As I’ve mentioned in a previous post, this little library plays an important role in the community. As small as it is, it hosts a number of activities for patrons of all ages. All of these activities are FREE to attend although attendance may be limited due to space.
I brought in a few of my own sunflower paintings for some inspiration.
Recently I volunteered to teach a few children’s painting classes. The first of these classes was to learn about Vincent Van Gogh and to paint a picture in his style.
Although the class was limited, we had a nice turnout this week. I explained to the children a little about Vincent Van Gogh, who he was and why he was important. Also, they learned about his painting methods. Each table had several vases of sunflowers (faux) which the children were encouraged to choose what and how they wanted to paint. The library supplied all the art materials and even had little aprons just their size. They learned about mixing colors and how Van Gogh was known for his bold brush strokes.
Each child composed his or her own painting.Disposable palettes and tablecloths made clean up a snap.
All in all, it was a great group. I hope the kids had as much fun as I did.
Next month, we’re going to learn about Georgia O’Keeffe and her skull paintings. I’m bringing in a collection of real skulls (cow and deer) for them to use as subject matter.
Many thanks to AmyJo, the library branch manager, and other patrons who make programs like this possible. Public libraries are the best bargain around. What’s happening at your library?
The Singing Tree, acrylic on canvas with sterling silver gilding, 30 x 24, Kit Miracle
I have a singing tree in my front yard. Actually, right next to the house.
Oh, it’s not belting out O Sole Mio or anything like the latest rap. It’s more of a gentle, low key humming, singing really. The first time I heard it was when I was walking around the yard on a windy day. I kept looking around to see if anyone was there. It took me a while to realize that the sound was coming from a tree. The twisted branches were rubbing against each other, creating a sound.
Our house, like so many older homes in this part of the midwest, is surrounded by yard trees. These were planted decades ago to provide shade to houses in the heat of the summer, long before air conditioning. The trees nearest the house are all maples, mostly black or sugar maples. (Lovely colors in autumn.) Although we’ve lost some of the trees over the years, there are still enough to provide some shade.
The Singing Tree, original photoThe Singing Tree, black and white photo manipulation
Last spring I took a photography course. I was mostly interested in learning how to use the features of my cameras. Didn’t need much help with composition. One of our weekly assignments was to get out and film nature. The Singing Tree was one of my entries. After some computer manipulation, I did a very striking black and white, almost abstract. I was going to paint is as such, but then reverted to a muted impressionistic painting with added sterling silver gilding. I even added a maple leaf motif to the edges of the painting, in sterling silver, of course.
The Singing Tree, detail 1The singing Tree, detail 2The Singing Tree, edge with leaf motif in sterling silver
The whole painting has been sprayed with clear acrylic which prevents the sterling silver from tarnishing. Adding the gilding adds several more steps to the actual painting which slows the whole process.
Posted onNovember 26, 2023|Comments Off on 125th Annual Juried Show – Richmond Art Museum
McGuire Hall, Richmond Art Museum, Richmond, Indiana.
I mentioned in a post a few years ago (October 2019) that my high school alma mater is in Richmond, Indiana. It is a beautiful and stately old school with many new additions over the years. What most people don’t realize is that it is one of the few public high schools in the country that has it’s own art museum attached.
As a student there, I walked past famous paintings every day on my way to class in the arts wing. I thought that every high school had an art museum. I didn’t learn until much later how unusual this situation was. I’m sure that walking through beautiful McGuire Hall had a definite impact on my eventual career path. It was very inspiring seeing real paintings by William Merritt Chase and T.C. Steele on a daily basis.
Richmond Art Museum still receives enormous community support. They are currently celebrating their 125th annual juried exhibition for artists living in Indiana and Ohio. I am very pleased to report that I had both of my entries accepted into this prestigious show. The two paintings are The Golden Marble and Leo’s Muse which I’ve discussed in earlier posts.
Leo’s Muse, final, acrylic on canvas, 23K gold leaf, sterling silver leaf, 16 x 16, Kit MiracleThe Golden Marble, acrylic on canvas, 30 x 24. 23K gold leaf and sterling silver leaf. Kit Miracle
If you’d like to see the paintings in person and many other beautiful works, the exhibit runs through January 6th, 2024. The museum is located on the north end of Richmond High School on Hub Etchinson Parkway where there is public parking. Admission is free. Feel free to stop in, see the exhibit and some of the artwork on display in the other galleries. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 to 5; closed Sunday, Monday and major holidays. Call 765-996-0256 for more information.
Posted onNovember 7, 2023|Comments Off on Feature article in Southern Indiana Living Magazine
My work is featured in the November- December issue of Southern Indiana Living Magazine. Thanks to the wonderful write up by Judy Cato, she’s managed to condense forty years into two pages – with pictures! Thanks so much, SILM and Judy. Check it out here, pages 18-19.
I was tinkering around in my studio this week in between starting some new work when I pulled out a sketchbook. Well, one of many. I have sketchbooks of all kinds and sizes. Some fit in a pocket or purse, others are what I call vacation sketchbooks where I record scenes, thoughts and ideas while traveling. There may be more than one vacation in a book. Some I will start and finish completely, while others I pick up as needed. One of my favorite sketchbooks is a handmade Japanese book with thick deckle-edged paper. I don’t remember where I got it but it is so beautiful that I choose carefully what I put in it. Most other books, I write in the back the maker and particulars. And my name and contact info in the front.
Found objects, present from my son. Praying mantis egg casing and three blue jay feathers.A posy of violets, large four leaf clover, and a pretty leaf.
I find sketching to be very relaxing but I’m not obsessed with it. I try out new ideas. Make notes of the materials I’ve used. Or I might write the name of a book that I heard about while listening to NPR. They’re my sketchbooks and I can do what I want. There really aren’t any rules. I might cut swatches from a favorite article of clothing before I put it in the rag bag, or add a post card. Or how about that sticker from that wonderful chocolate shop I visited in Paris. I would never remember the name of that again.
If you looked through my books, you might find some pressed flowers or leaves, lots of four leaf clovers (artists are good at finding those). A favorite quote from a Chinese fortune cookie.
Typical found birds nest waiting to be captured in my sketchbook.Basket of feathers, mostly turkey, and a small nest composed of dog hair and lichen.
Many of my sketchbooks are devoted to nature or natural elements. I have plenty of subject matter out here on the 90 acres. Plus, one of my sons would (and still does) leave interesting things on my drawing table. A birds nest, some feathers, a praying mantis case. I’ll hang onto these items until they become too ratty and disgusting to have around. But the drawing will last much longer.
A messy robin’s nest. See if you can spot the secret code in the drawing. Notice the thumbtack shadows.
One of my oldest sketches (not in a book but just loose paper) was of a very scruffy robin’s nest which my son brought me one day. I did a fairly large drawing, added some (imaginary) eggs, and scanned it electronically. I’ve used that drawing for many years. I’ve even printed it off on watercolor paper and painted it so I have two versions. Unfortunately, I have seen my drawing pop up on the web elsewhere under someone else’s name. Ha ha. What they don’t know, is that I added a secret code to the drawing so I know it’s mine. I kept the original drawing on my bulletin board in my studio for years until the paper yellowed but you can see the thumbtack marks in the corners. Yeah, those artists are violating copyright laws but I have neither the time, interest nor resources to pursue the matter.
Box of found objects. Birds nests, acorns, chestnuts, magnolia seedpods, etc.
Back to the point. I highly recommend keeping a sketchbook or two or four. They’re so great to relax, record your life, your thoughts. I’ve used pencil, pen and ink, watercolor, colored pencils and markers. I don’t use charcoal much as it tends to be messy and it smears but you can use what you want to in your book.
A dead bird. Anything can end up in the sketch book.
Cold weather seems to bring on an appetite for hot soup. We make a variety of soups here on the farm not only because they are tasty and filling, but it’s also a good way to add those veggies into the diets of some people who claim they don’t like vegetables. We never make small batches of soup around here either so this is as small as it gets (an eight quart pot). Plenty to eat for a couple of days and plenty to share.
The other day I made one of our favorites, Thick Kale Soup. Don’t like kale? You will love this soup. My granddaughter says this is her favorite soup. I actually posted this recipe a few years ago but it bears repeating.
Simple ingredients: smoked sausage, onions, garlic, kale, potatoes, white beans, broth and spices. That’s pretty much it. Got company coming? Add more broth, potatoes and another can of beans.
Cut the smoked sausage into bite-size pieces.Cubed potatoes. Personally, I like to leave the potatoes unpeeled.
Heat the olive oil in a 6 – 8 quart soup pot. Add the chopped smoked sausage. You can use any kind of smoked sausage – regular, light, turkey, or even Polish kielbasa. Stir and brown.
Add the chopped onion and stir until clear. Add the minced garlic. Keep stirring so they don’t burn.
Strip the kale from the stalks with your fingers. Much faster. Then rough cut.Here I have added the potatoes to the pot with the sautéed smoked sausage, onions and garlic.
Meanwhile, wash and strip the veins out of the kale. Rough chop and add to the mixture, stirring until wilted. Add the chicken or vegetable broth and cover. Bring to simmer.
Wash and dice the potatoes. Sometimes I leave the peel on just for added texture. Add to the pot after it comes to a slow boil. Cover and bring back to simmer.
Breaking down the potatoes with my very old, inherited potato masher. This helps thicken the soup, too.White beans. Top are great northern; bottom are cannellini
When the potatoes are cooked (about 15-20 minutes), use an old fashioned potato masher and rough mash them in the pot. This just helps the soup to thicken.
Then add the two cans of beans (drained). Frankly, I just use whatever white beans I have available. I’ve even added butter beans and it works fine.
This is the final kale soup should look like.
Add the cracked pepper to taste. You probably won’t need any salt as the sausage is pretty salty, but suit yourself. I often use a couple of bouillon cubes to add salt, plus always some garlic powder.
Serve with crusty bread for a filling lunch or dinner.
Still gathering produce from the garden this autumn.
Autumn is my second favorite season (spring is my favorite). I think it’s due to the brilliant colors, all those reds and oranges and yellows. The garden is winding down but I’m still extending the season. Frost was predicted last week (didn’t happen) but I covered the vegetable patch anyway. Still getting some tomatoes and peppers. They’re small but we’ll miss that fresh and juicy taste when the last one is gone. I started a new crop of lettuce and spinach. The spinach isn’t doing well but the bib lettuce is coming along. We should be eating fresh lettuce in a week or so. I know it doesn’t seem like much to most people when you can just go to the store and buy fresh lettuce, but still there’s the pleasure of picking my own.
Covering the vegetable patch to prevent frost damage.
We lost all the peaches due to a late freeze this year but we’ve had a bounty of pears. My husband has the patience to sit and process them for the freezer. Future pies and cobblers. I get the fun job of picking them with my long handled fruit picker, with the aid of my grandson who thinks it’s pretty special to dodge the fruit as it comes down. The persimmons are also ripening. I don’t particularly like persimmons but a lot of people around here do. As do the deer and other night creatures. If you don’t know, you have to have both female and male trees to pollinate them. Just a fun fact.
The Kieffer pears just do not want to give up. We don’t spray so, no, they are not perfect. But they make great pies.These are natural persimmons, not those pretty store-bought ones. Many people make persimmon pudding.
The potted flowers haven’t given up yet either but they’re getting pretty straggly. I like the roses that still put out an effort and a few late blooms. And I did take a grandchild to the library to paint pumpkins.
A late-blooming climbing rose.
I returned from our trip to the Smoky Mountains last month inspired to paint many of the beautiful scenes that we saw. Sunrise in the Smokies, mountain streams, just so many awesome vistas. After a few small paintings, I printed some cards and painted some holiday scenes for a local gift shop and one of my Etsy shops. Tis the season and most artists and craftspeople are busy this time of year.
Smokey Mountain Sunrise, Acrylic, 10 x 20Mountain stream in the Smokies. Acrylic, 10 x 20.
And, hey, it’s fall break this week, too. Hummm….guess I’ll cajole the grandkids to help me do some chores, like cleaning out the greenhouse and the shop. Both of those tasks have been on the list all year. Maybe pick up some walnuts for replanting. I picked seven gallons of redbud seedpods which we’ll sow in the woods. If you don’t have this beautiful understory tree in your area, I truly feel sorry for you. A good excuse for a walk in the woods with the kids.
Anyway, I hope that you can get outside to enjoy the final warm days of the season wherever you live.
Posted onSeptember 17, 2023|Comments Off on The Golden Marble – More Gold and Silver Leaf
The Golden Marble, acrylic on canvas, 30 x 24. 23K gold leaf and sterling silver leaf. Kit Miracle
This is another painting in the gold and silver leaf series that I’ve been exploring. At 30 x 24, it’s the largest one so far. I also completed this one before Leo’s Muse which I posted last week.
The subject is a young boy who has been playing dress-up with his sister. In a spirit of silliness, she has adorned him with ribbons and hair clips. His smile engages the viewer as he shows off The Golden Marble which is a prized possession.
Although I usually plan my paintings very carefully, I’ll admit that I really wasn’t sure where I was going with this one. I liked the subject. I knew that I wanted some gold and silver. Other than that….well…
A preliminary sketch of the subject of The Golden Marble
As usual, I did some preliminary drawings of the child. These are just to familiarize myself with the subject. I then sketched him on the canvas, a straight-on shot. Then I began playing with background colors. I elected to use some very bright and warm colors, radiating out of the figure.
Initial lay-in of colors. I did the background warm/hot colors first. The began a grisaille of the figure.Now laying in flesh tones, plus adding some detail to the background.
I then painted the figure in grisaille, those greyish tones. Later working overall with adding some detail to the background. More paint on the primary figure. Although I had some reference photos to work from, this doesn’t really represent the situation. I painted very loosely, adding more to both the figure and the background until I was satisfied.
The figure is pretty complete. I decided to add a carpet to part of the floor, leaving the rest as hinting at wood flooring.Applying the gold and silver leaf while working on the floor
Because the canvas is so large, I had to place it on the floor of my studio to work on adding the gold leaf. Again, no fans or air conditioning blowing as the metal leaf is so fragile and blows everywhere. It was pretty challenging to decide where I wanted to place the metal leaf, plus I kept switching back and forth during the process. Sometimes the gold would be on top; other times the silver would be. The fixative is clear so I had to carefully judge where I wanted to place it, and estimate the right amount of tackiness for the metal leaf to stick. Overall, I’m pretty pleased with the result.
The Golden Marble, detail 1. I left plenty of the warm background colors show through. As you can see, I alternated placing the gold leaf on top of the silver, and the silver on top of the gold. Abstract shapes alternate with more organic circle or bubble shapes. No real planning, just in the flow.The Golden Marble – detail 2 showing the texture of the canvas and close-ups of the hair decorations
The final steps were to go back and touch up the figure here and there. I have learned that it’s difficult to touch up or make changes in the gold and silver leaf as it just doesn’t look the same as when first applied. I may find some way to eventually meet this challenge, but haven’t yet.
The very final step is to spray a protective coat of clear acrylic over the entire painting. This keeps the silver leaf from tarnishing and the gold leaf from flaking off.
Overall, it’s a very striking piece. I want to explore my next subject in this medium.
Leo’s Muse, final, acrylic on canvas, 23K gold leaf, sterling silver leaf, 16 x 16, Kit Miracle
For the past several months, I’ve been experimenting with adding gold and silver leaf to some of my paintings. I don’t know why I decided that this was a path for me, but as with most artists, we get inspired with new ideas and techniques. I posted on here earlier about some glam cat paintings and some others, but the most recent sparkly paintings have been both challenging and rewarding.
Leo’s Muse, several sample preliminary sketches
In Leo’s Muse, I began with some ideas rolling around. I took a few dozen photos of my model in different lighting and poses. Then began the difficult part of winnowing down all my options to a few good poses. It may seem like an unnecessary step, but I have found that it helps to do a number of sketches even before I get to the final idea. This allows me to familiarize myself with the model and the lighting until I reach my final idea.
Leo’s Muse, initial canvas sketchLeo’s Muse, step 2, blocking in color
I then sketched the outline of the pose on a prepared canvas (gesso and a couple of coats of acrylic paint.) Then I basically start…somewhere. For a portrait, it will be with the head or body. Then I lay in some loose background colors. In this particular painting, I painted the flesh in grisaille (grey undertones) before I began adding color to the face. After I have the basic face laid in, I just keep working on the painting as I would a normal painting until I reach a point where I am satisfied.
Leo’s Muse, adding more color, grisaille grey under tones on canvasStep 4, adding color over the grisaille
Another challenge with this painting is the added wreath of flowers. That is entirely imaginary as I didn’t really think of it while I was planning the painting. That is often the way of the creative process. Surprises pop up.
Leo’s Muse, nearly finished. Last step before gold and silver leaf is added
The canvas is two inches deep so the painting is carried around the sides.
Leo’s Muse, adding the metal leaf
After letting the painting dry for awhile, I then began to add the gold and silver leaf. I was a bit conflicted about this step as I really liked the painting without the added touch. But the design in my head called for it so, what the heck? I took the leap.
If you have never used gold or silver leaf, let me tell you, it is challenging. This is not a paint but actual sheets of real 23K gold and real sterling silver which have to be applied to the painting. The sheets of precious metal are so thin (.003 microns, whatever that is), that I can’t have a breath of air in the studio. No fan. No air conditioner. Hold my own breath while I’m applying the metal. And the little flakes get everywhere! On me, my clothes, other parts of the painting, all around my studio.
A fixative must first be applied to the surface that you wish to apply the metal. Then you have to wait until it has the right amount of tackiness. Then gently apply the metal, transferring from the tissue paper leaves to the painting, then gently press it into the fixative, and then remove the tissue paper all the while praying that the gold will actually adhere to where you have placed it. The fixative is clear as it dries, so that’s another dimension of challenge. Where did you paint it? Ha!
After I’ve let it dry, then I can take a somewhat stiffer clean brush and brush it off the rest of the painting. More challenges with flying gold and silver flakes. If you’ve never tried this before, you might want to experiment with the fake gold until you get the hang of it. When possible, I collect the extra flakes and put them in labeled jars for use on backgrounds or other areas.
After the paintings have had time to “set”, I will spray them with a clear coat of acrylic. This prevents the sterling silver from tarnishing, and the gold from flaking more or rubbing off. Or so I am told. I haven’t used it enough to be absolutely certain but we’ll see.
Leo’s Muse, final, acrylic on canvas, 23K gold leaf, sterling silver leaf, 16 x 16, Kit Miracle
By the way, the title of the painting, “Leo’s Muse” is actually short for Leonardo’s Muse. The model’s direct gaze and Mona Lisa smile of that other famous lady with the knowing look.
June has been a hectic month so far. Gardening and property maintenance has taken a huge bite of my time. With spring rains and warm weather, all the vegetation has had explosive growth. Everything needs to be weeded, watered (if no rain), planted, trimmed, etc. The drive alone is a third of a mile long and requires whacking back all the brush and briars. When I do it, it usually takes three days; even then it still takes two people to do the overhead branches as I’m certainly not getting any taller.
Then there are all the other things to do around here. Library programs. Grandkids. Driving people for appointments. Welcome house guests. Not much free time for R & R.
But…I have still been pursuing my newest painting direction which includes more cat paintings with touches of real gold and silver. My “Glam Cats.” Why? Because it amuses me. That is what keeps artists and creative types going.
Pria before the gold was addedPria after the cold was added
This is a painting of Pria, the pretty white cat from the animal shelter. First I painted her with just a blue background. I’m putting the cats on oriental carpets for an added bit of class. Then I add the gold and /or silver. This is not paint. It is real sheets of 23K gold and real sterling silver. The sheets are so thin that I can’t have any air flow in the studio otherwise it’s impossible to control and it flies everywhere. I’ve also discovered that timing is everything. Putting on the adhesive where I want the metal to stick, then judging when it is the right amount of tackiness, then transferring the gold. After this step has dried for a few days, I then spray the whole painting with a coat of acrylic. This prevents damage to the thin layer of precious metal, and prevents the silver from tarnishing over time.
Ki before the gold and silver was added.Ki after the precious metals
I’m not sure how much longer I’ll pursue this direction of painting but I’m having fun now. I’ve often wondered how some artists just keep doing the same type of subject and style their entire lives (thinking of Renoir or Wyeth) while others have long and successful careers by seeking new avenues (Picasso or Calder). I guess it’s just temperament in the end. No right way or wrong.
P.S. Pria was adopted from the shelter shortly after I painted this picture.
I'm a professional artist, retired director of a performing arts center, bona fide book addict, and enjoy the quiet life...most of the time. I'd love to hear from you or get your ideas for future posts. Come back soon!
I'm a professional artist, retired director of a performing arts center, bona fide book addict, and enjoy the quiet life...most of the time. I'd love to hear from you or get your ideas for future posts. Come back soon!
my90acres 