Working out some new ideas

Red Pepper Abstraction 5x7" Colored Pencil on Illustration Board

While waiting for paint to dry (one of my frequent "issues" on this blog), I got some of my examples out from a class I taught a year and a half ago and think maybe I'd like to take this idea and expand upon it for a new painting. It just so happens, I have a beautiful red pepper from my garden and have to do something with it pretty soon. My plan is to eat it... but before that, I think maybe I could paint it too! So, with that in mind, I've gone back to some older ideas of abstraction via simplification and exaggeration. Stay tuned!

I think its kind of funny that growing up I didn't really like abstract art. (Many of my students don't either!), but I've come to appreciate it in my adult years. I find it is very challenging to do well - and what I like about it most is that the essence of shape and line and color can really be explored, and emphasized, and just played with without restrictions! That being said, a quick glance backward through this blog will also tell you that I really like working in many styles. I have recently come to peace with that ... and don't feel so strongly that I need to limit myself to one type of work. It is fun to explore and play!