what we bring to it...what we are looking for always finds us.

Thanks for playing along on this beautiful morning.
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To see more of my art or to contact me: Online Gallery  • E-mail  •  Website  •  Graphic Design Studio •  Saatchi Gallery

 

Home Is Where Your Hat Lies

"Home is Where Your Hat Lies" 10x8" oil on gessobord

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"Where thou art, that is home." — Emily Dickinson

From where I art, my home looks almost magical early in the morning as the sun begins peeking into corners of cool-gray lifeless windows, and prying open heavy lids of sleepy wooden blinds. Quickly the soft luster begins bouncing and dripping down the walls of the room as if caught in the middle of a paintball game. I love gazing at the dazzling light show as free-form patterns twirl about the room illuminating golden splashes on furniture, floors and walls, here and then there; perhaps directed by an invisible wand spattering glorious razzmatazz into the quickly vanishing darkness. 

I picked up this unique little bargain chair years ago in an antique shop. I was sure it must have belonged to a count or duchess. It was love a first glance. From where he art, hubby Dave wasn't too impressed with my prize find. However since then he has made use of it, serving as his own personal hat rack... Now does that not seem a bit sacrilegious? 

Thanks for visiting with me in my home today.

- nancy

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To see more of my art or to contact me: Online Gallery  • E-mail  •  Website  •  Graphic Design Studio •  Saatchi Gallery 

Nelly Logan

"Nelly Logan" 8x10" oil on gessobord

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 "Time spent with cats is never wasted." 

— Sigmund Freud

This is Nelly Logan, may she now rest in peace. Her owners, dear friends of ours, recently had to say good bye to their cherished Nelly after years of extraordinary measures of love that kept their little girl mewing. 

There are many misconceptions concerning cats such as, cats so graciously allow us to love and care for them. Christopher Hitchens even said, "Owners of dogs will have noticed that, if you provide them with food and water and shelter and affection, they will think you are God. Whereas owners of cats are compelled to realize that, if you provide them with food and water and affection, they draw the conclusion that they are God." 

As independent and self assured as cats may appear, deep down their aloofness is only the reflection of their keen senses on high alert for the sight, sound or smell of potential prey. And to debunk another myth, did you know cats actually need your companionship and can in fact, go through separation anxiety if left alone too often or for too long?

As for Nelly, I know she was as grateful to have had the Logans, as they were blessed to have had her in their lives. Nelly enjoyed a long life nine times over in the comfort of their home, and will never be forgotten.


Thanks for dropping by to show your respect. 
nancy
______________________________________________________ To see more of my art or to contact me: Online Gallery  • E-mail  •  Website  •  Graphic Design Studio •  Saatchi Gallery •  Fine Art America