“Flora Borealis” at Andra Norris Gallery
I spent a lot of time in the studio this summer – but I’m not complaining! I was doing what I love: having a daily conversation in paint about Beauty and the gifts it brings to our lives. Flowers are emblems of beauty that remind us to pause and appreciate the wonder of this world.
Last week, I delivered nine Flora Portrait paintings to Andra Norris Gallery for the exhibition “Flora Borealis,” September 23 – October 28. The show also features the exquisite work of my friend Susan Manchester, whose studio is next door to mine in Carmel-by-the-Sea. I believe that there is an invisible thread of reverence connecting our work.
If you are going to be in the Bay Area before October 28, I hope you will stop by the gallery and see the show. There is a something of beauty there for everyone.
And now, let me introduce you to my Flora Portraits, one by one:
EXULT, 24 x 36”, Oil on Linen
The exuberant, graceful gesture of these tulips is an exultation of joy. They remind us that joy is ours to create – in how we live and move in this world.
PROMISE, 33.5 x 40”, Oil on Linen
The flowers in “Promise” are all individuals I met once upon a springtime. Tulip, magnolia, camellia, clematis, wisteria – they each and together speak of renewal, hope, and promise.
REVEAL, 12 x 12”, Oil on Linen
This little anemone, fragile and small though she may be, will reveal something about the mysteries of life on this earth if we choose to pay to attention.
MORNINGS AT LA MIRADA, 47 x 54.5”, Oil on Linen
For several months, I visited the rose garden at La Mirada, the historic property that is part of the Monterey Museum of Art. I walked entranced amongst the dew-covered roses and returned to my studio with armloads (I was given permission!) of fragrant beauty. “Mornings at La Mirada” is a memory of those enchanted mornings.
ARABESQUE, 24 x 36”, Oil on Linen
Arabesque is a ballet step that is about uplift – as if the dancer is about to take flight. And in the ancient Arabic world, an arabesque is a design of gracious curves. The peony and iris in “Arabesque” dance here together in an extravagant harmony.
ILLUMINE, 25 x 25”, Oil on Linen
The hydrangea in “Illumine” captures light on its petals and reflects back charm and buoyancy. It prompts the question: what kind of light do I capture and reflect back to the world?
BLESSING, 24 x 36”, Oil on Linen
The two Festiva Maxima peonies in “Blessing” are gifts – blessings, really – when we open our hearts and minds to receive their offerings.
BLAZE, 18 x 24”, Oil on Linen
Sunflowers always turn their faces towards the light, which is one reason they are universal symbols of optimism, resilience and peace.
REVERIE, 30 x 40”, Oil on Linen
I hope that “Reverie” prompts feelings of joy, wonder and reverence – as these spring flowers (peony, anemone, lilac, tulip, iris) did for me.
I hope that you will have the chance to see these paintings in person at “Flora Borealis,’ which will be on view until October 28.
If you have any questions about a painting, my process or my practice, send me an email. I love conversations about art, flowers and beauty…
“Flora Borealis”
Andra Norris Gallery
September 23 — October 28, 2023
311 Lorton Avenue, Burlingame, CA
(650) 235-9775
andranorrisgallery.com
