The Art Show paintings

"Enter The Artist's Lounge" (24 x 30, acrylic painting) is an exploration of the figure and the space it occupies.  It is about the emotional and physical experience of entering a room and becoming a part of it, or existing on its outer edge.  Words, both spoken and unspoken are represented in the marks that form the figures.  Confidence, fear and apprehension are all present here.  Some brushwork is applied with strength and clarity, some forced to mix with the background... and some not 'present' at all.  As the viewer, do you desire to enter this room and join the conversation?  (...or do you occupy the space just outside the scene, and save the image to use another day?)               -Faith Goldstein

    

These paintings are part of a series entitled the 'Art Show'.  Time, and especially the last few years seem to have slipped away from me.  But today and always, I am appreciative of what remains in my Life.... this series was painted and was on view during this time period. 

                                                                                         

...At times, my camera has been my steady companion; more calming than a glass of wine, providing access and 'a reason 'to Be' in 'a space,' an art show, a gathering of people.  For someone who often feels alone in a crowded room, it is truly a gift to record those seconds of activity and to be able to bring them forward so that they may be enjoyed for the length of the Journey ahead.   For this, I am truly grateful.  -Faith

Self Portrait

"Tough Girl" (20 x 20 acrylic) by Faith Goldstein fine art

(photograph)

It's been too many years to count, since I've attempted a self-portrait... in college, I used prismacolor pencils to draw several that I termed "auto-biographical"...which in my mind, left me with an 'out' if they didn't look exactly like me! With the unexpected, real-life detours that my life is taking now, I had the thought to try it again... maybe just to remind myself that I am still here. .........The photograph was taken on a very short trip with my daughter to a familiar place we've visited before. I never really settled in to 'vacation mode'... and hadn't yet put the requisite smile on my face for the photograph. We only were able to stay over for one night and hadn't even ventured into bathing suits and the beautiful pool. With just an hour before check-out time, I suggested that we go down and atleast put our feet in the little kids play pool. Both the sun and the water felt great. I wanted a few pictures to remember this brief escape into fun (and, someone else's life). ......When I saw the photo, I loved it... I look serious for all that is a part of my current journey.... but, I thought also.... "Tough Girl in the Kiddie Pool" would be a fitting title. So that was my working title, while painting the portrait, except, with the word "Detail-" in front of it, to mean that it is... I am... a part of something much bigger than what you see; in the painting and on this Journey.

A Blast from MY PAST

Spring Hat (acrylic) by Faith Goldstein Fine Art

In The Park (acrylic) by Faith Goldstein Fine Art

I wanted to share with you, a "blast from my past" today. These are 2 of the very first paintings I had ever done. If you visited with me in my studio, you may have seen my portfolio which includes photos of several of these acrylic paintings. They were painted, many years ago, under the tutelage of Don Keene; who continues to be a guiding influence in my life. Yesterday morning, I took the drive out to Madison CT, to paint with Don's Saturday morning class, in his studio. We talked first about my desire to create these same marks in oils; and my struggle to think it was possible to do. After a few minutes, I left all 'doubt' behind, and took the next step on my Journey! (Please stay tuned!) (Thanks, also, to Gina, for telling me it can be done!)

Check out Don's website at www.donkeene.com