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.

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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!