This painting Yarn Bomb Tree was inspired by the trees in Austin who have been lovingly covered in colorful, knitted yarn. These photos illustrate the transformation of this particular painting with process shots. The final result is found at the bottom of this post, or on Judy’s website.
Enjoy!
-Hannah
“Yarn Bomb Tree” by Judy Paul
One of my very favorite things about working for Judy is the exposure to new things – nature spots, new forms of exercise, unique restaurants, new ways of art-making, avant-garde design & technology. It’s not these “things” themselves that inspire me, but instead Judy’s constant curiosity. I used to think art-making was about forcing yourself to labor over a canvas, almost like punishment, until something groundbreaking came charging out. I still think that kind of dedication has a time and a place, but what I’ve found to be equally important is taking time to relax, to see new things, and to DO new things that won’t make sense until they’re tried. Otherwise, what story will your art tell?
Did you know Judy’s a boxer, a mom, a runner, a nature hiker, a yogi, a techie, and one of the most productive artists I know? The latter identity, I believe, is directly linked to her passion for life and discovery. Her studio is as much one of a painter’s as it is one of a scientist’s. In other words, there’s a lot of experimenting with chemicals and machine-hacking going on! Sometimes it’s just to see what will happen, and the best parts often end up in her paintings.
So, to live an artful life, no matter your occupation, stay curious. Ol’ Einstein himself even credits curiosity to his genius.
Enjoy!
-Hannah
I can remember two things about an 8am art class I took in college: It was early, and we were constantly reminded that we “better not make trees”. Our teacher thought they were boring, and for a long time I figured if I learned it in school, it must be true.
So then, why does Judy paint trees if they really are so boring?
Judy Paul painting “In the Woods”
Watching Judy paint directed me to take a closer look at trees. Why is she drawn to them? And Judy’s not the only artist. After all, trees were primary subject matter for Paul Cezanne, Ansel Adams, Paul Gauguin, and many others.
“Large Pine Tree, and Red Earth” by Paul Cezanne
“Oak Tree, Sunrise” by Ansel Adams
“Mata Mua” by Paul Gauguin
The reality is, trees are not boring. They’re the longest living organisms on Earth, and one of our greatest natural resources. They clean the air, decrease noise pollution, help to prevent erosion, improve water quality, offer food and building materials, create shade, and they’re also just beautiful!
I’ve been unlearning some of what I was taught in that class, and rediscovering the beauty of the natural world. Here’s a quick shot of Judy’s latest finished tree series, and I think it’s anything but boring. (See these in person at Austin Art Garage this weekend. It’s part of the West Austin Studio Tour!)
“In the Woods 1-3” by Judy Paul
“In the Woods 1” (detail) by Judy Paul
-Hannah
Last week, I posted about Judy’s ventures with her new Sumi brush. Remember this photo?
Detail of Judy’s painting in early stages.
After the weekend, I came back to her studio to find the painting (pictured above) had been transformed into this complete painting:
Wow! I think the geometric shapes and bird pattern are pretty amazing, especially on top of her loose layers of Sumi brushstrokes and collage. And, while birds are well-loved classic subjects found in Judy’s work, there’s something extra fresh about these. I can’t put my finger on it, but whatever it is, it’s good. What do you think? Take a closer look…
-Hannah
