visiting old work for inspiration…

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I am working on a commissioned painting with text this week.  I wanted to take a look at the text style and size of some of my older works.  These are no longer in my possession so I have to rely on my photos.  (photos by Dok Wright)

The Federal Art Project (FAP) was the visual arts arm of the Great Depression-era New Deal Works Progress Administration Federal One program in the United States. The program operated from August 29, 1935 through June 30, 1943.

“Folk art expert Holger Cahill, who managed this large program, believed it could demonstrate the government’s commitment to the art community, give artists a sense of participation in American life, and provide the public a stake in American art.”

http://digital.library.okstate.edu/encyclopedia/entries/F/FE001.html

This series I created as homage to the art created during the WPA (Works Progress Administration) under the the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration.  I love the messaging and graphic nature of the art created during that time.  Can you imagine any modern administration thinking that getting artists to work would be good for our nation’s legacy and to exhibit our government’s commitment to art. Thanks FDR, you truly were one of a kind.

This series of paintings is owned by John Canning/PCC Physician’s Computer Company in Winooski, Vermont.  I hope to sell another whole series another time in my life, it was utterly thrilling.  Thank you John.

I think I need to create a new series based on these posters.

http://vintagraph.com/collections/wpa-posters?page=2  (You can buy amazing Federal Arts Project prints for $15)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Works_Progress_Administration_artists

SPRING finally SPRING

This is a painting I did a few years ago on a counter top rescued from a building site. I looked at it today in my studio and thought it reflected the way we feel here in northern Vermont. There was spring in the air today and it was amazing. Everyone was greeting each other and talking about how much we needed the coldest winter on record to be over. I think I said, “Happy Spring” about 10 times today to folks I haven’t seen during this endless cold season. The birds in the painting are all reconnecting and making plans with each other. Go forth and connect and make plans…it is SPRING!