Big Things Are Happening

 

Pink Granite Coast, 2025 Oil on Canvas, 30"x40"

For the past 3 months I've been working larger than I usually do. In my early days, I always painted large. Once, in my little attic studio, I created one so large I couldn't get it out the door.  I had to take the canvas off the stretcher.  The other difference is due to the size, I'm painting on canvas.  It's a very different feel with the brush and application results.   The above painting came from a photo source by Copper Giloth.  She was on the Cote de Granite Rose in Northern Brittany.  I was intrigued by the geometric forms, the deep distance and the color.  

Cranberry Harvest #9, 2025, Oil on Canvas 30"x40"

Cranberry Harvest #9 remains unfinished.  I'm not satisfied with the texture or size of the large red swath.  I may pull some more water across it.  Maybe take one of the two blue shapes in the upper left and run in diagonally across.  Stay tuned.

Cranberry Harvest #10, Oil on Canvas , 20"x60"

This is a bog in Duxbury, MA that Wayne photographed years ago.  I'm going to see if I can locate it.  This is session #9 so about20 hours.  I'm working from the far ground to the near ground.  

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