Susan Smolensky

The Fragility of Life

2012-01-28T15:43:00.000-08:00

A short time ago I had occassion to visit the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Wild Mustang facility outside of Reno. It was horrifying, heartbreaking and completely senseless. I left with a great saddness in my heart. The magnicient mustangs were robbed of all magnificence, dignity, heart and spirit. They were crowded into large holding areas or tiny, filthy pens. I have no idea why this is done or what really happens to these incredible horses. I am afraid to know. I wanted to paint something that shows how fragile life is and how this kind of behavior might lead to the complete eradication of wild mustangs in the United States. The animals in my painting are loosely based on extinct horses - probably more imaginary than anatomically correct. Nonetheless, they no longer exist and I find that so very sad.

Ballerina #4

2012-01-24T16:18:00.001-08:00

20x16 oil on linen panel - a redo of an earlier ballerina study. And I have included a close up photo of the face.

Ballerina #3

2012-01-21T13:56:00.001-08:00

My favorite so far of the ballerina series. This one is 16x20 oil on linen and I am especially pleased with the choice of color for the background. It completes her and she feels as I had envisioned her. A happy painting day today!

Giraffes in Interior - Untitled

2012-01-11T11:48:00.000-08:00

Great fun to conceptualize and to paint! Oil on linen 20x16.

Profile Portrait

2012-01-06T15:57:00.001-08:00

A profile portrait done this afternoon. Experimenting with a very limited palette, dark skin tones, and lots of other stuff that is swirling around in my mind as I paint. It looks like the beginning of this new year is going to be a time of stretching myself and trying new things. Oil on canvas 14x11.

Kent Reno Reference

2012-01-04T22:05:00.000-08:00

Kent Reno is an American photographer who died in September of 2011 at the age of 78. I first saw this particular photo many years ago and it has stayed in my mind. Tonight it inspired me to do a little experimentation and I thought I would post the results. This is 12x12 oil on canvas. Art is a journey and each step along the way brings greater knowledge of self, medium and intent. I am quite happy with how this turned out.

Homage to Degas

2012-01-02T21:29:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year - may it be safe and filled with glorious fun, excitement and lots of inspired art! And thank you to all who have supported my art and my struggle to be a better artist each day by visiting my blog and posting your encouraging comments. Each one is deeply considered and greatly appreciated.

Today I had ballerinas and horses on my mind and decided to paint this tribute to one of my favorite artists, one who continually inspires me and gives me great joy. This is oil on canvas board 18x14. Thanks for looking!

Ballerina Three

2011-12-29T21:25:00.000-08:00

Oil on canvas panel 20x18. I see one or two areas I want to work on a little more. My challenge is to make her seriously elegant and still retain a bit of whimsy.

Ballerina Two

2011-12-15T22:23:00.000-08:00

Oh this was such fun to paint - such glorious color and light! The painting is 14 x 18 oil on canvas. The bottom photo is the start and the top photo is the finish. A good painting day today and I am happy!

A Vagary of Happenstance - finished

2011-12-15T11:43:00.001-08:00

A few final tweaks and highlights and I will call this done. The color in this piece is somewhat unusual and was foremost in my mind once I captured the gesture of horse and rider in my initial oil sketch and then connected them to their spot in the landscape. I wanted the painting to be mostly high key and developed a palette of soft warm whites surrounding the cool, crisper whites of the horse. The orange and lavenders in the landscape and the lowering blue of the sky suggested themselves as I moved forward. Thank you to Susan Roux http://susanroux.blogspot.com/ for her comment in the previous post concerning color - I do love color and am constantly fascinated how color, value, form all play their role in translating the artistist vision in the mind to the final observable rendition. I think oil paint is a purely magical medium that allows me to place on canvas a glimpse into otherwise unobservable realities. Art and creativity is such a joy!

Work in Progress

2011-12-14T17:08:00.000-08:00

Untitled so far - 18x24 oil on linen.

Quick Study and a Request

2011-12-13T12:43:00.000-08:00

Quick study today of a large ballerina - oil on canvas paper 16x12.
I received an email from a friend earlier today with this request:
When sending out Christmas cards this year, please take a moment and send one to a wounded warrior at the following address:
A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20307-5001
Please feel free to copy this and post it on your own blog and Facebook wall. Thanks so much.

Workshop Efforts

2011-12-09T21:05:00.000-08:00

You may have wondered why there are 3 separate pieces of one painting - I wanted to post the life figure painting I did today in my evening class but did not want to put the nudity warning on my blog as I rarely post nude paintings. I was pleased with this one and wanted to post it - I wonder if it was worthwhile editing it like this - lol! The painting took about 3 hours and is 18 x 24 linen board. The instructor, Alison Harris, had to assure me that the model really was green in the shadow areas and once I allowed myself to see that, I did okay. The pose was difficult as she faced me fairly directly but I do believe that I caught the way her weight was balanced on her left hand and arm - if you could see the whole painting you might agree with me! The other pieces are pencil drawings of our previous model Ron - each one about 25 minutes. I am thoroughly enjoying this workshop and am sorry that it will be over next week - it zipped by so quickly.

Christmas Elves

2011-12-01T09:09:00.000-08:00

I wanted to paint some of Santa's helpers as if they were very real but not quite of the same dimensions we humans inhabit! I did not want them to appear cartoonish but I did want to keep a bit of whimsy. In any case, it turned out to be a rather ambitious undertaking and here is where I am now with this - almost but not quite done. Its 24x18 oil on linen.
Please check out Gina Brown's blog - she has posted a very touching story of the painting exchange between her daughter Blaire and myself. http://ginabrownart.blogspot.com/

Deer in the Backyard and a Thank You Gift

2011-11-28T17:48:00.000-08:00

I am so thrilled to be surrounded by wildlife in my new home. So far I have seen several coyote, a blue fox, red tailed hawks and smaller hawks, bunnies, magpies and now, tonight, a family of deer! Wow - this is heaven to me!

And I received such a delighful surprise in the mail today. Blaire Brown, the young daughter of my artist friend Gina Brown http://ginabrownart.blogspot.com/ painted a picture of a horse for me - it is so creative and so charming - we both share a love of horses and the one she painted for me is so special.

I love the pink sky streaked with silver, the bright red halter and, of coure, the violet butterfly sitting on the white muzzle! I think we have an artistic genius in the making! Thank you, Blaire - you have touched my heart!

Another Portrait

2011-11-25T16:41:00.001-08:00

Practice, practice, practice - and I am starting to feel the return of my own painter's voice as I put more and more paint on the canvas.That is very exciting to me as I was so afraid I had lost more than I could recover. But, thankfully, it seems to come back with practice and persistence. This is today's effort - 20x16 oil on linen along with a close up..

Portrait Practice

2011-11-24T17:00:00.000-08:00

Alla prima today 20x16 oil on linen. Done from a photo of artist Peter Leventhal. I saw the photo and was compelled to try and paint him. Earlier this week Iwas studying portraits by Paul Cezanne, Camille Pissaro and Corot and noticed how fearlessly they used big value shifts. I attempted to do that in this portrait.

Christmas 2011

2011-11-20T14:56:00.001-08:00

Having painted some wildebeests earlier this year, I decided to try one in a Christmas theme. I am calling this Can You Teach a Wildebeest to Fly? - Christmas 2011. There are a few little things I will refine once this sets up a bit but it is mostly done. Poor Santa - he certainly has his hands full with this wild beast! I wonder what happened to Rudolph - it could be that he retired this year! :) 18 x 24 oil on linen

Life Class Oil Portrait

2011-11-18T20:53:00.000-08:00

I struggled in life portrait class today. I like the upper half of Ron's face but the value structure in the neck and lower jaw eluded me. I need much much more practise in observing from life and interpreting observation into color and value. The instructor Alison Harris advises me to push my darks and I quite agree with her. I actually felt more comfortable painting today than I have in along time so there is hope yet! And I am quite happy with the likeness as well. No class next week because of the holiday and then figure drawing the following week. I can't wait!

Santa-With Observable Quantum Jitters

2011-11-17T12:03:00.001-08:00

My daughter took a photo in Paris of an elderly man with a bottle of wine in his hand and the definite look of a homeless person. In this universe, anything is possible so I transformed him into a Santa Claus and changed any alcoholic effects into quantum jitters! Don't ask where all this came from - I just wanted to have some fun this morning and not worry about outcomes. That goal was achieved! 16x12 oil on canvas.

Alla Prima Oil Portrait Study

2011-11-16T16:13:00.000-08:00

Doing quick alla prima portrait studies to try and get back my skills. This one is from the book on direct painting techniques by Al Gury called "Alla Prima".

Art Workshop with Alison Harris

2011-11-14T20:07:00.000-08:00

As most of my blogging friends know, I have been away from serious painting at my easel for several months and have been feeling very rusty. My problem is that I am having a very hard time feeling connected to the paint. It just doesn't feel comfortable coming off my brush. I have spent long hours doing study after study resulting in miles of wipe offs. So frustrating but I intend to push through this until I remember how to paint again. In an effort to jump start myself, I signed up for a Portrait/Figure Drawing/Painting Workshop with instructor Alison Harris at the NV Museum of Art. I am so grateful to have found this workshop. Its 3 hours on Friday afternoons and I am free to attend as I am now retired from my full time job! That is very good news indeed!

The first class consisted of drawing a medium gray scale cast of a well proportioned male head. The instructions were to draw the planes of the anatomical structure without any regard for light and shadow. The following 2 drawings are 2 of my efforts - each one was about 30 minutes.

The second Friday we had a wonderful (live) male model - Ron. He was very intense and held the poses well. He had remarkable facial anatomy - a long, thin face with prominent cheekbones, thin uppper lip, dark eyebreows with long well trimmed side burns, a pony tail and an earring. A lot going on! Each of these drawings was also about 30 minutes except the final one which was an hour.

Sorry for the poor quality of the photos. This workshop is only my second experience with life drawing and I just LOVE it. There is nothing like a live model, intense lighting and a kind but honest instructor. I know I am learning a lot and enjoying every minute. Thank you, Alison! Here is a link to her site - be warned there are drawings of nude models:
http://www.alisonharrispaintings.com/alisonharrispaintings.com/Home.html

Young Girl With Magpie

2011-11-02T14:52:00.001-07:00

I am seeing lots of Magpies with lots of personality on our mountainside lately and was inspired to put one into a painting. This piece is 20 x 10 oil on cnavas. And here is a close up:

I am officially retired from my full time, high stress day job now and am way too happy to express in words! I think this little painting may show some of my joy. I am most happy with the color and that I had such a good time painting it. I did not have much of a preconcieved idea and just watched where the painting took me.

Fan Mail!

2011-10-10T10:37:00.000-07:00

Mailed off yesterday to Alabama as a gift for an admiring fan. Thank you for your support, Blaire!

And a short family update - had a visit from Adam (my shockingly handsome genius paramedic son!) here in Reno a few weekends ago. Here he is with his girlfriend Tera. He loved Reno - we had spectacular weather for his visit and showed him some of the local sights. It was great fun and I hope he comes back soon.

Kimberly (my gorgeous, brilliant, ambitious CPA Senior Manager daughter!) is currently on a two week vacation trekking throughout Europe with her husband Ted (brilliant, handsome genius District Attorney in San Diego!).They have been to Amsterdam, Paris, Rome - headed to Prague next and having a wonderful time!

Thinking Big - 30 x 30

2011-10-02T17:40:00.000-07:00

A new start today and a glimpse into another corner of my new studio. My next project is to get some kind of lighting system. I have wonderful consistent northern light all day but need to be able to paint after the sun goes down!

Toulouse Complete

2011-10-01T13:28:00.000-07:00

I thought I would warm up today by placing a few well considered strokes on my Toulouse Lautrec painting - and ended up spending several hours refining and finishing! I consider it done now and will move on to my next subject. I have posted the finished piece and a close up of the figures. Each brushstroke gave me so much pleasure today - just concnetrating hard on shape, color and value without concern for the subject. This canvas may be too raw but I feel I am on my way again - and its a good feeling!

Two Starts - Toulouse Lautrec and a Portrait

2011-09-25T18:07:00.000-07:00

Sunday's effort - done using an old black and white photo as reference. It's a start and allowed me to tentatively feel my way around the canvas. I am still very unsure and am begining to realize that i will need to paint a lot in order to get back some of my lost confidence. My intent, at the end of October, will be to paint everyday - while working full time I have never been able to do that consistently and it is one of my goals. This weekend I made an effort to consciously paint shape, color and value - trying to keep those things foremost in my mind as I placed paint on the canvas. I plan to try and go back to refine and finish this after it sets up a bit.

Saturdays effort - started a portrait of my mother in law on her 95th birthday. I captured her likeness but was not happy with the progression and ended up wiping it off. It seems like I am going to be doing lots of starts!

Also, I am having serious trouble with my Blog - it all started after I undated my email address. It is acting very fickle and at times will no tlet me comment on other blogs or even update this one. I have been unable to find the problem but wil lkeep trying. I still stop by my favorite blog sites and find it so frustrating to be unable to leave a comment. I am trying to get some help with this issue and hope to have it fixed soon.

New Studio

2011-09-18T15:02:00.000-07:00

It has taken a very long time to move and settle into the new house in Reno - much longer than I anticipated - mostly because we are doing some major renovation work. But the worst is over (I hope) and I found some time to enjoy my new studio. It has wonderful natural light all day long. I dont have overhead lights installed yet and when the sun goes down, the light is quickly lost - within a matter of minutes it seems and that is the end of painting for the day! I am looking into some track lighting but have not decided what to do yet. This painting was like trying to ride a bicycle after years of driving a car! I was so eager to begin something new and to feel the pant gliding onto the canvas that I did not think out the composition fully. Nonetheless, the act of painting was such a joy - a pure and complete joy! I have a lot of catching up to do and this painting makes that painfully clear to me! But I feel like today was a new beginning and I can't wait to see where I go from here!

In addition to showing you my awkward painting, I have posted a photo of a corner of the studio and then one of me in the mirror! I had a lovely day today - and some very good news. My employer is offering early retirement to long term employees and, having been with my company for almost 16 years, I meet the requirments1 I have decided that I will leave the work force and devote myself to trying to attain some artistic goals that I have set for myself. My last day of full time employment will be October 28th - I day I am really looking forward to!

Finally Painting Again

2011-08-21T17:19:00.000-07:00

I am feeling very tight and unsure of myself after a long hiatus. I have been thinking about working on this piece as I left it unfinished when we moved - so decided to see if I could re-energize and finish it. As you can see, my brushwork is suffering as well as my use of color. I felt a lot of hesitation and loss of confidence as I painted today so will have to work on these things. Its like starting all over again after almost a month away from the easel. In any case, I hope to be posting more frequently although there is still a lot of renovation work going on in the new house, But my home office and my studio are up and running and I intend to find the time to paint. Oil on linen panel 36x24. And a close up below.......

Place Holder

2011-08-06T16:32:00.000-07:00

The new house is still undergoing renovation - cherry hardwoodflooring being installed in the art studio as we speak. I am so eager to get back to painting. This older piece caught my eye as I was packing to move - please consider it a place holder until I can get back to the easel and show some new work. I have a feeling I may be very rusty at first! 12x16 Woman with Water Bottle - oil on canvas panel.

Sold

2011-07-24T09:36:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite paintings! This is the interior of Deyrolle's, a taxidermy studio in Paris. It was very famous and a well known tourist destination until it was destroyed by a fire several years ago. In my painting there is one aminal who has just arrived - and he is thinking "Is this feast or is this famine?" I will miss seeing this painting and hope it has gone to a good home.

Packing Can Wait

2011-07-10T17:01:00.000-07:00

I will leave this for now - I see a lot more to be done but will let it rest for a while. Happy to paint today!

Progress of a Different Kind!

2011-07-10T04:11:00.000-07:00

Having a bit of renovation done before moving.

There is a kitchen in here somewhere.....

Trying on some Rock and Roll shades in La Jolla!

And the view from the bedroom - what a way to start each day!

More Progress

2011-07-03T23:07:00.000-07:00

Still a long way to go - but having so so much fun! 24 x 36 oil on linen.

Finally - Some Time to Paint

2011-07-03T19:06:00.000-07:00

I have been traveling back and forth to the new house in Reno - choosing paint colors, having some new floring installed, some really fun things! I am back in San Diego until the final move the week of July 25th - things are moving ahead at the speed of light. Spent this afternoon wondering if I remember how to paint after a long time away from the brushes. This is my start - very rough but glad to be putting some paint on the canvas!

New House - New Adventure

2011-06-23T20:55:00.000-07:00

After almost 16 years of living in San Diego, my husband and I decided to make a big move and we bought a house in the northeastern foothills of Reno, NV. The photos are the view from the back of the house of snow capped Sierra Nevada's. I have been so busy getting ready to move, putting the California house on the market and figuring all the logistics that I have had little time for painting recently and I miss it so much! My hand is itching to hold a paintbrush and I hope to get some painting time before the move at the end of July. One of the reasons I am so excited about the move is that I will have a more substantial studio. I have been painting in a very small space which also doubles as my home office. In the new studio,there is room for three easels! I wonder if I can handle that!

If you know anyone who is looking to buy a 3 bedroom home backing up to a golf course in San Deigo, please let me know!

Making a Come Back

2011-06-12T12:30:00.000-07:00

I have regrets that I posted the first portrait on my blog because, as it turns out, it is more personal than I realized at first. I apologize to those who were upset by it. I considered removing it but there had been so many visitors to my blog and a few comments that I decided to let it be. My intent was to paint pure emotion during a moment of intensity and not worry much about likeness. Possibly I suceeded better than I thought I did! I added the second portrait this morning - and as you can see - I am looking a little better!

Surviving an Emotional Train Wreck

2011-06-08T19:49:00.000-07:00

Or perhaps I should retitle this "Its Not Easy Being Green"!

Obeying the Quantum Rulebook

2011-06-07T21:16:00.000-07:00

Back to basics after a rather long hiatus. I love the high key pastel jockey and how he harmonizes with the wild beauty of the landscape. I love the level of his comfort with his beast and their current position in time and space. Oil on linen 16x20

Trying To Get the Rust Out

2011-05-29T14:36:00.000-07:00

Trying to get the rust out - its not easy after a long hiatus. This is were I am with today's effort. Yesterday was a day of all wipe offs - so I have made a little progress. At least this one made it this far! There are several areas I am not happy with and will address them later. 12x16 oil on linen.

All She Wants to do is Paint, Paint!

2011-05-27T07:15:00.000-07:00

Have not had much time lately to paint as life got in the way. I am determined to spend as much time in the studio as possible over this upcoming 3 day Memorial Day weekend - I hope it doesn't take me too long to get the rust out! And so I have posted two recent paintings in their current spots in my home. I love to see them all dressed up in their frames and I thought you might like to as well.
A funny and apropo quote by one of my heros - Albert Einstein: "Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves."
I need to return my attention to the fine craft of painting and hope to have some new paintings to post over the next several days!
(Apologies to Don Henley for tweaking his lyrics a bit)!

Best of Show - Pinch Me, I Must Be Dreaming!

2011-05-16T22:11:00.000-07:00

Women Artists of the West 41st National Exhibition - Juror of Awards: Ann Templeton.
Please go to this LINK for a list of the award winners. I am in a state of shock! Wow!

Women Artists of the West

2011-05-13T21:31:00.000-07:00

"WAOWing the Lone Star State", the Women Artists of the West 41st National Exhibition opened today in Rockport, TX and I am honored to have had The Principle of Uncertainty accepted to this show. You can see the show online catalogue by clicking this link. Please contact the gallery directly if you are interested in purchasing any of the wonderful paintings or sculptures that are in this show!

Odd Couple

2011-05-07T22:07:00.000-07:00

A small alla prima double portrait. 11x14 oil on canvas. Done from a photo I had taken a while ago taken in a restaurant.

More Work on the Work in Progress

2011-05-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

Its close now - I will let it set up for a few days and make the final adjustments before calling this one done.

Work in Progress

2011-05-01T09:55:00.000-07:00

I am working on a large 24 x 36 oil on linen piece. Its probably my most complex and ambitious painting to date and, I must say, I am exicited about it so far. All the figures, the action, the snow - its really been fun to work on. Its not done yet but I thought I would post it and then update when it is done. I would love to hear your thoughts and feelings about it so far. Thanks for stopping by and for looking!
Here are a couple of close up shots as well:

Sunday Afternoon Painting

2011-04-17T17:25:00.000-07:00

Dare I call this Two Blue Gnu? Oil on canvas panel 10 x 20

Beyond Limits of Human Perception

2011-04-10T18:09:00.000-07:00

Thought I might try something a little different today. After a week of wipe off after wipe off, this one was challenging and fun and turned out to be a survivor. Top photo is a close up. The painting is 18 x 24 oil on linen.

I was intrigued by the comment left by Debbie Lincoln about the values in this painting and how it appears without ny color. I had not thought to look at it in black and white and was pleasantly surprised to see what Debbie had noticed - the values are working well! I thought I would post it here in black and white for all to see. Thank you, Debbie, for stopping by my blog, for being kind enough to leave a comment and for leaving such a though provoking one at that - much appreciated! And in case anyone is interested, that beautiful sheen on the wildebeest's coat was obtained by using Rembrantd Silver - it is awesome and I love experimenting with new colors now and then. I discovered that even when mixed with other colors, it retains its glow.

Taking the Lead

2011-03-26T15:41:00.000-07:00

I used a very limited palette on a linen board toned with burnt sienna - cobalt blue, burnt umber, burnt sienna, white, buff titanium, naples yellow, alizarin crimson and raw sienna - I guess I used more colors than I thought I did! 12x16 oil on panel

Accepted - Women Artists of the West 41st National Juried Show

2011-03-21T21:18:00.000-07:00

The show is in Rockport, TX in May. I will have more details later but am just thrilled to have a painting in this show! 18x24 The Principle of Uncertainty oil on canvas panel.

Unleashed

2011-03-17T21:37:00.000-07:00

Had some fun tonight with thick paint and bold brush work! 12 x 24 oil on stretched canvas.

The Willcox Hotel Exhibit

2011-03-15T20:55:00.000-07:00

A few photos from the Willcox Hotel exhibit in Aiken, South Carolina. The hotel has graciously asked if I will extend the exhibit of my steeplechase paintings through the month of March which is the heart of their steeplechase season. I said, yes!

Mr. Lincoln

2011-03-13T16:37:00.000-07:00

After seeing a flurry of Lincoln portraits on artists blogs I thought I might give it a try also. First the oil stetch value study, then the final with color added. 12x12 oil on canvas. I love doing portraits and to try and paint such an icon, a face familiar across the world - well, it was certainly a daunting challenge and it was also great fun!

Finished?

2011-03-12T21:34:00.000-08:00

Yes, its finished now

And a close up of the jockey.

On the Easel Tonight

2011-03-10T20:34:00.000-08:00

I am about 85% done - a few final tweaks here and there. I love the composition and the feeling of tension and ucertainty as to what is going to happen next. I am not sure who is in control here - the jockey, the horse or the forces of gravity.

Fearless

2011-03-05T21:17:00.000-08:00

I spent a beautiful Saturday afternoon at Dog Beach here in San Diego and took 98 photos! Rushing home, I used 5 reference photos to paint this alla prima study. 12x16 oil on canvas panel. The fearless little dog who has been caught in the midst of launching a surprise attach is the Yorkshire Terrier belonging to my daughter and son in law and she is fearless!

Steeplechase Once Again

2011-02-27T16:37:00.000-08:00

And a final few tweaks added today (Tuesday March 8th) and I am calling this one done.

18x24 oil on canvas board. The top photo is the final picture and next are two close ups.

The series of photos above show the process of this painting from the original oil sketch with a few strokes of color through to the final piece and two close up shots to show detail. The canas was toned with burnt umber plus thalo green and the original oil sketch was done in burnt sienna with some burnt umber for the darkest darks. In the second shot, I am massing in broad areas of color using thin paint and paying close attention to areas of shadow and light. I love how the horse is leaping into the shadow. The third shot shows the background added and the 4th is the final picture. All comments are greatly welcomed and appreciated.

Bathing Beauties

2011-02-26T15:49:00.000-08:00

I had a good time painting this little a la prima study. I am not sure of the crop or the composition, but it makes me happy. Its 12x 16 oil on canvas panel.

Ponies in the Snow

2011-02-23T22:03:00.000-08:00

Ponies in the Snow - oil on canvas 12x16

Trying to loosen up today with big thick juicy paint and bold color.

Memories of a Childhood Winter - Going Sledding

2011-02-23T09:57:00.000-08:00

A small oil on canvas - 11x14 titled Going Sledding. This painting is no longer available for purchase.

Reno and the Sierra Nevada's

2011-02-16T21:38:00.000-08:00

I just got back from a short stay in Reno, NV. I was suprised at how little snow was capping the Sierra Nevada's for February. Apparently there has been very little snow for the past 5 weeks. I think the mountains had at least this same amount of snow when I visited there last June. I took a few photos from the airplane window and they turned out well even though the flight was very turbulent and at times, heart stopping. I thought they would be blurry and out of focus but was nicely surprised. I kept thinking about how many dinosaur bones must lie undiscovered under these massive mountains. From the air I could almost see the way the Ice Age glaciers sculpted the earth. What a beautiful, breathtaking and fascinating planet we are privileged to inhabit.

Flat Out

2011-02-16T09:51:00.000-08:00

Only had time for a quick small study before heading out to Reno for a few days of cold crisp air and snow capped Sierra mountain beauty. This little one is 8x8 and I call it Flat Out.

The Aiken Horse

2011-02-07T19:23:00.000-08:00

The February/March issue of The Aiken Horse magazine was published today with this ad on page 36! If you follow the link, you can flip through the pages - an amazing magazine! I am so happy to have my steeplechase painting featured in this ad. This painting is 16x20 and is one of the pieces on display this month at the Willcox Inn courtesy of The Chisholm Gallery.

Portrait Study Alla Prima

2011-02-06T21:50:00.000-08:00

A few refinements and the final portrait

A quick alla prima portrait study 12x12

Aiken Standard Article February 4, 2011

2011-02-05T08:56:00.000-08:00

The walls of The Willcox are beaming with equestrian pride this month, as the Chisholm Gallery,
a leading international dealer of sporting art, has brought an exhibition of more than 20 artists from
all over the world. Paintings, drawings, sculptures, needlepoint collections, vintage photographs, pearls, botanical water colors, lithographs, caricatures and more are on display and sale throughout the hotel for the rest of the month. Chisholm Gallery owner Jeanne Chisholm said, in her business, she strives for a
mix of fine art from new and established artists in a variety of media and subject matter. One of Chisholm’s favorite exhibits in the gallery is that of Susan Smolensky, an artist who depicts Steeplechase horses and scenes. “She has captured a dynamism that nobody else has,” said Chisholm of Smolensky. “The elevation, the angle at which she depicts the steeplechase horses jumping – she really makes you feel like you’re right there with her, right there in the moment of the jump or landing.” Many thanks to Ashleey Williamson, Aiken Standard writer.

Quantum Poetry Finished and Close Ups

2011-01-30T18:26:00.000-08:00

Put the finishing flourishes on this picture today and I am happy. It took me a while to realize where I wanted to go but once I made up my mind, it all came together. I am especially pleased with the jockey and his bold brushwork. I like how he seems to be disssolving into the atmosphere as he strains to keep his seat aboard this soaring black beauty.You may be able to see that on the close up photos. And an update on the Willcox Inn exhibit - the crated paintings arrived safe and sound 3 days early! I never heard of that happening before - lol! Did I tell you that I have had a case of severe separation anxiety since shipping them? I wonder if other painters feel that way - but I almost called up the shipper to tell him to ship them back to me. I was able to restrain myself but I do miss them terribly.

Chaos Theory Two

2011-01-29T15:51:00.000-08:00

18x24 oil on canvas panel

I love painting horse anatomy and this composition certainly presented a challenge!

Marketing Cards and Sheepish Feelings

2011-01-26T18:30:00.000-08:00

I wonder if any artist in the world loves their gallery like I love mine! Jeanne Chisholm of Chisholm Gallery is a marketing goddess and ever since I met her last October she has presented my paintings to the world so enthusiastically and in such high style. I am so grateful to her for her energy and unflagging efforts. This is the marketing card she has developed for the Aiken Willcox Inn exhibit. I love it! I adore it! I think it is absolutley perfect. But I must say I feel ever so slightly sheepish. Upon seeing this I suddenly realized I am the featured painter in this exhibit - I had no idea! In any case, I am extremely thrilled and can only say that I was so focused in getting ready for this show - framing and shipping and getting a decent portfolio pulled together - that I must not have been paying quite enough attention. Anyway, there is also a sculptor in the exhibit, Patsy Davis, and you can find her lovely whimsical bronze sculptures on the Chisholm Gallery site as well. I hope some of my readers and blog followers who live close by will get a chance to visit the Willcox Inn during this exhibit. I would love to hear your thoughts.

Look Out Aiken, South Carolina - Here I Come!

2011-01-23T16:53:00.000-08:00

Quantum Poetry 24x36 oil on stretched canvas

I spent this past weekend framing and printing out marketing materials for the exhibition hosted by the Chisholm Gallery next month at the Willcox Inn. Its a GORGEOUS place and has a pretty interesting early American history. Apparently notables like Winston Churchill, Harold Vanderbilt, Elizabeth Arden and Count Bernadotte of Sweden have all stayed there at one time or another - how fun is that! I am so thrilled to have my steeplechase series hanging out there for a while! Tomorrow I will take a grand total of 11 paintings to be crated and shipped off. This has been a real learning experience for me and I am super excited about it.
In between all this hectic preparation, I had a little time to paint and what I did was take a painting I thought I had finished a couple of weeks ago and repaint the entire thing! I dont think I have ever done that before. I liked some things about the painting but the color was not working for me - which was odd because I loved it at first. I changed pretty much everything about it and like it much better now - it feels right. I still have a few final highlights before I will call it done but its 99% there now.

Finished, Neutrinos and all!

2011-01-21T12:02:00.000-08:00

Put on the finishing flourishes and touches and I am happy! I loved painting on the linen as it gives so much texture to the brushstrokes - I could get used to using linen and think I should make it a habit. Have posted a couple of close ups as well. I still dont have a title for this painting but I think its the closest I have come yet to my goal of engaging the viewer in a reality that is beyond perceptual appearances and expectations. I will keep on trying and it is facts like these that spur me on: "Neutrinos are the most abundant particles in the Universe and our Sun produces over two hundred trillion trillion trillion neutrinos every second, sixty-five billion of which speed through every square centimeter on the Earth's surface. They pass through the Earth. and us, without disturbing a single atom."
I must say I find this to be extremely fascinating and hope to give my viewers the feeling that there is more going on than meets the eye - no matter what subject I am painting! In any case, I hope you enjoy this picture as it is one of my favorites to date!

Work in Progress

2011-01-17T17:21:00.000-08:00

I spent today working on this 24x18 piece. I think its about 80% done now - needs refinement here and there. I really like the composition, the subject (unusual as it is) and the hint of the jockey rolling free. I will post the next update when its done. I call it Chaos Theory! All comments are appreciated!

Steeplechase Series

2011-01-12T07:16:00.000-08:00

This is a 36x24 oil on oil primed linen panel. What a luxury it is to paint on oil primed linen. I love the way the texture of the linen grabs the paint off the brush. The Chisholm Gallery is working on a show for me in February at the Willcox Hotel in Aiken, South Carolina. Its a gorgeous place and I think my steeplechase work would be well displayed there. I hope all the arrangements can be worked out. If it happens, I will be looking for a company to crate and ship the framed pieces - what fun! Here is a link so you can see this glorious place: The Willcox Hotel. I am very excited about this unique opportunity. Apparently steeplechase season is coming in South Carolina!

Self Portrait and a Lovely Day

2011-01-08T17:13:00.000-08:00

A 12x12 oil on canvas board self portrait done rather quickly alla prima this afternoon.

This morning I took my 8 paintings all dressed up in their fine frames over to the San Deigo Hospice Gallery 4311. I must say I am very impressed by the organization of the drop off. There was a team of white gloved volunteers who met the artists at their cars. They carried in the paintings and handled each one as if it was a Picasso or a Matisse or a Van Gogh! I feel totally confident that my paintings are receiving the best of care. The reception is a week from tomorrow and the show runs through March 4th. After the drop off, I drove to the Blick Art Store downtown and treated myself to some new brushes and a disposable palette called Grey Matters by Jack Richeson. The paper is a medium grey tone and advertised as just right for mixing color of the correct value. I am excited to try it. Afterwards I had capuccino and a toasted bagel in an outdoor cafe with my daughter and her husband. What a wonderful day!

Gallery 4311 Show

2011-01-04T22:24:00.000-08:00

This week I am busy framing 8 paintings for the San Diego Hospice Gallery 4311 Show that runs from January 9th through March 4th. It is a juried show and this is the second year that I will be participating. The facility is a beautiful place with plenty of parking. Last time the artist reception was very well done with live music, a very festive atmosphere and wonderful food and wine. I hope you can all make it! The best part of participating in this particular show is that a percentage of each sale goes directly to San Diego Hospice - a most wonderful and caring institution.

These two burro pieces will be included in the show. They were both painted of wild burros that were auctioned off here in San Diego at the BLM Auction last July. It was a hot, day with hard brilliant sun and strong shadows. The people from the BLM told me the burros were rounded up from Gala, Arizona. They were beautiful and a little shy but warmed up to me when I fed them slices of apples. I think they wanted to come home with me as much as I wanted them to!

Please come to the show and see all eight paintings and the art work of 12 other very accomplished artists. The reception is Sunday, January 16th from 2 to 4 pm.

Sketching

2011-01-03T20:51:00.000-08:00

I only had time today for some sketching - a very quick ball point pen sketch of Emily Carr, Canadian artist, and a quick soft pencil sketch of George Bernard Shaw. I used old newprint paper that already had other pencil drawings and scribbles on it - you can see some of the those lines. The pen sketch was a warm up of about 10 minutes then I switched over to pencil. My frustration with the George Bernard Shaw sketch is that I could not find an eraser which I would have used to soften some edges and put in some highlights. I searched my entire studio and could not find an eraser! Imagine that!

Down to Business

2010-12-29T20:11:00.000-08:00

My new business card! I love having a memorable card to give to prospective collectors. I try to design it to be colorful, representative of my current work and style and to be - well, simply unforgettable! Its fun to hand them out at art show receptions, social events and serendipitous meetings. I create mine online at VistaPrint. At this site, you can upload photos of your own and design your card exactly as you want it to be. I have ordered from them in the past and found the cards to be of very nice quality and the prices to be reasonable. This time, on a whim, I also ordered a few refridgerator magnets - I don't know why but I sure hope I can find a use for them! In case you are interested, the link is: VistaPrint Business Cards.

Tower of Piety - Sold

2010-12-22T10:34:00.000-08:00

Painted about a year ago, this piece was inspired by a small carved wooden statue located in the Louvre. The carving dates from the 1500s if my memory is correct and has a painted surface which is in remarkably good condition. I was so taken by the beauty of the piece, the serenity of the faces and their rapt attention to the task at hand. The little carving begged to be painted! It is titled Tower of Piety and remains one of my favorites - 18x 24 oil on canvas.
Merry Christmas to all who stop by my blog and linger for a moment or two - I hope your year is filled with joy. love, peace and original artwork!

Santa's Wild Ride!

2010-12-21T20:34:00.000-08:00

My Santa made it onto the banner for the Foxhunting Life with Horse and Hound website this week! Thank you to Norman Fine for choosing my art for his incredible site and thank you to Jeanne Chisholm for her unwavering support and belief in my art. Click here to go to the site.

Sporting Art With Punch-Article by Norm Fine of FoxHunting Life

2010-12-17T04:55:00.000-08:00

You can find the article here: http://www.foxhuntinglife.com/. Scroll down a bit to see - there is a slide show of some of my steelechase paintings. Unfortunately, you need a subscription to the site in order to see the entire article and the slide show! But please don't feel bad - I am not able to access it either and have only seen a copy of the article! Next week my Santa and his zebra will appear as the heading banner for the site! Many thanks to Jeanne Chisholm of Chisholm Gallery for arranging this and to Norman Fine of FoxHunting Life for his wonderful article.

A Multifaceted Approach - A Christmas Catalogue

2010-12-14T17:45:00.000-08:00

Jeanne Chisholm of Chisholm Gallery introduced me to a new concept and assisted me in putting together a Christmas E-Blast. This is a brand new term for me! An e-blast consists of a PDF presentation that is attached to an email and sent by the gallery to potential collectors. The PDF presentation serves as a high quality photographic respresentation of the paintings - much like a brochure. I called mine A Multifaceted Approach as it contains an eclectic assortment of paintings in a variety of sizes as you can see here. Of course, Santa on his wild purple and golden zebra was on the cover! I wish I could have attached the actual PDF file but could not do that. Instead, I will show you individually each piece in the Christmas E-Blast presentation:

Camel Rider 11x14

Cheetahs 24x18

Deyrolle Interior, Paris 20x16

Great Dane 16x12

Hounds, 12x9

Two Horses, 20x16

T'ang Horse, 18x24

Islay Wild Goat, 16x12

Trying to be Flexible in Uncertain Times 24x18

What fun this was! I find I am recently learning alot about the business of art. I never knew it was so complex! If anyone is interested in purchasing one of theses paintings, please contact Jeanne Chisholm at info@chisholmgallery.com

By the way, if you would like to see the actual e-blast, just send me an email and I will forward the PDF file to you by email. It is nicely printable as well!

Trying to Be Flexible in Uncertain Times

2010-12-04T17:06:00.000-08:00

This has been a year full of chaos and unpredictability for me so I though perhaps Santa might be finding thnigs a little different as well. Oil on canvas 24 x 18. All comments are welcome.

A Very Uplifting Thanksgiving Treat

2010-11-25T13:47:00.000-08:00

Image by Norman Rockwell

Opera en Alto Palermo Libbiamo - click on link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5r8dmo6vsk
Happy Thanksgiving to all - may your day be filled with family and friends, wonderful food, stimulating conversation, glorious music, beautiful surroundings and joy, joy, joy!

Quantum Poetry

2010-11-23T19:33:00.000-08:00

Oh, I am loving the color in this - glorious color! The sky is a mixture of Winsor and Newton Vermilion (a pinkish red) and Rembrandt Vermilion ( an orange red) with buff titanium to lighten and a dash of white for good measure. This one I have titled Quantum Poetry. 36x24 oli on stretched canvas. Please click on the photo to view it larger - I am sure you will enjoy it more!

The Principle of Uncertainty - Finished

2010-11-20T20:38:00.000-08:00

I added a few details, tweaked the shadows, added some warms and I am calling this done now. Oil on canvas panel 24 x 18

The Principle of Uncertainty

2010-11-15T10:17:00.000-08:00

Continuing with my steeplechase series - my imagination is on fire from this subject! This one needs a few final adjustments yet but is close to being done. 24 x 18 oil on canvas.

Steeplechase Series - Quantum Leap

2010-11-02T19:22:00.000-07:00

I have been working on re-writing my artists' statement as my inner voice and my creative thinking have undergone a recent transformation. With paintbrush and canvas, with oil paint and a sense of unrestrained energy, I hope to evoke a sense of wonder and enchantment that transcends the subject and goes beyond the limit of human senses. My goal is to paint representations of nature that are harmonious and beautiful and, simultaneously, to engage the viewer in a reality that is beyond perceptual appearances and expectations.

I have always been inspired by horse and rider and the relationship between the power of the magnificent beast and the intellect of the rider. In my Steeplechase Series I have drawn upon this inspiration to paint dramatic, rhythmic renderings of an instant in time, in space and in emotional gravity. My desire is to move beyond the complexity of the subject alone and to advance toward a representation of that which is not perceived by the senses but is intellectually known. In my artistic eye, I am conceiving my subject not only as the harmony of horse and rider but as recognition of their connection to the intricately woven unseen forces of time and space.

I feel that I have moved a little closer to that goal with this painting and I would love to hear your reactions to it as you view it on my blog.

Things My Father Loved - Surfcasting

2010-10-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

My father taught me to surfcast in the Atlantic Ocean off the white sandy beaches of Long Beach Island when I was growing up. I have the best memories of those hot summer days. In this painting I purposefully left the water rather raw and rough to focus on the figure and his place in time and space. Oil on canvas panel 24 x 18.

Apologies

2010-10-21T06:56:00.000-07:00

I would like to apologize to all those who like and follow my Blog for my recent absense and lack of consistent posts. I have been going through a time of upheaval in my personal life which has taken most of my time, my attention and all of the energies of my soul for several weeks. I am just now starting to feel the desire and driving need to paint again. I thank all of you for staying with me through this time and I look forward to showing you my new work as it is created both here and on my facebook Fan Page http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/San-Diego-CA/Susan-Smolensky-Fine-Art/106897502674692?v=wall

Feynmans Flight

2010-10-05T20:01:00.000-07:00

Final adjustments made and I am considering Feynmans Flight done now.

I changed a few things and will add the suggestion of reins when the paint is dry and consider it done.

36x24 oil on canvas.

Perhaps a few final tweaks and this will be done. I will put it away and take a look at it in a few days. I am trying to capture with paint and brushstrokes something that is beyond normal human perception. I am longing to show a connectedness of not only the objects, but of the moment in time to the unseen forces of the universe. Complex objects are obeying the laws of nature as we perceive them while the tiny unseen objects of the universe are obeying quite a different set of rules.

My Father

2010-09-30T17:09:00.000-07:00

I have 3 sisters and I have always maintained that I am my father's favorite daughter - of course, all of my sisters feel exactly the same way. Perhaps that says something about the man who made each one of us feel so special. He has always been interested in my paintings and occassionally sends me clippings from the Wall Street Journal regarding the state of art in the world today. He thinks I charge way too little for my work and constantly encourages me to raise my prices several 100%. There is nothing more delightful than to have a supporter like that to lend encouragement. He is so dear to me and I do remain convinced that, secretly, I am his favorite daughter!

Tiger Gourd and Mozart

2010-09-27T13:44:00.000-07:00

This little gourd caught my eye. Its called a Tiger Gourd and it was love at first sight. A few sycamore leaves from my backyard completed the still life set up. As I painted today, I filled my studio with the violin of Isaac Stern playing Mozart: Violin Concertos. The CD is 70 minutes long and I placed the last brush stroke as the final note faded away - as it turned out, in this painting, I think of each stroke of paint as being equivalent to a musical note. That makes me happy.

American Impressionist Society 11th National Exhibition

2010-09-23T11:47:00.000-07:00

Shipped my painting After the Race off to the American Impressionist Society Show in Nashville, TN. I am so delighted to be included in a show that is billed as "a collection of some of the finest American Impressionists of our time". I love that! The hosting gallery is Richland Fine Art and the judge is CW Mundy. I can only imagine how exciting this show is going to be!
I wish I could go as I would love to see the show, attend the events and participate in one of the workshops that are offered to AIS members but life responsibilities here in San Diego prevent me from doing so. I am hoping there will be another time.

American Art Collector Magazine

2010-09-17T21:22:00.000-07:00

Be sure to check out page 95 in the October issue of American Art Collector magazine. My painting group 10 Everyday Painters has a beautiful full page ad! I am so thrilled to be part of this wonderful group. Here is the link to our web page in case you missed it: http://teneverydaypainters.com/

Running With Horses

2010-09-12T16:23:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I dream of running with horses. 20 x 16 oil on canvas panel.

Copy of Gauguin and Degas Portraits

2010-09-12T09:55:00.000-07:00

I learn a lot from copying the masters - it gives me an insight into what their processes might have been, it allows me to see color through their eyes and I almost always have one or two "Ah ha!" moments - and those moments make it very worth the time and effort.

This is a 16 x12 copy of the self portrait that Gauguin did to exchange with Van Gogh when they lived in the Yellow House and painted together in Arles for a short time. The use of color in this portrait is astounding . Here is a link where you can see the original http://www.artcyclopedia.com/Gauguin-LesMiserables.html.

I also recently copied Edgar Degas portrait of his brother in law Albert Melida. I did this one from a photo reproduction in a book - the original is in Paris, I believe in the Musee d'Orsey. The color in this portrait also fascinated me.

StrongBox for Shipping to the American Impressionist Society Show

2010-09-10T20:53:00.000-07:00

I am getting ready to ship my painting "After the Race" to Nashville for the American Impressionist Society Show at the Richland Fine Art Gallery. The prospectus encourages use of the AirFloat Strong Box for packing and shipping. It's a special cardboard box made expressly for shipping framed artwork. I first became familiar with this box last month when I helped repack and ship back some of the art work from the Women Artists of the West show. This box opens up like a book and the framed piece is gently nestled amongst layers of cushiony foam. The box is taped shut and the packing is done. It seems like a good investment as the box can be used over and over again. The link to the site is http://airfloatsys.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1 and I have attached a photo of the box. My box arrived today. It came shrink wrapped in plastic which made sense and was easily cut away. I measured the dimensions of my framed painting and popped out the corrugated foam area. The painting slipped in perfectly and I can't imagine it being more safe for its journey to the east coast. You can get puncture proof panels on the inside of the box for extra protection as well. My box does not have those in the interest of keeping the cost down. I purchased a box bigger than what I need for this 24 x 12 piece so that I can use it for larger paintings in the future. How is that for positive thinking!

Circus

2010-09-09T11:51:00.000-07:00

Trying something a little different - I like how the spectators appear in silouette with backlighting in the foreground. I dont know how the horses became so green but here they are and I must admit I am charmed by them! 24 x 18 oil on canvas panel.

On the Road to Glasgow and Update on John and Tilly

2010-08-30T21:42:00.000-07:00

My life has changed a bit and I have not been able to paint the last couple of weeks so thought I would post an older painting. This one was shown at the Scottsdale Best and Brightest Show and sold before the show even opened! I was so thrilled and it remains one of my favorites. It is 16x20 oil on canvas. I hope to get back to my routine of painting every day as soon as I can.

My friend Gwen in Great Britian recieved the painting of John and Tilly that I posted here on my blog a few weeks ago. I had shipped it to her as a surprise birthday gift and she was thrilled! Her comment was something like she is "over the moon"! As a surprise return birthday gift to me, she sent me a copy of a book she has written but not yet published called "Wave Me Goodbye". I intend to curl up with it over Labor Day weekend - and now I, too, am over the moon!

My Cousin Audre

2010-08-13T20:37:00.000-07:00

This is a casual portrait of my cousin Audre. Audre has the most delicate pale skin which is framed by her gorgeous black hair. She has remarkable beauty. I painted this portait cropped from a photo of Audre sitting at a table in a restaurant near Lake Tahoe watching the antics of her 5 month old grandaughter. I loved the complexity of the light and shadow over the contours of her face, the hint of an adoring smile and the beautiful colors. This was done alla prima in about 3 hours this afternoon.
I used an unusual palette - thalo green, alizarin crimson, cobalt blue, white, a tiny bit of sienna and a tiny bit of umber - not a usual portrait palette at all. I love the black that is made from thalo, alizarin and blue - it is so deep and infinite - like looking into deep space.

If you click on the painting, it will enlarge and you can get a better look at it - aren't computers wonderful?!

Final Approach

2010-08-09T21:23:00.000-07:00

I have been in a real slump this past week or so. Work has taken a lot out of me and I have not been able to do even a successful study. I finally finished this one today - I had started it over a week ago and just let it sit on the easel through my doldrums. It always amazes me how vulnerable my creative spirit is to external factors, stress in particular. This one is 24 x 18 oil on Blick canvas panel. These Blick panels are just wonderful - the canvas has a nice medium texture that grabs the paint and the panel itself is substantial and of good quality. Also, they dont break the bank and are perfect for me to paint on right now.