Here’s my newest painting demonstrating a study of contrasts. The soft (feminine?) pink contrasts with the bold and dark masses. (#209). 40 x 60 inches, oil and graphite on canvas.
Earth Day
In celebration of Earth Day, I completed this painting titled: Earth Movements. 48” square, oil on canvas, #818, $4800
A little hopeful number...
While it’s scary to be too hopeful, I’m finding I’m feel more optimistic these days about the future. This painting reflects that. “Yellow’s Promise”, 48 inches square, oil on canvas, #260b, $4800
Yellow’s Promise in context
Core Gallery exhibit for the month of February, 2021 - LOVE
Another gallery has accepted one of my pieces for an exhibit this month called “LOVE…or something like it”.
It’s probably predictable that they would accept my piece that is full of reds, pinks, and oranges. Title: A Feeling Woman’s Brain (#292). The piece is 48” x 48” , oil on canvas.
If you’re in Denver, you can see it in person at Core’s new gallery on Colfax. There is a brilliant show of the painting as you’re driving by on Colfax Avenue because it faces the traffic from inside the gallery.
Artists Reception
Friday, February 12, 6-9pm
(Covid guidelines are in place)
Gallery hours:
Friday 6-9pm.
Sat & Sun. 12-4 pm
Core New Art Gallery
6851 W. Colfax Ave
Lakewood, CO 80204
Award from D'Art Gallery
All Marinas Are Not the Same
Read MoreFresh
Here is my newest large scale contemporary painting. I call it “Fresh” or “Oogles” depending on the context. It is 48” square, oil on canvas.
In Situ
A new software program allows you to present your artwork in a fictional setting. I think it helps people understand how the artwork might appear in a room. What do you think?
#727
#421
Like Many Other Artists
I was set to show 3 large abstract paintings at Space Annex on April 1. And, a series of my Works On Paper was to be shown at Space Gallery on June 1. On the same day that the owner of the gallery came by to pick up these paintings, the order came down to stop all gatherings in Denver. The shows are canceled until further notice. Needless to say, I am disappointed.
In the scheme of things, this is nothing. People across the country are truly suffering in unimaginable ways. If only there were something I could do with my artwork that would help.
Any ideas?
#724b, Works on Paper, 2020
Not everything in the recent exhibition was a works on paper
The most recent oil painting, titled "Mingles and Jingles", caused quite a bit of consternation with people attending the show. Was it supposed to represent something real? Was there some hidden meaning to the title? Why do the three large blue rectangles seem to disappear from view? People were pleased with it nonetheless. This represents the best of abstract painting, to bring in the viewer with questions and wonder, while also being a balanced aesthetic experience at the same time. Do you agree?
Mingles and Jingles, #727, oil on canvas, 48 x 60 inches,
The Artist Reception at Core Gallery
People seemed to enjoy a trio of solo exhibits at Core Gallery On Friday night. Even though the exhibit was well marked, many people were surprised that I did stone sculptures. But the many forms of Works On Paper filled up the space. Be sure to drop in before it ends on April 15. Otherwise, if you see something of interest, just contact me through this website.
There were, however, a surprising number of men in french berets. Hmmmm.
Core Gallery in Denver, CO
Starting next week I will be exhibiting some of my newest works on paper. The paper I use has such a sensuous quality —full of texture and a certain roughness that moves the paint in unexpected ways. Some of the papers are old Japanese papers that are no longer available. Other papers are made from high quality watercolor paper that has a certain stiffness. This is helpful when the artwork is framed because it can be floated within the frame to give it another dimension.
Many of the older pieces have a somewhat Asian feel to them, such as the painting to the right. Whereas the newest paintings Include big blocks of color with lines weaving in and out of the space, see below.
Be sure to stop by to see these pieces in person. The details and quality of the work is lost in photos. This is a chance to buy an original painting at a more affordable price point than those done on canvas
A new exhibit of my work is being held:
March 29 — April 15, 2018
Core Gallery, 9th and Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204 (next to Spark Gallery)
A special artists reception: Friday, March 30,2018
Hours: Thursday 12-5, Friday 12-9, Saturday 12-5, Sunday 12:30-3
Dancing Spirits, #246, 24 x 18", water based oil and india ink on paper
As He Said It Was, 26 x 34", water based oil on watercolor paper, #501, professionally framed
Cranbrook Schools
I went to my 50th reunion at Cranbrook Schools in Michigan last month. What a delight to revisit the Saarinen designed school and campus. I believe my academic training there is so essential to my sense of design in so many ways. Not only did Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen design the schools, but he designed the metalwork, light fixtures, the furniture, the silverware, and the housewares used by the students. His wife Loja wove all of the tapestry, curtains, upholstery and rugs, and his son and daughter became a weaver and architect in their own right. Many of the everyday pieces that we enjoyed 50 years ago are now in museums around the country.
This description ignores all the contributions by many in the early Arts and Crafts Movement in the United States such as: Carl Milles, Harry Bertoia, Charles and Ray Eames, Marshall Fredericks, Maija Grotell, and others to numerous to mention. I strongly suggest visiting the Cranbrook campus to get a sense of the enormity of this largely scandinavian culture to the United States. It's a 40 minute drive from the Detroit Airport in Bloomfield Hills.
Please forgive the quality of my iPhone photos. The are many books about the schools that provide better photos and details.
Kingswood dining room chairs. (Kingswood used to be the girls part of the campus at Cranbrook, although now the boys and girls are taught together.
The pools
Three Again
This triptych was one of the first paintings I did as a set of 3. I became totally swallowed up in "being" at this fictional seashore. Sometimes I paint where I'd like to be.
Sea Through the Windows, #33, oil on canvas, 30" x 72", sold
Bison or Buffalo? →
In 2010 one of my pieces was selected to be exhibited at Denver International Airport. It was up for several months, then was selected again to hang at the state capitol in the Lieutenant Governor's office. Even though I have done several different commissions of the painting at different sizes, this original painting is still available for purchase.
A much larger version of this was commissioned by the Perkins Coie law firm in Denver. It hangs in their main conference room. #39, oil on canvas, 30" x 40", available.
Triplets?
I'm starting to learn how many people like multiple of paintings. So I thought I would highlight some of mine in upcoming blog posts. Some I'm showing in settings to show how they work together.
The Hidden Life of Flowers, set of three, oil on wooden panel, each panel: 17 x 22.5 inches, $1600
Exhibits and Sales
I sold two Works on Paper paintings to a couple in Chicago last week. And the week before a woman in Denver bought one of my landscape paintings. So, even though the piece (right) in the exhibit hasn't yet sold, the energy of being in an exhibit must have come through. Just in time for the holidays.
Sold last week. #73 Quiet Country Countryside
Sold (YinYan 7)
HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!
Great turnout for the "Best of 2016" exhibit at Space Gallery. Lots of people, great art, and delicious food.
The artist next to her work at a recent exhibit.
Sold (YinYan 9)
The Best of 2016
I'm happy to announce my work will be shown in a new exhibit at Space Gallery. The exhibit will showcase artists represented by the gallery. The opening reception will include some holiday cheer to make it more festive.
Space Gallery, 400 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO, 80204
Opening Reception: December 15th from 5-8pm
Exhibit runs from December 10, 2016 - January 7th, 2017
I look forward to seeing you there!
Yin Yan 1, #243, water-based oil and india ink on watercolor paper, 25.5 x 19.5 inches, at Space Gallery
Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow
I sold one of my stone sculptures, Woman In Contemplation, recently to a couple in Florida. It was hard to let go when I’ve spent so much time with her. I carved her with hand tools over many months. The sculpture is made from serpentine stone from Zimbabwe.
Woman in Contemplation
New Cafe
A new cafe called Rosebud recently opened up around the corner at 1st and Pennsylvania in Denver. They have wonderful treats as well as coffee and teas. Should you come to my studio to view something, we can also meet for tea at the cafe. AND, they happen to have one of my paintings All Marina's Are Not Blue on display.
All Marinas are not Blue,