Solstice

"As with all things, this too shall change" -unknown author

With the changing of the season, I've decided to rename my blog to better encompass the work I'm doing as well as the varied directions it's moving in. I plan on adding pages to organize the different collections of artwork. Deep thanks to the wonderful women who have posed for me to create these drawings and paintings.

"Warm Was the Thought, Soft Was the Sound"

Mixed media on paper 22x33inches

Culture of Death

At Reynold's High School here in Portland, OR there was the latest school shooting in the States on the 10th of June. The student killed was Emilio Hoffman, who was the brother of my daughter's boyfriend.

Title is a quote from my dad, Henry Youens, and the following drawings are dedicated to the memory of Emilio Hoffman.

Silver rendered over wax pencil and pastel on newspaper

Conte crayon and pastel on newspaper

To Blog or Not to Blog

When I wake in the morning and review what my day may hold, somewhere in between what I have to do and what I should do is a choice between art making or engage in promoting my art online. Through a serendipitous turn of events, today I was able to do both.

My interest in drawings rendered with silver and other precious metals has recently been renewed. For the drawing below I used silver, steel wool, and dry washes of pastel. I haven't decided if I want to call this one finished or continue working on it.

"Delicacy of Daydreams"

32x40 inches on 2ply museum board

Pleasing to See

Yesterday, I viewed these at David Douglas High School in SE Portland, Oregon and it was so euphoric to see the traditional arts being carried forward by the talented next generation of artists. Have decided to donate any profits I make from this year's portrait work to the AP art program at David Douglas HS as well as the art program at David Douglas Arthur Academy (elementary). The details need to be worked out, but I'm thinking of it being in the form of art materials scholarships.

May all future artists have the tools and guidance to freely express the beauty which inspires them!

First Notes of a Delicate Song

Work in progress started today. Charcoal, sanguine, pastel and acrylic primer on paper 22x33inches.  Working title, "Warm Was the Thought, Soft Was the Sound"

Whispers and Smoke

Wasn't sure where this one was going, then heard about the passing of surrealist HR Giger on May 12th and things became clear. Dedicated to his memory, be at peace...

22x33 mixed media on paper

Hurricanes of Little Epiphanies

In art as well as in all subjects I have come to realize all I am, perhaps all I ever will be, is simply a student, perhaps not even such a bright one, but determined to learn...epiphany after arriving at the beginner's mind.

"Tortoise and the Hare"

Mixed media on paper 22x33inches, need to fix some flat spots but have wait to dry before varnishing.

"Confidence is a static state. Determination is active. Determination allows for doubt and for humility-" from Anna Deavere Smith's book, "Letters to a Young Artist"