How are you doing with the winter “blues”?  

Ah, yes, the gray sky.  Instead of feeling defeated by it I am challenging myself to paint it with a new perspective, striving to go from glum to glow, to see the beauty in the moodiness it evokes.

Although the landscape seems bleak with first glance - with our notoriously glum winters in Illinois - there are still some visual aspects to be appreciated, that are up lifting. 

Visual contrasts abound whether sitting in the car as a passenger, looking out the window at the landscape moving by,  or on a walk with the dog down the Prairie Path. 

Shocks of color against the white of the snow- ocher grasses, siena cat tails, evergreens of varied hues- all seen differently in this season of muted tones.

Taking a minute to look out my front window across the street reminds me of the simple beauty around me- where the pond has frozen over into a silver gray, the grasses at the waters edge are a jolt of blond texture, and multiple shades of gray in the clouds are the backdrop.

May the rest of your winter be filled with a positive perspective and joy,

Best Wishes,

Stef

Deep Blue © Stefanie Taranto, 8 x 24 inches, acrylic on canvas 

The humpback is a favorite; Deep Blue is iteration 6 or so. The original came from a cherished moment in Falmouth, MA, while on a family vacation. We were unwinding and lounging one evening on the large porch of an inn located across the bay from Martha’s Vineyard when a pod of humpbacks graced our view. Years later I am still intrigued by their grace, immensity, and inspiration. 

I’ve explored the humpback in oil pastel, large and small scale watercolors, a 24 x 36 acrylic on canvas (in process), and this long landscape 8 x 24….How do you like the more unusual canvas size? 

My art practice allows me to create cohesive work with the deep knowing of mark making, color combinations, medium choice, whether to glaze or lift - (I both glazed and lifted to create the transparent layers of the skin), or utilize an opaque application. Exploring and creating is the artists way. 

I wish you a wonderful week doing whatever practice you enjoy!

Happy 2020!

Thinking of you on this holiday of opportunity. I am mindful of New Year’s Day giving us all the chance to set an intention for the year to come.

My intention for 2020 is to create a more joy-filled life. For me this means spending more time with the people I love, deepening relationships with everyone in my life, as well as creating art that inspires both me and you, dear viewer.

What intention might you create on this New Years Day?

I wish you and yours love, health, wealth, ease and peace in 2020.

Cheers!