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Spring is Sprung!

April 15, 2020

This blog was written by Gallery volunteer Andie De Luca. We thank her for this delightful and personal view of some of the works in our fantastic collection of pieces.

As the old children’s song says, “Spring is sprung, the grass is riz. I wonder where the birdie is.” I think my mother taught it as, “I wonder where the flowers is.” There are probably many variations. But the main thing to keep in mind is that spring is a time of change. We’ve all had to make changes in our lives recently, and drastic ones sometimes. Remember that there can be no progress without change. By making these changes, we are progressing toward a new, and hopefully better, balance. And don’t forget, spring is followed by summer!

Scott Hoyle, Spring Bouquet

 

If you’ve been able to get out and walk through your neighborhood, you’ve likely already noticed that our trees and flowers have been blooming for weeks now. Signs of spring abound. While you are staying safe at home, or unable to venture out to come into the Rental Sales Gallery at this time, I thought I’d share some of the lovely, colorful images that evoke spring, summer, life, and joy.

We aim to continue to bring you beauty and wonder as we showcase artworks from our talented artist members.

Last spring, I think it was a little later, in May, we (my hubby and I) noticed a pair of juncos – little gray birds, the males with black heads – had built a nest in some ground cover under our front window. I wonder if they will come back this year. What can represent spring more than the beginning of new life?

Anne John’s bird’s nest, high in the trees, is but one example we’d like to share.

Anne John, Rites of Spring I

 

Can you hear the birds out your window? The RSG has many images of mature birds in various mediums.

Donna Mattson, Hummingbird Love

 

R Keaney Rathbun, Towhee with Poppies

 

Arletha M Ryan, Keeping Blue

 

Oh, how silly. Here’s a bird you’re not likely to see on your walk around the neighborhood!

Anna Kodesch, Ostrich on Mint

 

Speaking of a walk around the neighborhood (and, yes, we’re still allowed to do that), so much of the pleasure is found in seeing all the different flowers in bloom, now and a bit later in the season.

Fretta MM Cravens has used digital photography to create numerous “Flower Compositions”, colorful arrangements on black backgrounds. Here are a couple of examples:

Fretta MM Cravens, Flower Landscape #14

 

Fretta MM Cravens, Flower Landscape #8

 

Isn’t it grand to see flowers in their natural settings, like some of these from some of our naturalist artists:

Sharon Engel, Spring Banquet, Keukenhoff Garden

 

Sarkis Antikajian, Portrait of a Daisy

 

Nancy Tongue, Barrel Bounty

 

Yong Hong Zhong, Elegance of Nature

 

Sine Morse, Spring

 

Oh, look, there are some butterflies in our garden!

Ralph Davis, Lepidoptera XLII

 

Joan Metcalf, Shimmering Poppy Garden

 

Gosh, I know it’s off-limits now, but soon, I hope, we’ll be able to take a drive to the countryside, or even the beach.

Jane Aukshunas, Spring Orchard

 

Sharon Engel, Spring above the Nestucca

 

Several of our artists have recreated their own version of the beach as a favorite subject. George Johanson’s work often more closely reflects a Coney Island retreat, but Brian Cameron brings us back home to our beautiful Oregon Coast. Gary Anderson and others, take us to more abstract shorelines.

George Johanson, Beach (Orange Afternoon)

 

Brian Cameron, Making Fire

 

Joyce Tolley, Cannon Beach

 

Nancy Tongue, Lazy Days

 

Gary Anderson, Beach Drive #9

 

Ted Olson, Perseid

 

We hope you’ll check in with us from time to time to keep inspired! Visit us at our website, click on the “Artists” tab at the top of the page and then and choose the “Search the Catalogue” option. Let our virtual gallery and your imagination take you away for a while. Imagine the scent of the flowers, the bright springtime colors, the feel of ocean breezes on your skin, and breath it all in.

Finally, just for a chuckle, imagine you are walking in the countryside, along a split rail fence, and suddenly:

Anna Kodesch, Kissing Cow

 

Stay healthy Portland, and we look forward to serving you with one of the largest inventories of original works of art created by our community once again.

 

 

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Gallery Hours

Tuesdays - Saturdays, 11am-5pm

Location

1237 SW 10th Ave. at Jefferson (map)

Contact

rentalsales@pam.org | 503-224-0674

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The Rental Sales Gallery, Portland Art Museum recognizes and honors the Indigenous peoples of this region on whose ancestral lands the museum now stands.

These include the Willamette Tumwater, Clackamas, Kathlemet, Molalla, Multnomah and Watlala Chinook Peoples and the Tualatin Kalapuya who today are part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, and many other Native communities who made their homes along the Columbia River.

We also want to recognize that Portland today is a community of many diverse Native peoples who continue to live and work here. We respectfully acknowledge and honor all Indigenous communities - past, present, future - and are grateful for their ongoing and vibrant presence.

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