Collaboration

When I am starting on a new project I focus on preparation. There are sketches, color swatches, studies for the composition, a lot of turning drawings upside down and around.

It is fun to collaborate with another artist on a project. The most interesting part is seeing how the other person approaches a problem. I am fascinated by working methods and preparation - even when there is no preparation at all.

A spontaneous collaboration took place recently when a 3-year old artist entered my studio and wanted to paint. I took down a truly dull study and handed her the canvas, some brushes and the palette I had been using. She had at it and I pried the canvas away from her before she could finish. The result is one of my favorite pieces ever. A boring picture was made much more interesting in the hands of a small child. I now aim to incorporate such a fresh approach into my work.

Exploding Berries

Amantha Tsaros, Satellite, Acrylic on Canvas, 8"x8". © 2009

Winterberries continue to explode both inside and outside of my studio. This is the second piece in the Winterberry series.

Winterberries

Amantha Tsaros, Embers, Acrylic on Canvas, 8"x8". ©2009.

For the entire month of December I have been fascinated with a winterberry bush not far from my studio. I adore the red berries and reaching branches. I am fascinated with their vibrant color and paint and draw them obsessively.

The turkeys also love them so I am racing to finish this series before the big birds do.