I've moved my blog to my new website - Pauly Tamez Art. This is a new format. I've enjoyed blogging since 2004, when I started "Beer, Barbecue, and Bible Study." I have a short-term goal to paint full time by 2018 (I'll be 60 then). My new website will be more focused on showcasing my art, what I am doing, and short tutorials to help others that are learning to paint.
If you have been reading this blog for a while, or are following me here, please go to my new website and register there to subscribe. I also have a monthly newsletter, and you can subscribe on the website.Also, please take time to "Like" my Facebook page, Pauly Tamez Art.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
This Way, My Love
My friend Johny says, "Art is personal," and it is. I remember for many years refusing to even think about selling my art, because I felt I would be selling a part of me. I was always willing to give it away, but selling it just didn't feel right. Of course, I have changed my mind, and realize that people are willing to give something in return for something they like, some personal part of me that speaks to them somehow.
I enjoy painting, and I enjoy the joy it brings others, even if they don't buy. Art speaks to people, conjures up strong emotions, and goes to the soul. I've written before about my profound connection with the art of Bill Zaner when I first moved here. And I have talked about the spiritual connections I have made with the artists I have met through the gallery.
Linda and I have seen and admired lots of art, but it was just recently that we were moved enough to acquire apiece of art that truly moved us. I may get a little transparent here... we have been married over 30 years now, and as any married couple can attest, it's not all rainbows and unicorns. There have been some really hard years when we didn't know if we would make it. I sometimes make a joke that we he been married for 7 wonderful years - plus 13 bad ones, 3 years of hell, and the rest we just got by, but a total of 30.
So....we saw this sculpture, and the title is "This Way, My Love." When Johny told me the artist explained it to be one person being stuck or trapped, and their partner , the one on the outside, could say, "This way, my love," to show the way out, I literally broke down in tears, and realized how much that connected to my relationship with Linda. Each one of us has been one or the other in that sculpture. And at times throughout the years, the bird in the cage has been us as a couple, and there have been other couples who stood with us through some horrible times. Others have been there to encourage us, and help us find a way out. Many times, we have been the bird on the outside to help other couples see a way out.
And many, many times, our faith in God has been the bird on the outside to show us the way out. Either way, whether we have been led, or used to lead another, the Spirit leads us into relationships to encourage others and be encouraged by others. We are made for relationships, to help, to bring strength and comfort, to care enough to say, "This way, my love." We are shown a way out of our trappings in order to help others when they are trapped. It's the reason for good relationships.
This piece of art brought us both to tears, and brought up deep feelings of awe and gratefulness. It is through art that one expresses themselves, and through art another connects with that expression. Linda and I hope to meet the artist, Bien Irazarry, when we visit Santa Fe next month. I hope we can express to him how this sculpture not only spoke to us, but went straight to our soul.
And through each painting I do, somehow I hope I can speak to and connect with someone else's soul. If only to encourage, and maybe say, "This way, my love."
I enjoy painting, and I enjoy the joy it brings others, even if they don't buy. Art speaks to people, conjures up strong emotions, and goes to the soul. I've written before about my profound connection with the art of Bill Zaner when I first moved here. And I have talked about the spiritual connections I have made with the artists I have met through the gallery.
Linda and I have seen and admired lots of art, but it was just recently that we were moved enough to acquire apiece of art that truly moved us. I may get a little transparent here... we have been married over 30 years now, and as any married couple can attest, it's not all rainbows and unicorns. There have been some really hard years when we didn't know if we would make it. I sometimes make a joke that we he been married for 7 wonderful years - plus 13 bad ones, 3 years of hell, and the rest we just got by, but a total of 30.
So....we saw this sculpture, and the title is "This Way, My Love." When Johny told me the artist explained it to be one person being stuck or trapped, and their partner , the one on the outside, could say, "This way, my love," to show the way out, I literally broke down in tears, and realized how much that connected to my relationship with Linda. Each one of us has been one or the other in that sculpture. And at times throughout the years, the bird in the cage has been us as a couple, and there have been other couples who stood with us through some horrible times. Others have been there to encourage us, and help us find a way out. Many times, we have been the bird on the outside to help other couples see a way out.
And many, many times, our faith in God has been the bird on the outside to show us the way out. Either way, whether we have been led, or used to lead another, the Spirit leads us into relationships to encourage others and be encouraged by others. We are made for relationships, to help, to bring strength and comfort, to care enough to say, "This way, my love." We are shown a way out of our trappings in order to help others when they are trapped. It's the reason for good relationships.
This piece of art brought us both to tears, and brought up deep feelings of awe and gratefulness. It is through art that one expresses themselves, and through art another connects with that expression. Linda and I hope to meet the artist, Bien Irazarry, when we visit Santa Fe next month. I hope we can express to him how this sculpture not only spoke to us, but went straight to our soul.
And through each painting I do, somehow I hope I can speak to and connect with someone else's soul. If only to encourage, and maybe say, "This way, my love."
Sunday, August 4, 2013
New work
I've painted a lot down on the Cibolo Creek at the Cibolo Nature Center in Boerne, TX. Rarely do I ever see anyone out there while I sit by the creek for several hours. My favorite spot is about a 6 or 7 minute hike from the parking lot to an out-of-the-way and somewhat hidden location right next to a bend in the creek. There is a fallen log that crosses (and appears to end) a creekside trail. The floor is criss-crossed with cypress roots and one must walk carefully to avoid tripping. It has been my favorite place since I started going there. The log is in just the right position for me to use as both a seat and a table for my brushes. It offers a perfect view upstream, with a smooth water surface reflecting the 50-60' cypress trees. The creek is only 25-30 yards wide, and where I sit there is a narrow spot between the roots where the water flows gently over the rocks and between the roots. It's quiet, and one can hear the birds, cicadas, frogs, and the occasional heron that graces the water. It is truly an inspirational place to paint, and sometimes I just sit there for an hour or so before I even set up.
I love getting out there right around or right after sunrise. As time passes, and the sun peeks through the trees, and the light constantly changes, creating some dramatic highlights on the edges of the cypress trees, and some strong shadows and light on and through the water. For a plein-air painter, it abounds with subject matter. Being right next to the water, and under the shade of the trees offers a cool place that is 10-15 degrees cooler than up on the trail. I can usually stay out there until noon, and not break a sweat - even when it's 90 degrees or more outside.
Here is my latest completed painting. Imagine being there as you view it.
I love getting out there right around or right after sunrise. As time passes, and the sun peeks through the trees, and the light constantly changes, creating some dramatic highlights on the edges of the cypress trees, and some strong shadows and light on and through the water. For a plein-air painter, it abounds with subject matter. Being right next to the water, and under the shade of the trees offers a cool place that is 10-15 degrees cooler than up on the trail. I can usually stay out there until noon, and not break a sweat - even when it's 90 degrees or more outside.
Here is my latest completed painting. Imagine being there as you view it.
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| Cypress Trees along the Cibolo, Oil on panel, 14" x 18" - SOLD |
Friday, August 2, 2013
What Color is Water?
I spent time this morning at my favorite summer morning refuge, along the creek at the Cibolo Nature Center. I packed all my gear, intending on working more on the oil painting I started last week, but when I got out there, I decided to do a watercolor study of the scene, focusing on the reflections in the water.
The study is intended to give me some insight for when I compete my oil painting. I am always challenged by water, not only getting the right colors, but also with the right reflections. I love the stillness of the water out here. And I was hoping to convey the quietness of the water.
So what color is water? It is the color of whatever it reflects. It's the color of quiet, and the color of peace. I love going out there.
The study is intended to give me some insight for when I compete my oil painting. I am always challenged by water, not only getting the right colors, but also with the right reflections. I love the stillness of the water out here. And I was hoping to convey the quietness of the water.
So what color is water? It is the color of whatever it reflects. It's the color of quiet, and the color of peace. I love going out there.
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| Watercolor study for Cypress along the Cibolo |
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| The way to the creek |
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
A short story of art and change
One thing we can always be assured of is that things will not remain the same. Change is constant, and life is very fluid. I say "fluid" because like water, life can be directed, redirected, or flow freely. Water, on its own, finds the path of least resistance. It will flow wherever it is allowed. A river or stream follows the same path until it is changed either by some major event or a purposeful redirection. If it is allowed to stop, it will eventually stagnate and everything in it and around it will die and decay.
In 2010, my life began to take another direction. It was not my choice that circumstances forced Linda and I to face some major uncertainty, and eventually make choices that brought us to Boerne, Texas. A series of events led me to leave familiar ground - in my business, our social circles, and our family. At the time, I thought it was purely for economics, and it made sense for me to change careers and find employment that required this move south. 3 years later, some of the reasons for moving are becoming more apparent, and clearly, it has been a good move. I might even say it has been the best move we have ever made.
After commuting weekly for 8 months - 3 hours one way, we moved here in May of 2011. Two weeks after moving here, on the 2nd Saturday of June, I walked into an art gallery on Main Street that changed my life. I remember there was a wall directly in front of the door that had several oil paintings of the Texas hill country. I walked over to one particular painting, and as I was looking at it, I was overcome with emotion. The painting (by Bill Zaner) drew me in immediately, and somehow was able to convey something very deep, and reassured me that Linda and I had made the best decision. There was peace in the painting - something that took me back to a time long before Linda and I met - a scene of the hills that said, "Welcome home." I allowed the emotion to consume me, and I stood there, weeping, feeling peace, like a hand was on my shoulder comforting my soul.
It was months later, after frequenting that gallery, and hanging out (I made it known I wasn't leaving) with several artists who have become my friends and support, that I decided I wanted to paint again. I had no clue where to start, but I mentioned to my nephew that I needed to buy some paints, and he told me he had a whole box of them someone had abandoned. I paid him a few bucks, acquired some canvas panels, pulled out my collection of brushes someone had given me years back, and started painting.
My life has changed as I have uncovered a passion that began years ago, as a teenager that loved to dabble with watercolor. I was lucky enough to meet my friend, Johny Rosa, a man of similar passion for life that shows in everything he does. And I was lucky to meet those artists whom I now call my friends - I've drank a lot of beer with these guys...and traveled places with them to paint. They have all encouraged me to pursue excellence, and I have gotten better.
So here I am in Boerne, an artist struggling to get better, building what will be my next career to take me through "retirement." And life is good. I am lucky to have a good company in which to work, that pays me well. I have a boss that encourages me to get out of my comfort zone. All I am learning at work, I am applying to my art. I'm being challenged, I'm striving to get better, and I am learning how to be me.
There are many of you reading these words that have been an encouragement to me, and I thank you for your friendship. For those of you that have commented, called me, or sent me a note along the way, know that means so much to me. Thank you.
Much love,
Pauly
In 2010, my life began to take another direction. It was not my choice that circumstances forced Linda and I to face some major uncertainty, and eventually make choices that brought us to Boerne, Texas. A series of events led me to leave familiar ground - in my business, our social circles, and our family. At the time, I thought it was purely for economics, and it made sense for me to change careers and find employment that required this move south. 3 years later, some of the reasons for moving are becoming more apparent, and clearly, it has been a good move. I might even say it has been the best move we have ever made.
After commuting weekly for 8 months - 3 hours one way, we moved here in May of 2011. Two weeks after moving here, on the 2nd Saturday of June, I walked into an art gallery on Main Street that changed my life. I remember there was a wall directly in front of the door that had several oil paintings of the Texas hill country. I walked over to one particular painting, and as I was looking at it, I was overcome with emotion. The painting (by Bill Zaner) drew me in immediately, and somehow was able to convey something very deep, and reassured me that Linda and I had made the best decision. There was peace in the painting - something that took me back to a time long before Linda and I met - a scene of the hills that said, "Welcome home." I allowed the emotion to consume me, and I stood there, weeping, feeling peace, like a hand was on my shoulder comforting my soul.
It was months later, after frequenting that gallery, and hanging out (I made it known I wasn't leaving) with several artists who have become my friends and support, that I decided I wanted to paint again. I had no clue where to start, but I mentioned to my nephew that I needed to buy some paints, and he told me he had a whole box of them someone had abandoned. I paid him a few bucks, acquired some canvas panels, pulled out my collection of brushes someone had given me years back, and started painting.
My life has changed as I have uncovered a passion that began years ago, as a teenager that loved to dabble with watercolor. I was lucky enough to meet my friend, Johny Rosa, a man of similar passion for life that shows in everything he does. And I was lucky to meet those artists whom I now call my friends - I've drank a lot of beer with these guys...and traveled places with them to paint. They have all encouraged me to pursue excellence, and I have gotten better.
So here I am in Boerne, an artist struggling to get better, building what will be my next career to take me through "retirement." And life is good. I am lucky to have a good company in which to work, that pays me well. I have a boss that encourages me to get out of my comfort zone. All I am learning at work, I am applying to my art. I'm being challenged, I'm striving to get better, and I am learning how to be me.
There are many of you reading these words that have been an encouragement to me, and I thank you for your friendship. For those of you that have commented, called me, or sent me a note along the way, know that means so much to me. Thank you.
Much love,
Pauly
Sunday, June 30, 2013
New work
Summer days start early. The sun rises at 6:30 or so, and it's twilight by 6:00. Once the sun is up though, it can heat up in a hurry. I like that cool part of the morning - it's quiet, people are still stirring, but the birds are lively, and there is still plenty of wildlife up and around. The hills around here have an abundance of deer, rabbits, roadrunners, raccoons, etc... it's a perfect time to be up and around. And a perfect time to paint.
With yesterday's temps being over 100°F, it was critical for me to begin early. I was determined to finish a painting before I left, and I was able to do that, as well as a couple of pencil sketches, and start another oil painting. I am practicing painting fast, challenging myself to stay loose and work with my pallet knife, and limited color pallet. So far, I am digging what's coming out.
I am missing one thing though - I want some painting partners. I learn so much seeing what others are doing, how they compose a subject, how they mix colors, how they do different things. If anyone out there reading this would like to join me, please send me a note or give me a call and let me know. I would really appreciate it!
My friend Lora has 4 longhorn cattle, and a nice herd of deer that feed in her pasture. Her husband had put out about 1000 lbs. of carrots in the pasture, and the cows and the deer were happily grazing when I got there. I did this quick painting of Faith, one of the cows. I also took a lot of pictures, and a couple of sketches. Here is the finished painting.
I kept it as loose as I could and it took me about 2 hours to finish. I still think I want to work faster. But this is working now...
With yesterday's temps being over 100°F, it was critical for me to begin early. I was determined to finish a painting before I left, and I was able to do that, as well as a couple of pencil sketches, and start another oil painting. I am practicing painting fast, challenging myself to stay loose and work with my pallet knife, and limited color pallet. So far, I am digging what's coming out.
I am missing one thing though - I want some painting partners. I learn so much seeing what others are doing, how they compose a subject, how they mix colors, how they do different things. If anyone out there reading this would like to join me, please send me a note or give me a call and let me know. I would really appreciate it!
My friend Lora has 4 longhorn cattle, and a nice herd of deer that feed in her pasture. Her husband had put out about 1000 lbs. of carrots in the pasture, and the cows and the deer were happily grazing when I got there. I did this quick painting of Faith, one of the cows. I also took a lot of pictures, and a couple of sketches. Here is the finished painting.
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| "Faith" Oil on canvas panel, 8" x 8" |
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Pintura Fresca
I love that I live in the Texas Hill Country, and even more so, that I am in Boerne, and one only has to drive a short distance to have a decent place to paint. My favorite place by far is the Cibolo Nature Center. It's always quiet and peaceful, and gives me a great place to go paint. Mornings are especially nice, because even in the summer, one can find a cool, shady place.
I went out to one of my favorite spots, where two branches of the Cibolo Creek converge. There is a steady stream of water over the rocks, and the banks are lined with some very old, very tall cypress trees. Few people make it out there, but occasionally, a wandering couple will come by and spend a moment watching or talking to me. I can spend a few hours out there, and create some pretty nice art.
I just completed this in the studio this morning - the paint is still fresh and wet. I'll have it framed as soon as it's ready.
I went out to one of my favorite spots, where two branches of the Cibolo Creek converge. There is a steady stream of water over the rocks, and the banks are lined with some very old, very tall cypress trees. Few people make it out there, but occasionally, a wandering couple will come by and spend a moment watching or talking to me. I can spend a few hours out there, and create some pretty nice art.
I just completed this in the studio this morning - the paint is still fresh and wet. I'll have it framed as soon as it's ready.
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| "Twin Sentinels on the Cibolo" Oil on Canvas Panel, 8" x 10" |
Friday, June 21, 2013
Newsletter Mailing list
I've finished another step toward positioning myself to make this a full time occupation down the road... My website is getting closer to reality. I'm meeting with the web designer again today to finalize the new website. Stand by for an announcement to follow in the next couple of weeks when I launch the new website.
In the meantime, some of you have expressed that you would be interested in being on my email list. I now have a link over in the right column to sign up for future mailings. I plan on a periodic (maybe once a month) newsletter that will include what I am working on, what I have sold, what's new, and provide some insight, links to other artists, and events. I may even throw in an occassional short instructional video. At any rate, I promise I wil not bombard anyone with daily emails, or blow up your email box with junk. just want to have another way to stay in touch other than Facebook.
Please take a moment to sign up for my email list. Again, the link is at the top of the right column... all you have to do is share your email with me.
More to follow soon. Inthe meantime, Nigel will be standing by.
In the meantime, some of you have expressed that you would be interested in being on my email list. I now have a link over in the right column to sign up for future mailings. I plan on a periodic (maybe once a month) newsletter that will include what I am working on, what I have sold, what's new, and provide some insight, links to other artists, and events. I may even throw in an occassional short instructional video. At any rate, I promise I wil not bombard anyone with daily emails, or blow up your email box with junk. just want to have another way to stay in touch other than Facebook.
Please take a moment to sign up for my email list. Again, the link is at the top of the right column... all you have to do is share your email with me.
More to follow soon. Inthe meantime, Nigel will be standing by.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
What's going on
After resisting doing this again, I reopened a profile on Facebook, and will be posting things from this blog on my page, "Pauly Tamez Art." I thought it was just part of something I need to do in order to promote my art. I do this somewhat reluctantly because I have a lot of concerns about Facebook in general. But if it's a piece of my art marketing, where everyone else is, I guess I couldn't find another place just as hot to do that.
I'll have a website soon, until then, I'll be testing Facebook for a while.
Would you please take time to "Like" my page "Pauly Tamez Art?"
Here is a new painting from last weekend. It is a smaller version of another painting I previously posted.
Also, the other 2 are completed works of the "Wette Painte" below.
I'll have a website soon, until then, I'll be testing Facebook for a while.
Would you please take time to "Like" my page "Pauly Tamez Art?"
Here is a new painting from last weekend. It is a smaller version of another painting I previously posted.
Also, the other 2 are completed works of the "Wette Painte" below.
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| "Spring Verbena" Oil on canvas, 4" x 5" |
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| "Spring Verbena near Sisterdale, TX" Oil on Canvas board, 8" x 10" |
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| "Oak in the morning" Oil on canvas panel, 8" x 8" |
Sunday, May 19, 2013
If you are on my email list
Please let me know. I am going to be changing up my outreach soon. I am going to get my own website, and want to include anyone who reads this. So please send me an email so I can notify you as soon as that happens.
Wette Painte
Just finished a 2-day, 2-event art display. Yesterday I participated in the Best of BoerneFest Art show, which was well attended, and I had a great time meeting folks and getting my name out. Today I did the first ever Boerne Art Waddle - an event that highlighted some of the artist who live in the "Flats" and several other artists that were hosted in different homes. It was a blast - I finished 1 painting Saturday, and completed 2 on Sunday. I took my easel to both events and painted and talked to people.
I am coming to understand art is a lot about joy. It brings me joy ( and satisfaction, peace, and relaxation) to paint. I enjoy it, other people enjoy it, and sometimes they buy it. I was able to let a few people take the pallet knife, and contribute to my painting. Whenever someone asks how difficult it is to paint with a knife, I hand them the knife and let them put paint on the surface...it's that easy, and I get to show someone they can do it too.
I'm happy, they're happy - Er-body's happy.
Here's my unsigned paintings from the weekend - still drying...
I am coming to understand art is a lot about joy. It brings me joy ( and satisfaction, peace, and relaxation) to paint. I enjoy it, other people enjoy it, and sometimes they buy it. I was able to let a few people take the pallet knife, and contribute to my painting. Whenever someone asks how difficult it is to paint with a knife, I hand them the knife and let them put paint on the surface...it's that easy, and I get to show someone they can do it too.
I'm happy, they're happy - Er-body's happy.
Here's my unsigned paintings from the weekend - still drying...
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| Oak on a hill, Oil on board, 8" x 8" |
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| Spring Verbena, oil on canvas board, 8" x 10" |
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| Spring Verbena #2, oil on canvas, 4" x 5" |
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Boerne Art Waddle
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Terlingua Sunrise
One of the joys of having some time off and relaxing in Terlingua is waking up, pouring myself a cup of coffee, spiking it up with some bourbon, and sitting out on the front porch will Bill Zaner watching the sunrise over the mountains. The day starts quietly, usually with me and Bill on the deck, no one saying a word, and we are soon joined by David, then the rest of the group starts stirring.
It's a kind of Zen moment. No one says a word, because no words are necessary. It's a sacred time to sit, reflect, and observe. As the sun rises, the day awakens the little town of Terlingua, and one can see people moving about. I get up to fix breakfast as people begin arriving, and we talk about where we'll go paint that day. Plans are made, breakfast is eaten, showers are done, and everyone get ready within a short time, and we're off. It's a blessed time, and one I miss, as I frequently think about it. Sometimes, when the time is right, I escape my desk, and go watch the sunrise at work before I begin my day - coffee in hand (without the bourbon), and I think about being out west, watching Terlingua awaken.
It's a kind of Zen moment. No one says a word, because no words are necessary. It's a sacred time to sit, reflect, and observe. As the sun rises, the day awakens the little town of Terlingua, and one can see people moving about. I get up to fix breakfast as people begin arriving, and we talk about where we'll go paint that day. Plans are made, breakfast is eaten, showers are done, and everyone get ready within a short time, and we're off. It's a blessed time, and one I miss, as I frequently think about it. Sometimes, when the time is right, I escape my desk, and go watch the sunrise at work before I begin my day - coffee in hand (without the bourbon), and I think about being out west, watching Terlingua awaken.
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| Terlingua Sunrise, Illuminating Maverick Mountain and Pulliam Bluff. Oil on Panel, 11" x 14" |
"Morning on the Cibolo Creek"
Painted en plein aire. That's French for "I painted outside."
The Cibolo Creek runs through Boerne, and a private foundation has set up an area of land called the Cibolo Nature Center. (www.cibolo.org/) It is pretty much untouched, and with a short hike from the parking area, there are several places along the creek where one can sit for hours and enjoy the peace and quiet, and paint, write, reflect, or just be still. I was out there yesterday for about 2 1/2 hours and saw a total of 2 couples that walked by to see what I was doing. My dog, Nigel, had a great time romping through the shallow creek and greeting those that came by.
The morning lights create some interesting shadows and reflections on the water. This is at the end of one of the trails where 2 branches of the creek converge.
The Cibolo Creek runs through Boerne, and a private foundation has set up an area of land called the Cibolo Nature Center. (www.cibolo.org/) It is pretty much untouched, and with a short hike from the parking area, there are several places along the creek where one can sit for hours and enjoy the peace and quiet, and paint, write, reflect, or just be still. I was out there yesterday for about 2 1/2 hours and saw a total of 2 couples that walked by to see what I was doing. My dog, Nigel, had a great time romping through the shallow creek and greeting those that came by.
The morning lights create some interesting shadows and reflections on the water. This is at the end of one of the trails where 2 branches of the creek converge.
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| "Morning on the Cibolo Creek" Boerne, TX. Oil on panel, 9" x 12" |
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Completed paintings
I had fun this week thinking about and then completing the paintings I started at Big Bend. I learned a few things too. While I usually paint wet-on-wet, I found out that if I let the paint dry for a week, I then have a new surface to work on, and I can bring out the lights, apply some atmosphere, and make some nice details happen.
It's been a great weekend to work in my studio, and think about color, depth, values... and then apply the new paint to the surface. I got all fired up, and not only finished the paintings, but also framed and hung them. I love seeing something through to completion.
Here are the finished works
It's been a great weekend to work in my studio, and think about color, depth, values... and then apply the new paint to the surface. I got all fired up, and not only finished the paintings, but also framed and hung them. I love seeing something through to completion.
Here are the finished works
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| Christmas Mountains, Big Bend, TX, 8" x 10", oil on board |
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| Big Bend hills with View of Santa Elena in the back, 4" x 6", oil on board |
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| Maverick Mountain with Pulliam Bluff int he background, 11" x 14", oil on board |
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| Maverick Mountain # 2, Pulliam Bluff in the background, 2.5" x 3", oil on canvas board |
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| Pulliam Bluff in the morning, Big Bend, TX, 9" x 12", oil on board |
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Some pretty good art
I just finished my 2nd painting trip to Big Bend, and had another opportunity to paint with Bill Zaner and David Caton. There were a total of 6 artists and 1 photographer on the trip. We ate, drank, and painted. At night we partied, told a lot of stories, and laughed. I got to watch the sunset, sunrise, and moonrise every day. I did 5 paintings there, and completed 3 more when I got home. I am still painting... I wanted to post these, even though I think some of them still need finishing touches in the studio.
Big Bend has been a rewarding and educational experience for me. I could never pay enough to have the opportunity to sit with 2 of the finest artists I know, and learn what I do just being on site painting with them. It is a bit intimidating at first, but after the first few colors go on the surface, things just flow. I did some of the best art I've ever done, and learned some valuable things there. I got to see a part of the world that few people ever see, since it is so remote. And spending 4 days out there is just not enough. I look forward to our next trip in October - fall is a wonderful time to be there.
Big Bend has been a rewarding and educational experience for me. I could never pay enough to have the opportunity to sit with 2 of the finest artists I know, and learn what I do just being on site painting with them. It is a bit intimidating at first, but after the first few colors go on the surface, things just flow. I did some of the best art I've ever done, and learned some valuable things there. I got to see a part of the world that few people ever see, since it is so remote. And spending 4 days out there is just not enough. I look forward to our next trip in October - fall is a wonderful time to be there.
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| Ocotillo #1, Oil on canvas, 4" x 5" |
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| Ocotillo with Santa Elena in the background, oil on panel, 4" x 6" |
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| Pulliam Bluff, oil on board, 4" x 11" |
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| Pullium Bluff, oil on board, 9" x 12" |
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| Pullium Bluff, oil on canvas, 4" x 5" |
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| Christmas Mountains, oil on board, 8" x 10" |
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| Ocotillo #2, oil on canvas, 4" x 5" |
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Reasons I love to paint
There are so many reasons I love to paint, but one of the main reasons is to give something of myself to someone else. For many years, I didn't want to sell my art because it is just so personal, and each painting has meaning, emotion, and part of my soul. It wasn't until this year I actually wanted to sell anything I did. Before that if I wanted someone to have my art, I would just give it to them. I still do a bit of that, because I can think of nothing else that I could give to someone that is a more tangible part of me. I really dig it when someone likes something enough to actually PAY me for it. Sure, it takes some work, time, and skill; but I enjoy painting and drawing so much, that it always blows my mind that someone would actually pay me for something I had so much fun doing.
But my greatest joy is when I paint something especially for someone I care about, just to give it away. I painted this because my daughter loves butterflies, and I love my daughter. And I guess I love to paint butterflies. This was a quick painting I did when she was here last weekend. I guess I'll share it with you. Thanks for coming by today...
But my greatest joy is when I paint something especially for someone I care about, just to give it away. I painted this because my daughter loves butterflies, and I love my daughter. And I guess I love to paint butterflies. This was a quick painting I did when she was here last weekend. I guess I'll share it with you. Thanks for coming by today...
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| "Light Landing" Acrylic on canvas, 4" x 5" - yep, I gave it away |
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Aw, nuts
Linda loves pecans. I watched her pick these up - along with a rather large bag-full, and she's been shelling them every night. That girl is all country, and I sure love her for it. Anyway, I thought they would make nice subject matter. Here's a little watercolor, and a little oil still life. - "Pocket Paintings"
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| Fredericksburg Pecans, Watercolor on cold press paper. 2.5" x 3" NFS |
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| Fredericksburg Pecans, Oil on panel, 2.5" x 3.5" NFS |
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
More WInter Field scenes
I really enjoy painting the same scene several times in different sizes. These 2 are of the "Winter Field..." series, and each has its own character. Some of my favorite paintings are the tiny ones I do with the leftover paint. I keep several small canvases on hand expressly for that purpose, and I have one collector that loves them. He always jokes that he has a small collection of my paintings.
These are the last two from that series.
These are the last two from that series.
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| Winter Field Along the Cibolo #3, Oil on canvas, 8"x10" $200, framed |
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| Winter Field Along the Cibolo #4, Oil on Canvas, 1 1/2" x 2" NFS |
Monday, January 21, 2013
Winter days
I can think of nowhere better to live than where I am in the Texas Hill country, and I can think of no better place to spend a winter either. While the Springtime yields the bursts of colors from the many wildflowers, and summer gives us the cobalt blue skies...and Autumn brings forth the reds, yellows, and purples of the many trees, Winter is truly filled with something new each day.
A typical winter week in Texas can have below-freezing weather on Monday with gray overcast skies, and by Wednesday it can be sunny and 70 degrees. And with each day, colors change, moods shift, and the sky is always a different canvas. As an artist who paints, I always have new opportunities, even with the same scene, on different days. I tried to capture a cold, overcast day in this painting. The field full of winter grass was contrasted by the always-green live oaks and the backdrop of the naked cypress trees along the Cibolo creek that runs along the bluffs of the hills in the background.
I waited for some cloudy days to compose this work. a couple of drawings, followed by a watercolor sketch, helped me capture the cool grass being blown by a north wind, and the winter treeline along the creek. The day I was doing the watercolor, I saw a herd of whitetail deer moving along the trees, including a very nice 10-point buck. I was maybe 225-250 yards from the treeline, and the wind would have been blowing my smell away from them. They never acted like I was even there.
So, I will post the watercolor and the completed painting - well, I think it's complete, although I haven't signed it yet. Since I have today off, I might make some more tweaks to it - or maybe not. Nevertheless, today's a good day to start a new painting, so I'll go exploring to see what kind of trouble I can get into.
A typical winter week in Texas can have below-freezing weather on Monday with gray overcast skies, and by Wednesday it can be sunny and 70 degrees. And with each day, colors change, moods shift, and the sky is always a different canvas. As an artist who paints, I always have new opportunities, even with the same scene, on different days. I tried to capture a cold, overcast day in this painting. The field full of winter grass was contrasted by the always-green live oaks and the backdrop of the naked cypress trees along the Cibolo creek that runs along the bluffs of the hills in the background.
I waited for some cloudy days to compose this work. a couple of drawings, followed by a watercolor sketch, helped me capture the cool grass being blown by a north wind, and the winter treeline along the creek. The day I was doing the watercolor, I saw a herd of whitetail deer moving along the trees, including a very nice 10-point buck. I was maybe 225-250 yards from the treeline, and the wind would have been blowing my smell away from them. They never acted like I was even there.
So, I will post the watercolor and the completed painting - well, I think it's complete, although I haven't signed it yet. Since I have today off, I might make some more tweaks to it - or maybe not. Nevertheless, today's a good day to start a new painting, so I'll go exploring to see what kind of trouble I can get into.
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| Study for "Winter Field along the Cibolo" watercolor on paper, 9" x 12" |
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| "Winter Field along the Cibolo" oil on panel, 18" x 24" $860, unframed |
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Happy Moo year
2013. Beginning of yet another year. The funny thing about time is that, perceptually, it seems to go by faster the older we get. Realistically, though, we have the same 31,536,000 seconds in each year (31,722,400 in a leap year), and they go by at the same rate of speed, no matter how old we get. tick, tick tick tick....
What we choose to do with that time is up to each one of us individually. We each have the same 86,400 seconds in each day, no matter who we are. How many of us, though, choose to use the time to our advantage? We can pass 14,400 seconds a night (or more) watching TV - be it sports, news, or other things of no consequence. We can easily blow 7200 seconds a day on Facebook, or sending text messages. If we are lucky, we get 28,800 seconds of sleep, and most of us work another 28,800 seconds a day. That leaves roughly 7200 seconds to important, consequential, and other momentous pursuits. Most people, though, tend to use those precious seconds doing nothing, or worrying, fretting, complaining, gossiping, or being stupid. And we wonder how time gets away from us so quickly...especially as we get older.
Some of us have decided life is too short - or too long, depending on your point of view - to merely waste our seconds on trivial pursuits. I've made a decision to spend more time pursuing my passions - writing, painting, drawing, practicing my art, drinking fine wine, loving those around me, and making the rest of my life mean something more than ordinary. I don't want to reach the end of my life and realize I wasted it in front of the TV or Facebook. I, like everyone else, only have 86,400 seconds each day to be extraordinary. And when it's all said and done, I want to know it was well done.
Here are what paintings look like in the beginning.
If you are reading this, it means you're important to me. Give me a call or send me a note sometime this year. We only have seconds left in this life. Don't waste them.
What we choose to do with that time is up to each one of us individually. We each have the same 86,400 seconds in each day, no matter who we are. How many of us, though, choose to use the time to our advantage? We can pass 14,400 seconds a night (or more) watching TV - be it sports, news, or other things of no consequence. We can easily blow 7200 seconds a day on Facebook, or sending text messages. If we are lucky, we get 28,800 seconds of sleep, and most of us work another 28,800 seconds a day. That leaves roughly 7200 seconds to important, consequential, and other momentous pursuits. Most people, though, tend to use those precious seconds doing nothing, or worrying, fretting, complaining, gossiping, or being stupid. And we wonder how time gets away from us so quickly...especially as we get older.
Some of us have decided life is too short - or too long, depending on your point of view - to merely waste our seconds on trivial pursuits. I've made a decision to spend more time pursuing my passions - writing, painting, drawing, practicing my art, drinking fine wine, loving those around me, and making the rest of my life mean something more than ordinary. I don't want to reach the end of my life and realize I wasted it in front of the TV or Facebook. I, like everyone else, only have 86,400 seconds each day to be extraordinary. And when it's all said and done, I want to know it was well done.
Here are what paintings look like in the beginning.
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| Happy Moo Year - a pencil study for a larger painting. These little longhorns belong to a dear friend, Lora, who let me come and get them to pose for me one day. Pencil on cotton paper, 9" x 11". |
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| Beginning of #3 of 3, "Winter Field on the Cibolo," oil on panel, 18" x 24," First painting of 2013. Not wasting any time. |
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