Feeling Peachy!

Feeling Peachy! 8x8 acrylic on an archival panel

Still life, flowers, interior, impressionist

I love to bring fresh flowers into the house, especially during these dreary winter months when beautiful color is at a premium. The peach colored roses were a surprise in the market display of flowers. That surprising color simply made me feel happy. The orangey-red of the blossoms also set the Tone for the color harmony in the painting. Greeny-blues and orangey-reds do like to dance with each other. The vase is actually a solid pottery one, but the bouquet seemed to need a different lighter support. Choosing to paint what I want to see often takes priority when I paint from life or memory or photographs. The truth is that the first marks on the “canvas” will influence those that come next. A willingness to “let go” and to work with a feeling of openness is essential.

The Purves

The Purves Fireboat  12x12 oil on archival panel

Maritime, Boats, lake shore, impressionist

The old fishing and working boats along Lake Michigan never fail to inspire me with their unique histories and personalities. A trip to the Maritime Museum in  Sturgeon Bay was enhanced by the old fire boat anchored nearby. I happened upon it on on stormy day, characteristic of the moods of Lake Michigan in November.
I was intrigued by the abstract shapes that the wheel house and massive bow presented against a stormy evening sky. The light in the boat seemed to be the only warmth to be found. I enjoyed placing the suggestion of figures working on  the boat within the lit spaces.
I would characterize this painted as a portrait of both the boat and the folks whose lives have been connected to it. It is my desire to tell a story when I paint along the lakeshore. This old boat is an old friend.

The Summer of Roses

The Summer of Roses 8x8 oil on archival panel

Garden, landscape, floral, flowers , red, impressionist

My aunt Johanna never called me by my given name. Instead she called me Rose. My aunt Rosie, was a big influence in my dad’s life  and I believe she was the reason my middle name is Rose. My sister Judy, loved roses and following her death one in her yard bloomed beautifully.
Roses are often  a subject approached by artists. They signify love, fragility, the lushness of nature, bereavement and life among many other sentiments.
This little daily painting came to me in the middle of winter. It came like a little prayer for warmth, and family and love.
Artwork is really not about technical skill it’s about life. Available www.bonnieparuch  www.Daily Paintworks.com

Foggy Day

Foggy Day 8x8 oil on archival panel

Landscape,seashore,mood,impressionist

There are times when the subject of one of my paintings is the atmosphere of a day verses the reality of the day itself. Memory will definitely become the driving force in a painting such as this. Color and edges become the vehicle for suggestion and it is the suggestion of reality that often interests me the most.  Impressionism laid a foundation for exploring light, weather, and the variety of interiors, exteriors and experiences that enliven our lives. This painting explores the idea of a foggy day at the seaside. The figures add a sense of life and scale , anchoring an almost totally abstract piece.
Available www.bonnieparuch.com on Daily Paintworks.

The Tale of the Wayward Tangent

The Little Red Coop. 8x8 oil on a archival panel

We used to raise chickens and sheep on the six acres we once owned in Northern Door County. Some folks buy a car as their mid-life crisis. I built a coop.
This little painting is my nod to that past adventure. When we got our flock of twelve chickens, they came in the mail. I remember picking up a box at the post office that was peeping, much to the surprise of the postal worker behind the counter! Our neighbors were enlisted to help name the little fuzz balls and we were then immersed in the trials and tribulations of chicken keeping. We have no regrets it was a great learning experience.
A few days ago, I ran across a photo of a small home-made coop and hens free ranging which prompted this rough and ready homage to a coop.
I posted the painting on social media and a friend pointed out that the pine tree appeared to be growing out of the roof! It was actually a misbegotten pipe coming out of the roof which lined up directly with the tree...a tangent was formed.
I fixed it and was reminded how in the heat of the painting moment stuff happens. Unanticipated surprises can be wonderful or annoying. My note to self, let the Daily paintings “cool off “ at least a day or two before sending them out there. I’ve never been shy about sharing a mistake. In fact, in almost every workshop I’ve taught I let my students see me sweat out a problem as a painting is resolved. Over the years I’ve seen students almost paralyzed by the fear of imperfection. In creating a painting there are no mistakes, only opportunities to grow.

Near Newport

“Near Newport”  8 x8 oil on an archival Raymar panel

Landscape, impressionist, nature, rural , trees

I often tuck away small studies that for one reason or another fail to measure up to my original intention. Yesterday, I was ruminating in my studio and I found an incomplete sketch I had begun on a quiet country road in northern Door County. It lacked  freshness and color interest, so I had another go at it.
I am enjoying the opportunity that daily painting presents. On the one hand,  there is a bit of pressure to create even when the muse is absent. On the other hand, I’m reminded that the work itself has value whether the final result is successful or not. Defining success is the tricky and very personal aspect of creating. When I can express an idea in painted form that is true to my original goal, then I feel I’m on the right (if somewhat rocky) path.
This little painting is a celebration of a quiet place and the colors of nature. Available www.bonnieparuch.com at auction

Waiting for spring!

Waitng for Spring  8x8 acrylic on archival Raymar panel

stilllife floral flowers impressionist

My son made this small black vase when he was in high school. He gave it to me as a gift and it is one of my favorite things. It shows  up fairly often in my interior and still life paintings. Mainly, it does so because it still brings me feelings of love and joy. I find  that I do my most personally satisfying work when I have an emotional attachment to the subject. Then, my memories combine with reality to create something more than a postcard or a pretty picture.
This little study is an example of manipulating my subject by connecting dark and light values. Also, by placing  a dark shape against a light one , a hard edge against a soft edge, I can create counter-change, an interesting rhythm in the painting.
I hope this little floral brings you a scent of springtime. It’s coming. This painting soon to be on Daily Paintworks.com  www.bonnieparuch.com