Clark County Open Studio Tour Recap....

Brass Vase and Gourds
20x24

Last weekend, Clark County, in SW Washington, hosted its first Open Studio Tour, which I was excited to be a part of. Fifty artists opened their studios to friends, family, collectors, appreciators, and other artists.....and the response was outstanding.
 

There was a certain amount of intrigue on everyone's part, getting a glimpse behind the scenes of where an artist works and where their inspirations take root.
 

During the two-day event I decided to work through Brass Vase and Gourds, so people could see a painting in progress. It also was an instant conversational fulcrum.
 

The absolute best part of the weekend, was when I had the opportunity to visit with a couple of young girls (Claire and Rebekah), who are painters themselves, and tell them a little about my thought process. And THEN, I asked them, "OK, who wants to paint on this?" Of course, both girls were reluctant to step forward, but their mother hinted towards the younger of the two. So I sat Rebekah down, showed her how to hold the brush, and away she went, pushing paint around the canvas like a champ!

Rebekah working with painting knife

She worked on the table and then blended some edges with a painting knife between the green bottle, the right side gourd, and the table.
Great job Rebekah! And thanks so much for your help with this painting!
--------------------------
Keeping our youth involved with the arts is never far from my thoughts. To me, it's one of the greatest responsibilities, we as adult creatives can pass on to the next generation.

Thanks to everyone who came to visit my studio during the tour! I thoroughly enjoyed getting to share it with you. A special thank you to Camila Morrison and Nila Baker, for volunteering their time as greeters. And of course, a big thank you goes to my wife, Victoria. I couldn't have pulled this off without you, Dear!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!


 

Reflecting on Art in the Heart



Saki Stoneware
9x12

Even though we dealt with some pretty high temperatures at last week's Art in the Heart event, i had a blast. It was so great to visit and hang out with talented artists and view their work. It was also equally exciting to meet with collectors; some i hadn't seen for a while and others, this was our first meeting.

A big thank you to all who braved the heat to come enjoy a great weekend of art!

During my wanderings i came across many great pieces of art. One artist in particular, Robin Hominiuk, a local potter had some lovely stoneware pieces. And of course, me being me and always on the lookout for new and interesting things to paint, i knew in a flash that i wanted to step up and get some of this awesome stoneware.

So, i was torn between two small displays.... couple that with the fact that my wife was out of town for the weekend at a writers convention and i had sold a few paintings, and...... Bingo, you guessed it - i got both sets. I just couldn't resist, plus i had NO adult supervision.....

Even though i did offer one up as a gift to, My Dearest, i'm sure it will soon wind up in a painting too.

So, again, a big thank you to all who visited, Downtown Vancouver, to partake in Art in the Heart, you really helped fuel an artists fire. And many thanks go to Kevin Weaver, Director of Art on the Boulevard, for hosting and keeping us hydrated. You're THE BEST Kev!

Flowers for My Love

Flowers for My Love
16x20

Recently i did a good thing; i gave some flowers to my wife. Of course this won me some good points, but it was well overdue. So, i still have some ground to make up, but this is a good start.

Vicki, commented that the bouquet needs to wind up in a painting. And certainly, i agreed with her.....

A couple days later, i set up a composition on top of the piano and used natural ambient light as my source. I love the using natural light. It brings a quality element to the subject that cannot be duplicated by artificial light.

 One thing that has been finding its way into my work lately is a palette knife. I have always enjoyed the look of palette knife work, but this time is was extra fun, and for some good reasons..... 

One, is the simple fact that i did not incorporate it throughout the entire piece, which allows for some variety of interest. 

Two, i really like the blending of colors, textures, and edges that were created.

And Three, is the unexpected.... There are times when something shows up that you weren't planning on that helps to make a painting exciting. Those incidentals can make for some serious interest, for me mostly in paint quality, and i love it when they stop by to say hi. For i usually invite them to be a permanent resident.



Thoughts on Painting Still Life



Food for Thought
16x20



Still Life painting is a great passion of mine. And i think for most people, you either love em', or you don't. For me, still life's hold a special place in my heart, for that's when colors and values and shapes, began to make sense to me.

I also enjoy the gathering of trinkets and formulating them into a display. And, I gotta tell ya', you just haven't lived until you've wandered through thrift stores looking for interestingly shaped items that are just begging to be re-purposed. It truly is great fun. However, some items, like the bud vase, was my mother's, the book is my wife's, and the flowers are snips from our yard.

I knew i wanted this painting to be full of texture and that it would take multiple sittings to get it where i wanted it. The whole thought process that takes place with problem solving (the application of paint to a painting revisited) is quite freeing and magnetizing. Freeing - in terms of not having to dial everything in during the first pass or two because i know i'm going to refine as i go. And magnetizing - because each visit is like a new painting, only better. The juicy thick paint being pulled and dragged, grabs like a saber tooth tiger and reveals wonderful nuances.

If you already enjoy painting still life's, i might be preaching to the choir. If you don't, i would urge you to give it a shot - you never know, you might succumb to the power of the still...and if you're an appreciator, you probably already have.

Spring Time Still Life

Spring Time
9x12
This last weekend was mostly about still life painting, and i had these three Daffodils left over that i begrudgedly did not paint during Eric Jacobsen's workshop. I was determined to not let my efforts of finding them on the side of the road go to waste though, and so i stayed up way too late Monday night in an effort to give them their due.
After painting it, i let it rest for a couple days to let things get good and tacky, as i was planning on a second coat, but all i did was add some lighter shadow values to the daffodils and that was it. There are a couple things i was wanting to change, but the most important thing i found to this piece is its spontaneity. Much of the time, i enjoy going in two, three, and four times adding texture, building up a painting surface that would rival the consistency of a chewy granola bar, but not this one.
Although, there is a good amount of paint, it doesn't get bogged down and retains a freshness that i really like.
I've talked about it and many others have too; knowing when to stop can be a real challenge. And i am not willing to sacrifice the feeling or mood of a painting for sake foodling, at least not for today.
Today is about Spring, flowers in bloom, and of course the timing of things....



Still Life

Young at Heart

12x9

This past weekend was filled with the painting of Still Lifes and the main focus was an Eric Jacobsen workshop at Art on the Boulevard.

If you've never taken a workshop from Eric, i would highly recommend taking one. He is a great instructor with a wealth of knowledge and one of the most inspiring people i have ever met. If you already have, then you know what i mean.

Saturday, after MEKing around, we went trinket hunting at local thrift shops and i found some new subjects to add to the collection as well as a Frank Sinatra album that i just had to get.

By Sunday afternoon, my new vinyl, interestingly shaped friends, and flowers were begging to take center stage and perform. So, after my display was set, the turntable began to spin and i started to paint in a most passionate way. I usually paint in silence, as i am a deep thinker, but the electrifying sound of Sinatra energized me and i just didn't want it to stop.

I painted all afternoon, until it was dark, having to get up and flip the record every so often, but i didn't mind. Having Ol' Blue Eyes, fill our home with his captivating sound was worth every moment of what would be considered, to this day and age, a hassle.

After letting this painting sit for a few days to tack-up, i revisited it and made some modifications. I may make a few more adjustments, before i consider it done, but never-the-less, i hope you find this painting, Young at Heart.

Still Life

Apples and Cheese

8x10

This has been a great week with art, and not all of it had to do with the act of painting. My wife and i had the chance to spend last weekend with Celeste Bergin and her hubby, David Burbach at Lake Quinault,WA.

The weather was a bit temperamental and included some high winds, which does not make for much fun as a plein air painter. However, we did take some nice walks that allowed David, a professional photographer, to take some nice photos of the beauty on the Olympic Peninsula.

Celeste and i did manage an indoor still life though, and that was great fun. Even in that controlled environment, we did deal with some struggles; Lighting and elbow room. It was pretty tight quarters, and even though i wasn't, it felt like painting in the dark. Coupled with great conversation, fun atmosphere and bright colors, this painting was a blast.

Also, this week i had the chance to spend an evening with a great friend and fellow oil painter, Bud Fields. Bud is creating a new style of rustic frame made from Blue Pine that really showcase his unique style of Landscapes, Western, and Wildlife Art. I also received a tour of his great collection of art and great workspace. Bud also gave me a great education on the importance of framing and its ability to enhance or detract from a painting, which was a super show-n-tell.

Saturday the 3rd, i am anticipating in the Clark Co. Arts and Culture Summit, which is another big step towards promoting this area's art scene.

Christmas Surprise

Poised

6x8

One night last week, i found myself unable to sleep. In the past i would toss and turn for hours until slumber arrived; but not this time, this time was different......

I, not so quietly, lumbered to my studio and began to paint a Christmas decoration that during this season, resides on our dining room table.

I studied and painted, and studied and painted, and studied and painted some more, all the while enjoying the juicy reds and golds of the yuletide decor. Finishing the painting at 1:30am, i cleaned up and tried for sleep again, with much more success this go around.

Now, i wanted to post this for two reasons. First, it's appropriate for this week, but second, i wanted to express the importance of seizing the moment. One is not always sure about the timing an inspired moment will come, and i feel it's important to always keep your eyes and thoughts open to anything that may come your way. Now i realize that painting in the middle of the night may seem a bit extreme to some, but it was a great exercise as well as a chance to burn up some energy that might otherwise be wasted on frustrated tossing and turning.

Wishing you a merry and inspired Christmas as you seize your moment....

Sunday Debacle?.....

Winter Mums

10x8

As i stir and struggle to gather the marbles of my mind and fend off stronghold effects of the previous night, a rush of urgency rushes over me as the realization that i, like Oregon Football, squandered a golden opportunity to capture an amazing dawn.

Yup, i overslept, and on such a beautiful foggy, and frosty morning that was sure to make for some great subjects to paint. Needless to say, i was a tad, um.... pissed. I knew that by the time i gathered my gear and arrived anywhere, the light would be quite different and not really what i was looking for.

As the morning marched on, the sun came out and lit up a pot of winter mums that my wife has on the front porch. The friendly mums took a liking to the brilliant sunlight and they were kind enough to just sit there and smile in an almost gloating fashion. So i set up and tried to give the colorful clump a deserving portrait. Color is just too fun....it should be illegal its so much fun. Please don't tell the moody subjects that i stepped out on them for a day, again.....

I did get out to paint in the mid to late afternoon, but i really felt compelled to tell the story of how Winter Mums unexpectedly came to be. Its a good reminder of how one door closes, but another one opens.

Study in Light

Dining Room Treasures

11x14

All summer i have seen the afternoon fleeting light come and go on this one teapot of my wife's on our dining room table and have wanted so much to paint it. Now that our bright sunny days are coming to a not so consistent time of year, i knew it was time to put up or shut up. So, recently i took a couple afternoons that were nice back to back and once again invaded our dining room with the vengeance of a Linebacker stuffed in a Ford Pinto.

One thing i strive to put in my work is atmosphere. To do that, i let the composition and subjects tell me how they want to be portrayed in that moment as i problem solve through the painting. Now, it goes without saying that color notes/values are critical to a painting, but just as important is the application of that paint. This piece i found myself dipping my brush in a mound of paint and creating long stringies that were strategically placed for a certain effect. Long skinny lines were the result that added a shimmering effect.

So, much of the time i don't have a detailed master plan of how i am going to paint something, and i think it really helps create that spontaneous, atmospheric feel that i am looking for.

I have lately found myself entering a strange phase of my painting process; I have been using intense natural light to paint my indoor still life's, while venturing out into the not-so-pleasant weather to do my plein air work. Just the opposite of what the normal person would do. Maybe its time for a cat scan......

In any case, i am thoroughly enjoying my contemplative journey in search of creating deep soulful and inspiring art.

What is my style?

Dining Room Light

16x12

My previous posting was of a painting that took many days and many hours to complete. This one only took 2-3 hours, a speed painting in comparison. I did not think too much, a smash and grab type mentality. I did not worry about getting all the colors perfect, much less all the shapes, but i wanted to give the feeling of the light streaming in through our dining room windows, highlighting the focal point, blurring the lines in the background and sharpening the edges in the foreground; but not too sharp. All the while striving for a sense of atmosphere.

So when i completed this painting i thought a lot about my style of painting. What is my style? How can i labor over a painting for days and turn around a week later and crank out this speed demon? And i think i came up with an answer that in the back of my mind i have known all along.

Art, whether that be poetry, sculpting, painting, or whatever the medium, is all about passion and inspiration. Its about connecting with a subject and feeling a strong need to portray it, however the artist is experiencing it. That connection, that bonding is so critical and is the only way to get true unmanufactured emotion and feeling into a piece; and that's when it becomes art.

I am never going to pidgeon hole myself into doing the same thing over and over, the same way everytime. I would be bored to tears. But exploring, trying new techniques, and pushing my own boundaries is clearly where it's at for me. And when it's all said and done, i will have that body of work, that cohesive style that will be unique to me.

So, thank you for taking an interest in my journey. My hope is to inspire you. Inspire you to pick up a pen, or a brush and create art yourself. Inspire you to appreciate art or that you become an inspiration for someone else in this wonderful world of ART.

Tomatoes - Ya just can't not paint em'....

Corner of Color

8x10

The three series of paintings i have strongly focused on (Vancouver Historical Architecture, Steigerwald Refuge, and Lake Quinault) are primarily landscapes. So when i saw our recent tomato and squash harvest i realized how much i was missing still life painting. And since the tomatoes have a fairly short life expectancy (at least while i'm around) it was time to jump on it.

I did not spend much time setting up this composition, i just added the tomatoes and squash to what was already sitting on the kitchen counter and started in. I set up my gear just inside the dining room where i could peer into the kitchen and get a perfect view of my subject. I don't know if it's just me or not, but every time i paint in a part of the house not designated for painting it feels a little strange. Here i am blocking an entry to the kitchen with turpentine and oil paints in the dining room. It's kind of like taking a super soaker to church, it just doesn't seem quite right.

Anyway, i had a blast and since i don't use Cadmium Red all that much it gave me some quality time with a friend who doesn't get on my palette enough. If you look close, you can see Cad. Red, or Red, as i like to call him, sitting in the far right of the bowl in the painting and thrusting his right arm in the air yelling,

"YEAH!, you see what I can do once you put me in the game".

I think he's just vying for a contract extension that expires at the end of this year, looks like i might have to renew it.

"Tell you what Red, i'll double your salary....."

That ought to shut him up. Until he realizes what double of nothin' is.....

Seriously though, the tomatoes added some great color and really brought a cheery feeling to the painting.

Don't forget to look around your house for interesting things to add to your still life paintings. Brushes up!

Spontaneity

Spice of Life

8x10

I cannot express enough how taking painting workshops, notably from good friend Eric Jacobsen (see link for Eric under blog list), have helped to elevate my abilities as an artist. No matter your skill level i strongly urge people to take as many as you can, even if they are the same workshop. There is something about hearing what amounts to be the same thing, in repetition, that really helps drive the message home in one's thoughts.

During a workshop, there is a limited amount of time you have to actually complete a finished painting. Which is why they should be viewed as a time for intense study, not coming home with the next Gruppe to hang on your wall. Last weekend, i took another Still Life workshop from Eric and i was able to make some adjustments to my brushwork and blending of colors. Now, while I would not normally put forward what i would consider an unfinished piece, i really liked the freshness and warmth of this painting (probably all those lovely earth tones). I know there are some technical difficulties with it and i certainly was not finished, but the more i view it, the more i enjoy it and my hope is that you do as well.

Pushing the Boundaries

Old World Mysteries 18 x 24 Today is a day to note some firsts...... This painting is the largest i have attempted, 18 x 24, and is my first time working on stretched canvas which i instantly fell in love with. Prior to this all of my works were on prepared panels. I began this painting last Sunday and worked on it for about 8 hours, monday night for a couple hours, and completed the finishing touches in about 4 hours today. My most recent paintings have taken much longer to complete than prior works, which is interesting. I used to have the mindset that i had to finish a painting in one sitting as to not lose the emotion that goes into it. As i learn and grow as an artist i am finding it easier to jump back in the seat and pick up where i left off which includes mixing the colors from scratch again; a scary proposition when trying to match existing colors - a few months ago i might not have been able to pull it off. The old urn, which is clearly the the center piece, was a great challenge. Vicki found it in an antique shop we vistited in downtown Vancouver last Saturday and she knew in an instant that i needed it as a substantial piece added to my growing collection of Tchotchkes. I have to agree with her, it really anchored this larger composition. So, look for me to continue painting on larger canvases, as i keep pushing the boundaries.

Still Life Workshop - Jug and Beets 6x8

On Saturday the 26th I attended a workshop from great friend and amazing artist Eric Jacobsen. Eric's expressive still life's are off the chart incredible and while most people fall in love with his art, they may not know exactly why for his paintings require a sophisticated eye to realize just how stunning they truly are. If you are looking for an investment piece to add to your collection or are looking to begin one, i highly recommend a Jacobsen. You won't be sorry you did so and i guarantee at some point his work will end up in prominent museums. Check out his website http://www.jacobsenstudio.com/ I always pick up little nuggets from Eric that propel my work to another level and this workshop did not disappoint. The big thing for me, which may seem pretty basic to most, was how to mix paints by way of a brush instead of mixing lots of little piles with a painting knife. It was a freeing experience that allowed me more spontaneous color shifts rather than mentally locking myself into the colors i had worked so hard to pre-mix. I decided to show you not only the painting i came up with, but also the subject i was viewing to give you another perspective of my work. The matte colored beets coupled with the ceramic jug i felt were a lovely composition with interesting colors and i had a ball working on it. Thank you Eric for your energy, humor, vast knowledge and undying love of great art.

French Country Breakfast

French Country Breakfast 11 x 14 Recently a friend of mine, Jeff, gave me a dozen brown eggs from his family's chickens. While they were a special gift, the artist in me wondered what i could do with them in a still life setting. Using decor from our kitchen as complimentary subjects, the brown eggs fit right in and made themselves at home. Thank you Jeff, for the wonderful gesture, your kindness is much appreciated. I think it's time to go make an omelette, bon appetit!

Study in Orange and Blue

Mandarin Blue 14 x 20 Following with my tangerine theme i decided to up the ante a bit and design a layout with some of Vicki's wonderful Oriental items. With an over-riding Asian theme, i wanted to focus on a study in orange and blue which are nice complementary colors to each other. I also wanted to work on brush strokes in keeping to a loose airy feeling giving the painting atmosphere. Still life's are a great way to work on color, tone and form in a controlled environment, taking as much time as you like. Plus you get to choose the subject and compose it in such a way that helps to convey the story you are telling.

Still Life - Study in Orange

Tangerine 6x8 It has been a while since my last posting, but my schedule has loosened up and i am painting as much as i did last summer, which i am excited about. For Christmas, Vicki got me a box of tangerines and i have enjoyed studying their vibrant orange color in a number of compositions. This one i painted Saturday morning with the idea of producing a series of individual fruit still lifes. So stay tuned for more consistent postings and more fun fruit. Thanks for checking it out and by the way, it's no typo, i just like little i's.

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.