Viewing Art is Like Being In Love

Could this be True?

Research suggests viewing works of art can stimulate much the same response as being in love. That is the conclusion of a series of brain-mapping experiments conducted by a professor of neurobiology and neuroaesthetics at the University College of London.  

“Looking at art triggers a surge of feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine into the brain and results in feelings of intense pleasure,” says Professor Semir Zeki. “We have recently found that when we look at things we consider to be beautiful, there is increased activity in the pleasure reward centers of the brain. Essentially, the feel-good centers are stimulated, similar to the stages of love and desire.”

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Embracing Failure to Experience Success

Failure Teaches Success

Seven Pie Apples

One of my sons, who is a painter, asked me about the quality of my work, saying something like, "Mom, how do you consistently create these paintings?"

My answer was to quote the above Japanese saying as well as telling him to allow yourself to have failures.  We learn from our failures.   If a painting isn't working and you consider it a failure, learn from it and move on.  Each work leads to the next.

A few months ago, a friend who is also a painter came to visit bringing with her the gift of a small painting.

Blaine's Lavender Apple

Being intrigued with her palette from the moment the painting entered my home, I decided to let it inspire my next produce painting, knowing full well this could be a disaster.  Using my techniques and my own style I plunged in and you see my completed apple painting here.

I consider this painting a success.  But if I had not allowed myself the ability to experience a failure, I would not have ended up with this painting.  

Detail of Seven Pie Apples

What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?

Vincent van Gogh

Colorful Palette

Choosing Color

Vine Ripened with Mexican Tiles

6" x 8"  Acrylic on canvas board.

150.

Yesterday I delivered these paintings to Ryrie's Art and Home in Reno, Nevada.  

Pasilla with Mexican Tiles

6" x 8"  Acrylic on canvas board. 

150. 

Ry's is a gallery, shop and framing business inspired by color.    It is a place of wonder, enchantment, a visual treat. 

Red Hot with Mexican Kitchen Tiles

6" x 8"  Acrylic on canvas board.

150.

My recent palette selection has been one of color; bright, intense color.

Five Pie Apples

5" x 7"  Acrylic on canvas board.

125.

So these new little paintings, filled with color, fit into Ryrie's vision for her gallery.

Five Reds

16" x 20"  Acrylic on stretched canvas.

500.

Ryrie and Katie, the Byologist and Arteologist of the gallery,  are filled with energy and joy.  Theirs is a palette of bright intensity which flows into the shop.  They have chosen color.

Peaches and Apricots

8" x 10"  Acrylic on canvas board.

175.

Visiting Reno?  Live in Reno?  Make sure you visit Ryrie's Art and Home.

6135 Lakeside Dr Ste 133
Reno, NV 89511

(775) 827-5757

Caught Rock Diptych

16" x 8"  Acrylic on canvas board.

250.

 If you see a painting here you would like to own, give them a call or contact me by clicking HERE 

An Opportunity

This is an Opportunity to do Something for Someone Else

Orchid

10" x 8"

Acrylic on Canvas Board

Monkdogz Urban Art Gallery http://www.monkdogz.com/ is the sponsor of an auction of small, original art works to benefit the people of Japan who were affected by the earthquake and tsunami.  All proceeds (100%) will go to Red Cross of Japan and Niigata Back Up Center.  You can read more about the auction at this link:  http://www.monkdogz.com/artfund/index.htm

Full Moon over Lake Tahoe - Crystal Bay

9" x 9"

Watercolor on Paper

If you are an artist, you will want to donate.  If you are not you will want to bid on the work.

I have just donated these two paintings.

Serendipity

It Was Good Fortune

Three Star Fruit
5" x 7"

A generous person who has a star fruit tree left a pile of these edibles for anyone to take. Help myself I did.

The colors of the fruit mimic my current palette, so how could I resist?  The shapes are unique, so how could I resist?  The lights and darks are appealing and luminous, so how could I resist?

Resist I did not.  Not the taking or the painting.  

Serendipity is such fun.


To contact me click HERE