UNFAILING LOVE - 30 x 40 - SOLD
UNFAILING LOVE has been adopted and moved to it's new home in Greensboro, NC. It is an original abstract representative of the passionate care of God’s unfailing love, the one place we can find security and refuge through the uncertainties of life.
HOPE RENEWED - 36 x 12 (click image for full view)
HOPE RENEWED is intended to remind us that during the seasons of life when hopes and dreams seem lost, there are still glimmers indicating that hope will return.
WATERFALL - 30 x 10
WATERFALL - A Smoky Mountain waterfall with its crystal blue water tumbling and cascading down a rocky hillside was the inspiration for this painting.
VINEYARD’S SONG - 6 ft. x 4 ft. - SOLD
Art’s d’Vne Exhibit, Kernersville, NC
VINEYARD’S SONG represents the tranquility and peace experienced at the end of a day; comfort taken in the knowledge that we are loved.
OUT OF DARKNESS - 14 x 11 Dioptych
NFS - Private Collection
A JOURNEY THROUGH GRIEF —
In the midst of darkness, there is a path of Light, a promise of hope. Therein lies the choice of the journey--to remain in the dark, or move toward the Light. I prefer to move toward the Light; to experience healing in the hope. This painting is my interpretation of that process and was inspired by my personal journey through a season of grief.
OUT OF DARKNESS - Two 14x11 traditional canvases created by first applying thin layers of modeling paste and multiple layers of paint in thick and thin coats to achieve the lightly textured gray background. Each layer represents a stage of grief that was being processed. As I worked through it, colors changed until I reached the desired shade of gray. The heavily raised texture was created by using a unique mixture of ash and gel. Coarse gold metallic gel was applied to portray the path of light. Copper metallic gel was used to create the copper block and the circle which represent hope.
One definition of the word Zerah is scarlet, thus the name of this painting. It is inspired by scarlet rays of sun spilling over the earth heralding the beginning of a new day.
This 12 x 9 in. original abstract was created with acrylic medium troweled onto a canvas panel with layers of paint in greenish brown tones and scarlet red. Coarse gold and silver metallic scumbled on top adds highlights and accentuates the texture. Signed by the artist (sjh) and framed in a 1/2" frosted umber metal frame.
Tranquility - 40" x 30" Acrylic Mixed Media
It's an honor and delight to share that TRANQUILITY won 3rd place at the "Second Spring Arts 2016 - The Power of Story" exhibition held April-May at the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, Winston-Salem, NC.
Troika - 36" x 24" Triptych - SOLD
The name TROIKA (pronounced troi-kuh) means “group of three acting in unity.” This original abstract incorporates 3 canvases containing 3 circles. It is inspired by and representative of Love, Word and Truth acting together in unity giving us never ending hope.
Layers of crinkled tissue paper were applied for texture on a 36” x 24” canvas. Then numerous layers of paint using thick and thin coats and glazes were used to create a leather effect. (Note: The leather look of the base canvas does not show up very well in the photo so the painting really has to be seen in person to experience it.)
Next, a tissue paper background was applied to two 16” x 20” canvases. The circle and line relief textures were created using twisted tissue paper adhered with acrylic gel. Color was painted, washed and glazed in varying layers to achieve the final effect. Metallic gold scumbled over the circles and lines accentuates the relief texture adding highlights. Both smaller canvases were securely attached to the larger base canvas to complete the triptych.
TROIKA sold in 2010 to a private collector in Greensboro, NC.
TOUCHED BY LOVE - 24 x 20 - SOLD
About TOUCHED BY LOVE: The purpose of refining a fine metal, such as gold, in fire is not to change its original composition but to purify it; through the harsh flames will emerge a material infinitely more precious. I have seen this process accomplished and it is often with great care, even love, on behalf of the craftsman to create the most beautifully pure finished object. In that way, this painting, which is predominately a fiery gold, represents the love and care of a craftsman over their work.
Sold to a private collector.
…
I recently reconnected with the collector and it was such a treat to hear how she is doing. To me the joy of creating is being able to share the gift. The pleasure a collector derives from a piece of artwork makes painting it worthwhile. I was thrilled to hear that one of my paintings touched someone's life so deeply and after years of owning it, the painting still speaks to her. A special thank you to Leslie A. for sharing how TOUCHED BY LOVE gave you hope through some trying times. May you continue to be touched by love.
RESTORATION - 24 x 8 (24 x 16) Diptych
When we choose forgiveness and unconditional love instead of offense and hurt, the chains of rejection begin to break and fall away; restoration begins. We can't change the lies someone may choose to believe, but we can be quick to forgive and extend love regardless of how they treat us.
This diptych, which consists of two 24x8 canvas panels, was inspired by the experience of a broken relationship and the rejection I felt from someone I deeply cared about. I chose to express the emotion of the journey on canvas. I took time to listen; waiting to see where it would lead. As the painting progressed over four years, it went through multiple transformations, as did I. Through the process, I learned that forgiveness and unconditional love are powerful tools which can promote healing.
RESTORATION’S blues and greens represent the new life and peace we can experience as we embrace forgiveness. The chain draped across the top stands for hurt and rejection that breaks apart and falls away. The smaller gold metallic chain across both canvases remains connected as a symbol of forgiveness hopefully resulting in healing and restoration.
11 x 14 framed canvas panel. Shown in antique gold metal frame.
Another day draws to an end as the sun disappears below the horizon. The silhouette of the hillside is boldly pronounced against the afterglow of the evening sky. The wind calms and stillness settles in. It's twilight, my favorite time of day. There's just something about twilight that calms the soul. Inspired by the greenish tint of the western sky immediately after sunset as viewed from my front porch.
Twilight was constructed on a canvas panel using a thin layer of acrylic medium applied with a paint knife. Background shades of turquoise with a touch of black and orange worked into the crevices creates the sky. For a finishing touch, metallic gold scumbled over the relief surface brings dimension and creates the afterglow effect. The dark blue, green and black silhouette texture on the bottom portion has been scumbled with a touch of orange and metallic copper for added depth. Signed by the artist (sjh), it comes framed in a 3/8" antique gold metal frame along with a Certificate of Authenticity. It is sealed with a satin archival UV protective finish coat and is ready to hang.
Shown framed in room setting on small decorative chest.
Shown framed in room setting.
Thought I would take a moment to honor and share some heartfelt appreciation for the late artist, FrancIs Kendall, who lived in Whiteville, NC. Art was a big part of her life and she loved creating, teaching and sharing her enthusiasm and love for it with others. She was a kind, patient lady and an excellent teacher. She loved her family, loved working with all types and media of art, gardening and being out in nature.
Francis was a very special person and she had a major impact on my life. She was my first art teacher and mentor and was instrumental in my passion and pursuit of art. She instilled in me a sense of adventure when it comes to creating. I can still hear her telling me, "If it doesn't turn out right, just try again." She emphasized that when creating art, one should be willing to fearlessly try new ideas, techniques, combinations and media because you never know what you might discover. That has proved so true in my pursuit of acrylic mixed media abstraction.
Francis Kendall, I thank you for encouraging me on this path of creativity. I thank you for instilling a passion for art in me. It has taken me on interesting journeys and brought me to where I am today as an artist. I only wish it were possible to thank you in person but I have a feeling you already know the impact you had on my life and how much I love, appreciate and respect you.
BEYOND TODAY - 12 x 9
BEYOND TODAY is intended to be a symbolic reminder that we should look beyond the weight and cares of this world and see the light of a new day on the horizon.
SOLD
I sincerely hope the new owner will enjoy it for many years to come and that it will be a reminded to look forward with hope and a positive attitude.
Ahh...The sound of water, music to the ears, providing refreshment that quenches an inner thirst and restores a weary soul. Inspired by my love of the coast with alluring blue water and sandy white beaches where the mind is enticed to entertain thoughts of new hopes and dreams.
WATER SONG, 24 x 30 x 1.5 in., acrylic mixed-media on canvas
Water Song was constructed using a background of paint mixed with sand, modeling paste relief texture and layers of paper applied with acrylic gel. Thin layers of paint in buff, raw sienna, shades of blue, aqua and yellow were applied to give the sand and water appearance. Raw Umber was scumbled on top to add depth to the textured relief. Painting wraps the edges of the 24" x 30" x 1.5" gallery wrap canvas and is signed with artist signature (sjh) on the front in the bottom right hand corner. It is sealed with an archival UV protective varnish, wired and ready to hang. No frame required.
Click photos to enlarge
As we embrace truth, we experience grace and the chains that bind us — such as
un-forgiveness, anger, hurt, fear, etc. — begin to fall away. The inspiration for this painting came while I was seeking a better understanding of Grace and what it means. Grace = God’s mercy (undeserved favor) toward us.
The symbolic dove embedded in the texture has been released from the chains that had it bound, setting it free to fly.
RELEASED was created to hang vertically or horizontally. The painting consists of heavy relief texture and archival acrylic yellow paint with a gray and white wash. Burnt sienna scumbled on top accentuates the texture.
Painting wraps edges of the gallery wrap canvas and is sealed with a satin archival UV protective varnish.
Private Collector: Welshpool, Wales, UK.
Click images to enlarge.
RELEASED - 40 x 30 - Vertical View
RELEASED - 30 x 40 - Horizontal View
Calm Pursuit, 36 x 36 x 1.5
The inspiration for this abstract came from my pursuit for calmness in a hectic world where day-to-day responsibilities seem to pull me in every direction. Calm Pursuit is intended to convey the message that it takes grace along with commitment to pursue and maintain a state of calmness in everyday life regardless of circumstances.
The colors and texture of Calm Pursuit were inspired by coastal North Carolina. While growing up, I spent a lot of time on the beach enjoying the warm sand and sunshine. The beach always served as a haven and sanctuary for me, a place where I could get alone and just be--a place of calm.
The painting was constructed by starting with a background wash of neutral colors. The circles and patches of texture were created with a mixture of paste, gel medium and sand. The turquoise represents the ocean on a sunny day and the number 5 stands for grace. The five circles are symbolic of the grace I need to pursue calmness and freedom and maintain it.
The painting wraps the edges of the 36x36x1.5 inch gallery wrap canvas. It comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, artist signature (sjh) is on the front and it is wired and ready to hang. No frame needed.
Detail image 1.
Detail image 2.
Calm Pursuit - 36" x 36" shown in living room setting.
Calm Pursuit - 36" x 36" shown in another living room setting.
December 1st brought a beautiful sunny day with temperatures rising to the low 70's. Hubby and I headed for Chapel Hill in our SUV loaded with paintings. What a perfect day to deliver artwork for my first Chapel Hill solo exhibition. We arrived at the Library at 11:00 with 16 paintings in tow and met with Steve Wright, Public Art Coordinator for Chapel Hill Cultural Arts Division. Steve had two artists/installers on hand to help him with selection and hanging of the artwork. Ten paintings were selected to fit the 30 foot wall space inside the lower level entrance. Tape measure and level came out and Bryce (artist and professional installer) began to work his magic. The exhibit has good continuity and Bryce did a stellar hanging job. Hubby was quite impressed with his perfectionism. The remaining paintings returned home with us to fill in some of the now bare wall space in our home/studio.
If you are in the Chapel Hill area between now and February 11th, I invite you to stop by the lower level entrance at the Chapel Hill Public Library and check out the exhibit. All artwork is available for purchase and a percentage of sales will go to Hope Ignited.
While visiting the coast in October, I finally had an opportunity to walk through the STATE OF THE ART / ART OF THE STATE 2014 Exhibit at the Cameron Art Museum (CAM) in Wilmington, NC.
WOW! CAM did a fantastic job of installing the STATE OF THE ART 2014 Exhibit. I am in awe and amazed at how they received, organized, processed and installed all 678 pieces of artwork by 678 North Carolina Artists in a 24 hour time slot. Kudos to those in charge of getting it done.
Here are some of the photos I took during my visit. They will give you an idea of what NC Artists are up to these days and the magnitude of CAM's excellent installation job. Some of the photos may seem like duplicates because I was trying to capture different angles to include all the artwork...not sure if I succeeded or not. There was A LOT of art!
Below is a photo with my Kaleidoscope Dreams painting in the center background. My painting is 4 ft. x 4 ft. just to give you an idea of the scope of the displays.
Must admit I am excited! Received an invitation this week from the Public Art Coordinator of the Cultural Arts Division for the town of Chapel Hill, NC, inviting me to do a solo exhibition. The exhibit will be at the Chapel Hill Public Library December 1 - February 12, 2015.
So looking forward to my first exhibit in Chapel Hill!
KALEIDOSCOPE DREAMS, 48x48
My Kaleidoscope Dreams abstract has been delivered and hung in the State of the Art / Art of the State 2014 exhibition at Cameron Art Museum (CAM) in Wilmington, NC. Thanks goes out to CAM and all their great volunteers for doing such a stellar job. It was a very organized, smooth running sign-in, meet a curator and drop off art process. Each artist had the opportunity to meet one of the curators as they dropped off their artwork. I had the privilege of meeting with Heidi Zuckerman Jacobson from the Aspen Art Museum, Aspen, CO.
There are a record breaking 678 pieces of artwork by 678 North Carolina artists in this exhibit -- one you won't want to miss.
The SOTA 2014 Exhibition opened Saturday Sept. 20th and will end Feb. 12, 2015.
Do stop by the CAM if you are in the Wilmington area and check out the SOTA 2014 exhibit.
Organized by the Cameron Art Museum, this exhibition focuses on contemporary art by artists currently living in, or native to, the state of North Carolina. The design of this project provides any participating artist equal opportunity to meet a significant curator working in the field of contemporary art today and have their work seen by all visiting curators. Participating curators: Nora Burnett Abrams, Associate Curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (MCA Denver), Denver, CO; Peter Eleey, Curator and Associate Director of Exhibitions and Programs at MoMA PS1, New York, NY; Laura Hoptman, Curator in the Department of Painting and Sculpture at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York, NY; Heidi Zuckerman Jacobson, the Nancy and Bob Magoon CEO and Director, Aspen Art Museum, Aspen, CO.
