Day 27 - 30 Paintings - 30 Days, September, 2015

Harlequin Haven

This painting might also be titled Harlequin #5, as it is a recent addition to the opening Harlequin Series from Days 1 - 4 of this September Challenge.  It is unfortunate that the camera cannot sufficiently capture the shiny metallic painted areas which present contrasts of bright, yet muted softness in the painting as experienced when viewing it in person. 

Click on the painting to observe the details.

Harlequin Haven
Mixed Media on Canvas
11" X 14"

For pricing information please contact me at:  info@cagleyart.com

Thank you!

Day 26 - 30 Paintings - 30 Days, September, 2015

Stonehenge of the Southwest

One of the most unique and awesome features about Phoenix is the downtown Burton Barr Public Library.  In 1995, architect Will Bruder built an amazing structure to house the educational written word (among other things)  for the community.  

On the Summer Solstice - through deliberate, perfect geometry and intricate architecture - the expansive top floor Great Reading Room is miraculously transformed into a truly awesome experience.   Precisely at Solar Noon on the Solstice, the Great Reading Room's walls, glacial blue skylights and soaring pillars morph into a huge sundial and become illuminated from the sunlight directly above causing an outrageous ethereal light show.  The tips of the 28 pillars suddenly resemble freshly lit candles and the stone side walls begin to glow.  The visual effect lasts only a short time, but is enough to take your breath away.

To actually witness a celestial event because of the very intentional, pre-meditated design of a huge public-use building is phenomenal.  Sometimes referred to as the "Stonehenge of the Southwest", the Central Phoenix Library is something to be acknowledged and lauded.  Very cool...

Click on the painting to observe the details.

Stonehenge of the Southwest
Mixed Media on Canvas
8" X 10"

Day 13 - 30 Paintings - 30 Days, September, 2015

Oceans of Gold

In keeping with my apparent theme of water paintings with shiny things in them - here's another.  I like the theme.  This painting was loosely inspired by the recent headlines of an Orlando family discovering some fifty, 300 year old gold coins in only fifteen feet of water off the Florida coast. However, my favorite part of this story is the fact that the family named its  treasure hunting vessel "AARRR BOOTY".

I'm now thinking that the proper name for this highly textured, gold, bronze and blue painting should be:  Oceans of Gold: Aaarr Booty. 

Click on the painting to observe the details.

Acrylic Mixed-Media on Canvas
12" X 12"

For pricing information please contact me at:  info@cagleyart.com

Thank you!

Day 9 - 30 Paintings - 30 Days, September, 2015

Cacti in Bloom

Today's painting again features Daniel Smith Water Soluble Oils, but this time on canvas.  I'm enjoying working with the qualities that the oils provide and their interaction with the canvas substrate.  Texture was achieved by the oils themselves and underlying gel.

Cacti in Bloom
Acrylic on Canvas
6" X 6"

For pricing information please contact me at:  info@cagleyart.com

Thank you!

Day 6 - 30 Paintings - 30 Days, September, 2015

The Spirit of the Camino

For some time I have been very intrigued by the Camino de Santiago de Compostela (the Way of St. James).  If it is not familiar to you, it is the thousand year old, 500+ mile pilgrimage trail from the border of France to the city of Santiago de Compostela in the Northwest corner of Spain.  

If you happen to have the time and desire to explore some thoughts about the Camino and the symbolism of the Scallop Shell (used repeatedly in several of my paintings) - feel free to read the information below.  

If you would simply like to see my painting inspired by the Camino, you can view the Spirit of the Camino here.  [Also - see if you can find the Spirit contained within the shells.  It's kind of like Where's Waldo...]  The painting contains several gold and other shiny surfaces which are not evident in the photo.  Too bad because they are very lovely and add much depth.  

Acrylic & Multi-media on Canvas
11" X 16"

For pricing information please contact me at:  info@cagleyart.com

Thank you!

La Concha del Camino Santiago de Compostela 

Much has been written about the Camino del Santiago de Compostela.  Many believe that it has had a powerful draw on travelers over the centuries - as a vehicle of reflection and  meditation. The arduous trail over Pyrenees and the Cantabrian Mountains is very demanding. There are many books which address all aspects of the journey, but it appears that most travelers approach it as a singular journey that tends to affect deep changes in one's life.  

There is an indie film called The Way, starring Martin Sheen, directed by his son Emilio Estevez, which follows the Camino journey. It is a very poignant yet very sweet story - I recommend it highly. (It's available on Netflix and Prime). In addition, I have just discovered a website where you can do a virtual walk of the Camino (which is referred to as the Camino Frances).  Check it out: http://www.walking4fun.com/trails/camino-de-santiago/camino-frances/

All of this background leads up to the most recognizable symbol of the Camino - la concha - the scallop shell.  It literally acts as a marker for the trail along the way (see photos below), reassuring travelers that they are on the right path.  It is often either worn attached to backpacks or used as a symbol of completion or pilgrim badge for having surmounted the challenges of the trail. More than just a symbol, both medieval and current pilgrims can use the shell for more practical purposes, such as scooping food and drink.

You may notice that the symbol of the scallop shell has had a place in my Harlequin Series - and continues to be used in my paintings.  To me it is a metaphor for being on the correct path and the fact that there are many ways to reach a goal.  

I hope you enjoyed this little excursion into the Camino de Santiago de   Compostela...

¡Buen Camino!

Arizona's Ultimate Women's Expo

Join Me for Two Mono-Printing Demos at the AZ Women's Expo - April 25th - 26th!

Join me for two mono-printings demos at the Ultimate Arizona Women's Expo on both Saturday, April 25th and Sunday, April 26th at the Phoenix Convention Center!  Sponsored by Arizona Art Supply.

Here is what I will be doing:

-Saturday, April 25th-

11:15am – “Experimental Painting with Gelli-Plates” with Connie Cagley…Make a statement with easy to use “Gelli-Plates to print paintings on paper the fast and fun way.

3:15pm – “Mixed Media Magic on Canvas” with Connie Cagley…Experience the magic of using mixed media techniques and products to create stunning, memorable art on canvas.

-Sunday, April 26th-

12:15pm – “Experimental  Painting  with Gelli Plates” with Connie Cagley…Make a statement with easy to use “Gelli-Plates to print paintings on paper the fast and fun way.

3:15pm – “Mixed Media Magic on Canvas” with Connie Cagley…Experience the magic of using mixed media techniques and products to create stunning, memorable art on canvas.

Activities throughout the day include: Artist demonstrations on our main stage every hour along with fascinating demos and activities on our side tables.  Projects for your home, your walls, your children and the holidays will leave you inspired and ready to get out your art supplies!

Drawings every hour following our demos for a gift Certificate to Arizona Art Supply! Enter your name to win an Arizona Art Supply gift basket filled with over $250.00 in art supplies!

Visit us and learn about new products, ask questions and learn how easy it can be to express your creativity every day. Find out about our “Summer Art Camp for Grown-ups” and our in store classes and workshops.

ALL DAY LONG AT OUR CHARITY TABLE: “Art from the Heart” is a wonderful way to have fun while helping others. Stop by and explore your creative side by donating a dollar to craft a mini masterpiece on a little canvas or donate two dollars for “Monkey-kin” to decorate any way you like. All funds raised by this activity will be given to Free Arts of Arizona to fund their charitable programs. Make a difference in the life of others with Arizona Art Supply!

Click here for more information about the 

Arizona Ultimate Women's Expo.