NEW LANDSCAPES FROM LOCAL SCENES

Radiant View Of Hollow Creek

An original framed 16 x 20 acrylic painting on

stretched canvas.

I was inspired by this radiant view in Dyke, Virginia on a narrow country road, named Mutton Hollow Creek. It was a bright sunny day in the fall, serenaded by brilliant light bathing the countryside.

The flowing stream invited my eager eyes into this splendid scene. Complementary greens and reds enhanced the dazzling harmonious arrangement of colors.

Textural surfaces patterns, and complementary colors reveal the beauty, permanence, and serenity of the planet earth.

Exhibition at the Upstairs Gallery
112 W. Main Street
Charlottesville, Virginia
Month of March
Reception on Friday, March 5th, 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm

I'm looking forward to reading your comments.
Lee J. Nixon

NEW IMPASTO PAINTING

Running Rapids Near Natural Bridge

An original 26 x 34 acrylic painting on stretched canvas 

Actual surface textures created with modeling paste reflect soft pastels generated by brilliant sunlight. Numerous glazes were used for its completion.

Exhibition in March at the Art Upstairs Gallery at 112 W.Main Street in Charlottesville, Virginia throughout the month of March. The gallery will host an Art reception  on Friday, March 5th from 5:00pm to 9:00pm.

Reflections from youth:

..slippery rocks as I strolled across the Rapidan River while fishing

...flowing rapids would drag the fishing line down stream

...high banks that I slid down to reach the river

dark shadows in the under brush where day became night

Such fun!!!

Contact the artist at: nix123_22960@juno.com

BEAUTY IS EVERYWHERE - PAINTING A LOCAL SCENE

View On Old Rapidan Road
Original 8 x 10 Acrylic painting on stretched canvas

One of a series of paintings that feature decorative swirling lines, textures, and patterns found on Old Rapidan Road.

Painting techniques: impasto, tissue paper, spattering, and numerous glazes.

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Exhibition

Art Upstairs Gallery

March 5 - 30

Reception Friiday, March 5, from 5:00p - 9:00p

112 W. Main St.,Charlottesville, Va

Theme: Creating New Vision

The sun's radiant heat brings back old memories

Reflections:

....at age 14 - 15 assisting farmers during hay season

.....extreme heat intensified while gathering each bale of hay and tossing it onto a wagon that never stopped moving

....heat, dust, sweat, parch, and twine..

....cold water ,then a summer breeze, how refreshing!!!
...all is good!!!

....the early 60's

Contact the artist at:nix123_22960@juno.com

Creative Imagination

A good explanation for Art is found in Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, which says that art is "the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects."

What about creative imagination? Skill and imagination abound in the natural world. One can easily become inspired by using their powers of perception and observing the natural world. Take time and observe the exquisite patterns on the bark of various trees, or the intricate patterns found on sea-shells as you walk along the beach, to pine needles, the blossoms of flowers and the elaborate designs of insects and many other natural elements all around us!

Textural surfaces which form a natural pattern, plays a major role in the aesthetic appeal of a painting, and can be a valuable tool for the imaginative mind. Recently, I experimented with crushed gravel found in the driveway and utilized it for actual texture. It can be seen and touched in "SCENIC VIEW ALONGSIDE A GRAVEL ROAD."

I often cover the entire canvas with rice paper. A gloss on matte medium is first applied to the selected area, then I apply the rice paper. The next step involves applying more medium onto the rice paper. You can maneuver the rice paper with a palette knife or crimple it before placing it onto the canvas. Allow it to dry, then experiment by applying thin washes of color that bleeds into all the crevices and nooks. I enjoyed using this technique in "RUNNING RAPIDS NEAR NATURAL BRIDGE." Now your imagination can run wild!!!

Yes, skill and creative imagination abound in the natural world. Why not use such beauty as an inspiration for your paintings!
Please revisit my blog for forthcoming information on Sweet Inspirations!!!!

Just remember; Nixon the name, Art is the game, ask me again, and I will tell you the same!