“Broad Tree”, 2008, acrylic on paper, 5×5″ matted to 14×11″
The next in my new series of mini-paintings.
Because I work on several paintings at the same time, it’s not unusual for me to complete several around the same time. This is happening with these mini paintings. I finished painting a few of them late last night. I’m not quite done gluing up the mat assemblies for all of them, but at least I got this one finished and ready for its day in the sun.
I really enjoyed the unusual combination of colors in the lower part of this painting. Pink and orange and turquoise and indigo, oh my!
This painting is sold, but many others may be seen on my web site.
Email inquiries welcome: info@barbarajcarter.com
April 10, 2008
“Tree at Pacheco”, 2008, acrylic on paper, 5×5″ matted to 14×11″
As I mentioned in my last post, I’m painting a series of “mini” paintings. This is the first to be finished.
I paint these little 5-inch square paintings using a very small brush. There’s something very freeing about this tiny format. These paintings come together much more quickly than my larger ones, allowing me to be more spontaneous. Also, I do enjoy the simpler compositions that allow the pointillist dots to shimmer.
The format of these paintings is important to their appeal. Most of my time is spent painting, but a large chunk also goes into putting together the “package” with the mat and frame. I glue foamcore spacers between the mat and the painting to float the mat above the surface of the painting. The process is rather fussy (I’m very nitpicky about getting everything perfect) but I think the final effect is worth it. (Note: the photo above shows the real mat in a mock frame. The real frames are on order and should be available in time for my next show.)
It’s hard to show in a photo, but the effect of the mat is quite three-dimensional, floating 1/4 inch above the painting. It’s like looking through a tiny window into a different world. It’s much cuter in real life, so I hope you’ll stop by one of my shows and see for yourself!
This painting is available matted $115, or matted and framed in a simple black frame $145.
Email inquiries welcome: info@barbarajcarter.com
April 9, 2008
A few years ago I painted a series of 5×5-inch mini-paintings. They were much smaller than my canvas paintings, but otherwise they were much like my usual work. There were about a dozen paintings in that series. They were a fun project for me, and proved quite popular with my collectors.
Well, I’m doing it again. I need to have lots of paintings on hand for all of my upcoming shows, and these little guys seem just the thing. They’re pretty quick to paint and the smaller size is more affordable for collectors, not to mention easier to find space for hanging.
Here’s a group shot of the first few mini paintings in the new series, in varying stages of completion. I mat each one with a thick mat that I float above the surface of the painting for a peek-a-boo window effect. The mat hides the edges of the painting. How far does the painting go under the mat? That’s the mystery, and I’m not telling!
Each mat’s outside dimensions are 11×14 inches, a standard frame size. Unlike my paintings on canvas, these mini paintings do require framing, so I make that easier by using a standard size. At my shows I’ll also offer frames to go with these.
Check back for updates as I finish painting and assembling these mini paintings. I’m having a lot of fun with them. The only question: how many will I be able to finish in time for my next show? Stay tuned!
April 4, 2008
“Soft Light”, 2008, Acrylic on canvas, 12×9″
As I mentioned previously, I began two paintings the same size with similar subjects, intending them to be companions, possibly to be hung together as a pair. And then during the process somehow they diverged.
They’re certainly both in my signature “neo-Pointillist” style. Both are images of the hills around Ojai. But the colors in this one are much more subdued than the last. Subdued for me, anyway! It gives it a calmer feeling.
I think some of the calm feeling comes from the use of the color green. I had a lot of fun working green tones all through the composition in this painting. Of course the shrubbery at the bottom is green, but there are also bits of green peeking out in the hills, as well as green in the sky. I like how that subtly pulls the composition together.
This painting is sold. Many more may be seen at: www.barbarajcarter.com
March 26, 2008
“Strong Diagonal”, 2008, acrylic on canvas, 12×9″
I chose two similar snapshots of California hills side-lit by the late afternoon sun, on which to base two new paintings. The paintings were to be “companions”: not a diptych necessarily, but the same size and similar enough that they could be hung together.
You know what happens to the best-laid plans…
Yup, the two paintings ended up completely different. But I’m pleased with both. Starting with very similar images, I got two very different results. The two paintings have very different feelings.
This painting, “Strong Diagonal”, is the loud, brash one. Its colors are bright and exuberant. You can feel the heat of the California sunlight spilling across the hillside.
The other one is more subdued. I’ll post it next time.
This painting is sold. Many more may be seen at: www.barbarajcarter.com
March 19, 2008
Sneak peek of painting in progress:
This is just a small part of the no-longer blank canvas shown in my last post.
That’s all you get to see for now!
The painting still has a long way to go, but rest assured: you’ll see it here when it’s done.
March 14, 2008
I’ve been painting with some new paintbrushes lately. They’re synthetic, and I am totally in love with them.
Pop quiz: Can you tell which brush has been used with phthalo blue?
These synthetic brushes work amazingly well with acrylic paint. It makes sense: acrylic paint is synthetic, so it’s highly compatible with synthetic brushes.
But that phthalo blue… it stains like crazy! Oh, the paint washes out of the brush just fine. But it leaves behind a very permanent stain. I can easily tell which of my new brushes have touched phthalo.
Phthalo… it’s forever!
February 29, 2008
“Trees on the Ridge”, 2008, acrylic on canvas, 24×36″
On a hot sunny day in Southern California, hiking can be either a hot dusty ordeal or a cool shady pleasure, depending on where you choose to go.
One good place to go when the temperature soars is Sullivan Canyon in Los Angeles. Much of the canyon is shaded by large sycamores, gnarled oaks, and other native trees. The trail snakes along the bottom of the canyon where the shade is most plentiful.
Not all the trees are to be found deep in the canyon. This picturesque grove growing along the ridge above the canyon caught my eye, and I snapped a few shots of it as I walked by. Now, half a year later, in the depth of winter (as deep as winter gets here, which admittedly isn’t all that deep!) I’ve finished the painting based on those snapshots. Can you feel the shimmering heat?
This painting is sold, but many others may be seen on my web site.
Email inquiries welcome: info@barbarajcarter.com
February 22, 2008
“Windswept”, 2008, acrylic on canvas, 18×24″
The westbound stream of smoothly flowing traffic abruptly comes to a halt. Mile upon mile, cars inch forward a few feet at a time, then wait. In what appears to be the middle of nowhere, for no discernible reason, there is a perpetual traffic jam.
Pacheco Pass is one of the worst-designed highways in California. Traffic backs up for miles waiting to get through a truly frightening intersection. The Old West is still alive here: there are no signal lights, just a big game of “chicken”. At highway speeds.
While awaiting my turn through this Russian Roulette of intersections, I had plenty of time to enjoy the scenery. The hills here, so characteristic of California, are dotted with wonderfully craggy oaks.
One oak tree in particular caught my eye. It had grown, bent by the prevailing winds, into this fantastic windswept shape. Stuck in traffic with plenty of time on my hands and nothing else to do, I gleefully snapped several photos of it. One of those photos formed the basis of this painting.
I don’t advise driving through Pacheco Pass unless you absolutely have to, but if you do, keep your eyes peeled for this tree. It’s on the north side of the road, some ways east of the traffic jam.
This painting is sold, but there are plenty more at www.barbarajcarter.com
February 7, 2008
“The Path in Rice Canyon”, 2007, acrylic on canvas, 12×9″
Near my home there are several places to go hiking. They’re a little hard to find, but the search is worthwhile. One such place is Rice Canyon and East Canyon, just off the I-5 freeway south of Santa Clarita. Last winter I had the opportunity to walk in Rice Canyon and East Canyon, ending on a hilltop that provided a breathtaking view of unsullied canyons and forested hills. If you’re in the area, I highly recommend it.
When I was there, a plein-air painting class had set up in a meadow near the entry to Rice Canyon. There was something enchanting about seeing so many artists sprinkled about, each painting something different, yet all connected by the common thread of creativity.
Instead of setting up an easel, I snapped photos on my little digital camera, storing up images for later consideration. I admire those who can create on the spot with such spontaneity and certainty. I prefer to gather my reference material freely, like a bee pollinating several flowers in rapid succession. Then I can go sift through the photos later, without the time pressures of a setting sun or threatening clouds.
Nearly a year after my hike in Rice Canyon, one of those photos finally ended up as the basis for this painting.
This painting is sold. Please consult my website for available work: www.barbarajcarter.com
January 24, 2008
