Furious Angels 2, Beauty

Beauty is not so much “Furious” as she is tired. Here she reclines in the splendor of the garden, weary from being patient… Can’t one see…..The garden is at your feet and so many still do not see it, or appreciate its need for care and preservation. The woman in the waves immerses herself in the thrill and power of the ocean. And is in awe.

Furious Angels 2 Beauty

Forbidden Fruit

Gretchen competed the 2nd painting in the “Eve Collection” during her stay at the “Dorland Arts Colony” in Temecula, Ca. Dorland is a “deep in the keep” hideaway tucked in the hills between the Santa Ana mountains to the west, and the Temescal mountains to the east. Ellen and Robert Dorland homesteaded the property in the 1930’s. After her husband died, Ellen negotiated a gift/sale of this nature preserve of 300 acres to the Nature Conservancy with the stipulation that an Arts Colony be allowed on the land.

“solitude is my mistress. It frees my spirit to roam, drift and settle on what moves me to create.”

“Forbidden Fruit” explores the moment when Eve takes that first bite from the Tree of Knowledge and faces the burdens of realtiy for the first time. She is vulnerable, only partially clothed, as she leaves the innocence of the garden where everything was provided for her. Duality emerges and arises the world.

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Eve

Eve and The Garden of Eden represents a new series of paintings exploring the mythology of Women, previously defined by a masculine, patriarchal culture. This new collection will redefine the value of women from a feminine perspective.

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Lullaby

Oil on Canvas

24” x 36”

The first printed version from Mother Goose’s Melody (London, c. 1765), has the following lyrics:

Rock-a-bye baby

on the tree top.

When the wind blows the cradle will rock.

If the bough breaks, the cradle will fall

Mother will catch you, cradle and all

Mother sits near in her rocking chair

Forward and back, the cradle she swings

Though baby sleeps, he hears what she sings

“Rock-a-bye baby, do not you fear

Never mind, baby, mother is near

Wee little fingers, eyes are shut tight

Now sound asleep until morning light”

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Two Mad Women chosen for exhibition

“Strange Birds” and “Keeping the Home Fires” have been selected for the Laguna Beach City Hall Exhibition. Juried by Malcolm Warner, director Laguna Beach Museum

Currently on display until November 27, 2019 Laguna Beach City Hall 505 Forest Avenue Laguna Beach CA

Opening reception November 7, 2019 6:00 - 7:00pm

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The Mad Women

The Mad Women book is the result of eight paintings created during 2018. The eight paintings represent a journey from grief and loss to acceptance and joy. They represent stages in the process of facing the darkest moments in our lives, confronting our realities head on, facing our fears and coming out the other side with a renewed sense of life. The book is available on my Etsy Shop at https://etsy.com/listing/658577104/the-mad-women?ref=shop_home_active_1

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Walk Away

Oil on Canvas 36" x 36"

This piece is about turning away from what is not working and walking towards a new horizon.  Resisting the ego's desire for a fight, having the courage to move towards new possibilities and opportunities.  Changing direction.

Walk Away

The Sower

Oil on Canvas  36" x 48"

This piece is about hope.  The seeds we sow, and the hope that something will grow from them.  That this growth will nourish and benefit.

The Sower