Red Maple Sunset

"Red Maple Sunset" 12"w x 12"h

I don't know if other artists do this ... but I enjoy changing my palette on almost a daily basis. Paintings will be cool and loaded with cobalt blues, greys and ultramarine blues ... then it's on to deep evergreens ... then high contrast cardinals only to return to the colors that began it all, the colors of autumn. Hiking through the woods in the autumn season is something I long to do all year round. It brings back warm childhood memories and the colorful leaves and crisp cool air make the experience one to remember. Times like that influence my work year round, such as this piece featuring warm golds and crimsons along with burnt sienna. Red Maple Sunset ... a piece that warms my soul and brings a smile to my face. :)

Please contact Z Place Gallery in Ironwood, MI for more information on today's piece.

Gold Maples

"Gold Maples" Acylic on 6"w x 6"h canvas

Here is a painting in a familiar series I like to work in that I refer to as twilight maples. The texture in the golden leaves on the trees and foreground is always a joy to paint. :)

For more information about this painting, please contact Stone's Throw Gallery in Bayfield, WI.

Autumn Sky & Moon Shimmer

"Autumn Sky" 12"w x 12"

"Moon Shimmer"

Two more works available at Blue Lake Gallery in Duluth. Along with the the new forms of the colorful autumn trees, I've saturated the canvas with color deeper than my usual. At first, I didn't like the rich color as it was new ... but it sure has grown on me. It makes the painted canvases feel more alive in some way, almost as if the color is too rich to be hand painted. I can't wait to explore the color richness more ... always new frontiers to explore ... makes the artistic journey rewarding. :)

Rainy day here in Duluth, I need some inspiration ... perhaps working on some bright paintings will do the trick today. :)

Red Maple Triptych

"Red Maple Triptych" 18"w x 12"h

Today's painting features a convergence of ideas that I've been pondering some time. I've been sketching out compositions that incorporate maples and birches but haven't painted many of them. This painting is one of those ideas. I love the red, gold, and yellow combinations. The lake is visible in the background of this piece, but it really isn't the focal point, yet it offers a deep complementary blue background. the shadows are deep in this piece, I'm happy I took on the challenge of combining many elements that I love into one piece ... almost like a 'greatest hits' painting. :)

This painting is part of my Awesome Autumn show at Beaner's Central Coffeehouse which runs throughout the month of September 2012.

Harvest Moon

"Harvest Moon" Acrylic on 18"w x 18"h canvas

There is usually one painting that stands out in a show ... a painting that says 'here .. look at me!' and this is the one. The moon is centered in the composition and to be honest I didn't like this painting as I was working on it. But as it drew near to completion, the softness of the elements in this landscape gave me that warm fuzzy feeling inside and I was glad I pushed through and finished it. When there is a full moon, it grabs your attention, and this piece does just that.

This painting is part of my Awesome Autumn show at Beaner's Central Coffeehouse which runs throughout the month of September 2012.

Into The Distance

"Into The Distance" Triptych, Acrylic on 30"w x 30"h canvas

This piece is one of two major works completed for my Awesome Autumn show at Beaner's. With this painting I felt I had accomplished something with the light as it dances across the leaves in the foreground. I spent quite a bit of time viewing this piece as I fell I'm inching closer to a goal. I can't explain the goal at the moment, it's more of a feeling or emotion ... The light in this piece dances across the leaves, the rocks, and the golden leaves of the birch trees, and I love the deep red ridge and rich cobalt blue skies that calm as you gaze into the distance.

Autumn Escapade

"Autumn Escapade", 18"wx12"h

Today's painting features more layers. As I've been reflecting on the work in this show, the theme of layers seems to run through all the works. Birch trees in the foreground, followed by blue stones, birches, a red hedge and distant evergreen ridge ... all complemented by the cobalt blue sky. I'm quite fond of this work, to be honest, this show was difficult to finish during a busy time in my life. But as the dust has settled, I find that the works have such a nice depth of color, and the compositions are very interesting. I find something new every time I view the paintings from this show. Hope you can stop by Beaner's some time in September ... and don't forget to sign my guest book! 
Cheers,
-A

This painting is part of my Awesome Autumn show at Beaner's Central Coffeehouse which runs throughout the month of September 2012.

Everbirch Diptych

"Everbirch Diptych", 12"wx18"h

Sometimes paintings speak volumes when they are simplified. While this one features gold leafed birches, I love the evergreens in the background. I think I'll keep this post simple today, too. :)

This painting is part of my Awesome Autumn show at Beaner's Central Coffeehouse which runs throughout the month of September 2012.

Rays of Autumn Triptych

"Rays of Autumn" Acrylic on canvas, 18"wx18"h

This painting captures my heart. The distant cranberry ridge and deep emerald green background complement each other and draw you in. The birch trees with their golden leaves are anchored by the gold ridge in the middle of the piece and the golden foreground shadows. I just love the hill theme with the rocks and trees ... I feel as though I could paint this composition for the rest of my life and never tire of it. The blue stones feature dappled lighting, something you find in nature, yet find difficult to capture on canvas. 

This painting is part of my Awesome Autumn show at Beaner's Central Coffeehouse which runs throughout the month of September 2012. 

Layers of Autumn

"Layers of Autumn", Acrylic on 20"wx16"h canvas

This painting, titled Layers of Autumn, is from my Awesome Autumn show at Beaner's Central Coffeehouse which runs throughout the month of September 2012. This painting is so rich in color, it just has to be viewed in person. One aspect that every work has from this show is color saturation. Just like Autumn colors, I wanted these paintings to be blazing with color. I incorporated many areas of blue sky and water to complement the works from the show which I'll be posting here on this blog in the next couple weeks. Today's painting endeavors to capture the colorful ridges you find in northern Minnesota in the fall ... yellow, orange and red maples, birches, poplars, oaks, etc... complemented by the rich greens of the evergreens. What a feast for the eyes.... Autumn is Awesome.

Awesome Autumn Reception Tonight!

If you're in the Duluth area please stop by Beaner's Central Coffeehouse from 6:00-9:00 p.m. to view my new work titled 'Awesome Autumn'. I have a nice selection of work in various sizes and they are all autumn themed landscapes. There is a nice cohesiveness to the work in color and feel, and the warm colored walls of the gallery space at Beaner's make for a nice display. There will be cupcakes, truffles, live jazz and singer/songwriter Greg Tiburzi ... plus Beaner's has a great selection of coffee and treats. I'll be there and I hope to see you there!