Nature Forms
This series of semi-abstract or narrative paintings are based on the earth, using ecology as a basis for meaning. Sometimes vintage parts or old, collected items are combined with the images, bringing man-made concepts into Vaughan’s modern take on painting. A dichotomy of opposites is often at play between Man and Nature in this series.
wing-it
17 x 12.5”
acrylic on wood
1000.
A red-winged black bird darts through wild foliage. We are energized by this dash of rich color against blue sky and new bloom.
pink orbs underfoot
acrylic on wood
11.5 x 8”
500.
These little circular bulbs of beauty are real. They are called Pink Earth lichen and grow directly out of granite. Here is the perfect metaphor to fragile strength or gentle fortitude – traits humans would do well to master.
by the Master’s hand
28.5 x 9”
acrylic on wood with brass key-company topper
1000.
A red-headed flicker pauses amid a flux of woodland as a symbol of beauty and miracle.
An old brass placard reads “Master,” hinting toward a creature created by the Master’s hand - this is also a lyrical line in the song, “Beautiful Nebraska.”
scooting scutes
18 x 19”
acrylic on wood with old linoleum inlay base
1000.
Like a helmet crossing the sand, old scales move along, little by little, with life inside of them. A friend of the Platte, as old as the dinosaur, this slow-moving reptile reminds us how old the planet is. Fossils of their kin still exist along our low-water riverbeds of shifting sand.
sunburst at the sole
acrylic on wood
11.5 x 8”
500.
These little circular bulbs of beauty are real. They are called Pink Earth lichen and grow directly out of granite. Here is the perfect metaphor to fragile strength or gentle fortitude – traits humans would do well to master.
tip toe ecotone
acrylic on wood
11.5 x 8”
500.
If you are lucky enough to walk through woods or lolly-gag through forests, look down. A rich world exists underfoot. Amid stick and stone, mud and rock are living organisms. The color that sprouts from decay is striking and a phenomenon one should not ignore. Reason for being and living miracle abounds at our feet every day.
go fish
13 x 23”
acrylic on wood with thin, weathered inlay
1000.
A whirlwind vortex encircles white baby fishies in this playful image. An earth-toned, weathered inlay gives this painting a diptych appeal. The artist was just having fun with water tones and movement and the idea of ‘new beginnings” for innocents as they face and flow with ocean extremities.
mud cat
19 x 19”
acrylic on wood with weathered inlays
1000.
Inland waterways are home to catfish who come along to clean up things, sensing food below or scavenging the bottom sand base with their long whiskers. They can even make drum-like sounds or walk out of the water at times. Odd-looking , but lovable, this piece pays homage to the beauty of the ugly.
spiro amphibi-o | SOLD
12.5 x 28.5”
acrylic on wood with retro string art
1000.
This piece toys with the idea of the metamorphosis of the batrachian. A string spirograph echoes a frog’s eye and symbolizes transformation and the modern look of symmetry.
heavenly hosts | SOLD
33.5 x 51”
acrylic on wood
4000.
In this painting a host of sparrows seek sustenance and kinship. They are mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of God’s care for the smallest of creatures. There is something joyful and rekindling about seeing them together, swooping into foliage and undergrowth as if a cluster of little angels have gathered to make things better.
Sissiboo Six
38 x 64”
acrylic on wood
3,300.
The word “Sissiboo” is an adaption of the French and Mi’kmaq words for “six owls” and “river.” Named by explorers, when six owls were spotted together in shoreline timber, the Sissiboo River runs through Weymouth, Nova Scotia where the Maine College of Art & Design invites its alum to apply for the Jenny Family Team Residency.
This piece honors the group Vaughan (as an MFA alum) brought together for this residency in a playful way. Each owl characterizes one individual artist. Can you guess, “Whoo is Hoo?”
wetlander
16 x 47”
acrylic on wood with weathered inlay
2400.
A pelican on dark water floats with ease as an abstraction of water at twilight accompanies this bird’s age-old form. A weathered mid panel houses a warm orb, acting like a sun, yet also bringing a touch of the modern into the painting.
peacemakers
21 x 31”
acrylic on wood within
stainless steel sink trim
2000.
A loyal pair of cardinals perch in foliage to observe our actions. In a world of conflict, this painting encourages us to pay closer attention to the messages found in Nature. The natural world offers us ways to find peace, answers to difficult questions and to reflect on the meaning of life.
turning point
30 x 16”
acrylic on wood with formica inlays
1200.
Amid calm neutrals, a songbird pauses quietly on a meadow. This six-sided shape hints at the mathematical forms of the universe. The number six symbolizes divine power and Creation. A soft blue-sky orb acts as a rolling ode to the earth.
underwood
40.5 x 70”
acrylic on wood with ash wood underlay by Jack Sandeen
for the offices of Ann Heckman – Central Dental Group
Hastings, Nebraska
NFS
The tones and abstractions of root, soil, wood and earth in this painting are inspired by the Platte River. The intuitive intention here is fertile ground, where new life comes from the breakdown of the old. Unexpected crevices, flaws and random brambles are suggestive in this overall organic painting made more meaningful by the beauty of Sandeen’s worn, polished wood piece attached at the base.
dream weaver | SOLD
15 x 35”
acrylic on wood within an old loom panel
2000.
Finding this unusual loom part with delicate wire work, inspired a delicacy of feeling through roots and soft brambles of earth, painted with ease. After the house sparrow was added to this piece, to my amazement, I discovered they are called “weaverbirds” and symbolize Creation.