In the Golden Afternoon
When summer days are long and hot, and the world is so busy, I count myself lucky to find a chance to slip away for some painting. Even on the longest days, most of my work is made in the last rays of the evening sun. Heat is my art’s companion, whether I’m in my studio, Lowe Mill, or the museum classroom in Big Spring Park. Late evening has become my favorite time of day when the world is bathed in a rich, warm light. Who doesn’t love the golden hour? Painting a landscape at sunset is far more challenging than a daytime scene, with all the colors deepening, their reddish hue contradicting what I believe should be greens and blues. At first glance, I always think “ah, this sunset, what a cheap imitation of the real thing.” So I keep striving for the next sunset, hoping I might capture its gorgeous rays, but more specifically, how the light changes the colors of the landscape and deepens the shadows. I’m reminded of Ray Bradbury’s line
“Sunsets we always liked because they only happen once and go away.”
“But that’s sad”
“If the sunset stayed and we got bored, that would be a real sadness”
I think I’ll enjoy every sunset I see, whether I can recreate it in my paintings or not.
Artwork Spotlight
“Painting is very easy when you don’t know how, and difficult when you do”
— Edgar Degas
Just around the corner from my house, nestled behind the little grocery and pharmacy, across from the bookstore, is a beautiful art gallery. This gallery features many local artists, some I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and call my friends. The gallery sent out a call for work to be submitted and juried for an art show. I set to work hoping to be selected for the show. From the time the call went out to when it had to be submitted–dried and ready for hanging, I had about 8 days to finish the piece. On my “to paint” list from the flowers in my yard was this stunning rose. These roses bloom every few weeks, starting out orange and then fading to pink, then to white before finally dropping the petals.
These roses were so beautiful that I felt like I couldn’t do them justice, but I tried my hardest! My favorite part of the piece is the rose in the background that faces the largest rose. It seems to be looking at it and encouraging it to bask in the afternoon sun. This piece ended much different than it started, and is nothing like how I envisioned it to be, but I love it all the same.
I am pleased to share that this piece was chosen to be in the show! I’m honored to have seen it hung next to some truly phenomenal pieces and even more honored that this piece will hang on someone’s wall! I can’t wait to try my chance at next year’s show!
Looking Ahead
Ready to Squash Gouache
When people ask me what art I do, I never know how to respond. I don’t want to be tied down to one particular style or medium, although I know subconsciously I might fall prey to my particular tendencies, whatever they may be. To that end, I’m embarking on a journey of mastering a new medium, gouache. It’s like acrylic, but stripped of the garish plastic-y look that acrylic paint can have. It’s like watercolor, but with an opacity watercolor could never achieve in its wildest dreams. I’m excited to learn more about this medium and can’t wait to make paintings with it. There’s nothing quite like new tubes of paint and all the possibilities they represent. Wish me luck!
Thank you for coming along with me on my artistic journey. I’m so glad you’re here. Till next time!-CMC
CMC Studio 
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