Voyage of Discovery is on permanent display at The Serenity Mesa Youth Recovery Center in beautiful Albuquerque, New Mexico!

I'm so excited and grateful that Voyage of Discovery is on permanent display at The Serenity Mesa Youth Recovery Center in beautiful Albuquerque, New Mexico!

Voyage of Discovery 24″x36″ Oil and Mixed Media installed at Serenity Mesa Youth Recovery Center, in Albuquerque, NM

 

 

 

Voyage of Discovery 24″x36″ Oil and Mixed Media

Voyage of Discovery was inspired by the captivating yet understated colors and shapes that gradually appear in the early winter landscape as the seasons change. The title comes from collage elements in the piece that read “Life is a Voyage of Discovery”.
 

3 Paintings Now In The Permanant Collection at Cushman & Wakefield!

Crash Into You 36"x36" Abstract Oil Painting

Tomorrow Blooms 36"x36" Abstract Oil Painting

Integral Response 36"x36" Abstract Oil Painting

I'm so excited and grateful to see my paintings installed at the new Cushman & Wakefield corporate headquarters in Charlotte North Carolina!

Radiant Horizon Has A New Home In Columbia!

Radiant Horizon in Columbia

Radiant Horizon 30"x30" Abstract Oil Painting

I'm so grateful and excited that Radiant Horizon has a new home all the way in Columbia!

I'm So Honored That Three of My Paintings Are Giving Hope

Blessing Moon Abstract Oil Painting 24"x24"

City Rising Abstract Oil Painting 30"x40"

Never Look Back Abstract Oil Painting 24"x24"

I just can't tell you how touched I was when I found out that these 3 paintings I sold recently to a sweet man in the UK were bought as a gift for his wife to give her hope
as she battles cancer.

3 paintings now in the permanent art collection at CU Boulder!

My paintings on permanent display at CU Boulder

The newly remodeled Arts & Sciences building

Truth, Soul, Desire 40×40 Abstract Oil and Gold Leaf

I'm excited to announce that three of my oil paintings were recently purchased for permanent display in the Ketchum Arts & Sciences building at CU Boulder! The building was reopened this spring after an extensive  remodel. I hope the students and faculty at CU will enjoy and be inspired every day by Forgotten Spring, Parade of Promises, and Truth, Soul, Desire!

Parade of Promises 30×48 Abstract Oil Painting

Forgotten Spring 24×30 Abstract Oil Painting

Featured Abstract Oil Painting: Secret In The Sky

Secret in the Sky is about gaining perspective on your life.

When I started this painting, at first I couldn't connect to it. I felt too close to really see it, so I couldn't finish it. Instead, I turned it to face the wall.

A month later, when I finally turned it around and looked at it again, I started to see how the circles and negative space played off of each other.

It looked a little planetary, a little otherworldly. Like a photo of space. So I added trails of light around the circles to harmonize them and bring them into a balanced coexistence.

The “secret” in the title is about gaining perspective on your life. Sometimes, when you look up into the sky, it makes you realize that your troubles aren't really all that big in the vastness of the universe.

Every once in a while, we all need to get that kind of perspective. It makes all the difference.

 

Secret In The Sky is painted in oil with gold leaf on a 20" round canvas.

You can see Secret In The Sky, and other new paintings on my website, cynthialigeros.com. Thanks so much for looking! 

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

A Few of My Abstract Art Oil Painting Techniques

Ever wonder how an artist starts with a blank white canvas and transforms it into a beautiful oil painting?  I get a lot of questions about my oil painting techniques, because every artist works differently.  My method often involves building up my paint in layers, creating a texture that adds depth and character to my abstract art.  Sometimes, I'll dig down into the paint to expose deeper layers, showing you glimpses of the painting beneath.  Lately, I've started incorporating gold leaf in to the oil paint. Want to know more?  I'm always happy to talk about my art.  Just ask me!

My oil painting is in the Denver Modernism Show!

I'm so excited that one of my latest pieces, Bare Winter, was jury-selected into the Denver Modernism show!

 

The show runs Aug. 26, 27 and 28.  Friday 5-10 pm, Saturday 10 am - 6 pm and  Sunday 10 am - 3 pm. It's at the National Western Complex Expo Hall in downtown Denver.

 

They'll have everything from a Miss Modernism Pageant, to a Vintage Car Show!

 

You can get tickets, and more information at denvermodernism.com.

Hope to see you there!

Art for Life at Artwork Network

I'm pleased to be a part of the Art for Life silent art auction benefiting Project Angel Heart this year.  My piece titled "From the Moonlight" will be up for bidding along with more than 150 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 878 Santa Fe Drive this Thursday Aug 26.
To purchase tickets call 303-830-0202 or visit www.projectangelheart.org
Tickets are $50 for one or $95 for two. Enjoy marvelous cocktails, wine and delicious hors d'oeuvres while electronically bidding on art at the Artwork Network in the Santa Fe Art District.

Visit Artwork Network this Friday, August 20, for Third Friday and a sneak peak of the Art for Life show.  Selected pieces of artwork will be on display at Artwork Network and in American National Bank Cherry Creek North throughout the month of August.  Please feel free to stop by or send your friends and family!

Reception at Mici Restaurant tonight!

I'm so excited to be heading out to the reception at Mici Restaurant tonight!  Everyone is invited for free appetizers and a look at some of my latest art from 6-8 pm.

Hope to see you there!

Artist Reception at Mici Restaurant in Cherry Creek!

I'm excited to announce that the wonderful people at Mici Restaurant have put together an artist reception for me on Tuesday August 17th!  They will provide incredible appetizers from 6-8pm.

Mici is located right in the heart of Cherry Creek at 3030 E. 2nd Ave. (at Milwaukee)
Everyone is invited.  Please feel free to stop by for some delicious food, drinks, art, and gelato!

Smoke Bomb Painting

This is how artists celebrate the 4th of July! 

Here's a picture of me celebrating Independence Day with some great artist friends.  This is a fun way to collaborate with some other artists, using smoke bombs on canvas to paint something truly unique.

You wouldn't think so, but smoke bombs actually make pretty good art media!  Just be sure to stand upwind...

Mici Restaurant show in Cherry Creek!

While you're visiting the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, come by Mici Italian Restaurant for some delicious food and even more art!

The Cherry Creek Arts Festival runs July 3-5, from 10am to 8pm Saturday and Sunday and 10am to 6pm on Monday.  Don't miss it!

Mici is located right in the heart of the festival at 3030 E. 2nd Ave. (at Milwaukee)

My show will be up until the end of August.  Stop by for some awesome pizza and gelato!

Free "Moore Inspired" art show at Denver Botanic Gardens this Thursday!

Just a reminder that the Moore Inspired show is this Thursday, and it promises to be an excellent event!  Admission is FREE, but you must RSVP to get on the guest list!  So what are you waiting for?  Click here:  exhibits@botanicgardens.org