Nan Perry Art: September 2014

Artist's Statement

A quote from Grant Wood describes a condition from which he and many of us suffer: taking too much for granted. Wood said, "...To my great joy, I discovered that in the very commonplace, in my native surroundings, were decorative adventures and that my only difficulty had been in taking them too much for granted." Woods' words ring with truth. My goal as an artist is to capture the wonder of the often overlooked ordinary, the commonplace beauty around us, those little details that make all the difference in our daily lives. The rough hue of rocks, lush blue woodlands, weathered wood grains, and distant meandering dirt roads never cease to appeal to me. I attempt to share the beauty from which routine blinds us. My work can be purchased on ebay or by contacting me personally.

Sunday, September 28, 2014

My Motto

Central High School of Clay County offered an art elective this year. I consider myself fortunate in teaching this class. At this moment, we have very little money for supplies, but we are being resourceful. Teaching an art class is good for me as an artist. I am forced to plan for and work with the classes. The one teaching is always the one who learns the most in any class, and an art class is no exception. I recently painted this for my classroom. I entitled it My Motto, for working with color does tend to lighten one's mood, certainly mine. I am truly thankful for the desire to paint and a love for art. Life would be so hum-drum without it.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Rocking Hollyhocks 22x28

Hollyhock blooms are beautiful, full and extravagant

in color and size. The thought just occurred to me that these would be a good bloom for the space behind my rock border in the back yard. I need to look them up, but I think they reseed themselves which is an unbeatable trait. I think I'll give them a try.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Restaurant Entrance 16x20

I suppose his painting would have to be termed "mixed media," for I used water putty as a base for the wall in the painting's foreground. The wall was given a lot of texture which made the surface look more like a plastered wall. Not for every painting, but I've used this technique on two which have turned out nicely. The worst thing that can happen when one tries something new is a flop. It's not like THAT hasn't happened before.

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Sweet Buttercup 16x20

My neighbors have cows, and they are a continually visual feast for me. They have a lot to teach someone like me. Stress is not in their vocabulary; maybe I need to take lessons.