Treffinger Daily: Blueshell

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Blueshell

Oil on canvas 9"x6" $95 plus $6 shipping
If you are interested in purchasing this painting please email me at katherine@katherinetreffinger.com

Today we are supposed to have thunderstorms so my little red painting felt appropriate.
It isn't signed yet and where I want to sign it could become a mess so I wait until it's dry.
This painting was done with a palette knife and a wine cork. I love working with a palette
knife because it keeps it out of control. I used to have a quote hanging in my studio in
Portland from Phil at The Drawing Studio (awesome teacher): "break the illusion of control".
I don't have it in my studio now as it has become such a part of my work that I need no reminding.
If you saw the wall behind my wall easel you would know I took the dictum seriously!

10 comments:

Blue Sky Dreaming said...: Love the lighting in your studio. I especially like this piece..."break the illusion of control" ...perfect advice and this piece is proof.; March 3, 2009 at 9:43 AM
Becky Joy said...: Katherine, Your colors and compositions are absolutely exciting.; March 3, 2009 at 5:06 PM
Don Gray said...: Nice painting, Katherine, and great to see a studio shot.; March 4, 2009 at 12:51 AM
Anonymous said...: Hello there. Daniel told me to check out your website, and i love it! It seems like so much work to update so often, but it's exciting to see. Looks like your new studio is impressive. Do you miss your skylight from your Portland studio? I still think about the trees. When I house sat they were the best inspiration!; March 4, 2009 at 12:52 AM
Katherine said...: Blue Sky Thank you for visiting my painting and my studio. I followed that advice yesterday and improved one painting and ruined the one I was hoping to blog today. Not for the faint of heart!; March 4, 2009 at 9:35 AM
Katherine said...: Thanks so much Becky Joy and thank you for visiting.; March 4, 2009 at 9:35 AM
Katherine said...: Don thanks for visiting my blog. Glad you like the painting. These little paintings drive me a little wacky. What is it about studio shots? We artists love to see each others studios. I know I do. You of course have one of my favorites!; March 4, 2009 at 9:37 AM
Katherine said...: Jean How great to hear from you. I miss my studio in Portland a lot! It had much more wall space and those wonderful french doors leading to the table under the grape arbor.But not those damn trees I was so allergic to them I could hardly go outside in the front yard. We love it here though so beautiful and no traffic and great people. How are you? What are you up to? Send me an email!; March 4, 2009 at 9:41 AM
Anonymous said...: Stunning colors, Katherine. I love the red with the orchid and orange. This morning I let go of the illusion of reality with a palette knife and shades of green and turquoise. I have no idea where this painting is going but it was surprisingly easy just to have fun just working from color. I can't wait to get home from school and continue. You are my muse these days!; March 5, 2009 at 6:09 AM
Katherine said...: Kathy I am very honored.; March 5, 2009 at 8:17 AM

The Art And Meaning Project

The Art and meaning Project is a series of responses from various artists to the question: "What meaning does doing art have for you? In other words why do you show up in your studio, or wherever, and pick up your tools day after day?"

This is something I have thought of doing for a while as
a book, but now I have the blog and, who knows, maybe
it could become a book. I am very excited about this. I love hearing the answers. Showing up for their creations is
often an irresistible pull for artists. Many of us at any given
time ask ourselves why we are doing it. All the answers have a different response. Most of us can relate to at least some part of every response.

I want to hear the artists' answers. If you are an artist
and would like to contribute please email me. I will not guarantee that I will post everyone's answer, I need to
see what you have to say first and if it contributes more to the project.

THE ART OF KATHERINE TREFFINGER

ABOUT THE ARTIST
www.katherinetreffinger.com

I spent my childhood in Sausalito, California in the 50’s. It was a magical place, teeming with artists and creative expression. Across the street from our house was one of the coffeehouses where the “bohemians” came to listen to music, and writers such as Allen Ginsberg, Gary Snyder and Jack Kerouac read from their work.

It was a time when San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley and Sausalito were home to the abstract expressionist and Bay Area Figurative movements. My missing toys were found in the neighbor’s sculptures. I was often on tiptoes, peering into the windows of nearby studios and coffeehouses. I thrived in the wondrous mystery of this world.

Later, as an adult I had the good fortune to befriend Joseph Raffael and spend time in his studio. This was before I realized I wanted to be an artist myself. I was greatly influenced by his enthusiasm, dedication, and his ability to create beauty.

In hindsight, there was nothing else I really wanted to be than an artist. I paint and draw because I love to … and because I have to. I am primarily self taught.

When I stand before an empty canvas or piece of paper, I am lost, unaware of what to do. In fact, my most satisfying work comes from staying ‘lost’. Navigational confidence is seldom productive for me. Each piece becomes the recording of a unique introspective exploration.