Ann Quinn Art

Berries! and Cards...

2011-08-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

18x24 acrylic

I've always liked berries...especially in a red and green color scheme...perhaps this one will become a Christmas card...speaking of cards, I will soon have lots of greeting cards at the LAC gallery, thanks to the technical help from my photographer and printer husband Scott...take a look!

Larger Work!

2011-08-01T13:34:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I mentioned to my friend (and talented artist) Kathy Berl,s that I needed to paint larger...6x6's were not where I wanted to go...and she graciously offered me an extra canvas she had (32 x 42) and said she was anxious to see what I would do with it! (no pressure there!) Wow..that's a lot of blank canvas space..but I used a few reference photos from an April visit to South Carolina, when the azaleas were in full bloom and loaded with butterflies...here is the result!

Summer in full swing!

2011-08-01T13:26:00.000-07:00

Time flies! and I've been painting...my garden is in need of a good trim,- it is so overgrown...but is wonderful to paint..lots of new plants and ideas about plants for next year...some of my latest work is below...

These are 12x12 acrylics.I've decided that the 6x6's are too small...these are from flowers seen at the annual LAC Garden tour...always fun to check out other gardens!

New Style...

2011-04-04T10:57:00.000-07:00

Most birds are quite graphic...I wanted to portray geese and crows in a "stained glass style" with each section of color separated by a border of the white canvas below...they were fun and may lead to more glass ideas!

"Dueling Crows" - 18x24 acrylic on canvas

"Hidden Geese" 16x20 acrylic on canvas

More 6x6's...Birds!

2011-04-04T10:48:00.000-07:00

I have decided that I really like the 6x6 format...and birds! Take a look...these are all acrylic on self-edged canvas...

New 6x6 sizes...

2011-04-04T10:10:00.000-07:00

At the first of January, I wanted to try painting a different size...so, for now, I'm going smaller, to a 6" x 6" wraparound canvas...I find these paintings lots of fun to do...they feel like "excerpts" of my larger paintings...but, I can accomplish them much more quickly and I end each day feeling as though I've really accomplished something...I also found that the paintings can just as easily sit on a bookcase of table as be hung on a wall...here are a few of them, so far...and while the pics don't show it, each painting extends around the wrapped edge...no frame needed!

Still more mosaics

2011-01-31T08:54:00.001-08:00

I was in a rush at the end of last year to complete a series of new mosaics as Christmas gifts for family...here are a few.....

More Mosaics

2010-10-20T19:43:00.000-07:00

I continue to find interesting objects from the local thrift stores to mosaic....most of these will soon be seen at the LAC Gallery or in the upcoming Holiday Show at the gallery...the show is always a holiday favorite and will run from Nov.1 through Christmas...

...And More!

2010-10-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

My last painting was for the "Fall Colors" exhibit at the Lakewood Arts Council show in October...not much vegetation was turning colors a few weeks ago, so my son and I walked in the foothills...these leaves are from are shrubs and vines that were growing (and turning) along the path...I really enjoyed working with all the colors...

More work...

2010-10-20T19:32:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been enjoying mosaics, but sprinkling a few acrylic paintings in, too. With the technical detals required of my architectural work, I find cutting glass and listening to books on CD most relaxing...wish I could do that every day. I now have a great additional workspace in my large basement room...it's newly painted and organized and feels great! These are my two latest paintings...these zinnias and black-eyed susans are from my garden...the yard just won't quit this year!

More Mosaics

2010-08-23T10:56:00.000-07:00

I've been quite luckly lately finding great items to "re-purpose" with mosaics...an old clock with the clock face removed becomes a turtle lazy-susan.....a small wooden centerpiece becomes enhanced....a 12" pink-painted wooden bowl gets a new life...this bird bowl will be donated to the Lakewood Arts Council Silent Aution during the month of September...you can bid on it at the gallery or online at http://www.lakewoodartscouncil.org/

Garden Tour sources

2010-07-29T09:19:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month the LAC had their annual garden tour...read all about it at http://www.lakewoodartscouncil.org/ A wonderful place for photo sources of all kinds, the gardens filled my camera...these paintings are of daisies I saw along the way (both 18x24 acrylic)...and after painting one group in color, I thought it would be interesting to paint the same view in black and white...maybe later I'll try some moonlit painting...

Foxgloves in SC

2010-07-29T09:15:00.000-07:00

In May, I visited my home state of South Carolina..a beautiful time of year certainly! My sisters' gardens were no exception..my oldest sister has quite a spread, and I was taken with an area full of foxgloves...and here is the result!

Mosaics!

2010-06-09T13:40:00.000-07:00

Recently I decided that I should develop a real mosaic technique, not just painting mosaics...SO....I started collecting real tile scraps, smashing dinner plates, and keeping my eyes open for interesting materials to mosaic...one of the first finds was a lazy susan from Goodwill...just perfect for mosaics! Using the opalescent stained glass scraps that I had from many years ago, I completed the lazy susan...and used small metal beads for the birds' wings! Fun!

Lots Going On...

2010-06-09T13:29:00.000-07:00

A lot is going on these days, I just cannot keep up with writing about it...this is my latest painting before I decided to do more glass mosaics...and here is the glass mosaic that I completed in May as a wedding gift for my niece.

After that visit to South Carolina for her wedding, I have lots of reference photos of lush vegetation, geraniums, and magnolias! I'll be sitting at the LAC Gallery on Monday June 14, so I'll work then to get back in the swing of things! Note that the Artists Choice Exhibit is now running at the Lakewood Cultural Center...lots of great artwork to see! It closes on June 18th...see it now!

On a Roll!

2010-04-12T09:45:00.000-07:00

I'm still pulsing from the recent workshop...here are more of the results from my painting time last week...more to come.

Jumpstart Workshop!

2010-04-02T08:52:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I attanded a half-day workshop at the Lakewood Arts Council gallery taught by Jeanne Mackenzie, a talented and well-known oil landscape artist from near Ft. Collins, CO. She was teaching about using photographs as reference material for our paintings...it was great fun with our group of ten and a great jump-start for me after completing the lengthy banner project. I completed an 18x24 acrylic painting and just about finished another...she taught us about allowing the viewer's eye to create the detail...great stuff...and here's the completed painting!

Banners are Installed!

2010-02-20T10:19:00.000-08:00

After a long day yesterday, all four mosaic banners have been installed in the Westminster Rec Center atrium...with the wondeful help of my contractor friends Virgil and Greg from CNI Contractors, Inc. . Greg was the one brave enough to ride up the lift time after time to secure the banners, and Virgil was in perfection mode as usual, keeping us all on track for each next step. Starting at 8am, they had a lesson on the lift operation from the maintenance crew.

The first challenge was to secure a framework on the sloped 1/2" thick steel structure at the top of the atrium (36' up - yikes!) which involved tying off each successive conduit bar to the beam, thus securing it temporarily while the clips were shot into the steel...then attach each bar, which was pre-equipped with clips and cable from which the banners themselves were hung...Keep in mind that while the banners are hanging to be viewed from the upper floor level, the lift was positioned on the lower level...meanwhile we had to dodge around several kids classes being held in the lower level...we really did not want to drop a wrench on anyone's head!...But at lunchtime, thanks to Melinda, we were able to sample a wonderful chili lunch being given at the center, followed by a tour of the newly completed pool complex from Gina, the recreation director. Set to open today to those that are in the know, the existing 1986 pool was replaced with a "pool extravaganza" of lap pool, current pool, and wading pool with a beach and built in activities, including slide...new locker rooms and activity pool with rope swing and climbing wall complete the facility! Incredible! The facility is located at 10455 Sheridan Boulevard in Westminster, CO. Please visit to see the banners and try out the pools!

Once each banner was secured to the cables, we positioned each one to be level and in line with each other...shortly before 6pm we completed the task! whew! Come see!

Finished!

2010-02-16T08:46:00.000-08:00

The four banners are finally finished and scheduled to be installed later this week...now I'm thinking about what to do next. I had several boxes of stained glass scraps given to the gallery which I shared with a number of glass artists...together with the wood window frames that I received last fall, I have no excuses not to start some glass mosaics! but then, maybe I need to concentrate on drawing...and then maybe some watercolors...I feel so much more knowledgeable about colors after all the acrylics I've completed...we'll see!

New banners completed...

2010-02-10T08:11:00.000-08:00

I have now completed the last two banners enough to hang at the gallery and photograph...this allow me to see each banner in its entirety to determine any areas that need fixing...these photos are of the summer and winter banners...I've also begun to work out the details of the hanging at the rec center with the help of some great engineer and contractor friends...final photos will appear when I finish all the "tweaking"...

The Big Gap

2010-01-26T08:37:00.000-08:00

Now let me explain the reason for the absence from my blog...Last fall I responded to a request for proposals for hanging artwork in the center atrium of the Westminster Recreation Center, north of Denver...they were remodeling the pool area and wanted to have some art as part of the re-dedication...long story short, I won the commission..and have been painting ever since! the proposal involved 4 black fabric banners, each 4' x 12' and depicting a different Colorado season...painted with acrylic in the mosiac stlye of my smaller banners, it's been a real learning experience (finding UV resistant fabric with a fire rating, for one) ...I am now working on the final banner (winter), with the hanging intallation to be scheduled in late February...working on my 4' wide drawing board in my office/studio I roll each banner as I paint each panel. As each banner is complete, I take it to the LAC gallery to get an overall look by hanging it from our upper gallery railing...these photos indicate roughly how they will be seen when installed. These pics are the fall and spring seasons...I will soon post the summer banner...Now, back to painting!

Poppies

2009-10-28T09:26:00.000-07:00

This painting (24 x 18 acrylic) is my latest and is currently hanging at the LAC Gallery...on such a snowy day, it is a reminder of summer to come!

Glass Mosaic

2009-10-01T09:32:00.000-07:00

Here's the small glass mosaic that I did as a prt of Kathy Thaden's recent mosaic workshop...I have quite a few old wood windows from a neighbor, so I have lots more mosaics planned using stained glass!

Yellow Day Lilies

2009-09-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

Just finished this painting of some yellow daylilies from my yard..a great reminder of summer, now that the days are getting colder...this acrylic on canvas painting is 24" x 18".

Christmas work...

2009-09-17T09:16:00.001-07:00

Over the last few weeks I have been inspired to use some of my techniques on pillow covers with a Christmas theme...using general painting and the mosaic technique, I finished about a dozen pillows...here they are!

Mosaic Workshop

2009-09-17T09:11:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday I attended a mosaic workshop at the Lakewood Arts Council Gallery by Kathy Thaden, master mosaic artist! It was great fun..I did stained glass mosaic on glass and others did mosaics on various sorts on a 6x6 wood panel...our homework was to finish the cutting and gluing activities of our designs.....next Saturday we will learn grouting technique and then I'll post some photos of the finished work!

'By the Door' Banner

2009-09-01T10:18:00.000-07:00

This small banner was done for my in-laws to place beside their new entry door...it reflects their love for the mountains of Colorado...the size is 9" x 15, acrylic on black canvas.

Figure Painting

2009-09-01T09:35:00.000-07:00

As a result of the figure drawing class mentioned earlier, I have just completed a painting of my son (now 22) when he was about three...fishing with his Dad on our pond in SC, he was more interested in the bait than the fish...it was fun to do, especially the tall pine tree reflections in the murky water, and brought back many memories of great times there....this 20x16 acrylic on canvas painting will be entered in the upcoming "Child's Play" exhibit at the LAC Art Center & Gallery Sept 7 - 25..the opening reception is Sept 10, 6-7:30 pm...stop by and enjoy!

Fabric Art Demo

2009-08-24T15:16:00.000-07:00

Wow - I attended the fabric art demo and breakfast given by Cindy Haase this past Saturday...lots of great ideas by a talented lady! It's always an eye-opener to see how others pursue their art..these demos that are at the LAC Gallery are the best!

Kilo the Great Dane

2009-08-11T10:24:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to introduce Kilo, my latest pet portrait. A 16" x 20" acrylic, this portrait is a wedding present for some recently married friends...they are getting the painting today..sure hope they like it! I really enjoyed painting the shapes of his head and neck...now I understand why the Marmaduke cartoon is drawn to look so lumpy and bumpy! what great dogs!

Lakewood Co-Op

2009-08-11T10:14:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was my first sitting for the Lakewood Co-Op at the Lakewood Arts Council Gallery on South Union...the co-op is a group of artists who use their volunteer time to keep the gallery open six days a week (10-5 Mon thru Sat)...in exchange we all are allowed to display our work there..stop by sometime and take a look! The Arts Council is always welcoming new members, so remember your art oriented (and art appreciating)neighbors and others you meet..invite them over!

Mountain Ash Tree

2009-07-30T15:34:00.001-07:00

This most recent acrylic painting (18 x 24) is of my front yard ash tree, with the berries just forming...the idea was to paint another branch later in the season when the berries turned red and orange...I'll need to find some other ash tree, as there are no leaves or berries left on mine (hail!) I love the high light/shadow contrast and the greens, of course...

Apple Tree

2009-07-30T15:30:00.000-07:00

I have been fascinated with foliage recently - this is a branch from my apple tree with a single apple that the squirrels have left...unfortunately as of this post, the real tree has no leaves or apples because of last week's hail storm. I'm glad I captured it when I did! This acrylic painting is 16x20.

Figure drawing workshop

2009-07-30T15:26:00.000-07:00

Today I attended a great figure drawing workshop at the LAC taught by Teddy Schmedeke Lee...she was a great teacher and encourager and we all left feeling as though we could now begin to draw people more realistically! that's always been a tough task for me, but I will continue to practice what I've learned and soon there wil be some figures incorporated in my paintings!

Garden No Longer

2009-07-23T15:40:00.000-07:00

Wow - what a storm Monday night...the hail effectively eliminated all my painting source material...patio pots are little nubs, no more grape vines, which were loaded with grapes...and yard plants are mowed to the ground...will have to travel to see blooming plants...

Color is popping out!

2009-07-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

This is my latest painting...24" x 18" acrylic...of geraniums and African Daisies...African Daisies are some of my favorites..they have a colorful center and the front and back of each petal are different colors! This bunch is from a pot on my patio.

From the garden tour...

2009-07-09T08:21:00.000-07:00

This water lily is one of my newest paintings...acrylic 24" x 18". Its inspiration was from a backyard pond on the Lakewood Arts Council Garden tour recently...enjoy!

Saturday Garden Tour and Show

2009-06-29T08:45:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday was the Lakewood Arts Council sponsored garden tour...magnificent places to see and inspire! plus I learned a lot from several gardeners, and of course, I took photos of interesting plants for reference...great fun! Lunch was provided at the gallery, together with a chance to visit the Garden Show on the upstairs gallery...there was a great turnout and much exposure for the artists...if you have not yet visited, take a look soon!

Peonies in Bloom

2009-06-23T12:18:00.000-07:00

The rain has produced a bountiful year for peonies...and this newest 24 x 18 acrlylic painting is from a neighbor's yard...I particularly liked the yellow sun coming thru the plant and the pink edges of an otherwise white flower...

Check out the Picasa link to all my work...

2009-06-22T11:09:00.000-07:00

Just a note to let you know that I have just about completed uploading photos of all my work to date on the Picasa link at the end of this blog...they show my paintings, mosaic banner paintings, as well as the pet portraits...enjoy!

Rainy Inspiration

2009-06-15T11:07:00.000-07:00

Back from Yellowstone now...lots of photos of grand scenery and impressive animals and tiny wildflowers...cool, rainy weather, but still most enjoyable...can't wait to line up several paintings at least...my garden continues to overflow with all the recent rain..a most unusual spring here.
Sunday went to the Art Student League Annual Show and Sale..over 250 artists' booths with some great work...also very inspirational...makes me want to really get to work..so much to learn, too! I set a goal to be in a booth with my work in 2010...
The Lakewood Art Council's Garden Show begins today!

Trip to Wyoming

2009-06-08T12:41:00.000-07:00

I'm getting excited now, as tomorrow morning I'll be starting a road trip to the Tetons and Yellowstone National Parks with my sister from South Carolina...looking forward to many inspirational ideas...and lots of goof-off time...

Burro's Tails

2009-06-08T12:25:00.000-07:00

Colorado looks like Ireland now...I've never seen it so green...there are lots of potential painting ideas in my yard alone! However, these Burro Tail plants seem to grow whether rain or not..and, I'm learning, they create new plants everywhere in my garden! I love them for their hardiness and their texture and green-gray color...lots of fun to paint. This 16 x 20 canvas is my latest!

2009-06-04T15:11:00.000-07:00

HOT DOG!...or New Dog, that is...My wonderful animal-loving in-laws have been searching for just the right dog to add to their mountain home...and today they finally found him...as cute and mellow as anyone could ask...with four white paws, his name of Boots really fits! I am sure he will be a willing subject for a few dog portraits in the future!

Getting the hang of this...

2009-06-01T11:45:00.000-07:00

OK - this is all much easier than I thought...many thanks to my husband Scott and son Davis for helping me with the "techie" side of things...
the black painted canvas banners are some of my favorites...while I have to sew the hangings themselves, it's rather like taking the time to stretch a number of canvases...not fun, but necessary...I can make a variety of sizes easily. I usually lay in the basics of the overall design element, and let the colors and linework of the background 'mosaics' develop as I paint..these mosaic panels are part of a horizontal series that I completed as a valence across my dining room window...

Getting Started...

2009-06-01T11:06:00.001-07:00

A blank window on my computer is as intimidating as a new canvas...yikes! My latest acrylic painting is of the rhubarb in my backyard...I loved the curly leaves and bright red stalks (and the pie I make!) so much that I have completed two paintings of the subject...each 16x20.