Tianna 5x7 Acrylic

This was a quick study painted from life. Acrylic on matte board.

Sketchbook Page 4x7 Oil Pastel

This past week I have been under the weather, so I haven't got to the paints. But when I'm not working on the canvas, I'm working on my head, always soul searching, driving myself nuts about the painting process and subject matter. I am learning that painting isn't really about subject matter as much as it is about speaking with our own individual voice. What touches us emotionally is highly subjective on one level. As individuals, no one will ever see the world the way we do at this point in time. On another level it is completely universal because we are all human beings. Each of us has a voice. The most important part of the artistic process is to find that voice, and then speak with it to the best of our ability. Teachers can teach us how to paint, but they cannot teach us how the world is going to affect us and how we are going to translate that to the painting surface. This cannot be taught. It must be discovered over and over again by the artist.

This is a page from one of my sketchbooks. I thought I would post something so no one would think I tripped and fell off the planet again. I was experimenting with oil pastel here.

Forty-Fifth Street 9x12 Acrylic

$100+shipping

After the initial laying in of drawing and color, the most difficult part of the process is staying loose. The inclination is always there to freeze up lest the next brushstroke ruin the entire painting. This is irrational, of course. Fear is the greatest enemy for an artist. What happens when we place a wrong color in the wrong spot? The art police do not rush in and club us over the head. We simply must evaluate the decision, then judge whether it stays or whether it goes. With this painting, I was going for a mood more than anything else.

Forty-Fifth Street - In Progress

When painting with acrylic, I usually begin by placing a few lines to indicate placement and shape and then quickly mass in color. A little wild at first. Then I progress to defining and redefining shape and color. This method works well for me, but there are as many ways to proceed are there are artists. One way is not necessarily any better than another. The best way is what works for each individual. Tomorrow I will post the completed painting.

Country Road 14x18 Acrylic

$175.00+shipping

I am expanding my subject matter. I have always loved landscapes. There are so many abstract qualities in nature. I think in terms of design and composition, like an abstract painter. Acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas. Available on etsy. Just click on My ETSY Store on right.

Business Card 8x10 Acrylic

$50.00 + shipping

Friday and Saturday were really busy, so was unable to get to the paints. Acrylic on matte board. Available on etsy. Just click on My ETSY Store on right.

White Dress 8x10 Acrylic

$50.00+shipping

Figure study painted with acrylic on matte board. The acrylic paint dried up quickly on the palette today for some reason, making it very unpleasant to work with. So I put out fresh paint and began again. Paint and brushes don't always want to cooperate. Available on etsy. Just click on My ETSY Store on right.

Jenny 6x8 Acrylic

Acrylic on matte board. A quick study painted in life drawing this afternoon.

More Drawings by Kate Skaloud

When I look at these drawings, I am reminded of drawings I did long ago, before so many influences from so many sources tossed me back and forth. Influences both in art and in life. When I made drawings similar to these, I know I was speaking with my own voice. Seeing Kates' work helps clarify my thoughts as to why I became an artist in the first place. Simple and complex at the same time. Innocent and honest. A combination of gentleness and strength.

Figure Study 8x10 Acrylic

$50.00+shipping

Acrylic on matte board. Available on etsy. Just click on My ETSY Store on right.

Out To Sea 8x10 Acrylic

$95.00+shipping

Acrylic on canvas panel. Available on etsy. Just click on My ETSY Store on right.

Autumn 8x10 Acrylic

$95.00+shipping

Acrylic on canvas panel. Available on etsy. Just click on My ETSY Store on right.