The "curve" of the horizon in this painting differs from my other paintings in it's angularity, reflecting the designs in the tablecloth.
Parallelograms and trapezoids make up the designs in this table cloth. The vase creates movement because it defies the angle of the table on which it sits, seeming to rise up from it.
Circles make up the flowers. It always amazes me how the simple shape of a circle can create an infinite number of patterns.
You'll see, faintly in the background, the shapes of cellos and their bows. Probably an influence from my fellow painter and musician, Craig Calistro, these shapes also reflect the lyricism of this Floodles series.
The frame for this painting is hand painted with (you might have guessed) a trapezoid and parallelogram motif and a gold lining.
This painting made its public debut at Wendy Nylen's Picture This Gallery in Westport on July 11th, 2011.

The design on this tablecloth originated with a design from another painting, "Sergio's Dahlias." (See below) I liked the way the curved checks gave movement to the painting. The chrysanthemums in the "Sergio's Dahlias" also inspired the imaginary flowers in Floodles III in the way that their leaves and petals seem to dance.
All the designs in the purple checks are square-based, and all the designs in the dark blue square are circle-based, none of them alike.
I hand painted the frame for this painting, with alternate square- and circle-based metallic gold paint. You'll find metallic gold highlights all over this painting. They don't show so much in a  photograph, but add dazzle to the real-life version.

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Here's the press release Wendy Nylen sent out for the upcoming show:

"The Exuberant, Playful Worlds of Joy van Hemert and Frank Lovino.”  Artists’ reception with live music by Craig Calistro on Friday, July 22nd, 2011, 5:30-8:00 pm.  On view from July 8th through August 11th, Mon.- Fri. 10:00 am–5:30 pm, Sat. 10:00 am-5pm.  Nylen Gallery at Picture This, 606 Post Rd.E., 203-227-6861.

Nylen Galley at Picture This is pleased to present recent works by Joy van Hemert and Frank Lovino. Please meet the artists at an opening reception on July 22nd, from 5:30 to 8:00 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend. The show will run until August 11th.

Musical and lyrical, Joy’s unique landscapes and interior scenes demonstrate life and playfulness. All of nature, and any manmade objects, frolic and harmonize together in these paintings.

Joy van Hemert’s series of five still lifes are anything but that. Unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, this series of imaginary flowers expresses an ecstasy of luminous color and shape. Joy juxtaposes masculine and feminine forms to create visual effects that seem to move and glow.

Born in Michigan, Joy grew up on the West Coast of Canada, studied Education at McGill University and taught Art at Woodlawn High School in Kitchener, Ontario and later at the Vancouver Waldorf School.  She also taught in Tokyo as adjunct professor at Keio University. Joy van Hemert founded the Lion’s Bay Sketch Club as well as the Fairfield County Working Artists Group and lives in Trumbull.

Numerous publications have featured Joy’s work and such prestigious institutions as the Vancouver Public Library Art Gallery and Montreal’s Place des Arts have exhibited Joy’s work.

Frank Lovino received a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from Johnson State College in Vermont and also studied Art at Housatonic Community College. He now resides in Black Rock.

Frank’s minimalist ink and color works convey motion, energy and humor. The unique perspective of the artist invites the viewer to active engagement. An admirer of Henri Matisse, Frank’s work demonstrates a simple childlike flatness and the contrast of bold colors, which demonstrating a sophistication of perspective, line and style.

Frank encourages people to participate in art. “Don't be afraid to make a line on a piece of paper,” he says. “You can always use an eraser!”

Frank’s works at this show focus on children at play, leisure time and baseball.

Craig Calistro, an accomplished jazz pianist and recording artist will play live music at the opening reception.

I sketched these  brilliant flowers at the Westport Farmer's Market, in Westport, Connecticut and then painted them later in my studio. (Market Flowers, oil on canvas, 11 x 14) I like to forget about color rules when I paint, and let the colors play amongst themselves. You can see how "ugly" colors contributes to some of the most interesting combinations.

Markets have always interested me because of their lively and friendly atmosphere. I especially enjoy this market because of the beautiful, fresh, organic produce which comes from nearby farms. The Friends of Hall Brooke will display this painting at their annual art show.

This painting, Cloudy Day at Greenwich Point (oil on canvas, 11 x 14) comes from a sketch of Greenwich Point. I like it because the movement of the clouds and the branches and the waves reflect the windiness of the day. 

The Friends of Hall Brooke will exhibit this painting at their annual juried art show in Westport, CT, May 7th and 8th.

This is one of the paintings available for sale at the Friends of Hall-Brooke Annual Art Show. 

I began work on this painting in Nyack, New York where I painted with a group of fellow plein aire painters. What a great place to create! We worked in a little gazebo in the middle of the park where cyclists and passersby asked us questions. I sold one of my paintings on the spot. We picnicked on blankets in the park. I completed the painting later, in my loft studio.

One thing I like about this painting is the way it reflects the sunny breeziness of the summer day.

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