“Who’s Next?” and fun playing in the street

Who’s Next?
12″ x 9″
oil on panel
©2012 Tracy Wall

This weekend you’ll find me playing in the street.  What?!?  Are you nuts?

Well, I may be, but this play is safe.  This weekend you’ll find me taking part in the  2012 Denver Chalk Art Festival.  Both Saturday and Sunday you’ll find more than 200 artists covering the streets of Larimer Square in Denver to an art extravaganza.

Come join the fun and festivities!

“I’ll Have Another Black-Eyed Susan”

I’ll Have Another Black-Eyed Susan
12″ x 9″
oil on panel
©2012 Tracy Wall

“It is impossible to win the race unless you venture to run, impossible to win the victory unless you dare to battle.”
–  Richard M. DeVos

Completed this last weekend.  Title references the 2012 Preakness winner “I’ll Have Another” being draped with the traditional blanket of black-eyed susans.

“Colorful Insight” and I’m an art geek

Colorful Insight
12″ x 9″
oil on panel
©2012 Tracy Wall

(Ok, I’m trying to be a little more adventurous in my titles besides the usual, “Horse Study #xx”.) (But this is #61)

For quite some time, I’ve been trying to include a little bit of interesting unexpected color into my paintings. It may not be rocket science, but it’s new to me.

Wasn’t sure exactly how to not make it seem contrived or just for the sake of adding color.  I want to make it meaningful, yet unexpected; it makes sense yet is delightfully fresh and new. A little abstracted in a way.

Most of my previous attempts just didn’t look right, or looked contrived (having unique color just to look different i.e. like a blue cow or something).

Well this time, I kind of like what I’ve tried.  (Can you see the extra color?)  I learn from every painting, and this one’s given me a little insight as to how I can create what I’m looking for. Difficult to put into words, I can only say it “feels right”.  Still a ways to go in the journey, but it’s a start.

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” — Lao Tzu

Sometimes I’m such an art geek.

“Rosy Tulips”

Rosy Tulips
12″ x 9.125″
oil on panel
©2012 Tracy Wall

With spring blooming all around, it’s been hard to focus on the task at hand: finish some paintings for my next exhibit in June.   Must…. steer …. away….. from trails………. budding gardens……  sunny days…………………..

Geez, spring has be excruciatingly tempting this year.  Too bad I’ve got to spend time at TOJ (the other job).  (Well, ok, not really as I’m thankful for that delightful work, too!  What a choice!)

“Rose Trifecta”

Rose Trifecta
oil on panel
11.75″ x 9″
©2012 Tracy Wall

Ok, flowers are a little out of my comfort zone to paint, but with spring here blooming flowers are just infectious.  Painting flowers is not without it’s thorns: I love the delicateness of the overlapping petals, but so easy to overwork with too much detail.

And with this being Derby Day (the running of the Kentucky Derby horse race), I just had to do some roses.

“Sunny Chestnut”

Sunny Chestnut
24″ x 18″
oil on gallery-wrapped canvas
©2012 Tracy Wall

Taking my little grazing horses to a larger size.  See this one and other recent paintings live at Abend’s “All Gallery” show.  Opening Reception on Friday night….

All Gallery
Opening Reception: Friday, April 20, 5:00 – 9:00 pm

Abend Gallery
2260 E. Colfax
Denver, Co 80206
303-355-0950

Come join the fun and frivolities!

“Granny Waits”

Granny Waits
12″ x 9″
oil on panel
©2012 Tracy Wall

Revisiting those still lifes I used to do. I’m attracted to the adventurous composition of the light and dark values on this one.  Almost starts to look a little abstracted; love it!

“Grazing at Dusk” and exhibition opening

Grazing at Dusk
20″ x 20″
oil on gallery-wrapped canvas
©2012 Tracy Wall

Stop by Abend Gallery next Friday night (April 20th) for the opening of a new exhibit!

It’s an “All Gallery” show with newer works from many of the artists represented at the gallery.    The exhibit runs from April 20th – May 19th; it’s fun to see all the latest pieces from artists.  At the Opening reception on April 20th, you’ll also find me painting as well, doing a small demonstration painting and chatting.

Come join the fun!!