Erika Thorpe » Painting

Abstract Tree #3

Erika — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:25:21 +0000

Of course I love my trees. This was just a fun whimsical design-centered piece created for a Fantasy themed art show in Los Angeles.

Fantasea

Erika — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:20:04 +0000

Created for a Fantasy themed show in Los Angeles:

(1) Mermaids: 24w-x- 34h aqua-oil on wood panel
(2) In the Octopus’ Garden 48w-x-32h aqua-oil on canvas

Pink Katydid

Erika — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:05:02 +0000

These must be among the coolest and rarest insects out there. You can take a look at what a real one looks like here: http://bugguide.net/node/view/32354

Lately I’ve been inspired by the color pink, not your typical bubblegum pink, but that really funky fuschia and hot pink that conjures images of 60s mod fashion. My friend Daniela was the first one to suggest using the color when I was redecorating my living room, so I blame her for planting the seed. It’s a really cool color, and not one I tend to work with at all in my paintings. I tend towards the oranges and red-oranges on that side of the color spectrum. So as I was planning out my new living space color scheme I started looking for subject matter to paint that was this curious shade of pink. Lo and behold the pink katydid. Such a cool insect, (and I do love insects), and such a fantastic shade of pink.

Pink Katy 16″x20″ aqua oil

Manduca Sexta

Erika — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:51:23 +0000

16″x20″ acrylic painting on collaged surface. The collaged layer is comprised of random slices of subway maps, mostly Tokyo, although I believe there are some Paris maps in there as well. The insect silouhette is of the manduca sexta moth also known as the tobacco hornworm. It’s no secret I have a fascination for insects, they are so intricate, and beautiful like living jewelry.

Free Flying

Erika — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 19:31:31 +0000

If the energy and spirit of flight could be captured in paint I doubt this painting gives it justice but I had to try. “Free Flying” aqua-oil 16×20″

Botanical Abstracts 3

Erika — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 19:24:21 +0000

more escapes into the realms of color and pattern via botanical abstractions.
(1) “Wilted Tulip” aqua-oil (2) “Abstract Tree” ink and watercolor

Botanical Abstracts 2

Erika — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 22:38:38 +0000

more abstract botanicals…
Untitled, charcoal and watercolor

Abstract Botanicals

Erika — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 01:44:24 +0000

sometimes I just like to get lost in pattern, color and design….
(1)” Botanical Abstract 1″ 16×20″ aqua-oil (SOLD) (2)”Abstract Tree 1″ 18×24″ aqua-oil.

Cutting Through the Surface

Erika — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 23:35:24 +0000

A couple of experiments with cutting through surface layers to reveal a hidden world beneath.

from left: “Absent” mixed-media (SOLD), “Under Pressure” mixed-media (SOLD).

Experimental Processes

Erika — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 21:17:01 +0000

The very last art class I took before graduating college was called Experimental Processes. It was a class that intended to take painting students out of their comfort zone and allow them to experiment with non-traditional media. My most successful piece I felt was a self portrait, combining paint with one of my photo-plates left over from my printmaking class.

below: “Inertia” oil and recycled photo-plate on wood. (NOT FOR SALE)