Monday, April 5, 2010

Had a Break. How Are You? What's New With You???

I think this is the longest time I've been away from my blog. I don't really have an excuse. Maybe I just haven't had anything to say. Ha, that will be the day.

Well firstly the news. Those of you on Facebook already know. Bob and I have another grandchild. Oliver William was born on 3rd March weighing 10lb 12ozs and that was two weeks early. He was 56.5cm long (22 and a half inches). His brother Evan (aged 3 years) did not want to know about him at first as he had wanted a sister that he had already named Ruby. He was told that he could have a brother but he was adamant the baby was a sister. He is used to it now and loves his little baby Oliver.

Oliver

big cousin Zoe proudly holding baby Oliver at Evan's birthday party

big brother Evan at his third birthday party, grr

I have been in the studio and I have been very busy even though I haven't got a lot to show you. I am still working on my huge canvas (60"x40"). Its basically finished but I feel the painting hasn't got the 'it' factor. You know that special something. I keep working on it, adding another layer trying to get something I'm happy with. Some paintings fall into place really easily and some don't I suppose.

Another painting I have been working on is one I hope to enter in one of the major art prizes. I am really excited about this one. It was one of those paintings that just brought me so much joy during its creation. It was a challenge. There are things in this painting I usually don't tackle. Things I try to stay away from like hands, stripes and foreshortening. It took awhile to get the composition right and Bob was so patient while I took photo after photo. Changing the direction of the light, climbing higher on the ladder so I could see directly into his coffee cup, changing the position of his hands, moving his feet etc etc etc. He is worried that this painting will make him sort after as a model. No phone calls so far hehehe lol! I wanted the viewer to almost become the painting. No that doesn't make sense. I was trying to achieve the view you get when you look down into your own lap (well almost). It invites the viewer to really become part of the painting I think. Does that make more sense or am I off in airy fairy art land that's full of ramblings of a mad woman hehehe? I purposely made Bob put his hand on the painting while I photographed it so you can get the scale of it. Its so disappointing when I paint larger than life and it ends up a small picture on a computer screen. It changes the whole feeling of it somehow.

Coffee and Striped Pyjamas
mixed media on canvas
91x122cm (36"x48")

I hope I still have some blogger friends left after neglecting you all for so long. Hope you all had a lovely Easter that you were able to share with your loved ones.

9 comments:

Laura said...

Hi lady,
wow this is really something I think you hooked me in on it I do feel like I'm looking into my own cup of coffee... tough job and you sucessed at it... wishing you the best for the competetion coming up... and Good to hear from you..now go luck yourself up for a while but don't forget about us blog junkies need a Uta Fix!!!

Uta said...

Hehehe I didn't know I was addictive. Oh I have missed you guys :)

Suz said...

Oh my Uta..that is fabulous...and it is such a story without words...I absolutely love the shot of skin on his foot and the angle of his hands....
and striped pjs ....no detail left to chance...you are a master
Oh and congrats on the new grandchild...he is adorable....
and I love his name !!
I have missed your postings...but if you have been creating paintings like this one...stay away longer!!!
and to think I have an Uta original

Robin said...

Wow!! This is so cool!! What a unique vantage point!! Good luck in the competition!!

Uta said...

Ooh I'm so glad you dropped by. Thanks for your comments :).

Hey Suz maybe you could write a story about the painting. And I am so happy you have an original. Its a nice connection.

Robin the art prize that I'm hoping to enter this into isn't till next year. I'm just painting things that fit into the criteria when they come to me. Glad you like it :)

Elena said...

Awesome perspective! I missed you! Congrats on the newest family addition and glad to see the amazing works you're creating.

Doris said...

I'm so happy you're back! I'm catching up running behind since I'm not blogging much either. Congrats again to all on the arrival of Oliver. Just love the imaginative use of space and time in the painting! There may be a run on striped pajama pants after this wins the awards!

april said...

Oh Uta, Oliver is beautiful! And look at Zoe holding him. Treasures. And the painting is great! You have certainly achieved your goal. It's wonderful - a wonderful idea!

Marjorie said...

I also love the perspective and the colors and everything! Love the grandbaby photos too!