X's and O's

X's and O's
Acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas, 11x14x1" $100 Email me.
This was TOTALLY fun. A painting just about color and shapes, and edges and middles, and smooth transitions with highlights and outlines. I used some hand carved stamps, and a paper towel cardboard core, and painted into the shapes to define and alter them, changing the color to bring more interest.
So what am I up to?
Well, when I turned 65 (eek!) I had a feeling, sorta undefined at the time, but it has since become: If not now, when?
I've decided to do all the things that I wanted to do and didn't have the time (reading in the daytime) or had to put off for other reasons, and one of them is to learn to make art that is non-objective. Not like anything I used to paint.  And to not apologize for it. As mentioned, the artworks I see on Pinterest are responsible for resurrecting these feelings, altho I have had them since I was a college freshman. At that time I was encouraged to follow my 'strengths' and that meant realism. O.K. But what about other stuff? Now is the hour!
I must go fearlessly forward.
And here's the other side of the coin. I also want to make some traditional quilts. Yes! Me!
Quilts like this:

and this and this



I am even surprising myself with these feelings/urges. But since you visit the blog often enough to see me bouncing from one thing to another, I thought a bit of an explanation was in order.
Now here's one more bit to add to the equation...
I am going to be doing Quilt Along with Melody (QAWM) again in February, so the paintings will be going on til then, and then abruptly shift back to quilting.
A few years ago I thought I might get involved with a group of Modern Quilters, and after a few meetings, I was ready to throw in the towel. I had rather unrealistic expectations. But recently a gal from that original group contacted me and I felt inspired to come back. Yes, really. So I will try again to fit into a group, to share my new/traditional (as if) quilts with!
O.K.
So back to this painting. Here are some closeups, and obviously I got back on the color train, despite the fact that most of the work I have been studying has been black and white and gray. Just ever so cool, but not me.



If there was ever a vein I could mine, this is it. I get up early and practically run to the studio. No anxiety filled 'shoulds' are allowed. I just love this process. My pajama sleeves have paint on them to prove it.