Paintings of Time and Place

“Riveting,” A Monotype, Part of the Face Series

Another of the monotypes in my Face Series.  This one has eyes which can pierce into the soul with so many unanswered questions.   Most of my work, at least in my mind, has some psychological implication whether coming from a subconscious or conscious level.  I am interested in what makes man tick and what is hidden behind every face that walks along the street.   I think that is why I like to read literature of foreign authors such as Pamuk, Durrell, Llosa, etc.   Some American authors,  but those like Pynchon, delve into the inner workings of the mind, but there seems to be so much “fluff” written for pure entertainment much as TV is. 

 

Riveting, Monotype on Paper, 16” X 6” (image size), 21” X 11” (matted and framed size), $295

                                 SOLD

Copyright Charlotte Shroyer 2013

www.charlotteshroyer.com

“Determined,” Monograph on Paper , Inspired by the Determination of a Proud People

 

Another of my monographed faces.  This face was inspired by the many faces of character that I see in the Native Americans of my town, Taos, New Mexico.  I am so inspired by the weathered lines of the face and the stories they tell or hide within.  How to paint and depict these faces so that other people may understand the history of these proud people and how they are a part of this country in which we live has become a goal of my work.

 

The other morning in that haze between deep sleep and wake, Navajo weaving came to mind.  I wove in the Navajo style for many years, but since starting to paint, have left my looms idle.  Could those early morning thoughts be a call to action for me?  Either to start weaving again or to work on the book which I started many years ago?  A book entitled Lessons of Life from the Navajo Loom.  Time will tell.

 

Determined, Monotype on Paper, 16” X 10” (image size)

                          SOLD

“Proud to Be,” Oil Painting of Native American from Taos Pueblo in Pow Wow Dress

Proud to Be, Oil on Canvas, 12” X 12” (image size), Framed in Black Contemporary Frame, $295 USD

 

Most of my paintings are very contemporary, but every once in a while I like to “stretch” skills a bit to be more realistic.   I liked the attitude of this woman from the Taos Pueblo.  She is proud of her heritage—it comes from a people who have always been proud in spite of what has happened to them historically.  I am proud to be a part of Taos where I can feel the energy of the “Mountain” on  pueblo land and of the people who inhabit that land.

 

I feel as if I was “brought” here to Taos in an unusual set of circumstances.  I had no intention of staying here, but here I live after 14 years.  The power of the mountain!!!

This painting can be purchased at Jackie's Trading Post, Taos or online.

                                          SOLD

www.charlotteshroyer.com

Copyright Charlotte Shroyer 2013

“Girl With the Purple Hair,” Sounds like the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Girl with the Purple Hair, Oil on Masonite, 12 X 9” (image size), $275

Trying again to get image and narrative all in one blog.  Due to the change in browser requirements by Typepad, I have had to go to an alternative way of publishing the blog.  I have a fascination with color and the way that color can alter a face or body.  It has always been more satisfying to me to do something different with a face or figure.  Still working more on that.

Check out some of my other “abstracted” faces on www.charlotteshroyer.com 

Copyright Charlotte Shroyer 2013

"Thinking About Nothing," Oil Portrait of a Woman Staring into Nothingness

I don't know this woman.  Bits and pieces of her appeared on the canvas and all of a sudden there she was reminding me of the power of thought and imagination.  It has been a while since I have painted a redhead--my husband claims that becoming a redhead is one of my hidden desires.  This is the first portrait painted since "Searching for my Muse in the Paleolithic Caves of the Alps."  Quite a contrast.  Perhaps one is as I see myself and this one is what I would like to see myself. 

Thinking About Nothing, Oil on Canvas, 12 X 12," $275 USD

              SOLD

"Determined to Be," Oil , Woman of World Peace

Determined to Be, Oil on Canvas, 16 X 13" (framed size), $275 USD

 

                SOLD

 

"J'y Suis Under the Roman Arches of Avignon," Mixed Media Self Portrait

 

 

The inner places of the mind and the way we see ourselves may be unknown to those around us–sometimes even to ourselves. There may just be a faint itch of something buried deep within, perhaps a part of the DNA that picks away until with time it rears itself into reality. Part of how I see myself is a fascination with France, somewhat of a mystery in spite of my mother’s French maiden name. About 20 years ago it was a book on Provence staring at me from the self help section of a California book

J'y Suis Under the Roman Arches of Avignon, 9 1/2" X 7 1/2" (framed size), Mixed Media on Paper, $125

store that first alerted me to this unknown part of self. Avignon–what was this town that looked so fascinating? I wanted to visit it. A trip to Bilbao and points beyond was just a week away. Why not go to Provence? Bilbao became the jumping off point for a series of events leading to Avignon that could not have been imagined or orchestrated if I had tried. The magic had begun with this as only the first of several trips to Avignon. Its lure and mystery still remain.

"Cecilia," Oil Portrait. A Vision of Confidence





CS480

Title: Cecilia

Medium: Oil on Canvas

Size: 8" X 8" (gallery wrapped)

Price: $125



      SOLD

 

Cecilia is not her name in reality, but the name just seemed right for her as I painted. Sometimes a title just pops into mind and there is no way to change it.  It just feels right.  So it was with Cecilia.  I don't know a Cecilia, but I know a number of women in Taos who are just like her--a woman with a mind of her own. She knows what she wants and how she will find it.  I also liked the idea of playing with colors other than those I normally use for portraits. Look for more play on color in the future!

"The Wanderer," Oil Portrait of a Mythical Wanderer

Just like many of my figures, this portrait reminds me of a person from another time and place.  Perhaps a seeker who wanders the globe looking at what he sees with a look of apprehension?  Can it really be?  Apprehension with determination... 

 

The Wanderer, Oil on Canvas, 14.5" X 14.5" (framed size), $275 USD

 

                           SOLD

"Unnamed One," Impressionistic Oil Portrait

 

Unnamed One, Oil on Canvas, 14" X 14" (framed size), $275 USD

This model  with his look from another period of time and another place so impressed me.   My painting of him seemed effortless, each stroke adding to the last with color and form complementing each other.

It was almost as if the people living in those times were coming into the modern world perhaps to send us a message about their lives and their times.  What might their message have been?

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