recent paintings and news

recent paintings and news

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

plein air painting, short and brief



Got all the way out to the hay field 

only to realize the unimaginable
 
forgot my white

went to ride my bike to fetch it

bungee cord stuck in the spokes
 
 hiked back to get white and knife

 started painting

  everyone and their dogs thought I needed conversion

 dog knocked over easel


 The intention was to bring this out and resume on a 'calmer' evening, but now I quite like it as is..





July, remains of the day
cold wax & oil
 plein air, 16x20in
 copyright Jan Yates, 2014
available

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

the summer day



I was supposed to be doing yard work this morning, deadheading, trimming etc.

Then the wind brought me yet another Robin’s nest-and I just couldn’t help myself.

New additions to my ‘summer day’ series:








_






Friday, July 18, 2014

a pretty good day so far


When I think of the horror and heartache that is currently happening in other parts of the world, I wonder how survivors cope-or at least get through. The human spirit is strong and tenacious, but  I am a coward-I don’t think I could get through if I couldn’t create.

Thank fate or god or both that I live where I do- and try never to take it for granted.


 July, a pretty good day so far
oil in canvas, plein air
24x36in, copyright Jan Yates 2014
available


Thursday, July 17, 2014

a dangerous world


Taking flight
Please
be all right

I can’t help but worry. I’ve watched them gather materials, build the cradle, nurture and fiercely protect their babies. Only to be sent out to a cruel world.

On yesterday’s walk my heart broke yet again-the fields were being plowed. The fields where my Red-wings and Bobolinks build their families.

I am hoping the fledglings were strong enough to take flight.


 July, a summer day
encaustic mixed media on panel
8 1/2x11in, copyright Jan Yates 2014
available

Friday, July 11, 2014

why I like plein air painting



Sky is full

 Blinding when the sun falls

Squint and only see patterns

a circle of brilliant pulsating light-shapes

Illuminating field

Now, the portal



 July, remains of the day
 oil on canvas, plein air 12x24in
copyright Jan Yates 2014 
available


The summer evenings here in Niagara have been comfortably cool. Below, students enjoying the late golden light.

 




If you are interested in coming out for some plein air sessions, just let me know. The lovely thing about painting up here is you can work pretty well undisturbed by passers by-well, if you don't count the odd dog or two...

Monday, July 7, 2014

taking flight



taking flight
is not a given
all though not always right
all is not lost


Thirty-odd nests have made their way to me over the years. They are not ‘stolen’ as I know birds like to return year after year to the same spot and use the existing structure and build on it-the less work for them the better!
No, they are nests that have been blown down by the fierce winds or abandoned, like the cardinals’ nest in this image.
 



July
 a summer day
 8x10in, oil & cold wax on canvas 
words/image copyright Jan Yates 2014
available

The cardinals were nesting in a vine structure on the porch and one day the mother did not come back.

The heartbreak was in the Father. For weeks and weeks he would call for her, over and over through out the day, his frantic whistles painfully pleading for her return.

So I thought it fitting to make this on the porch. I’ve highlighted the nest, on the lower left, in the image below.



Wednesday, July 2, 2014

taking flight



I watched you
Taking Flight
hoping for
a full circle
and a
safe landing


A Summer Day
cold wax & oil on canvas, 8x16in
copyright Jan Yates 2014 
available