Here is the frog, and here is the frog on Etsy.
We’re still getting settled into our new apartment here in Charlottesville. I left most of my artwork in Austin so I’ve had to find ways to decorate our very bare walls. I came up with a few different designs to match the color of the opposing wall which is a very bright yellow. This is the design that I went with – owls!
I’ve been dabbling with simple design work as a kind of hobby in contrast to my highly detailed paintings. I’ve always loved silhouettes, and I love the chance to be very bold without risking too much.
These paintings are dedicated to my sister-in-law who loves owls. I had so much fun working on this that I’m experimenting with some other similar designs.
I came across a blog post this morning from Matthew D. Innis that included this photo of the evolution of paint tubes. I consider myself lucky that I don’t have to deal with the problems of the original bladder tubes that were known to burst quite frequently. This is a fascinating display of technology in a rather traditional profession. I suppose, though, that relatively soon the practice of using tubes of paint at all will be outdated due to digital mediums. Here’s to the pioneers of the bladder revolution!
Undaunted Courage
36″ x 48″
oil on linen
Well, I currently live in Charlottesville, Virginia. Cindy got accepted to the University of Virginia law school, and now I am enjoying the beautiful vistas of the Appalachians. I just finished setting up my new studio, very similar to my old one (in the dining room now as opposed to the living room). This is quite an inspiring place, especially after visiting Jefferson’s Monticello.
This new painting was commissioned just before we left. It is the largest painting I have worked on since college so it was a bit of a challenge following the previous small scale painting. I haven’t worked this fast in a while, but I am pleased with the result. The four figures in the painting are all of my wife, and this is a follow up to my previous Cliffhangers piece.
What do I do with leftover paint at the end of the day? Occasionally when my wife is free I like to let her play with the paint. She mixes and mushes like a little kid, and it always brightens my day.
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Promiscuous Bunch
22″ x 28″
oil on linen
With all of the new activity going in my life, I haven’t had the opportunity to work or post. However, I figured now would be a good time to show my new painting, although this painting was completed last September. It is up at the Wally Workman Gallery, framed and hung.
I’m so sorry guys for waiting so long to post again. I started up a new job last September working for AmeriCorps. I mentor/tutor at-risk elementary kids. It’s been a wonderful experience, one that has reinvigorated me. I have not been able to draw or paint, but I have been exploring new artistic avenues. I’m excited to see where it takes me.
I will post my newest painting soon, the one I’ve had laying around since last Fall. Thanks for the support, and I hope to return to my series soon.
Every artist has their own routine before starting to paint. For some reason, I noticed today how robotic I am with how I set everything up. I wanted to share the exact process I go through before I start painting for the day. Keep in mind that, although this is very consistent from day to day, it does change over time because of new supplies, techniques, etc. I want to be very thorough because it helps me most when artists are specific about their process, even the little things. Here is the detailed list:
1. Brush my fingers over the bristles of the brushes I used the day before. This gets rid of the dry soap I leave in for conditioning. It’s also a way to initiate my tired body into work mode.
2. Pull out a new rag. I fold it in half to better absorb the paint. If I don’t, it immediately bleeds through onto my fingers. I am a neat freak and hate to get dirty!
3. Pour a little bit of medium into a small metal cup and move it to the left of my easel onto a side table.
4. Squeeze my paints onto my wooden palette. It never fails that I get angry at how hard one of the tubes of paint is to open even though I used it the day before.
5. Uncover my turpentine can.
6. Pull my mahl stick off of my pegboard.
7. Push my chair back so I have room to walk back and look at my painting.
8. Pull my easel up to my painting area.
9. Stand and stare until the urge to paint comes out! This part usually takes the longest and is the most frustrating.
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