Madonna Madness

If you live in New Mexico long enough and look at art books long enough, and you love art, and try your hand at art- it is my opinion that you will eventually be driven to paint a Madonna figure.

I had to try my hand. And I know this is only the beginning for me and finding my own elusive Madonna.

There is something hauntingly sacred and mysterious about the Madonna image- maybe because she's imprinted on our minds from thousands of years of art. Apart from the worship of her, I think she represents the image of all mothers, the all-nurturing, and mysterious sacredness and divine collaboration of creative beginnings of all things. Pretty powerful stuff.

Of course I had to mess with mine. I am seeking to close the gap between what I can create digitally (of my own paintings) and my skill in art (I'm taking your advice Steve) because I always like the images I manipulate better thank my basic painted image.

If you want to see some really inspiring art from a Texas artist , Rene Alvarado, who was from Mexico originally, check this out. He totally inspired me.

I would love it if you would leave me links or blogs of others who you think paint awesome Madonnas (including your own) because I love to look at them.

Workshop with Virgil Stephens

I just had the perfect opportunity to take a drawing class with Virgil Stephens who is a well-known New Mexico artist who does fine drawings and oil paintings. His wife is his perfect companion and team-member and they both put on a efficient and enjoyable workshop in Ruidoso. He is looking for more students if you are interested.

We all did the same drawing (mine to the left)of this model's photograph who also happens to be his daughter. Virgil was extremely helpful in pushing us past our limitations and towards more perfection in our drawing. I had never had much practice with charcoal and now I feel much more confident.

I am the one on the far left.

It was fascinating to see everyone's creations and even new artist produce a portrait of which they were very proud.

It was a great reminder to me how very important drawing can be to great art.

Virgil does the best horses. This is a large oil painting and representation of his excellent drawing and painting skills.

There is snow covering the farm and it is cold and stark outside my windows. I love looking back at the fire in my living room while I paint and feeling the warmth and security within my cozy home.

This large painting represents the color and edginess I need to add to my setting.

When it comes to my art, I feel like I'm unlocking something within.... Like I'm getting closer and closer to where I want to be. I feel like I've been down a long hallway and I've tried so many doors, and even stepped into the rooms and experimented with so many ideas. But now, I feel like I'm entering spaces that feel more like where I'm suppose to be. I still don't know where I'll end up, but at least I feel I'm heading in the right direction.

It is like the wood-fire in my living room. Except it warms and excites my very soul.

Even in this winter season, and a season of life that may be colder and harsher, I hope you are finding some warmth within as well.

Exuberance

I think I will name her "Exuberance" in honor of the New Year 2010. She's a little white-headed, with more white roots showing everyday and she only has wings because she likes to soar with the wild birds rather than the angels. And even though she's middle-age and slightly chubbier than depicted, she still has dancing toes and a wiggle in her hips.

She's well aware that the new year could hold mishaps and sadness, but she will keep her heart open and pink metallic polish on her toes and a secret passion in her soul and learn to shake her booty like Beyonce.

And she will spread love like a little farting fairy laying it on as thick as grape lipgloss until it shines so bright it looks like liquid sun shine.

She's an odd chick but she will know her by the the joy that sticks to her bones like watermelon bubblegum.

Don't try to stop her or she will kiss you like a slobbering toothless baby and you will have to grin and bear it.

(fluid acrylics, shiva oil sticks, and black gesso)