the tiger and the cardinal

"The tiger and the cardinal (notes on courage and patience)"

acrylic on masonite, 11x14"

for Novels for Keeping

This is a painting I have wanted to do for a very long time. It's a tribute to my Nana and Grampa, whose names were Claire and Jack. My Nana's favorite bird was the Cardinal, and my Grampa's favorite animal was the Tiger. Their love for these creatures, to me, always embodied their spirits, personalities, and virtues perfectly and said so much about them. 

My Grampa and Nana, who shared the quality of incredible kindness, both had lovely traits that I aspire to every day.

I am going to have a hard time parting with this one. A framed print for my room is probably in order. :)

xo, Amanda

a couple of days

maps autumnal

 

 

Some recent sketchbook stuff.

Happy Autumn!!!

let's talk about Mary Blair.

Mary Blair as drawn by J.P. Miller.

---

It's almost the opening of the show, which means I'm painting like crazy. The last time I had a show at Three Graces, I remember, in the final stretch of painting, thinking a lot of Mary Blair.

Her color palettes, which contained so many different colors without losing any sense of harmony or order, and the whimsical and comforting feeling that lives in each of her paintings are such great inspiration for me.

I have always declared her my Patron Saint of Illustrators.

I love this drawing of her by J.P. Miller. There's something really special about one artist drawing another; It always seems to be a perfect combination of the actual artist's style and the style of the artist he/she is rendering.

I hope you're all having a beautiful September! More work soon.

xo, Amanda

a good list

sister

foxes

teaching

autumn

friends

bona fide

ever-green

 "ever mine to give"

acrylic on masonite, 12x16"

(for Novels for Keeping)

I hope you're all having a beautiful September.

xo, Amanda

jars of silver

While trying to think of a way to keep my gift bag-filling-tinsel out of the cat's reach, I thought of mason jars. It ended up so pretty! Most things look prettier in clear jars, though.

Novels for Keeping: an autumn show

Here is the official announcement for my upcoming show!

Novels for Keeping

new works by Amanda Laurel Atkins

Three Graces Gallery

Portsmouth, NH

October 5th to October 29th, 2012

Opening Reception:

Friday, October 5th from 5 to 8 pm.

I hope to see you there!

when in doubt, books and foxes.

Clarice Lispector on the train

Fox journal (you can get one here :)

the feeding hour

 "Bittersweet this feeding frenzy"

acrylic on masonite, 11x14"

for October solo show at Three Graces Gallery (more info soon)

This has been one of those paintings that perfectly encapsulates how I feel at this exact moment in my life, the kind of painting that is cathartic to make. Finishing one of these paintings always leaves me sad and exhilarated at the same time, and really excited for whenever the next one will turn up.

I think Ernest Hemingway sums it up perfectly in this line from A Moveable Feast: "After writing a story I was always empty and both sad and happy, as though I had made love."

I hope you're all having a beautiful start to August! Back soon with more work.

xo, Amanda