Monday, July 21, 2014

Signs of Americana (sold)

"Signs of Americana" 8x8 oil on board, ©Laura Gable, SOLD
My family owned this motel on the edge of town where I grew up in Nebraska. We enjoyed the common scent of fresh soap, and crisp linens. My siblings and I were the maids - each with a different chore from bed making, dusting, vacuuming and bathroom cleaning. My Dad would often leave coins under the beds and in the drawers to see how well we checked things. While the 6 small dark wood lined rooms were often occupied by travelers along the Lincoln Highway, some truck drivers and many harvesters came during wheat season. Many of our renters were frequent visitors, and friendships were formed. We would fill up during the summers, especially the end of July when people would stop on their way to the "Grand Daddy of them All" Cheyenne Frontier Days 100 miles away. The whole town would fill up and room rates would double. Not fancy, but always clean. It was our home and many memories and funny stories were born here.

This sweet painting went to a new home today. A brand new home, in fact. which is almost completed and custom built by the owners. It will be decorated mid-century modern. I'm sure this painting will be a great addition to this lovely new home.

Friday, July 18, 2014

Picking Lavender

A recent outing to the nearby lavender fields garnered a fairly good plein air painting and a stress free, enjoyable day spent painting with a dear friend. While there I observed the many visitors floating through the fields, their legs and feet obscured by these fluffy topped plants. Some with parasols, some in floppy hats, most in light floaty clothing perfect for a very warm day. All were carrying the flat woven baskets provided to pick their own fragrant bundles to take home. The scene has an air of romance to it, intensified by the Parisian music playing in the nearby barn which we caught strains of from time to time. This small group of 3 caught my eye, especially the little boy so exuberant in his black felt fedora. As my niece would say, he was quite "fedorable" ;-) I enjoyed painting this the next day while in the coolness of my studio.

If interested, you may purchase this painting here: https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/laura-gable/picking-lavender/245237

"Picking Lavender" 8x8 oil on card, ©Laura Gable


Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Duffy's Pond

My plein air friends and I painted this lovely pond scene near Clover island off the Columbia River just to the north of my studio a few years back. I enjoyed the darkness of the shadowy area compared to the brightness of the autumn tree. This has a sketchy quality that I enjoy. Not every leaf or reed is identified. I am offering a summarization of the objects, and a syncopation of color and form. The eye fills in the rest.

"Duffy's Pond" 9x12 oil on canvas board, ©Laura Gable

Sunday, July 6, 2014

Coming Home (sold)

"Coming Home" 20x24 oil painting on canvas, ©Laura Gable
I painted this a few years back when I was doing a nesting series. During that time, I had discovered a sweet, private new studio, where I was starting to feather the floors and walls with things that meant a great deal to me -- ephemera, rugs, easels, art and supplies. A lovely heart centered place where I still create. The painting, though it has some apparent inaccuracies, captures a certain feeling deep within the brush strokes. For me it hits a note in the heart -- something not always easy to logically recreate in other paintings.

Don't we often go to places in this world that somehow resonate on a deeper level with us. As though we've been there before--a sense of deja' vu? Our heart strings are stirred by something immeasurable… like the sound of bird call combined with the color of the sky and rustle of the nearby grasses. That kernel of something sweet and light, that just hearkens back to happy times spent with loved ones, family and friends.

One time I gazed with tears in my eyes, at an artist's pastel rendition of soft golden wheat fields under a deep blue sky. Another time I stood in awe at Cezanne's series of small "bathers" paintings, and I was overcome. These feelings can be mysterious, noting the sublime aspect of art.

I'm pleased to send this piece off to a wonderful new home, owned by the new local hospital. My heart is happy.

On another note, I heard recently that my college art teacher, Mr. Dillon, has passed. The last time I saw him, he was hanging art in the lobby of the office building where I worked as an auditor in Lincoln, NE. I know, a far diversion from the current path I am on. He encouraged me to continue with art, but I followed those more practical pathways. Does "practicality" really translate to "fear"? Reluctantly, I wish I had reconnected with this favorite teacher of mine once I had returned to art--wondering if he would remember me? Alas, a bit late now. Ah but my heart does recall his kindness, clarity of teaching, and unflagging support. A very special person, indeed.