Functional Art -  Who would have guessed that this process could help break a block in my creative cycle?

Not I , that is for sure.  Deadlines for exhibitions, time constraints, lesson planning, demonstrations,  after a fashion these restrictions for me, tend to block the creative process and make painting more a chore adn less of a spiritual and exciting process.

As the boundaries closed around me, I turned and looked for an outlet, a pause , an escape from the moment.  I spied an oak chair, or two.  Pieces form an auction years ago that were waiting for "something" to happen.  And these pieces have become the beginning of FUNCTIONAL ART - a side venue from my 2 dimensional works.

"Floral Simplicity" , shown above, is a charming solid oak pressed back chair that I re birthed with color and design.  Sporting a pristine caned seat it has been polyurethane coated to provide a long life when used as a functional piece or as a decorative accent.

Delightful painted seat with chickens, Nested Egg on back, this colorful piece is festive!

"Which Came First"  offered a more painterly completion and allowed a greater play with color, actually instilling a feeling of accomplishment when it was assembled.

Adding my painting skills to a 3 dimensional piece was a challenge, but as they say when there is a challenge the completion is the reward.   These wonderful side ventures have left me ready to leap back into the works at hand to fulfill my exhibition deadlines.  Meanwhile until they find a home to travel to, they are adding some extra sparkle and rural charm to the studio gallery space!

I admit, I had FUN with FUNCTIONAL ART!

Warm light floods the front of former mill houses on Peanut Row in Harrisville, NH.

Last Day Standing

Plein air painting allows me to capture moments and places before they are gone forever.

The day pictured here was sunny but extremely chilly a cold October morning...

soon the building would be razed gone forever from the local landscape.

One of the most valuable aspects in my personal art career are these works created en plein air.

I hope you find enjoyment in it.

I will try to elaborate on what visions I have and how I interpret the energy around me in my art.

Mt. Monadnock is viewed from Dublin, NH after a winter storm.

I hope you enjoy the years journey into art in New England.

Alicia