April Flowers

After a long absence, I was was able to spend Friday evening painting with my group of friends again. We experiment and hatch out new ideas - give support, praise and a bit of critique - and have a good share of laughs, too.  All in all, it is a wonderfully creative atmosphere.  While one of my fellow artists was pondering over how to paint a dandelion gone to seed, my thoughts turned to Oskar Koller- one of my very favorite watercolor painters.  Koller was occupied with capturing the essence and strength (Kraft) of a situation.  His forms and figures lack many details, but are full of energy and color. . . a source of inspiration for me and, for anyone who hasn't come in contact with his work, definiitely worth checking out.

The combination of Oskar Koller and the dandelion problem led to my "April Flowers." Let me know what you think. .. . I would love to hear some feedback.

While doing a bit of research, I ran into this quote from Hedy Lamarr:

"A good painting to me has always been like a friend.  It keeps me company, comforts and inspires."

Nice thought.

Exhibit in NY

I am  in the lucky position of being able to participate in the upcoming members' show at the Artist Knot Gallery. Have a look at the website and the gallery's facebook page.  Lots of interesting artwork.  Simultaneous to the members' exhibit, Celtic art is being shown in the front room of the gallery.

You are most cordially invited to the reception on April 20th, from 6-8:30 p.m.

Wish I could be there, too!

Change

I think it is called "going with the flow."  After almost 24 years in one place, the Lang household is moving. .  .  not very far, but still a major undertaking.  There is a tremendous amount of sorting of treasures to be done.  And lots of laughs and tears while doing it. There are boxes of memories that haven't been touched in years. So, now, my motto is "one more look, and then into the bin!"

 It is, indeed, the nature of moving on - closing one chapter and starting something new.  I will definitely miss my favorite neighbors and my wonderful garden - my little paradise away form the rest of the world - but am all the more looking forward to my new studio on the top floor of a small house. There are big windows and a perfect spot for my art work. I will be able to look out at the tree tops while painting and watch the squirrels and birds at eye level.  It will be a good change and give me a brand new perspective on my work. And friends are definitely invited to come and see the new studio, too.

I am really looking forward to the challenge!

Spring Garden in Blue

For my readers in Germany, I also have a small exhibit at the moment in the Gutsmühle in Minsleben/Wernigerode.  Under the title of "Frühlingsgefühle" (Spring Feelings) I have several of my newest watercolors and a few old favorites on display.  The mill is unfortunately not open on a daily basis;  send me a mail (info@klangart-online.de)if you are in the area and would like to see the exhibit.  I'm sure we can arrange something.

Spring Garden in Green

My thought for the day comes from the French author André Gide;

"Man can not discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore."