A Year of Loss, Addition, and Change

Wayne LaGue, husband extraordinaire

I've been in a state of flux since April 2024. It was my house critic's 78th birthday 3 days ago on March 17. Only he wasn't here to celebrate. You see, a glioblastoma took him suddenly and with little warning November 1, 2024. It's a horrible way to die for anyone. But, particularly horrifying for Wayne (yes, that's him) who had the brain of a genius and the heart of a virtuous person. I miss his insightful observations of my painting, also his laughter, endless smiling, unwavering love, generosity. If you are so inclined, you may read more about him.

Augustus Buckminster & Lion DeLovely LaGue

Gus & Leo never got to meet Wayne.  They have not and never will supplant his place in my life. However, they do make me smile again. They arrived in my home December 2024 as 4 month old brothers.  Shy at first they now follow me around demanding a lot of hugs and staring at me like I'm their goddess. Leo particularly enjoys the studio while I paint. Perhaps he will become a house critic someday.

While I wasn't in the studio for 8 months, I did return after Christmas for a couple of hours a day. I completed this one from a photograph by my dear friend and collector Brian. 

Winter Harbor #1, 2025 Oil on panel 12" x 12"

Currently I'm working on this very large (for me) piece of the Pink Granite Coast in Brittany. My friend Copper lives in France part time and generously shared a photo I'm working from. This is from working session #30. 

Pink Granit Coast, oil on canvas, 30" x 40"

Large is currently good for me now because.......bad news I fell on black ice and broke my shoulder February 13.  Good news?, it is my left shoulder and no surgery required, just physical therapy. I can paint!  I am in a sling until possibly May 8. More good news!  I have been invited to and included in a newly formed collective of artists.  Our home is located in the new Kettle Black Gallery, New Bedford, MA.  

L-R Robin Nunes, Butch McCarthy, Christy Gunnels, 
Joan DeCollibus, Kim Barry, David Walega

I invite you to share along on Instagram
KBG

Osprey Exuberance #2, 2024

 

Osprey Exuberance, 2024, Oil on Cradled Panel, 16"x20"

The wings!  Those are the voice of this painting.  The keen eyes and sharp talons of the Osprey take a backseat here to the 6' spread of his wings.  He is here about 2 weeks before his mate returns in order to prepare the nest. They both have had a winter's retreat in Venezuela.  But, Mr. comes first to claim the territory and to prepare the nest.  Those wings must carry them some 4,000 miles on their return.  He always arrives on or near my House Critic's birthday of March 17.  Today as the winds were extremely high and the rain very strong, I watched as the two of them stood and sat strong on the nest.  

Several Irons in the Fire

 I've found myself at somewhat of a loss and all over the place with ideas and failed attempts. I met with a woman who is on the board of Mass Art and who convinced me to submit a work for consideration in Mass Art's annual auction/fund raiser.  She is a collector with a large and impressive collection.  As with most collectors, she has an eye for a particular genre, photo realism.  Within that genre, she prefers works that lean toward pop art but away from landscape and the figure.  After meeting with her, I realized I was influenced by her appreciations as I went about my studio work.  It was quite the rabbit hole.  It took me a while to realize what was happening.  I abandoned all but one of those attempts and adapted it.  Below is a peak into my studio of works in progress.  

This began as just a stack of books with significant titles about painting.  I found the perspective with an entire stack uninteresting.  I took out some books and placed a crow atop.  The book titles will include Ted Hughes, Crow.  Any suggestions on a title?  

Again, this began as a stack of books in a dark area.  Then, I rearranged the books, placed them in front of a window and inserted my sketch book and some color pencils in a can.  The idea is to comment upon art and art making.  John Berger's Ways of Seeing is the top book.  

At this point I was so tired of trying to paint straight lines that I just went with a simple still life with oranges because painting with orange makes me happy.  

And finally, The Copley Society called for works to their international juried show with the theme "Exuberance".  What is more exuberant that a male osprey who returns from South America and begins rebuilding his nest waiting for the mate to join him.  I will possibly paint 2 ospreys on nests for the submission.  

That's it for the time being.  I must now return to the studio and tackle some of the irons in the fire.  

Memories of Mama

 

Memories of Mama, 2024, Oil on Cradled Panel, 5"x5"

As I post this and having thought it was finished, I see things to do. The needle should be brighter; the yellow spool is a bit lopsided; the large blue spool's top is uneven.  

Threads

Spools, Oil on Cradled Panel, 6"x6"

Spools, Oil on Cradled Panel, 6"x6" with tape

Taking a new approach and trying to up my realism by using tape for straight lines.  And, really taking my time with drying.  Because of that, I have 2 other works in progress.

Interpretations, Oil on Cradled Panel, 10"x10"

 

 The idea is to create a narrative that goes beyond     the immediate image.  The art books, the color pencils, the sketch book create multiple interpretations.

An idea in the making.

 

Color Pencils and Blocks

Children's alphabet blocks and color pencils, a new direction.  And, a bit of a learning curve, which is good for an artist.  Always keep your eye sharp and your hand busy.  

Color Pencils in Cup, 2024, Oil on Cradled Panel, 6"x6".

Color Pencils in Cup, 2024, Oil on Cradled Panel, 6"x6".

Blocks of Joy, 2024,  Oil on Cradled Panel, 6"x6"

Blocks of Love, 2024,  Oil on Cradled Panel, 6"x6"

 

Color Pencils and Building Blocks: Works in Progress

Color Pencils, 2023, Oil on Panel, 6"x6"

Color Pencils in Vase, 2023 Oil on Panel 6x6

Continuing with subjects small and vintage, these 2 of color pencils take on 2 different points of view.  I've painted the little vase on the left in other still lifes.  It is just the perfect little Japanese shape.  The pencils on the right leave the impression with me of Pop Art. I also think they appear personified.  LOL

The surprising thing about the process of these small simple still lifes is how difficult they are to paint.  It's the very straight edges and the perspective that demand a steady hand.  

Blocks of Joy, 2023, Oil on Panel 6"x6"

Blocks of Love, 2023, Oil on Panel 6"x6"