Back Again...

Morning Song

24"x30" acrylic on canvas

I've been away from my studio for a couple of weeks and I have to be honest, it was hard going up there to paint after such a long time. My motivation seemed to be gone and the longer I stayed away, the more difficult it was to get back in the groove again. But, today I decided to start painting instead of thinking about painting.

As you can see, this one is quite different from my usual work. We all get into a "rut" sometimes and I think it's a good idea to break out occasionally and try something very different. It forces the creative juices to flow again after a bout of "artists' block".

This painting is available right now on Ebay. Check out my website to see the rest of my portfolio.

Dilemma

Dilemma

24"x30"x.75"

Acrylic on Canvas

Sometimes choosing a title for a painting is a dilemma for me, so why not name it Dilemma?

I completed this painting yesterday after several hours of struggling with a variety of challenges. As I layered color and texture on the canvas, the still-wet paint turned a murky, reddish brown mess. I walked away for a while and decided to try a totally new approach. By now the muck had dried and created an interesting surface to tackle again. Bright red swaths, metallic bronze, ochre and Micaceous Iron Oxide (a color I had never used before) all helped me solve the dilemma I had originally.

This painting reminds me of a collage and has the look of an old torn billboard that exposes layers of weathered paper ads. We don't see those old billboards around here very often, but I do remember seeing them years ago along the highways in New Jersey.

Dilemma is available right now on Ebay. Check out my Ebay Store for more original abstract paintings.

Visit my website to see my entire portfolio.

More Solitude

Solitude III

24"x24"x.75"

Acrylic on Canvas

As promised, here is my latest painting in the Solitude series...I think I have it out of my system now.

I'm very pleased with the way this particular series turned out. A textured surface with a glint of metallic is very intriguing to me and I hope to you too. This painting is currently available on Ebay and would make a great addition to your home or office decor.

Be sure to check my website too.

Solitude...again

Solitude II

24"x30" Acrylic on Canvas

This is another painting that I completed in the Solitude series. There's still another that I'm working on and will post soon...probably tomorrow.

Solitude II is available on Ebay for a short time at low starting bid price of $199.00. Shipping is free within the continental US.

Getting Inspired Again!

Solitude

24"x24"

Acrylic

Being an artist can sometimes be a lonely job. Don't get me wrong, I certainly prefer being alone in my studio than working in an office cubicle or back in the classroom again. But, occasionally getting together for good food, great art talk and lots of laughs is just what the doctor ordered.

It was a real treat to get together recently with three of my artist friends for lunch at Kim Norris' lovely home. Her gardens and pottery studio are truly inspiring. These get-togethers are great opportunities for us to share lots of ideas on art and art marketing. I'm always impressed by the variety of work and extent of talent my friends possess. Nancy Medina's floral oil paintings are truly beautiful and Judy Mackey's little oil landscapes are absolute gems! I always feel artistically refreshed after our visits.

I started working on three paintings today and was able to complete Solitude. It measures 24"x24" on .75" deep gallery-wrap canvas. Metallic bronze and heavy texture accents make this a unique work. It is available for a short time on Ebay.

Grand Opening!

The big day has finally arrived! The grand opening of Art 251 is this Saturday, September 13.

If you are in the area, I hope you will stop in to visit the gallery, meet the artists and partake of some refreshment. I plan to be there between 2 to 4 pm and look forward to meeting you. Unfortunately, Hurricane Ike is also planning a visit this weekend but hopefully will not dampen our party or our spirits!

A New Gallery!

Prismatic

Acrylic

30" x 40" x 1.5"

Finally, there is a fine art gallery opening in the my area!

Art251, a contemporary gallery, will open it's doors on Tuesday, Aug. 13. The official grand opening is scheduled for next month. The owners, Mike and Kim Gerra, are devoted fans of local artists and have graciously invited me to show my work in their new space. I stopped in a couple of days ago to drop off three paintings and to take a sneak preview of the gallery. It is located in The Arthouse at Keller's Town Center. The vibrant turquoise floor, white walls and sleek furnishings signal to any visitor that this is no ordinary gallery. Mike and Kim are striving to make this an inviting space that will not intimidate the new visitor or turn away the experienced art collector.

As I toured the yet unfinished gallery, I was impressed with the caliber of work that was already accumulating on the walls and shelves. I instantly recognized the work of several of my art friends, Jean Storm, Kim Norris and Marla Cook. These amazingly talented artists, as well as the others I have not yet met, now have a unique place to showcase their art.

If you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, I hope you will take the opportunity to visit Art251. Prismatic, above, is available at the gallery.

Visit my website and Ebay for more original art.

Cosmic

Cosmic

30x30"x.75"

Acrylic on Canvas

I was able to spend the whole day in the studio today without any outside interruptions. The phone didn't ring, I didn't get inane "chain-letter" emails and there are enough groceries to get us through another day. What a treat!!

Of course, having the time available to paint isn't the only factor. The creative juices need to be running too. Some days I end up with a dud that needs to be recycled, but today things worked out well...at least I think so.

Cosmic is available on eBay. Hope you'll check it out as well as take a peek at my website.

A Winter's Tale...in June!

A Winter's Tale

30"x30"x.75"

Acrylic on Canvas

I started this painting a couple of days ago but things just weren't working out. I contemplated just gessoing the whole thing over and starting again. I layered diluted gesso to create a veil of white over some of the areas I wasn't happy with. This morning, as I studied the painting and prepared to do something with it, I decided to reinforce the light areas with a mixture of titan buff and raw umber. The painting started to come alive again and with some more tweaking and a couple of sprays from my water bottle, it was done.

Deciding on a title for the painting took more time than I expected. Most times, something just pops into my mind. This painting reminded me of a cold winter day. I pulled a copy of Shakespeare's works from my book shelf and just randomly opened it. There it was! A Winter's Tale!!!

I just listed the painting for sale on eBay with a starting price of $99.00 and a reserve of $275.00.

Check out my website for more original paintings.

Tomorrow's Dream

Tomorrow's Dream

30"x40"x1.5"

Acrylic on Canvas

Every once in a while things just click in the studio. That's what happened last week when I painted Tomorrow's Dream.

I started the painting by washing in the undercolors with a natural sponge. I glazed thin layers of color, diluted with Golden Glazing Liquid, over the base color and let each layer dry slightly before applying more glazes. With a slightly damp sponge, I started to create texture by subtracting color with the sponge. Several layers of glazes down the road and the painting was finished.

I listed the painting on eBay and was pleasantly surprised that someone met the reserve price of $325.00 almost as soon as it was listed.

Check out my website for more original paintings.

New Works on Yupo

Yupo is an amazing material to paint on. I know that it was "accidentally" discovered by some poor artist who must have run out of watercolor paper. It is not paper at all but a synthetic film that is used for many graphic applications. When paint is applied to Yupo, it tends to swim around creating all sorts of interesting swirls and puddles. You never know what you'll get when you paint on Yupo but the results are always fun.

I've managed to accumulate several sheets of Yupo from an experimental workshop I took years ago. Yesterday I decided to look around in my flatfile drawer and "discovered" the Yupo. I had almost forgotten how much fun it was until I started playing around with the Yupo and fluid Golden acrylics.

I cut the large sheets into 8.5"x11" pieces and started painting away. After a couple of hours, I had completed 14 "masterpieces". When I placed a mat on each one, I was really impressed with my efforts. That Yupo is great...it does most of the painting!

This is one of the paintings. I'll be listing it and the other 13 on eBay for $45.00 each. I'll ship it out to you for free. All you need to do is buy a standard 11"x14" frame at your local Michael's and you're all set.

Keep an eye out for more new paintings!

New Commission

Tribute II

Mixed-media on canvas

18"x18" each

I completed this painting today for a buyer who had purchased a painting from me recently. He decided to commission this pair based on a painting he saw on my website. It was a real treat to spend the entire day in the studio with few interruptions...finally.

I love to use scraps of rice paper, skeletanized leaves and other bits of materials I've collected over the years. Most artists are packrats. We hate to throw anything away that might be incorporated into a painting sometime in the future. As a result, we end up with massive amounts of material that most people would have discarded long ago. Searching through my storage boxes of these "treasures" brings back memories and inspires ideas for more new works.

Visit my website to see my entire portfolio.

Picking up again...

Golden Sunset

Acrylic on Canvas

24"x36"

As usual, life has gotten in the way. Family visits, sick parents, etc. have prevented me from my usual schedule of painting, blogging and sending out my monthly newsletter. But, that's the way things go. We have to put first things first.

A couple of weeks ago I completed a pair of abstacted seascapes for an art dealer I frequently work with. She was impressed with the outcome, as was her client. Actually, I was too and decided to add something new to my usual repertoire. I've been working on a series of seascapes and "Golden Sunset" is the most dramatic one so far. It reminds me of the glorious Florida sunsets we used to enjoy nearly every evening. Every night, as the sun was setting, nature would dazzle us with a spectacular light show. Now that we live here in Texas, I miss those daily displays but not the oppressive humidity and mosquitos.

I'm hoping for a free day without interruptions today and maybe even a lovely Texas sunset.

Visit my website for more original paintings.

Distant Memories

Distant Memories

Acrylic on Canvas

24"x30"

I decided yesterday to break away from the usual color palette I've been using for a while. I seem to have gotten into neutrals and earthtones lately. As I looked at my wide selection of paints, I decided on a monochromatic color scheme accented with bronze metallics.

I started out by texturing the canvas with a heavy coat of gesso. Using a notched tool, I scratched and scraped texture into the still wet gesso. When the surface was completely dried, I began painting in washes of turqouise and umber. After applying stamped elements and spattering with water, I was able to see the structure of the painting begin to develop. I applied a thin veil of diluted gesso to create more texture and then continued to add more color glazes. I think the metallic bronze "frame" helped pull the whole painting together.

I have "Distant Memories" available for sale right now on eBay. You can see my entire portfolio on my website.

Give Me A Sign

Give Me A Sign

24"x36"

Acrylic on Canvas

Sometimes finding a title for a painting is more difficult than actually painting it. I always try to find a title that somehow expresses what the painting is trying to say. With abstract art, that may not always be clear. But, I think I may have discovered something that helps me come up with a good title...and, I'll share it with you!

I love to listen to music when I paint. There's something about the rhythm or beat that helps to loosen me up as I paint. Almost any type of music is great, but I love country. Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn , George Jones and other country oldies are fun to listen to. The stories they sing about tell tales of lost loves, drinking or "walking the line" - what ever that means. Most of the story lines are pretty sappy but still fun to listen to.

Anyway, when I'm stumped for a title, I listen to the music that's on my radio and usually a phrase or word jumps out. I forgot the name of the song that "Give Me a Sign" came from, but it was playing on my radio when I finished the painting.

Just wondering, how do you come up with a title for your paintings?

This painting will be available on eBay for a short time.

Visit my website to see my entire portfolio.

Lunch with good friends

No Exit II

24"x16"

Acrylic on canvas

It's always nice to get away from the studio every once in a while. Yesterday I met three of my good artist friends for lunch at Sandella's, a neat little cafe at Southlake Town Square in Southlake, Texas.

Judy Mackey and Nancy Medina are great palette knife painters. Their lovely florals and landscapes grace the walls of the cafe. Although they work with the same materials, their styles are completely different. I hope you'll check out their websites.

Kim Norris is a potter. Her amazing, hand-crafted works are popular at all the local art festivals. I'm impressed that she is able to create a huge volume of work, teach, garden and also work part-time for American Airlines. Her energy comes through in her work! Be sure to see the pictures of her 2007 Garden Show. I missed it last year but definitely will be there for her next show!

After a couple of dreary, stormy days here in Keller, I'll be spending this beautiful day in the studio. Getting together yesterday is motivating me to get back to work again!

No Exit II is available through eBay. Hope you check it out.

To see my entire portfolio, please visit my website!

Loosening up with YUPO

Far and Away

26" x 40"

Acrylic on Yupo

Several years ago, I attended a workshop and was introduced to a marvelous new material. Actually, Yupo is not really "new" but had been discovered as a new painting surface by artists. Yupo is a synthetic film that is completely water resistant. Paint literally floats on the surface, forming little rivulets and puddles as it dries. It can be quite difficult to paint on but it is certainly exciting because the outcome is sometimes hard to predict.

A few days ago, I decided to pull out a large sheet of Yupo and experiment with various ways of applying color. I flooded the surface with water and then started to "paint" in the color using sponges and brushes. By lifting and moving the Yupo, the fluid color began to run and merge, forming interesting textures as it dried. I dried off areas that had not completely dried, exposing the white surface again. I allowed the Yupo to dry completely and continued the process of layering transparent glazes of color until I was pleased with the result.

This large, 26"x40", painting will need to be matted and framed but will become a very impressive addition to any home or office decor. It is available for sale on eBay and BoundlessGallery.

Please visit my website to see my entire portfolio of original contemporary abstract paintings.

Back to work...again!

Cusco

24"x30"x1.5"

Acrylic on Canvas

It's been a while since I posted anything on this blog. My father had to undergo a serious operation recently. Both my parents are now in their 80's and needed my help during this crisis. Hopefully things are going well now and I'll be able to start getting into my normal painting routine.

I completed this painting a few days ago. It is available on Ebay right now for a low starting price of $199.00. It is highly textural, something that you can't really see in this image. Click on the image to see a close-up. Of course, if you have any questions about this painting or any of my other works, feel free to contact me.

My website

My Ebay Store

All in Time

All in Time

24"x24"

Acrylic on canvas

I've been working on a series of paintings that start out pretty much the same way, but as I get closer to finishing each one, I seem to go off in a new direction. This painting is one of three that I was working on at the same time. I started by layering thin washes of color, wiping off to expose under layers and applying stamped accents. Finally, after many layers of glazes, the painting began to emerge. I never quite know how a painting will end up - that's part of the fun!

All in Time is available for a short time on eBay. It is also listed on my website.

New Work - Red River Valley

Red River Valley

30" x 30" x 1.5"

Acrylic on canvas

I recently completed this painting along with a similar 30"x40" painting, Anticipation, which has already sold.

This painting is available through my website as well as BoundlessGallery. I find that many times a potential art buyer may be reluctant to purchase a painting based solely on a small image seen on their pc screens. That is very understandable. I have decided to list my work on BoundlessGallery because they offer the buyer the opportunity to return the work after 7 days. If the painting is not to the buyer's complete satisfaction, BoundlessGallery will refund the purchase price of the painting as well as the return shipping cost.

At last, now there is a completely risk-free way to purchase art on-line! Be sure to tell all your friends too.

Visit my BoundlessGallery portfolio and my website.

The Journey Home

The Journey Home

24"x30"

Acrylic on Canvas

I spent most of the day in my studio yesterday and completed this painting. Last week I stretched five canvases and was able to start painting on them. But, as the week wore on, I had to take time away from the studio because of all the interruptions I've been talking about. Anyway, I decided to tackle one of the paintings I had started. Because of the "down" time, I ended up going in a completely different direction than I had started out on.

I've been experimenting with various ways of applying paint to the canvas. I like to do alot of layering to create nuances in texture and color. Rather than apply the paint with a brush, I have been using anything that I find around the studio. Sponges, rollers, rags and scrapers are great tools to use to get color on the canvas. Many times the painting will begin to take on a "life of its own" and will dictate the direction to go in. I love when that happens! Other times, I need to get the old bucket of gesso out and start all over.

The unpredictability of the process is what makes it fun for me. This method of painting is spontaneous and totally intuitive.

Check out The Journey Home

Wayfarer

Wayfarer

Acrylic on Canvas

16"x24"

I've been trying hard to get back on a regular painting schedule. After a bout with the flu and a couple of other family problems, I think I'm finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Like most artists, sometimes I go through a "dry" spell. Getting away from the studio for a while helps get me over the "hump", but eventually I really start to miss my daily routine.

I've written before about interruptions that cause delays or even gaps in creativity. Being an artist is like any other job. We need to devote time strictly to our art. Phone calls, emails, children, sickness, etc. are all creativity killers. I'm guilty of letting everyday interruptions keep me from my work. So, with that said, I'm going to paint today!

I finished this painting a couple of days ago. It's currently listed on eBay. Check out my website too.

Asian Memory

Asian Memory

16"x18"

Mixed Media on Canvas

I listed this painting on eBay a few days ago. I've had it sitting in my studio for a while and as usual, decided to take another look at it. It's a very textural piece, with a lot of collage work and even a skeletanized leaf. It really came to life when I sealed it with several coats of gloss varnish.

Although I've been selling alot of my work through eBay, their fees have really increased in the last couple of years. In order for my work to be seen, I usually list my new work as a "feature plus" and if it doesn't sell, I will list it in my eBay Store at a higher price - the same as my website prices.

A while back I "discovered" another excellent online art site - Boundless Gallery. I hope you will check this site out. It is exclusively for artists and is very easy to navigate. I notice that the quality of art on this site is highly professional and eliminates the need to sift through amatuer doodles that seem to clog up most of the listings on eBay. Purchasing art through Boundless is easy and without risk to the buyer. Hope you will check it out!

You can also purchase art directly from my website. If you need art work specific to your home or office, please contact me to learn how you may commission a painting.

Blog...what blog?

Mission II

24"x30"

Acrylic on Canvas

What a hectic week this has been! If it weren't for taking our parents to their doctor's appointments, I suppose I'd have no place to go. Not that I mind. I love that I'm able to help my parents and mother-in-law out at this stage of their lives. I can see that getting old is definately not for sissys!

All that aside, I miss most not being able to spend as much time in the studio as I would like. Any sort of interruption that takes me out of that environment causes great gaps in my creativity. The creative juices can't be turned on or off. They need to be gently nurtured and "aged", like a fine wine. My studio seems to be the only place where I can let new ideas form and speak to me. Somehow, standing at the kitchen sink or driving to an appointment does not seem condusive to communication with my muse.

I'm hoping that this coming week will be less stressful and hectic. Just checked my calendar...dentist appointment on Monday morning. Looks like I'm off to a bad start already!

I just sold Mission II. It was one of three paintings I did last week in the same color palette as Electric Rain. It is available for sale now on eBay at a very low opening bid price.

Don't forget to check out my website to see my entire portfolio.

If you'd like to be added to my monthly newsletter list, please contact me at:

fil@filomenabooth.com

Electric Rain

Electric Rain

Acrylic on Canvas

24"x24"

This is one of my newest paintings in neutral, earthy colors. Originally, I started this painting by washing in rust tones with a sponge, dribbling water to expose under colors and then using a foam roller to add deeper, darker tones and textures. I wasn't totally excited with the result, so I let this painting and it's two "sisters" sit in the corner of my studio for a few days. Most of the time I'm able to complete a new painting in one sitting, but this time I was a bit stumped. The paintings appeared weak and washy looking to me. They definitely needed punch!

A couple of days ago I decided to tackle the three canvases and see what I could do to create something that I would be happy with. I mixed up some more neutral earth-tones and started to paint in broad strokes with the biggest brush I could find. Working quickly, I applied the colors and built up the texture while allowing the washy base of the painting to show through. As the painting came to life, I added additional accents with my foam roller.

Check out this painting along with the other two new paintings on eBay. I'm offering them in the auction format only one time. This is a great opportunity to own an original at a very low cost.

I hope you'll also visit my website to see the rest of my portfolio.

Part II of Commissioned Work

Eternal II

30"x40"

Acrylic on Canvas

This is the second painting in the commissioned pair for the Boston client. She wanted an "organic", flowing feel to the painting.

When I discuss a new project with a designer or client, I usually ask what kind of "feel" are they looking for. Many times they will be able to describe the mood they are trying to create in the room. This is as important to me as the size and color of the piece and helps me get into the right "zone" as I begin to create the new work.

I also discuss the business end of the project with the client before submitting a final proposal. Commissions require more work on the part of the artist because there are many specifications that need to be met and, of course, final approval by the client. Because of this, I don't think any artist should even think about starting the project without a good monitary committment from the client. I usually request that a deposit of 50% be made before beginning the project. I always send several images to the client's approval - just to make sure that we're both on the same page.

Delivery day is the final and most exciting step! Setting up the art in the home always amazes me. A painting that may appear "blah" in my studio suddenly takes on a new life in the correct setting. Colors that coordinate or complement the painting jump out and pull the whole room together. The buyer's happy reaction is always the most rewarding part of working on a commission!

Please share your experiences with commissioned work!

Check out my website to see some of my latest paintings!

Working on Commissions

Eternal

30"x40"

I've recently had several requests for commissioned paintings. I just completed two new paintings for a client in Boston. The pair will flank a fireplace in a formal living room. I've worked with this particular client in the past and find that she loves to combine bold abstracts with her more traditional furnishings.

Some artists shy away from commissioned work, and with good reason. There are some clients who like to micromanage the entire process, placing alot of pressure on the artist. I've been fortunate in that the clients I've worked with have allowed me plenty of creative leeway. In fact, I enjoy the challenge of working with specific requirements, as long as I'm given enough creative freedom.

I'm wondering how many other artists out there do commissioned work and how they handle the process. I'll continue this discussion in another post and hope to get feedback from my fellow artists.

To see more of my work, please visit my website!