Featured Artist Sudie Rakusin

Artist Sudie Rakusin shares a collection of multi-layered abstracts filled with pattern and symbolism. Visit her website to see more of her artwork.

 

Artist Sudie Rakusin at work in her studio with her dog Marmie

Artist Sudie Rakusin at work in her studio with her dog Marmie

 

In 2016, I ventured into the world of abstracts with cold wax and oil as my medium on panels and Arches oil paper. Being classically trained to paint and draw the figure, the new world of abstracts challenged me in exciting ways.

 

abstract oil and cold wax painting by Sudie Rakusin

“Ecliptic Series No. 10″ cold wax medium and oil on wood panel, 36″ x 36”

 

I explored new ways to make color, pattern, design and pure line the focus, instead of the background for a figure. I experimented with different techniques, using a palette knife to layer on paint and a needle pointed tool to incise and make thin, accurate lines.

 

oil and cold wax abstract image by Sudie Rakusin

“Ecliptic Series No. 11″ cold wax medium and oil on wood panel, 36″ x 36”

 

There is layering and scraping away, incising, and glazing. I also take white tissue and draw thin, delicate patterns with micron pens and “glue” these onto the panels with cold wax.

 

oil and cold wax abstract dog painting by Sudie Rakusin

“Ecliptic Series No. 17″ cold wax medium and oil on wood panel, 24″ x 36”

 

The first group is titled “Ecliptics.”

Abstract painting continues to challenge me today. I am in a love/hate relationship with abstracts as I work and rework, oftentimes scraping off entire areas and changing the colors and shapes.

 

abstract oil and cold was image of a dog by Sudie Rakusin

“Ecliptic Series No. 18″ cold wax medium and oil on wood panel, 24″ x 36”

 

I draw on scrap paper, sketch out possibilities, dream about them, wake up thinking I’ve resolved it, only to wipe those out to make more changes!

 

abstract dog image in oil and cold wax by Sudie Rakusin

“Ecliptic Series No. 19″ cold wax medium and oil on wood panel, 24″ x 36”

 

These abstracts confound me, confuse me, challenge me and are teaching me to embrace living with the not knowing.

 

abstract oil and cold wax triptych by Sudie Rakusin

“Encompass 4,5,6″ (triptych) cold wax medium and oil on Arches oil paper, 12″ x 16” each

 

The second group is titled “Encompass.”

Several months ago, this shape came into my head and I documented it in my sketchbook. It would not leave my mind’s eye, and I drew it all the time. I named it “Encompass.” Although I had no clue what it was saying to me, Encompass felt symbolic and meaningful; a compass, a pinwheel, a seashell, a false limpet, a fossilized stone. I did 19 paintings on paper, three panels, and then it was gone.

 

abstract oil and cold wax triptych by Sudie Rakusin

“Encompass 7,8,9″ (triptych) cold wax medium and oil on Arches oil paper, 12″ x 16” each

 

Periodically, I work for a long time on projects and then get emptied out. I naturally go back to the source, which for me is my sketchbook. I return to drawing.

 

collage of lemons on a plate by Sudie Rakusin

“Lemons on Plate” tissue collage, pen, ink and acrylic on archival board, 6” x 9”

 

This time, my line drawings inspired this collection of small collage/paintings of women’s portraits, plants, fruit and vegetables. I find myself “painting” with tissue, layering collage with paint and line. I am only at the beginning of this new exploration and don’t know where it will take me, once again, living with the not knowing.

 

collage still life of radishesin a bowl by Sudie Rakusin

“Radishes in Bowl” tissue collage, pen, ink and acrylic on archival board, 6” x 9”

 

While it feels simple and freeing, not serious or profound, these collage/paintings are holding my interest, keeping me curious, and for that, I am perpetually grateful.

 

Artist Sudie Rakusin invites you to follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

 

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