Black and Blue Expressions Art Treasury

Most of my personal small format paintings lean toward the impressionistic to realistic/traditional but I see the joy and appreciate many different genres of creativity.

This treasury is an example of different mediums and styles that appear to flow together. Textiles, glass, geometric jewelry, prints, expressive abstracts, watercolor, drawing, silk paintings, and vintage prints share the same space beautifully. I think these artists and artisans communicate a wonderful vitality that can't be denied.

"Branching Out"

My usual painting size is 8” X 10” or smaller. These small format paintings have an intimacy that I enjoy and I’ll continue to express myself in that format but I needed a change this week…

While researching this seascape, sketching, taking photos I felt the painting needed an expressive change. This painting is 12” X 16” it doesn’t seem like such a large leap but it was a way of moving forward. The ocean is so huge, you’ll see surfers, swimmers; people enjoying themselves at the pier but sometimes that big water tugs at you and I just want to paint something huge.

So I looked around the studio and the biggest canvas I had was 12” X 16” not very “huge” but it fit the artistic urge. I don’t know where this is going but I’m certain for myself painting is like writing a visual story and sometimes the story needs a few more chapters… and inches of canvas.

"Your Art Work Doesn't Have to Match"

Prior to curating this treasury I remembered an art history teacher saying “art does not have to match.” The focus should be on the beauty and honesty of the art work and how it makes you feel.

The collection is made up of realistic art, abstract paintings, non-representational art, collage, beautiful jewelry, accessories and a delicately beautiful cowl. The thread that holds them together is they can all stand alone as interesting and beautiful work.

I suppose that's something I have to remember and strive for in my own work. Thanks for letting me share now I'm off to paint...

Nature's Sea Colors Treasury by JC Strong

I've walked the shore and found sea glass tumbled by the ocean. The blues and greens are beautiful. While curating this treasury I thought of those beautiful colors in the sea.