My Word Of The Year- An Attempt To Reflect And Focus

A dear friend recently mentioned that she was looking forward to hearing about my new word of the year. I actually hadn’t been pondering that at all and was grateful for the reminder to reflect, focus and gather my resolve. Re- words seem to resonate with me quite a bit so I made a list of those but none of them seemed to fit this particular year. Upon looking up the prefix re-, I was reminded that it not only means “again” but it also indicates going backward. That certainly is not what I need to focus on. 

In January 2023,  I wrote that my dad has an incurable chronic illness. He has entered the final chapter with dignity and my family and I are so grateful for the early conversations we had with him regarding his wishes. There is no going back. I have to go forward to places and situations where I don’t wish to go. As my tears fall, I am planning, taking action, and being present. Sometimes being present is all I can offer but it is just as important as all the  “do-ta-doing” as my mother-in-law calls it. Being present…

Recently there have been days when I wondered how I was going to keep my composure. It turns out that being present with my students is one of the most vital means of staying connected to life and love during this difficult time. They enter my classroom with curiosity, openness, laughter, their own experiences and needs. There is nothing else like the creative energy that flows from learning, experimenting and creating together. During those moments, I feel alive and am reminded that I delightfully still have much to learn. 

As someone who deeply values connection with others, I also require time to restore my energy so I can be present and offer love, kindness and assistance to others. Over time I’ve realized that solitude, being present in nature and setting aside time in my studio regularly are vital to my wellbeing. 

Beginning, middle and end…

I am constantly toggling between my classroom filled with young people whose beautiful, jubilant lives have just begun and my dad’s bedside where we try to ensure that his final days here are as comfortable and peaceful as possible. I am present in all of this and feeling the tugs in both directions. I am in the middle of my own journey and need to be present within myself in order to give to all those around me. 

Yes, present is my word of the year.
I am present now. 

I am here offering gifts of love, listening and service.

I am present with and for:

          My students

          Myself

          My father, family and friends

May we all realize that by being truly present, we are offering the best gift.

Leaf Piles - Walking Along The Edges

The leaf thievery continues but I’m going back to my archives and using still life leaf photos I took three years ago. I’ve been pondering these different leaf shapes and compositions for a while. Now is the time to take on the challenge and see if it leads anywhere.These compositions feature a variety of tree leaves randomly piled on my desk and photographed from various viewpoints. I then narrow the numerous photos down (I have about one thousand photos of leaves in all!) and select possible compositions based on interesting positive and negative space, contrasting light and dark values, texture and detail. So far, I’ve completed three watercolor still life paintings using these photo references and now I’m working on a fourth as well as abstract circular compositions that I’m known for. 

The aspects that most excite and intrigue me about these compositions and leafy subjects are the lovely, intricate, delicate edges, the play between light and dark, the vivid hues and varying textures. These unique, fragile, fleeting leaves are like all of nature, including humanity…my dad, myself, all of us. They grew, were nourished, became what they were supposed to be and even once they are no more, they will have contributed in their own small ways. 

I will continue to walk up to the edges of the small intimate things that few notice as well as the vast terrifying places that require awkwardness, courage and compassion. 

Fragile Layers

12 x 16, Watercolor on Paper, 2023

This Artist's Way And Why

Recently I read Julia Cameron’s book, The Artist’s Way. It was impactful from the beginning and is a book that I will pick up again because it offers growth and inspiration. Reading and reflecting on this book via a book club every week made it all the more meaningful. I highly recommend it! Julia Cameron prods her readers to journal every morning and while I haven’t fully given in to that, I am writing more often and uncovering some personal layers as well as gaining understanding. During our final book club meeting, our group discussed alternative titles for the book. It seems that everyone could benefit from reading, pondering and putting into action some of Julia Cameron’s suggestions. Are there dreams or passions that you have dipped your toes into or did you dive right in? Did these interests lead to an enjoyable hobby or a career? I’m curious. For me years of outdoor walks, teaching my students and artmaking have taught me perseverance and brought me joy. It is also beneficial to take the time to consider my “why” as an artist. I am able to look back at where I started, take action during the present and contemplate my future goals.

While enjoying coffee with a friend and fellow artist, she asked me about my art journey. I explained that one of my goals is to be a local artist. This has nothing to do with being famous locally. As an introvert, I am uncomfortable being the center of attention in any scenario. Instead, this is about sharing joy and authentically connecting with people. When an artist, athlete or inventor shares their journeys, losses, wins and discoveries we are not only inspired but we are connected. Thank you for taking the time to see and collect my art. I hope it brightens your day.

Splendid

13 x13, Watercolor on paper, 2023

Fleeting, Yet Flourishing Again

Like many people, I’ve taken on the concept of selecting a word or phrase to help me focus and keep me motivated throughout the year. This year a trite phrase kept rising to the surface: Let it go. No, I’m not singing the song constantly in my head. Okay, so perhaps “release” could be my word of the year. I’m in my forties so I’m learning to balance letting go of certain expectations but also wanting to take action and move forward. This applies personally as well as professionally and creatively. First, we donated my 2014 Jeep. I had a slightly unusual attachment to this vehicle. For several decades my dad worked hard to support our family as a car salesman. It’s a stressful job and he cared about his repeat customers. Our family car was always a used one and that was fine, but I hoped that someday I’d be able to have a Jeep of my own. That day did come and I beamed with gratitude and pride as I drove my dark blue- green Jeep that I bought directly from my salesman dad. I know it was a moment of pride for him as well. When the day came that my husband and I saw it towed away for good, I admit I teared up a little. This was symbolic in so many ways. My dad is going through some health complications and he will not get any better. This may be a long and difficult goodbye. Little by little I’m learning how to let go. I’m at the stage in life where I need to accept that things are drastically changing but I also must still seek the joy, beauty and laughter that makes life worth living.

This is where nature and artmaking come in. It’s not unusual for me to crouch down next to an azalea bush or evergreen tree to observe and look for lovely small details. I don’t need any more photos of snowy trees, but I take them anyway. Stealing away for a walk and taking nature photos awakens my curiosity and taking the photos allows me to document that moment even if its just for myself. Yes, I notice these small little joys before they are gone. Nature’s seasons keep me grounded, inspire me and remind me that this is just how it is and to keep noticing the beauty of it all.

Towards the end of December I painted Fleeting, Yet Flourishing II. Sometimes I’ll paint a composition a second time because I want to experiment with different colors or I want to try an alternative solution. The first version of this painting, wonderfully sold to a collector but I liked the composition so much that I wanted my own to keep. The composition is based on a photo I took in December 2021 when our azalea bush’s leaves were still so colorful and I knew while painting the first version that it would be titled Fleeting, Yet Flourishing. It directly symbolized the changes I felt all around me as well as the ones within.

This year I’m choosing to release what I never controlled in the first place. I’m also rebounding into new possibilities and experiences. May you make time to acknowledge your own dreams and take the steps to realize them.

Fleeting, Yet Flourishing II

17 x 21, Watercolor on Paper, 2022

The Leaf Thief Collection

A couple of years ago I painted the first three compositions in this series and I’m so glad I didn’t let my inner critic deter me! It takes courage to pivot and take on challenging new visions for your creative journey but it is so worth it! The Leaf Thief Collection continues to grow and evolve as I keep looking, experimenting and learning. This series is available via Gallery 708 in Hyde Park Square, Cincinnati through January 2023. For more details about this collection please check out the following link:

Angela Mascolino - Gallery 708

Here I Am, Stuck In The Middle With You

17 x 21, Watercolor on Paper, 2022

Be A Guest

This painting needed to be larger than my typical 12 x 16” compositions. It is based on two earlier paintings I created within the Smoky Mountain series. Most of my landscapes are about the beauty, peace and mystery of nature. For me, this painting goes deeper. The summer of 2015, my family and I vacationed in the Smoky Mountains. The following year great devastation, loss of life, livelihood and forest was the result of careless actions taken by just a few people. Like it or not, every person’s actions matter. As I was painting Be A Guest, I felt the heaviness of the fires that have impacted so much of our west coast and many states recently. May we finally band together to care for each other and our planet.

Be A Guest

Watercolor on paper

22 x 30”

Sold

In Awe of Nature and a Rookwood Treasure

Finally we have a snow day here in Cincinnati so I’m taking the opportunity to reflect and work on other aspects of my craft. Stay safe, warm and inspired! Remember those who are less fortunate and consider donating to Maslow’s Army (https://maslowsarmy.org/).

Photo taken March 22, 2018

March 22, 2018 - Shortly after I left my house to go to work, I stopped at an intersection in my neighborhood and waited for the traffic light to change. While waiting, I looked over to my left and noted how lovely the pines and snow looked that morning so I took a quick picture from inside my car and was then on my way to work. For the next year, I would often glance back at that photo and knew that eventually I would need to paint this scene. Sometimes, inspiration bugs you until you paint it out!

Plaque: Glimpse of the Lake

Artist: The Rookwood Pottery Company (American, estab. 1880) manufactory

Sarah (Sally Coyne)

Date: 1920

Place: Cincinnati, Ohio

Medium: stoneware, vellum glaze line

Collection of The Cincinnati Art Museum

Gift of the Estate of Glenn A. Mueller

January 2, 2019 - During the holiday break I invited students to meet me at the Cincinnati Art Museum but found myself to have the unusual opportunity to wander about in solitude. Most of my visits to my home museum consist of amazing tours led by learned academics and curators or I’m the one leading friends, family and students through the galleries hoping to awaken curiosity and inspiration. On this particular day, I was the artist apprentice and inquisitive visitor. While walking from one gallery to the next, I stopped to ponder and wonder about Glimpse of the Lake. The lovely, tranquil atmosphere portrayed in this master work beckon me again and again. It is dreamy, delicate and wonderful. Note the subtle, warm blush to the right of the middle ground.

Morning Snow

Watercolor on Paper

12 x 16”

2019

Late January, 2019

After viewing Glimpse of the Lake, I knew that I needed to paint my own tranquil, lovely moment inspired by nature and Rookwood’s Sarah Coyne. As an artist, I’ve learned to pay attention to my observational intuition, to take a moment to enjoy nature and document inspiration with a photo. As an ever emerging artist, I’m still learning and improving my craft and I’m not afraid to add a little blush once in a while.

Sky Obsession

Reference Photo Taken May 1, 2016 at 8:14 PM

I took several photos as I sat in the passenger seat that evening. That’s what I am compelled to do when the ever-changing sky stretches for miles all around us. This spring evening, as the sun was setting in the tranquil, azure sky, we could see a storm moving across the horizon. Soon we could see an ominous, opaque shroud eclipsing the serene cerulean sky. Just below the heavy curtain, the sun illuminated the underbelly of those threatening clouds with saffron and curry. Like an audience below the stage, the darkened farmland hunkered down and watched the show. 

To me, this moment was mesmerizing and I became obsessed with capturing its essence in watercolor. 

June 4 - July 21, 2016

Painting Sessions

I experimented, researched paint characteristics and grew more and more frustrated. My anger caused me to tear my watercolor paper and like never before, I put globs of paint directly on the paper in an effort to make the stormy sky as dark and opaque as possible. Still I was not at all pleased with the results. Soon I not only felt emotionally and mentally spent, but my shoulders and neck constantly ached. During these four to six hour painting sessions, I had wet paintings all over my carpeted studio (doubles as my home’s guest room). The final painting is only 6 x 12 inches because I didn’t have any large paper left. This small painting achieved the essence and vision I was driven to create. Along the way, I painted both awful and lovely sky studies. This experience taught me some valuable lessons about watercolor qualities and techniques. The only way to get better is to persevere and keep painting. 

Best Compliment

In the midst of this quest to achieve my stormy sunset gem, I shared what I viewed to be my painting failures with a group of fellow artists. One of these colleagues encouraged me to continue my mission and he was so moved by my sky studies, that he wrote me a letter explaining how he felt about them. He connected with my paintings so much that he felt compelled to not only tell me, but to write and deliver me a handwritten response. I carry that letter in my journal as a reminder.

Sky Show, Watercolor on Paper, 6 x 12”, 2016 NFS

Learning About Georgia O’Keeffe

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My Backyard, Watercolor on paper, 12 x 16, 2019

The Cincinnati Art Museum’s March Evenings for Educators program celebrated women artists and in particular, the iconic Georgia O’Keeffe. Samantha Gaier, Assistant Director of School-based Learning, presented Georgia’s story after earning and being awarded a grant to study, research and visit the artist’s homes and museum. Samantha explained that when she was a child she first saw a flower painting by O’Keeffe and immediately knew that she loved the artist’s work. She explained how Georgia insisted that people refer to her as an artist and not a female artist. In addition to being an incredible artist and wife of Alfred Stieglitz, she was an educator, cook and gardener. For twenty years she lived half the year in New York and the other half in New Mexico and only after Alfred passed away, she permanently moved to New Mexico. Despite being from a poor Wisconsin family, Georgia studied at the Art Institute of Chicago, Columbia University, University of Virginia and the Arts Students League of New York. She first explored New Mexico in 1917 and ultimately found where she belonged. She stopped persevering to be a realistic painter and found her voice in abstraction. Nature inspired her work but she didn’t wish to copy it. Georgia used charcoal, pastel and watercolor to create her landscapes, large flowers and still life compositions. Alfred suggested she use oil paint in order to compete with the male artists of the time. In Georgia’s later years, her eyesight started to fail so she turned to sculpture and ceramics but never stopped creating. Samantha asked the question,” Why is Georgia O’Keeffe so fascinating?” She explained how Georgia learned how to drive so she could drive herself out to the desert and paint in her car. She also hiked and traveled by herself. She was always curious and took care of herself by wearing comfortable clothing and as an introvert, she escaped the busy, loud city and headed to the beautiful retreat of Ghost Ranch and her home and studio in Abiquiu. Georgia O’Keeffe was a contemporary artist who broke through barriers just by being who she was supposed to be, herself.

My Artist Statement

The places you live and explore definitely impact you. For me that meant growing up in rural Ohio and spending time outdoors playing, reading and daydreaming. I also remember sitting outside and drawing every detail of a daylily in my father’s garden. I loved to look at the flowers and sit on a moss carpet beneath the trees. Those lazy days of summer greatly impacted who I am as a person and as an artist. Now I live in an old suburb of Cincinnati, close to restaurants and interesting places but especially forested parks and old tree lined streets. This is home. Young deer, rabbits, birds and all kinds of wildlife find refuge and good eats in my yard. I enjoy planting and caring for our flowerbeds . Once in a while it is thrilling to explore other cities and national parks but I also look forward to coming home. I’ve found that once visiting a place that inspires me, I feel connected to it and want to share it with others. The hundreds of photographs that I take of nature both at home and abroad become references for my artwork. I find inspiration, rejuvenation and curiosity amongst the trees, looking at the details of flowers and leaves and the vastness of the sky. My paintings and drawings are all about trying to capture the essence, mystery and beauty of my subject and working with my media. 

I don’t think it was until college that I really remember seeing and being mesmerized by Georgia O’Keeffe’s paintings. Her abstract landscape and flower still life paintings in particular greatly inspired me and I easily felt a connection to her work. After listening to Samantha’s presentation and understanding myself better as an artist and a human being at this stage in my life, I now understand why I more deeply connect with Georgia O’Keefe. While I think I would have been completely intimidated by her, I also admire who she was and what she contributed to the art world of the past as well as the present. She is an icon. 

Especially over the past couple of years, I’ve learned that caring for myself is important so that I actually have more to give my students, friends and family. I’m naturally an introvert and need time alone in nature to rejuvenate, rest and find inspiration. For me this happens as often as possible during walks along the tree lined neighborhood streets, in parks and reflecting in my backyard. Like Georgia, I am an educator, artist, find inspiration and connection to landscape as well as minute details in the little things such as flowers and leaves. I’m also an introvert who values time to myself but also finds close friendship to be a treasure. 

I often paint places I’ve visited but also take hundreds of photos of my own backyard. As I’ve tried numerous times to capture the essence of the place I call home, I’ve wondered why it is so challenging and often frustrating. Perhaps it is because it is such a deep part of me and who I am. The part that I wish to share with others but also protect it as a refuge where I can just be myself and breathe. Perhaps I’m also afraid to share the real “backyard” because it is a work in progress like me. Nevertheless, after learning more about Georgia O’Keeffe, I had to take the plunge and try to achieve my vision of my refuge. I used a photograph from August at twilight. Summer evenings are my favorite time to sit outside on the patio and watch the sun go down as a bunny or two hop about and I hear the birds and katydids. I love looking at the two tall evergreen trees that reach up so high but stay rooted deep into the ground and the deepening colors of green, blue and violet everywhere I look. To me this is a magical time that I savor and wish to share. Did I achieve this in my painting? Is this the beginning of a series or obsession?

“The way you see nature depends on whatever has influenced your way of seeing.” 

                                                                                                                 Georgia O’Keeffe

Georgia O’Keeffe, you have definitely influenced my way of seeing and living life fully and meaningfully.