Continuation of last post (plen aire in New Mexico)

My technique changed significantly when I used a palette knife with a quick stroke on aquaboard.

I must confess--I have not been a faithful blogger. Life has gotten in the way, but my art attempts continue, at a snail's pace sometimes. In May of 2013 I attended a plen aire workshop with Jakki Kouffman, whose colorful landscapes I greatly admire. (Google her website if you like bright colors)
I spent a week painting outside in various landscapes around Taos, New Mexico, while my wonderful husband held down the fort at home.

 I'm attaching  some of my attempts. Remember, my love is not realism, but color, texture and shapes.

My first attempts focused on abstracting the landscape into bold colors and shapes. Later I added texture.

If I Were a Building

I didn't do much painting this past year from August to April because of other responsibilities, but I did complete the below acrylic, which I hope is the beginning of a series: "If I were a . . ."

Finally--my favorite oil paintings

This painting was constructed from the left over paint on my palette at the end of each class.

I Call it "Fantasy Mountain."

 

This one happened very quickly via palette knife.

I used a sponge to create "Longhorn Autumn."

This is my first oil painting--painted around 10 years ago--of a photograph I'd taken in Monet's garden.
I hadn't tried oils again until this summer. Now I'm taking an oil painting class and loving every minute of it!
As soon as I paint something I'm really pleased with, I'll post it.  Expect lots of texture!

This painting is my interpretation of an old photo owned by my stepfather.  It is a scene in the woods of France during WWII.  The painting is acrylic on canvas panel.  I plan to try other interpretations--there is a mystery in this old photo that begs to be interpreted.
Perhaps if you zoom in you can see the extra texture applied to the trees.

A Rose by any other name

I love the simplicity of this photo.  The stark background highlights the intricate layers of petals.  I've taken hundreds of photographs of flowers, and still take photo shots every time I'm given a new bouquet.  I can't help it--I'm addicted to beauty.

Come to the West Austin Studio Tour May 19 and 20

I haven't had time to post my newest creations yet, but if you come to the West Austin Studio Tour this weekend, you can see them first hand.   You will also see many other artists.  I will have a table in the Fellowship Hall of UBC on the corner of 22nd and Guadalupe from 11-6 on Saturday and 12-6 on Sunday.  I hope to see you there.
Terri

An Artist's Thanksgiving

I give thanks for shimmering colors

that cascade like waterfalls in our lives

translucent teardrops that hold the pearls

of age-old visions and contemporary fear.

Thanks, as well, for sharp, bold lines

ragged shapes, and rugged texture,

the elements of seeing and reading

and distributing whirls of ecstasy

under a frequently monotonous sky.

Thank you for the patterns,

the intricacies that come from loving

creation: the people, and places

and sounds and sights of earth.

By Terri Vaughn

Ancient Architecture

Ghosts and dreams

Footsteps forward

and atrás

Treading softly, whispering

Imaginations piling altars

Of ancient stone, constructing cities

In our memories.  In our hearts

Turning fallow inspiration into

Hope and mirrors.

                    Looking glass of history and future

              Tunneling the time

Pushing destiny, tugging

     At the cords, short and eternal.

 Lying heavy with child through

Eons of centuries, alone 

            and accompanied;visions of

Possibilities, creating life

And breathing faith into

The empty caverns of men’s souls.

by Terri Vaughn

LILY DREAMS (acrylic on canvas panel)

 

If you zoom in on different areas of the painting, you will see that I've applied the heaviest 

texture on the front petals and leaves and left the background flat.

Under the Sea (acrylic on stretched canvas)

This work is another example of my favorite technique of applying dried paint over an acrylic wash.  This time I've placed the canvas in a shadow box frame with onion skin paper covering the back.  If placed on a window ledge during the day or in front of a light, the effect is eerie.

The Healer (acrylic on paper)

UNDERWATER FANTASIES

I've been experimenting with applying dried paint to a painted background, creating a three dimensional affect.  Playing with these designs gives me unspeakable pleasure--  something that comes from deep within--thus, the title.

SPIRIT FLOWER (acrylic on paper)

Orchids--without their delicate appearance, their shape still provides an interesting focal point. But I must admit it is the textured background of this painting that I find the most pleasing.  I'm still experimenting with texture and color and loving every minute of it!

Joy! Passion! Liveliness!  All of the color and excitement of a Mexican market,  a Guatemalan traje, or a daring art deco design! Or perhaps these are reminiscent of the pure color of the psychedelic sixties--Flower Power!

I love to photograph flowers against different backgrounds to see what effects I can achieve.  These white roses are in front of a painting by my sister-in-law, Alice Cockroft.

I'm just getting started. Check back later to catch an update on my paintings and poetry.