Migration

This abstract is intended to serve as a reminder to embrace those seasons when it's time to transition into the next phase of life by migrating and moving on to explore new boundaries, leaving the past behind.

Hundreds of jeweled toned beads applied with an acrylic gel medium represent the lives of precious individuals in transition--migrating just as birds and butterflies migrate when seasons change. The net looking texture overlay was created by applying acrylic paste with a paint knife and symbolizes how our view can be obscured and how we must push through as we venture forward with only a glimpse of what lies ahead.

Painting is signed on the front with artist signature (sjh) and wraps edges of the 1.5" gallery wrap canvas. It is sealed with a satin archival UV protective finish coat. It comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and is wired and ready to hang. Does not require a frame.

Click on images to enlarge.

Acrylic/Mixed Media/Relief Sculpture
Stretched Gallery Canvas
30 x 24 in.

Shown in a gray room.

Shown in a yellow room.

Shown in a kitchen.

Shown in living room with blue sofa.

Close up photos of texture and bead details. Click to enlarge.

Shades of Sapphire 2

Acrylic/Mixed Media
Stretched Canvas
48 x 48 in.
SOLD (Commission)

Commercial Installation: Blue Rhino Corporate Office main entrance, Winston-Salem, NC

Commissioned artwork created for the feature wall in the main entrance of the Blue Rhino Corporate Office in Winston-Salem, NC. The concept came from my previous painting titled “Shades of Sapphire” which was inspired by a study of the natural sapphire gemstone.


"Thank you Susan!  The painting looks amazing!"
Keagan Pope
CJMW Architecture
Winston-Salem, NC

Shades of Sapphire 2 Installation

This morning the commissioned 48"x48" Shades of Sapphire 2 artwork was delivered and installed in the lobby of the Blue Rhino/Blue Cross Blue Shield building in Madison Park at 5650 University Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC. It seemed to be happy to reach it's final destination. I had no idea where it was going to hang, so needless to say, I was extremely pleased to see the display they had prepared for it in the main lobby. 

Thank you, Keagan P. of CJMW Architecture for choosing sjh Fine Art for this project! It was a pleasure to work with you.

Welcome August

It's August 1st and the temperature is a delightful 68 degrees--a very rare thing in deed. The humidity is at 95% because of the rain but we sure need it. It's been a very hot, dry June and July so the rain and lower temps are welcome and appreciated. The humidity makes for slow drying times for paint but I have five paintings in progress. There’s still plenty to do. A couple are in their final stages... I think!

Sands of Time

As I started applying the layers of texture and paint to this painting, memories of growing up and spending time on the coast of North Carolina flooded my thoughts. My family owned property on Oak Island the majority of my life and most of my days there were spent on the beach. As I reminisced of days gone by, a poem expressing my feelings of being at the beach began to emerge, leading me to the title Sands of Time.  

Sands of Time - 48x48 overall - Acrylic Mixed Media

SANDS OF TIME

Strolling barefoot on the beach
Warm sand beneath my feet
Ocean spray against my face
Footprints in the sand, my only trace

Waves crashing on the sandy shore
Leaving me waiting
Listening for more

On the beach is where I thrive
All my senses intensely alive
Recording images in my mind
Memories that mark the sands of time

 

~ ~ ~

I started painting Sands of Time in 2010. The painting took 2 years of applying texture and paint, waiting, listening, and studying it to determine where to go with each layer. It reached a stopping point in 2012 where it camped for a couple of years; but inside, I knew it wasn't finished so I waited. In 2014, I knew it was time to revisit the painting and see where it would lead next. I am an intuitive painter. Intuition takes over as I begin to apply texture and paint. My creative painting process is a journey where I seek to express my inner feelings and emotions. Working in layers, with drying time in between, I let each layer take me on a journey as I become the painting and the painting becomes me. Sands of Time is a perfect example of that process. 

Click on images to enlarge

This abstract is a diptych on two 48 x 24 x 1.5 inch gallery wrap canvases. It has 20+ layers of relief texture consisting of tissue paper adhered with acrylic gel, modeling paste applied with a paint knife, layers of paint and blocks of coarse copper metallic pigment. Paint and texture wrap the edges of the canvases. Natural or direct lighting enhances the reflective copper blocks and copper highlights. It comes with Certificate of Authenticity, artist signature (sjh) is on the front of each panel and it is wired and ready to hang. The two panels may be hung together, spaced apart, in reverse order or on separate walls. 

Closeup photos of textural detail:  Click on images to enlarge

Upper left corner texture detail.

Center section texture detail.

Shows how texture and painting wraps the edges of the canvas.

Another example showing how texture and painting wraps the edges of the canvas

Quietude

Quietude invites the seeker of rest to withdraw from the clamor and chaos of life and enter into a state of being where peace and calmness reside. Only those who court quietude catch its rewards of ideas and imagination.

The inspiration for this 48" x 48" abstract came during a vacation to the Nantahala National Forest in Western North Carolina. The morning view of the mountains rising up out of the low-lying morning fog and clouds was absolutely captivating and I wanted to abstractly capture it.  

Quietude has an acrylic raw umber and gray washed background with dark raw umber modeling paste used to create the relief texture. The lighter tan relief (middle left) is composed of gel medium mixed with ash. Scumbled metallic gold pigment highlights and accentuates the textured relief areas. Painting wraps edges of the stretched 1.5" gallery wrap canvas. It is wired and ready to hang. 

This abstract has a very calm, peaceful feel and would make a lovely addition to any living room, dining room, bedroom, office or lobby.

Quietude -  Shown in a bedroom setting.

Quietude - 48 x 48 x 1.5 - Shown hanging in a living room setting.

Commission Project

The month of May has been consumed with working on a 48" x 48" commissioned project for a client in Winston-Salem, NC, and a two-canvas painting titled Sands of Time. Below is a photo of the commissioned artwork, Shades of Sapphire 2.

 SHADES OF SAPPHIRE 2, 48x48

I must admit we are enjoying this painting while waiting for instructions on the delivery date and location. It is nice to be able to enjoy a piece before it has to be delivered. Thank you, K.P. of CJMW Architecture for commissioning this piece. It was a joy to create!

Painting Delivery

Heading to Winston-Salem this morning to deliver Focus for the 2014 Second Spring Arts Exhibit and Competition which will take place at the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts from May 9th thru 30th. Hope you will stop by and enjoy the exhibit if you are in the area.

Focus is available for purchase and looking for a good home.

Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts
251 North Spruce Street
Winston-Salem, NC  map

 

"FOCUS" Wins Award

Friday (2/28/14), John and I made a quick day trip to Southport, NC, to deliver two paintings—Focus and Peaceful Waters—to the Franklin Square Gallery for the Spring Art Show sponsored by Associated Artists of Southport  Delivery went very smooth and there was a lot of fantastic artwork being delivered. By the way, Franklin Square Gallery is a great gallery and definitely worth visiting if you are ever in the Southport area.

It was a beautiful sunny day, although a bit windy and chilly but still a good day for a trip. Getting in the car and taking day trips has always been a favorite pastime of ours. An added perk to the trip was that we got to visit with my sister who lives on Oak Island. It was a nice day.

On Sunday, Associated Artists of Southport called to say that show judge Kate Worm had awarded Focus with an Honorable Mention Award. I am humbled and thrilled that it has been recognized and awarded. This is my first award!

HONORABLE MENTION AWARD
FOCUS, 24x36

My 2013 Painting Story... To Paint or Not to Paint?

This may seem a little long, but please bare with me because I believe there is a message in this account of my 2013 painting story.

The Question
2013 was a year to remember. It began with a lack of inspiration to paint so I questioned if I was to continue creating art. For the first time in 10 years, I had no desire, no vision, no energy to paint. Creativity was at an ebb. Every time I tried, nothing worked. Life had become encumbered and demanding leaving me with very limited studio time and resulting in exhaustion and discouragement. Since I have always been an artist who paints from the heart, conveying emotion and feeling, these were major obstacles. I’ve always known my artistic talent, desire and painting ability were gifts from God and since the gifts were not flowing, there must be a reason. So, I asked myself, “Do I continue to paint or do I let it go?”

The Decision
I decided to let it go and stop fretting over it. I had no desire to paint if it was out of my own ability. I was at peace about letting go. I knew that if I was to continue, it would be in God’s timing. That He would give me the desire, ability, strength and the inspiration. So I decided to take a sabbatical from painting. I cleaned up my studio and put away all my paints, brushes and drop cloths. I needed to take time to be still, to focus my attention elsewhere. I needed to put God first. It was vital to get direction for what was next in my life and discover if painting was even to be in the equation. Art had been my life long desire but now I was faced with the question if that was what I was to continue doing.

I thought once I quit painting, it would be easy to focus but every time I desperately tried to set aside quiet time, it was consumed by daily demands. I continually found myself becoming frustrated and realized there was a need to set some boundaries in my life. It’s interesting, almost comical how, when you try to set your priorities in order, the universe seems to come against you with both barrels blazing.

Testing the Waters
April arrived with an unexpected email announcing the Town of Chapel Hill’s Juried Exhibitions Series for 2014. Since it had been a desire of mine to show in Chapel Hill and the exhibit was a year away, I decided to send in an entry. I guess you could say I was testing the waters. May came and went with no news and I had forgotten about the Chapel Hill entry application.

The end of June I received notice my artwork had been approved and I was scheduled to exhibit 15-20 paintings in Chapel Hill Nov. 2014 thru Jan. 2015. Wow! I had no idea they would want that many! A moment of panic struck but I took comfort in the fact that I had over a year to meet the requirement. After inventorying my paintings, I thought there were enough suitable ones on hand for the exhibit so I felt no pressure or urge to start painting again. I could remain on the sabbatical in the coasting mode for a while. At least this opportunity provided one of the first glimmers of hope that I may paint again. (Side Note: During the 2013 summer flooding of Chapel Hill, the Town Hall where I was to exhibit suffered extensive damage and is being totally renovated; therefore, the exhibition dates have been pushed back to 2015-2016 allowing even more time to complete new artwork.)

Encouragement
Dealing with priorities continued. The first week of August two paintings, AFTERNOON JOY and JOY UNLEASHED sold. The painting titles seemed significant since the sale certainly did bring joy along with a spark of encouragement.

Inspirations for new paintings still eluded me but I began to feel a nudging desire to get my studio prepared for painting again, so I did. I also purchased a daily art journal to try to stir up some creativity but before I could get the first journal entry done, an email arrived with an inquiry from California for a commissioned painting similar to my RIVER OF HOPE abstract. How significant is that? It was a river of hope that I needed to flow again to encourage me to paint and to see the titles and descriptions of my artwork bring a bit of encouragement to others once again. I could not help but believe God was directing my steps and reassuring me to move forward and resume painting.

The Commission
In the past, commissions have been a bit intimidating and scary for me. I have a tendency to put too much pressure and stress on myself which can sometimes hinder the creative freedom of painting. The commission was for a larger, custom size painting similar to RIVER OF HOPE. This offered a different type of challenge. I pushed past the anxious feelings and agreed to accept the job. I still had the original painting in the studio for referral purposes so that made it seem more doable. (Side note:  Most of my paintings have 20+ layers of texture and paint and there is no set formula or order of application. Each one takes its own direction as layers are applied producing different end results. Therefore, to recreate one that is similar in texture and color can be challenging.)

I explained the painting process to my client and promised I would try to get as close to the color and design of the original RIVER OF HOPE as possible, but there were no guarantees; meanwhile secretly hoping could measure up to the task. This was a new undertaking which I admit triggered a bit of excitement.  

The Journey
The client wanted the commissioned piece to arrive in time for Thanksgiving, so we immediately began moving forward. It took several weeks to process the details of invoicing, waiting for the deposit to arrive and clear, ordering the custom size canvas, texturizing materials, paints, etc. I was thankful Thanksgiving was falling on the last Thursday of November in 2013 instead of the next to last; this gave me an extra week to meet the desired delivery date.

Canvas and supplies finally arrived the first week of October leaving only seven weeks for the painting process and curing time. I immediately embarked on the journey of painting RIVER OF HOPE II. My abstracts normally take anywhere from 3 to 12 weeks to complete depending on the size and amount of layering and an additional 2 to 3 weeks is required for drying and curing especially if the painting has to be shipped. Weather can play a major factor in the process. If it’s rainy or very humid (we have a lot of high humidity in North Carolina), it can definitely affect and extend drying times. It is important for the paint, texture and sealant to cure properly so the finish will not be damaged during packing and shipping. With all that said, painting commenced and I began applying layers of texture and paint. It progressed at an amazingly rapid pace and quicker than expected making the requested pre-Thanksgiving delivery date more feasible. This in turn provided me with a much needed sense of accomplishment and encouragement. I was aware of God’s hand in the process.

Perfect Timing
Two weeks into the commissioned project I received an inquiry from a client in Massachusetts wanting to purchase the original RIVER OF HOPE abstract. Thankfully RIVER OF HOPE II was almost to the completion stage and for the most part finished except for a few final touches. WOW!!! Talk about perfect timing! If the MA client had wanted the original one a month or even two weeks earlier, I am not sure if I could have painted the commissioned one. To say the least, I was very encouraged and felt I was being inspired to paint again.

RIVER OF HOPE II commissioned painting on top and RIVER OF HOPE original abstract on bottom.

PEACEFUL WATERS original abstract on top and PEACEFUL WATERS II commissioned painting on bottom.

Giving Thanks
I am thankful I decided to take on the River of Hope 2 commission. It went extremely well and gave me a new level of confidence where commissions are concerned. That confidence led me to accept yet another commission request for the Wake Forest Baptist Health Cancer Center while I was still working on River of Hope 2. The Cancer Center commission was for a larger version of my Peaceful Waters abstract and was also due by Thanksgiving. The day River of Hope 2 was finished and set aside to cure, I started painting Peaceful Waters 2. I was thankful this one would be hand delivered and didn’t have to be shipped; therefore, the curing time allowance was not as crucial.

YAY! No, make that a DOUBLE YAY!!!  River of Hope 2 shipped and made it to California in plenty of time for Thanksgiving and the client was extremely pleased. Peaceful Waters 2 was completed and hand delivered the day before Thanksgiving to Village Smith Galleries in Winston-Salem. The gallery was responsible for framing it in a floating frame prior to installation at the Cancer Center the first part of December. WHEW! All deadlines were met. I admit I was amazed and never dreamed it would be possible—5 weeks from start to finish on River of Hope 2 and 2-1/2 weeks on Peaceful Waters 2. I reminded myself that with God all things are possible. Once again I could sense God’s hand throughout this whole process. 

An Answer
Yes! It was time to pick back up that dream I had so very long ago of being an artist.  And, yes, I believe I am to continue painting. So, as God enables me, I will do my best to be obedient to His calling.

The Message
After all three paintings were delivered, I had an overwhelming sense there was a message in the timing of these abstracts. One river of hope was in Massachusetts and the other in California with peaceful waters in between. So, there is now a River of Hope on both east and west coasts of the United States—from the rising of the sun to its setting. And…there is Peaceful Waters 2 in between.
I believe the symbolism in this message is for those who will choose to hear, believe and put their faith in Almighty God. I believe He is encouraging America to hold on to the River of Hope which flows continually from His throne of grace. It is by His grace and mercy that we live and breathe and by His grace and mercy that we are not consumed but can continue to have hope for our future. He is the One Who gives us peace in the midst of trials and turmoil. His love is unconditional and never ending. He is for us and not against us. So, look up! Put your trust and faith in God. He is the same yesterday, today and forever!  He will never leave us or forsake us. He loves us with an everlasting love and He will make a way where there seems to be no way. It is in Him that we have a River of Hope and through Him that we can dwell beside Peaceful Waters.

Focus

FOCUS - Shown Hanging Vertically, 36 x 24 x 1.5

Honorable Mention Award, 2014 Spring Art Show, Southport, NC

This abstract is symbolic of the peaceful calm that emerges as we adjust our focus. So many times we become overwhelmed by the entanglement of distractions in life but as we turn our focus toward the promises of God's love and protection, the entanglements fall away and are replaced with an inner peace and hope.

Focus was constructed by using light modeling paste applied with a paint knife topped with patches of white, aqua and green acrylic pigment representing a state of peaceful calm. Twisted strands of burlap were adhered with gel medium to symbolize the distractions that come and try to pull us away from our focused goal. The random metallic copper circles represent promises and serve as a reminder to stay focused on that which produces peace and calm in our lives. 

Painting wraps edges of the 1.5" gallery wrap canvas and is sealed with a satin archival UV protective varnish. Natural and/or direct lighting is recommended to accentuate the copper metallic circles. Artist signature (sjh) is on the front and it comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. It is wired and ready to hang. Does not require a frame. Focus is one of those abstracts which may hang vertically or horizontally depending on space requirements. (Examples below.)

 

Honorable Mention Award  
2014 Spring Art Show
Franklin Square Gallery, Southport, NC

 

Click images to enlarge.

Shown hanging horizontally. 

Shown hanging vertically.

Painting wraps edge of canvas.

Closeup sectional detail.

Closeup sectional detail

Closeup sectional detail.

Town of Chapel Hill's Juried Exhibitions Series - Postponed!

The Town of Chapel Hill’s Juried Exhibitions Series for 2014-2015 has been postponed due to construction and remodeling. The Town Hall suffered significant damage during the flooding of Chapel Hill this past summer.  I am still on the calendar for the following year and am looking forward to seeing the Town Hall once it’s finished. As of now, I will probably be in the same time slot—November 2015 thru January 2016—but that may change so I will post any changes and updates.

 

Thanks to Carol W. and the Cancer Center at Wake Forest Baptist

On October 19th, Carol W., the designer responsible for acquiring artwork for the newly renovated Wake Forest Baptist Health Cancer Center in Winston-Salem, NC, contacted me. After reviewing my artwork, she commissioned me to do a 40” x 50” painting similar to Peaceful Waters.  I spent the next two weeks in the studio diligently painting in order to meet the before Thanksgiving delivery deadline. The painting went amazingly well and I give thanks that the weather cooperated enabling the paint and texturizing materials to dry quickly enabling me to stay on schedule—when applying 23 plus layers, it is crucial that each layer dry correctly to achieve the proper result. 

PEACEFUL WATERS 2, 40x50

The painting was finished on the 19th, allowing time to apply the sealant on the 20th.  The sealant normally needs to cure for 2-3 weeks before a painting can be wrapped and shipped but since this one was to be hand delivered, the shorter two day drying time was sufficient.  It was a beautiful, sunny Friday on November 22nd when I delivered the finished painting to Village Smith Galleries at Reynolda Village in Winston-Salem to be framed in a floater frame prior to hanging at the Cancer Center. 

I have never had one of my paintings framed in a floater frame so I am looking forward to seeing it after it is installed.  I will try to get a picture and post that later.

Thank you, Carol for giving me the opportunity to paint Peaceful Waters 2 for the WFBH Comprehensive Cancer Center.  I am honored and thrilled that my artwork was chosen and it is my deepest desire that Peaceful Waters 2 will speak to the hurting hearts of cancer patients and their loved ones.

 

Peaceful Waters 2

PEACEFUL WATERS 2, 40x50

Acrylic/Mixed Media
Stretched Canvas
40 x 50 in.
SOLD (Commission)

Peaceful Waters 2 is a commissioned original abstract similar in color and design to the first Peaceful Waters abstract painting. It is representative of only a small aspect of the many facets of water and predominately inspired by the vibrant blues and greens of the Caribbean.

Commercial Installation:
Wake Forest Baptist Health Cancer Care Center, Winston-Salem, NC

Thank you, Serei!

In September I received an inquiry from Serei C. in California for a 40"x 50” painting similar to River of Hope.  After emailing back and forth and a phone conversation to discuss specifics, the painting was commissioned and underway. River of Hope 2 was painted, sealed, cured and shipped out the first week in November to it’s new home in California.  It arrived safely, was uncrated, and waiting to be hung. 

Here is what Serei said in an email after unpacking River of Hope 2
”...I just wanted to tell you how pleased I am with the painting.  Also, you and your husband did a phenomenal job with the packing!  Our 13 year son helped open up the crate and he said he liked the detailed instructions and drawings on the crate.  Additionally, your bio is very impressive; you are such an accomplished artist! It has been a pleasure working with you and exchanging emails, I really enjoyed the process. We have not hung the picture yet, still enjoy looking at it in front of the fire place; we will put it up this weekend and will email you the picture once it is up.  Thank you again for your wonderful work on the RIVER OF HOPE II."

~~Thank you, Serei!  I am thrilled that River of Hope 2 has found such a loving, appreciative home. It always thrills my heart when a collector is pleased with one of my paintings. You were a pleasure to work with and I sincerely hope the painting will bring you many years of enjoyment. 

RIVER OF HOPE II Installation (photo by client)

River of Hope 2

RIVER OF HOPE 2, 40x50

Acrylic/Mixed Media
Stretched Canvas
40 x 50 in.
SOLD (Commission)

River of Hope 2 is a commissioned original abstract similar in color and design to the first River of Hope abstract. Amid the turmoil of life with its unanswered questions, doubts and fears, runs a river of hope. This river flows continually inviting us to come, sit and drink in the refreshment of hope, trust and encouragement it freely offers.

Private Collector:  Yorba Linda, CA

Random Matter 2

This original abstract has a textured overlay of russet red with copper metallic highlights. The underlying painting of blues, greens, turquoise, and periwinkle was glazed to add a slight sheen. It is representative, in a way, of the underlying patterns hidden in the randomness of life.

Several of my abstracts offer the option of being hung horizontally or vertically. Random Matter II is one of those abstracts.

Sometimes turning an abstract painting can make it look entirely different. When viewing an abstract, try to visualize it hanging a different way and keep in mind that it may offer a better fit for a particular hanging space. It's like getting two paintings in one.

 

Click photos for enlarged view.

Random Matter 2-  (Vertical)
Textured Acrylic/Mixed Media
Stretched Gallery Canvas
30 x 40 in.

Shown hanging vertically in a lobby.

Horizontal

Shown hanging horizontally over a sofa.

RIVER OF HOPE goes to MA

Thank you Mari S. for choosing River of Hope. I sincerely hope it is everything you expected it to be and that it will bring years of enjoyment. It was a pleasure doing business with you.

RIVER OF HOPE

River of Hope

RIVER OF HOPE, 24x30

Acrylic/Mixed Media
Stretched Canvas
24 x 30 in.
SOLD

This abstract is intended to be symbolic of the hope we can have in life if we choose to pursuit it. Amid the turmoil of life, with its unanswered questions, doubts and fears, runs a River of Hope. This river flows continually inviting us to come, sit and drink in the refreshment of hope, trust and encouragement it freely has to offer.

River of Hope was constructed by applying thick layers of acrylic paste with a paint knife. Once dry, layer upon layer of paint in shades of blue, green and yellow were applied. Additional paste mixed with brown pigment was then applied using a spatula to create the petal/small leaf designs and natural oak leaves were embedded in acrylic gel to add interest, giving the appearance of leaves floating on a river. Scumbled shades of white, raw umber and gold metallic provided the finishing touch.

Sold to a Buyer in Massachusetts

From East to West

A few weeks ago I had a request from a collector in California for a commissioned painting similar to River of Hope only larger. The original River of Hope is 24x30 and the commissioned one is 40x50. 

Painting larger means more planning, more product and more time. It was a challenge to see if I could recreate 20+ layers and come up with something similar in color and texture but I enjoyed the process. I felt like it went very well.  

TOP: RIVER OF HOPE 2  --  BOTTOM: RIVER OF HOPE original abstract

I finished the commissioned painting (River of Hope 2) over the weekend.  It is currently in the curing stage—must cure before it can be packed and shipped.

Talk about perfect timing. Yesterday the River of Hope original abstract sold to a client in Massachusetts.  Now there will be a River of Hope on the East Coast and River of Hope 2 on the West Coast. 

Hmmm… Perhaps there’s a message in this….