NEW LANDSCAPES FROM LOCAL SCENES

Strolling Down Old Rapidan Road

An original framed 16 x 20 acrylic painting on stretched canvas.
Memory Lane:
...as a teenager working for a neighbor (sheep farmer) who lived here
...holding sheep as the wool was sheared
...taking down an old railed fence
...removing rocks from the pasture
...cleaning and removing grass and debris from a clogged stream
riding on the back of the neighbor's tractor returning home
...jogging down memory lane

Painting techniques:
...usage of tissue paper for texture
...impasto
...complementary colors for simultaneous contrasts
...high contrasting lights and darks

On exhibition at  Art Upstairs, 112 w. Main Street Charlottesville, Virginia throughout the month of March.
Reception on Friday, March 5th from 5:00pm to 9:00pm

I welcome your comments

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 LANDSCAPES FROM LOCAL SCENES

Colorful Memorandum Of The Past

An Original framed 18 x 24 acrylic painting on stretched canvas.

I was inspired by a view of an old, deserted shed in Dyke Virginia, on a narrow country road named, Mutton Hollow Creek. It was a crisp clear day in the fall, with the shed serenaded by light bathing the countryside.

It made me yearn for yesterday... and wonder about the family that used to live near that location. A place of serenity and peace.

Textural surfaces (impasto, feel the thickly applied acrylics) and complementary colors reveal the beauty, permanence, and serenity of the planet earth!!!

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

I invite all to comment, click on the comment/pencil icon, and thanks.

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.

.

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

ACRYLIC PAINTING IS BENEFICIAL FOR COPING WITH STRESS

ACRYLIC PAINTING IS BENEFICIAL FOR COPING WITH STRESS

We live in a fast paced world that is highly stressful. Millions of dollars are spent annually to relieve the mind and body from tension. Webster's New World College Dictionary Fourth Edition defines stress as; the mental or emotional tension or strain characterized by feelings of anxiety, fear, etc.

Acrylic painting is beneficial

It has often been recommended that one should cultivate outside interests and break routine habits. Acrylic painting provides such an interest as it offers many persons, young or old, an inexpensive way to manage stress. Painting provides a fine opportunity for wholesome relaxation, along with the joy of creativity.

Observation as an Art Teacher

As an Art Teacher for thirty plus years, I have observed art students suffering from; broken hearts, the pain of having separated or divorced parents, or dealing with a debilitating illness. Acrylic painting provides a constructive avenue for students to release such destructive feelings of worthlessness or guilt. It is interesting and alarming to see slashes of acrylic paint, usually dark morbid colors, streak or slash across a canvas from one in a melancholic mood. Eventually,( depending on the degree of stress) it is a joy to see a little more brightness, then more brightness, then finally with bright light colors dominating.

Acrylic painting is relaxing

So view painting as a means of relaxation, as a mean of relieving stress and anxiety. Just remember that your goal is to release the tension that you have accumulated over a period of time. So do not be concerned about creating a pretty picture, as that will come later when you are relieved of such destructive feelings of hopelessness and anxiety. Also try painting outdoors, if you can find a quiet serene place. Such an environment will enhance your enjoyment!

Are you ready? Take a deep breath, exhale, and pick up your brush and let the acrylics flow across the canvas.

Did you like this article? Please send me your comments, as it will inspire me to keep writing.

A Bright Prospect for Artists

A BRIGHT PROSPECT FOR ARTISTS

Economic woes are affecting all, including artists. Several galleries have closed their doors, and state funded organizations for the Arts are in jeopardy.

I am an optimist. So, despite the swirling darkness of hopelessness, I look for light. Etsy is a little light in that vast darkness. It is an online gallery that features handmade articles, including Art.

I joined Etsy about a week ago, and have already noticed the increase in traffic coming to my site. Although I have not sold any paintings as of today, increased traffic will eventually result in sales, or capture the attention of a gallery. The fees are low and reasonable. So, as an artist, I invite you to check it out and visit  http://www.etsy.com/