Pure Joy!

Do you ever have one of those days where you really needed a release?

Well, thankfully I don't very often; however, 

I found a way to channel that energy into something joyful!

I tried something new with these two marshes.  

I used my acrylics to paint a very energetic underpainting, 

with lots of texture and color.  

I actually squeezed the tube directly on the canvas at one point and 

used wood to scrape it through...  

It was full-body painting, boder-lining on frenzy!  

I actually pulled my shoulder!  

The next day I came back, 

a wee bit sore but much more relaxed, and painting oil on top.  

The extreme textures helped me be loose.

It was a ton of fun!

It was Pure Joy!

 Sweeping Through    36x48    Acrylic & Oil

Amber Waves       36x48       Acrylic & Oil

With all of my heart I can say, I hope you enjoy these as much as I did painting them!  

(With out the soreness, that is!)

A sincere artist is not one who makes a faithful attempt to put on to canvas what is in front of him, 

but one who tries to create something which is, in itself, a living thing.

~William Dobell

Sincerely,

Susan

Ripple Effect

"I alone cannot change the world, 

but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples."

― Mother Teresa

Creating Change  36x36  Oil on Canvas

The challenge of this painting huge 
but it was surpassed by the inspiration I felt during the process.  
Actually, before, during and after.   

I was out for a morning walk and the droplets started to come.  
(I am grateful I had my handy dandy iPhone.)  I love the ripple effect... in life.  Do what you can, large or small, and you can make a change.  
Just as these tiny droplets changed the landscape of this reflection. 
 And as it went on and on and on...

the power of the droplet was magnified.

I let go of any preconceived notions I had 
about the end result of the painting and just let it happen.  
It truly is one of my favorites paintings that I have done.  
I hope you enjoy it too!

Of course, I usually leave you with a quote.  
Today, I am closing with the most appropriate one!

I've had this taped to the top of my easel for over a decade! My Fav!

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

― Mahatma Gandhi

Kind regards,
Susan

Season's Greetings!

Season's Greetings...

The holiday season can be stressful and crazy at times.

With high demands, expectations and the anticipation of upcoming festivities, we sometimes forget that the most important things are already here with us. During this holiday season we take the time to count our blessings and be with family, friends and the ones we love.  Make sure you hug your children. Embrace your parents.  Tell the people in your life how grateful you are that they are there.  Now, that's the important stuff!

I want to share with you this quick little painting that I did as a demonstration in class.  I really enjoyed painting it!  I had grabbed an old canvas with several unsuccessful layers of paint already on it.  I always say, "..the third time is the charm!"  I hope you agree.

Untitled Demo      12 x12       Oil on Canvas

Now, if you believe in the Mayan calendar, then this will be my last post; but I'm confident I will be rambling on to you next week!  Lucky indeed!  I want you to know how grateful I am for your support of and interest in my art and ....of course my weekly babble!  Without you, it would be no fun at all!

I hope this holiday season brings peace, love, joy and happiness to you and your families. 

With warm wishes and gratitude,

Susan Hecht

Pride and not Prejudice

Pride and not Prejudice

I want to share with you my student show wall!

Isn't it great? 

I am so proud of everyone.  

I enjoy seeing how they progress from week to week;

but, it is something else to see when it is hung together.  

I am amazed to see the growth, talent and passion for what they do.  

I'm so lucky to have such great, creative people in my studio ....and my life!

See for yourself and you will know I'm not being prejudice!

Come check it out if you are near my studio in Apex, NC.

“Creativity takes courage.” Henri Matisse

“Believe you can and you're halfway there." - Theodore Roosevelt

Until next week...

Have fun with the brush!

Susan

Abundance and Gratitude

'Tis the season of Abundance and Gratitude.

I have had a great week filled with both!  

 Family, Food and Fun!  

I have had just a little time to paint but

I want to share with you my latest.

I'm so pleased with her!

Mostly because she was so much fun to paint.  

One of those that the paint just flies off the brush!

untitled   36x36  Oil on Canvas

I also have a busy week hanging my student's show.  

I'm so grateful for each of them and proud of their growth as artists!

For those of you who are local, 

please stop by my studio this month to 

see their beautiful work!  

The show's opening is the same night as... 

Christmas on Salem Street.  

Friday, November 30th

5-8pm

Downtown Apex, NC

A wonderful night, sure to put you in the holiday spirit!

One more thing I'm so grateful for...

I have a new buddy in the studio.  

He wore himself out the first day!

Look for more tails from the studio!

Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever. - Walt Disney

With much gratitude,

Susan

Coffee Talk

Hello everyone!

The majority of us start our day with a cup of Joe. 

Whether it be the robust taste, or the zip it gives us, 

it has become part of our daily routine.  

(Sometimes, ALL day)

I enjoy the "time out" it allows us.  

Time spent with a friend, 

slowing down and having a conversation.  

Coffee Talk!

In this case, I should say Cappuccino talk!

I shared this lovely cup of wonderfulness 

with my daughter in Florence, Italy.

I had to capture it... 

A great memory!

I hope you enjoy it as well!

Javahhh   8x8  Oil on Panel

I hope your day allows for a time out with a friend!

"Black as the devil, hot as hell, pure as an angel, sweet as love."

~That's the recipe for coffee, according to the utterly French statesman Talleyrand (1754-1838).

Thanks for stopping by!

Susan

Hello.....

I love to watch birds at the coast.  They are so busy.  From flying in the breeze,  to pecking in the sand; always observant of their next meal.  Yet, they still take the time to soak up the day's beauty.  And then, actually become part of it. 

SEA BIRDS

Sea Birds
Flying High
Above the Sky
And the Sea
Let your colors Shine in the Sky
Like a magical lamp

Poem by Also Kraas

Tidal Beauty  10x30  Oil on Canvas


I hope you soak in the days beauty as well!
Enjoy!

With gratitude,
Susan