A collector recently asked me what artists' work I personally collect. Great question! I could write several posts on this topic, but for today I will just take the theme of "California Girls" and talk about three of my favorites.
When I collect from fellow painters, I seek work that is not only pleasing to look at, but that can also teach me something. The top two images are paintings by Peggi Kroll Roberts. I have taken several classes with Peggi, and can vouch that she is a wonderful and generous teacher. Just looking at the impasto paint on these canvases, I remember watching Peggi load up her brush and make her beautiful marks. It reminds me not to skimp on my paint, and to be expressive with my mark-making.
Another California girl whose work I admire is Sandy Ostrau. I have never met Sandy, but I have seen her paintings in several different venues, and find it stunning. I think we both love geometry in paintings, and she is a master with geometric forms. She makes simple blocks of color absolutely sing. And although they are not "descriptive", in the sense of being detailed, her paintings still convey a sense of the time and space in which they exist. Just looking at my two little Ostrau paintings (see bottom image) spurs me forward in the quest to simplify and to master color relationships.
My most recent acquisition is a little painting by Erin Gafill. It's called "Red Horizon". Even though it's only 6x6 inches, it has a much larger impact. To my eye, Erin's paintings have a definite meditative quality. They convey the sense of being fully present. Her still lifes, like the little cobalt jar I purchased earlier, speak of the majesty of simple things. And they never look labored--they seem to flow organically off the brush. I've never met Erin either, but I almost feel as if I know her, having watched her on UTube and having heard her talks. Maybe someday! Meanwhile, looking at her paintings creates a sense of serenity and reminds me to be present and quiet with my subject.
Hope you'll enjoy these paintings as much as I do. I'm concluding with shots showing their placement in my home. Thanks for reading!
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