Rachel Klecker Clegg

Sketch for Water Series

2012-01-18T08:00:00.001-05:00

Sketch for Little Falls on Glenn Creek, graphite on paper

I have been busy with a new series focused on water. I am working with smaller pieces on board, layering colors, building thin to fat. Previously, I worked oils solely with linseed oil or way back with only turpinoid. Now using a thin base layer cut with turpinoid and subsequent layers cut with turpinoid/linseed or linseed. This means starting a number of pieces together to allow a bit of drying time. The change in approach keeps me moving with sketching and planning. A good discipline.

Fall Leaves on Flat Creek

2012-01-17T10:29:00.000-05:00

Fall Leaves on Flat Creek, 16x20" acrylic on canvas

Every so often I return to test the waters of acrylic medium. I struggle with acrylics, it's the plastic texture I think. Perhaps I'm using old paints that are separating and stringy. Whatever the case, there are elements I love about this piece: the light reflecting on the water surface and the bold colors of the leaves which are what inspired this piece. It will be nice to revisit this with oils for more fun. Happy painting.

This painting is currently available at Atelier Gallery Asheville.

Over the Dunes

2011-11-08T15:27:00.000-05:00

Over the Dunes, 9x10.5", oil on wood panel

This was one of the small quick paintings from our week on Hatteras Island. Our morning commute; a walk over the dunes to some serious surf fishing. There is a very special feel to the Outer Banks; bare bones, vulnerable, raw nature...it's a stripped down version of life that is at the same time a very full life.

Under Avon Pier

2011-10-30T21:04:00.000-04:00

Under Avon Pier, 10x10", oil on board

I feel so fortunate to be working from the Outer Banks this week. A refreshing change of scenery and subject matter. I did a painting of the Avon pier last year from a different angle. There is a wonderful, dramatic contrast between the white sea foam, the deep tones of the pier posts and the long shadows cast on a sunny fall afternoon. I feel like I am there.

White Oak, Horizontal

2011-10-05T00:37:00.000-04:00

White Oak, Horizontal 24x36", oil on canvas

I completed this second white oak painting a little more than a week ago. I worked with a red under painting on the trunk and layered with blueish grays that I mixed from cobalt blue, indian red, burnt umber & siennia... and white. Some areas I splashed with violet. The greens in the leaves are a mix of viridian green, chromium oxide and a chartreuse hue I can't recall the name for with cadmium orange blended at the edges.

Vertical Oak

2011-09-26T11:48:00.000-04:00

Development of "Vertical Oak"

Vertical Oak, 24x48" oil on canvas

SOLD

This white oak piece is a commission I had been working on this past month. I worked with a red under painting and layering with complimentary colors. It has a stain glass mosaic look that developed on it's own. That's the mystery of creativity. It's wonderful when you can let go and learn from what flows through you.

Afternoon Nap

2011-08-03T08:00:00.002-04:00

Afternoon Nap, 12x12" oil on wood panel

Looking back over some sketches I thought this would be fun to paint. I wasn't anticipating the rug and all it's details, but ended up really enjoying and learning from this one. The perspective is skewed and somewhat harsh about the angles which I think adds to the dreamy impression. Plus I got to concentrate on two of my favorite subjects.

Morning with Magnolia

2011-08-02T08:00:00.002-04:00

Morning Magnolia, 7x8" oil on panel

Inspiration for morning sketching is made easy with bright colors. The deep brown of coffee encircled by turquoise glaze of the cup, complemented by the bright fuschia texture of a Big Leaf Magnolia seed pod. It's like a sugar feast for the eyes.

Turquoise Tea Cup with Cotton Boll

2011-08-01T08:00:00.018-04:00

Turquoise Tea Cup with Cotton Boll - 7x7" oil on wood panel

While out browsing a local thrift store, 3 fiestaware tea cups caught my eye. I was drawn like a moth to a flame by the gorgeous turquoise color. I have current fascination with turquoise and bright white color combination. Maybe it's the heat.

Turtle Shell with Magnolia Seed Pods

2011-07-30T15:29:00.001-04:00

Turtle Shell with Magnolia Seed Pods - 8x8" oil on wood panel

I am venturing into still life. Hiking last week, I was struck by the vibrancy of the Big Leaf Magnolia seed pods that littered the forest floor. They are striking next to a sun bleached turtle shell.

2011-07-11T13:14:00.000-04:00

Preliminary sketches for up coming group show "Waking Up with Van Gogh" at the Hickory Art Museum, Hickory, NC in May 2012. A number of artists responding to Van Gogh's "Bedrooom in Arles" together in one show. I am looking forward to seeing it!

I am working through the idea of ordinary objects (aka. our monochromatic, tiny bedroom) transformed by use of color to evoke restful balance. Something I think Van Gogh struggled with personally and fought to portray or find in his own work. A good challenge.

Moonlight over the Outer Banks

2011-06-12T17:21:00.000-04:00

14x32", oil on board

I had reworked this piece as I wasn't happy with the balance in the composition. I am happy with the results, which is not always the case. You can see the earlier version posted, November 1, 2009.

Fisherman's Boat, Soundside

2011-06-12T17:16:00.000-04:00

Fisherman's Boat Soundside, oil on board, 9.5 x 9.5"

This was painted from a scene on the Outer Banks, Pamlico Sound. This was donated to a silent auction benefiting Claxton Elementary in Asheville.

Coastal Maine

2011-06-06T08:09:00.000-04:00

"Coastal Maine", 9-3/4" square, oil on board

Inspired from a trip up the coast of Maine a couple of years ago with my husband. Amazing color in the rocks up there, especially on a misty day. I am taking this today to hang in Atelier Gallery, 24 Lexington Ave. downtown Asheville.

Trees: Visual Rhythm Show, Asheville School

2011-03-14T22:02:00.078-04:00

Trees: Bigleaf Magnolia, Street Tree (Norway Maple), Three Beeches

Trees: Elm, Sycamore, Scalloped Bark Pine

Trees: Oak, Sourwood, Sycamore

The show was a wonderful experience. Thank you to Moni Hill for opportunity to show and to Asheville School for a wonderful venue and to everyone how come out the night of the opening. Thank you!
From one show to another. I took down the pieces last weekend and took them to hang in the lobby of Asheville's local public radio station WCQS, www.wcqs.org The station will have their doors open the evening of Friday, April 1st during Asheville's Downtown Gallery Associations Art Walk which is from 5-8pm. www.ashevilledowntowngalleries.org
It should be a great evening.

Street Tree in the Fall - Norway Maple

2010-12-26T18:14:00.000-05:00


24x24", oil on canvas

A norway maple stands juxtaposed with utility lines.
The bark twisted, splintered and limbs amputated. Still, the fall show was stopping traffic.

3 Beeches

2010-12-26T17:31:00.000-05:00


24x24", oil on canvas

The final work from a previous post. I used a wash of yellow ocher as an under coat which was a fresh approach to this series. I don't have a set process of how I begin painting, except for sketching. I think this is an asset...it keeps me searching.

Sourwood

2010-12-26T17:15:00.000-05:00


(cropped view) 24x24", oil on canvas

Elm, process

2010-12-26T16:21:00.000-05:00

9x12", pencil on paper


18x24", oil on canvas

I have had my nose to the grindstone staying focused on finishing a group of paintings for a show at the end of January. The show will feature trees, some of which I have posted while in progress. I am realizing the meaning of "blog" is to share the process of creating so I am making an effort to be more present. This piece is an elm that reminded me of red velvet cake... the rich colors and intense texture really screams at you.

Lunch Hour on the Surf

2010-10-29T09:02:00.002-04:00

7x7" oil on board

There is something exciting about seeing a fully loaded van at beach. It just screams adventure.

Pamlico Sound

2010-10-28T09:00:00.000-04:00

8x8" oil on board

We got the chance to do some canoeing on the sound and enjoyed a beautiful sunset. It is quite a contrast to the often fickle surf. Quite lovely.

Surf Search

2010-10-26T20:01:00.000-04:00

8x8" oil on board

The beach next to Hatteras light house is one surfers and fishermen flock to. I caught a couple on their way out for the afternoon.

Avon Pier

2010-10-25T09:47:00.001-04:00

8x8" oil on board

The end of October is a fisherman's frenzy on Hatteras. This is Avon Pier, which was hit hard by a nor'easter a couple of years ago. It's not one for the faint of heart. I hope these fellas (and mamas) caught dinner at least.

Surfside Birder

2010-10-24T19:32:00.001-04:00

7x7" oil on board

I have decided one of my favorite things is watching our little boston terrier-mut run on the beach chasing the seagulls and sandpipers. This was one from our fall trip to the Outer Banks... go get'em Posey!

3 Beeches

2010-10-01T08:30:00.000-04:00

A sketch on canvas of three beeches standing proud! The sketch is complete - next I will apply a neutral color wash and allow to dry (enough) and paint onward.

Quercus Terra Firma

2010-09-29T08:00:00.001-04:00

Another part of the "Trees" series. This one I prepped with a neutral wash over a sketch drawn directly on canvas. I am liking where this is going and will likely try this method again, perhaps with other colors. 'Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars"... Ha! I couldn't resist.

Pining away up

2010-09-27T22:02:00.005-04:00

The scrub pine is native to our area and it's texture is so intense when the sun hits it, it 'smacks' it. It truly is a feast for the eyes. This is another I am working on to include in the January show. I will be adding some more shadow for depth. Look for the final piece on my website later this winter.

Magnolia, working on light

2010-09-25T21:59:00.000-04:00

This piece is one I am developing for a show in January. It has been a tough one. I keep chasing the light that I was my inspiration. The Big Leaf Magnolia is quite exquisite and I hope to do her justice.

Magnolia fraseri study

2010-07-01T20:00:00.003-04:00

This sketch was done a month or so ago and I have already started painting this one. Studying these guys is a real treat, especially since they are out our back door. Lovely.

Large Sycamore

2010-07-01T00:03:00.000-04:00

Here it is, the final sycamore painting. I have this posted on my website as well.
Painting onward...

Rainy Days and Mondays

2010-05-31T12:50:00.000-04:00

It's a lovely raining Memorial Monday with two sleeping dogs made for a great sketching opportunity. Our 12 year old labrador, Samantha and 8 month old Boston Terrier and ? mix, Posey.

I'm still working away on a series of trees and will be posting some sketches for those soon.

In the mean time, I have been learning about the work of Betty Edwards (artist and author of "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain") and her passion for teaching the language of drawing. If you have a chance, take a listen to the interview with her on New Demensions website: www.newdimensions.org. I believe the show is #1973. It had me thinking: teaching someone how to draw is equally as important as teaching someone how to read. Perhaps this is mankind's current evolution; opening new areas of the brain we have not accessed previously or activating areas that which have been dormant.

Road to Sedona

2010-04-04T15:51:00.000-04:00

8x10" Oil on board

This past January I took a trip to Arizona. The warm desert temperatures and bright sun were energizing as I was fleeing from one of our coldest and snowiest winters in memory here in WNC. The dramatic colors and light splattered across the landscape was like watching an impromptu dance ensemble. I couldn't get enough of it and found my self turned into a swivel-headed gawker. Everywhere I turned I saw a painting. Simply inspirational.

Prepretory Sketch

2010-02-17T21:59:00.005-05:00

In preparation for a new painting I snapped some images of sycamores around Asheville. This is one of many, many, many.

I did several sketches from photos like this one to work out the composition and tonal balances. Then I placed a 2" grid over the sketch with blue pencil.

From there, I placed an 8" grid on a 48x48" canvas and started with a sepia outline. More to come as it progresses.

Michigan Yucca

2009-11-15T23:16:00.002-05:00

8x10" oil on masonite

I was captured by the repeditive arrangement and the blooms of the yuccas along the path to lake Michigan on a recent trip to Port Shelton. I painted started and finished this one over a few hours. I am feeling the need to start and finish work quickly these days. I am aiming to learn by doing and doing a lot.

Surfside

2009-11-01T13:38:00.002-05:00

I had fun painting this one. I think it is the texture of the oil paint on smooth masonite that made it fun. It did not turn out the detail I was originally going for but, I am really liking the forground on this. However, I'm not convinced that the sky working well in the rest of the painting. There seems to be something off balance and disjunct between the foreground and the background. I may try and tone the sky back to add depth. Check back and see if it works!

2009-10-01T15:52:00.000-04:00

I am currently working on painting of the ocean and pulled this drawing from my files. I completed this this past spring/early summer. I drew this from an imagined scene but, think it would have been better if drawn from life. Perhaps the lighting would have been sharper, lines crisper and perspective less dream like. I like the subject matter (the interesting swim cap and bright sunlight). So I would like to use it and am brainstorming on a different perspective for an oil painting.

Aquarium2

2009-09-14T23:17:00.001-04:00

Second of the series. I finshed this one this evening and entered it into the CNote show in Columbus, Ohio. Check out other artist at the show and cast a vote.
http://cnoteartshow.com/fall2009/

Swim with The Fishes

2009-09-12T14:23:00.003-04:00

So I am jumping right in; new to blogging and more importantly new to posting.
This is a painting I finished this morning. 10"x 16" oil on masionite board.
This past spring we took a trip out to the Outer Banks aquarium and my goal is to create a series of these. One down, more to come. Please stay posted!