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!

Day 5 - 30 Paintings - 30 Days, September, 2015

Emergence

There are many subtleties in this piece that I love.  The blending of soft colors over the patterns from the depths below appear to be emerging from the darkness.

Click on the painting to observe the details.

Acrylic on Paper
8" X 10"

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

Thank you!

Day 4 - 30 Paintings - 30 Days, September, 2015

Harlequin Series #4

Day 4 brings two companion pieces as adjuncts to yesterday's mono-print/painting on canvas (see below).  These mono-prints on paper include some of the same elements that were used in yesterday's piece.

  

The repetition of color and shape may be evident but it is obvious that they are not identical.  The canvas substrate has its own identity and feel - complete with texture which is not a part of either mono-print on paper. 

Harlequin Series #4 Mono-print 1 on paper
11" X 16"

Harlequin Series #4 Mono-print 2 on paper

11" X 16"

As a reminder, here is the accompanying Harlequin #3 on Canvas from yesterday:

Harlequin Series #3
11" X 16" acrylic on canvas

Check back soon for the next integrated Series...

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

Thank you!

Day 3 - 30 Paintings - 30 Days, September, 2015

Harlequin Series #3

Today's painting is another in my Harlequin Series.  It is a more detailed design that to me elicits something of an underwater scene.  Also included is molding paste which adds texture and relief in several areas.

Acrylic on Canvas
11" X 16"

Tomorrow I will post several of the accompanying mono-prints on paper that were generated in conjunction with this painting.  

Be sure to check back tomorrow to see how the prints differ but still remain a part of the Harlequin Series!

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

Thank you!

Day 2 - 30 Paintings - 30 Days, September, 2015

Harlequin Series #2

Yesterday I posted the canvas counterpart of my two-fold mono-printing process.  As stated yesterday, the process includes both simultaneously printing on paper and on canvas - which ultimately leads to multiple, integrated creations using the same theme - with a different outcome.  This is how my Harlequin Series began.

Today I am posting the mono-print component printed on paper.  You will see some similarities - as well as differences when viewed together with the canvas below.

Framed Harlequin Mono-print on Paper

Harlequin Mono-print on Paper

Harlequin Mono-print and Paint on Canvas
as posted yesterday

During the process, many other prints are produced on various papers, card stock, deli papers, etc. which I can then use later in other multi-media creations.  I love the number of prints that are created using this process.  It is great fun, always unpredictable - yet very productive!

I will present other component pieces that I have recently created to further illustrate this somewhat unusual process that adapts well across many multi-media platforms.

It's all about the fun and diversity!

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

Thank you!

Day 1 - 30 Paintings - 30 Days, September, 2015

Harlequin Series #1  

I have been working with the integration of mono-printing and canvas.  My first painting for the 30 Paintings in 30 Days September 2015 Challenge is a reflection of this. 

The process includes both printing on paper and on canvas - which ultimately leads to multiple, integrated creations using the same theme.  This is how my Harlequin Series began.

Included here is the canvas component with the Harlequin theme.  The reflective nature of the gold paint is difficult to see in a photo, but lovely in person.

Acrylic on canvas

11" X 16"

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

Thank you!

Another 30 in 30 Painting Challenge

Coming tomorrow - September 1st

Tomorrow begins another 30 painting in 30 Days Challenge through Leslie Saeta.  Over 780 artists from 25 countries are currently participating. 

Even though I have been working in the studio over the past several months, I have been remiss about posting paintings and projects.  I will remedy that beginning tomorrow.

Stay tuned for some exciting and fun work...