Stephanie Hargrave, Proliferous

Stephanie Hargrave, detail

Missing opening night of a talented and popular local artist can have it's advantages. I love going to the openings to support the artist, and experience the excitement in the room. But often there is so much energy in the room, that I find myself missing some really beautiful details.

Stephanie Hargrave, detail

This was exactly the case for the January show at Patricia Rovzar Gallery featuring new work from encaustic artist Stephanie Hargrave.

Stephanie Hargrave, detail

Stephanie's newest body of work displays both the maturity of an established artist, and the joy in exploring the depth and breadth of a difficult medium. I found myself getting so close to the paintings that my nose almost grazed the surface. There are bumps and etchings, and layers upon layers of yummy wax to explore with your eyes. It is almost impossible to resist caressing the surfaces with my hands. Lovely.

Stephanie Hargrave, Proliferous

Patricia Rovzar Gallery

through January 31st, 2014

The Fall Palette

 "the constance of change", 32.5 x 30

It's fall in Seattle, and the colors outside are astounding. I just completed this painting of the changing seasons. It's amusing to me that the image I started with was taken in summer. As I painted, I found myself so influenced by my surroundings, that no matter how hard I tried to paint summer colors, my palette kept taking me into the golds and rusts of the moment.

detail

This year I've added a new technique to my toolbox, which I think enhances the depth and color of the finished painting. It's impossible to show the results online, so I hope you'll come visit the gallery artist group show this December at Patricia Rovzar Gallery where you can see the new surfaces in person.

detail

Stephanie Hargrave at Patricia Rovzar Gallery

Stephanie Hargrave "imbricate 1", 40 x 60

Last night was opening night of the Hargrave exhibit at Patricia Rovzar Gallery in Seattle. In this new body of work, Stephanie has rediscovered her skill with transparency through layers of color, line, and organic shapes. The resulting compositions have both tranquility and energy. The line work is stronger than ever, and the addition of little dimensional spheres of wax drop like jewels onto the surface. They are perfectly placed. Like all encaustic, any form of reproduction is a woefully inadequate experience. Do yourself a favor, and skip the online show and go directly to the gallery to view the work in-person.

The show will be up until August 4th. Enjoy!

Patricia Rovzar Gallery. 1225 Second Ave, Seattle

Apres Show Work in Progress

The show is over, and I'm busier than ever. I have 10 new paintings in the works, with lots more concepts banging around in my head waiting to get out. The two above combine the poppies with the grass series. I'm incorporating more of the layers of colored shadows and deep layers of wax.

The photo above shows one of my grass images layered with some of the smokey colors and shapes from the willow paintings. The wax application is about 50% complete.

My plan is to have five paintings out the door by end of May!