Good Friends

OK, I'm on a new kick, shoes...... I know with the weather being as nice as it is right now that I should be outside painting landscapes using natural light, but I have this burning desire to paint shoes so I running with it. Only this time I stepped up my game a bit and added a suit and tie. This was a bit more challenging, but I really enjoyed creating it. I had fun with the great local colors that scream contrast. I love the big blocks of green, yellow, red and blue. Also the contrast of rags to riches is interesting too, by comparing the painting of a worn out pair of shoes to a trio of nice clothes.

I hope you relish Good Friends. 11x14

Wingtips Renewed

I am always on the lookout for interesting subjects to paint and came across an interesting worn out pair of burgundy wingtips at the Thrift Store in Sandy. I debated on purchasing them for a couple visits to my new hangout, largely in part to me not needing to bring home more junk. However, the intrigue of what I might be able to paint as well as the thought of who their former owner was and the history they alone possess turned out to be too great. So I walked them up to the counter and a short elderly lady behind the counter says, "Dropping them off?", trying to keep from laughing outloud I replied, "No, I'd like to purchase them." I still find it hilarious. Who in their right mind wants to purchase something that should be in a landfill. So I put down my dollar and escorted my new friends to the car and returned to work.

Since then I have asked myself some questions..... Where have these shoes traveled? Did they go to work, church, the grocery store or out to dinner and where. Did they enjoy the theater, or walks in the local park with a loving spouse, or maybe man's best friend. Whatever their travels are, it is clear that their previous owner enjoyed them for a good many years as the miles of patina are evident.

I find it interesting to put myself in someone else's shoes, helps to bring perspective to ones life and we usually find out, our own life is really not that bad.

Now, while these shoes have obviously seen better days, at least that's what the hole in the left sole tells me, I am hopeful that I am able to add to the many stories that these wingtips have to tell. Only for those who are willing to stop... take a look... and listen to them though.

I hope you have enjoyed this story of Wingtips Renewed 6x7.5.

Steve & Jean's Backyard

Standing in my driveway peering over my neighbors fense, I painted this scene of Steve & Jean's Backyard. They have lucious views everywhere in their yard, but this one particularly lit my match and it was on.... I had the right composition, the right light and having fun was the only thing left to do. Thanks to the Beaty's for allowing me the use of their handywork as inspiration and Kevin, sorry for the delays in getting a posting up. Enjoy.

Steve & Jean's Backyard, 8x10 oil on panel.

Vicki's Kitchen

I painted this sitting in our kitchen on Sunday. It took me a bit longer that I thought to complete, but I love how the morning light comes streaking in through the side windows to create a nice natural still life.

Since we have a galley kitchen, I pretty much blocked the way in for 5 hours. Fortunately, Vicki worked outside in the yard for most of the time so I didn't get into too much trouble. Vicki's Kitchen 14x11 oil on panel.

Quiet Sunset

After my morning chores were done on Saturday, I went to 1000 Acres (east of Troutdale) and painted some Gorge scenes. This one, being the last of four I completed for the day. But, just as I was starting it, I received a random visit from my friend Mitch Baird, who happened to be coming back from his workshop at Beacon Rock. It was great to see him and we had a nice chat.

After some laughes it was back to work. I had to work fast as I was running out of daylight and I knew Vicki wanted me to eventually come home. So, little thinking and more reacting was going on. It was the best day weather wise for the year so far, as I'm sure most of you can attest to and I took full advantage of it.

I hope you enjoy it, Quiet Sunset 8x10 oil.

Study in Brass

I was a little reluctant to paint all three of these brass subject in one painting, worried that the painting would turn out boring with not enough variation in color, but something in me would not let it go. So I set up this still life composition last night including a vase, teapot and bell. Trying to simplify shapes has been a challenge for me and this was a good exercise. The reflective qualities in brass is exciting and energizing, there's lot's going on and I attempted to stay true to what I was seeing, with a little embelishment, but that's my right as an artist, right......? Study in Brass, 9x12 oil on panel.

Vicki's Chair

I painted this scene at our cabin this weekend. I have been thinking it is a nice composition for sometime now and since the weather was a bit dreary, it was a good time to stay inside and paint. A lovely chair taking center stage accompanied by a radiator heater, table of books, and my log bookshelf.

I did not realize it til later, but Vicki's Chair makes for a great sister painting to Michael's Corner. Especially since that's were I sat to create her. 12x9 oil on panel.

Michael's Corner

Today is an exciting day for me, I have sold my first painting. Customer and dear friend, Marc Stehno, will become the new caretaker of Michael's Corner. A scene that depicts a spot in our cabin where I sit and work out many things. A spot where I sketch, journal, read, think, nap and even enjoy a glass of wine. I hope you get the sense of depth and warmth of creativity that takes place in that very spot. An artist that is true to themselves does not paint things for the masses. They paint things that touch their soul, which makes it difficult for me to sell a painting. Michael's Corner is no exception. I am humbled that Marc or anyone for that matter, feels compelled enough to hang my stuff in their home. Thanks you Marc, and thank you for supporting my dreams. 14x11 oil on panel.

Patch of Iris

My wife, Victoria, has some lovely Iris' in our back yard that I just had to paint. Patch of Iris, oil on 6x8 panel.

Wood Duck

I painted "Wood Duck" yesterday from a picture that I took at a wetland off Old Evergreen Hwy. 9x12 oil on gessoed panel.

Circus of Color

“Circus of Color” was a difficult piece to create. For me I have to connect with the subject in order to fully express what I am trying to convey. The theme, “It’s a Circus” for the annual Wy'East Artisan Guild Art Show, was a great challenge and something I toiled with for weeks. What I wanted to express with “Circus of Color” is a bright, vibrant, almost comedy of colors that jump out and grab the viewers attention, much like a circus does. It was important that I not get caught up with details, which is why I chose to use a painting knife for the entire piece. I used acrylic paints for their vibrancy and quick drying characteristics, which forced me to work fast and help with the expression of the painting. I also wanted you to feel a sense of movement. So you can feel the wind blowing through the colorful flags and the elephant meandering to the Big Top, as part of the next performance. Thank you for taking time to learn about “Circus of Color”. I hope you enjoy experiencing it as much as I enjoyed creating it.

Workshop with Eric Jacobsen

I painted this still life at Eric Jacobsen's workshop saturday and had an amazing time in the process. Met some great artists and outstanding people. Eric's personality is soo infectious, kind and positive, he is truly a joy to be around. Thank you Eric for all your help!

Study in Blue and Yellow

Vicki and I did a still life photo shoot with some great props that she has as decor in our home. Great subjects are the beginning of great paintings. Here, "Lemons with Daffodils in Teapot", turned out nice and I am happy with it.

Sailboats Resting

9x12 oil on masonite. I painted "Sailboats Resting" today from a picture I took last summer at Rose City Yacht Club. I really like how it turned out. The sun was setting and there were hints of pink in the sky and reflections in the water.

Sailboat

Here is a painting of one of my favortites, I did last summer. I began sailing with my neighbor on his 33' Yamaha and instantly was hooked. I painted this from a photo I took while on my first sailing voyage in June of 09 on the Columbia River. 14X11 on gessoed plywood