Creating in Stressful Times

I will help others that are suffering in what ever limited ways I can. I am not wealthy, but I have a comfortable life and can't ignore the misery of others. I can contribute some money and time. Donations are easy to send through the Internet.

 I have volunteered to pack food every Saturday morning for Feed The Hungry. This is an organization that feeds over 4000 Mexican children every school day. These children are the poorest of the poor and wouldn't be able to eat otherwise. Here is the link http://feedthehungrysma.org/

Still when I enter the studio, I would like to create beautiful, peaceful and uplifting work.

I finished the painting I posted in the last blog. It is oil and cold wax on cradled panel. Can you help me with a name? I have temporarily named it "Waiting"

I made this painting about 17 years ago. I brought it to San Miguel when I moved here and eventually loaned it to a friend. unbeknownst to me, she gave it away. Finally, the new owner tracked me down to tell me how much he loved the painting.  I was shocked. At least I still have the image.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lost in Thought

A Sprinkling of Rose Petals

These last two images are from my "Pensive" series. If you would like to see me check on the link to the series on my website. http://www.ezshwan.com/pensive.html

"Never Stop Painting"

 "Never Stop Painting" I received this beautiful message from an other artist on Face Book. He is participating in a page that shares many artists' images, including mine.

This came at a time when I had been doing much soul searching. It seems almost frivolous to be making art that is not protesting the hateful human energy that has taken over the news and social media; but I know better. I have been a member of Self Realization Fellowship for 46 years. This could be considered a church of all religions. It is based on the principles of yoga and it is all about changing oneself, not expecting anyone one else to change. My guru, Paramahansa Yogananda reminded us, “Greater than the destructive force of hate is the compassionate power of love.  Whatever you say or do to others, let it be with love.  Harm no one.  Judge no other.  Hate none, love all; ...  Whatever blessings you have, desire that all should have.”  

So, I have spent time in the studio trying to create beauty, uniqueness, and peaceful paintings. I am proceeding with the White Glove Series. 

When I was a young woman in the middle 50's, a "lady" would never go to the city (Chicago) without wearing gloves and a hat. I still think that was an elegant look and certainly set a tone and attitude of something special.

In this new series I am focusing on sophisticated women wearing gloves,
I am wanting to keep the paintings  loose and the figure abstracted to give the feeling a a time that is gone.
 I don't know how many more I will make. Time will tell. I have been using mostly cold wax and oil and I haven't fallen in love with the medium, at least for figurative work. It is great for abstracts and I may go back to those soon.

Rita

Here is what I have so far.

Waiting

In the viewing room

In process. Probably a couple more days of work on this one.

16" x 16" cold wax and oil.

Not Too Pretty Anymore

If you saw my last post, you know I was not satisfied with the latest White Glove series. ( I am going to have to change the name, since I want to include black gloves also.)
I took a week's break from painting; 2 days for private  encaustic students, see  ezshwan.blogspot.com.
Then I took a few days off to nurse a sore throat. Today I got back in the studio and "unprettyed" several paintings.

beginning

Today- more work on this one tomorrow

working on 4. It's best that way so I don't over work,

from this...

to this.

It's Too Pretty!

Last post, I showed the lovely blank panel. I worked on this new painting all week. It seemed the more I worked, the more dissatisfied I became. I couldn't put my finger on what was wrong with the painting. After yesterday's studio session, I realized it was just too darn pretty.

I photographed the process. I will look at the last effort for a couple of days before I paint over it.
I know I won't work on it because I have encaustic class to teach for the next couple of days.

Here is the process; cold wax and oil on 60 x 100 cm panel.