Painting | ArtSpirit7

June 20, 2014November 21, 2014

Admiring Vincent Van Gogh

"Irises," by Vincent Van Gogh — “Irises,” by Vincent Van Gogh, 1889

I had a love for the Irises painting by Vincent Van Gogh and had bought the poster of that painting back in college. After I graduated from college and worked in the corporate world I realized I still loved painting and took painting classes in the evening.

While still in my twenties I had an old-fashioned notion that I had to live in New York City and study art there to really pursue a career in art. So back when I was getting started with my painting career, I managed to tweak my office skills so I could get a decent part-time job to support me once I arrived in NYC.

Some days I’d pass through the Museum of Modern Art to gaze at Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” for inspiration.

"Looking at Van Gogh," acrylic on canvas painting in progress, by Mary Gow — “Looking at Van Gogh,” acrylic on canvas painting in progress, by Mary Gow

It was at age 26 that I read extensively about the life of Van Gogh. He decided to become a painter at the age of 26 and his life ended tragically ten years later yet he produced over 2100 artworks in his short life.

I’m working on my version of one of his paintings as a fun exercise. It’s still in progress and here’s how it’s looking. I tend to want to make it into an abstract.

January 16, 2014January 16, 2014

Lessons from David Hockney’s “Bigger Exhibition”

"Light," by Mary Gow, using Paper Artist app. — “Light,” by Mary Gow, using Paper Artist app.

–iPad drawings printed on 6 sheets of paper and mounted on 6 sheets of Dibond.

-Inkjet prints from digital photographs of the original drawings.

-18 color laser copies mounted on 2 sheets of Dibond.

-Inkjet printed computer drawing on paper, mounted on Dibond. From an edition of 12.

Those are captions to various pieces in David Hockney’s show (that’s up through January 20, 2014 at the DeYoung Museum).

As soon as I got home I looked up “Dibond.” The New Traditions Art Panels’ website sells it and defines it:

Dibond is a sturdy archival aluminum composite material made of two lightweight sheets with a thermal plastic core. It is coated with polyester paint to prevent oxidation. This panel line is conservator recommended. These come in our standard 4MM thickness.

I like how Hockney embraces inkjet prints from digital photographs of the original paintings or drawings. One lesson from this show is to embrace state-of-the-art materials in addition to traditional ones. Why not make digital prints of your drawings, like three times the size of the originals, or gargantuan, like as high as the ceiling?

The “Bigger Exhibition” gives real-world examples of huge pieces of art that are composed of 6, 8 or even 18 panels that fit together. Many are mounted on Dibond.

There’s an alcove where you can see step-by-step how Hockney created some paintings using Adobe Photoshop, a stylus, and a digital drawing pad. Don’t miss it if you go.

I used to think if paintings and drawings were going to be enlarged, they needed to be sharp once blown up. From this show I am reminded that if they look right as your creation, then own it. That’s your own style. And it’s okay if it’s a really big style.

January 7, 2014January 16, 2014

My Art at Center for Spiritual Living

"Venus Rising," acrylic on canvas, by Mary Gow. — “Venus Rising,” acrylic on canvas, by Mary Gow.

The sanctuary is an intimate enveloping space that’s been given an uplift by San Francisco architect, Travis Van Brasch, of Fong Brasch Design. I’m thrilled to report that artist and filmmaker, Marina Shoupe, and Van Brasch have selected my art and curated a show to hang in that space.

There’s a reception this Sunday, January 12, 2014, at the Center for Spiritual Living, at 280 Claremont Blvd., in San Francisco (zip 94127).

“Venus Rising” is one of the pieces in the show, along with a few others that were at the Cultural Integration Fellowship’s Fellowship Gallery from October to December of 2013. What’s different is the addition of some original paintings I’ve produced recently that are also semi-abstract landscapes with a touch of calligraphic brushwork.

If you know J.M.W. Turner’s work, there’s also a piece selected for this show that I produced with his work in mind. It has swiftly sweeping clouds at sea, with a bright yellow background that peeks through a hole and illustrates a steady inner knowing.

You’re cordially invited to the opening, which is from 12:30 to 2:00PM this Sunday, January 12, at 280 Claremont Blvd., in San Francisco. Light refreshments will be served. For alternative times when the sanctuary’s open, check the Center for Spiritual Living’s website.

November 7, 2013November 7, 2013

Painting in the Flow

"Rooted in Wisdom," acrylic on canvas, by Mary Gow. — “Rooted in Wisdom,” acrylic on canvas, by Mary Gow.

This is a painting that sold two weeks ago. It’s part of a series I created which now hangs in a solo show I have at the Cultural Integration Fellowship in San Francisco. This recent work was inspired by studying the works of Hung Liu and Flora Bowley. “Three Tiers of Joy” consists of twelve semi-abstract color-driven landscapes that express my feelings of renewal and rejuvenation. I’m having a closing reception on Sunday, December 15th from 12:30pm to 2pm and you’re invited. Light refreshments will be served.