Sunday, February 10, 2013

On Turning Five

Hwy S Barn
It is my birthday week. We constantly measure ourselves by how many years old we are, our age defines us. it would be impossible to separate from being __ years old. Remember in your early twenties, when anyone above thirty was a fossil? I am sure that many of us look back fondly on those days, but quickly snap out of it when we realize that we are lucky to have survived them. Reality.
More importantly (at least to me) is that this week also represents my REbirthday, the day that I started to paint. Now, I've been painting for much of my life, but February 11 2008 marks the day when I began really working. In high school and college, I was always drawn to paintings from life, thing is, I was never very good at it. I understood that it was going to take much time and effort to be able to paint landscapes outdoors, and I was alright with putting it off until the time was right. I envy those who were able to paint through these years, but also value my own perspective. The years after college were spent designing skateboard graphics and t-shirts, I had stuff to do before I could set up my easel all day. It's been five years of painting so far, and 2013 is my last year in my second round of college, I'm looking at it as another time of change. I cannot wait to finish school and paint more.

This was my first experiment painting outdoors after returning to  painting in 2008.  



This is my second outdoor painting after returning to painting. This old co-op remains one of my favorite places to paint.
This is the third painting after returning to painting. 

We cannot live by the past. The present is so transient that it almost does note exist. As a matter of fact, we live by the future; or more accurately  we are unceasingly preparing ourselves toward it, trying to anticipate it. From this flow all ideas. It is impossible to be alive without the effort to create and to  bring something new into concrete manifestation. - Nicolai Fechin

8 comments:

Unknown said...

Happy Re-birthday! Im happy that the brush is in your hand!

Unknown said...

Happy Re-birthday!! Im glad that the brush is in your hand! :)

Daniel Corey said...

Happy Paint Birthday! This was about the same time I quit work and started painting. We're twins! Lol.
Funny thing is this year "The year of the Water Snake" is about rebirth and redifinition. I can't wait to see what comes from your work for the next five years!

Chris Gillis said...

This is a great painting Kyle - there's so many interesting things going on - the basement with all that amazing light and the general feel of the warmth of the sun. Great brushstrokes, great masses....I mean great EVERYTHING! This is one of my favorite paintings you've done.

I think we might have got back into painting right about the same time - I still have my first open air from then - I'll have to post it soon.

Matthew Holt said...

Really nice piece, Kyle! Love the light bouncing around and illuminating the inside bottom level of the barn! The gray faded paint of the barn-siding really sets it up along with your snow shadows.

Matthew Holt said...

Oh, and really well written post and great to hear your story!

Larissa said...

Love hearing your story Kyle...you're amazing and it's totally to your perseverance that you're there. Great post.

Kyle Martin said...

Hi Jenny, Yes, brush and (cheese)cake in hand! Let's paint together soon.

Hi Dan, yup twins! This will be a big year of rebirth for the both of us and I'm looking forward to the journey. I know we recently talked about a certain painters most recent work that you thought was going to drop and make us all go banannas, but I think your latest work is some of the best stuff I've seen from anyone. Deadliest Sketch!

Hi Chris, wow, we are finding all of us who started at the same time! I know of another wetcanvas alum who was also in the freshmen class this year. I'm glad you like the piece, I just found out that this barn is where my Great Aunt grew up milking cows. Now, it's just a unused box basically. It's not an original question to ask how long these things are going to be around, but seriously, how long?

Thanks Matt. I go through times of using viridian in paintings. I suppose it's like most colors, you use them when it calls for it. I'm glad you liked the Kmart history class!

Hi Larissa, Thanks for stopping in and leaving a comment. I appreciate it!


Tons of good people in this comments section, if you are reading these, I'd recommend visiting each of their sites as they are a who's who of my fav. painters/people.