Parka - 11x14 oil on linen

11x14 oil on linen

On the easel, and I apologize for not cropping it out. 

Braid: A Portrait

Braid
11x14 oil on linen
available

I posted this painting in the WetCanvas Portrait forum and got some outstanding C&C (Comments & Critique). When I make some of the suggested changes I'll post the newer version with this old one side-by-side. Here's the link to the forum if you'd like to see the C&C.

A Stolen Story

Over on his blog Red Tree Times artist Gary Myers has a short entry about a diner in Horseheads. This is, I believe, the diner setting for a great little story friends told me. In fact I like the story so much I'm going to steal it.

First off my friends moved here a few years ago. She was an instructor at the Rhode Island School of Design, and he moved here after being hired by Corning Inc. Gretchen is an artist and Ron a very accomplished amateur photographer. They both have a very strong interest in the arts, hitting openings on a regular basis and show their own work locally. 

One Sunday morning, shortly after moving here, they decided to try a diner in Horseheads, NY recommended by a friend.

The way they tell the story it was a leisurely breakfast reading the New York Times. After a while Gretchen pulled out her sketchpad and started drawing. The waitress came up and asked them if they wanted refills on their coffee, and she noticed Gretchen's sketchpad.

"Are you an artist?", she asked. Gretchen told her she was and that her husband was a photographer.

"That's so cool...you know my great-uncle is an artist," the waitress said.

To be polite Gretchen asked about the artist uncle. She imagined he was a retired art teacher (at best), or perhaps a senior citizen who painted as an enjoyable hobby. She wasn't expecting the answer she got.

"That's nice,"Gretchen said. "What does he paint?"

"Mostly landscapes and sometimes people, but he's really, really old now."

"What's your Uncle's name?"

"Andrew Wyeth."

True Story, though I haven't gone to the diner and asked about Andrew Wyeth's niece/ waitress, though every time I pass the diner it crosses my mind.

Here's the link to Gary Myers' blog entry on the diner.

Nude by the Pool

6x8 Oil on linen This past summer we gave the model a hat and asked her to pose by the pool. French Riviera in Upstate NY.

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H.inLRD@Window

11x14 oil on linen (LRD=Little Red Dress)
Available

S@JackiesOct

11x14 oil on Linen. Hopefully this one will be in West End Gallery. After putting it on WetCanvas for C&C I worked a few things. The link to WetCanvas is here if you're interested in their comments. 
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Untitled Nude For Sale on Etsy 6x8 in.

An original oil painting on oil primed linen, mounted on a birch panel 6x8 inches.  Every Wednesday myself and a group of artists hire a model for life painting/drawing.This painting is from the model, from my references of the model, or a combination of both. This painting is sold unframed. 

Available

Nude Blond Sitting from Back 6x8 in for sale on Etsy

An original oil painting on oil primed linen, mounted on a birch panel.  Every Wednesday myself and a group of artists hire a model for life painting/drawing.This painting is from the model, from my references of the model, or a combination of both. This painting is sold unframed. 
New Paintings listed every Wednesday at 8:00 PM EST.

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Nude Blond from Back for sale on Etsy 6x8 in

An original oil painting on oil primed linen, mounted on a birch panel.  Every Wednesday myself and a group of artists hire a model for life painting/drawing.This painting is from the model, from my references of the model, or a combination of both. This painting is sold unframed. 
New Paintings listed every Wednesday at 8:00 PM EST.

Sold

Untitled Nude For Sale on Etsy

An original oil painting on oil primed linen, mounted on a birch panel.  Every Wednesday myself and a group of artists hire a model for life painting/drawing.This painting is from the model, from my references of the model, or a combination of both. This painting is sold unframed. 
New Paintings listed every Wednesday at 8:00 PM EST.


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Stretching Ballerina 6x8 in.

An original oil painting on oil primed linen, mounted on a birch panel.  Every Wednesday myself and a group of artists hire a model for life painting/drawing.This painting is from the model, from my references of the model, or a combination of both.

Posted on West End Talk

Over on West End Gallery's blog I posted an entry about framing and the upcoming "Rituals" exhibit. If you'd like to check it out click here.

Brunette Green Dress Dancing Summer Day for Sale on Etsy

An original oil painting on oil primed linen, mounted on a birch panel.  Every Wednesday myself and a group of artists hire a model for life painting/drawing.This painting is from the model, from my references of the model, or a combination of both. This painting is sold unframed. 


Click to Buy

Great Advice

Alyssa Monks did an interview here that I found pretty interesting, but the real gem is at the bottom where the interviewer asks what advice she has for aspiring artists. Here is her answer:

"Skills are very important, but nowhere near enough to make art. Definitely acquire the skills through whatever practice and education you choose and embrace it with discipline but have no attachment to success. Work as hard as you can. Don't ever compare yourself to others. Learn how to work on your work. The more you paint or sculpt or draw the more you will know what to do and the more you will develop your voice. Stay true in your work. Don't try to make art about things you don't know about, care about, or understand. Make art that you care about, because you believe it should exist. Know your place and be humble and grateful always. It's a competitive world and most people will not succeed, that is the reality. It's not an easy road and too many artists complain constantly about how it's not fair and it's not merit based. These are excuses. Take ownership of your work. Never show anything that isn't completed. And don't try to describe your ideas in words to other people, be a little bit brief and coy about them, you can never really convey anything visual in words anyway. And share your process and work with other artists you admire, allow for real critiscism, don't take it personally, just let it make you better. Read art magazines and learn about the art world. Know your history. Love art. Love your materials. Let your materials humble and surprise you. Don't try to control the process, but do have a plan. Plan, plan, plan...then be open to surprises and twists. Be fascinated. Find a job that can sustain you and leave you a bit of time to make work, but doesn't require any creativity. I'd suggest not even taking a job in the art world. I was an administrative assistant all over NYC in different temp jobs to sustain myself. Don't wait till you have the perfect studio to make your best work. Make the best of your space and do whatever you have to do to make it work. It will be decades before you find the perfect space, if ever. Ask questions. Be kind. Be respectful always. Don't burn bridges. Have a website. Share your work. Take the feedback with a grain of salt. Read art books. "What Painting Is" by James Elkins. "Art and Fear", a great essay about being an artist. Be patient with the art world, and impatient with yourself. Write your artist statement, mostly to clarify your intent for yourself."

I'll probably print this out and hang it in my studio.

Paintings for "Rituals" at West End Gallery

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These two are framed together....Sold

The final three floating in a series. 

The framing of these pieces is an experiment - an expensive experiment. I thought it would be neat to use a floater frame coupled with a high end frame, then to frame the pictures in series. Problem is the expensive framing option jacks the price way up. We'll see if they sell.

Vacation!

It's been four years since we took a family vacation. Last week we rented a house and hit the Jersey Shore. The house was in northern Jersey, near my old base when I was in the Coast Guard. The water was warm, the waves were perfect and the sand was white. It was also a VERY hot week; great beachin' weather. 

Jillian

Connor

My Wife - Sungji

Acting on the advice of Gina Marriner I gave them all lots of kisses and hugs, even my 13 year old son who thought I was nuts, and who tried to push me away with a grin. It was a time for long, long walks on the beach with my wife, teaching my son to boogie board and finding shells with my daughter. Now back to work.

Sad News...

Gina Marriner, aka Antique Art Garden, is a collector who has bought a few of my paintings. More importantly I consider her a friend. She's given me a ton of advice (most of it unsolicited!)  that has helped me grow and encouraged  me as an artist. This week her 21 year old daughter was killed in a motor vehicle accident.


 As a parent I cannot even imagine her pain. When I do try to imagine it - my mind recoils. If you have the time, please stop by her blog and leave a note of sympathy.


Antique Art Garden


Miss Sarah Anne Marriner 


Pictures 

World Cup 2010 - My Thoughts

Now that both the teams I was rooting for are out, and my emotions are high, I thought I'd vent a little:


- The US team beat themselves in the game against Ghana. The forwards had chance after chance to put the damn ball in the back of the net and didn't do it. We were weak both forward and back and you don't go deep in a World Cup with just a strong middle. 300 million people and the best we can come up with back is Jay DeMerit? And as for Altidore - he showed NONE of the skill or speed that he showed in Germany 2006. At 20 years old he looks old and fat. Kudos to Donovan, Dempsey and Bradley but three aren't a team.


- While I started this WC wondering about the coach's son, I leave it wondering about the coach.  Michael Bradley was awesome in this WC, but his Dad? Did he want to lose to Ghana? That's the only reason I can think of for him starting the players he did.


- I don't like Efan Ekoku's announcing. He's a pretentious, snotty prig. I like Steve McManaman and Alexi Lalas; they tell it like it is. Klinnsmann is OK but a bit too New Agey to stomach. Give him a hug? 


- The Jabulani ball is a disgrace. Any idiot can see how it sails off the toe. What in the name of God were FIFA thinking? Oh yeah, that's right they don't think. How are players with tens of thousands of hours with a real soccer ball supposed to adjust their play in the course of a few weeks with a BALLOON? Somebody, somewhere is making a fortune off this ball I wouldn't let my nine year olds practice with. 


- Officiating: there will always be mistakes; that's human nature. There is no excuse for a Coulibaly though. Obviously in an effort to be PC and have African refs FIFA put in a woefully inexperienced ref. Americans have never in their history allowed one person in authority to manage their destinies. That's one reason it's so hard for American fans to stomach the complete authority of one referee on the field making all the calls.


-  Thank you Fate for the referee in the US-Ghana game. He let the game play out and the Americans hang themselves. No Dr. Merk anywhere on the field (and how sweet the karma that allowed US to get a penalty kick!)


- Why OH WHY (and I'm crying here) can't FIFA get their heads out of each other's asses and allow instant replay? Oh yeah we're talking about Sepp Blatter, a guy who laughed out loud when the Irish didn't make the WC due to a French handball. A guy who's under investigation for just about everything...gee, makes you wonder?


- England, Oh England! Maybe they need a few World Cups like the French just had, so the English media give up the ghost. Then the players can come back and ENJOY the game, and win the Cup.


- Both the England and US games point out the need for a solid defense. A watertight, mobile back line won't win the World Cup, but not having one loses the World Cup. Duh, but something seemingly forgotten in the hype over flashy forwards and strikers.


- It's a beautiful game. It really is...but somehow the Euros muck it up. 


-NINETY MILLION FOR ONE PLAYER!!!??? Is there really that much money sloshing around? Should it be spent on a sport? (I don't follow baseball or pro football, I'm sure the salaries are just as outrageous.) Money spent on players, money spent on betting - who knows if a bit goes into the ref's pockets? The officiating certainly makes you wonder, that and the pigheadedness of FIFA.


-THANK YOU ESPN and ABC for crystal clear High Def, intelligent live programming. THANK YOU!!!


Now I can get back to painting. My hours the past few weeks have seriously suffered. 

A Couple of Tom Buechner Links

Here's a link to Tom Buechner's obituary in the New York Times: nytimes obit


Here's a link to Tom's book on painting: "How I Paint"


The memorial service is tomorrow at 10:00 in Corning, NY

"Inspiration" Show upstairs at West End Gallery

The model and I had been working all morning on ideas at a farm near Lawrenceville. Now it was after noon, between  twelve-thirty and one. The sun was high overhead and the light was at its most harsh. 

While driving between the fields  in my truck I saw that she could be skylit on the hill in the plowed field.  This would take advantage of a light most artists and photographers shun. I stopped the truck and the model kicked off her shoes. Walking down the hill I realized that in order to get the correct angle I had to shoot the photos while lying down in the field.  

The model started doing her “rain dance”, as she called it, on the top of the hill. I concentrated on getting the exposure correct, while at the same time keeping her in the frame.  We knew we had something -  a nice theme - after reviewing the photos.  The next day we went back with a different dress to get more references.

Inspiration is the fuel driving the painting to completion.

Both paintings 6x8 framed oil on linen
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Katya

This is the May portrait I did for the last Friday Night Portrait Group. A full blog article on my experience can be found at WestEndTalk. I'd promised the Gallery Director, Lin Gardner, an article on the May sittings. At the time I didn't know it would be Tom Buechner's last with the group. 

Thomas S. Buechner: 1926 - 2010

Tom Buechner: Sorrowful News

It's with a heavy heart I share this email from Lin Gardner, the director of West End Gallery, sent out yesterday...

West End Gallery Artists

Although some of you may already be aware of this, it is with great sadness that I am writing to let you know that Tom Buechner is very ill and is not expected to live much longer. He was very recently diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. We can take some comfort in the fact that he is not in pain and is sleeping a great deal. The family has asked for privacy at this time. This news has taken us all by surprise.  He will be greatly missed.  We will keep you informed.

Lin


I've known Tom was sick for a few weeks now; learning just how serious his illness was last week. May is usually the last month of the "Friday Night Portrait Group" before breaking for the summer. Tom painted the first two Fridays, but said he didn't feel well. The third Friday he was in the studio instructing but didn't paint. The last Friday is usually a critique and he was unable to attend. 


I had planned on writing an entry on the May class for West End's blog, and took pictures to illustrate it. Not sure if my heart is in it now.


Please send all your prayers and thoughts to Tom and his family.

Paintings for Arnot Art Museum Gala

Full credit to the models - all of them.

20x24 oil

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16x20 oil

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News

Well,the paintings are finished except for glazing and I have a couple of drawings - the museum only needs one drawing so I'll pick one after they're framed. Will be posting images tomorrow. Tuesday I made an appointment with Tom Buechner to have him take a look at the paintings and offer suggestions. On one he had quite a few, but they all turned out to be minor. I only needed 15 minutes to knock off his list. The other he had fewer suggestions, but it took longer - about an hour. Dustin Boutwell has signed off on them also. After a few weeks living with these I'm done with them emotionally and physically. I popped them in frames today to see how they worked. They work fine.

Taking a few weeks off from Ebay listings

Right now there's a lot on my plate - or should I say paintings on my easel - that I have to finish. Also I'd like to get EBay inventory back up before listing paintings again. Give me a couple weeks. 

Sorry, no listing tonight

I'm working hard this week on two large-ish paintings for the Arnot Art Museum Gala. Also have to get something to West End Gallery for the new show. Hope to have a new Ebay listing for Sunday night.

Untitled Nude for sale on EBay

An original oil painting from our Wednesday model sessions. 6 inches by 8 inches. New paintings listed every Sunday and Wednesday night at 8 PM EST.

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Untitled for sale on EBay

An original oil painting from our Wednesday model sessions. 6 inches by 8 inches. New paintings listed every Sunday and Wednesday night at 8 PM EST.

Sold

Untitled for sale on EBay

An original oil painting from our Wednesday model sessions. 6 inches by 8 inches. New paintings listed every Sunday and Wednesday night at 8 PM EST.

Sold

By the Pool for Sale on Ebay

An original oil painting from our Wednesday model sessions. 6 inches by 8 inches. New paintings listed every Sunday and Wednesday night at 8 PM EST.
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Garden Buddha Portrait for sale on ebay

A painting from a small statue in our garden. New paintings listed every Sunday and Wednesday night at 8 PM EST.

In the Studio with Morgan Weistling: Video Review

In the past I have been reluctant to review instruction videos put out by artists because I hate to mess with someone's bread and butter. These artists rely not only the sale of their paintings, but on workshops and videos to supplement their income and pay their mortgages.  So after giving it careful thought I decided, what the heck.

Over the Christmas holidays I had a chance to watch Morgan Weistling's mammoth ten hour video (yes 10 Hours!).  It was so interesting I decided I just had to review it. Someone, somewhere may be thinking of buying or renting it, and before investing that amount of time watching the video, may want to know someone else's opinion.

Mr. Weistling himself will be the first one to admit the video is long -  very long. So long rumour has it he swore never to do another instructional video. In the video he paints a girl aged about twelve sitting at a desk with a forelorn expression on her face. She is placed somewhere in the romantic past of 100 years ago wearing a dress straight out of "Little House on the Prairie". The painting is a large gallery piece and is entitled "Homework".

When thinking about watching this video I was hesitant for two reasons: I'm not much of a fan of Mr. Weistlings paintings or his style of painting. I think it was Ken Auster who said you should try to learn from artists whose work you admire, and whose style of painting is compatible to your own.  Unless of course you want to get out of your comfort zone. That being said, I figured I'd give him a look.

He paints thick, very thick with Langnickels. He doesn't use any thinners, instead rinsing frequently in a container of walnut oil. He places his composition on the surface with charcoal, not bothering about details, then he fixes and tones the canvas. He paints in what I call "The Puzzle Method", that is he works on one section at a time comparing value and color to an adjacent area. There is no overall block-in and development of the painting. Each section is developed to its final form before moving on to the next, like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. This makes sense when painting from the live model since areas like the hands and shoulders will move or shift from session to session - no matter how good the model.

As the painting progressed the under-drawing was used as a guide or map, but it wasn't strictly adhered to. Objects were moved, folds were painted over and the composition was refined. The progress was very much like putting together a puzzle with 'little tiles of paint' (his phrase), moving from the face down the figure to the hands and foreground.

So why was this video ten hours, and why did I actually sit there watching it? Because of what Mr. Weistling had to say and how he said it. There is a TON of practical advice here for an artist, and it is the way he explains it that makes the video so valuable. Watching artists work on video can be a bit like watching grass grow (or paint dry). Infinitely boring. But Mr. Weistling keeps up a constant, interesting patter. What I like best is the dude is practical. He tells you stuff you can actually use. Then he shows you. He's the first instructor I've seen who admits painting is mostly boring stuff - and hard work. This video won't appeal to those looking to 'express themselves creatively', or who paint for 'fun'. 

Maybe its because he came from an illustration background, but Weistling is all about getting the job done. There are numerous side-trips away from the main picture where he illustrates and explains shapes (drawing), values, edges, and color. He demonstrates the Five Value Method. He explains and illustrates edge quality in a no-nonsense way. He talks about color temperature without going into the metaphysical properties of light. The guy is all about making a picture.


Negatives? Waay too much time spent with the camera on his palette. Not sure why, but we're forced to watch every, single, little color mixture he makes - this despite him saying repeatedly color is nowhere near as important as shapes, values and edges. Also not enough split screen showing us the model, and how he solves problems on the canvas. Don't get me wrong, there is a lot of split-screen, but there could have been more if they'd just broken away from that damn palette.

Bottom line is this: The video is ten hours long. I sat through all of it with no fast-forwarding. I'm still chewing over his teaching three months later, AND trying to use his instruction every day. The link to his website is here http://www.morganweistling.com/index.html
There's an interview with Morgan Weistling where he talks about his influences and training etc. here http://www.tlchicken.com/view_story.php?ARTid=3348

Untitled Nude for sale on EBay

An original oil painting from our Wednesday model sessions. 6 inches by 8 inches. New paintings listed every Sunday and Wednesday night at 8 PM EST.

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My Application to DailyPainters.com: Status

So three months ago I applied to DailyPainters.com hoping that if I were juried in I'd increase hits on my EBay sales. DailyPainters juries in their artists quarterly - so I waited. I'd hoped to hear from them last week, but there was nothing. So I waited. Then today I get an email from Micah Condon, the top guy, I guess: 


Hello -
I'm excited to announce that DailyPainters.com will be hosting a contest to find our next new member! We'll post the details soon, so stay tuned. This contest will take the place of our usual jury process, so after we start the contest you'll need to post a new application with a bit more detail about yourself.
If you'd like to be notified when we start the contest, you can signup for our mailing list here, or just watch our contest page at www.dailypainters.com/blog/contest
Also, I'll be hosting a FREE art marketing workshop in Boulder, CO on April 24th. So, if you're in the Boulder area I'd love to see you there. You can find full event details here:http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=106234106083806. Or, if you know any artists in Colorado who may be interested, please tell forward the link to them.
I'll also have a dvd and audio recordings available after the event for those who can't attend the live workshop
Thanks!
Micah Condon


This stinks. I feel like I've been had. Man, just give me a 'yes' or 'no' and maybe a 'why'. I was iffy about this whole thing anyway because you have to pay them 49$ a month for the honor. I figured it might be worth it for the increased traffic. Now I think it's just another scam. 

Happy Easter!

A very happy Easter to everyone. Sorry, no listing tonight, but I'll pick up again with a new painting on Wednesday April, 7th. Enjoy your holiday!

untitled Nude for sale on EBay

An original oil painting from our Wednesday model sessions. 6 inches by 8 inches. New paintings listed every Sunday and Wednesday night at 8 PM EST.


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Untitled Nude for sale on EBay

An original oil painting from our Wednesday model sessions. 6 inches by 8 inches. New paintings listed every Sunday and Wednesday night at 8 PM EST.

Sold

"Waiting for Spring" for sale on Ebay

(It's not often I title a painting.)

  

An original oil painting from our Wednesday model sessions. 6 inches by 8 inches. New paintings listed every Sunday and Wednesday night at 8 PM EST.

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Backlit Blonde Dressing for sale on Ebay

An original oil painting from our Wednesday model sessions. 6 inches by 8 inches. New paintings listed every Sunday and Wednesday night at 8 PM EST.

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Untitled Nude for sale on EBay

This model had the brilliant idea of bringing her old high school prom dress to a model session. She found innumerable, creative ways to use it. Here her pose is a classic drape. We've since borrowed her idea for other model sessions. 

An original oil painting from our Wednesday model sessions. 6 inches by 8 inches. New paintings listed every Sunday and Wednesday night at 8 PM EST.

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Blonde Young Woman for sale on Ebay

An original oil painting from our Wednesday model sessions. 6 inches by 8 inches. New paintings listed every Sunday and Wednesday night at 8 PM EST.

SOLD