Sunset

Sunset

6 x 8 in., oil on panel
sold in Hurricane Harvey fundraiser for the Rockport Center for the Arts

I'm in love with the pinks in this little study. This particular sunset was this summer in Wyoming. I've had this painting for a bit, and am ready to try it larger. Sometimes I have to live with a painting a while to process what it is I like about it and where I want to take it. I'm sure this is not profound, but I've noticed how good it feels sometimes to live with a piece for a while before working a larger version. Then again, sometimes I'm ready the same day.

-julie davis

Cattle and Cottonwoods

Cattle and Cottonwoods, 11 x 14 in.

sold

This is another enlargement from a study done this summer based on my time in Wyoming and Idaho. The cottonwood trees group themselves in such a variety of ways. Wonderful windows of space between groups of trees create beautiful forms in what could be called "negative space." I prefer to think of it as not the absence of mass, but the presence of a shape. (Kinda think I'm sounding a little nuts....) But I do think that's what makes the cottonwood trees so appealing to me.

-julie davis

Early Evening Calm

Early Evening Calm, 16 x 20 in.

contact the artist to purchase 

I've been off the grid for a bit, slammed at home, but have lots to say! First, fantastic news to report.....it's official, I'm now proud (ecstatic, elated, etc.) to be represented by Davis Gallery (no relation) here in Austin!! I feel like I may have to say "no relation" every time I mention the gallery, but really, no, I don't own a gallery! This has been brewing since the show last spring, but I'm officially on the website now, and hope you'll all check it out. Here's the link: davisgalleryaustin.com/artists.davis.html. Click on my bio in the top right corner for more info. :)

Second, last weekend I was fortunate enough to attend the opening of Scott Christensen's and Quang Ho's show at the Insight Gallery in Fredericksburg, Texas. The opening was Friday, and they had a demo on Saturday morning, which was delightful. Their work was amazing, and Insight represents many other of my favorite artists, whose work was also on display, so it was a treat to be there.

And last, I love this painting above--can I say that?? I feel like I crossed some invisible threshold with it. It's based on a study I did of the cottonwoods this summer, and I actually did another one this size first, then began a new canvas, correcting things the second time around that I didn't care for in the first enlargement. I came out of the summer with plenty of "tree inspiration," and this is finally one of the products.

-julie davis

Trees, Number 16

Trees Number 16, 6 x 8 in.

sold

This post is based on my Idaho/Wyoming trip. These cottonwoods stand in the valley of Jackson Hole, and this particular group of trees had a lovely buck and pole wooden fence that ran in front of them. I liked the way the trees framed the field in the background--almost like a window.

-julie davis

Tree Study 12

Tree Study 12, 6 x 8 in.

sold

I'm playing (studiously, of course) :) with tree groupings. Again, a reference from my trip to cooler country and taller trees.

-julie davis