The Object of Painting

The object of painting a picture is not to make a picture – however unreasonable this may sound. The picture, if a picture results, is a by-product and may be useful, valuable, interesting as a sign of what has past. The object, which is back of every true work of art, is the attainment of a state of being, a state of high functioning, a more than ordinary moment of existence.
– Robert Henri, The Art Spirit, 1923

Letting Go

Letting Go © Beth O’Grady 2011
oil on canvas, 22 x 28″

Map (In Case We Get Separated)

 

Map (In Case We Get Separated) © Beth O’Grady 2011
oil on canvas, 22 x 28″

 

Do the Thing

Do the thing and you will have the power.
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Forgotten Dream

Forgotten Dream © Beth O’Grady 2011
oil on canvas, 22 x 28″

The Essence of Things

What is real is not the external form, but the essence of things…it is impossible for anyone to express anything essentially real by imitating its exterior surface.
– Constantin Brancusi

Last Day of Winter

Last Day of Winter © Beth O’Grady 2011
oil on canvas, 36 x 48″

I Wanted to Show You

I Wanted to Show You © Beth O’Grady 2011
oil on canvas, 36 x 48″

Eva’s Dream

Eva’s Dream © Beth O’Grady 2011
oil on canvas, 36 x 48″

Vases, Flowers, Yellow

Vases, Flowers, Yellow © Beth O’Grady 2011
ink and gouache on paper, 17 x 11″