As you already know, I always work in series based upon a central concept. My most recent series, entitled The Laws of Nature, is a comment on the constraints on technology by the natural laws that govern our universe. This is why humans can't build the "perfect" machine that runs on perpetual motion. All of our efforts are and will be limited and imperfect. So, each painting in this series is my interpretation of a particular natural law as it applies to a fatally flawed mechanical system.
All paintings in this series are watercolor on paper and 26" x 20" in size. I don't use models or photographs for reference. Rather, I rely on my imagination and intuition to draft and paint.
Yesterday, I completed the seventh painting in this series, entitled The First Law of Thermodynamics (below).
The Universal Law of Gravity (slideshow above) is now hanging in the 30th Annual International Exhibition of the San Diego Watercolor Society where it also won an award.
The Law of Reciprocal Action (slideshow above) is now hanging in the Aqueous USA exhibition sponsored by the Kentucky Watercolor Society where it, too, won an award.
Entropy (slideshow above) has just been juried into the 34th Annual International Exhibition of the North East Watercolor Society and will be hung next month.
Finally, The Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics (slideshow above) appears in the ebook and DVD entitled A Walk Into Abstracts: How Did They Do That? by Sue St. John. Northlight books will produce this book in hard copy next year.
So, that's the update. Presently, I'm formulating thoughts about the next (eighth) painting in this series. I hope to complete at least two dozen or more.
Tomorrow: Chapter 9 of Kimmelman's book.
Happy painting!
16 comments:
Kathy, You are so incredible, I don't even know how to express my awe! I will just say, bravo, bravo! I look forward to the next installment.
Fascinating. And congratulations!
Scrolling above, I came to the "zeroth law" and had to look it up.
I can't keep up with you!!! But I could go see the KY painting live and in person :) Congratulations - your hard work, your determination, and your talent are all shining across the country for us.
Hi Kathy, I particularly like paintings that make me want to study them, and study them, and look..your series on the Laws of Nature work for me. Congratulations!
What I can't figure out is how these keep getting better. Very, very inspiring.
Congratulations on the recognitions and exhibits. I have a feeling more are coming.
Trés bien! This is full of motion and transformation. I like the green-golds too. I'm wondering what the framing is like... would I prefer something like brushed steel or matt black! And are the different pictures in the series framed with the same look?
I love it, Kathy. Now, I'm going to cheat and copy my comment from yesterday that I left on your photobucket account:
I like the new palette. It really reinforces the 'coldness' of the icy prisms and the 'warmth' of the ribbons of heat that run through the entire piece. Supposedly energy cannot be created, but I think you've achieved it - or maybe you just transfered it from your brushes to the paper... Either way, another masterful piece.
-Don
Gorgeous Kathy! I'm in awe of your talent and drive to continually produce such quality pieces. Congratulations on all of your successes, they are so well deserved. And I'm so glad you share yourself and your talent here on your blog.
Hi ALL - thank you for your extraordinary encouragement and support! I'm humbled by it and can't even begin to live up to it. You're all so kind.
As for the framing, Mark, they're all done the same and according to the specs for some of these competitions: white mats and the frame is brushed gold metal (no ornamentation).
Thanks for noting the palette, Don. That's what I was going for.
Your work is amazing, Kathy! And it is duly honored in shows and publications. I cannot wait to see how you play this out for two dozen more of these remarkable creations.
I think it is great - all the recognition you are getting for this series. I remember when you stopped the eggs and seemed to be floundering for a while for a series theme - you really came up with a good one! And your skill and creativity are so evident in each and every piece! Congratulations!
Lots of great news. Congratulations.
Don usually knows of what he speaks so I'm going to look for the icy prisms and ribbons of heat. I learn from your blog and from the comments.
I love all your "machinery" paintings--and I am surprised that you use no reference..I would never be able to conjure up these types of images from my head! I am so impressed. Congratulations on the shows and awards. I can tell why they are so well received -they are complex, but (conversely!) also engaging...like a few miles of sophisticated Rube Goldberg...each painting makes me wonder..what will happen next?
THANK YOU ALL!
Hi Kathy, I found your blog through Dan's blog (Dan's Canvas). This is an amazing series of paintings both in terms of sheer skill, of which I am in total awe, and theme.
I am currently researching the theme of opposites, and I've chosen to go down the route of Newton's Three Laws of Motions, particularly the Third Law, so it is of particular interest to me, to see your interpretation of Laws. Thank you!
Hi Heather - great!! I can't wait to see what you produce. The Newtonian Laws are fun to consider. Happy painting!
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