90 degree winter

Spring further

I have continued working on the study from the previous post, "Spring Forest". I have posted both versions of the painting below for comparison.

I deepened shadows, pulled out yellows and whites and created more of a focal point with dappled light filtering through the right side of the painting. I experimented with a new medium as well - gouache - which is a water-based paint like watercolor only opaque. So I can retrieve some lights that I'd lost in the process of working out this composition. I also added a lot more details in the foreground and in the tree tops. I think it's made a very big difference to the success of this painting.

I plan to try it large scale next.

Spring Forest, study in watercolor and gouache on paper, by Chicago artist, Rochelle Weiner

Earlier version of same painting

Chicago spring

This spring has been so unusually warm and pleasant that Chicago has sprung into green more quickly than usual. I snapped a few photos recently in a forest near my house and here's first attempt at capturing the moment in watercolor. This painting is basically a study - a small version (11" x 15") working out some ideas - I'd like make a much larger painting based on this composition. Fun though.

By Rochelle / Materials / Paintings / Watercolor - 05/21/2012

"Discarded Memories" - opening reception May 19

(Pictured above, “The Spinster Sisters Do Mexico”, 40" x 40", acrylic)

I'm thrilled to be able to invite you to the unveiling of my newest series of paintings, entitled "Discarded Memories" at the Phantom Gallery on May 19.

I've always been drawn to vintage photography, often standing for ages in antique stores sifting through boxes of discarded family memories now for sale for 10 cents apiece. I have been collecting some of these photos, which have inspired this series of narrative works. Every picture tells me a story, and I try to bring it to life on canvas to pay respect to the person whose memories have been tossed aside.

Also on display will be works from artists representing the International Artist's Group - Lewis Rice, Piotr Wolodkowicz, Alan Emerson Hicks, Jolanta Nawrocka, Ruyell Ho and Mark Matejko. It's going to be a fantastic show!

Opening Reception

When: Saturday, May 19 2012, 7pm - 10pm
Where: Phantom Gallery at 4161 North Damen, Chicago
RSVP: rochelle@rochellewcarr.com

This group show runs May 19 - June 10.

Gallery hours are as follows:
Monday through Friday, 6pm - 8pm
Saturday and Sunday, 1pm - 5pm
Also available by appointment

acrylic paint / Art show / canvas / Discarded series / Materials / Paintings / Portraits from photos / Watercolor - 05/09/2012

A new direction

Painting from life

I am thrilled to report a new direction in my art. Back in art school I used to really look forward to my painting from life classes. I love the immediacy of standing there and painting what you see and feel from another human being, right on the spot. It's amazing to me that there would be a class full of students, all painting the same model, same pose, each ending up with a totally different interpretation. Everyone's painting was different, because everyone's experience is unique and individual - even when the stimuli are as controlled as a single person sitting in a single pose for 3 hours time.

No opportunities

I've not had an opportunity to paint from life like this since I was in school - nude models aren't exactly knocking on my door (that's probably a good thing...) But I've always had it in the back of my mind that if I'd ever find this opportunity again, I'd jump on it. Well, the opportunity presented itself through a brilliant artist I met recently, Piotr Antonow. He and I are currently in a gallery show together in Chicago and he does these remarkable, large scale, colorful, energetic, abstracted nudes. Stunning work, I am blown away by his talent. On meeting him and discussing his work he has now invited me in on the live model sessions he attends 1-2x a week.

What joy!

Finally the opportunity has presented itself, and I am having a ball. A third artist is also working with us - Marina Nemtseva - and between the three of us we present three totally different points of view of the same model, same pose. This is just like I remember from art school. Cool!

I thought I'd show an example of this. Below is an example of two paintings I did during last week's 3 hour session, and also an image of Piotr's painting done of the same model at the same time. Alas I do not have an image of Marina's painting because I didn't have the idea to write this blog until a few days after she - shockingly - destroyed her painting! What?! Bummer! it was really cool! I guess she must not have liked it! (I'll have to be faster next time.)

Susan at the Window - original acrylic painting by Rochelle Weiner

Susan in Glowing Light - original acrylic painting by Rochelle Weiner

Nude in Natural and Artificial Light by Piotr Antonow

acrylic paint / acrylic paintings / Art show / Bristol paper / By Rochelle / Materials / Painting from life / Paintings - 04/06/2012

Now showing in Lincoln Park

On Thursday I installed my paintings at the new art gallery opening soon in Lincoln Park. It's called "Fortunate Discoveries", it's located at 1022 W Armitage, and is a similar business model to the Andersonville Galleria. I've signed a lease and I get a wall all to myself.

Fortunate Discoveries' focus is original artwork of all types. I am one of a few 2D artists showing there, and there are jewelers, photographers, sculptors, potters and more. It's a pretty fab place!

All the artists are installing their work this week. I decided to focus on my florals, still lifes and cheery landscapes seeing that spring has made an early appearance here in Chicago. If all goes well Fortunate Discoveries opens doors within a week. Soft opening meet and greet with the neighbors is April 1 and grand opening is Friday night, May 4 from 6-9pm. Hope to see you all there!

Art show / Collage paper / Cray pas / Masa paper / Materials / Monoprints / Original portraits / Paintings / Pet Portraits / Portraits from photos / Salt / Watercolor / Yupo paper - 03/16/2012

Portraits make incomparable gifts

Last month I was commissioned to create a double portrait. My new client wanted to give a very special gift to his partner. This man had lost his mother years ago, and even though his father has since remarried, a family portrait of them still hangs in his father's house. She was a very special woman who is greatly missed. My client photographed the framed image last time they visited his partner's father and commissioned me to make a portrait in time to give as a birthday gift. I was really pleased with the finished product and even more pleased to hear how the gift was received. Thank you to my new clients! You made my day!

Here is the note my client sent me:

Rochelle-

Today was (his) birthday and the unveiling of your work. He loved the painting! Words cannot do justice to his overall reaction, but know it was an awesome feeling. Now comes the daunting task of finding a place worthy of this piece but I'm sure it will be on display shortly.

Thank you again for a wonderful job – giving him the gift of his parents, memorialized in watercolor, was awesome. You were truly a pleasure to work with and I knew you were the right person for the job – the fact that this project excited you from inception made me confident I chose the right artist.

I've attached your work framed... I hope you like.

I do like! great choice in frame! Thanks again!

By Rochelle / Materials / Original portraits / Paintings / Portraits from photos / Watercolor - 03/15/2012

Show at the Phantom Gallery - St Paddy's Day

The AQUA Series

Opening night

Saturday March 17, 7pm
The Phantom Gallery
4161 North Damen

Show runs through mid April and the gallery is open daily 6-8pm and all afternoon Saturdays and Sundays. Appointments off hours are also available.

The Phantom Gallery is transient and at this time it's located in Ravenswood. I'll be showing with the International Artist Group and I have a wall 15 feet wide all to myself. It's my first art show at a real gallery space. Ok, it's a popup gallery but that counts... right?

All are invited - bring friends!

If on Saturday you're drunk and wearing green, you're still welcome, as long as you keep the green beer away from the paintings.

Aqua series / Art show / By Rochelle / Materials / Paintings / Watercolor - 03/12/2012

Winter in Chicago

Winter in Chicago, where are you? There's been so little snow this year I used a photo from last year's snow to create this painting. After a snow fall I like to walk through the city streets and green spaces and see what catches my eye. There's almost always something that grabs my interest so I try to remember to bring my camera at all times. There is a big park near me and these trees were still covered with red berries, which were so striking against the white snow background.

Pictured above, "Winterberries", watercolor.

By Rochelle / Materials / Paintings / Portraits from photos / Watercolor - 03/01/2012

Pet portraits from photos

I recently finished two new pet portraits. A portrait makes a wonderfully personal keepsake to remember someone who has passed to to commemorate a beautiful moment in your life.

The portrait of Allie below was completed some months ago but was only just given as a gift over the weekend for the owner's birthday. I knew this cat personally - I used to cat-sit for Allie as she and her owner, my good friend Barbara, used to be my neighbors. Allie had the most beautiful blue eyes, so I chose a bright blue background to really make her eyes pop. Barbara's mother commissioned the painting so I had to keep the portrait on the hush hush until the gift was received but now I'm free to post it. We all miss you Allie!

The dog portrait was a gift I gave to my good friend John this weekend. He lost Bernie (the dog on the right) just a month ago. I had already planned to do a portrait of the dogs for John's birthday - I took the source photo back in November. But now that Bernie has passed the gift is even more poignant. Bernie - most wonderful of dogs - you are greatly missed!

I personally love doing portraits and love to try and find the soul in each subject. I have recently offered a donation of a series 9 pet portraits to Felines & Canines, a nearby pet shelter, to serve as featured art in their new facility currently under construction. Stay tuned for posts following my progress in creating these nine images.

Allie - portrait, monoprint with watercolor and collage

Nina & Bernie - portrait, monoprint with watercolor and collage

By Rochelle / Collage paper / Masa paper / Materials / Monoprints / Original portraits / Paintings / Pet Portraits / Portraits from photos / Watercolor - 02/14/2012

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