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.

Two Waters Alliance Juried Members Show Opening September 6th

Key Center Library is proud to be hosting the Two Waters Alliance Juried Members Show from September until October 30th. There are 34 fantastic pieces of artwork by it's members in all mediums and styles. Look for 2 pieces from Studio-G displayed in the conference room within the library. The Key Center Library is open six days a week. Monday-Wednesday 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday and Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Key Center Library 8905 KPN Lakebay, WA 98349 253-548-3309

11th Annual Open Juried Show- new work showing

The Peninsula Art League invites you to join us at the opening reception of our 11th Annual Open Juried Exhibition. This year’s show features works by 90 artists from across the nation, representing a variety of media. Many of these artists will be available to discuss their work at the reception and opening.
Friday August 30th from 6-8pm at the History Harbor Museum in Gig Harbor.

Peninsula Art League Member Show- new work exhibited. Working on site at the Art Festival

   I have the pleasure of working in the Peninsula Art League Plein Air/Art Demo tent during the festival this year where I have chosen to work in a drawing media on a still life that I will set up in the tent Saturday ~ 10am to 4pm. Feel free to stop by and watch the artists working on various works in a variety of mediums, listen to some live music or check out one of the 125 vendors selling thier creative work at the festival. There will also be a 2 day exhibition of Peninsula Art League Members inside key bank where I am exhibiting a new painting from this years plein air season- artist reception is at 6 pm.

The 29th Annual Gig Harbor Summer Art Festival July 20 & 21, 2013 Saturday ~ 10am to 6pm; Sunday ~ 10 am to 5pm on Judson Street in Gig Harbor's Historic Waterfront District . . . . . .

125 artists from throughout the Northwest will be showing and selling their work at this year's festival. We'll also have a variety of food vendors, live music and lots of art-making activities for children thanks to the nice people at Arcadia Montesorri School and Curious By Nature Preschool. And if you'd like to try your hand at some sidewalk art, wander down to the waterfront and "Chalk the Harbor."

 

GH Garden Tour- Canterwood



"Shoes on the porch" 9x12 oil



I came. I saw. I returned and I painted- while I melted!!! Record breaking temperatures found me spending the afternoon with my back to the sun at a Canterwood estate. The scene was so inspiring that it practically painted itself. Special thanks to the Wimber host and hostess for keeping this scene preserved until I could paint it.

14th Annual Juried Art Exhibit- exhibiting work. Working on locations all weekend.

   Another day, another oppertunity to enjoy the beauty of nature. This weekend I will be painting at Eddon Boat Shop http://gigharborboatshop.org/ as well as Blue Willow's annual Lavender Festival http://www.bluewillowlavenderfarm.com/Blue_Willow_Lavender_Farm/

   If you prefer to see finished work, come to 14th Annual Juried Maritime Art Exhibit at the History Harbor Museum July 20-August 25 2013 where I have the honor of exhibiting with some great artist's vision of all things marine. Artist reception is Friday 19th, hope to see you there.

The Mocking Fountain

   When attending a plein air event 2 weeks ago, I was looking for inspiration. Many times had I been to this particular location painting so I was looking for a new challenge when I saw it... a green water fountain. No not a water fountain painted green but rather a mossy fountain for people to drink from... it was too unusual. Not intending to plague my precious landscape observation time, I turned my back on the little fountain to again paint a scene which was poorly lit- not something I saw as inspirational.

"Mocking Fountain" 6x8 oil on linen

    On breaks I glanced at the mocking fountain that screamed of sarcasm. It was far more distracting than my subject, yet I studiously continued the study of repetition. Maybe 2 hours later I finished the  'scape (glad it was small) and scoffed at the mocking fountain but it was the model that got the last laugh! The more I looked the more  I saw the beauty in it's geometric harmony of composition enhanced by it's blue/green subject against it's yellow red background. The time invested in my mocking fountain was personally one that "made" the outing worth while.

Studio-G's first studio biggie.



Saltwater State Park 18x24 oil on canvas

      SO different from  working on location, I just finished my first (larger) studio painting in over a decade. Almost a trial if you will, I discovered many new ways to work. I worked from my on location 9x12 paint study the first 2-3 sessions before putting it aside to let the piece become its own work. The final sessions I worked the painting for believability and some sort of balance/harmony in the piece.

Fox Island Garden Tour... Artist in the garden

"Dana's Garden" 9x12 oil on panel

  
Last month I had the pleasure of enjoying an estate for a few hours working as what I refer to myself as "artist in your garden". Although the day was threatening rain and overcast most of my working session, it did not diminish the beauty of this well loved estate nor the 100s of viewers that attend this event each year. Next stop... Gig Harbor- for the tour of course!

Studio-G weekend working GHGT

   This year I am scheduled to be painting at 3 gardens during the Gig Harbor Garden Tour. If your on the tour stop in and watch the paint dry: Sat 10-1 @ Garden #3, Sat 2-5 @ Garden #6, Sun 10-3 @ Garden #2. Images to be posted soon. Catch me if you can!

Did somebody move my car?

1930 Dussenberg 12x18 graphite

   Okay, its my own fault for lack of time, but (sigh) "Bummer!" I was working on a sustained drawing of weekly visits to the La May's to draw the Dussenberg with no less than 12 hours invested. I got busy with other work and wasn't able to return for 3 weeks and when I returned- I didn't see my car where I left it... at the top of the Ford collection. Apparently somebody moved my car to make room for another in front of it. The nerve of the driver of that other car parking in front of mine!!! Just like a real parking lot.

   Needless to say, the perspective's changed, the lighting has changed... The good news- I'm done with the drawing. Further more when I went to look for my other car the 1914 Cadillac that I left parked on the 1st floor, not only was it also moved (same place different position) but my bench had been replaced with still another car. Sneaky little museum giving us variety. I'm just finishing drawings left at right- by chance. That will teach me to stay away too long! Now if I can just get the museum to put the hoods down on all those cars I saw last Thursday... I think it is a Father's day weekend special thing they are doing.

Instant gratification

  


Hobbie- 12x12 charcoal

 There is a term we artists use when we can do a work in one session and it turns out fairly well. Because I do more sustained work that can take 20-80 hours from concept to completion, there is something to the "one shot" work that allows little more than the allowance a model affords. Hence is a portrait of "Hobbie"- 90 minutes of actual model time to execute as much information as I can while working from life.

Uptown Art Walk Collection

 

Come enjoy the fantastic works that my coworkers and I  will be exhibited throughout the month at Gig Harbor's newest shopping complex:

June 1st-30th Art Walk at the Uptown

Come view local artists' work at these participating shops:

Bella Kitchen and Home

Coldwater Creek

Cutters Point

Gig Harbor Film Festival

The Garden Room

Jamba Juice

J. Jill

Julep

Massage Envy

MultiCare

Soma Intimates

Studio Six, the Salon

Teaching Toys Too

Tickles Salon

Uptown Eyes

FOX PAW exhibiting at the HUB: showing new work...it's about time!!!

"Illusions of Time" 18x24
Silkscreen 4 color handmade print

   Brand new artwork "Illusions of Time" a triptych fresh out of Studio-G will make its debut amoung a few of my other printmaking pieces in the Fox PAW group show running May 31st through July. The show includes a wide variety of artists working in varied mediums and styles. Come on out June 19th, Wednesday at 4 pm –6 pm as a reception for the artists will be held at the Hub 203 Tacoma Ave S. Tacoma WA 253-683-4606.

Gig Harbor Boatshop featured artist:Just in time... for the Maritime Festival.

Studio-G on site painting
 "The One That Got Away"

   For the 3 years I have been painting en plein air, I have made Eddon Boat Dock one of my regular places to visit each summer. This year is no exception but with added extras! In correlation with the Maritime Festival Parade in Gig Harbor ( June 1st), I have a collection of maritime themed paintings to go on exhibit through the month of June. In addition to this artwork I will be painting "on site" during the month (exact date TBA). So if your looking for a party enjoy the day long maritime festival and be sure to stop in at the historical Boatshop to support local business.  

June 1st-30th

Gig Harbor BoatShop at Eddon Boatyard

3805 Harborview Drive
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
(253) 857-9344
Hours:Tuesday through Sunday
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
http://www.gigharborboatshop.org/home.html



"The One That Got Away"
 9x12 oil on gessoboard



Take a breath... now back to work!



bench with a view

    After much work last month (5 plein air studies of various lighthouses in under 4 weeks), I took a few days to regenerate. Okay I was actually at a lighthouse but with a view like this sometimes you have to put down the paint brush and breath it all in.
   Although it will take much of the summer before this new body of lighthouse paintings will show, work from Studio-G marches on! Next on the roster for exhibition will be "Fox PAW artists" group show opening May 31st at the Hub in Tacoma. Details to follow...

Studio-G: growth spurt

point wilson LH (18x18 & 9x12)... in progress

   This year a handful of midsized landscape works will be created in Studio-G. My customers and places where I have show have suggested/requested that I go beyond my main stay/affordable 9x12 "little jewels" size. Shortly after the economy folded, I sized down my artwork significantly to a more affordable size both to work in as well as for sales. Although I did sell a 28x36 last May, the smaller works are easier to finish, store and sale which in turn keeps me creating a larger variety for the public.

   Begining in June larger (16x20+) works will be finished and exhibited during the next 6 months as a trial run as well as a to feed a craving I have fought to "go big" for some time. Postings for these works will be mentioned here so... Stay tuned!

Eat, Drink and... breath easy

      Engagement #3 for artwork from Studio-G was the most festive of openings as it was a celebration towards transition. This engagement is the last major collection of work scheduled to exhibit for the year. There will be future shows where new work will be shown but most of them are group shows.

    In the mean time I will be dedicating most of my time to working outside the studio en plein air to create a new body of work which will begin showing this autumn. There are many engagements already on the summer schedule for painting as well as a few projects yet to be revealed from both the studio as well as the drawing board so stay tuned to keep up with the latest postings and creations... from Studio-G.

Post Fling Party

   Art enthusiasts circled the tables at the Two Waters Alliance "Spring Fling" event last weekend. Guests enjoyed harp music, wine/martini bar and a nice variety of prepared foods while taking in the two exhibitions, boutique and auction items to benefit art programs in schools.

Red Sketchbook 6x9 with pocket in back

My apologies to fans and clients... a very important creation/sketchbook of mine has been out of my possession for the last 7 days. I believe somebody else holds that which has many personal drawings and memories of people, places and pets long passed. If anybody has found this sketchbook and gone to this blog (there are postcards in the pocket to advertise my/this blog) I ask that the "finder/protector" please return my sketchbook soon as it is much more than a collection of art to me.
   You can contact me through this blog's email address: gypsieartist@hotmail.com or if you prefer to be more discrete you can return it to the vicinity of departure: the Nichols Center. The building is open every Wednesday morning at 9 am as there is a social gathering (not mine) in the back room while the front 2 rooms are empty. As you walk in the front door go to the 1st room on the right and you will find an open cabinet with (6?) lower drawers on the far right/back wall (no windows or chalkboards on that wall) . The top right drawer has art magazines/books (much better than my work) where you can leave the red 6x9. I will start checking each Wednesday  after 1 pm to see if you have found/returned it. I hope once you find this blog that you realize those people and places (while they may be cool to look at) are my (now lost) memories that belong with me and are greatly missed.

HUB: co-featured artist...Spring Fling: juried Show and auction... Chair Affair:auction piece

Another month, another venue, another excuse to have a party... or 3!
 Studio-G is on the move...    

                 
     Starting with an art event, Spring Fling  benefiting art programs in schools, I will have a mask, some juried paintings as well as a few "surpriseses" at this event this weekend at K.P. Civic Center. (Go to their website for ticket info.)

   Next weekend is the Chair Affair,  an auction to benefit the furniture bank in Tacoma. (See previous posting for my contribution and their website for ticket info).

"Alki Lighthouse" 9x12 oil on gessoboard

And last, but already showing, is a collection of 10 paintings at The HUB part of Harmon Brewing Co in Tacoma.  Cathie Johnson and I are featured artists for the months of April and May. Opening party TBA (See website for directions or more info).                               As if April wasn't a party month already (it is my brother and my birthdays) it will be like running from one party to another this month with all the festivities so between that and a few more deadlines Plein Air season will (believe it or not) have a little less intensive start than last year. Stay tuned for the latest creations and more art-ventures... from Studio-G!

Bubo virginianus saturatus



Owl mask#1-12x18



  Next piece to fly out of Studio-G is a 2nd sculptural mask piece emerging from its nest to complete the last spring creations in 3-D. This piece is made from hand sculpted copper (no heat), paint, birch and grapevine. Although there is another owl in the works of copper, it's unlikely that completion will conclude until late fall.

Mask of March



"Jester of Shooting Stars" 36 gauge metal & paint

    As the 3D-athon of sculpture comes to a close nearing the dusk of March, a new mask piece emerges to be auctioned "The Jester of Shooting Stars" one of three pieces for sale at:

Spring Fling 2013
Saturday April 6, 7pm
Key Peninsula Civic Center
Sponsored by Two Waters Alliance. For ticket information go to the events section at www.twowaters.info/index.php

A Whistler of a Weekend

   The weekend began with this gentleman dressed to the 9s as my Friday model. When he walked in all I could complain about (before the 75 min session even began) was that I needed more time to work with him and that I was regretful to not have brought my paints. I told him on a break in reference to his attire, "This is what artists like Whistler

"Gordon" -12"x12" charcoal

 had to deal with all the time, the poor guy," I added sarcastically.

 

   The next day after returning from a community garden on fox island, (drawing mustard plants) I passed this most beautiful classical car, parked on the side of a road, with not a soul (nor building) in site. My 1st thought was 'Auh, Gordon's auto' with a chuckle but then I started thinking, 'How many times do you see something like this in the middle of nowhere?' Now I'm considering finding the owner so that I can set up some sessions to paint the beauty... a piece to keep the Kiblinger painting company.

New Work to be Sold at "Chair Affair" 2013



rocker before



"Retro Rocker" (detail)

    I have just finished a sculptural project in which I was given a chair and asked to transform it into a one of a kind work of art. 
   This little rocker began with 6 spokes cut out in the base of the backing which inspired the notion of machine cogs. The original cog was left intact only in view from the back of the chair. Otherwise the cog idea evolved to the natural progression of movement that makes a rocker stand out from any other chair. Essentially when the chair is in motion, the rocking is achieved by rolling on elongated feet in a kinetic energy of consistency, required to keep time, as well as replicating a steady rhythm in recorded sound.
   Thus the circular design elements of the “Retro Rocker” suggest motion from past dated themes in our society including rock and roll music on vinyl recorded devices or retired watch clock parts. While hinting that the chair, symbolizing rest, stands still, it may be concluded that those which inhabit the chair, sets the object in motion.including the artist!

 



"Retro Rocker"

 This year the 2013 "Chair Affair" info is as follows:

Date: Friday, April 12, 2013
Time: 6pm- 9pm
Location: NW Furniture Bank
Dress: Business Casual
Heavy Hors d'oeuvres and Drinks
Live and Silent Auction
NW Furniture Bank

Additional information and tickets to attend the event and see/bid on the "Retro Rocker" or any of the other 29 chairs may be found at http://www.chairaffair.org/

Variety is the spice of life

"Jim" 12x12 charcoal

   Drawing portraits for me is like going to a book store,I go in with no specific agenda but rather just enjoy looking around but always come away with (what I feel) is a treasure in it's own brief time. There is such a variety from face to face that all I need to do is draw and in creating the likeness I learn more about the subtle differences that make each of us so unique.

FOX PAW Artists Opening March 4th-new work



Inkwell#1- 4"x6" pen and ink



   I have the pleasure of being in an incredibly eclectic collection of artwork that opened at the Kimball gallery on the 4th. Nine of my regular artist comrades and I share an exhibition that runs through April 1st. Hope you'll come in to see 3 new pieces I have completed in the last year.

Face time.



Melodie 12"x12" charcoal

    Last week I had the pleasure of working with a fantastic model. She was consistent in her return position, alert during the sittings and present in her projected persona. An added bonus was when she chose to find her visual reference higher than eye level which made for nice bright eye information for the artist. Now if only I could collect more information (less correction) in that short window of maybe 75 minutes.

Once in a blue moon



"Rachel" 16x24  oil on canvas
I have had a few viewers who have either seen my blog or been to my shows ask, "Do you do portraits?"




"John" 9x12 oil on canvas
Little do they know that the face is one of my favorite subjects even if I don't do them as often as I would like."Only when I can get a willing victim," I answer which should actually be code for I don't work from photos because undoubtedly the next sentences  from those interested in a portrait is, "Well, I have this photo..."




"Chandra" 12x16 oil on canvas

   I'm not claiming to be a portrait artist but I'm also not one who draws inspiration from a mechanical version of an abbreviated glimpse from somebody else's perspective.... and usually questionable lighting/focus/whatever!!!  Sorry folks, but I prefer to keep it "real"! (3 hour modeling sessions from life)