Spring into Summer, solo show pics and more!

 Windswept  11"x14"

I'm sitting here remembering the past few weeks and looking ahead to the summer, now that my show has come and gone.  I have had a couple weeks to regroup, let go of the old, and consider starting something new in the studio.  It's a never ending cycle of creating and letting go.  I haven't dived back into painting, but enjoyed a little break.  I did dabble with landscape painting and created the painting above.  It felt really good to loosen up and play with the paint, to be a little more intuitive and free compared to the more structured still life.  I remembered I was thinking of a series of Nocturnes and I still feel excited with the prospect of painting those.

My show seemed to come and go in the blink of an eye.  I was so happy with the gallery and how thoughtfully they hung the work.  It was a great show and I'm happy to say there were a few red dots even before the official opening!        

 At Sage Creek Gallery, Santa Fe, NM

my parents viewing the still life featuring my father's ceramics

I also had some time to get out and enjoy Spring migration.  There have been a plethora of beautiful birds in the area and I'm having a great time trying to capture them with my camera.

 

We even got to take a couple road trips around the state, hiking and visiting our favorite spots.  My sis was visiting and we hit Canyon Road in Santa Fe one day:

   

We climbed Tetilla Peak and had views for miles and miles:

 drove through the pines:

 

  

Visited Black Mesa:

and enjoyed the beautiful green across the state!  It was a nice break, filled with inspiration.  Now I return to the studio, refreshed and rested, ready for what summer brings.  

One more bit of news, I am in the planning stages for an upcoming workshop in Virginia!  I will be teaching indirect painting in still life.  I'm super excited and am working closely with Debra Keirce, who graciously invited me to teach.  She just hosted a five day workshop with Kate Stone, which sounded amazing.  If you have an interest in getting more info please contact Debra at:  debrakeirceart@yahoo.com

I will of course share more about this opportunity in future posts.  and check out my new website:  www.SarahSiltala.com

"Heirloom" opening, one week away!

It is officially one week to the opening of my show!  I'm really looking forward to seeing all the work hanging together in the gallery.  Right now it's scattered all over the studio, some needing varnish, or framing, one still needs the finishing details added.  I hope to wrap it all up over the weekend for delivery next week, fifteen new paintings.  

 Interlude  22"x28"

It's already starting to feel a bit quieter now that all the months of intense preparation are coming to an end.  For this show I've concentrated on reproducing my father's ceramic artworks in my still lifes, from my own collection of his pottery.  I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know my dad's artwork on such a personal level, recreating his designs--work he's created for years and years, was such a challenge.  I've been surrounded by his pottery my entire life, but never looked so deeply at his creative process until now.  Spending time discussing art, his influences and journey, made the work even more rewarding.  

Poppy Vase and Pears  18"x14"

For now I am taking a bit of time to savor this new quiet feeling that's so welcome after a long time of working.  I look forward to next week and I hope to see you at the opening!