Back with some new paintings Cocktails and Mustard and Pyrex!

New work to share!

Cocktails and Mustard, 13 x 10 acrylic on paper framed 

History of Pyrex 13 x 10 acrylic on paper framed.

I am back!  I know it has been sometime now.  I have said before that I want to awaken my blog again and make it a place for sharing my art, life and useful information.  I think I have figured out how I can make that happen.  I hope to update at least once a month.  This should be doable with my busy schedule.

These are two of my newest pieces.  I am really enjoying still life work.  Anything is fodder for the artistic mill.  I already have other set-ups in mind using some of my fun personal things.  I love retro and reflections - the two r's!  I will still do other subjects for my collectors and so I keep myself challenged and excited about the subjects I paint, but I will throw in still life work as well.

For History of Pyrex I set up some of my personal pieces that I use all the time.   The orange bowl and brown casserole were wedding shower gifts many moons ago!  Cocktails and Mustard was born when I noticed the sun shining on some liquor bottles on my china cabinet.  I quickly added  the cordial glass and antique mustard tin for color and interest and grabbed my camera!

How about a tip!

  I think it is really important to under paint your image to eliminate the stark white underneath.   This helps if you miss a spot which is easy to do on textured support like canvas.  You won't have the bright white showing through.  There are different approaches to this.  I was taught to tone for light and shadow underneath - ultramarine blue watered down for shadow and raw sienna watered down for light.  Another approach is to under paint with a compliment.  For example, if you are doing a landscape that is mostly green - under paint with red to make the greens sing!   Give it a try and see what works for you.  I know one artist that always under paints with magenta so it all depends on your style and preference.

Thanks for reading and see you soon!

The Healing Power of Art

'Sunflowers and Light'  Prints available at

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/sunflowers-and-light-lynne-reichhart.html

I have seen some references lately on the use of art as a healing tool, both by creating and also by owning and enjoying.  Imagery has been used to help cancer patients relieve stress which can boost their immune system to help them fight the disease. 

 We all know that color can produce certain responses, so artwork also has the power to soothe,  comfort, heal or even agitate.  I know that I surround myself with art in my home that makes me feel good when I see it.  Besides my own, I also collect other artist's work as well.  I love each and every piece for different reasons.  Some because the artist inspires me to improve in my own work, others because they remind me of places I have been and bring back good memories and still others because they depict something I love or I just enjoy the image!   I had a booth at an art fair recently and a woman picked up a print of a pig I had done for a child's room and she just had to have it.  She said it made her smile - a great compliment indeed! 

Art is also a great conversation starter, often leading to healthy debates!  Art can create strong emotions in the viewer. This can lead to relationships you never expected or just a better understanding of the art itself. 

I truly believe that art can have positive influence on our lives in so many ways.  I know that creating my art is a great outlet for me.  I must admit that no painting is easy and that there is frustration involved in each and every piece I do, but the satisfaction at the end makes it all worth while!

'Reflecting Panes'  Buy prints at

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/reflecting-panes-lynne-reichhart.html

Thanks for reading my latest ramblings!  I am going to try my darnedest to get on a schedule to update my blog weekly.  Life sure has a way of getting in the way of the best laid plans.

Feel free to comment with how art  makes a difference in your life!