The Art of Amy D'Apice
The studio is getting noisy. Paintings lay on the floor, lean against walls, chattering to each other. And to me. Today’s chosen one, propped up on the bamboo chair/easel, holds court in the designated place of honor. Sketches, tacked up with painter’s tape … Continued
It may take hours, sometimes days. But eventually, it kicks in. The painting is wet, alive. Perfume of linseed oil and pigment waft up from the palette where mature, complex colors await my bidding. The body warm, the dance underway, … Continued
Without knowing the outcome, the painting begins. A general idea is helpful. In this case, I work from a drawing, an image too tall for a single piece of paper, so I used two. Greenery spirals upward amidst blocks of orange, … Continued
“A work of art is the trace of a magnificent struggle” -Robert Henri Phase one: the honeymoon The blank canvas. Empty. Stark. Daunting. It’s got a bad reputation, but honestly, we’re good. I show it who’s boss with a single … Continued
A friend of mine asked to visit the studio. I said no. I feel protective of the work right now. Drawings scattered on the floor form an obstacle course of images. The chosen ones are stuck to the wall with … Continued
“It’s not what you paint. It’s how you paint it.” -Helen Van Wyk There’s truth in that statement. Van Gogh transformed worn leather and scruffy boot laces into swirling masses of sensual paint, playful silhouettes backlit by a golden field. Pop artist, Wayne Thiebaud, chose … Continued
“When you’re in the studio painting, there are a lot of people in there with you – your teachers, friends, painters from history, critics… and one by one if you’re really painting, they walk out. And if you’re really painting … Continued
“Chedi at Wat Pan Tao” size, mixed media,* 28″ x 42′ The pra chedi of Wat Pan Tao was under repair. Bamboo scaffolding echoed its elegant shape pointing up to the heavens. From around the corner, the chedi appeared … Continued
The evening proved lively: wine and appetizers on the patio, playing badminton in our cocktail dresses, dinner, and then drawing. In her studio/office/workout space, Nancy and I crouched on the floor, sketching ourselves in the mirror. My piece started out fine, but … Continued
