Elizabeth O'Reilly

 

For a long time now, I've been very impressed by the work of Elizabeth O'Reilly, both the small oils and the collages made with cut up watercolour sections. It is this old idea of seeing the world very figuratively, but also understanding and showing so eloquently, that everything is a wonderful abstract arrangement. And of course, there is also the idea that small paintings are just fine...in fact, they may be bigger, than big paintings.

 

Click here for Elizabeth O'Reilly's Web Page

A Wonderful Home!

A big thank you to Kate Lottridge for sending along a photo showing how she framed and presented two of my paintings in her absolutely gorgeous home! It warms my heart to see how the paintings travel....and these two pieces have landed in paradise.

First Green

I managed to paint some larger pictures at school over the last while. I used them as demonstration pieces for students....they seem to quieten down and perhaps pay more attention when they see me engrossed in a painting problem of my own. I am still keeping them there on display for the kids, but I'll bring them home soon.

Not surprisingly, my methods don't really change from the larger (22" x 30") pieces to the smaller pieces. Everything I do remains a one-sitting deal.....it might be an hour or it might be 3 hours work, but it has to get done in one sitting and the sense of flow needs to be felt in the process and evident in the looking.

It used to be this way when I was making larger 4 x 6 foot canvases as well, except then I was painting at night.....and it would take from about 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. to finish the thing.

Diagrams

I'm not sure why I feel compelled to save these little diagrams, but yesterday I took some time to cut and paste a drawer full into this book. Maybe I think they should be saved because each little drawing represents a very concentrated moment.....first a motif gets recognized....then a decision is made to stop everything to record it....then the diagram is made on paper I carry in my breast pocket, taking maybe 30 seconds or a minute. I make these diagrams every day. Many are turned into paintings, and I always feel a tinge of regret if I don't have time to make the paintings. If a day goes by without the painting being made, the drawing won't be remembered and used.

Wealth

I am wealthy in fridge magnets.....and cats....the cats just keep showing up here.

The magnets are all listed on Etsy. I expect the collection to keep growing (magnets...not cats!).

A Few More....Tiny Paintings

Very Small Paintings

From a recent series. I like these odd tiny things...they are all 2.75 inches square, acrylic on masonite panel. I like making and priming the panels....it's pleasant precision work. These are a few examples from the many made so far. Most are landscapes with some portraits and still-life thrown in as well.

3 In a Row

These 3 images from one session were done yesterday. They were made one after the other from impressions brought back from a walk just previous. I liked the ease of making....with no second guessing at all. I'll do another session today.

Image size 4" x 4", each paper trimmed to 6" x 6", collage from hand painted papers followed by some acrylic painting....soon to be listed on Etsy.