Orchid Bud 15x by Lisa Goesling
I thought I would post my progress on Orchid Bud 15x. I am enjoying the many twists and turns that this tiny bud takes. It's filled with minute details allowing me to bring out the dimension that separates each shape. I am leaving the bit of color on top and may add a little more on the second section of the bud, that remains to be seen!
The first installment of my new series of Orchids features a single bud the size of a dime. This 14"x10" artwork is only about an eighth of the way through. I used an attachment lens on my iPhone camera called an olloclip which slips right over the lens. It enables me to magnify the bud about 15x the actual size capturing a lot of detail missed by the naked eye. By piecing together a variety of views, I've developed patterns and shapes that if you use your imagination, seem to mimic the forms of the human brain.
An art buyer friend who is equally as enthralled with orchids as I am, recommended that I visit Orchids by Hausermann in Villa Park, IL. Strolling through greenhouse after greenhouse filled with every shape, color and pattern you can imagine, absolutely took my breath away! All I could think of was, "how fun would it be to surround yourself with this kind of beauty every day?" The inspiration for this piece came from an orchid filled with buds. It graces my studio and should prove to give me countless opportunities for growth both with the orchid, and in my art.
Always trying to push the medium, I experimented with different techniques. In this case, I added both black (on the left) and dark purple acrylic paint (on the right) in the background by using an etching tool creating strokes within the wet paint. There is interest on every level, from the details within each flower to the texture of the background.
I am so thrilled to have finally completed this piece. Orchids are my favorite flower to draw due to their incredible patterns and designs. X-acto knife in hand, orchid at my side, I added stroke over stroke until the flowers began to appear. That small section at the far left took me three weeks to finish, working every day! It's all about the amount of pressure I put on my knife, the layering and movement added and left out. I went back in and painted tiny marks of ink on the stems and other areas creating textures and patterns that appear on orchids if you come in close. By leaving out some of the details, the remaining intricate lines become the focus of this 60"x30" scratchboard. Now on display at Takohl Gallery, 110 N. Peoria, Chicago, IL.
Lilies Composition 1
This dynamic installation was created by approaching each individual piece of art from a different perspective and then mounting them together as one image. It is the first of three arrangements, each one measures 41"x26" framed, and each features unique renderings of a lily flower. Colored inks, acrylic paint, pastels and black enamel paint were included to add texture. Some of the small scratchboards expand one or two inches from the base adding even more movement to the pulsating composition.
Larger Than Life Orchids
Working on a scratchboard that is 60"x30" has its challenges. Applying the correct amount of pressure with my knife at some angles feels like an Olympic sport! It's a constant question of how and where to edit? In scratchboard, as in most mediums, what you leave out is equally as important as what you add in. Almost there...
Lily Bud with Leaf by Lisa Goesling
Yet another addition to my lilies series. The grace of a single bud as it flows across the page, upstaged by a brightly colored leaf . I showed someone Lily Bud and asked them what they thought it was. "Is it a closeup of a part of the body with blood and tendons, etc.?" Fascinating how patterns repeat themselves whether it be the human form or a solitary bud.
Lily Bulb with Leaf by Lisa Goesling
I am not quite there with this but since it equals three of the smaller pieces going towards my large installation, I feel pretty good about the progress. It is likely going to be all black and white except for the leaf's color. By coming in close to one single bud, both beauty and power emanate from the lily's graceful form.
12 of 96 by Lisa Goesling
While I have a ways to go to reach my goal of 96 panels, I thought I would present what I have completed so far. By using a variety of artistic sensibilities I strive to capture every stage of the lily from full flower to withered petals. The composition will be forever changing as I progress.
Colum McCann's TransAtlantic with Lisa Goesling's Inside of an Iris artwork on Front Cover.
Book designer Anders Bergesen got my attention when he contacted me about using one of my pieces of art for the cover of New York Times Bestseller,TransAtlantic, by Colum McCann. Colum's work has been translated into 35 languages, this version is Norwegian. I am quite thrilled to have my Inside of an Iris gracing the cover of one of his wonderful novels.
One of 96 by Lisa Goesling
This summers' temperatures must have been perfect to facilitate the display of lilies surrounding our home. I am in the process of creating 96 views (finished piece 84"x40"), everything from a lily in full bloom to the aftermath of shriveled up petals or 'tepals'. I've completed six so far adding color to some and letting others stand alone as black and white studies. What surprised me is the range of colors, deep blues and purples, bright oranges and yellows…absolutely stunning!
One Less Weed, One More Piece of Art
Weeds can be beautiful too. This one slid easily out of the ground, becoming the subject of a piece headed to an upcoming exhibition. Dimension was added by digging deep grooves into the background and filling them with black ink. The simple shapes serve as a stark contrast to the intricate lines of the actual weed.
Opus Coleus for BR
Composition of a Coleus
My friends, Barbara and Rich, asked to purchase my original Composition of a Coleus. I said that it belonged to someone else, so they commissioned me to create a new one. The finished piece wound up a bit different from my first one in that it has a whole lot less color. In its place you see the process of how layers are developed. By adding just the right amount of color, the shapes build on each other creating a symphony of contrast and patterns. Which is fitting, because their home is filled with music streaming from a sound system that has to be heard to be believed. In addition, no matter where you look you are surrounded by beauty, from their gardens to their incredible art collection. Opus Coleus has found the perfect home.
3 Points of View by Lisa Goesling
I spent a lot of time admiring the many nuances of this dragonfly marveling how it ended its time on Earth in the cross-legged Lotus position. People reach a deep meditative state by adopting the lotus pose allowing the body to be held completely steady for long periods of time. The dragonfly's posture hasn't changed at all since it was discovered weeks ago. Studying their wings of lace, I etched mark after mark, coaxing the clay to bring new life to this beautiful creature.
Oregano by Lisa Goesling
The challenge with creating this piece is how to edit what is before me. By giving some areas priority through shape, form and color and leaving others more subtle by varying the line weight and positioning on the page; my simple oregano plant has become art.
Marigold by Lisa Goesling
So grateful to Carolyn Edlund for featuring my art on her blog. I've been enjoying the varied artists that are represented for quite a while and never imagined that I would be a part of the Artsy Shark community. To view the article visit: http://bit.ly/1oD121t
The Mitchell Gallery: less is more, small works in a great space
Pussy Willows 2014
Grounds of The Mitchell Gallery at St. John's University, Annapolis, MD
For me, building relationships through my art is the single best part of creating. I love the creative process of allowing my art to flow through me. I always say, the end product is as much as a surprise to me as it is to anyone else. But being able to speak with art appreciators about what and why I create, and hearing their feedback, learning about what inspires them, is invaluable. I had the pleasure of being invited to the Premiere Opening at The Mitchell Gallery at St. John's College in Annapolis. My piece, Pussy Willows 2014, won Best of Show and there was a special opening for art collectors in the community as well as a general opening a few days later. I was able to connect with so many interesting people, not the least of which was Dominic Iacono, Director of Galleries for Syracuse University. Dominic is personable and incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to art. Learning about the challenges that went into choosing the 272 pieces that made up this exhibition was enlightening and especially humbling when he spoke about my art. Hydee Schaller, Director of The Mitchell Gallery was so welcoming as was her entire staff, making my visit a truly wonderful experience. If you find yourself in Annapolis, which I highly recommend, make your way over to the less is more: small works in a great space exhibition, or check it out at http://themitchellgallery.org/sales/
Oregano by Lisa Goesling
I spotted this plant at a nearby nursery and was surprised to see that it was Oregano. The spring green leaves have fine white stripes and little flowers of purple and white peeking between them. I really have no idea of how much will be filled in or how much color will appear. I added a few light lines in the background to add dimension, they may just stay that way. It's an organic process leaving me just as surprised as the next person when it's done.
