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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!