Denise Wellenstein: Paintings

Encaustic Medium and an Art Opening

2011-03-17T22:11:00.004-04:00

Artist Christopher May (my husband) is going to be part of an exhibit opening next Saturday evening at The Seen Gallery in Decatur. He has been working in encaustic (beeswax) mediums for the past few years, usually incorporating his photographs or other materials.Encaustic work often has a layered appearance, a variety of materials can be "trapped" within the many layers of wax. The end result of many of Chris' works is the smooth surface appearance which looks almost like enamel; but the artwork is actually fragile and soft. I love the smell of the melting beeswax in the house when he is working in our basement.

I have not met the other artist, Amelia Netto, but from what I have seen on her website, she combines screen-printing and embroidery in her textiles pieces. Hers and Christopher's work both have a similar visual quality because of the processes of layering and should show very nicely together.

Here a an except of a biography I wrote for Chris' book of recent artwork which can be downloaded from Lulu:

Chris' artistic experiences have culminated in a series of encaustic pieces incorporating psuedo-medical science, digital imagery, organic shapes and textures, and natural and man-made materials melted within layers of wax and color. These pieces are a unique exploration of the relationship of nature, beauty and aesthetics with technology and science.

Chris and Amelia open their show, Transitions at The Seen Gallery on Saturday, March 26 at 7pm. If you are in Atlanta that night, stop in and say hello. If you can't make it on opening night, be sure to see the work during The Seen Gallery's normal hours – the work will be on display until April 24th.

The Seen Gallery is located at 15 Church Street in Decatur.

Paris in December

2011-01-11T16:41:00.015-05:00

Cathédrale Notre Dame

We visited Paris over Christmas break. (My first time in Europe!) It was cold and some of the security lines outside the museums took hours, but we still managed to fill the week with art-viewing. We visited Centre Georges Pompidou, Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie. Sadly, Musée National Picasso was closed. (And there is so much more to see!) We walked though all the paintings rooms and some of the sculpture at the Musée du Louvre. Here are some details of the curious creatures included in some of the paintings:

creatures of the Louvre

from inside the Pompidou Center

in queue for Musée d'Orsay

from inside the Louvre

PS. More pics from our Paris trip here.

Indian Yellow

2010-10-24T21:07:00.005-04:00

I covered several large canvases with base colors today. Check out the yellow ones; I painted them with Indian Yellow. It is a vibrant transparent hue, more expensive than a lot of paint colors. Legend says that Indian Yellow used to be made from the urine of cows fed only on mango leaves in rural India. I learned a lot of interesting things about paint pigments (the true histories and legends) from a fascinating book, Color: A Natural History of the Palette by Victoria Finlay.

The Artist's Gaze

2010-10-23T23:09:00.003-04:00

We spent the beautiful day gallery hopping through Atlanta. It was our first time to two galleries: Tanner Hill Gallery and Austin Hill Art. On to other galleries, Chris Verenes‘s photographs at Marcia Wood gave me twinge of nostalgia for my early childhood in rural upstate NY in the early 1970s, before a lot of the old people died. At Alan Avery, I loved the mix of realism, expressionism, surrealism in Michele Mikesell‘s paintings. Avery instantly pegged us as artists. It’s more than how we were dressed (or not dressed) We are always looking at the art really close up. He said artists look at the work “as is you’re trying to get up into the painting.” Timothy Tew had also identified us artists before for the same reason. I have to do more people watching at galleries! Other galleries we stopped at: Mason Murer, Kiang, Matre, Jennifer Schwartz, Sandler Hudson, Atlanta Photography Group, Pryor Fine Art, Thomas Deans Fine Art. We topped the night off at the opening at The Seen Gallery in Decatur and eats at The Brick Store Pub.

Chicken Dish by Michele Mikesell

Gallery Hopping

2010-09-11T16:58:00.005-04:00

Every month or so, Chris and I go gallery hopping on a Saturday just to stay aware of what is out there in Atlanta art-wise. Today, we hit Sandler Hudson, Jackson Fine Art, Emily Amy. And, we made first-time visits to Twin Kittens, Whitespace and Huff Harrington.

My favorite work that we saw to day was by Cara Enteles at Emily Amy Gallery. (We have really liked the space of this gallery ever since it has--it is light, airy and very friendly.) Enteles work is very beautiful, though its intention "explores predator/prey relationships within nature as well as the effects of man’s destructive actions on the natural world." Go check it out!

Cara Enteles, Bees 30" x 22.5" Watercolor and mixed media on paper

Art Clocks for Charity Auction

2010-08-17T20:36:00.001-04:00

C-CAPP is holding its 3rd annual "It's About Time" art auction on October 26th at Ikea. Through Atlanta Gallery Association (AGA), Chris and I are participating in the event by finishing Ikea clocks! Art clocks will on display for early bidding at AGA galleries throughout Atlanta this Saturday, August 21st during AGA's CityWide Art Walk. Chris' and mine will be at The Seen Gallery in Decatur.

Video of Oil Painting Process (“Unassuming”)

2010-08-16T00:44:00.001-04:00

Here’s my first oil painting process video. I am not sure I love the web-video-quality, but had to try it out!

Abstract Paintings Book Design

2010-08-12T23:07:00.003-04:00

All the magazine layout design I do for Flavors has prepared me to design books also! I just designed a book of my paintings completed from 2008 to 2010 and had it printed through Lulu.

The book is mostly a way for me to visually keep track of all the paintings I have done. (Especially since I may never again see some of the paintings that have been sold.) The books make great gifts, but I can’t afford to buy one for everyone I know…so…I made the books publicly for sale through Lulu for anyone who would like to have one!

Last year during Christopher‘s show at The Seen Gallery, I designed a book of his encaustic work also.

Gallery Hopping

2010-07-31T16:45:00.004-04:00

Chris and I went gallery hopping today. We found amazing installations at KIANG GALLERY. I don't just freely give out kudos, so you know I really liked it:

Artist of the Week

2010-07-30T20:42:00.002-04:00

“Artist of the Week” in Art in the City!

Murmurs! Much success for the opening reception

2010-07-25T19:47:00.004-04:00

I had a great time at the opening reception for Murmurs last night at The Seen Gallery. Many paintings sold, there were tons of people there. We even had live music. I have been preparing for last night for many months, and I am very pleased with how things went. I was surrounded by supportive friends and family and met a lot of new people. Here are just a few pictures of the gallery set up before everyone arrived:

Don’t feel bad if you could make it to the opening reception–the show will be on exhibit until August 14th.

Last-minute preparations are underfoot...

2010-07-23T12:09:00.003-04:00

Last-minute preparations are underfoot...Chris and I delivered all the paintings to the gallery last night, and they look GREAT on the walls! And I saw Kim's new work for the first time...the sculptures are amazing and they go so well with the paintings. I think we were both using a similar color palette! It's going to be quite a show, so if you are in the Atlanta area, you definitely want to stop by and check it out.

The Seen Gallery is very easy to find – Church Street, right off East Ponce de Leon in downtown Decatur. The gallery's new layout and new wood floors really make the space feel more contemporary and spacious. Plus, there is a frozen yogurt shop next door...bonus!

Hope to see you all there Saturday at 7!

8×8 oil paintings on canvas

2010-07-18T00:52:00.002-04:00

Here are just 3 small paintings that will be at the gallery opening next Saturday. Just to remind everyone: Murmurs opens July 24th at 7pm at The Seen Gallery in Decatur, Georgia

New Fine Artist / Designer website

2010-07-11T14:00:00.000-04:00

Chris and I designed a new portfolio website for me this weekend. It is less “heavy” than the last one, and I like the colors better. And it had a lot (but not all) of the new paintings that will be displayed at The Seen Gallery show starting July 24th. Check it out.

New Large Oil Painting

2010-07-03T23:38:00.001-04:00

Thanks to a friend of mine for doing a fantastic job on this picture of me in front of one of my new paintings!

This weekend...

2010-06-28T00:30:00.002-04:00

This weekend, my husband and I documented most of the paintings that will be taken to The Seen Gallery for the July 24th show. Two of our babies joined in.

Denise Wellenstein: Abstract oil paintings in progress

2010-06-09T00:56:00.001-04:00

for Murmurs

Works-in-Progress, abstract oil paintings

2010-05-16T20:25:00.001-04:00

Here's a sneak peak of some works-in-progress for the show in July.

Murmurs at The Seen Gallery

2010-05-12T21:14:00.003-04:00

Murmurs: an exhibit of abstract oil paintings by Denise Wellenstein and figurative work by Kimberly Dean

The Seen Gallery

(415 Church Street, Decatur, GA)

Opening Saturday, July 24, 2010 7-10 pm

July 24-August14

2010-01-10T15:30:00.000-05:00

Paintings at The Seen Gallery

2009-08-02T23:14:00.001-04:00

Chris's Show is Tonight!

2009-08-01T13:33:00.002-04:00

More info here...

Atlanta Gallery Show Opening

2009-07-19T16:42:00.006-04:00

The Seen Gallery presents

Tech-know-logic: Three Artists/Three Technologies

Opening Saturday, August 1, 7-10 PM

415 Church Street

Decatur, GA 30030

404.377.0733

Three artists, Travis Smith, Jonathan Fisher, and Chris May, who use the technology of differing media: traditional painting with non-traditional subjects, print making combined with photographic techniques, and encaustic with photography and painting, create structured imagery reminiscent of today’s technological world. The artists, from differing backgrounds, using differing techniques, and approaching their art from different directions have a striking similarity with each other in their imaginative approach to their art. The outcome is a cohesive and thought provoking exhibit which premieres on Saturday, August 1 and runs through Wednesday, September 2, 2009.

Abstract Oil Painting

2009-07-05T14:51:00.000-04:00

Blue Water 3

2009-06-14T20:37:00.001-04:00

TimeScapes

2009-05-31T19:15:00.004-04:00

These 3 have been with me for about a year, each weekend getting repainted, layer upon layer. Hence, TimeScapes.
TimeScape Blue
TimeScapeGreen
TimeScape Red
Each is 14x14x1.125
(oil on stretched canvas)

Glamor

2009-05-28T20:18:00.003-04:00

This is a little one (7x5) I have been working on over the past year.

Blue Water 2

2009-05-28T20:12:00.001-04:00

Painted over the weekend and going to its new home tomorrow.

Abstract Oils: work in progress

2009-05-24T23:44:00.001-04:00

The 3-day weekend.

@dwellenstein on Twiiter

2009-05-24T23:27:00.003-04:00

Abstract Oils: working in progress

2009-05-10T20:01:00.001-04:00

Abstract Oil Painting

2009-05-10T14:27:00.002-04:00

Artist Statement Word Cloud

2009-03-31T21:27:00.002-04:00

Word cloud possible by: Wordle

New Website Design

2009-03-18T20:47:00.003-04:00

The Seen Gallery Grand Reopening

2009-03-13T00:22:00.001-04:00

Me at The Seen Gallery Grand Reopening, March 8, 2009

Swamp Ghost

2009-02-22T15:54:00.002-05:00

Postage

2009-02-22T15:53:00.002-05:00

Safety

2009-02-22T15:52:00.006-05:00

Cat Bed Comfort

2009-02-22T15:52:00.002-05:00

Painting

2009-02-22T15:48:00.008-05:00

ArtHouse 09

2009-02-15T23:17:00.002-05:00

Painting

2009-02-15T23:09:00.009-05:00

Window

2009-02-15T23:07:00.003-05:00

Glyph

2009-02-15T23:03:00.006-05:00

Mary Anne

2009-02-15T22:39:00.005-05:00

Hearth

2008-08-17T23:14:00.001-04:00

The Green Path

2008-08-17T23:12:00.001-04:00

Gold Blue

2008-08-17T23:10:00.000-04:00

Blue Box

2008-08-17T23:05:00.001-04:00

Gallery Artist

2008-08-17T23:02:00.002-04:00

Newly represented by The Seen Gallery in Decatur Georgia!

Artist's Website Launch

2008-04-14T21:15:00.007-04:00

LAUNCH DATE: April 17, 2008

Denise Wellenstein: abstract oil paintings

www.denisewellenstein.com

Part A and Part B

2008-04-14T20:56:00.008-04:00

Jewel - Part A and Part B
Oil on stretched canvas
18"x36"x3" (each)

Sea Nugget

2008-04-14T20:55:00.005-04:00

Jewel - Sea Nugget
Oil on stretched canvas 8x8x1.375

Jewel 3.3

2008-04-14T20:52:00.004-04:00

Jewel
Oil on stretched canvas 24"x36"x1.375"

Jewel (5 green)

2008-04-02T20:19:00.006-04:00

Jewel (5 green)

Oil on stretched canvas 36"x24'x1'

Jewel (4 blues)

2008-04-02T20:17:00.003-04:00

Jewel (4 blue)

Oil on stretched canvas 18"x18"x1"

Jewel (red)

2008-03-18T21:40:00.004-04:00

Jewel (red)

Oil on stretched canvas 24"x36"x1"

Jewel (reflection)

2008-03-18T21:38:00.004-04:00

Jewel *reflection)

Oil on stretched canvas 14"x14"x1"

Untitled Jewel Background 3 (in progress)

2008-03-18T21:31:00.004-04:00

Untitled "Jewel" Background 3

Oil on stretched canvas 24"x36"x1"(in progress)

Untitled Jewel Background 4 (in progress)

2008-03-18T21:29:00.002-04:00

Untitled "Jewel" Background 4

Oil on stretched canvas 8"x8"x1"(in progress)

A & B (in progress)

2008-03-18T20:28:00.008-04:00

A & B

Oil on stretched canvas each 18"x36"x3"(in progress)

Jewel (blue)

2008-02-17T23:15:00.006-05:00

"Jewel" (blue) oil on stretched canvas
This is the first one of the Jewel pieces that has been completed. I have started two more of the backgrounds (below posts). It's kind of like hammering copper or gold and preparing the metal for the setting of the jewel.

Untitled Jewel Background 2 (in progress)

2008-02-17T23:14:00.006-05:00

Untitled "Jewel" Background 2

oil on stretched canvas 14"x14"x1"(in progress)
For Citron, Amber, Jade, Emerald?

Untitled Jewel Background (in progress)

2008-02-17T23:13:00.006-05:00

Untitled "Jewel" Background 1

oil on stretched canvas 20"x20"x1"(in progress)
For Topaz, Turquoise, Ruby, Garnet?

Wine Bottle (Parsonage)

2008-02-17T22:52:00.007-05:00

"Parsonage" oil on stretched canvas 10"x20" (1-3/8" profile)

Wine Bottle (Araujo)

2008-02-17T22:48:00.007-05:00

"Araujo" oil on stretched canvas 10"x20" (1-3/8" profile)

Wine Bottle (Nymanthia)

2008-01-16T20:12:00.004-05:00

"Nymanthia" oil on stretched canvas 10"x20" (1-3/8" profile)

Painting from the Past

2008-01-13T16:06:00.000-05:00

A couple of paintings I did many years ago. They have been in storage. I am thinking of varnishing them and seeing how varnish works before varnishing the large paintings.

Tropic 11"x14" canvas panel

Copper Pot 11"x14" canvas panel

"Every Day Matters" drawing exercise #104

2007-09-05T23:16:00.000-04:00

11"x14" pencil drawing

Ghost Pumpkin

2007-09-05T23:07:00.000-04:00

16"x20" oil on stretched canvas

I have been wanting to paint one of these ghost pumpkins for a while now. Halloween is nearing, so what better time than now?

Scroll

2007-08-27T21:36:00.000-04:00

40"x72" oil on stretched canvas
This is new. I love it so far with the blue swirls.

Nebulus

2007-08-27T21:33:00.002-04:00

8"x10" canvas board
I painted this last year. I am thinking it could be a background for something new,

Horizon

2007-08-22T22:11:00.000-04:00

oil on stretched canvas
A new one started.

Blocks

2007-08-22T22:10:00.000-04:00

72"x40" oil on stretched canvas
Horizontal abstract in vibrant primary colors.
I'll let it dry and see how it looks.

Four Squares

2007-08-20T21:15:00.001-04:00

Four 8"x8" oil on stretched canvas
A misty light blue-gray abstract, painted horizontally over 4 canvases to be displayed together.

Blocks

2007-08-20T21:06:00.000-04:00

72"x40" oil on stretched canvas
Horizontal abstract in vibrant primary colors.
Just a little more to go, and this one will be done.

Blocks

2007-08-19T23:07:00.000-04:00

72"x40" oil on stretched canvas
Horizontal abstract in vibrant primary colors.
At this point, it is half way finished.

Four Squares

2007-08-19T23:02:00.000-04:00

8"x8"(four) oil on stretched canvas
Preparing 4 8x8 canvases with white wash underpainting. A misty light blue-gray abstract, painted horizontally over 4 canvases to be displayed together.

Sketch in Photoshop

2007-08-19T22:56:00.000-04:00

I made a rough sketch in Photoshop to show the colors and feel of the new 72x40 painting I was planning. A lot of vibrant primary colors in loose energetic geometrics.