GHGT...Out with the old.

   The Gig Harbor Garden Tour show at the Kimball gallery was a nice edition to painting in the show last weekend. Special thanks to those who made it happen. Next up on the roster... the Peninsula Arts League Summer Arts Festival Show in July, if all goes well.

Com-PEAR-i-son study

Pear study 8x9 oil no flash

Pear study 8x9 oil w/flash

Found this comparison of the same painting shot in two different ways facinating! One was truer color while the other was better contrast.

Edible model #2

"Leek on Red"- 7.25 x 9.5 oil

   Upon coming to the end of a roll of canvas, I often decide to use the last of it as "sketch canvas" to do short studies which are generally 2-3 hours long. It's always nice to multitask with your model, when you can. This study's subject became part of a lentil soup tonight and was quite tasty!

Work in progress

11x14 work in progress

   This study "white on blue" of the dueling skulls has finished getting it's 3rd pass/session... 3 of 5. The ethereal glow about the objects is really intriguing me and I hope I can pull it off in the painting. More to follow soon!

Flashback to Marion's garden

The gate's open- 7 x 9 watercolor

   Last summer I was invited again to take pleasure in painting at the Gig Harbor Garden Tour for my 5th year in a row. Although I did find a place to do my usual oil painting on a vast property on fox island, there was a place in town with narrow paths that I knew most painters would not be able to set up and work and I didn't want the garden to be missed so I only took a small work kit the next day I call my Urban Sketcher bag.
   On day two, I tried to visit new gardens so that everybody had at least one artist in the garden for the weekend so decided to work out of my lap in a small (7 x 9) watercolor sketchbook at the narrow path place. Afterwards I snuck across the street to paint in Marion's garden -another tour garden hostess and fellow artist who has invited my plein air group to come paint last summer. Strangely it looks more like my Urban Sketcher work (fast documentary for a sense of place) than my fine art work but then again, I'm not a watercolor artist. Still the entire scene seems so reflective of the owner... the gate wide open to welcome any and all in the comforts of her home so I feel I captured the essence of how the place spoke to me.

A labor of love from/for our community

The Netshed show is now open from Thurs, Nov 12, 2015 10:00am through Sun, Jan 17, 2016 5:00pm at the Harbor History Museum in Gig Harbor. This show has 70 works from local artists (5 of them are mine) in all mediums including, paint, pencil, pens pastel, printmaking, photography.. to name a few. The concept was Anne knapp (co-facilitator of the PAL plein air group summer 2014) and myidea. we wanted to incorporate the historical Netsheds of Gig Harbor (one of the largest concentrations of surviving structures in one area) with the moderna reflections of local artists who interepret these buildings through todays perspective. Anne and I decided to create many plein air events through our summer long plein air program. She also created an event where a local sighseeing boat too the artists around the harbor to allow access for photographic oppertunities for those who prefered to work in studio in the winter months. Our goal was to bring the past history into the present appreciation and display the work from both views. We though of it as a show created by the community for the community. We hope that you will come enjoy this show and support us in celebration these highly respected landmarks (a huge piece of Gig Harbor's heritage) as reintroduced through the eyes of the locally talented artists with these loving creations  (See http://peninsulaartleague.blogspot.com/ for more info on the events)

New work November 14th

I will have 5 pieces of art in this show contrasting the historical netshed imagery with their contemporary interpretations by local artists around Gig Harbor. I hope that you will be able to enjoy the show that opens Saterday Nov 14th at the History Harbor Museum in Gig Harbor.

So it begins...

Returning to the studio, I thought it best to begin simply so I did a small 9x12 oil study of portabella mushrooms on ampersand gesso board.

Sketchbook project showing August 14th at SAM's Olympic Sculpture Park

 For those of you, like me, who love to look at sketchbooks, the New York based project is coming on tour Seattle this Friday August 14th between 11-3 at the Olympic Sculpture Park (through the SAM)  http://www.seattleartmuseum.org/summer .
    The traveling library has been to 7 major cities across america and is carrying over 4000 sketchbooks from around the world to look through. My project was done from life either in studio or in plein air on this project and is a travel from black and white into color through the character of an artist's manikin. Good fun and 1000s of artists creations to enjoy in this limited engagement. See it while you can... unless you plan to go to it's permanent home in the sketchbook library in Brooklyn. Check out https://www.sketchbookproject.com/library to see sketchbooks online. Search "Feather" or "Gypsie Artist: the beginning" to find mine.

Something new... and different

...it's coming! Stay tuned.

Pots in the sun

Pots in the sun- 6x8 oil on linen

   This small piece was an oil sketch I did during a plein air event at Rosedale gardens. It was a quick sketch as the light was changing fast and for a moment I think I actually caught the color reflections and glows in the pottery. For that I feel as though this was a successful study.

New Work at the History Harbor Museum through May.

"Owl/I'll Go With the Flow"
5x7x48 wood, glass,leather, molding paste, paint

   The Harbor History Museum is exhibiting "Owl/I'll Go With the Flow" one of my sculptural pieces in it's first rotating lobby exhibit starting in May. The exhibit is a partnership with the Gig Harbor Arts Center Alliance and will feature a variety of decorative oars from community artists. The lobby exhibition will run throughout the month of May before it relocates to the Gig Harbor Yacht Club to be auctioned after a benefit dinner.

Fresh from the drafting table

"Key hole"
5x7 scratchboard  w/spot color ink

It has been quite a while since I worked in scratchboard and I forgot how much I enjoy it. Like photography or printmaking, one has to think in reverse in order to be successful in this medium. Since these are previous endeavors no problems with working backwards. I believe it helps once in a while to do things differently when creating so I did 6 5x7 panels. Aside from the irritation of the mess and minor skin irritation from the steal wool, I have decided that I would like to try some more of these soon.

Project gives a nod to Van Gogh

"(Starry) Dark Knight on the Harbor"
11x14- ink wash and prisma color on clayboard

  In a recent project  I was asked to illustrate 32 pieces of artwork for a book. Once completed, all the books will be cataloged, photographed and  published online before beginning their nation wide tour. Beginning May 8th they start in Brooklyn to visit 9 major cities and a few other opportunities like Ideas City StreetFest at New Museum in New York City NY. At the end of the tour they will return to the east coast to take up permanent residence in the Brooklyn Art Library.
   Since the deadline was march 31 and Vinnie's birthday was March 30th it only seemed right, to do this fun piece which gives a nod to both Van Gogh and my home town. After all the hard work, it was a fun piece to play with.

Paddle project in progress.

   Currently I am working on 2 pieces of sculpture for the Peninsula Arts League fund raiser. This paddle project will be one of many artworks to be displayed among the local businesses before being auctioned at the Gig Harbor Yacht Club summer 2015.
   My intention is to convert the paddle into a concept piece of which has a theme to integrate wood and water through nature via the great grey owl. The paddle portion shows a river in which specific specialty feathers (6 different kinds that make up the head of the owl) have been carved (subtractive sculpture) in low relief to look as if they are floating down the stream. The top handle portion will be sculpted (additive sculpture)  into the owl's head.
   This is one of the lower portions (work in progress) after having carved and painted the feathers. I then stained the blue water portion. After taking the image I covered it in a high gloss material to simulate water. Meanwhile I am slowly sculpting the top of the head at the other end.
                                                                    To be continued...

Trois Crayon expands

Inspired portrait by the model Matt- 12x12

Just this year I have begun to practice the
"trois crayon" formula for making portraits in conte' sticks. Yet for Christmas I got a 12 pack of colored conte' pencils and just this once decided to take them on a test drive. It was fun but sure makes for a very different palette then I have been playing with the month previous. Although this doesn't match the model I was working with in likeness, it does make for a nice portrait of which I call "Inspired by the model Matt".

"Ole Glory" here today, now a pleasant memory.

"Ole glory" 9x12 oil on panel plein air

   Another pleasurable Lavender Festival event brought the opportunity for me to capture this scene of a fresh brilliant flag among the lavender. As I was painting I thought how interesting that my subject was red (white) and blue hovering over the combination of the two- violet. All this color surrounded by the bland of white/grey home tones... is that a new paint color? It was always a intoxicating experience to be painting at Blue Willow Farms; special thanks to Bill and Tracy.

Trois Crayon draws again.

"Bud" 12x12 conte on colored paper

   I had the pleasure of doing a portrait in conte sticks in the trois crayon method. The minimal sucess lets me feel that the cobwebs have not buried the foundations of structure and anatomy I have invested in the past... yeay!

"Merry-time" holiday small artworks sale at the boatshop in Gig Harbor.

Deck the walls-unity display all work 8x10 framed

Room with a view
oil on linen

   There is a small artwork holiday sale that local artists made Maritime themed artwork  (40 pieces) to sell in the Eddon gift shop. This is the 2nd year for this event and it will be in the boutique all month through December.  All work is smaller than 9x12 and priced to sell for the holidays. There is also a framed display of one "unity piece" from each participating artist. The participants  were asked to choose a boat theme (for the boatshop) and challenged to do a black and white based work where the artist may use red, green, yellow/gold and/or a combo as these 3 colors.

"Merry-time" holiday small artwork sale

November 14th- December 31st

Artists include: Ceci Anderson,  Gertrudes  Granado,  Jean Grover,  Feather Hilger,  Cathie Johnson,  MaryLou Perry, Eileen Schurer and Greg Trathen.

Gig Harbor Boatshop at Eddon Boatyard

3805 Harborview Drive
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
(253) 857-9344
Store Hours:
Tuesday through Friday -10:00 to 4:00
Saturday - 10:00 to 5:00

New work exhibiting during the month of October

   As Autumn moves in, Peninsula Arts League's outdoor working artists come together to share a summer's worth of art made in the sunshine. There are a few new works I'll be unveiling in that show along with many other talented local artists... and yes, there will be an end of season sunflower painting. Join Us!

Fourth Annual "En Plein Air" Show

Art Exhibit • Wine Tasting • Appetizers

The Lodge

Opening is October 4th 2-4p.m. 

Featured Artists:

Anne Knapp • Robert Knapp • Feather Hilger • Myrna Binion

Carlene Salazar • Charli Meacham • Pat Lebbert • Mary McInnis

Mary Elizabeth Smith • Cathie Johnson • Greg Trathen

Patti Metzger • Cris Bronstad • Stephanie Cardinal • Dee Bartlett

Tanya McGraw • Lynda Lindner • Randy Robbins

The Lodge at Mallard's Landing

7083 Wagner Way, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

www.thelodge-gigharbor.com

Just off Wollochet Drive, behind Mallard’s Landing Business Park

For more information or to RSVP by

October 2nd call (253) 858-4990

or email info@thelodge-gigharbor.com

En Plein Air

Art Exhibition & Wine Tasting

Saturday, October 4th, 2–4 p.m.

Undercolor studies

green flower study on red- 12x12 oil on paper

    I recall when I was experimenting with watercolor paint how I would do apple after apple study in front of a north facing window. I must have done 25-30 different apples before being able to teach myself a way to make them work. Unsatisfied with the results, I moved on to oil studies again with the apples but this time paying specific attention to the color and shape that made a deep crimson short round "macintosh" differ from a cad red, taller "red delicious" type of apple. The most fun to all these silly studies was not only could I name that apple on site but the challenge to find an apple I never met before.
    Much like the apples, I did flower studies on opposite and textured colored backgrounds for practice on how undercolors work in oil painting. I did a dozen studies last spring in a "share project" and enjoyed the practice of this series so much that I thought to consider picking it up again next winter. Then I found some flowers I never met before!!!  They were the elusive green flowers so difficult to find when you are practicing all colors of flowers on all opposite colors of background. Hence I got inspired to return to the series despite plein air season where the the majority of my production is outdoor ...'scapes. At least I am using natural light source instead of the studio lighting from last spring. I doubt that I will be as productive as 2 a week (like last spring) but if the unusual flowers keep sneaking in town... who knows?

New work exhibiting at the History Harbor Museum

The 15th Annual Juried Maritime Art Exhibition is held at the beautiful Harbor History Museum located on the historical Gig Harbor waterfront. The Harbor History Museum is honored to host an exciting venue for artists to showcase their maritime-themed works of art. This will be the fourth year the exhibition will be held at this location. The 15th annual Maritime show has accepted  a one of my paintings for the exhibition that displays from July 27 - September 14, 2014.

North Head Lighthouse

North Head lighthouse 9x12 oil on gessoboard

   It was a strong winded morning at the North Head lighthouse as I put on 4 layers of clothing and hunkered down to paint. I was able to wedge myself into a land crevice about 18 inches deep beside a fence which grew another 25-30 inches of tall grasses which helped to break the wind slightly. Still the easel and box stood vulnerable to the winds to where I had to hold the set up with half the hand often gripping the fence with a few fingers when the winds really kicked up. Not as bad as the admiralty lighthouse painting adventure but perhaps nearly as cold and exhausting.

Plein air in Purdy

Purdy bridge- 8x10 oil on linen

   Another cold windy summer day on the puget sound as I painted the historic Purdy bridge for my plein air outing. When built in 1937, the Purdy Bridge was the 1st bridge in the U.S. to utilize a reinforced concrete box girder design... ya learn something new every day.

Chambers Bay plein air

Chambers Bay golf course 8x10 oil on canvas

   This summer I have switched up my plein air formula. After the initial shock of going from maybe 15 colors to only the 3 primaries and a brown and a white, I then switched from gessoboard to cloth switching between linen and canvas. Then I tried a few stretched canvases that are gallery wrapped so I tried the "paint the sides" trick which is a little odd and hard to transport. Still I was able to get this fairly decent study overlooking the Chambers Bay golf course.

Working on site at the festival Saturday July 19th

 For those art enthusiasts, I invite you to come join us on  Judson Street
in Gig Harbor's Historic Waterfront District for the Summer Art Festival. Support your local artists, musicals and community events in an all day event that runs both days.  I have the pleasure of working Saturday in the Peninsula Arts League demo tent along side other talented artists to paint, chat about art and answer any questions you may have about all the wonderful things PAL offers the community. See you there!

Art in the Garden show... artwork of garden tours past

Gardeners of Gig Harbor are putting in the finishing touches to ready for the Gig Harbor Garden Tour (June 28th & 29th) where they share their estates of beauty with 100s of garden enthusiasts while raising money for the local literacy program. Community artists have been invited to come honor these incredible creations with their creative talents to work on site for the 2 day event. I will be looking forward to my 4th consecutive year as "artist in the garden" in one of 7 locations. Until then, check out the Art in the Garden show at the Kimball running through  June 30th- work from tours past.

So many lighthouses... so little time!

Admirality Head Lighthouse- 18x24 oil

   Last year I visited Admiralty Head Lighthouse, hoping for a sunny day. Got the sun but 40-60 mph winds made the painting a challenge. The worst was "lawn mower guy" who 1/2 through the battle (against the wind), launched a sneak attack from behind/above covering  my fresh painted surface with grass cuttings. Back in Studio-G , I worked an 18x24 grisaille on mid gray canvas through the summer with white and left over Gamblin's torrit grey paint. This spring I added color in washes which gave the piece a very glowing look. The collection builds...

Look what just came ashore...

Point Wilson Lighthouse 18 x 18 oil

   After spending last weekend in Port Townsend where I was finally able to tour the lighthouse interior, I did again another paint study ( #6) of a lighthouse I visit annually. As I was zipping though the smaller 6x8 quick study it occurred to me that I had an 18x18 painting perhaps 80% completed that I began last summer. With the recent visit fresh in my mind, I decided to finish the painting .. oh wait, does it have to have the date on it? Nauh!!!
   Check back to see where it will be exhibiting this year... the image doesn't do it justice.

Fresh as an... Iris.

"Iris study" 12x12 oil on paper

   The newest thing to come off the easel is this flower study completed ala prima 5 days ago. It is the final work of a 3 month experiment I refer to as the 12"x12" project. The challenge was to format a collection of absolute guidelines in which to build a collection of works themed in one subject.
    I chose flowers to paint on complementary color backgrounds. Sometimes in portraits and other times in bouquets, I have created a dozen studies of flowers ranging from red roses on green backgrounds to violet irises against yellow doing a different pair of complementary colors each week. While I would like to continue this series (perhaps under different criteria) the practice will take sabbatical as the plein air season has begun and studio work will wane away again until winter. Stay informed as the news for upcoming art to be exhibited will be posted here.

New work exhibits at the Civic Center May 1st - June 15th.

Netshed show postcard

In all the silence, Studio-G has been pretty busy producing  new works for the Netshed Show. There are 2 large works that are companion pieces dealing in the theme of opposites. Using opposing colors (blue and brown) I pushed the graphic nature of relief printing with the yielding soft nature of painting. While both of the works focus on the strengths of architecture and texture so prevalent to such historical structures, they contrast the feasibility of their nature with the modern still life found in the contents of such interiors. One view is perceived from the outside looking in while the other piece is viewed from the inside looking out. Although they are very different  for all you fans who prefer my usual plein air work, there is a 3rd piece in the other style, oil paint on gessoboard.  It was a fantastic thought provoking project I had the pleasure joining for the first show of the year. Come enjoy the artwork my fellow talented community artists as we come together to commemorate these historical Netsheds.  Enjoy. 

Neshed#14 (Babach)
"Reflections, from the outside looking in"
24x32 -mixed media relief print

Netshed Challenge Show

 May 1st-June 15th

Civic Center 

3510  Grandview

Gig Harbor, WA

M-F 8am-5pm

Irish Spring?

Gr Pom study- 12x12 oil on paper

The last few months has been "flowers on stage" in the studio with a color rotation every 2 weeks. Since spring is officially in bloom everything seems to be getting a little greener- including the model rotation. I thought to find green cut flowers may be a bit of a challenge as I don't recall ever seeing any. I thought for sure I would be painting a carnation but alas I found 2 varieties: the palm green Pompon and a yellow green rose. Perhaps they were left over from St. Patrick's day but found these Irish eyes laughing...

Improovements over time

"John" 12x12 charcoal

After half a dozen portrait studies the last few weeks, I finally got a sketch I was pleased with in my 80 minute's worth of "face time". Nearing the end of a 45 page portrait book, I think about how limited I used to feel with such a short time to work. Now, a year or more later, I am beginning to believe that I can make something worthy in my minimal allowance.

Jim using the trois crayon method

Jim- 12x12 bk,wht & red conte on cardstock

   Jim is my 3rd victim to the procedure of "trois crayon" during my 90 minute modeling sessions. Although it is still a method that I am baffled by, this is actually the first time I have felt that there may be hope for success some day... and somewhere in all this, I believe I will enjoy the product.

Prespring Voodoo

red rose study 12x12 study in oil

With an abundance of warm weather and sunshine comes inspiration of plein air painting yet the great outdoor is not quite ready for painting. So Studio-G has had an invasion of flowers. This month has seen yellow rose, daffodils and now red roses... THEN it snowed. I'm wondering if the groundhog saw his shadow or all these flowers jinxed the weather to remind us winter is still in full swing.

Feb 8th snow on Bhouse



Superbowl Sunday Spirit

Harley Davidson "Hawk Hog" -watercolor study 6"x6"

GO HAWKS!!!

Wrapping up the year

As the train rolls out of "Holidayland" to conclude the year, I want to thank all those establishments (The Kimball, The Hub, Gig Harbor Boatshop, History Harbor Museum, Key Bank, The Lodge at Mallard's Landing, Pratt Fine Arts Center, Tacoma Community College... ect) who offered their generosity in supporting the arts and exhibited my work throughout the puget sound; it has been an honor. I also want to thank my audience who have shared their enjoyment and comments through attendance of the exhibitions and purchases of the artwork. While 2014 has many wonderful designs on the (drafting) table for art projects, it will be a "studio year" which means less alla prima and more sustained creations. In addition to the more time invested projects "Studio-G" will not be participating in the frequency of exhibitions that 2013 witnessed. On occasion there will be entries to update progress or other side projects but it has been in my audiences best interest to begin these 2 larger projects. Stay tuned for more... from Studio-G.

Deck the halls as the studio goes into quite a few silent nights.

"Charlie" 12x12 charcoal

As the holidays approach, the artwork refrains from decking the walls with portraits of "Charlie". Although there is much creativity outside the studio (there's more than one way to light a tree) the more serious sessions of study take a sabbatical for a few week. Concluding the modeling sessions for the year is "Charlie".



Sunflower #12

"In Memory of Paul"

   As we advance in life it becomes more and more dificult, but in fighting the difficulties the inmost strength of the heart is developed- Vincent Van Gogh





Gig Harbor Boatshop: New work showing Nov 15th

"All is Calm, All is Bright"
5x7 Pen and Ink Washes

Holiday artwork displays at the Boatshop's gift shop in Gig Harbor this season as 9 local artists come together to offer their "gifts" of creativity to the community in a small works collection ideal for unique indulgences. Got that special somebody that has everything? Maritime paintings might just be the thing to deck thier walls this season with a wide assortment of 45 different works to choose from. Hurry down before the selection dwindles. Sale goes Nov 15th-Dec 30th: Gig Harbor Boatshop 3805 Harborview Drive Gig Harbor, WA 98335 (253) 857-9344 Hours:Daily except Wednesday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog... the scare hare!!!

...WASN'T IT ?!?



It was just an innocent little bunny...



I Can't tell you how many times I have been out painting on my own, far far from home, catching those last moments of possible daylight when... there is a rustling in a patch of dim detail not far from where I am packing my supplies to go. Quickly I reach for the (palette) knife and scrape my poison (cadmium) onto it's concealed tip! The other hand fumbles for the pretty poison cocktail (linseed oil and damar varnish with a bit of English turpentine) and I know I'm ready for anything!!! Out hops the most dangerous marauder of all... a cotton tailed wabbit? As I put down the lethal weapons and pick up something to shoot the intruder (my camera) I witness the glowing eyes as the warning from Tim of spam-a-lot heeds before the moment of regret "He's got a vicious streak a mile wide!" ---I back away slowly.

Studio (outdoors) Closed

"Summer's end" 6x8 oil on linen

The next 2 days will be spent (if all goes well) en plein air but then the gear becomes retired until April. As many know I like to spend the closing of the summer with my homage to Van Gogh by finding a mammoth sunflower and doing a portrait. Having "circumstances beyond my control" I sort of missed the sunflower season in all my usual haunts so I spent a few weeks with cut sunflowers (no mammoths) painting from natural light... not quite the same but--- I'll take it. Then a fellow "fan of Vinnie" told me of a small waning few in a small community garden on Fox Island. I was due to meet my plein air group for what would be the last session of the season on Thursday but pale weather and looming deadlines for the show created from this group had turn out to be poor. Uninspired by the settled gloom of a grey day at a site I have painted twice before I waited but nobody showed up so I snuck over to the rumored sunflower stash and low and behold I found my summers end model. By the time I had set up and the drawing roughed in the clouds parted and my monster mammoth glowed as only they know to show.

One time showing

"The Enchanted Cottage" 16x20 oil on canvas

   Studio-G is proud to represent 1st place with  "The Enchanted Cottage" (one of 6 new pieces) for one show only at The Lodge in Gig Harbor. Come see the talented works of the local artists in this collection of plein air efforts showing through the end of October.

3rd annual En Plein Air opens Oct 5th- new work exhibiting

    The summer is finally coming to a close which means many local artists will be hanging up their sunhats and returning to studio to work. Fortunately those of us that have been working en plein air will be sharing many of our creations at The Lodge. Come join us with a glass of wine for the reception...
RSVP at The Lodge at Mallard's Landing for
 Saturday Oct 5th 2-4pm.

PAL members show at the Kimball-new work

Fall Member’s Show

September 30th through October 28th at Kimball Gallery. Peninsula Arts League members are showing their new creations in the comfort of their local coffee house. I will be exhibiting a new oil painting "Bench with a View" a studio piece completed this summer. Drop in out of the flash flood 50mph winds and treat yourself to an expresso and good art. 

Pratt Fine Arts Center Showcases Big Prints: New work, fresh from the studio.

Going Big!!! After spending the last 8 weeks in the Pratt printmaking studios, I am honored to be showing one of the 30x40 serigraphs from those sessions called, "Images of the South" on display through the end of the year along with a collection of 5 other artist's who took the challenge with a 34"x48" screen.