Tagged painting by Bea Garth

“Discovering Joy,” acrylic on canvas by Bea Garth

I finally finished my new painting “Discovering Joy.”

"Discovering Joy," acrylic on canvas by Bea Garth copyright 2017
“Discovering Joy,” acrylic on canvas by Bea Garth copyright 2017

My paintings are a lot like dreams where everything gets mixed together–thus the surrealist edge. For me what I am after is an exploration of the unconscious that helps me realize what it is I am feeling and thinking of underneath.

In this case it was and is the joy of experiencing summer after a difficult winter earlier this year. It got me to remember joyful times in the past such as swimming in Mexico when I was seventeen.  I remember swimming in the warm waters off of Guaymas and being thrilled by all the fish! And yes I loved being on my own with my sister and enjoying the Latin culture.

I think my trip to Mexico as a teen reminded me of my early childhood when the boy I played with next door had parents who were from Spain.  I was in love with their music and dancing and very different approach to life to that of my family. I was sorry when we had to move away.

This painting mixes experiences since quite obviously I am not a red head, nor did I even have  a boyfriend at age seventeen except perhaps in my imagination.

I am thinking of visiting  Mexico again sometime soon when I get the chance.  I bet it will help foster a whole new series of paintings celebrating life!

 

 

 

 

Bea Garth: Paintings & Ceramics at Clark County Open Studios Nov. 11-12, 2017

I will be participating in the Clark County Open Studios in Vancouver, Washington (just across the river from Portland, OR) this coming November 11th and 12th, 2017: here’s my page for the event featuring some of my art: http://www.ccopenstudios.org/portfolio/beatrice_garth/

"The Fool," acrylic painting on paper by Bea Garth, copyright 2016
“The Fool,” acrylic painting on paper by Bea Garth, copyright 2016

You can find the general information of what Clark County Open Studios is about, the artists involved (including me) and an art map here: http://www.ccopenstudios.org

This info. includes instructions on how to get to my Open Studio just across the county line in Vancouver, near Minnehaha and 68th–not far from I-5. My studio is on a slight rise with fairly good parking.

Besides painting on paper and canvas I will also be including some of my ceramics:

"Petting the Cat," ceramic vase by Bea Garth, copyright 2017
“Petting the Cat,” ceramic vase by Bea Garth, copyright 2017

 

 

“Legs Like Vines or The Dilemma of Venus” painting by Bea Garth

Happy New Year Everyone!!

I finally finished my acrylic painting  on canvas: “Legs Like Vines or The Dilemma of Venus.”

"Legs Like Vines or The Dilemma of Venus" acrylic on canvas painting by Bea Garth, copyright 2017
“Legs Like Vines or The Dilemma of Venus” acrylic on canvas painting by Bea Garth, copyright 2017

December was not an easy month for me, but I have come out of it feeling renewed. This painting is symbolic in some ways of that renewal, and certainly of my commitment to continue making other paintings!

This painting was in some ways an experiment to see if it might work for me to use geometrics and color more boldly in a painting. In some ways I was borrowing from some techniques I used in ceramics–such as making the rug square rather than recede into the background. I believe it really worked!

The painting expresses in many ways the dilemma between the male and female principle, as well as the continued attraction. Women are on the rise despite the outcome of the last election. Yet we continue to be entangled with men, who up until recently have been acting in many ways as our oppressors despite our love for them. It continues to be a  tricky situation.

My next step is to finish this other painting I have called “The Music Genie.” My plan is to finish it and then finally connect with some galleries here in the Portland area.

“Legs Like Vines” work in progress by Bea Garth

Another update on my painting, “Legs Like Vines.” A bad headache the other day (from an egg  I hadn’t boiled quite enough–I have histamine sensitivity) slowed me down.

But late tonight I was back at it again.  There is more to do with it of course. But am sharing my  process. I am not one of those really quick painters. Am a perfectionist  more or less in this area of my life. Plus all those intricate patterns take time to get right! I use the principle of spontaneity and structure working together to create tensions and harmonies.

“Leaves Like Vines” acrylic painting in progress by Bea Garth copyright 2016

On yet another level, this painting is starting to make even more sense to me considering the fact I discovered very recently that I need to take a lot more silica than I thought I’d ever need in order to be OK. My legs etc. have truly in their way been like vines.

I laugh since what else can one do. There are both positives and negatives to being what is considered to be too flexible. The big problem for some of us is that we have a hard time making enough collagen. This eventually starts to become a real negative, especially as one gets older. And yes, more silica is needed to make the collagen.

Now even my eyes are improving, as well as my hair, teeth, nails, nerves, joints etc.  I am even having less jerking at night. And overall fewer headaches. I am now able to exercise more regularly without hurting myself.  Have less reflux etc. Amazing! Its only been two months since I started taking the food grade diatomaceous earth. Literally a dirt cheap source of silica!! and healing…

With everything improving, who knows where I will be at in a year. Though one thing is for sure, more than likely I’ll be painting up a storm!!

For more info on this condition, I suggest you look up Ehrlos Danlos Syndrome. If you think you might have it, please consider joining some of the EDS  support groups on Facebook. The Cusack Family Protocol is the best!

Legs Like Vines contd., painting by Bea Garth

Its been a rainy Thanksgiving so far. Plenty of chance for me to work on my painting! Though today I was able to go out for a walk before it started raining again. I wore my poncho just in case!

This painting is changing before my eyes. I am really uncertain what I will call it. How the pillow or rock/Mayan Calendar (!!) turns out will affect it quite a bit, of that I am certain.

Legs Like Vines, painting in progress by Bea Garth copyright 2016
Legs Like Vines, painting in progress by Bea Garth copyright 2016

I still have to work on the male figure quite a bit, it needs the definition shadows bring. I also need to finish the edging around the carpet.

And yes I do like the carpet. The rectangles and triangles are subtle but effective. They echo the Calendar symbology nicely.

This piece is kind of blowing my mind, such as it is. Not at all what I expected! But that is the fun of painting for me–I let my unconscious come through and have free reign.

I had a dream last night that suggested I put in roots around in the blue area, but today am uncertain that would be right for this painting. Maybe the next one? Might be too busy and unnecessary. However I will play around with it and see if it could work or not…