Return to the Basics in the Studio

Onion still-life vignettes painted from fresh vegies in the studio.

My art has gone in many directions over the years, and in recent months the subject of my paintings has been deep, and very meaningful.  More about that will follow when my latest commissioned painting is complete.  In the meantime I briefly returned to a basic subject for painters, the still-life.  I've placed a pedestal in the corner of my studio where I can set-up objects as still-life to study and paint, a relaxing and easy format for me.  The most recent subject happens to be onions, garlic, and shallots.  I love their natural colors and the way they seem to move and split apart with organic and varied surfaces.  I kept the onion still-life in my studio for about three weeks while I gradually completed the 7- 8" x 8" oil paintings.  After the third week, and the paintings completed,  I arrived in the studio early in the morning, when I opened the door the smell of the onions was so strong and smelly that I had to cover my face.   I promptly gathered them in a basket and took  them out of the studio.  Did you know that Chicago is a Native American word that means "smelly onion"?  Anyway the onions are gone now, but the paintings remain.
The "Onion Vignettes" will be on exhibit the "Art Al Fresco" show at the Old Courthouse Art Center in Woodstock, IL, this summer. 

Intalling the Portraits of American Vetereans with Alex and Barbara

In early March my son Alex was home from Southern Illinois University on spring break, this was  perfect timing for him to assist me in the installation of 16 paintings from Portraits of American Veterans Project at the McHenry County Mental Health Board Lobby/Gallery in Crystal Lake.  The space is great for showing art and thanks to Barb Iehl, Community Outreach Coordinator for the MCMHB,  there is a professional hanging system that shows off art at it's best.

Here's Alex, I'm so glad he's tall and can reach the top of the hangers for adjustment.  This is the hall off of the main lobby.

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Alex and me with two of the portraits.

Here I am with Barbara Iehl in front of portraits depicting my sister Sharon and Anna Hauge.

The exhibit was in place for a workshop on Friday April 5 for Behavioral Health Specialist from the Northwest Chicago region who work with Veterans.  The presenters for the day where highly esteemed members of the National Guard, Marine Corps who work with the special needs of Veterans.  I spoke briefly about my work at the beginning of the day long workshop.  I learned a lot and met some wonderful people who do so much good in our communities.  I am grateful that my work is showing where it will be seen by many people who may rarely if ever have an opportunity to view original art.
"Portraits of American Veterans Project" will be on exhibit at the McHenry County Mental Health Board through May 2013.