Wednesday, November 06, 2024

Yellow


YELLOW 
by
Judy Vars
$600

 This vibrant painting draws the viewer in with its delightful use of color and dynamic composition. The central sunflower, with its bold yellow petals, effectively captures the viewer's attention and serves as a focal point for the piece. The sunflower's presence exudes a sense of warmth and energy, which is enhanced by the contrasting cool tones of the swirling vase. The choice to use blues, greens, and purples in the vase is particularly effective, as it not only complements the sunflower but also adds depth and movement, creating an engaging visual experience.


The setting of the vase on a yellow chair adds an element of whimsy and serves to ground the composition within a cohesive color palette. The yellow of the chair echoes the sunflower, subtly linking the elements of the painting. The woven seat offers an interesting texture, inviting the viewer into the scene with a sense of homely familiarity. The background, with its field of green grass dotted with delicate white flowers, provides a serene contrast to the vibrant foreground, while the sky's transition from pale blue to lavender lends an atmospheric quality that suggests a peaceful twilight or dawn setting.

One of the strengths of this piece is its ability to evoke emotions of joy and tranquility, largely due to the harmonious interplay of colors. The artist has demonstrated a keen eye for balance and contrast, ensuring that each element contributes to the overall narrative. While the composition is lively and full of detail, it stops short of being overwhelming, maintaining a pleasant equilibrium between complexity and simplicity.
In closing, this painting is a testament to the artist's skill in creating a vivid and lively tableau that resonates with viewers on an emotional level. It invites contemplation and admiration through its use of color and form, all while maintaining a lighthearted and joyful presence. The artist is encouraged to continue exploring their unique style and inspirations, knowing that their work has a meaningful impact and the potential to inspire further reflection and appreciation.

Tuesday, July 02, 2024

When I'm An Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple


 When I'm An Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple

Oil

16X20

Judy Vars

When I was a younger woman I used to wish for wisdom as time passed I realized I was just longing for old age, because with age comes wisdom. 

Like Van Gogh and Frida Kalho I always wanted to paint my self portrait which not an easy task for someone like me. Finding the beauty in my wrinkles and sagging skin is more difficult than I thought it could be. I'm searching for the beauty in growing older. I am searching for radical self acceptance. 

I wonder if I could turn back the hands of time would I? Imaging aging backwards like Benjamin Button. 

I've learned that growing older faint of heart. We are not invisible, We are not irrelevant, We know more about life than we let on!  My we all grow old with love, beauty and grace, 

Monday, June 03, 2024

The Red Queen 
Mixed Media Oil Painting 
24 x 18 
Judy Vars 
$500.00

The inspiration for this painting was the official portrait of King Charles the III, painted  by British artist Jonathan Yeo. This painting is controversial because of the dynamic red the artist used it gives you a jolt of strong feelings, like massacre, hell, love, lust and power, personally I am a big fan of RED.  

I could also call this the "Red Queen meets Bridgerton", you know the lovely British series based on books by Julia Quinn, replete with Queens, Lords, Grand Dames, it transports you to another era with all the elements of a great historical fiction romance novel; sex,  gossip, romance and period fashion   I'm INSPIRE-RED

Inspiration comes from everywhere 

Monday, January 09, 2023


The Blackest Black Raven - Exploring Voids and Empty spaces
16 X 20
Acrylic on Canvas
$350
I am a "melanophile" one who loves the color black. 
In art we are encouraged to not use black paint because supposedly it creates a dead zone in an otherwise lively painting, I rebel! as any great artist should. So much fear and prejudice surrounding the color black.  
My raven was painted on a wrapped canvas the background was painted with Steward Sample Blackest Black 3.0. This paint is very matte and so very black, it almost reminds me of a black velvet painting. 

Anish Kapoor also invented a black color known as Vanta BlackKapoor bought exclusive rights to Vantablack so only he, alone could use it. This began feud between the two artists, Stewart Semple believed anyone should have access to this color then known as the “blackest black." It has the ability to absorb 99.965 percent of the light around it, and make objects seem to disappear into a black hole. Unfortunately for Kapoor, in 2019 a new rival black was created by MIT engineers that not only absorbs even more light, (99.99 percent) but is also tougher, and, as developers say, “built to take abuse.”

The paint was not cheap $55.00 for 10 oz but I would rather buy paint than any luxury lipstick any day, so money well spent. 

Ah Black you do not disappoint.

Monday, October 11, 2021

Grandma and Grandpa Aukongak's Cabin in Golovin, Alaska


 Golovin Home
Acrylic
Private Collection

Emily Murray commissioned me to paint her grandparents cabin this abandoned home from a picture I took in Golovin, Alaska many years ago. I had the opportunity with the Alaska State Council of the Arts to teach elementary kids art, while there I took lots of photos, made friends and learned things about the village. This was an enriching experience, the people were incredibly nice to me they gladly shared many things about the village and the people in the village, they make me feel welcome.
 
This two story log home was built for Mary when she married Sigfred Aukongak he built this for her because he loved her so much, they were married 52 years, they created so many happy memories for their children and grandchildren in this home. Mary was part Sami and Sigfried was a reindeer herder during the summers the whole family moved to Big Hurrah to take care of the reindeer herd.