With the Artisan tour just a month away and two shows opening simultaneously it’s been a busy winter and spring, not to mention the gardening. Here’s what’s been happening in the studio so far this year…
During the winter I build most of my canvases. This begins with wood stretcher bars fit together and carefully squared to make a frame. Then the raw linen canvas is cut to fit and methodically stretched over the frame, avoiding any bumps and wrinkles to give a perfectly flat, tight surface. Once a half a dozen are complete they get several layers of white, gesso ground painted on, sanding between coats. Ready now for oil paint.
The first ‘show’ though is concluding tomorrow(!), Sunday May 4th, the Empty Bowl auction. You can still bid here, by 6pm tomorrow. The canvas for this was a pre-fired bowl on which I drew “Beach Day” images in the spirit of my ink brush drawings:
I made another painting, “The Seventh Wave”, for the “THE EFFECTS OF SUNSHINE” show at Jessica Hagen Fine Art + Design gallery in Newport, RI, opening May 24th.
The Seventh Wave, 24 x 24, oil on linen
At the same time I am putting the finishing touches on the fourth and final painting for “The Dog Days of Summer” show at Boston Children’s Hospital, showing June through late September. This is a two person show with photographer Ron Schmidt, curated by Christina Godfrey. “Artists Rob Diebboll and Ron Schmidt exhibit art focused on our canine friends enjoying summer fun while our patients showcase artwork inspired by their favorite pet dog.”
“Dog Days” in progress, 30 x 30, oil on linen
Late winter and spring also means gardening, including rebuilding the beds outside the studio to get ready for the Artisans tour!
studio garden
MEANWHILE! I will have new work ready for the tour on June 7-8, so we’ll see you there!
Water Puzzles, 24 x 36, oil on linen
