The 7 Hour Water Drop

The little drop on the vase started it all. Now I want water in every painting.

My Latest painting

It is finally finished. I started this painting about 8 weeks ago. Once I got the underpainting finished I couldn't for the life of me figure out what to do next. The imagery had no meaning for me. It was just a vase with (at the time)some very abstract flowers. After reading several other blogs by various artists I realized the problem: it HAS to have meaning for me. So I thought...and thought...and thought. Still nothing. Eventually I figured out that it wasn't about flowers at all but balance. Understanding that for all we focus on the outside, the inside needs the same attention.

I met a fellow in Fremont who saw even more than I did. For me, that equates success.

As for the painting challenges: as the painting evolved, my mother had the great idea of adding water. Well seven hours later I figured out how to paint a water drop that looks like water. 12 hours after that I figured out how to make a puddle...8 hours after that I figured out how paint reasonably realistic water inside the vase allowing for a greater recognition of depth. Bottom line, even if the painting doesn't go over well, I learned a lot. Isn't that the point after all?

This is just a quick little aside to Hamish Campbell. I have gone to your blog and tried to write some comments but for some reason it won't let me. If you have an email address could you post it or just email me? info@shaunamorrissey.com

Finding the right art printer

When I started out in the art business 8 years ago I thought that reproducing my images would be a snap. Of all the trials and tribulation that I have been through, reproduction has been my nemesis, until now.

I have finally found the ultimate printer. His name is Steve Strickland and he owns art2.com and genesisg.net. One site is geared for the artist and reproductions while the other is geared toward the retail and commercial markets interested in purchasing art. (By the way he is interested in abstract artists for his genesis stable)

Back to the point; Steve has a wonderful eye and fantastic equipment. He just did prints for me on his new 12 color printer and they are amazing. He uses the best paper and canvas material. To say that I have finally found someone who listens to me and creates a quality product is an understatement.

If you are an artist who would like further info just let me know.

Thanks Steve for all your hard work.

Other Works

"My Name Is Cleo"
Acrylic on Canvas
36x36

I have recently discovered that anything I paint has to have some kind of lesson of self discovery. I am currently working on a piece without any figurative elements. I have been staring at it for a couple weeks wondering why I couldn't finish it. Then it hit me, it was just flowers in a vase with no other purpose than to look pretty. While there is nothing wrong with this generally speaking, somewhere along the way it has become a problem for me.

I include lots of pattern in my work because, while I paint, it encourages me to think about my own patterns of behavior. What do you see and feel when you look at the painting? (I am adding other recent works as well)I would really love to know. By the way there is no right or wrong answers. It could be that you just like the colors or perhaps you don't like them all? That is okay too.


"Peace Through Music"
Acrylic on canvas
30x40


"Peace Through Chaos"
Acrylic on canvas
30x40

"Take a Peek..."

Acrylic on canvas

36x36

My latest painting has sold!

Under normal circumstances I don't get particularly attached to my paintings. I usually get my ideas from my dreams. This process creates a sense that I am just a conduit for creativity so the work I create is not "mine". When I am finished with a painting I am excited to get it out into the world because the person whom is was created for needs to find it. This painting however was my favorite, but he went to a wonderful couple who were so excited to have him as part of their collection.

Well, with him gone I guess it's time to create "Juggling Life's Illusions III".