I'm intense and so is my art: bright colors, bold designs, clean lines that energize and add interest to any space. I layer oil paint and cold wax as thick as frosting on a cake. My many years in Africa shows up in my work: no fear, vibrant energy, rhythmic calm.
How my paintings emerge . . .
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Hi Reader, I'm working on this 21 x 11" 'end of hallway' piece, motivated by my concern that the end of hallways not be boring. I started this work a few weeks ago, freshly back from Africa. I wasn't sure if I would remember how to paint. Thankfully, my hands knew what to do. And my brain knew its place: on the shelf observing. Here's the work at a few stages in my emerging process. Getting paint smooth, thick and even, with clean seams is trickier than it might appear. It takes a long time to get it all right. My collectors can be thankful I price my work by size, not by the hour. And it's not over yet! Once this has dried a bit, I'll start carving into the paint. It's always scary because I could make the painting even more interesting, or alternatively ruin it. High adventure in the studio. Do something scary today! Harriet
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Harriet's Paintings
I'm intense and so is my art: bright colors, bold designs, clean lines that energize and add interest to any space. I layer oil paint and cold wax as thick as frosting on a cake. My many years in Africa shows up in my work: no fear, vibrant energy, rhythmic calm.
Hi Reader, I've lost count of the people who admire the color in my paintings and quickly add, "but I could never put that in my house!" My work stands out as the brightest and boldest in any show. Try as I might, I can't tone it down. This is me. On the margins of American culture once again. I've often wondered: do I love bright bold colors so much because I lived in Africa, or do I love Africa because it's not afraid of color? (I hasten to add that I look like a wall flower compared to...
Hi Reader, I was in the gallery last week, and noticed a tiny correction I could make to "Square Patch," so I brought it home with very modest intentions. I should know better. Every time I do this, I end up pretty much repainting the whole piece. Pre-risk-taking Post risk-taking Truth be told, I had intended to carve into "Square Patch." I had put down a contrastive layer of paint underneath. But once I got the paint thick and smooth, I liked it so much I didn't dare. With the wind in my...
Hi Reader, Well, I took the leap and this is what happened! / 21 x 11" oil and cold wax, carved. I'm entitling it "Corduroy", which happens to be one of my all-time favorite fabrics. You really need to see it in person to appreciate the texture. And if you live around Phoenixville, you can! It's in the window at Art on Bridge, and this is a First Friday weekend. And on Saturday, there's a reception for guest artist Meere Alve from 11-3. If it's me you want to see, I'll be at the gallery...