3 Long Necked Pears ~ repost

Three Longnecked Pears, 8 x 10" Oil on canvas
©2010, Helen Read

I know, its been a little while since I posted last.  I'm actually working on several larger paintings in m studio right now - that, interspersed with some winter colds that have been a drain on my energy ... and continuing to work all day, have contributed to a longer stretch of silence on my blog .... so, I'm posting a favorite from about June of 2010.   I'm thinking about entering this one into a competition for still life paintings.    Meanwhile, I'm painting and will be posting some completely new work very soon!  

Work in progress - abstract

I have begun another abstract - this is in its most preliminary stages - and I still have no idea, really, what it will finally be!  I'll keep posting so that you can follow its progress too.  These have become very intriguing to me - endless possibilities exist!    I really like the way that they speak to me along the way - almost dictating what they will be!  I end up being as surprised as my viewers!  That's kinda fun! 

New abstract

Untitled (yet),  21x14" Acrylic on paper 

©2011, Helen Read 

This painting has been a few weeks in process. As you can see there are many layers and therefore, lots of time, both in the painting and in the analysis of what more needed to be done.  Though I haven't really planned it this way, I believe I've started working through some ideas in an abstract way, and I also believe I have more that is still yet to be!    

The idea behind this, though it is not yet titled, is the creative, playful, joyful presence and activity of the Holy Spirit.  The Spirit who with his poetry and art gave his creativity to the forming of all we see in nature.  The Spirit who inspires art and beauty in our culture.  The Spirit who seeks the hearts of all who would be intrigued, and open, and desiring to know him.  

How can one portray these thoughts?  Certainly abstraction is the only vehicle.  And yet - the Spirit is not abstract, in the sense of the unknowable.  Unseen, yes ... but the works of his creativity are evidenced in every part of our existence!  And he makes his presence known within us.