Figuratively Speaking

Since painting is on the mind today, I thought could share more of what I've done in the past. And also share how when I'm painting I still have handiwork, fabric, texture, printwork on the mind. I'm convinced that these tactile things are alot of what connects us to this world and each other. The act of making, giving, and using an item is simply beautiful.

When my friend Janna Eaton Smith asked me to do a portrait of her and her new daughter Adeline, she also asked my advice on how to dress herself and the baby. Not thinking too much about it, because those elements get changed alot in my paintings anyway, I just told her "anything you feel comfortable in". She showed up to the studio for the photo shoot with Adeline dressed in this beautiful sweater, handknit by her grandmother. Thats how she felt comfortable.



That little sweater became very important to me as the painting developed. I completely let it dictate the palette as I wanted all the rest of the painting to compliment it. Even the shapes and loose patternwork in the background were inspired by the cluster style knitting on the sweater. (If I knew the name of that style I would mention it...not a knitter...yet.) I remember contemplating how I wanted that feeling of physical and emotional warmth to be conveyed and was so pleased to have been given the inspiration.

Now back to today's painting.....actually spring imagery for product design.......you know me always in the wrong season.

xoxo,AM