Day Thirteen - Breathless Light

Today we feature a work called Breathless Light. What I love about this work is that it holds a world of color underneath a layer of ambiguous white. Bold pallet knife statements of green, show the heart of the painting connecting with the bright new beginning begging to realized. It is symbolic of the sun rising over the past evening heralding a new start. 

This painting is a gift to you. In that I am only positing it for a bid. If you want this painting, simply email me with how much you would like to pay for it. Keep in mind that shipping will add $40.00 to the price.  But this is my way to say, thank you for all the support. Thank you for the love of my art. If this painting can come into your life and signal your new beginning, it would make my heart sing with joy. You deserve so much beauty in your life. 

Breathless Light.

Oil on Canvas

16 x 20

Here is to an amazing new beginning in your life!

Email info@liztuckwell.com

Day Twelve Golden Mean

Originally the inspiration for the title of this painting was from the Griffen and Sabine trilogy. The heart of the story of Griffin and Sabine lies in their search for their own "golden mean"—the harmony of perfect balance. 

In ourselves we have such dualistic natures.  Often, especially for this artist,  life has lead to me discovering my own balance within myself. Art has been a huge catalyst in the success of this.

Author F. Suela summarizes that "The golden mean in philosophy, especially in Aristotelian philosophy, is the desirable middle between two extremes, one of excess and the other of deficiency. In Buddhism, this is referred to as the “middle way.” In mathematics, the golden mean is a concept which expresses the relationship of two parts of a whole with each other and with the whole."

This painting brings that desired vision of harmony into play as the viewer also attempts to realize the visual balance in the work as it reflects in their own self.

Day Eleven Evolving Windows

Holiday Online Studio Sale
Over the month of December I am hosting a Holiday Sale on several pieces of work. This is the eleventh piece.

Evolving Windows is a horizontal painting. It is about moving along the timeline of our lives. How we evolve, how do the windows (vistas) internal and external evolve as we move forward. It is a stunning piece.

Evolving Windows
Oil on Canvas
12 x 24
Original Price $700.00
Holiday Price $500.00 Ends Jan. 2
Email info@liztuckwell.com

Day Ten Peacock's Feather

Holiday Online Studio Sale
Over the month of December I am hosting a Holiday Sale on several pieces of work. This is the tenth piece.

Peacock's Feather is a beautiful painting. Its blurred lines and hide and seek playfulness keep the painting in constant motion. It a dashing bold and beautiful piece. The fields of green and blue play harmoniously. This painting is always giving the viewer something new with each glance.


Like all great art, what the viewer sees in the piece changes as the viewer changes and grows in his/her own life.  This is a great painting to build a relationship with.

Peacock's Feather
Oil on Canvas
18 x 20
Original Price $600.00
Holiday Price $500.00 Ends Jan. 2
Email info@liztuckwell.com

Day Nine The Invitation

The Invitation is a painting quite close to my heart. So here is what it means to me. If you notice most of the painting is clouded. Several layers reveal on small moments of what lies beneath.  When the clouds give way over these small areas, we see this there is clarity underneath it all. 

I guess we can all choose between staying in the muck, staying confused is safer, it is comfortable. It may not be what you wanted, but at least you know it. Moments appear from time to time to reveal small snapshots of what could be if there one dares to go beneath the surface. Face the unknown and breath freely in a new landscape. 

To the left of the painting is an area of white. To the left of that is a figure which is beckoning. "Come. Come to a new landscape within yourself. It is waiting, always." The invitation is the calling to the new and greater part of ourselves always waiting to be discovered. There is nothing greater than the greater part of you.

The Invitation
Acrylic on Canvas
16 x 20

Day Eight Silent Warrior

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Silent Warrior / Peaceful Warrior

Wow. This piece is a large piece. I have titled it both Silent Warrior and Peaceful Warrior at times.  It is magical (I really love that word) and mysterious, powerful and hopeful. Its predominant color is green. There is a touch of blue but the striking offset is the dark red area to the right of the painting. In that area there is an entire other story taking place as you slowly begin to see figures emerge.  Who are they and what are they doing?

Truthfully, I can only write from the perspective of the artist. I know though, that who ultimately has this piece join their family, the meaning of these figures will shift entirely. For me they are the watchful eye within that makes sure we remain true to ourselves no matter how dense the surroundings seem.  Sometimes to know how great our strengths are, we have to delve deep into the unknown dark places within ourselves. This piece informs the viewer about their own inner warrior and the courage to face our darkest parts. And it is also about the inner protector, the guardian who ensures we re-merge, victorious, after delving so deep within our own caves.   This journey begins with our inner warrior and ends with us becoming our own hero.

Silent Warrior
Oil on Canvas
36 x 48

Day Seven Symphony Unfolding

Symphony Unfolding is about the upward trajectory of our lives. If we are on a path, I like to believe it is upward bound.

There is a magnificent quote by Richard Bach,  “Having climbed certain peaks you'll descend no more, but spread your wings and fly beyond.”  With the hope and promise the colors and the motion of this piece deliver, it is easy to see why I have paired it with this quote. Simply stated, it inspires.  This is the ascension in progress, to the next level of our lives.

I have often said that in life we are both the conductor and the symphony; made up of so many important parts. As this inner symphony unfolds we grow closer and closer to ourselves. The more we live, the more we grow and the more we unfold. The more we unfold, the more we live, grow..unfold...you get it.

Symphony Unfolding
Acrylic on Canvas
16 x 20

Day Six Dios in Slumber

Holiday Online Studio Sale
Over the month of December I am hosting a Holiday Sale on several pieces of work. This is the sixth one.

Today we feature a work called Dios in Slumber. It is a work on an experimental type of canvas panel. I like this texture, it is rough and smooth at the same time. I think it adds to the piece.

The great power this painting shows is its sense of warmth. I remember that when I was painting it I felt like I was finding new ways to reveal intimate details about myself with broad movements of color. When the white came in like a cloud, and contained this mysterious eye, it was akin to that part within that is powerful, yet quiet. That which is a compliment to the whole self and not an overpowering force of just one aspect.

Dios in Slumber
Oil on Panel
8 x 10
Original Price $200.00
Holiday Price $125.00 Ends Jan. 2
Email info@liztuckwell.com

Day Five Yellow

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Holiday Online Studio Sale
Over the month of December I am hosting a Holiday Sale on several pieces of work. This is the fifth one.   

Today we feature a work called Yellow. I love the combination of yellow ochre and yellow and gold. None of these colors overpower or are offensive, as yellow sometimes can be.

The painting is again playing with depths as some of the work fades in clearly to the surface while other elements are waiting to be revealed.

And then there is the return of the amazing signature element that once appeared in so many of my earlier paintings.  The element that stands above the rest of the painting; Is it waiting, is it watching? Is it part of the self? This element is the essence of the human spirit that is triumph in motion - that has no equal and can never be touched. A part you know well. It is in all of us.

Yellow

Oil on Canvas

16 x 20

Original Price $650.00

Holiday Price $400.00 Ends Jan. 2

Email info@liztuckwell.com

Day four Unfolding of Destiny

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For a while I was reading a lot of Greek mythology with my daughter. Telling her stories of Gods and the journeys of the demi Gods. Athena really resonated with her and I loved it.  Athena’s symbol is an owl.

When I look this painting I see this wise owl perched just outside of a cave. What is that cave? What is the gold just outside of it. As an abstract painter on a constant visual journey of self-discovery, this work is as much about the exploration of learned wisdom as it is about the layers of the subconscious and the inner wisdom that is reflected in our outer world.

This concept is a direct reflection of Dr. Carl Jung’s theories of the collective unconscious and where the myths and archetypes are stored.  For me this work connects to that directly. The unfolding of destiny is really a journey into our own deeper self.  And as we discover the myths and archetypes within us and shed light on them, we bring them forth from the unconscious to the conscious mind. This is when we free ourselves. This is where the real unfolding of our destiny can begin.

The Unfolding of Destiny

Acrylic on Canvas

16 x 20

Day 3 Chagall's Window Revisited

Holiday Online Studio Sale
Over the month of December I am hosting a Holiday Sale on several pieces of work. This is the third one.

This is a work on paper. I rarely work on paper because I am usually drawn to the canvas.  But what working on paper allows me to do is to create in a way that is even more introspective.  It is as if the whole world has been reduced to a small island consisting only of myself, my workspace, my paints and my brushes. This work was initially done with pen, then layered with watercolors, acrylics and iridescent highlights. I really love the circles. I love the glow of the colors that are highlighted.

This painting is reminiscent of a painted I created many years ago, "Chagalls' Window". That painting, while on canvas, was a lovely homage to the inspiring work of Marc Chagall's  Windows.  I love Chagall’s blues and his windows in Chicago. So lucky to have had his work be part of my visual background. Thank you Art Institute!   

One thing I love about this piece is the movement. You can literally travel this painting and enjoy every part along the journey.

Elements of the work become amazing features that could work on their own.

I was really pleased with this work but, because it was unlike my other work, I never showed it.  When I was editing the work for the online sale, I felt this would be a great opportunity to share something I hadn’t before.  It is always fun to peek into the private collection of an artist.  I hope you agree.  

Questions or comments about the work are always welcome!
 

Chagall's Window Revisited

Work on Paper
8x10
Original Price $200.00
Holiday Price $100.00 (ends Jan 2.)
Includes domestic shipping.
Email: info@liztuckwell.com

You may pay via Check, Credit Card OR Paypal.

Day 2 Within the Dusk

Little paintings are perfect for offices and smaller places. This 8 x 10 beauty is a twin of a painting called “Within the Sunset”.  I remember painting them right before my solo show. I really had not painted in a while and I needed to warm up my painting arm, so to speak. What was really nice about this painting was that it rolled out of me so effortlessly, as if it was waiting on the canvas invisibly for someone to bring it to life. 

I stood back from it, so pleased. I was surprised that the color orange had been so strong. I remember writing about this earlier.  When I paint with a color, it is as if that color becomes my voice. It speaks volumes about the emotions pouring into the work. The orange felt so good. It was bold. It was vibrant. I had been living a more muted palette in my lifestyle since I had not painted for a while and concentrated on mothering for so many years.  It was as if the strength of colors within me were sitting waiting knowing I would be back, even if at times, I was unsure of it.  

Having this painting in your life will be a reminder of the strength you possess, even when you forget.  

Within the Dusk
8x10

Day 1 Spanish Dancer

 
It is so magical, beautiful and bold.  There is something very special about this painting. 

Spanish Dancer

43 x 52

Oil on Canvas

How lovely is this?

I got this email from a woman who I recently completed a commission for:

"N has taken the painting for framing should be ready in couple of weeks. I immediately felt so lonely when she took it.. Almost cried. I love it so much. Words can't thank you enough."

Then this: "Finally got the painting back from framers. It looks wonderful on the wall! Thank you so much for this beautiful creation! Love, B"

When I create custom work for someone, I take it so very seriously. I really like to spend time getting an idea of who they are, really, and what colors and compositions would not only compliment their world, but would best fit their personality, their home and ultimately become a friend. Because we do not just own a piece of art, we create a life long relationship with it. So when I get emails like this, it is so incredibly rewarding. I am so happy and honored that the work I create in this world has such impact and such meaning.

www.liztuckwell.com
info@liztuckwell.com

Aleph

Aleph

This painting is one of my newest. In fact, it is soaking wet! I am working with a more limited palette right now - it feels right and it is also a challenge as I usually work with such vivid symphonies of color.  Enjoy!
Aleph
24 x 36
Oil on Canvas

www.liztuckwell.com

Emperor's Garden from Above

I love the negative space and the organic forms that shape the areas. The base is gold leaf.  I have wanted to share this for a while. I work on it slowly and I am really enjoying this new pallet. What do you think?

Enjoy! 

Emperor's Garden from Above

Oil and Gold Leaf on Canvas

24 x 36

xoxo

Liz

www.liztuckwell.com

Available work:

info@liztuckwell.com

River's Islands - Future Untold

I completed this painting only moments ago. Yes, it is still so wet that as I write, the paint from my hands stains my keyboard. Oh well, wouldn' be the first time.  As I was painting, I was reminded of trust. For me sometimes painting is the ultimate trust fall. The painting was once covered in a dark green and maroon. Then I was compelled to overlay it with a deep magenta, then yellow ochre, white, then deep blue and finally when I was about to sign it and call it a day - tourquoise said, hey don't forget about me. I was so sure the painting was complete and I could not imagine how the tourquoise was going to fit onto the painting at all. But for me, I am guided by a feeling, or a series of feelings, when I paint. I have to trust them because they know the colors better than I do...And yes, tourquoise was the finishing touch. There was such a depth created by laying that final color on, it almost became erie.   I am so enamored by this painting, I could just hug it! Although, at this stage of the drying process, that would be a total disaster for my clothes.

Enjoy this painting and let it remind you that your feelings are your compass too.  It will be posted on my available paintings area within a couple of days.

River's Island - Future Untold
Oil on Canvas
16 x 20
www.liztuckwell.com
info@liztuckwell.com

Happy Fire Works To You!

Happy Fourth of July Weekend! May the Fireworks of the weekend remind you of the fire within yourself!! Enjoy the sultry summer sizzle of this passionate piece and Have a Beautiful Celebration of your own Independence and Brilliance!

Phoenix Fire

20" x 24"

Oil on Canvas

This piece is available for purchase by clicking here.

www.liztuckwell.com

See more available works here

Juicy You

I paired this quote with my painting, The Invitation, because it is an invitation to us all to bring in more of who we are meant to be. Our juicy side -- the part of us that moves the river inside of us. 

I had a client come in for a painting session (www.create.liztuckwell.com) and she was an amazing artist. Unfortunately she had spent the majority of her life working behind a desk and ignoring all her creative longings.  She had simply regretted putting her joy on the back burner and wanted to spend the rest of her life pursuing her creative side.

In everyday there is at least one moment to doodle, to write a poem, to tell a joke, to color outside the lines of who we think we should be and move into more of who we are meant to be. 

Love Liz
www.liztuckwell.com
www.create.liztuckwell.com

Not knowing is ok too

I am working through this painting right now. Not on, but through. I say that because I have been painting it for nearly a month and it has changed faces so many times, I can barely keep track.
At times I get so frustrated because I cannot see where this painting is going. Sometimes I am in the throws of unexpected bliss because an aspect of it is purely sublime. Then I change it, of course. I have no doubt that when this painting is complete, it will be amazing.  But the uncertainty along the way reminds me that in my own life, sometimes it is ok just not to know.

I am a very solution based thinker, an action oriented, deadline driven gal. And then life happens and reminds me that honestly I never really know how anything is going to turn out because there is something wonderful about elements of life coalescing in the seamless and perfect way that I could have never predicted. Life, like my paintings, is bigger than my ego mind, or my how to mind. Being lost in this painting is such a gift because I look at my table and I see I have everything I need to create this work of art. Perhaps a dollop of patience would be handy too.

Zone Songs Say So Much..

Today when painting I was transported to a time when I painted for eight hours a day. These days I paint for a significantly less time than that, but I can get into full swing a lot faster. It's not about how much time you have, but how fast it takes you to get into your zone. Zones are timeless places, anything and everything can happen when in the zone. And at times elusive, when tapped into they bring forth an infinite amount of colors and inspiration within this painter.  For me I use music as a conduit to getting there.  Most often Beethoven is the jet I need, but sometimes, like yesterday, I bounced around from song to song trying to get in. Started with Lakme, moved the XX, then Kings of Leon, finally settled with a Bon Iver station on Pandora and got into the zone with some very relaxing revery. What moves you into your place of timeless creation?

Liz

www.LizTuckwell.com
Info@liztuckwell.com

Want to learn to paint? Interested in Meditation? Check out create.liztuckwell.com and learn just how accessible it is.

What a fantastic evening!

Thank you to everyone who came and celebrated fine art, fine people, and fine performances during the Open Studio Event on Saturday.  I met so many wonderful new people, saw so many old friends and faces, it was such a warm and wonderful event.

For those of you who missed it, there will be plenty more - and you are always welcome to come by for a studio visit and see new work!

Above:
Dios in Slumber
11 x 14
Oil on Panel

Inquire for purchase

Best to you all!
Love,
Liz

www.liztuckwell.com

Me Time

I paint today and I almost want to bow down and cry and say behold! Every brushstroke; every color; the blending of the colors - it all mesmerizes me. I'm lead into this hypnotic trance simply painting and painting. At times I feel  the painting is painting itself through me. Outside the sun casts a glow over countless snow mountains and inside there is only the sound of Dead can Dance playing in the background and the hum of a radiator working overtime.  I have two hours (two hours!!) and I feel I can squeeze eternity into 120 minutes like a determined traveler packs a suitcase. Sheer will. These deeply rich hours become a holy space, a sacred space and a sanctuary of me time. (Yes!)

www.liztuckwell.com
info@liztuckwell.com

Studio Open House 15 February
4 - 7 pm
Noyes Cultural Arts Center

xo

Days 17- 30 Conversations with Spring

Do you remember this one...I revisited and re-worked Call of Spring until it was no longer a call it was a full conversation. I have to laugh.  This one I am still working on and feel it is one of the paintings I have really begun to develop a deep relationship with. Sometimes I go to the studio and paintings come flying out of me. Sometimes a painting takes weeks, months and even years for the story to be told. This one is still unfolding...Lucky Me.

Conversations with Spring
Liz Tuckwell
18 x 24
Oil

www.liztuckwell.com
info@liztuckwell.com

Day 16 Within the Cave

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." Oliver Wendell Holmes Within the Cave Work on Paper Inquire for Purchase www.liztuckwell.com

Day 15 The Breakthrough

I titled this painting The Breakthrough. I see a figure bent over in deep contemplation. Around him, his world is burning; completely decimated. Everything he once knew is now gone. Yet, for the first time in a long time, if ever, he is finally at peace and completely content with himself. The only things that remain are memories, feelings and thoughts. All that is tangible is gone and nothing that truly remains can ever be destroyed. The peace that comes from this moment is the breakthrough.

The Breakthrough
 36 x 36

Inquire for Purchase
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Classes:
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Day 14 Play in the Fields

This is one of the more cathartic paintings I have. From time to time a painting will evoke a flood of emotions. I paint, I cry, I laugh, I paint and I stand back from the piece feeling like it was such a huge gift to me to have the opportunity to release and reflect. This was that painting.
Enjoy!

Play in the Fields
36 x 36
Oil
Inquire for Purchase

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create.liztuckwell.com
info@liztuckwell.com

Day 13 Cave Within

There are so many parts of us we have only yet to discover. They remain hidden until we can unlock more of the code of ourselves. Every day, every step, every conversation; all steps to unlocking more of ourselves.  This painting stands as that story. The cave within so deep, profound and beautiful. Always there. Waiting for us to find ourselves.

Cave Within
18 x 24

Inquire for Purchase
www.liztuckwell.com

Day 12...Warmth

I am still here - actively participating and generating paintings and reflecting on art at all times. Today when I was finally back in the studio, I felt like I missed being there more than ever. Now that my time is so precious, I am like a kid in a candy shop when I am there; wanting to accomplish so much. Initially I put off painting to write lists, organize my blogs, my newsletter, my year ahead. In the middle of it all, I look up at my easel and we both have the same thought - Just Paint. The lists can wait, but this painting can't.

When I finished I had a painting I had fallen in love with, yet again. It warmed me in every way.
Painting is like taking the first breath of air after being submerged in water for a week. It works wonders, every time.

Warmth
16 x 20
Oil

Inquire for Purchase
www.liztuckwell.com
info@liztuckwell.com

Day 11 Rise of the Iceberg

What a funny name for a painting? But honestly, when I look at it, I see this almost forgotten desert of ice. It seems so cold and lifeless. Yet, in the center of it all, rises this larger-than-life iceberg. It is different than all the others; standing boldly and proud. Don't assume all ice is cold because this one is made of gold. Reminds me of something I once read, "Amazing awaits where you least expect it." That is the essence of this painting.

Rise of the Iceberg
4 x 4
Inquire for Purchase 

www.liztuckwell.com
Inspired Art Sessions:
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Day 10 Within the Dusk

Within the Dusk is a twin of Within the Sunset, an earlier painting I created this past summer. The colors are bold and vivid. I don't often use orange with such a strong hand, but in this case it felt right. Enjoy!

Within the Dusk
8 x 10
Inquire for Purchase 

www.liztuckwell.com
create.liztuckwell.com
info@liztuckwell.com

Day 9 Call of Spring

Day 8 Untitled

Yesterday caught me off guard. I anticipated working on an older painting, but once in my studio, I cracked open a fresh canvas and started a fresh palette of paints. I needed to reset my compass and for me painting is the best way to do that.

But what of a title? Was the slate so clean that I couldn't even find a title for it. So this painting remains untitled..for now.

Untitled
16 x 20
Oil
Inquire for Purchase

Best,
Liz

www.liztuckwell.com
private art sessions:
create.liztuckwell.com

info@liztuckwell.com

Day 7 - The Arrival

I love the mysterious quality of this painting. It reminds me of all of the things on their way into our lives that are slowly appearing but we can't quite see. There is a bond of trust that ties our now and our future together.

The Arrival 12 x 24
 Oil
Inquire for Purchase

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Inspired Art Sessions:
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info@liztuckwell.com

Day 6 - Evening by the Fire

With today in Chicago being -18 below zero, how could I resist a title like this. Enjoy the work and I hope it sends a lovely warm feeling all throughout. Evening by the Fire 4 x 4 Oil Inquire for Purchase www.liztuckwell.com create.liztuckwell.com info@liztuckwell.com

Day 5 Phoenix Fire

Day 4 Conversations Unheard

Outside the weather was getting worse. Snow was decreasing visibility by the second. I knew that every moment in my studio made my drive home that bit scarier. I painted frantically, purposely and with an entire cauldron of passion. Time was of the essence. I was thirsty but didn't have time to wait for my tea to cool and as I inhaled it, it burned my throat and woke me up even more. I was alive to paint tonight. I drove the 2 miles in the dark with snow falling to create work for this challenge. To paint everyday. And if there is anything I am dedicated to besides my daughter, it is my first child, my art. Today as I stopped at a red light and saw people scrambling through cold winds and lashes of snow to make it to their destinations - I thought, where are they going?, where did they come from?..who will they tell about today? The infinite number of conversations I would never hear. And so I went to my studio and painted them. The myriad of conversations on a winter's night. Conversations Unheard 16 x 20 Oil Inquire for purchase. Stay warm. Much Love, Liz www.liztuckwell.com create.liztuckwell.com info@liztuckwell.com

Day 3 Painting: Ether in Blue

I will forever be captivated by the poetic nature of the color blue. I don't think I have ever investigated anything else as intimately than this sublime color. Here she is married with daker and lighter hues of herself.

Ether in Blue 8 x 10 Oil

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Inspired Art Sessions create.liztuckwell.com

Day 2 Seedlings Revisited

It is so refreshing to be alive and spirited and creating in a new studio. Since I moved in, I have been revisiting work I started quite a while ago. This is why some paintings take years to finish - it takes me, the artist, years to acquire internally what is needed to create this externally.

Seedlings Revisited.
Oil on Canvas
 24 x 24
info@liztuckwell.com

2014 Starts with Green...

For day one of the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge enjoy! Eternal City by Liz Tuckwell 8 x 10 100. info@liztuckwel.com more work at www.liztuckwell.com