Tuesday, January 03, 2012

4 Generations

We in Ohio have been blessed with really good weather for a change.  We have not had much snow at all, other than a tiny dusting here and there - that is - until today.  Today I think we got nearly 10" and there is supposed to be a little more on the way.  It is January after all.  But somehow I had this irrational hope that it would hold off until, oh, say...about APRIL!  And then, be SPRING!  Ha-ha!

I've had a lot of little changes in my life this fall and have had to come to terms with some health issues, but overall, I'm a very lucky lady.  And I even found a little time to make some art before Christmas - most of which was gifted to others.  I did the little 8" x 8" painting here - done in acrylics and mixed media.  I gave it to my sister Carrie (who is a writer) and while it isn't an accurate snapshot of the women in our family, it is perhaps more "representational" of them.  I really love that primitive, flat-dimensioned look of the paintings done in the early 1800's so was going for that sort of look, but they were meant to depict, L-R, back row - my mom Patricia Louise Strachan Ryman, her mom, Mildred Elizabeth Irvin Strachan and HER mom, Carrie Minerva Mitchell Irvin.  The front row is, L-R - my sisters, Cynthia Lea Ryman Newsome and Carrie Ann Ryman and me, Diana Louise Ryman.  It was a lot of fun to work on and I think my sweet sis really liked it.

In 2012 I'm hoping to focus on more de-cluttering of my art stash, painting a room or two in the house and the more fun type of painting - on canvas.  I've always admired the looser, more "painterly" style some artists such as Mystele and Sharon Tomlinson, achieve.  So I plan to teach myself how to paint this way too.  I feel like my work is too up-tight and controlled.  One of my friends, Jean Field, recently suggested that I "use a larger brush" to help me achieve this look, so I'll start there.  Sounds so simple, doesn't it?  Ha! Wish me luck!

6 comments:

Micki Wilde said...

You did a great job with that painting, I get so flustered when I have to paint more than one face in a painting lol

I love the bunting too, so pretty!!

Sue said...

I love this, Diana! Beautiful work. Miss you xo

Sue said...

& also...Happy Birthday!! Wish I could be there to celebrate with you :)

Carrie A Ryman said...

Dinee: I loved your blog and was happy to see you featured your wonderful painting. I am looking over my office and found the perfect spot for it. Love you so much and thanks again! I feel honored that it's mine to keep! Wow, an original Diana Ryman piece!!

Isabel said...

Love this painting and Ive wanted to try painting much looser to not controlled like my art I will have to try the large paintbrush:O)

Lesley Riley said...

I love this piece, Diana. The love and emotion really show through.