All set up and ready for this weekends Rockford Fall ArtScene. Friday October 7 (5-10pm) and Saturday October 8 (4-9pm). We will be at Bennie’s 126 N. 1st Street.
Framed 6″ x 8″ Oil Paintings on Canvas Panels.
Selection includes Plein Air as well as studio works
Dozens of smaller unframed works ranging from 6″ x 8″ up to 12″ x 16″
The four paintings posted below, Gentle Bend 2, Clearing Skies, Olson Overflow, and Crossroads – Wheeler at Flora Church, have been accepted into the Regional Survey of Art 11. This competition/exhibition is on display at The Next Picture Show 113 W. First St. Dixon, IL and will run from January 9 – February 21, 2015.
Gentle Bend 2; Oil on Canvas 30″ x 48″
Clearing Skies; Oil on Canvas 36″ x 48″
Olson Overflow; Oil on Canvas 48″ x 36″
Crossroads-Wheeler at Flora Church; Oil on Canvas Panel 12″ x 24″
Oak Ridge Morn #2; Oil on Canvas 36 x 48
Bin Deere, Done That 2; Oil on Canvas 36 x 48
Oak Ridge Morn #2 and Bin Deere Done That #2 have been accepted into the 11th Annual Regional Juried Exhibition sponsored by the Freeport Art Museum. The exhibition runs from November 22, 2014 through January 10, 2015. The museum is located at 121 North Harlem Avenue Freeport Illinois ( 815-235-9755).
View of display from the entrance to the room.
Rockfords Spring 2014 ArtScene was held this past weekend. We had a lot of artists displaying in the neighborhood which helped encourage foot traffic. Utilizing the larger works made for quicker set up and tear down. It also encouraged people to look through the options of my smaller works (6″ x 8″ through 12″ x 16″). Sales over the weekend were a bit thin. Hopefully at least a few of the viewers will give additional thought and contact me about purchase of works.
Florals on Frederick; Oil on Canvas Panel 8″ x 10″
The Shorewood Plein Air Event competition paintings were turned in late Friday afternoon. The attention now focused on the Saturday morning “Quick Paint’ competition. Artists have 2-1/2 hours to set up, paint, frame and then turn in their work.
After a very satisfying breakfast at a nearby restaurant, I strolled the neighborhood around the Shorewood library to search for possibilities. As I surveyed designs, I eliminated choices due to various reasons – not interesting, too complicated, no shade for me, no sunlight for my subject, and a few other excuses. I was running out of real estate, when an idea came to me. I noticed a house with a hanging basket of flowers on their porch. Although shaded, I anticipated interesting results when/if the sunlight hit these flowers. I used my viewfinder and sketchbook to make some thumbnail sketches to help determine the most suitable design. The first sketch was too broad and would include too many non-essential details and design obstructions. Keep it simple. The second sketch was too narrow in focus and would not include enough elements to be of interest. Keep it simple. The third sketch worked for me.
Back to the car, I primed my canvas with some Alizaron Crimson and laid out fresh paints onto my palette. After checking in to have my canvas stamped and having my time registered, I hurried with my gear to the spot. I was set up on a sidewalk, under the shade of a couple large trees and had an unobstructed view across the street to my subject. I quickly sketched in my design and was just starting my painting, when a woman came out of the subject house to see if I was painting her home. The woman was excited. That helped to boost my confidence. A short while later a man strolled out of the house, meandered around and eventually looked in on my painting. I noticed the couple leave their house and make their way over to the Shorewood library to view the competition paintings. The couple came from the library with friends in tow to view my work of their home. They were excited. Pressure. I hope that this turns out well.
I was feeling confident though. About forty minutes into the painting, I was very happy with the progress. My initial brushstrokes and paint applications were very helpful. Economy of effort. I was able to work carefully without feeling rushed. Very comfortable. I finished, gathered my gear, headed back to my car where I photoed and framed my painting and turned in my work with about fifteen minutes to spare.
That night at the awards ceremony my work was honored with The Community Spirit Award. At the sale/auction, the homeowners put a minimum bid on the work. Another couple jumped the bid and was willing to pay more than my usual price for this size work. The homeowners jumped that bid. I was pulling for the homeowners to acquire the painting. Unfortunately for these folks, in the last moments before the bidding was closed, someone jumped their bid to purchase the work at a very flattering price. Double award as far as I am concerned.
I felt sorrow for the homeowners. I would have been honored to have this nice couple own my work. I can imagine their disappointment. I offered the idea of taking on their home next year, but understandably, the woman feels that it just won’t be the same. She may be right. It might be better! Now there’s pressure.
Sunspots in Shorewood; Plein Air – Oil on Canvas Panel 11″ x 14″
Friday morning. Rain threatening. After attending a breakfast in Atwater Park, I was ready to get painting, but I decided to stop by the artists headquarters to see if there were any businesses or homes which had yet to be painted. The volunteers, mentioned a conversation from the night before and there was a homeowner who expressed interest in having a portrait of his home. I did not have a strong desire to do another house portrait, but figured that I would check out the place.
The sky was dark and it was raining as I surveyed the home. It took about twenty minutes of moving around in the rain, looking for possibilities before an idea hit me. I determined that if the sunlight were to come out, it might illuminate the home in dramatic fashion.
It was raining as I started painting the scene. Although the rain abated, it remained very dark. About an hour into the painting, the sun made an attempt to peek through the clouds, but only enough to give me guidance on the tree foliage, then it was dark again. By the time I was ready to finish, I was on my own to imagine the effects of the sun on this scene. I was happy with the results and entered this work into the competition.
A bit disappointed at the Saturday night gala and sale. The owners of the home seemed to love the painting, but felt that the price was a bit out of their price range. The man indicated that they really wanted to own own the painting, but wanted to do some hard negotiating, then quickly threw out a comment about his budget concerns. I attempted to offer him a few ideas to help fit this painting into his budget and help him realize value in the work, but it was clear to me that unless he would be able to boast about chiseling me down, he would not buy. Interesting. He even knew that the sponsoring association would receive a commission for any works sold that evening. He offered the idea that if we met in the parking lot following the evenings activities, he could purchase the work at my wholesale (read – discounted) price and not have to give the association their commission. Not fair to me and not fair to the association and not fair to the town. Lesson learned. I should have approached the homeowner first before painting.
After viewing the work back at my home studio, I decided to make a few, minor adjustments to help the house “pop” a little more. I also decide to alter the name from the owners address to a more generic title. I let the association know about the changes as they are attempting to sell the remaining works from the competition. I also intend to utilize this painting to help promote my work at some upcoming shows.
Barn at Indian Hill Manor; Oil on Canvas Panel 11″ x 14″
I am honored to report that three of my submissions have been accepted into the Farms and Barns 9 Regional Competition. Barn Overseer, Klenke’s Florals and Barn at Indian Hill – Plein Air will be in this exhibition at The Next Picture Show in Dixon Illinois. The exhibition opening and awards ceremony will be September 14. The exhibition runs through October 15, 2013.
Barn Overseer; Oil on Canvas 16″ x 20″
Klenke’s Florals; Oil on Canvas 16″ x 20″
Beach at Egg Harbor; Plein Air Oil on Canvas Panel 6″ x 8″
Arrived in Door County late Saturday afternoon. After checking into the cottage, we cleaned up and headed out to have a nice dinner. We took our time making our way back to the cottage. Unfortunately, no impressive sunset tonight.
Egg Harbor; Plein Air Oil on Canvas Panel 6″ x 8″
Sunday morning. A bit cloudy, chance of isolated showers. After breakfast we decided to check out a beach down in Egg Harbor. Only a few people present. Found a pair of Adirondack chairs available and put them to use. Helen read and people watched while I played with my paints. Got two little paintings done while enjoying the morning. As the day wore on, more people came out to enjoy a great day at the beach. By early afternoon, we decided to pack up, go back to the cottage for a light lunch and get cleaned up for the opening of my exhibit “Shadows” at the Woodwalk Gallery.
Reflections Before the Bread; Oil on Canvas Panel 12″ x 16″
Rainy again – Great.
Since I am inside, I shall tackle another work for the Raw and Cooked Competition at The Next Picture Show in Dixon.
I had some banana bread with my breakfast. Thought that might make a good subject for the next painting. As soon as I put the bananas next to the reflective mixing bowl, I knew I had the set up. No need to tackle the actual bread in this one. Let the title carry the message.
The reflections in the bowl were the most nerve racking part of the painting. But it is all in the relationships. Watch the shapes and constantly compare the painting on the canvas to the actual set up. Check the angles against multiple points to ensure that it is right or at least very close to right.
For instance, the reflections of the bananas. How does the reflection compare to the right side of the actual subject. The left side. The top of the bowl. The reflection of the table top. The reflections of the can of Crisco. Are the relationships and shapes correct or do they need to be modified. Constant questioning and evaluation and, at times, corrections. But it is worth the effort to get it right.
Happy to report that this painting has also been accepted into the Raw and Cooked exhibition at The Next Picture Show August 2 – September 4, 2013.
Finished in a single painting session (okay, it was a long session).
Apple Bake; Oil on Canvas 11″ x 14″
A still life. Not my usual genre. But I had a reason, or should I say reasons.
A competition deadline was looming. A regional competition offered the challenge to create works based upon the theme “Raw and Cooked”. My wife was in Chicago to attend to some doctor visits with her mother and it was rainy. Perfect time to tackle the challenge.
I already had one work which would fill the bill, Pail by Comparison. I wanted to have four works for submission. Before my wife left, I discussed my ideas with her. Thank goodness. Out came all sorts of cooking and baking utensils and necessities. Plenty of good source material.
Had fun with these apples. While applying the finishing touches to the apples I ran with an idea to put in a smear of Permanent Rose. Worked great.Happy to report that this work was accepted for the competition.
The exhibition will be at The Next Picture Show in Dixon Illinois from August 2 – September 4, 2013.
