Art by Dawn Eaton
  • Home
  • Prints and Merchandise
  • Available Paintings
  • About the Artist & Contact
  • Portfolio
    • What Grows Out of the Dirt
    • Fruit

Light Bulb #3

9/27/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
Lessons from a Light Bulb #3, 6x6in., oil on board, $50.
Lessons from a Light Bulb #3

Painting transparent glass, in the shape of a ball, is crazy. Colors, values, shapes, and reflections warp and bounce all over the place!

I know, I've got it so hard!


(The new owner of Light Bulb #1 is going to hang it in her office - as inspiration for new ideas. I like it!)


You might also like:
Picture
6x6in., oil on board, SOLD
Lessons from a
Light Bulb #1

Picture
6x6in., oil on board, $50
Lessons from a
Light Bulb #2

0 Comments

Basking in the Sunshine

9/25/2012

4 Comments

 
Picture
Basking in the Sunshine, 6x6in., oil on gessoboard, $50.

At times, I wonder what the neighbors think.

I take my camera outside and walk around the yard just to see what I can see. I often end up on my knees or bent over with my head down close to the ground. "Oooooo..." I say to myself  (okay sometimes out loud), "That is NICE! Well done God!"

This little gem was blooming out by the fence in our front yard.


4 Comments

"I Can't Even Draw a Stick Figure!"

9/21/2012

2 Comments

 
Picture
Llama from Cosley Zoo


"I can't even draw a stick figure!"

To this, I want to say, "Oh, let me show you how!"

Years ago, in a discussion about drawing, an incredible draftsman said to me, "If you can write your name, you can draw." I believe it. Do you?


Like a drawing, your name is constructed out of lines and shapes. Yes, it took you a bit of practice to get the hang of it. I bet it took some people longer than others - but eventually...voila!

Don't get me wrong, there are some super talented artists who seem to have been 'born with it'.
I wasn't one of them. I was not pegged as 'the artist of the class'. I know what it means to break it down step-by-step. I am still amazed when shapes pop off the page and form something 'real'!

If you have the desire, you can draw a stick figure - and a whole lot more!! Let somebody show you. Take a class, buy a 'how to draw' book (start with the kids' version), sit and look at an object - one line, one shape at a time. Don't give up - and take it easy on yourself.
(I still have to tell myself that.)



Picture
Train for Matthew
Drawing & Creating
with Color
- for Adults
begins October 4th.

2 Comments

Light Bulb #2

9/15/2012

0 Comments

 

Picture
Lessons from a Light Bulb No.2, 6"x6", oil on gessoboard, $50.
Lessons from a Light Bulb #2

While painting my first light bulb (highlighted in my last post),  I felt like I was starting to 'fiddle-faddle':  a highly technical term meaning 'noodling & doodling', 'fussing about'.

I decided to grab a bigger brush, move the bulb to a white surface, speed up my pace and loosen up.

Which one do you prefer?
Light bulb #1 or #2?

Click on the image for purchasing link.


0 Comments

Light Bulb

9/13/2012

4 Comments

 
Picture
Lessons from a Light Bulb, 6"x6", oil on gessoboard, SOLD.
Lessons from a Light Bulb

I was looking for a little break from painting flowers - ok, I was also procrastinating on finishing a larger painting.

Last week's Daily Paintworks Challenge to paint a light bulb caught my attention.
(Good motivation to change the burnt bulbs in the entryway's chandelier, which, by the way, I just painted teal.)

I started thinking about light bulbs and their symbolism for ideas. I set the bulb on my antique drawing table. While I was painting, I reminisced about the ideas that have been worked out on this table in the 20 years I've had it. Then I started really wondering about all the ideas and creations that came across its surface before me!
It was one of those "If these walls could speak" kinds of ponderings. 

Click for the purchasing link for prints.
(The original is SOLD - on to inspire new ideas in an office space.)

Picture



            The light bulb painting on my well-loved,
            well-worn drawing table.

4 Comments

Plein Air Attempt

9/11/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
Glorious Day, 6x6in., oil on board
I have this nagging expectation in my head that says 'real' painters paint 'plein air'. Wikipedia defines plein air: "a French expression which means "in the open air", and is particularly used to describe the act of painting outdoors." Doesn't that sound artistically official?

While I can appreciate the tremendous value of painting on location, painting outside has not yielded great results for me. But, the weather was gorgeous, so I felt like I should give it a go - for the practice.
(Secretly, I was hoping I would be victorious!)

I scouted out a few fascinating blooms in our Rose of Sharon bushes, noting how the light was making the petals glow. It took several trips back and forth to get all of my paraphernalia out to the spot I had selected...Then a couple more as I realized what I'd forgotten. I was optimistic that this time I would succeed!

After an hour or so, I headed back inside with an awkward looking bloom. Last night, I finished the painting in my studio while referring to the photos I had taken earlier. (sheepish grin)

As for painting outside: I will try painting plein air again another day (It really is good practice for seeing shapes and color.) Today, I think I'll go back outside to paint the trim around our garage. Now, that I can do!


I would love to read your thoughts...




0 Comments

Potential

9/8/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture










Potential


10x20in.
acrylic on wrapped canvas


Potential is about a moment.

It's about a moment of disconnect due to frustration, disappointment, discomfort, indifference, judgement, hurt, misunderstanding, impatience or anger. (All too easy to make that list!)
What will happen next?

It's about that very same moment and it's potential for grace.
What will happen next?

There is potential in each human interaction and the relationship that exists after that. Physically, emotionally, spiritually, verbally, financially - we can keep our backs to each other.
OR we can turn toward one another. There is the opportunity to connect, disconnect, or to re-connect. At the risk of sounding cliche: I can extend myself or walk on by. I can build a bridge or a wall.

From the not-so-helpful cashier at the store, to the homeless person I pass on the street, to my husband and children, to my community, country, world - the opportunities to respond are endless...and sometimes overwhelming!

The Bible exhorts us to: "Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love." (Ephesians 4:2)  We are reminded to "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31) and to "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)

Failure, fatigue, risk and vulnerability come to mind as I count the cost of relationship.

So I invite God into the process.
(The glow and the circle in the background of the painting
represent the Holy Spirit's Presence and Power.)

"Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

When I choose to invite God into the process, something changes.

I lay down my agenda to enjoy connecting. I step out of my comfort zone to introduce myself. I step forward into the relationship instead of retreating. I give the benefit of the doubt. I extend the invitation. I speak words of encouragement instead of criticism. I apologize. I give without passing judgment. I wait without anxiety. I offer a smile instead of a heavy brow. I decide to try again. I step out of my norm, and benefit from connecting with someone who is different than me. I risk. I try to understand instead of holding my hurt. I let go and forgive. I think of a new way to handle a situation. I speak up instead of choosing quiet resentment. I decide not to accept feelings of rejection. I zip my lips. I see things from a different perspective. 
I experience freedom.

I cannot control what happens next.

There is Potential.



* I started writing this post over a week ago - and I just couldn't press the 'Publish' button. It seems that many 'Potential' kinds of moments have come my way. Or could it be that my focus on 'Potential', and the musings surrounding my painting of it, have highlighted the kinds of relational opportunities that are always present?

I would love to read your thoughts and comments.


Click here for purchasing information.
0 Comments

Current Exhibits

9/6/2012

2 Comments

 
Websites are great, but it doesn't beat seeing the work in person. These paintings are in group shows, so if you have the chance to stop by, you'll get to see a mix of all kinds of work.

Picture
'Hope' is at the Elmhurst Art Museum
in the Elmhurst Artists' Guild Gallery
until September 14.


Picture
Picture
Picture
'Potential' and 'Affinity & Beyond' are at The Burning Bush Gallery in Wheaton until September 16.
The show is called, Ubuntu'.
     The artists' reception is Sunday, September 9th, 1-4pm
     I'd love to see you.


2 Comments

    Dawn Eaton

    Welcome!

    Continually stunned and amazed by the messages of hope I discover growing out of the dirt -
    I am intrigued, so I keep on digging... and discovering.


    Join me on the journey.


    Subscribe by entering your e-mail address below.

    Click if you would like to know a little more about me.


    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner

    RSS Feed


    Archives

    April 2019
    March 2017
    June 2014
    March 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012

    Categories

    All
    Art Education
    Central Dupage Hospital
    Creative Pursuits
    Delnor Hospital
    Fresh Off The Easel
    Inspiration
    In The News
    Programs/Workshops
    Small Paintings
    Students' Work
    The Process
    Unique Gifts
    Why I'm Blogging

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • Prints and Merchandise
  • Available Paintings
  • About the Artist & Contact
  • Portfolio
    • What Grows Out of the Dirt
    • Fruit