Mantra

Meditation inspired my new work below. Years ago, a friend of mine taught me about Buddhism, non- attachment, and letting go (although I often forget to practice).

I used the seven chakras as a guide for color and purposely kept the mantra hidden below the surface. My hope is for this painting to be a reminder to simply breathe each day and try to remain unattached.

I also put new work in my Etsy shop … with a full day of painting planned for tomorrow.  https://www.etsy.com/shop/rsamiljan?ref=em&view_type=list

Landscape Revisited

Since moving to Chicago, my inspiration has slowly shifted from landscape to cityscape… but not really. I decided to revisit some of my favorite places in both New England and Chicago, places that have inspired my love for the natural world. I also want to focus on working larger now, below is my most recent work.

"Autumn at North Pond"

16" x 20"

mixed media

Capturing the autumn color palette was my primary inspiration, I also wanted to create three-dimensional details using wax and pigment to highlight the dangling branches and feathering grasses in the foreground.

In addition, I continue to paint small works (3.5 x 2.5) mounted and displayed in shadowbox frames, (I continue to sell these small wonders in both Boston and Chicago), each work is an intimate vignette from places I have been that are special to me.

"Blue Sky"

"River Rocks"

"Summer Shade"

New England will always rest in my mind as the epitome of gorgeous mountainous countryside, rolling meadows, hidden brooks, and rocky shores.

However, my fascination with the dark of night and city lights continues.

"City Lights"

1st work of 2014

"Alone in the Snow"

5" x 7" mixed media on panel

Despite many distractions, I did have time to setup and work small today with more to come later in the week.

Gallery Openings

Between the holidays and the crazy weather, I am just now starting the new year with a schedule to paint new work and submit to several big shows. I have not sat down and gotten creative since before the holidays, but tomorrow should be the day that changes.

Today was the opening for the winter shows in both Chicago (at Chicago Art Source Gallery) and Boston (Copley Society of Art). I received word this morning that all three of my small works sold in Boston before the show officially opened! I also have posted several photos from Chicago Art Source of my work, installed in two separate locations. I believe I am the only representational painter in the show. (I will stop by the gallery this week and take my own photos, the photos below were provided by the gallery manager).

I took the photo below a week ago and plan on transferring it into wax tomorrow. Keeping my fingers crossed that I don't have unexpected interruptions.