Behind the Scenes with Susan Abell

This storm shall pass.....

Ever found yourself in the midst of the "storms of life"?

The story behind this painting represents just that. Inspired by a pasture near my home I pass by often at various times of day. I find the cloud patterns  so interesting over wide open spaces like this. In this particular instance, a threatening thunderstorm was appearing to be quickly approaching on a nice, sunny day over the usually peaceful pasture. This is a clear metaphor for life that we all can relate to at one time or another.

Sound familiar? Just when you are coasting peacefully along, some storm or event hits you hard.

But hang tight.....there is a band of light in the distance.  You can take heart and know that this storm will soon blow over like difficult times.

Or at least any damage it may inflict will not shake you since your roots run deep.

Positive signs of encouragement can be found most anywhere-even in an approaching thunderstorm.

May you weather your storms of life well!

Where Will the Path Lead?

 How does a walk in an autumn woods make you feel? 

Do you ever feel like you want the glorious colors of fall to last longer?

If you are like me,  you are always a bit dismayed every fall to suddenly see all the leaves have fallen-practically overnight!

By bringing a little fall into your home you can enjoy the rich colors year round.

Here's one way to do just that- find an autumn artwork that really resonates with you.

The featured painting was completed in bright acrylic colors on gallery wrapped canvas.

The deep rusted tones balanced by brighter blues and purples was key.  Flecks of yellow and red leaves are accented by sunlight.

I wanted the mood to be familiar, yet intriguing at the same time. Sort of like somewhere you've been before, but it has been a while...a long while.

There isn't one particular day that inspired the work, but it is more of an amalgamation of many days in fall.

Days spent hiking wooded trails along mountain paths sheltered by trees displaying  their best colors.

Days spent visiting a pumpkin farm nestled in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains.

Days spent driving winding roads with hairpin turns to reach the apple orchard.

While the meandering path in the painting appears to disappear, you know there has to be some amazing sight just ahead!

The idea of this painting is for you to really imagine yourself in the setting. Let your mind wonder as to what might happen next or what adventure awaits.

Fall conjures up so many pleasant memories...here's hoping you've rekindled a few and are off to create even more.

Next steps....

How to go about choosing artwork for your home that incorporates an autumn palette:

First of all, you need to experience some of that spectacular color!

In Georgia for example, that might mean taking a drive in the North Georgia Mountains.    

http://www.exploregeorgia.org/article/georgias-beautiful-fall-colors

Secondly, choose what you like and that really speaks to you.  It may be a small work that can become part of a wall collection or a large statement piece for a prominent place.

Find the scenes and colors that most appeal to you, rather than considering your home decor colors only. If you like it, it will work!

Take in various art festivals and local venues for a variety of art viewing to get a feel for what speaks to you.

Lastly, welcome your new piece into your home to keep autumn with you year round.

I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” 

― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

What do you think makes for the ideal autumn day?

Are there certain prerequisites involved for you?

Whether your ideal day includes tailgating, football,  fall festivals, or just walking in the woods, no doubt you enjoy the kind of weather autumn offers.

The inspiration behind the painting Contemplation featured above was just such a day- a crisp, sunny morning in fall.  

Inspiration

You know that kind of day with endless blue skies...not a cloud in the sky, with a brilliant sunlight breaking through the trees.

That mesmerizing  light seemed to illuminate the surrounding trees as it was reflected in the pond.

I snapped a few photos from different vantage points, not knowing which view was most appealing.

Two ponds in my neighborhood are often the impetus for my paintings, especially in autumn.

The changing seasons offer a unique perspective on one of my favorite water subjects.

Somehow, I never tire of seeing the changes to the trees and how the light varies each season.

Process

To best convey a fleeting moment in time effectively, while capturing the mood for this artwork, a muted palette in oil paints  was chosen.

Tones of blue-green and yellow ochre were prominent in order to recreate the warmth from the morning light on that autumn morn.

To begin with, thick swatches of paint were applied rather heavily with a palette knife to a yellow background on the canvas.

As a contrast, looser, impressionist brush strokes in purple shades helped create trees and shadows within the landscape-key for a contemporary landscape painting.

Connections

There are really two reasons why I feel particularly connected to this subject.

First of all, walks around the ponds evoke pleasant memories and hearken back in time. I recall  frequent visits to my family's pond and surrounding rural property in North Georgia long ago.

Secondly, there is a quiet peacefulness evident in a water environment. No day is exactly the same, and it is always fun to see various water fowl about.

The title, Contemplation, refers to the experience of enjoying a simple autumn day by the pond.  A time of quiet reflection.

A few other words come to mind and are also fitting for the message I wanted to communicate.

Introspection. Mediation. Observation.

I hope this painting reminds you of your favorite autumn experiences, whether reflective or carefree.