Big Flowers & Birds

Just as chilly winds arrive, I've finished the mural I started in a heat wave.

finishing up the Cherry Tree

detail of Daffodil panel: click here to see it being painted 

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I didn't know exactly what would happen when I started work: how would the polymer compound colors handle, would they feel like paint? Would the colors show up well on the grey background? How would the wall's texture affect the look of the flowers?

With my first brushstroke, the sun broke through the clouds and birds began to sing. Not really, but it did feel that way! This was like no painting experience I've had before - not only did I have room to expand as much as I liked, but the silky and luminous colors took to the surface in a magical way. The grey wall acted as perfect counterpoint to lots of bright saturated color, and the effect for me is both soothing and energizing.

Painting this mural was different than my other public projects: Stamford Hospital's Bennett Cancer Center is a community of care and healing, and people come here in times of great personal challenge. Even so, almost every one of them stopped to appreciate the flowers and tree. I've been overwhelmed by people's gratitude for and interest in the project, and it has allowed me to see my work as necessary and impactful. 

I got to know some of the staff a little bit as they helped out countless times and stopped by regularly to check and discuss progress. The input, especially from George, who helped me move around 30 gallons of paint and assorted equipment safely and efficiently, made the project feel very collaborative and appreciated.

It's a rare gift to understand how my art will do once it's out of my hands. I may see photos of a painting in a client's home or business, but I don't often have a sense of what role the art will play in their daily lives. It's very clear to me that this Flower Walk Mural is being appreciated every day.
 

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Now I'm thinking about what could be next for me, hopefully more big art right out in public for everyone to enjoy!
Meanwhile, check out a few of my paintings on exhibit right now:

Artists for Artists: I'm honored to show with so many incredible artists!! Bid on Bluebird here through October 20, & see the exhibit online here (scroll down for Bluebird, lot 140), or in person at 111 Franklin Street NYC (make an appointment first, at (212) 966-0300). Livestream benefit auction is TONIGHT at 6pm, click here to attend.

Painter Margaret Tsirantonakis invited me to show my Sparrow alongside her Cardinal at the Loft Artists Association's Bring another Friend to the LAA. Exhibit runs October 3 through November 1, & the gallery at 575 Pacific Street in Stamford CT is open Fridays 5-7:30 pm & Saturdays 1-4, or call (203) 247-2027 for more info or to purchase Sparrow.
 

I hope you are okay and navigating this rough ride we are on - let me know how you are doing!
All the best,
Alissa