I will be leaving for a three week Artist Residency at the Mark Rothko Art Centre in Daugavpils, Latvia in a few days. There I will paint for three weeks along with ten other artists from around the world.

Today's challenge for myself is to paint a "red all over" painting in Rothko's honor.

I'm using many colors, obviously, but my intent is for it to be full of depth and to resonate as one meditative color. Not an easy task. I will continue to layer and explore this concept on this 36" square.

Rainy days in July are such a gift. Especially when it's so cool you have the windows open and the smell of rain wafts into the studio, mixing with the quiet piano music of Satie, Chopin. I painted all day and finally finished these two pieces.

"Afternoon Sonata" has many layers. It took me on a wild ride as it morphed all over the place. I enjoy how it ended up.

Here is the other piece finished today.

" Soul of the Evening"

Wonderful to return to my studio after a couple of days kayaking in Missouri with Molly and Chico. Yesterday I spent all rainy day listening to piano music and painting vigorously.



One 4 foot square was nearing completion so I began a new piece. I wanted to really throw some paint around and be completely free without the careful contemplation that is sometimes required near the end.



This morning I came out and added some changes..... A soft yellow in the top portion and a few marks with black. Suddenly the painting feels finished. Thought I would blog a few minutes and let it rest.