Painting Empty

"Downtown Shadows"

Oil on Paper

7" x 11.5"

What do I mean painting empty? Feeling empty, tired, But what really is "empty"? For me empty means, ironically, too full, had a tiring day or week of work. It means I need "defragging": clearing out all the garbage in my brain so I can create. Today, I decided no ideas coming so, just show up at the easel to paint. I think the process of painting defragged my brain; just the process of doing it helped empty my brain, made me feel clearer. This is the defragging painting above, quickly photographed and probably will see stuff to change later.

Do you feel this way at times?  Please feel free to share with me your feelings and your methods to jump start yourself  are post here are click my facebook link to share on  Judy Holder's Studio.

My Land/Water/Sky Encaustic series at "Art=Gift" Hygienic Holiday show

"Wading Together at Dusk"

Encaustic on panel

6" H x 8" W

Yesterday I dropped off  several of my encaustic (hot wax and oil pigment) landscapes, including the one above, at the Hygienic Gallery in New London, CT for their annual "Art = Gift" holiday show. I love to use this medium as a bridge between painting and relief sculpture, creating layers and rich textural effects. Encaustic also lends itself very well to the abstracted quality I strive for in this series.

Every year this exhibit features an eclectic mix of smaller, reasonably-priced works perfect for gift giving.  (And yes, giving to yourself counts as a "gift".)  

The show runs from November 24th through December 23rd. Check out the Hygienic's website or call for gallery hours and more info: 860-443-8001. 860  • 443 • 8001 860 • 443 • 8001 

Ocean Ave Sunset

Acrylic Painting 4" x  2" on panel

(magnets on back)

This is the latest in my "magnet series" landscapes, which I finished yesterday afternoon.  Sometimes I enjoy painting these miniature paintings.  They are an ongoing project, and certain days lend themselves to the creation of these little gems.  Depending on the weather conditions, sunsets in CT can be stunning, but I also enjoy capturing the subtle weather changes.  Put these on your fridge, file cabinet or they can be framed for the wall.

To see my previous "magnet series" landscapes:

Bluff Point Sunset and On The Way Home

Bluff Point

More Magnet Paintings