Look Who's Back...

...And it's about time! I didn't really intend to stay away so long, but life happens. Getting back into the studio has been a slow process, with the dreaded cold starts, and plenty of AA - that's Artist's Anxiety (...and yes, that's trademarked, but ok, you can use it!)

There is no slump-busting in my world that doesn't involve Figure painting - so here's my latest: 

"In Profile"

12 x 9 inches, oil on canvas

Available here

 Painted in approximately three hours, from a live model - and here's the proof:

Smile!

Escape From the Beach

 "Luna Sea Fish House, Yachats, Oregon"

11 x 14 inches, oil on canvas

$300

click to buy

After my Seal Rock Sunday debacle, I was ready to press the proverbial Reset button Monday morning. I loved my last cityscape outing, and Yachats is such a sweet little town. Painting there was just what I needed. That, and clam chowder for breakfast.

When I pulled into the parking lot of Luna Sea Fish House, I instantly saw a painting. Such great, vibrant colors on the shopfronts. Such lovely morning light.

 I managed to finish up and vacate their lot in advance of the lunch crowd, and while wandering around I saw this:

 "La de da." City motto? Love.

Just around the corner, I set up my easel on Ocean View Drive. I let a teeny bit of the Pacific sneak back into my painting, but kept it firmly in the background, enjoying the neon signs that flickered in the Underground Bar's windows.

"Ocean View Drive, Yachats, Oregon"

12 x 12 inches, oil on canvas

Sold

Then I headed back to the valley. 20 miles inland, it was already broiling hot, and only got more so as I approached home.

Party of Two

 "Becca in July"

12 x 9 inches, oil on canvas

click to buy

I was feeling overjoyed last night, walking back into Maude Kerns Art Center's open studio after a three week hiatus. I was happy to be there, but I was almost alone in that feeling, because Joy and I were the only ones who showed up! Summer is a crazy time around here - everyone travels, there are tons of things to do, it's almost impossible to throw a party because no one's around to attend....

Well, we enjoyed our party of two last night, and I got to set up the pose and the lighting without any interference collaboration whatsoever. See how creative I got? She's sitting. On. The. Model. Stand.

If anyone has a *small* couch or comfy chair they want to donate, consider dropping it off at Maude Kerns. The artists there will thank you for years to come.  And you'll get to see your rejected furniture immortalized again and again!

Bonus random sky shot: it was a beautiful evening!

In Case You're Feeling Poorly

"Hot Toddy"

12 x 9 inches, oil on canvas

Sold

Your grandma has a cold, and also she set up my still life today. She told me you should call her! 

Or maybe just text.

I Wish I had Three Arms

 

"A Shady Spot"

14 x 11 inches, oil on canvas

Sold

Not the same blue umbrella, and not the same model, but yes, back-to-back blue umbrella paintings on the blog. It's a July thing.

I was wishing for a third arm to hold an umbrella over me this morning. We're having a hot hot summer in Oregon, and the Monday Painting Ladies were all slathering on the sunscreen / hiding in the shade in Patti's sunny garden. We literally brought out a fan on an extension cord to keep our model from melting. She's made of chocolate, you know.

Have I mentioned how much I love summer? My dance card is full until September, folks. I spent the past week partying with family (which was great), but now there are lots of fun things in store art-wise. So, plan to join me - either literally or online. The highlights include the Oregon Coast Paintout, my August 10th workshop "Painting the Figure en Plein Air" (4 spaces left!), and the Create Eugene Paintout August 21st. I just signed up! So should you.

I Display My Values

 "Breakfast Bar"

10 x 10 inches, oil on canvas

$300

click to buy

Hope you all enjoyed the blog carnival-slash-virtual-studio-tour yesterday! I thought my studio was pretty cool, but man, now I've got serious studio envy! The Titanium is always whiter....

So, this painting has a back-story. And as with many stories, it beings with "I've got this friend...." Because I do. Have this friend. Who is really into whiskey - or scotch - or whatever this stuff is - and also likes art. His big idea was to buy me a bottle and see what kind of painting I'd make of it after sampling the goods.

Let the record show: I'm perfectly willing to be the victim of sadistic artistic manipulations when high-quality alchohol is involved.

The eggs were kind of incidental. I had just finished this piece, and thought, 'Man, some whisky/scotch/moonshine would be really good right now,' and before I knew it, I had begun my commission. 

The value scale was another happy accident. I just threw it in there, but halfway through the painting I saw the genius. Whiskey and eggs for breakfast - now those are some solid values. Get it? Yuk yuk.

A Nude and an Invitation

 

"Leaning on Her Elbow"

11 x 14 inches, oil on canvas

$450

click to buy

What a pose! So fun. I really started this one off lively - as you can see below. I think I liked the face more before I smoothed out that quick sketchy energy, but the blendiness does give her some serenity. 

I don't know how come this small town has so amazing models, but they are all such pros. Could you hold that position for 45 minutes without screaming? Me neither!

I promised you an invitation, and now I will deliver: 

It's an open house all evening long, in celebration of my new Gallery! Food, drink, and lots of artists. What could be better on a Summer Saturday?

Queen of the Elegant Segway

"Emily's Eyes"

9 x 12 inches, oil on canvas

$450

click to buy

Paint, paint, paint! Life is good this week, with lots going on, at the easel and elsewhere. Here's my work from Tuesday night, getting a bit closer-in to this pose. I used a basic primary palette - red, yellow, and blue - with a little black thrown in, you know, for darkness.

Because what this model needs is a little darkness!?! I admit, I'm totally taken with her clear blue eyes and blonde, asymmetrical hair.  I feel like I should be painting her in a beautiful garden, with flowers spilling everywhere.

....Speaking of which (and I will now accept the title of 'Queen of the Elegant Segway'), Eugene is having a huge celebration of All Things Art this August - there is even a plein air paintout and competition in the works - and I have thrown myself and my hat into the ring! I'll be teaching a one-day workshop, "Painting the Figure en Plein Air" in the lovely courtyard of The Gallery at the Watershed, Saturday August 10th. It will be an all-day affair, with a lengthy demo and plenty of time for painting and individual instruction. There are only eight spots, so if you want to join me, please call Amy at the gallery right now! ((541) 844-1668 - or email amy@thewatershed.com).