detail of painting below, Valerie Sjodin©

The finished paintings below are approximately the size of a full sheet of watercolor paper, 22" x 30". The first journal with the nighttime 2-page spread image measures 8 ½" x 11". I made a number of changes to the painting, trying to maintain the feel of the journal page while improving composition etc.

The second one below, from a horizontal journal measuring 7" x 10". As you can see, in the daytime one, I pretty much copied the journal page with minor adjustments for the larger format, leaving out the text. 

When I worked on these two journals I didn't even think of making paintings. They were my "play" and "no agenda journals", just for fun. But isn't that often how it goes? The paradox of of peaceful play and productivity; in letting go I often receive more.

These two paintings are part of an art show and sale featuring about a dozen of my artworks in downtown Portland, Oregon on the "First Thursday" tour at UCC (just across the park block from the Portland Art Museum)  It would be great to see you during the Opening show on Thursday, September 6th from 5-8 pm.

Location:

First Congregational United Church of Christ

1126 SW Park Ave., Portland, OR

Dates/Times:

Opening Show & Sale: Thursday September 6, 2012, 5-8 pm 

Exhibition and Sale will run through the month of September

Regular Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday 10 am - 2 pm