Monday, December 31, 2012

Featured Abstract Oil Painting: Long Night's Moon

Long Night's Moon 36"x36" Oil on Canvas
The magical light of the December moon, or the Long Night’s Moon, inspired me to create a painting of the same name. The full Long Night’s Moon appears near the winter solstice, the darkest time of year. This contrast between light and darkness makes the glow of moonlight especially poignant.

I was intrigued by the December midwinter moon because the long arc of the moon’s path above the horizon makes it the most visible moon of the year. To capture the feel of the brilliant moonlight reflecting off of the snow-covered city, I built up layers of paint with a palette knife to give the piece depth and luminosity.

Long Night's Moon is 36" x 36" and is currently available from my studio with free shipping at cynthialigeros.com.

I also have other abstract oil paintings for sale on my website, cynthialigeros.com, and on UGallery.com. Thanks so much for looking!

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Featured Artwork: i carry your heart

i carry your heart 24"x24" Oil on Canvas
The poem i carry your heart by EE Cummings inspired me to create an oil painting with the same title. I was especially moved by the ending of the poem:

here is the deepest secret...
this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart...
i carry your heart
(i carry it in my heart) 

I wanted to capture the raw emotion of the poem and portray what it means to me on canvas. I hope that my painting inspires someone as much as the poem inspired me.

i carry your heart is 24" x 24" and is currently available at UGallery.com. They will be offering 20% off all art this Thanksgiving weekend!

I have other abstract oil paintings on view at UGallery.com, and at my website, cynthialigeros.com. Thanks so much for looking!

Monday, November 19, 2012

Featured Artwork: Mansions of the Sky

Mansions of the Sky 30"x30" Oil & Gold Leaf on Canvas
The enchanting colors of late fall at twilight inspired me to create Mansions of the Sky. I tried to capture the emotion of those brilliant colors contrasting against the graying horizon. I used just a bit of gold leaf to portray the shimmer of the late day sunlight on the autumn leaves.

Mansions of the Sky is 30" x 30" and is currently available at UGallery.com. They will be offering 20% off all art this Thanksgiving weekend.

I have other fall inspired abstract oil paintings on view at UGallery.com, and at my website, cynthialigeros.com. Thanks so much for looking!

Friday, November 16, 2012

Featured Artwork: This is Not the End

This is Not the End 36"x36" Oil & Gold Leaf on Canvas
I created This is Not the End after I'd been injured and unable to work in my studio. The physical act of standing and painting had become difficult, and so I painted in short bursts as I slowly started to heal. I wasn't sure if I would ever finish it.

One day, I scrawled something across the bottom: "We are all of us living at the edge of the supreme." It was completely spontaneous, and the words aren't really legible in the painting. But they inspired me.

When I finished the painting, it felt like a triumph. It was my comeback painting. And I hope that it inspires someone to triumph over whatever adversity they face in their life.

This is Not the End is painted in oil with gold leaf on canvas. It measures 36" x 36" and is now available at UGallery.com.

I have many other abstract oil paintings on view at UGallery.com, and at my website, cynthialigeros.com. Thanks so much for looking!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Featured Artwork: Breath of Autumn

I created Breath of Autumn with the amazing changing colors of early fall in mind. I used some of those same colors and the raw emotion they inspired. Gold leaf with oil paint was the perfect way to capture the feel of the autumn sunlight reflecting off of newly golden leaves.

Breath of Autumn is 30" x 30" and is currently available at UGallery.com. Right now, I'm featured in UGallery's Top 20 Artists sale, so from now until Tuesday, Oct. 30, you can save 20% off of any of my paintings with code top20.

I have other fall inspired abstract oil paintings on view at UGallery.com, and at my website, cynthialigeros.com. Thanks for looking!

Friday, August 24, 2012

Tonight: Art for Life at Abend Gallery

August Gaze oil on canvas
24"x30" by Cynthia Ligeros
I'm excited to be a part of the Art for Life silent art auction benefiting Project Angel Heart again this year.  My piece titled "August Gaze" will be up for bidding along with more than 100 pieces of fine art created by local and nationally recognized artists.  It's a great way to help provide meals for those coping with life-threatening illness.

The auction goes from 6-10pm at 2260 E. Colfax Ave Friday August 24th. To purchase tickets visit www.projectangelheart.org.

Tickets are $65 for one or $120 for two. Enjoy marvelous cocktails, wine and delicious hors d'oeuvres and dessert while bidding on art at Abend Gallery.

Monday, June 4, 2012

Is it Modern Art? Abstract Art? Contemporary Art?

Silent Radiance
14 x 14
Oil and Gold Leaf on Canvas
Cynthia Ligeros
The lines between different art movements get blurry around the edges.  The definitions of modern art, abstract art and contemporary art can sometimes be a little confusing.  Technically, an "abstract" oil painting has no representational elements.  It's not a picture of any "thing" you can pick out.  Still, it's hard to look at a good painting and not see something in it.  The real question is: when you look at a painting, how do you feel? 

That's how you find a painting you love.  An abstract oil painting appeals to different people for different reasons.  You might see shapes and colors that remind you of a favorite place.  Or the composition of the painting might evoke an emotion for you, whether soothing or energizing or uplifting.  Whatever the reason, trust your personal taste and go with a painting that you love.

Monday, April 2, 2012

2012 Inspired Art Project

I'm excited to be a part of the Inspired Art Project again this year! This great event takes poems written by Denver's youth and asks local artists to create original works inspired by their words. 100% of the auction proceeds from the Inspired Art Project will support America SCORES Denver.

Thursday, April 12, 2012
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Artwork Network
878 Santa Fe Dr.
Denver, CO 80204

Tickets are $30 in advance, $40 at the door, and can be purchased online. For more information, contact inspiredartdenver@gmail.com.

I painted an oil painting called Light Touches the World, inspired by the poem called Sunset, written by Laura M., age 9, from Eagleton Elementary:

The sunset
is day
like the
blooming stars
in the sky.

It is as big
as the entire
galaxy.

It is
yellow like a
banana.

It will make
you put a huge
grin on your
face.

But whenever
light touches
the world is
happiness.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

I'm so excited to be featured in Professional Artist Magazine!

I can't believe I'm appearing in the February 2012 issue of Professional Artist Magazine!

It's such a huge honor, since I've read Professional Artist Magazine (formerly Art Calendar) for years. And now I'm in the Artist Spotlight section. The article features two of my paintings, along with my thoughts about how any artist can creatively grow by experimenting with painting abstracts. I also talk about what inspires my art and the things that drew me to paint abstracts in the first place.

The issue should be appearing on news stands now, or you can order a copy of Professional Artist Magazine here.

I'm so excited and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing magazine!

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Refresh Body and Spirit With a Free Show at the Madden Art Museum

Wouldn't it be nice if you could find a lovely art museum conveniently located right in the DTC, especially with free admission? Now you can. The highly-acclaimed Madden Art Museum is located right behind Comfort Dental Amphitheater, and I'm proud to say that one of my pieces has been selected to show there!

My abstract oil painting Breath of Autumn will appear in the "This Is Colorado" art show at the Madden Art Museum this month. The show runs from January 12th to February 23rd. Admission is free Monday thru Friday from 9am - 5 pm, so check it out anytime.

It's a terrific show celebrating Colorado artists and the artwork inspired by our beautiful state.  I'm really excited to be a part of it!

The opening reception will be on January 13th from 4:30-8:30 pm, and all are invited. That means you! Also, the Mangia Bevi Cafe will be open during the event for dinner and refreshments, and I can tell you that they have delicious lattes and snacks.  Hope to see you there!