"Moonlight on the Vine" Unveiled at Seven Feathers Casino Convention Center: 3rd Annual Southern Oregon Festival of Arts

Moonlight on the Vine 12x24 acrylic, molding paste and metallic pigment ©Sandi Whetzel

 This, my most recent wine series painting, is unlike any other I have created so far.  My photography cannot do justice to the textures of the designs carved in molding paste, or the shimmering of metallic gold pigment and marble-like background textures.  This one must be seen in person to appreciate its elegant intricacies.  As soon as I finish publishing this post, I'll be adding the finishing touches to this contemporary painting.  I'm proud to show it as part of my lineup of "wine pairings" during the 3rd Annual Southern Oregon Festival of Arts.

Seven Feathers Casino Resort Convention Center will host the 3rd annual Southern Oregon Festival of Arts on Saturday, Oct. 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Canyonville, OR, just off I-5.  Enjoy browsing fine art and other creations by Oregon artists and artisans.  The variety ranges from one of a kind jewelry makers, pottery artisans, wood working and photography.  Artists will show abstract, floral, western and wine-themed works in oil, watercolor and acrylics.  This is the ideal place to browse for gifts or for yourself.  Enjoy live music by four local groups as you browse this select group of artisans' distinctive offerings.

In addition to the festival, nearby in the same building are two other events.  The Jefferson State Antique Bottle and Collector Show and Sale and Stampfest 2012 for stamp collectors are both celebrating their 10th year at Seven Feathers. If you attend any of these events, please stop by my space at the Art Festival and introduce yourself.

To see more of Sandi Whetzel's art in a slideshow, click  here , or for a more detailed look at her art, click     here .

Succulence! A Painting That Reaches Out to Be Touched

Succulence! 30x30 acrylic ©Sandi Whetzel

Succulence! 30x30 Acrylic
Originally uploaded by sandiwhetzel
This is the most recent addition to my succulent series. This acrylic painting has an added element of three-dimensional texture that literally reaches out to be touched. Near the center right of the painting the succulent leaf is actually physically bent and extends outward from the two dimensional surface of the painting. Yes, if you closely examine the photo, you can see the real shadow that is being cast from the outward bent leaf.

I accomplished this third dimension by first pouring a co-polymer shape of the leaf in its flattened dimension onto glass. When it dried into a plastic-like shape, I peeled it off the glass and glued it to the canvas, leaving the right edge free to bend forward. Then I glued the bottom leaf edge to itself in the folded position. I applied molding paste with a palette knife to it and several other leaves.

The central leaf in the middle of the plant was built up in its rod-like shape with mounds of molding paste that was sculpted with a palette knife. This is the first time I've tried anything quite so three-dimensional. The painting measures 30 inches by 30 inches. Its vibrant chromas, impressive size and dimensional qualities called for an in your face title. It is a succulent after all, and Succulence not only means juicy but highly interesting or enjoyable, delectable, luscious. I hope the painting lives up to its title. 
Succulence! 30X30 Acrylic

This is the most recent addition to my succulent series. This acrylic painting has an added element of three-dimensional texture that literally reaches out to be touched. Near the center right of the painting the succulent leaf is actually physically bent and extends outward from the two dimensional surface of the painting. Yes, if you closely examine the photo, you can see the real shadow that is being cast from the outward bent leaf.

I accomplished this third dimension by first pouring a co-polymer shape of the leaf in its flattened dimension onto glass. When it dried into a plastic-like shape, I peeled it off the glass and glued it to the canvas, leaving the right edge free to bend forward. Then I glued the bottom leaf edge to itself in the folded position. I applied molding paste with a palette knife to it and several other leaves.

The central leaf in the middle of the plant was built up in its rod-like shape with mounds of molding paste that was sculpted with a palette knife. This is the first time I've tried anything quite so three-dimensional. The painting measures 30 inches by 30 inches. Its vibrant chromas, impressive size and dimensional qualities called for an in your face title. It is a succulent after all, and Succulence not only means juicy but highly interesting or enjoyable, delectable, luscious. I hope the painting lives up to its title.