Marti Lyttle's Blog

New Work Now Showing!

2011-02-01T09:48:00.000-08:00

My most recent project, a grid of twelve, 12" x 12", paintings, entitled "Aviary" is now showing at the Women Painters of Washington Gallery (701 5th Ave., 3 level, Seattle WA) in the Columbia Tower Bldg. I was a nervous ninny about hanging a grid, but it was easier than expected.

I do hope you can stop in to see the show. This is the WPW Members Spring Exhibition, so you can see an abundance of fantastic art!

One of Mom's passions.

2010-12-22T20:01:00.000-08:00

I just finished a "lyttle" project in the studio....I completed a 12 piece grid of 12" x 12" paintings. It was great fun to do!
One of my earliest memories was going into the aviary with my mother. She raised parakeets and canaries (along with 4 kids, dogs, sheep, horses and a few other critters). The aviary was just outside our back door and occasionally I was invited to go in with Mom....a very special deal for me! The flutter, chirps and happenings of the birds always so impressed me. Mom even showed me how to get a bird to sit on my finger...wow!
So, this grid is a tribute to one of Mom's passions..birds.
Here is one of the pieces.

(I've used cockatoos instead of parakeets because I like to draw/paint them (artistic license).

Rain, rain, rain!

2010-12-12T08:14:00.000-08:00

It's no surprise, but it's raining like cats and dogs (or should I say "Cougs" and "Dawgs") here in Seattle. We're experiencing a "Pineapple Express" storm straight from Hawaii....warm and wet, wet, wet!
Anyway, I thought it would be a good time to post another recent painting, entitled
"Fall, Float".
Now I need to venture out and check the drains to make sure they aren't clogged with leaves!

Snug By the Fire

2010-12-03T09:28:00.000-08:00

My husband and I recently purchased a fireplace insert. As it turned out, we
got it just in time to snuggle by the fireside while Seattle had its first snow storm of the season. I've always loved watching flames dance and flicker in a fireplace, and I began to wonder how I could paint that mood. This is my attempt to capture the
spirit of the fire. Hope it warms you.

Bugs Buzzing

2010-11-28T17:15:00.000-08:00

As I continue to play with abstraction, my need to add 'whimsey' keeps sneaking

into the painting. This time it sort of took over as I kept adding dragon flies and lady bugs! (My Muse made me do it!) I wanted to catch a bit of the chaotic beauty found in Nature. Using simple repeating patterns, textures, and color I am trying to invite the viewer into mood, a place, and a smile.

Abstract thinking lingers.

2010-11-23T19:34:00.000-08:00

This painting, "Tree in Pink", was painted a few months ago....I was focusing on
composition, color, repeating simple shapes and stopped when I liked it.
Today, I find myself looking at it through a different lens, as the temperature is now

below 20 degrees and Fall is being ravished by the first snowy winter storm. "Tree in Pink" is looking more like a "Frosty Kiss to Fall".

Abstract Play!!!

2010-11-21T21:02:00.001-08:00

I've been absorbed in exploring the world of abstract painting. And because I
need some sort of anchor in my work, I decided to circle around a few important concepts for me....they are: organic, pattern, random, symbolic, pleasing, composition, texture, mood,.....the list morphs and matures as I explore. I love

dancing with my Muse.

2010-05-10T19:14:00.000-07:00

Although I have been negligent in keeping my blog current, I have been busy and happy with life and gestating a new/old creative inkling... I've started a new body of work using some old pastel paintings that have been sitting around in the studio. I used them as fertile, pigment rich ground for a new series..... abstract paintings done with pastel, acrylic and gesso. I'm loving the process! (I had actually done some of these about 10 yrs ago, but have solved a technical problem that blocked me). Here is a peak at one of my
newest!

Serenity

2010-03-15T16:58:00.000-07:00

Although I have been working on this painting for a few weeks, off & on, I finished it this afternoon! It was the mood I was going for here...serenity is what I find whenever I'm in this little corner of my garden, thus it's name.

New Gallery

2010-03-10T20:44:00.000-08:00

I am delighted to have been invited to have representation with the new "Olivia Cromwell Fine Art Gallery" in Bellingham (Fairhaven), WA.
The official opening is tomorrow! :

   March 11th, 6-9pm
   1312 11th Street
   Belllingham WA 98225

I'll be there for the reception and look forward to meeting the other artists and guests. There will be live music, good nibbles and fine company. Love to have you stop by.

More Garden Paintings

2010-03-03T07:38:00.000-08:00

I've been over due for a bit of a vacation...so this is the week! I've been painting daily, gardening and enjoying a few local outings with my wonderful hubby, Alex. I'm continuing to paint my garden series and finding new inspiration with this early Spring we're having. Here is one of my newest, hot off the easel! Enjoy!

Fleur-de-lis Fine Art Gallery

2010-02-06T07:53:00.000-08:00

Out of the blue, I got an email from a new gallery in Bellingham, WA that wants to represent my work. It is called Fleur-de-lis Fine Art Gallery, in Fairhaven ( a lovely little historic, artsy, and touristy neighborhood in Bellingham). They plan to open the gallery to coincide with the 2010 Winter Olympics in Whistler, BC. Next week!
I'm planning to load up the Subaru this morning and deliver the paintings. Can't wait!

New Show at WPW

2010-01-30T09:30:00.000-08:00

facebook.martilyttle.com

"Bachelor Buttons" is one of my recent paintings that will be showing in the next Women Painters of Washington Gallery. The show will be up Feb - April.
I have 4 paintings in the show. If you haven't yet discovered the gallery, I encourage you to stop by (M-F, 10-4pm) (Columbia Tower Bldg., 701 5th Ave., Seattle).
I'm looking forward to expanding my garden paintings, especially as Spring is just around the corner!

"Last to Fall"

2009-12-31T18:33:00.000-08:00

The last day of the year and I've spent the afternoon finishing several paintings and tidying things up in the studio.
Earlier, I 'took down' some of my work that was in a 'holiday show'. As I packed those paintings away, I wondered where I might show them next. I also noted how much I do want my paintings to find homes...and then my 'muse' suggested that I create an "adopt a Painting" program. "Ha!", I thought... "something to consider!"

Thus, I am floating the idea...

Successful Show

2009-11-16T12:29:00.000-08:00

Our Art Salon Holiday Show yesterday was a great success! We had a wonderful turn out and red dots were everywhere!!! I'm pleased to say I sold 9 paintings! YEA!!!! (Most were from my 'Studio Clearance' Bin, but I'm delighted that these found loving homes!

This Sunday, 'Art Salon' Reception and Sale, Sale, Sale!!!

2009-11-12T18:36:00.000-08:00

My art salon group is having a great little pre-holiday sale/show this Sunday, Nov. 15th, 3-7pm at the Union Street Art Cooperative Bldg., 1100 Union, Seattle, Wa.
You are all invited!!!

It should prove to be great fun and a chance to see and purchase wonderful and wildly diverse paintings....and who knows who you'll meet there! .... Plus lots of affordable art!

We are a group of artists that meet monthly to discuss painting, marketing, and lots of artsy geeky gab.

Members include:
Robin Stacey Richardson... master expressionist! ...large canvases with rich and sensuous layers of paint/ color / surprise / intrigue! .... a must see!!!!!

Jennifer Randall... an incredible designer of space, placement and color ... and when she puts her hand to a brush, magic happens!
Randy Hillam... a true artisan with pigment and paint! He often pushes his paintings to their fullest with results that are subtle and beautiful!
Marti Force...another gifted designer and textile artist with incredible talent. She also paints with both oils and watercolor.
Mary Bennett... a creator of wonderful abstracts that evoke familiar yet mysterious feelings.
Kate Anthony.....a master sumi painter and print maker.... she has expanded into the world of acrylics....again with an abundance of talent and aptitute!
Jerry Greenblatt...Although relatively new to painting, he demonstrates a talent few possess...You must see his work!
Linda Brady...The essence of both class and spunk! Linda has an amazing talent for finding elements worth focusing on...using both abstract and expressionist approaches, she is a rising star worth watching!
Randi Startup.... a multitalented dedicated profesional artist, gifted in iconic painting as well as pottery.
Marti Lyttle...
An artist with a fickle muse...I love to experiment and explore the possibilities of acrylics and mixed media.... there is so much to say and so many ways to say it.

Come to the show and enjoy the art!

Deer Harbor

2009-11-04T07:22:00.000-08:00

I recently enjoyed a little get away on Orcas Island, WA. We stayed in a resort in Deer Harbor. This painting was inspired by a late morning walk along the beach at low tide. The fog bank was just burning off.

Sold!

2009-10-12T20:12:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Facebook and blogging, I sold (more truthfully, I bartered) this piece !!!!!!!! (Please see my last image of Lilly Leaves!)

I guess there really is something to this blogging thing!

2009-09-28T07:28:00.001-07:00

I think I've finished another painting in my "Garden" series. This one was the most challenging for me to paint with the leaves so large, but fun.

Return to the studio!

2009-09-24T20:03:00.000-07:00

I finally had a chance to paint again today (after a hiatus of travel and commitments)....it felt so good to be in my little studio again and start a fresh canvas.... yahoo!... I imagine other artists know of what I speak. I felt grounded and centered....a coming home if you will.... its time to further my garden series as well as the abstract project that seems to have a will of it's own!
Here is one of 3 "Vessel" paintings to be shown at our Art Salon Holiday Sale and Party in November.

Tech impaired! Help

2009-09-13T10:17:00.000-07:00

I'm busy trying to figure out how to link my blog to facebook. Any hints?

2009-09-10T17:13:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks have been full with commitments that have taken me away from the studio. Yet, I've been continuing to push a few older paintings to completion. "Ode to Martha Stewart" is one such painting that I think is resolved.

My Muse Tricked Me, Again!

2009-08-18T17:24:00.000-07:00

My stream of inspiration has been circling around for awhile, as if eddied, with no clear sense of direction. So I decided to revisit some old canvases and earlier work that I've been storing in the studio. As I went through the piles I began to see how some of the pieces could be reworked and or worked further. After a few hours in the studio (here and there hours) I started to feel the inspiration returning. I chuckled to myself as I realized my Muse had tricked me again. She'd been whispering in the back of my thoughts, "You really should revisit those old paintings." I'd been holding it as a "should" instead of an "I GET to do this"! Now I'm eager once again to dive into the work.

New Show

2009-08-04T11:10:00.000-07:00

I'm delighted to announce that I'm showing a series of my abstract

landscapes in the current Women Painters of Washington Gallery (701 5th Ave., Columbia Center Bldg., Seattle, WA). I'm also delighted that they choose to use my "Madrone" painting (see right) for their poster!

Gardens of Delight

2009-06-28T16:16:00.000-07:00

So taken, am I, with the many spaces in our garden, that I've begun painting little glimpses of it. These are corners, structures, foliage, colors, shadows and light that I witness daily... forever changing.

These are "Blue Bells" and "Blue Birdbath".

Random Bits

2009-06-09T19:27:00.000-07:00

Studio time has been spent finishing up one series (abstract landscapes) , and adding to another (more traditional landscapes). I'm getting the abstract landscapes ready for my first showing with the Women Painters of Washington's gallery here in Seattle. It will open in early August.

All the while, I've also been very involved with our garden(s)...watering, weeding, moving 'starts', and trying to shape this little piece of earth that we steward. I wish I had more time for it.

This evening I had the pleasure of watching one of our local raccoons traverse across "our" property. It stopped and climbed (all 4 paws) into our little reflecting bowl, then it scurried on, across the multiple terraces which secure us onto this hillside. These are experiences that I relish.... simple, yet rich. (Perhaps I'll try to paint the raccoons... to be considered.)

Art Salon

2009-05-26T20:01:00.000-07:00

Last evening I got a chance to host my Art Salon's monthly potluck. We are a group of about 9 'serious' artists of various persuasions who get together regularly to talk, swap tales, critic each other's work and support one another.... it is fast, fun, and festive. I must admit, I was delighted to be able to show off our gardens, the ample light and views from our deck and the cacophony of bird calls that we enjoy here. I was also pleased to share my work in progress in the studio.
I love the critiques! They always lean toward encouraging, yet the truth gets told. It's hard to get away with much. It has taught me a lot about receiving and giving constructive criticism.
Thank you.

Reception at Oasis Art Gallery

2009-05-06T08:37:00.000-07:00

I'm excited about the opening and reception at Oasis Art Gallery this evening (6-9pm). It is the first time I've shown there and I'm pleased with being able to show my collection of "Boats" there. It will be part of the Wallingford Art Walk. You are all invited! (http://www.oasisinseattle.com) .
Additionally, here is my latest 'Boat' painting, entitled "In The Pink".

Two Additional Abstract Landscapes

2009-04-26T10:28:00.000-07:00

Here are the other two paintings from my latest "Quad" series/study.

New Mini Series

2009-04-21T17:26:00.000-07:00

I've just completed another little mini series...4 paintings to explore and study a new technique or theme. I call them "quads" (series of 4). Anyway, these are all done using gold gesso and layers of acrylic paint. I was also focused on simplifying the image to it's bare and basic patterns. Trees, mountains, water and sky are the elements I limited myself to. It was great fun and I'm debating whether to do more.

YES!!!

2009-04-08T19:26:00.000-07:00

This morning I dropped off 5 paintings to be juried by the members of "Women Painter's of Washington" for consideration into their Association. (WPW has been around since 1930.) I selected 5 paintings from an upcoming show at Oasis Gallery in Seattle. They are part of a larger series entitled, "Along the Water's Edge" . These paintings were all "Boats"! I felt confident driving there, knowing I'd selected the best of the group to represent myself. However, the moment I entered the place to set up my painting I was ALL-EYES towards my competition. They were really GOOD! I started to feel weak in the knees and scrambled to do my set up and get out of there (which was the protocol). Admittedly, I had to talk myself down from a bit of 'high anxiety' as I drove myself to work.
This afternoon, I drove back to pick up my paintings and learned that I would be called "today or tomorrow", or get a letter in the next 2 weeks informing me of the results. (OK... at least I knew that if I didn't get the call by Friday...forget it!)
Anyway...as I drove home I received a call that I WAS ACCEPTED!!!!! YAHOOOOOOO!!!!!! YES! YES!
I was soooo excited! I'm not much of a "joiner", but this was a group that I've wanted to join for awhile... I knew I wasn't ready before. I'm glad I took the chance.

Good News!

2009-03-10T20:31:00.000-07:00

I received a letter today inviting me to submit for the Women Painters of Washington, Assoc. (This means that I passed the first tier of approval. I have now been accepted to be 'juried' by the entire WPW Assoc! .... I have never had to be juried to be juried before...) Anyway, I am pleased and now I have to select and frame 5 paintings to be viewed and juried by the membership at large. I plan to follow through with the process and hope for the best. I will blog the results! I promise!

I also had a few hours to start a new painting! YES!!! It is a storefront scene of a wonderful old building in Port Townsend, WA. That was the best part of the day!

The Work

2009-03-07T17:20:00.000-08:00

Today was spent doing "the work" of being an artist. I worked on a couple of paintings that are evolving; varnished a few paintings to ready them for a show they will be in soon; revisited and worked on an old painting (that I never resolved) with fresh eyes; and spent some time preparing my files to do my taxes. While working these tasks, I realized that I really am following my passion. This is work that I'm not getting paid for, but am driven to do. I actually enjoy doing the mundane (all but taxes) tasks of layering varnish and slowly moving a painting forward. I guess you would say I'm following my bliss. YES!

Odds and Ends

2009-02-19T20:12:00.000-08:00

Today was filled with errands, chores, and preparations for an art workshop this weekend in Port Hadlock, WA. The workshop is being lead by an artist by the name of Don Tiller (http://www.dontiller.com). I've been intrigued with his work, because of his whimsical themes and use of layering glazes. I've been teaching myself how to use glazes and enjoy discovering the effect and love the depth it adds to acrylics. I anticipate learning a great deal.

I did manage to spend an hour or so adding more layers to a small series of "guitar players" that I began last week. I will post them later.

Pretty Birds

2009-02-12T07:23:00.000-08:00

I completed a group of 3 bird paintings. (I tend to work on a particular series for awhile, then switch to another for a change. I later return to the series and continue to add to it.)

My "Pretty Bird" series began about a year ago with an experimental piece I did with acrylics and mixed medium. I knew I wanted to paint more of these, but it wasn't until a few weeks ago that I knew what was to follow. I was surprised with the urgency in which I painted these. It was like a gestation...when it is time for the paintings to hatch, I must attend to them.

The Blue Window

2009-02-12T07:07:00.000-08:00

I've been busy painting, marketing, and giving birth to my "Studio Notes" blog.

Paintings first, I finished the painting I began when I started this blog and am happy with it. It was challenging for me Not to get too caught up in details too early in the painting....see "Blue Window".

New Start

2009-02-03T07:47:00.000-08:00

1/17/09

Today was a great day in the studio! First and foremost, I now have adequate lighting! I am SOOOOO happy! Alex put up the track lighting that I bought a few months ago. Creating a studio is akin to creating a painting.... progress is sometimes slow.

I was so excited to have the lights up that I promptly started a new painting that had been gestating in me for months. I dove into it and had a very nice "beginning" stage set for the painting in just a few hours. I sometimes think this is my favorite stage of a painting. It usually goes quickly and I get a good idea if the composition, values, and pallet are going to work or not. This is the time to re-work any of these elements, before I push it too far. I gave myself a "thumbs up" on this one.

The painting is a scene from my sister's guest room window looking down onto her neighbor's home. It caught my eye when I last visited her, so I snapped a few photos of it, knowing then that I wanted to try to capture it on canvas.