More oil studies on Thunderbolt cardstock...

 8"x 6" Emma...granddaughter AP

8"x 6" Addie...granddaughter AP

I enjoy painting portraits, have done many over the years.  I have always found it interesting and even amusing people thinking of the artist as one thing, say a wildlife artist...are then surprised and will say something like, "OOOoohhh, didn't know you could paint portraits TOO!!"

As an artist, well aware we operate with a visual language of shape, color, values, line, texture, space, form...I make it my point when painting to concern myself with the color of light, the shape I need to pay attention to an put down, and the proper values (light and dark) and then let the viewer recognize the what of what I am painting.  I have often been asked because of my experience painting water scenes, "how do you paint water?" and tongue in cheek, yet quite serious, I respond, "the same way I paint someone's nose"

Think about it...what is it we see that is not a shape, does not have color and value?  Armed with such simplistic philosophy, I paint without fear that because I am unfamiliar with a subject I ought not be able to paint it.  Because I AM FABULOUSLY EQUIPPED as an artist to see, and recognize the visual language of what I am seeing.


I have often painted myself over the years, which is a habit of many artists.  Sometimes more flattering, sometime not so much.  Without my beard now at 63yrs of age...I appear about ten years younger.  My hair is still relatively dark, though is streaked now with gray hair.  With a cap on...the white beard or gotee seen only advances my appearance of age.  I am prone to become bored with my appearance.  My hair grows uncharacteristically fast. I can have my hair short for the golf season (as I did coaching), and then not cutting it til the next golf Spring season...grow enough hair to put it up in a ponytail.  I am not stretching the truth by any at all.


The artist intensely studying...looks intense, sometimes appears angry, eyebrows furled, low...and in this quick cardstock study...I appear even tired and overall older.  But, such studies are about being truthful and putting down what you see.  I come off here I think...looking like a grumpy old man! hahaha...

10-1/2"x 8" self-portrait AP

6-1/2" x 9"  Ken  AP

I have a proven past...where labored many hour works endlessly rendered and detail turned out hyper realistic paintings, but starting to paint plein air in the mid 90s more or less began my change.  Nature is not mindful, doesn't care that you are painting...and the light is often very fickle here in northern Wisconsin...not like the long days of endless summer Alaska light, or hot days of Arizona and the Southwest.  We have a saying in Wisconsin that if you don't like the weather, wait around for fifteen minutes.


Thus, the power and efficiency of each brushstroke became critical...no paint a stroke...go back and fix.  I have put out videos and taught workshops on brushwork alone.  My creed when I determine it...which is most often, is how I view "alla prima" which means to "start and finish in one sitting"...is that a "brushstroke laid is a brushstroke stayed"...thus, getting mileage out of the intended brushstroke to suggest, with the precise color and value you intend.


With "studies"...I have no agenda to prove myself, only to gather and put down.  With "Ken"...I could have striven for a more perfect likeness...but such was not my goal.  It was to put down shapes, color and value squinting the eyes with immediacy and a sense of urgency.  Were I to opt...photo references as well as studies depicting color, light, the moment in a study could reproduce a larger in-studio more labored and rendered work.


As it turns out...as I have found, many have put it to me that my attempts to get things down urgently and efficiently in a study are an art in and of themselves.  I do enjoy them...

6"x 4-1/2"  Another Study of Addie  AP


This study of Addie...was self-assigned to use the largest brush to hold control and efficiency, a flat...and with a towel to wipe the brush quickly put down the color of light.  A fun effort...

6"x 4-1/2"  Kicking Bird  AP


This is another quick small study from Dances With Wolves, which is one of my favorite movies depicting the West...


Since I posted Kevin Costner earlier, I will add a closeup of this small work...and again aiming for a strick perfect likeness is not the point of such a study, but the color of light...and the shape those colors take to create form...

 6"x 4"  Study of Costner in DWWs  AP

7-1/2"x 6"  study of my father  AP

From this study, I did a larger studio painting on linen of my father to give to my mother at her 80th birthday.  My father passed away in 1991 from cancer, that was initiated by his presence as a sailor on board a ship with many others exposed to the atomic tests at the Bikini Atolls of the Marshall Islands.  It was quite an emotional effort...so you can appreciate how a study then translates to a larger studio effort, I will include that work now here...

My portraits extend to include dogs, such as my Sook' (short from her Finnish name Suklaa Kahvi- meaning, "Chocolate Coffee")...here are a number of studio studies that led to a more serious larger studio oil on a self-made linen panel...

very young pup, my first study  AP

 

7"x 5" Lil' Sook'  AP

This last study here was used to create a 6"x 6" work that was accepted in last year's Randy Higbee national exhibition.

6-1/2"x 9"  Sleeping Sookie  AP

This study then led to a much larger linen work that was entered as one of several works in the 2017 AIS (American Impressionist Society) exhibition.  Another work was chosen, and I may yet enter this in some other competition as I really like it...

18"x 24"  "A Hard Day's Play"  AP 

  

 10"x 8" Study of Sook' at One Year of Age AP



As always, clicking on an image will bring up larger view, thank you 

More cardstock oils...smaller...

5"x 7" Walk Along Old 8  AP

I love painting painting with putting down marks of negative space to suggest foilage, brush, branches and grasses, as well as sculpting the illusion of trees.

9"x 6"  Ten Minutes Til' Dark   AP

5"x 7"  Day's Warmth About to Drop   AP

5"X 7"  Rainy Day Grand Marais  AP

4-1/2" x 8"  Nutha Rainy Day- Grand Marais  AP

6"x 9"  Old 8 Haybales   AP

8"x 10"  Sandy Creek  AP

10"x 8"  Round the Bend  AP

 

4"x 6"  Northshores Grand Marais AP

6-1/2" x 9"  Peshtigo Reeds  AP

Do remember to click on the image to see larger views, thank you...

 

A few small 6"x 6" oils that Exhibited in Randy Higbees national...

                                                    6"x 6"  Another Day in Paradise!   

                                                        6"x 6"   Tails to Tell

                                                          6"x 6"  Lil' Sookie

More cardstock studies...in oils

                                         6"x 8" Forested Mountain Valley View  AP


Painted a series of Oregon studies from my travels...this past Fall...

                                 5"x 7"  Seven Mile Walk   AP

Calling this "Seven Mile Walk" because our off road vehicle appeared at the time to have quit running, and were this far from where we needed to get back, none too long before it would get dark.  Beautiful view in Oregon

                              4"x 8" A Good Climb Up  AP

Getting my first ATV quad run down how to ride, my son figuring my past years riding motorcycles would be enough that I'd catch on.  He was right...but it was also my first time taking such a vehicle (that was on site and not mine), and trust I could handle it going nearly a mile down the mountains to a creek bottom below.  The final stretch was a severe sharp angle having to keep it in low first gear all the way, careful not to hit the front brakes to flip end over end.  My son went before me...which gave me some confidence, still I was in the moment looking for evidence to hold confidence in "myself!"  I admit...I was nervous...but, I wasn't NOT going to do this.   Lots of good memories out in Ontario and the mountains...

                                                 6"x 8" Lake Wallowa  AP


This is a large freshwater lake near St Joseph's, Ontario where Chief Joseph is buried.

                                  5"x 7" Montana Ride   AP


Thirty hour drive out...and thirty hour drive back.  Long long drive, but plenty of sights to keep an artist engaged!

                                  5"x 7" Looking Across Sunset  AP

The state of Washington lies across the deep cut valley, a river at its bottom.  Always the breathtaking views...

                                             6"x 8" Mountain Side Pines  AP

Some say I am something of a colorist in my paintings, but I feel that painting is really depicting the color of light.  So, it is more my honest go for the jugular feel what I am seeing and experiencing.  From books I have an current sciences, it appears that the eye of women are physically structured to be sensitive and see color better than men.  I admire many women painters...and feel for myself, color requires more a conscientious and intellectual intent.  It may be so as well for my female artist peers, no different than I...but the joy so many wonderful women painters flow I wonder if the science is not right, and I think so many are just fortunate to have that color sense "edge..."  I feel I have to work for what I manage.

                                  5"x 7"  Ponderosa Sunset  AP


Working one's way around the trails in the Oregon mountains was both beautiful and yet mindful of the potential danger.  If caught away from camp, the temperature drop comes quick. We saw cougars at one point.  But so enchanting.  I want to go back and spend a couple weeks just painting with my Strada paint box and gear...

                                                 5"x 7"  Shadow Side  AP  

The sun continually paints interesting changes upon the landscapes, one rising peak casting its shadows upon another, down into valleys.  Just beautiful..

                                                6"x 8" Oregon Sunset  AP


Another beautiful end of a day working our way thru the mountains.  Up on the mountains, the lay of the land leveling itself off does not represent how high one really is.  In fact, there were steer grazing up on top of many of these flats or lesser inclines, until one gets to a drop in edge and reality strikes home!! hahaa...

                                              5"x 7" View of Wallowa Lake  AP


Last one for today...one of the views along the road leading out of St Josephs, Oregon and wraps around this beautiful large fresh water lake...


*notes worth repeating... "AP" means "yet" in my possession or "artist's possession" and may be available as I feel led.  As studies they serve for my interests to work into larger in-studio linens.  I am intending (a project in the works) to put most of these studies in a DIY online coffeetable type book, the last number of pages showing steps in my process and painting.

One other note...is a reminder that if you click on an image, you will bring up a larger view to enjoy.  Thank you..

BIG Little Paintings...!

I enjoy spreading them out every so often...taking pics, sharing on Facebook or Instagram...they have become like little friends, extended family...and remind me of my own journey thru this world and travels.

The six pieces above are all around 5"x 7" to 6"x 8" in size.  The one in the upper right at this time is spoken for...and will be heading to Alaska shortly.

This above was just sent out this morning heading to Alaska, and a partner to bless another...5"x 9" oil.  I love backlit subjects.  Perhaps now have two retinal tears (left and right eye) and laser surgery I should rethink my plein air habits (though this was a studio study).  I like the opposing contrasts of light, dark...warm and cool colors.  Painting is for me..."the color of light"...and putting marks down alla prima efficiently...cleanly is most satisfying.

Another (above) that went out this morning, 6"x 8" study of sunset light thru Spring flooded timbers along the Peshtigo River not far from home.  I did an original plein air study, then this studio experiment, and then a 16"x 20" larger linen that was accepted and exhibited this past year in the American Impressionist Society Exhibition out in Utah.  What a wonderful honor that was.  This piece is actually available should any wish to inquire...

                              16"x 20" oil on linen "Flooded Timbers Sunset"  AP
 
So, running out of storage causing me to turn to small studies, is something of a habit I have not been accustomed to.  But, as in the case of a couple national exhibitions now has proven to me the great benefit of working out ideas smaller.

This next one is in my possession.  I think I will tag them as "AP"  (artist's possession)...meaning not sold, perhaps not as yet having any intent to sell or let go.  It just means, I have it...   

                                    4-1/2"x 6-1/4"   "Morning Light"   "spoken for and reserved"

I typically use trim tape, like you would use to tape off floor and window trim before painting walls, paint, and then peel off.  Leaving the margin gives me flexibility if I should then adhere to a laminate panel, or other arrangements.  At which time I could then trim on a bandsaw.

My paintings are final varnished with Krylon Kamar Spray...


Many may not know, but I paint portraits, started by painting wildlife for the first seventeen years of my career winning various state and regional awards, stamp designs, etc; and then I did "Sporting Portraits" for a good while.  I am fascinated by treating the face like a landscape...a fore, mid and background with similar rules of depth perspective, warm and cooling color and values.  My small studies are close in keeping to "mud heads" where labored rendering and likenesses are not near important as paying attention to the color of light, the shapes and values of those lights and artfully playfully with the brush applying paint.  

Here is one example of a quick Kevin Costner I did from Dances With Wolves...6"x 4-1/2"  AP

Taking more time than I had hoped, but not surprised.  I'll end this post here...and continue another time.  Hope you enjoy.

Oh...and I should say, if you haven't blogged for awhile, by clicking on any image, you will bring up a larger image to view.

Cardstock Studies...80# Thunderbolt...oils

So, I have been on an adventure somewhat removed from many other things because of this obsession of painting small cardstock studies.  Prepped on this paper to receive oils, drying within 1-2 weeks, I can store as many as seventy paintings in a smaller four inch deep plastic bin with lid, separating each with wax coated papers.  In time, I bought a couple black portfolios, black pages with clear protective sleeves and have been able to carry all these original oils underarm to share.  Pretty crazy really...

The advantages painting these small studies has proved ENORMOUS for my prolific habits, now retired from teaching art and use of a larger classroom, my years and years of books, materials home.  A nice house, three bedroom, but no basement, smaller closets.  One bedroom is where I do my studio painting when not outdoors painting plein air, and where I practice my music and song writing/producing.  My closet is full of guitars and sound reinforcement equipment, a corner of the room taken by a computer used for recording tracks of my music.  I have an attached room between garage and the house full of framed works, and no room really to grow.

I have plans and intent to build a 16'x 20' outbuilding on my property, with a loft for storage where I can paint, carve, greet the curious that stop by.  But, what to do about that habit of painting?  By painting on cardstock and small, I can work out ideas, experiment, use what I think are successful studies to then lead to larger in-studio stretched or linen panels.  But, the sheer volume of paintings I can do without deficit of lack of space doing these has been energizing!

In the meantime...I have come to know from time to time friends on social media that share dire situations, urgent care needs, medical life saving procedures...and quite frankly could use some help.  They may have go fund me pages up, they may have links, and likely a Facebook page that people can join...understand the challenges being faced, and enjoin and partner to face those challenges together. 


Thus comes the purpose of me sharing these small studies here.  I do not know truly how many of these small studies I will let go.  My original intent was to approach gallery owners to see the lot of them, and hope they might see a half dozen they would want me to paint much larger and give me space in their gallery.  The one thing I am intending, is to take high resolution images of the work, and eventually put together a DIY coffeetable typ book of the works, with descriptions, perhaps one or two step by step instructionals and thoughts near the end of the book.  But...


And that is a BIG BUT...!!!  My proposal (know I am a person of faith) is that as God leads...prompts my heart, and if I feel it pleases Him...I will let a few of these go (when and how many I don't know?)...and those that will share in this partnership of care and blessing will have opportunity to own one of my studies (free...I will give it to you)...in turn for your conscience and heart to determine what to give in donation to support the needs of special people facing tough challenges. 


You may have to be patient with me...going by the peace I feel...the inner wrestlings, I may let a half dozen go and stop.  Or a few...stop, and then a month or so down the road I might feel persuaded and inclined to let a few more go for someone else.  It is a venture, and one I can't predict.


My intent is no seeking of "gee, what a nice guy" attention kinda thing.  I know most artists that paint NEED to sell their work, pay bills, and to eat.  I know also there are artists that will recognize the difference between what sold serves to answer their own "need"...or when it comes down to it, their "wants."  Believe me...I have wants...as mentioned my outbuilding...but then an ATV quad with plow to clear snow from my driveway, as working an Ariens snowblower to clear a 180' driveway and access is getting tougher on my 63year old knees!  But, retired...life has been good...and I weight what is truly a "need"...and how I wish life would go ideally with what I would like.


Then, I think of those few God puts on my heart...whose wants and needs intertwine just wishing to be physically whole, and without pain.  So, I have laid it out.  Over the next few posts I will share small oil study works...including those having gone to a new home.  You may inquire...email me, comment if interested.  But again...don't feel bad please if at the moment I choose to hold on...or stop giving freely for a time being.