The Art of Collage as Architectural Motifs

Pat Forbes builds layered paper collage for her series Architectural Motifs.

Pat Forbes builds tippy towers, cantilevered blocks and layers of geometric shapes to create her series Architectural Motifs.

Geometry layered with cut paper pieces constructing resemblances of architectural forms are the signature theme of a new series of compositions by New Mexico artist Pat Forbes. She comes from other places where tall buildings loomed and urban density was the tapestry of her world. But now, here in the desert, she has abstracted those forms and intensified the colors resulting in hallucinations of those urban scenes to hang on the wall.

Whether on wood or stretched canvas as seen here, Forbes likes squares. She builds tippy towers, cantilevered blocks and layers of geometric shapes to create her series, Architectural Motifs. The contrast between the brilliant colors and fluidity of the open spaces of New Mexico and the rigid over-lapping planes and cubes of color fragmented in the urban architecture join to make her bold statement. See more of her fine work at www.PatriciaForbesArt.com.

Art is about observation and interpretation. Knowing your medium and using it to produce an idea, expression, emotion…the abstraction of an artist’s thoughts and ideas can be most intriguing. Using expressive abstraction in Interior Design brings bold color and conversation to the personality of a space.

Roden’s Pastels – Sparkle and Joy

Watching Susan work, beginning with her blank paper/boards with their varying colors and fine sanded texture is like watching something being born – a flower unfolding, a sunset growing with fiery intensity, a precious pet or special person coming to life and the luscious pastry creations that have such delicious personality of their own.

Unlike most pastel artists, Susan doesn’t blend her colors. Rather she carefully layers them working the sticks broadly and loosely at first, then gradually details with the sharp broken edges and blunt points until she has refined the piece with her complex combinations of colors.

White isn’t white. And if it is to be, she starts with an off-white color only punctuating real white-white at the very end – otherwise she tells us, “it looks dirty.”  Her whites are actually comprised of so many diverse colors that it is upon closer inspection that her color genius is revealed. She works with many organized

From a photo, Susan works on a commission for a pet portrait.

drawers filled with hundreds of color sticks.

She further explains that pastels are a pure pigment, just like oil paints – only they have a different binder. They will last for centuries if properly protected. When a surface is completely covered with pastel it is called a painting. With any of the background surface left exposed, the piece is referred to as a sketch.

Visit Susan’s blog at susanroden.blogspot.com to see more of her fine work and enjoy her many projects. She (from her home in San Diego) is in a donut/cupcake “war” with an artist in Rhode Island. Every Monday they present to one another and the world a new painting of a confection. The point is to get feedback as to who’s piece is the best that week! She also has her “Kid’s Corner” where she works with kids from all over – anyone with children or working with children will be fascinated by her program to incorporate a child’s artwork as the background for a cupcake painting – returning the original art to the child and when her pastel sells, she sends a $25.00 stipend to the young artist as a thank-you for participating and as an incentive to pursue their love of art.

I am so honored to have Sue as a friend and participating artist in our gallery. Her paintings bring great delight and art appreciation to all who see her work. Thank you Susan for your sparkle and endless joy .