Mary Magdalene

I was invited to do a painting for, Art of the Restoration, a show now hanging at the Museum of Church History and Art in Salt Lake City.

I wrote the following about the painting:

I have envisioned the scene and wondered about Mary Magdalene at the tomb, following her conversation with the resurrected Savior. I picture Mary in thoughtful relief.

The different elements represented in this painting all have symbolic meaning.

From the dogwood tree, the cross was constructed. The white dogwood blossoms fall around the figure to symbolize the suffering that is past. Ivy symbolizes where Christ walked. Primula is a flower of compassion and a symbol of resurrection. The crocus represents of the resurrection and heavenly bliss. A chrysanthemum present when Christ was laid in the tomb. Easter Lilies a symbolize of the pure soul’s resurrection and the oriental poppy symbolise Christ’s blood. The passionflower that Mary holds represents Christ’s wounds or the suffering of Christ and the begonia symbolizes the heart of Jesus.
The Egg that hangs in the tree denotes a story about Mary and Emperor Tiberius.
One tradition concerning Mary Magdalene says that following the death and resurrection of Jesus, she used her position to gain an invitation to a banquet given by Emperor Tiberius. When she met him, she held a plain egg in her hand and exclaimed "Christ is risen!" Caesar laughed, and said that Christ rising from the dead was as likely as the egg in her hand turning red while she held it. Before he finished speaking, the egg in her hand turned a bright red, and she continued proclaiming the Gospel to the entire imperial house.[35] (Wikipedia)

The Process

I started with research, lots of research, which I very much enjoyed. Next, I did drawings, trying to capture the emotion I wanted the painting to portray. I envisioned the scene. I had/have an idea about what I think she might have felt, about love and peace and excitement and exhaustion.

After I had my drawing on the panel, I sat with it for a while. The color palette and how I use the space help set the mood of the painting. I thought and looked and then laid down some paint.

I started in acrylic, then used oil pastels to draw back into it.

Finishing up

Painting on a larger scale requires a lot of walking around the studio. I would paint, step back to get more paint, then step back further to look at the painting.

Someone asked me why I gave her such a 'womanly figure.' This friendly criticism was interesting to me. This someone stated that being a diminutive woman, it was odd that I would paint her with such a luscious figure. I obviously think the intimate, idealized women has a woman's figure.

I did drop the blue ribbon down to break up the big yellow space. Then I glazed, drew into it and glazed some more. If you get the chance to visit the museum, do. It glows. It exceeded my expectations. The opening is the evening of March 1.

I wrote a little about my paintings for Big Eyed Women here.

Big Eyed Women

I'm so excited to see this show. I'm usually obligated by participation to attend shows, but this one I would go see because I admire the work of several of these artists. I saw Anne Gregerson's sculptures when I was dropping my paintings off and had to put my hand over my mouth to muffle the high pitched scream of excitement. Muffling again at the memory! So do come to the gallery stroll this Friday to the SLC gallery stroll, and remember Kayo too.

Kayo Gallery this weekend

Dan Barney and I are in a show at Kayo Gallery, opening this weekend. This show is a fundraiser for the gallery and all paintings are 12x12 and $300 or under.

Chances of Glamour and Excitement Are Coming to You -Dan Barney

Kitty Wished for a Life of Glamour and Excitement -Cassandra Barney

I love pink and red and candy.

Littlest Kitten and I made the most lovely Valentine Boxes.

I think they will look good for Easter too. She has been painting the most lovely paintings as well.

All in Good Fun

Early Saturday morning, Dan had a rush of spontaneous creativity. He pulled me out of bed, handed me my coat and the camera and off we went...to the railroad tracks. I must apologize to anyone reading this post who finds these photos offensive. I'm not a photo snob but I am drawn things shiny, kitsch culture.

I wore Dan's coat but was missing an old suitcase, obviously.

This photo wins! Oh Dan Barney!

When creativity starts to flow, I don't know how to stop it.

Happy Valentine's Day!

I Love These So Much!

The paintings in the frames with the jewelry look even better than I imagined.
This pink painting is called Adelaide.
In the drawer on the frame is the necklace by Angela Henrie.
This is Anita, Kitty and Mona.
And here are Lisette and Birdie.
...and this is Clare. I'm going to give this little painting away at the show.

This set of paintings and necklaces will be on display one night only at Repartee Gallery in Fort Union (1110 East Fort Union BLVD,Midvale, UT) Saturday, February 12 · 6:00pm - 8:00pm. If you are interested in any of these and you can't make it to the show, contact Allison Dawson at (801)352-2569 or allison@reparteegallery.com

Show this Saturday

I can't wait to see the paintings, with necklaces, in the frames. The frames with drawers are almost finished.
I'll post images tomorrow.

A Box of Happiness

Don't worry, we opened it soon after arrival. There is no way we could have waited even 12 hours!

My dad and I ordered some art supplies that were on sale at ASW (Art Supply Warehouse) after going through the catalog page by page, looking at every single item. We were very disciplined with our list of items until we came to the page of Charvin oil colours.

They are the champagne of professional oil colours, imported from France! Oh my luxurious paint!

Actually, we haven't used them yet, but the names of the colours are indeed luxurious. How could we not buy Ombre Rose, Aubere Pink, Linen Blue Reddish, Celadon Green Pale, Charvin Warm Grey, Anise, Saint Remy Green Light, Pouzzoles Red and Absinthe Green.

When my dad ordered two ended brushes, I knew we were on a shopping high. Oh the rush of late night art supply shopping!
When I left his studio with my box of treats, he was twirling those brushes around, practicing painting with one end and then the other.

I can't wait until morning so I can try out some new colors.

Big Eyed Women

This Wasn't What She Planned for Them, But She Loved Them Just the Same


Big Eyed Women opens February 18th.
I'm trying to decide if I can sell this painting or not. There is a reason I don't often paint my kittens, I get too attached.

Big Eyed Women

With Her Heart Full of Love, She Sat and Listened

Her Home Was a Sanctuary

Oh How She Wanted to Protect Them

She Had Everything She Needed