trish siegel

Self-Portrait

2012-01-21T15:22:00.000-06:00

no running with scissors

16 x 20, oil on panel

Here is a self-portrait as promised. However I don't know what Blogger will decide to send. It seems to have a mind of its own!

domesticus I

2012-01-20T18:10:00.000-06:00

Yes, it has been a while since my last post. Last semester was intense, but I managed 14 hours beautifully and finished with a 3.70. The spring semester is off to a great start. I am taking a lighter load this term in order to return to the easel and to work a bit on my portfolio for transfer. I am enrolled in a sculpture class for the first time. This I am very excited about. Although I should have at least one project from this class to include in my work, I decided to try my hand at assemblage over the break, just in case things did not work out as planned. Here is the result of that work. I am sure you can find all kinds of symbolism in this piece. It is entirely possible that you will find it too literal. However you find it, be kind. It was a truly enjoyable and somewhat cathartic experience. I could see myself giving it another go.

By the way, my 20 year old daughter was a bit traumatized by the revamping of the doll. I am sure there is something unsettling about watching your mother push pins in Barbie's head!

Stay tuned for upcoming attempts at self-portraiture!

Carol and David lost their home – a fundraiser

2011-09-05T20:46:00.000-05:00

I have not posted in a very long time. School has started and I am carrying a full load, so it consumes a good bit of my time. I am posting tonight to share with those who may still follow. Carol Marine, a very fine artist with whom many of you may be familiar, and her family have lost their home due to the tragic fires that are now consuming so much of central Texas. I am deeply saddened for them and thought that in some small way, I could share this post from a dear friend of hers, in the hopes that it might help, even if just a little. My thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this disaster.

Carol and David lost their home – a fundraiser

Divine Intervention

2011-01-26T13:14:00.000-06:00

St. Mary Cathedral

10 x 8, Oil on panel

Okay. So I have gone through another spell where I started a painting, ditched it, started another, ditched it, and so on... Finally I stuck with this one until I finished. This was one of my subjects from the Worldwide Sketchcrawl. I'm not one for church, but I love beautiful, ornate churches and I'm a huge fan of gothic architecture. Maybe there was a little divine intervention with this one!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-03T14:13:00.003-06:00

A New Year in Paris

8 x 10, Oil on panel

New Year's always makes me think of Paris. Craig and I were there at this time, two years ago. Looking back through our photos is always inspiring and I frequently return to them when I need prodding.

I am not one for resolutions. That being said, I have made a decision that will require commitment and follow through. This could be a bit crazy, but I have registered for classes in a move toward completing my B.F.A.. On Friday I turn 50. This certainly could have something to do with my decision, but I would like to think not. I have always wanted this, but felt that being a full-time mom and student was stretching myself a little too thin. Now that the kids are growing up, I have the opportunity to pursue that goal. Obtaining my degree is in no way a validation as an artist. It is for personal fulfillment and satisfaction. I am excited about this new path and all I hope to learn. I will continue to paint and blog and I look forward to sharing this journey with you. Happy New Year to everyone!

Number Ten

2010-12-22T10:00:00.002-06:00

ACL Chic

8 x 10, Oil on panel

I thoroughly enjoyed "people watching" at the Austin City Limits Music Festival this year, probably as much as I enjoyed the music. This particular person caught my eye. Her apparel was typical ACL and she was fixed in place while the crowd twisted and flowed around her. It was obvious she was waiting for someone, and from the look on her face, she was growing tired of waiting.

No longer crabby!

2010-12-19T12:56:00.004-06:00

Steamed

9 x 12, Oil on panel

I have made references before to the Timothy Horn workshop I attended in mid-October. It was located in historic Nags Head in the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina. There are many things that I have loved and admired about Tim's paintings, but mostly his sense of light and the freshness and vibrancy of his palette. I had a wonderful time, and thoroughly enjoyed the company of the other artists attending. It was a laid back atmosphere promoting lots of conversation and friendship. Tim was kind and patient with his suggestions. I learned a great deal from him, including how to search for that "interesting light," and look for "color opportunities." If you have not seen his work, you should definitely check it out. Here is the link:

http://www.horndesign.com/

I have not reached a point where I am comfortable with plein air and I much prefer to work in my studio. The above scene was painted from a photograph taken in Wanchese, the fishing village located on Roanoke Island. After a long morning of painting an entirely different scene, I had packed up to head back for our final gathering in Nags Head. Having painted straight through lunch, I was hungry and dying of thirst. I lacked 10 cents in change to have enough to grab a cola from the nearby machine. I wandered into the fish market above, and the gentleman there was kind enough to sell me a bottle of water. I enjoyed the usual neighborly interchange that I was accustomed to, having grown up in North Carolina.

All in all, it was a great time. Our hostess, Suzanne Morris, was very hospitable and put a great deal of effort into the workshop. I also had the added bonus of spending some love overdue time with family. Below I have posted a couple of photos from the workshop.

Timothy Horn at work in Wanchese.

Plein air painting among friends. The wind was a bit cold, but the sunshine was warm. It was difficult not to be inspired by the sun, sand and water.

Eight and Nine

2010-12-15T08:49:00.003-06:00

An Inconspicuous Meeting

8 x 10, Oil on panel

Here are number eight and nine on my unhurried road to paint one hundred souls. I spotted these guys at the Austin City Limits Festival back in October. As usual, the festival did not disappoint, nor did the crowd. Each year I have attended has always been full of interesting characters. Armed with cameras, sunscreen, and a pair of comfortable chairs, Jennifer and I camped out that Saturday in front of the Budweiser stadium. We took in groups such as The Gaslight Anthem, Silversun Pickups, LCD Soundsystem and finished off the night with possibly the best concert I have ever been to, Muse! It was unbelievable! I caught a lot of people in the act of soaking up the festival atmosphere. Lots of sunshine, great food and drink, and great music. The two above were a lot of fun to watch, though at this moment, their encounter looked a little more clandestine, more like a scene from an old detective film. I may have to revisit these two against a different backdrop.

You might have noticed that I had signed this painting a little differently. I was going through a phase (no surprise there) where I thought my signature needed work. I don't know why. Just one of those moments. In this case I used my first initial and middle name, "pcarol. " Again, just one of those odd, irrational moments that I am prone to... it doesn't really mean anything... 'just thought I would explain it... in case anyone was wondering... just in case...

Seven

2010-10-08T15:54:00.004-05:00

Joshua II

6 X 6, Oil on panel

It has been a difficult week to get to the easel with all the work going on at the house. I should probably be blogging about home renovation, heaven knows I could write a book! But that has little to do with painting, and I am growing very weary of the subject. Fortunately, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and this home project should be finishing up within the next couple of weeks. Meanwhile, I did make it into the studio and worked on this second portrait of my son Josh. I am beginning to feel more comfortable with my approach, and I am learning more with each new painting. I have, what I think, is an exciting new idea for my One Hundred Souls project. I am not going to divulge it just yet. At least not until I know it is the direction I want to take.

Six

2010-10-04T17:37:00.003-05:00

Josh

6 X 6, Oil on panel

I don't remember if I stated that all of my one hundred paintings would be from old photos or not, but I decided to do someone a little more recent. This is my son Josh. It wasn't easy to get him to go along with this, but he finally caved. I made him stand against the wall while I took several pictures of him, only we couldn't decide if it should be "glasses on" or "glasses off." So I had him putting on and taking off his glasses while I began to take photos. It actually became quite a joke, and soon he was striking different poses with first "glasses on," then "glasses off". I love moments like this. It's not often that you can get your sixteen, almost seventeen year old son to laugh with you, so I'll take it.

This is obviously a more contemporary approach, but the palette is the same as with my last painting.

Five

2010-09-30T10:26:00.001-05:00

Anita

6 X 6, Oil on panel

I completed this piece late last night, determined to get it done before the day was through. Yesterday ended up being a bit hectic with a new floor being installed here at the house, a trip to the dentist with my son, as well as another trip to the doctor's office to get his flu vaccine. Yes, people, it's that time of year! Get it done. Anyway, I faced many interruptions, and had to wipe it down once, but still managed to carry out my objective. I am happier with this painting than I am with the first four. In this painting, the features of my subject's face are deeper, less flat. I also like the intensity of the colors. This is a palette I am definitely more drawn to.

This is Anna Glickman. She is my subject in painting number two, but here, she is a bit older. I referenced an old photograph from her days on the Pantages Vaudeville circuit. How cool is that? Vaudeville was popular in the U.S. during the early 20th century, and provided clean, affordable entertainment for families in the form of variety shows including comedy, song and dance, and burlesque. Schedules were demanding, but performers could make good money and earn a reliable, and decent living. This held true for women, immigrants, or even those who were poorly educated.* We have a few photos of Anna during this time in her life, and one photo postcard from one of the productions. Incidentally, the photo I am working from is signed by her, but she signed it as "Anita Glickman." Stage name perhaps?

*1880, By The. "Vaudeville." Musicals101.com - The Cyber Encyclopedia of Musicals. Web. 30 Sept. 2010.

Ready to paint!

2010-09-28T17:16:00.001-05:00

My panels arrived this afternoon. Unfortunately I had to spend most of my day dealing with remodeling issues. I am definitely ready to get back to my painting tomorrow. So is Olivia.

Blank Spaces

2010-09-27T11:04:00.002-05:00

How do you like my new painting partner? She looks over my drawing table to lend encouragement when I need it. I was very proud of myself for posting last week, four out of four days! Then of course the weekend came, exhaustion from the week's activities set in, and I ran out of 6 X 6 panels. As usual, our local art supplier was out, so I placed my order in hopes of receiving them today. For now I am working on a larger piece that I will approach with an indirect painting method. This is something that I can work on while tackling my smaller 6 X 6 portraits. Number five is not far off, so until then, in the words of W.S. Merwin:

To the Blank Spaces

For longer than by now I can believe
I assumed that you had nothing to do
with one another I thought you had arrived
   whenever that had been

more solitary than single snowflakes
with no acquaintance or understanding
running among you guiding your footsteps
   somewhere ahead of me

in your own time O white lakes on the maps
that I copied and gaps on the paper
for the names that were to appear in them
   sometimes a doorway or

window sometimes an eye sometimes waking
without knowing the place in the whole night
I might have guessed from the order in which
   you turned up before me

and from the way I kept looking at you
as though I recognized something in you
that you were all words out of one language
   tracks of the same creature

Four

2010-09-24T20:24:00.001-05:00

Sarah

6 X 6, Oil panel

This piece started off as a study in value. I used a palette that was derived from Burnt Sienna mixed with cool and warm primaries. I also kept the brushstrokes loose. There were many interruptions from the activity in my kitchen, so concentration was difficult. Her name is Sarah Glickman, and I will have to get back to you on her exact relation to Anna and Minnie, who by the way are sisters!

Three

2010-09-23T05:00:00.003-05:00

Minnie

6 X 6, Oil on panel

Don't you just love those names from the past. Same palette here as I used in Anna. However, there is a little more contrast in the flesh tones in this piece. The toned ground was a more intense green, simply by accident. It was the only 6 X 6 panel I could get my hands on. It had been toned for another painting that I never got around to.

Two

2010-09-22T13:52:00.002-05:00

Anna

6 X 6, Oil on panel

I took a different approach with this painting. (Actually, the different approach came after three wipedowns!) I was really struggling with this piece when I decided to take a break and rethink it. I remembered reading somewhere, that before you start a painting, first you ask yourself, "What is this painting based on?" I realized I was trying to make the painting mostly about value, but it just wasn't working. I knew that I wanted a softer appearance, something a little more harmonious. After changing the toned ground to a green to complement the pinks in her complexion, I then worked from a palette of analogous colors, with very little contrast. This by the way is Anna Glickman, my husband's grandmother. She led a very interesting life, which I will get into later, for I am sure I will be painting her again. We have several fascinating photos of Anna!

One

2010-09-20T13:57:00.001-05:00

Bobeh

6 X 6, Oil on panel

Here is the first of one hundred small paintings, depicting long ago faces. This comes from a very old photograph from my husband's family. I am not quite sure of her relation, but I do know that she was the mother of Fanny Glickman, and this photograph was taken before the family immigrated from Russia.

"One Hundred Souls"

2010-09-20T10:14:00.002-05:00

I am embarking on a new journey. To give credit where credit is due, the inspiration for this idea came from Karin Jurick's 100 Faces Busted blog, and from my friend and mentor, Laurel Daniel. My purpose is to take an element that is very difficult for me, in this case, rendering the many flesh tones of the human face, and give it the focus and repetition that will encourage growth and understanding. I want to explore the different palettes that each in turn may affect the mood of the painting, or better depict the uniqueness of an individual. My subject matter... images from vintage photographs. Some of these images are of family, some I have found in flea markets or antique shops. I have always been fascinated by old pictures, wondering what the story is behind each penetrating stare or downturned smile. The fact that these photographs are mostly black and white presents another set of obstacles. I just see them as value studies, and in many ways, it gives me a little more latitude.

Here's the plan:

This journey will take place on my new blog Trish Siegel, An Odyssey into the Figurative World.
To paint one hundred images in a square format, maybe not daily, but as close as I can get. I will not place a deadline or time constraint on this project. Life is tough enough.
To become better acquainted with the properties and visual effects of color, such as value, chroma, and particularly temperature.
To experiment with different palettes and acquire the skills needed to pick the palette that expresses that which I wish to express.
To experiment with different grounds and applications.
To better discipline myself.

The above is a color chart I created using the various red hues and the affect of warm and cool primaries, as well as white and black on each. Just the first of many charts to come, I am sure. I did find it extremely helpful and recommend this practice to everyone. (This is yet another thing I learned from Laurel.)

We are having fun now!!!

2010-09-14T12:37:00.004-05:00

From the Girls,

12 X 16, Oil on panel

I cannot tell you how proud I am to have finished this piece during the chaos that has become my life. Yes, we are hitting snags here and there with the remodel, and of course, the process is taking longer than expected, but we are still moving forward. Unfortunately we seem to be moving backwards in other areas, but I won't bore you with that. This is a scene derived from another old black and white photograph I picked up at a flea market. For some reason I am drawn to imagery belonging to this era. I wasn't able to get to the exhibit at The Stark Center, or to any of the life drawing sessions last week, and I won't be able to do so this week. So I will continue to fill my time studying my resources and sketching when I can. I was excited to see that Karin Jurick has placed a demo on her blog as well as a youtube video. I really like her series of "100 Faces." I must admit I am tempted to follow her lead, but maybe in just a little bit different direction.

This post is from my new blog, TRISH SIEGEL, An Odyssey Into the Figurative World.

Dog Tired

2010-09-10T18:42:00.001-05:00

Mary Emma

The last two days have been totally monopolized by the remodeling effort. I don't know which to get more excited about when it is all done, the kitchen or the quiet time I am going to have in my studio in which to work. Neither is anywhere close to happening. There was more activity than usual in my house today, along with the quest to find the owner of a lost neighborhood dog. Finally, everyone has left, and the dog is reunited with its owner, leaving me "dog tired." I did manage to work out this sketch during the madness. It is one I have done before, and have even painted a couple of times. It is a sketch from an old photograph of my mother. In this photograph, she is leaning on a picnic table at what looks to be a family gathering, but the look on her face is of pure exhaustion. I have been working to get the expression on the face right. I'm not there yet... but I am getting closer. But I think I know how she feels.

This post is from my new blog, TRISH SIEGEL, An Odyssey Into the Figurative World.

In the present

2010-09-06T19:45:00.001-05:00

Reclining Woman in Corset

9 X 12, Oil on canvas panel

I am very excited to have completed this painting from the sketch I posted yesterday on a new blogsite, dedicated only to figurative work. I have done other figurative pieces, but this I consider to be the first in my official quest to become the painter I want to be. I have made a pact with myself to take this seriously. I have also started by recently purchasing books on anatomy, to refresh what I had learned years ago in nursing school. What I am working from now is Anatomy Lessons from the Great Masters by Robert Beverly Hale and Terrance Cole, and using Human Anatomy for Artists, The Elements of Form by Eliot Goldfinger alongside as a reference. It's amazing what you can remember, and I truly believe it will be of great benefit as I attempt to illustrate the human body. My review thus far has led me through the trunk of the body, the neck, and I have just started a review of the anatomy of the head. (Sorry for the slight glare on the right side of the painting, I hope to take care of it as soon as the weather and lighting cooperates.)

Chaos Inside and Out

2010-09-03T16:46:00.000-05:00

Appropriately Untitled

8 X 10, Oil on panel

Eager to get out of my house and the chaos inside it, I joined several of my fellow PAA members on a paintout at the Pavilion at Salt Lick in Driftwood, Texas. For some reason, even though I have never painted here before, I feel like I have painted this scene over and over again. As beautiful as the Texas landscape is, my renderings of it always look the same, and not in a way I am satisfied with. Totally frustrated, I packed it up early and finished it up in the studio. I'm glad I went, not because of the painting, but because of the fabulous texas barbeque I got to share with friends afterwards. That was far more enjoyable.

House Under Siege

2010-08-31T20:54:00.000-05:00

As you can probably tell, things have been a bit hectic in my house lately. I'm afraid that my remodeling project is getting in the way of my painting. But never fear, my handy, and very portable sketchbooks are close at hand. I plan on being very productive regardless of the chaos.

Barr Mansion

2010-08-07T19:27:00.000-05:00

8 X 10, Oil on panel

Plein Air Austin met this morning at Barr Mansion in Sprinkle, Texas. This is an organic event facility situated on the grounds of an old Victorian mansion built in the 1890's. I have a love for old houses, especially after having lived in one for four years. Ours was a Greek Revival/Late Victorian built in 1892, about the same time as the Barr residence. I can remember every inch of that house, and have many fond memories from our time there. Being excited about this particular paintout, I arrived around 8:30 a.m. only to discover that I had the wrong tripod for my easel. It had been a thirty minute ride to the facility so I was tempted to turn around and head back home. Fortunately a couple of other painters (Laurel Daniel being one of them), encouraged me not to give up. I took their advise and placed my palette box on the ground in front of me and proceeded. I was glad I stuck around, although I think I may have incurred a few mosquito bites and a sore back in the process. How does the saying go... no pain, no gain?

Red Swim Cap

2010-08-03T18:02:00.003-05:00

22 X 30, Oil on panel

Here is something a little different. The image idea came from an old photo, much like before. Only this is a much larger canvas. Very daunting for me. I also decided to give the painting texture by combing through the paint revealing the layer beneath. It may be difficult to read in this photo.