Current Series

I currently have three open series: Still Beautiful, which is varied in media and focuses on unusual plant perspectives; the Fantasy Archetype series, which is whimsical and print focused; and the Autumn Leaf Record, which is simply a running record of autumn leaves I’ve especially enjoyed each year, whether by shape or color.

Series: Still Beautiful

The Still Beautiful series was borne of an enchantment with a bouquet of spent red tulips releasing their blooms from a vase on my desk. I’d always thought I disliked tulips, and had bought them because it was spring, and the red/white bicolor at least seemed somewhat interesting. It was only after they’d passed their peak bloom – the moments they’re generally considered the most beautiful – that I was caught by the fantastic forms of the drying petals and the line flow of the veining. A bright backlighting from my still life lamp provided drama and definition.

So, the Still Beautiful series is about nontraditional approaches to plants, beginning with flowers: the unappreciated parts of the cycles, the ignored perspectives, the overlooked or disparaged species. “Dead” or spent blooms are particularly exciting, as drying creates fantastic forms. I’m calling attention to the missed details, and reminding folks that every stage of life is wondrous.

As the initial inspiration, four of the series – Spent Red Tulip I, II, III, and IV – are all of the same tulip in various media. Oils were to capture the best color, watercolors for the light and delicateness, and print for the striking lines. I was deeply enchanted by the radial design and dramatic coloring.

Series: Fantasy Archetype

This series is exclusively relief prints – although I could change my mind as I progress! – and will cover classic archetypes in fantasy, sometimes with a twist, always with a welcoming and positive outlook. The first in the series is The Alchemist, which is usually portrayed as male, but mine is a woman with long, swooping hair, holding aloft the product of her labors.

The second in the series is Wizard’s Reading Night, where a chubby cheeked, long-bearded wizard reads by the light of his staff, surrounded by his library, snacks, and other tools of his trade.

Third is the Knight of Bath – cat bathing is an excellent reason for a full suit of armor. The armor is based on a real set of 15th century German armor (though the helmet and the exaggerated feathers are not.)

A small entry into the series is Magic Cat, which will be part of a spin-off mini series of Trusty Companions in the fantasy, fairy tale, and folklore traditions.

I’m looking forward to continuing this fun series!

Autumn Leaf Record

My love of autumn leaves so well known that my family brings me leaves they think I’ll find interesting. I currently have a box of them from last autumn in my studio from last year – the color persists longer than you’d think, if not as vibrant as when it first fell. I try to find time each autumn to preserve the shape and color of a few especially enchanting leaves. Perhaps I’m stretching “current,” a bit, but I do have a new print in progress to add to the series!