Kyle Martin

Tractor

2012-01-27T08:00:00.000-06:00

12"x12"

We had one snowstorm in November, but it melted in a day or so. There was rain and warm weather into January.
We finally got a good snow cover last week, and some sun to go with it.

Finding a place to park in the winter can be challenging. I don't have 4WD, so when I see something that I'd like to paint I have to be careful if I pull into the ditch.
On this day, there was too much snow, so I asked a nearby neighbor if I could park in their driveway.
It's always interesting after you ring the doorbell, not knowing what you are going to be met with. I always explain that I'm interested to paint a landscape, and would like to park my car on their property. These people understood right away and were accommodating.
Sometimes it takes a bit more explaining, something like, "I don't want to paint on the tractor, I want to paint the tractor."
Of course, painting in town is another option, where parking is a bit easier.

Foundry in January

2012-01-21T19:00:00.000-06:00

20x24"

9x12"

The first half of January felt more like Spring than Winter.
Temperatures were warm, sometimes mid 50's.
While I was painting these, people were outside doing all sorts of things, running, walking the dogs, playing with holiday presents, enjoying the weather, and stopping to chat.
I enjoy talking while I paint. I usually keep painting, while I talk, I'm not trying to rush you away, it's just that I like to paint while I talk.
Now it is much colder, people are less likely to stop to see what's on my easel. If you see me out there painting, please pull up and say hi. You can stay in your car, but it's nice to see you too! Just don't run me over, or sneak up on me.

The light during the Winter months is especially great. The sun hangs much lower during this time of year which makes dramatic shapes possible, aiding in design, even during the noon hour.
The top piece was painted at high noon, and the one below closer to sunset.

Forrest and Interior

2011-11-05T08:00:00.002-05:00

16x16"

16x16"

Here are a couple of pieces from around my farm. Painting inside the forest is a pretty good challenge. The light can move quickly and change the pattern of light and dark dramatically during a painting session. I like trying to capture this fleeting quality.
The interior is my dad's tool bench, in a shed at the farm. We haven't gotten around to cleaning it up, I sort of like leaving it that way, just how he left it. There are some leaves growing inside that came through a gap between the wall and the window. It seems as if the entire space is covered in a film of grease. Anyone who has seen my studio can see where I got my sense of organization from.

Second Half of October

2011-10-30T18:09:00.003-05:00

16x20"

Autumn played some tricks this year. We had a frost in September that turned many trees brown. It seemed as if the colors were going to be subdued this year, compared to last years explosion of chroma. In the second half of October, the reds and yellows popped and I'm glad they did. This is a street in my neighborhood from a week ago. It was a overcast and rainy day, but the sun came out for two hours and I immediately set up my easel, stopping as the sun went away. I think I made the right decision.

Thats a wrap on the Fall Art Tour 2011

2011-10-17T19:43:00.007-05:00

The Fall Art Tour has passed. I'm exhausted. The space that I exhibited in was a renovated chicken coop on our family farm. I'm thankful for everyone who helped, especially my mom, my wife, my aunt and sister in law who were all very involved in making the tour a success. There were over 80 paintings hung, and many less came home. Here's to a good tour, I can't wait until next year. Thanks for stopping by!

Fall Art Tour, This Weekend

2011-10-13T15:55:00.000-05:00

Sumac and wild grapes 4x6"

Calf Grazing 5x7"

The Fall Art Tour is finally here! This third weekend in October is always a blast and this is my first year of being a part of the fun. We have renovated our old chicken house, on the farm, into a studio. This was a huge task, and I really have my mother to thank for it. We cleaned it, removed the ceiling to open the space and whitewashed the walls. Finally, we added a chandelier. It is a well lit and clean space, and I'll have just under 80 paintings displayed for the tour. For something new, I've posted a couple of 4 color reduction prints that I'll also have available for the tour. They are both based on paintings that will be on the tour as well. Please browse the website for the tour at www.fallarttour.com for more information.

Taliesin Group Show at the Artisan Gallery

2011-09-14T18:40:00.000-05:00

12x12" oil on linen

8x16" oil on canvas

John Ribble, Chris Gargan and I have a group show this Friday, September 16th at the Artisan Gallery in Paoli. John and Chris happen to be the subjects of the above paintings, which were both painted this summer at Taliesin and will be a part of the show.

Industrial

2011-09-12T18:37:00.000-05:00

12x16" oil on canvas

12x16" oil on canvas

Reedsburg Independent

2011-09-08T10:38:00.000-05:00

I have had the pleasure to work with Jeff and Mary Seering on several projects throughout the years. In high school, Jeff would come to the art room and we would work together to create political comics for the paper. I also got the chance to work alongside Jeff, at the paper, during 2003 and 2004 as a graphic designer. One of my farvorite projects from that period was creating the characature of him for his editorial section in the paper, which still runs. Jeff is an important asset to our community, real Reedsburg man and he has always supported whatever ideas I come up with.
When he pulled up to take this photo of me painting, by the mill pond in LaValle, I wished I had a larger canvas and a haircut. Thanks for everything, Jeff!

From Summer

2011-09-07T18:46:00.000-05:00

6x8" oil on linen

22x28" oil on canvas

12x16 oil on panel

Summer is Over - Have a Nice Day.

2011-09-06T08:00:00.001-05:00

Have a nice day - 12x16" oil on canvas

I had a good run at summer this year, but it's coming to an end.
The summer felt like one of those endless, sunsoaked summers, like when you were a kid. This was the first summer that I took the dive into "just painting" and I owe very much to everyone who made it possible, especially my wife Jenny who believed in me enough to make it happen.

School starts today at the UW, and I'm also lucky that my schedule is going to allow me to paint everyday during the autumn. I'm fired up for the change of season and new scenery.

My Taliesin Summer part 3

2011-08-31T12:00:00.003-05:00

11x24"
16x16"

Painting with Chris Gargan is very motivaitonal. He has much energy for paintning and he often completes large canvases in one go. The best thing about Chris, is that he forces you to think. During our painting time at Taliesin, we were constantly trying to restate what the experience meant to us, not only dealing with the facts of the place but how do we feel about it. The project of working at Taliesin was meant to be a leisurly time, for artists to do their thing and to come together at the end with some paintings. Because of Chris, wanting to make more of this time, we did make more of this time. We groped for answers and tried to experiment. One idea that sticks out in my mind is that Chris often enjoyed the fogginess of the first painting of the day, trying for the answers. He liked the exploration process and thought that after becoming warmed up, we would loose some of that. There were times where I was very enthused to be painting and times where I wanted to throw the canvas and never come back.

The first piece above was painted on Chris's birthday. This view of the midway farm marked the point in the summer where I started to pick up steam with the project. It was a hot and milky morning. During these hot days, the paint loosens up quite a bit, and when this happens I'm tempted to use some thicker strokes of color. It was the first piece that I tried out some transparent green gold, which gave the shadows some luminous qualities while still painting with thick impastos.

My Taliesin Summer part 2.

2011-08-27T19:20:00.004-05:00

16x20"

12x12"

10x20"

Chris Gargan and I painted through some dramatic weather during our time at Taliesin. Chris stored an 10'x10' ezup tent in our studio and it enabled us to paint in both the rain and sun. The round bales piece was painted in the second half of July, we had only one morning with these bales before they were taken from the field. When we pulled up, the light was moving quickly so I tried to observe the colors of the shadowed area before they moved.

The second piece was painted on a hot and muggy afternoon, outside of the tea circle. We couldn't set the tent up at this spot, and I got nailed pretty hard with the mid afternoon light. The paint was really loose this day due to the heat and sun.

The tent saved us on the third piece shown above, and allowed us to paint under some pretty hard rains that hit at the end of the session.

Door County Plein Air

2011-08-25T12:40:00.002-05:00

The Door County plein air festival is one of the largest events for painters in the country, and is only a few hours from my home. This was my first year participating and I had a really good time overall at the event. Dan Corey came out from Maine and we stayed at a pretty unbelievable place, the By the Bay in Fish Creek. The digs were right across the street from where the paintout happened, so there were no worries of trying to get there and park etc.

The weather on the morning of the event was pretty dramatic. There was a sliver of yellow sky below some looming storm clouds. I thought it might rain. Some artists were mixing colors on their palettes or sketching on their canvas before the horn went off to open the event, but I don't know if it helped them because the sun came out about a half hour into the paintout.

I had painted around the area the day before, and the water was much calmer. One onlooker who saw my painting from the first day, and the piece pictured above said that I dropped the ball in the contest, she liked the smooth and sunny water better than the choppy stuff that I captured in the contest. Well, opinions aside, the water was pretty choppy, and dark, that morning and I'm not out there to paint postcards.

Overall a good event. I think that for Dan and I to go out there and give our best efforts added some variety to the mix of what went on display that evening. I can't wait for next year!

My Taliesin Summer part 1

2011-08-23T18:41:00.005-05:00

16x20" oil on linen.

12x16" oil on linen

12x16" oil on linen

This summer, Taliesin Preservation hosted a group of artists to paint on the grounds of the landmark as a part of the centennial celebration.

Chris Gargan and I decided to make the most of this project, to really get to know the landscape. The summer was characterized with the challenge of finding the most interesting way to talk about the experience and attempting to organize a landscape that was not the most pleasing around. I agree with the idea that nature is perfect, but her design is not and it was good to study ways to approach this.

Chris and I had a great time attempting to figure it out. He towed his tree fort, a studio built onto a motorcycle trailer, to a farm next to the Taliesin grounds which served as our home base. We became friends with a group of bricoleurs whose workshop was also on the farm. The bricoleurs were always around helping Chris and I make the most of our time at the property and fixing our broken down easels. They let us store water in their refrigerator and drank all of our beer. These guys even let us into some places on the property that were viewpoints that have not been accessed by the public.

Door County

2011-07-20T18:49:00.004-05:00

8x8" oil on canvas.

20x24" oil on canvas.

14x18" oil on canvas.

24x36" oil on canvas.

I am heading to Door County to paint and have fun at the dockside quickpaint.

I am looking forward to the trip. Jenny and I vacationed there in the autumn and we both enjoyed the area.

The temperatures yesterday and today bordered 100 with plenty of haze and humidity. I have been painting every morning with John Ribble and Chris Gargan at Taliesen, and today we beat the heat by painting under a tent. I'm hoping that there is some cooler air up in Door County!

Where I'm From, Show Wrap-up

2011-07-08T14:56:00.004-05:00

The opening for my show, "Where I'm From", went great. Most of the collectors who purchased a piece agreed to let the painting hang for a couple of weeks, so if you haven't had a chance to see the show please stop by the Blue Heron.

There is a ton of non painting work that goes into having a show, and I'd like to thank everyone who lent a hand in one way or another. We had a great jazz collective who played for pennies. Lindsey Kaney created a great vinyl display for the wall. Dana, at the Blue Heron, does everything she can to get people in the doors, and buttons up all of the sales.

On my end, the weeks leading up to the show went well. The biggest challenge for me was to sort through all of the paintings, and come up with the best pieces that would fit together for the body of work. There are always those last minute paintings that you have in mind to deal with and it's a balance to make it all line up. I had nailed it down, hung the show on a Monday, and by Wednesday came back and hung about 10 new pieces and arranged everything differently.

The only thing that didn't go smoothly was receiving 3 damaged frames in the mail. Two frames were dented and one, a 16"x20" frame, actually had one 15" side. I ordered these frames about a month in advance of the opening, but they went to back stock and didn't arrive until a week before the show. Everything worked out, and it kept me on my toes leading up to the show.

I am working on a new project, a collaboration with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. It is a pretty exciting opportunity and gives me the opportunity to paint on the grounds of his home property, Taliesin, this summer.

Where I'm From - Opening July 1

2011-06-08T19:48:00.003-05:00

I am pleased to announce my summer show, opening on July 1st.
This show is going to focus on the change of season, from January to July.
I've been working this week getting a few last minute pieces completed, ordering frames and getting the cards ordered.
I will be giving an artist talk and slideshow on opening night, hope to see you there!

A Nice Time of Year

2011-05-23T09:24:00.003-05:00

Painting alla prima in spring is just right. It feels great to get out, do something and leave taking with an image of the season.

Magnloia Tree. 12x16" oil on linen.

Tulips. 10x20" oil on canvas.

Sunset Studies. 8x10" oil on linen.

Magnolia Neighborhood. 12x12" oil on linen.

Spring Tree Study. 8x10" oil on linen.

St. Peters. 12x16" oil on linen.

These paintings are all available. If you are interested in a piece, please email me for a price list.

First Signs...

2011-05-02T10:36:00.008-05:00

...Of Spring. I'm so happy that May is here, even if it feels more like March.

This was the perfect place to set up and paint on the one nice day that we had last week. You can see, there are no leaves on the trees, but we're on the verge.
Bodendeins round barn.
12x16" oil on linen.

Daffodils have to be my favorite flower. I think I like them most for their attitude. When it snows on them they dont die, they just put their head down and wait for the next sunny day.

11x14" oil on linen.

11x14" oil on linen.

I had plans to paint outdoors yesterday, but my easel blew over immediately after setting it up. I headed into the studio and painted a May Day Bouquet.

8x10" oil on linen.

By evening the winds died down and I was able to get out for the last bit of light.

8x10" oil on linen.

Finally, a wild card. This is a piece from January. It was cold and windy, so I tried to finish it as quickly as I could and took written notes about things that I would change in the studio. I pulled it out over the weekend and decided to leave it as it is, I liked the geometric shapes after all.

16x20" oil on canvas.

Sauk County Summer Art Classes

2011-04-20T09:32:00.002-05:00

During the spring semester I taught two classes for continuing education at UW Baraboo, a drawing/watercolor class and an oil painting class. The classes went great, and several students asked if I would offer something during the summer.

This summer I am offering three different art classes, Drawing Fundamentals, Studio Oil Painting, and Plein Air Oil Painting. I am very excited about all of the classes, but especially the outdoor class. We will set up at locations like Devils Lake and Owen Park. If you would like to receive a brochure with a detailed description for each class, please email me: blksquirl85@yahoo.com
Registration is going on now, and I would like to cap each class at ten students.

Still Life

2011-04-18T08:00:00.003-05:00

This boquet has been staring me down. Last week I spent several sessions working on a larger still life of these flowers. After battling that for awhile, I just had to set it in my studio window and attack it alla prima. I painted this right on top of a failed landscape from early this winter. There is a surface quality to this piece that I can only describe as different due to the thick impastos from the earlier painting being covered by a new layer. 16x20" oil on canvas.

11x14" oil on linen.

Fall Art Tour

2011-04-15T08:36:00.004-05:00

I am very excited to be a part of the fall art tour for 2011. I will be hosting the event on our family farm on Schneider Road. Being a part of the tour has been a long term goal of mine as it is a very well respected and attended event. The thing that I like most about the tour is the professionalism of everyone involved as well being welcomed into a community of the area's best artists.

This year's brochure looks great, and the website will be up soon

Being a part of the tour has also lead my work to be represented by the Cornerstone Gallery which is the Baraboo headquarters for the tour. I have a collection of paintings down there now and am getting ready to stock more there as well as the Blue Heron in Reedsburg.

More about the tour, from last years website:

The third full weekend each October, some of Wisconsin's best-known artisans open their studios, allowing visitors a unique, behind-the-scenes view into how their work is created. Known as the Fall Art Tour, each year it draws visitors from all over the country to artists' studios tucked away in the scenic hills in and around Wisconsin's art communities of Baraboo, Spring Green, Dodgeville, and Mineral Point. During the three-day tour, artists will be in their studios, demonstrating and selling their work.

Many of these studios are open only for this event, providing a unique opportunity to meet the artists and purchase their work. So join us on a drive through the autumn countryside during this once-a-year event that includes a rare glimpse into the restored breweries, one-room schoolhouses, and historic storefronts where some of Wisconsin's best-known artists work.

Finally, a painting.

Fish Pond Valley, March. 18x24" oil on canvas.

Late Winter

2011-04-11T14:17:00.004-05:00

Spring is finally here... well it is pretty close! The daffodils are up in my front lawn and there are even some buds on the trees. I cannot wait to get out there to paint the flowering trees that should be in bloom in a couple of weeks. This winter, I was painting in the studio quite a bit, and it was my first year doing so. When I look at these landscape pieces, which were painted outdoors, I see more deliberate attention to edges which must have happened because of the studio sessions. Another thing I have been working towards is designing the paintings by stating the major masses and not changing the tone too much when working into each area. While it is a fundamental idea, one I have been turned onto it for some time, it always takes a whole lot of painting to actually work it into the pieces. For me at least. I enjoy the luxary of being able to look at the subject for an extended period of time in the studio, but when it comes down to it, my first love will always be grasping the essentials and working alla prima. I guess painting in Wisconsin is perfect, half of the year is great outdoors and the studio is inviting for the colder months. It wouldn't be any fun if we had it all figured out! Hazy Farm. 16x20" oil on canvas.

The Grainery. 11x14" oil on linen

The Yellow House, not Vincent's. 8x10" oil on canvas.

On the "DL". 11x14" oil on linen.

House shadows. 8x10" oil on canvas.

Please leave a comment, and I have some big news coming in a post later this week.

Painting in the Studio

2011-02-09T13:50:00.006-06:00

My wife and I bought our house in 2007, before I started painting. There is an outbuilding in the backyard that is about 12'x20' with a little woodburning stove. This year I have been taking advantage of some indoor painting time back there, especially when it is below 15 degrees. I'm enjoying painting things that are different for me.

Studio Window 11"x15"

Windowlit Conch Shell 9"x12"

Cloudy day conch shell 11"x14"

Thanks for stopping by, and please leave a comment.

The first of winter

2011-01-05T10:21:00.005-06:00

This has been a great winter. Plenty of snow sunshine and skiing. My schedule has opened up, because the semester is over, and instead of just school painting and work I can reintroduce some of my other favorite activities.

In the winter it is hard to paint in the country, because one cannot pull their car onto the shoulder and work. We had a very warm and rainy day that melted much of our snow, which lead to being able to work.

oil on canvas 16 x 20 inches.

This is just down the street from my house, the parking lot for the Farmers Station. I was really interested in the shaded foreground playing against the sunlit house. Of course this did not last long and haze moved in changing the effect. I'm watching the weather for a morning that is guaranteed to be sunny (is there such a thing?) and would like to return with a larger canvas.

oil on canvas 11 x 14 inches.

Thanks for stopping in, and stay warm out there!

Downtown - LK Design Studio.

2010-12-25T01:00:00.006-06:00

Happy holidays everyone. This is a painting of my favorite storefronts downtown, LK Design Studio on a sunny and cold afternoon.

12"x16"

October Field

2010-12-07T12:34:00.003-06:00

Here is something I worked on over the weekend. My reference was a (subjectively) not so good plein air piece painted in October. I thought there was something working with the composition and with the afternoon color (well, trust me this pic is BAD!).
Working from reference material is very new to me and I'm very pleased to have something to lead me with color choices. It's so helpful to have the colors layed down so that you have some idea of what is going on. Another challenge is brushwork, but it alsways seems good to stick to the big masses and break it down from there. When I was going crazy with the impastos, for instance last autumn, it was much more difficult to work in this way.

20"x24" (better color photo coming soon)

Pics from the Bird

2010-11-29T11:26:00.002-06:00

Here are pictures of some of my work hanging right now at the Blue Heron in Reedsburg.

Here is a last minute piece, it's the view from the art room at Boo-U looking south.

24x30's

Everybody loved the cows!

A fragment of a forrest interior next to the Queen Anne's lace piece.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by over the weekend! These pieces will be up through Christmas.

Have you HERD?

2010-11-21T12:30:00.002-06:00

I will be hanging new work at the Blue Heron the day after Thanksgiving.
These past weeks have been event filled, feeling things out, finalizing what will go up and ordering frames. This autumn I have been working a bit differently by taking pieces done in the open to the studio, and these works reflect that. I am very excited to finish up the framing so that I can get back to working outdoors every day. The transition from late Fall to Winter is beautiful.
Please stop by to see the work and say hello on Sunday November 28th from noon until 2pm.

New Work at the Blue Heron - Coming Soon

2010-11-08T10:18:00.003-06:00

Thanksgiving is coming soon. I will have some new pieces up in the Blue Heron during the weekend after Thanksgiving, and I will be in the store to talk about the new work on Sunday November 28th from Noon until 2pm.

Here is a piece painted just before the wind took the sugar maple leaves.

12"x16".

My Neighborhood

2010-11-04T10:15:00.002-05:00

I think I live in the best neighborhood in Reedsburg. My neighbors are great. Last weekend Jenny and I were attempting to rake our leaves and the Coopers came out and lent us a rake, their big tarp to pile the leaves on and even their mulcher. Jenny raked the leaves as much as she could, and then I'd come around with the mower and clean it up, sort of like brushing oil primer onto a canvas. Then, we had a big outdoor block party on Haloween, Willard Gant fried up some fish and we also had plenty of other good food (think 5 pies!).
This autumn, I was set up around Vine st. whenever I could. It's a good feeling, and really a dream to paint.

14"x14"

12"x9"

"There has never been a greater need for peaceful enjoyment, for a chance to refresh ones soul and spirit. Our age is in desperate need of faith in man and evidence that life is worth living"
-Henry Hensche

The Autumn Painting Struggle

2010-11-02T10:17:00.002-05:00

Autumn is a special time.
So special that I have felt the need to push further, to try new things.
While I have not posted any work lately, the struggle part of experimenting being felt, I have been painting every day. In late September I drove from Reedsburg to Baraboo through North Freedom. This ride was so intense and filled with the different moods and feelings of autumn that I decided it would be of more value to paint several pieces in a day instead of one. The goal of doing this would be that it would be possible to use these as reference material for some studio work.
Now, reflecting on this idea, I don't know if it worked, but it seems that it has been of value to growth. Part of the growth being simply in the act of pushing and trying for something else, if we always know what we are doing the results are not a step forward.
I painted in several ways. Sometimes, trying for accurate color up front as in these pieces, time being the reason for attempting accuracy at the start.

8"x6"

12"x16"
At other times, the building up of masses was more important, often starting with a warm massing and painting cooler on top to attempt color vibration.

12"x16"

16"x12"

Another consideration of these paintings is that several of the pieces are small. While it may have saved a bit of time, there were several instances where a larger canvas could have helped. I enjoy the gesture of a larger canvas as well as the way you can divide the masses more easily.

"The quality of the blue used, it's refinement reveals the stage of development of the artist making it. He begins with flat masses and modifies it as he makes comparisons and adjustments with the other masses of color, recording his light scheme. The big masses are most important, and those he improves as much as he is able before making variations within an area"
- Henry Hensche

Well, the color is mostly gone now, Jenny and I have some raking to do. I hope to post more soon.

Kyle

September pieces.

2010-09-20T09:16:00.005-05:00

Here are a couple of recent pieces that show the diversity in weather that September provides. This really is the nicest time of year, temperatures in the 60's and your pick of cloudy days to really see the colors, or sun to paint the sparkle.
A crummy day.

24"x30" oil on canvas.

A sunny day.
This is Chris Gargan, finishing a piece that is going to be in his show for the Wisconsin Arts Board, opening next month.

6"x8"

Introduction to Oil Painting Class - At Boo-U

2010-09-20T09:03:00.002-05:00

I'm teaching an introduction to oils class this fall at UW Baraboo/Sauk Co.
This class is designed for beginners, or for more experienced painters who want to get into the habit of painting more often. Students will create a new painting each class period.

The best part is, we provide all the supplies!

Following is the official writeup:

Thursday nights 6-9pm at the Art Studio here on campus. Class would meet October 7,14,21,28 Nov. 4,11.
Instructor: Kyle Martin
Experience oil painting, and complete a new painting every week. This studio class will be painting intensive, and is designed for those who have never lifted a brush. The focus will be on values (light and dark), color and composition. Each class period the instructor will set up and paint a still life, and lead a demo focusing on a different technique.

Class one - Value painting in black and white (a great warm up for those experiencing oils for the first time).
Class two - Imprimatura (learn how the old masters used underpainting and layers to create dynamic effects).
Class three - Full color (sensitize your color eye, and learn to paint what you see). Class four - Knife painting in brilliant color (leave the brushes behind an learn the joy of color.)
Class five - Broken Color (the impressionist technique broken down)
Class six - Bringing it all together (combining techniques).

Questions and conversation are encouraged during the class. The instructor will be able to suggest additional reading and websites. Please join us!

Cost is $119 which includes supplies. Register by sending me a note and check to:
Continuing Education
UW-Baraboo/Sauk County
1006 Connie Road
Baraboo, WI 53913

Or call us at 355-5220.

Cindy McVenes
Director of Continuing EducationUniversity of Wisconsin-Baraboo/Sauk County
1006 Connie RoadBaraboo, WI.
53913
608-355-5234 (tel)608-355-5290 (fax)cindy.mcvenes@uwc.eduwww.baraboo.uwc.edu

Late Summer

2010-09-01T09:51:00.004-05:00

August was filled with Brewers games, Bachelors parties (nothing too wild), canoe and skateboarding trips and lots of painting along the way. August is always a nice month to paint, The brush moves a bit easier after a whole summer of painting. Some of these paintings feature the Queen Annes Lace in the ditches by the roads, which is mostly gone now after last weeks cold snap. There are still plenty of wildflowers out there, and the fields are beginning to turn rusty colors. Farmers are chopping corn and the leaves started changing color a few weeks ago.

12"x18".

9"x12"

8"x12"

24"x30"

16"x20"

18"x24"

Summer is over, but this is open for discussion. Please leave me a comment!

The Blue Heron Show

2010-08-06T12:38:00.009-05:00

I have had a busy time preparing for the Blue Heron opening, which was last Friday.
Framing and getting things ready to hang took up most of my time. I also painted "near daily" up until the show, attempting to get some last minute things done. Touching things up in the studio was especially challenging. I normally keep the door and windows open to help with fumes, but the mosquitos were so bad that I had to hole myself up and then waft the air in at regular intervals. I need some Gamasol!

The paintings are hung in three sections of the store. One section features the winter pieces, one still life and spring, and a summer display. It's nice to see winter paintings this time of year, it sort of cools you off.
You can see many of the paintings by scrolling down this page.

On Friday, the day of the opening, there wasn't a quiet moment. Having the opening from noon until nine was a great idea. Several people stopped on their lunch break, and many more after work.
The show was a big hit, twice as good as I could have expected. About a third of the paintings are sold.
The paintings are available by emailing myself at blksquirl85@yahoo.com or the Blue Heron at blueheron@rucls.net.

I'd like to thank Dana, Kay and Larry at the Blue Heron, as well as everyone else who came down on Friday.

More Pics to come.

David Armstong (with 2 wrapped up paintings!), Myself after a long day and "The Dude" Noah Anderson.

Blue Heron Show Opens Today

2010-07-30T09:47:00.004-05:00

I have most of the paintings from the Blue Heron show online, just scroll down the page.
The opening is today, from noon until 9pm.

If you cannot attend the opening, please leave me a comment.

thirty-one thru thirty-six

2010-07-30T09:45:00.003-05:00

twenty-one thru thirty

2010-07-30T09:40:00.003-05:00

eleven thru twenty

2010-07-30T09:36:00.003-05:00

one thru ten

2010-07-30T09:29:00.002-05:00

40 Paintings - Opening this Friday!

2010-07-24T12:13:00.004-05:00

I'm pleased to announce that the Blue Heron will be showing my work.
The opening is this Friday, from noon until 9pm.
Please attend the opening opening, and tell your friends. You can register to win an original painting.

The exhibition will also be posted here on the blog, this week.

Summer 'Scapes

2010-07-17T20:57:00.004-05:00

I have a one man show coming up fast - less than 2 weeks!

"Ironton Humidity" 16"x20" oil on oil primed canvas.

"Out by Hoy's house" 18"x24" oil on canvas.

"Bender's International" 11"x14" oil on canvas.

"Harm's Farm" 16"x20" oil on canvas.

Oh and one more that I dug up from the spring.

daffodil 9"x12" oil on canvas.

Summer Rounds

2010-07-07T20:40:00.003-05:00

Last week had plenty of sunshine. It was the perfect time to bale hay. We all knew that the rain was coming Sunday evening.
This was painted on Ableman Rd, east of Reedsburg. I had plenty of visitors this morning, Ray Astle was picking up a load of his own and stopped to chat, Nick Miller was on the way to go fishing and stopped for a while and Anne and Errol Beth pulled over for a quick look. For an 11x14, I sure was pokey, I'm lucky I made it to work at all that day!

11"x14" oil on canvas.

Summer on Vine St.

2010-07-05T12:26:00.005-05:00

I don't think there is a nicer neighborhood than the one I live in. The trees hang right over the street, giving shade from the sun. In July, that is a good thing!
Here is one I'd like to share from Vine St.

16"x20" oil on canvas.

Reedsburg Historical Photo's Now Online - Thanks Paul!

2010-07-01T15:08:00.005-05:00

One of Reedsburg's finest, Paul Schonfeld, has recently undertaken the large project of uploading the Library's collection of historical photographs.

Here is a couple of photos that caught my eye right off the bat. The Reedsburg Woolen Mill, now the Wollen Mill Gallery, burning. The fire looks interesting, almost painted on - possibly due to a long exposure time?

And here is the Big Store fire. Gary Cooper, my neighbor, told me that on this night his parents brought him down to watch the fire. Over a police radio, he heard someone in Madison ask what that big glow was coming from our direction.

You can check the photo's out, by clicking the link below. It's some pretty interesting stuff. Paul will be working on getting more posts over the next several days/weeks. If you visit the site, please be sure to leave a comment.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/reedsburglibrary

For more Paul, check his blog Tell Everyone at http://www.paulschonfeld.blogspot.com/

Way out east... Paintin with Dan Corey in Maine

2010-06-23T18:01:00.013-05:00

My blog has been a pretty big snooze fest lately. I'm hoping I can revive it with this post, maybe even zap some life back into it.

I have wanted to go to Maine for a long time, and after meeting Daniel Corey and getting to know his work, I needed to go. Dan is a killer behind the easel. His paintings sparkle with that east coast light. I think the best thing you could do right now is go over to his blog www.danielcorey.blogspot.com and buy a couple of pieces. The pieces look great on his blog, but you just have to see it in real life!

My trip started with a short ride over the ferry in Merrimac.

Next, I boarded a plane in Madison. Anyone who has had a conversation with me about flying knows that I do not enjoy it. However, after this flight, I have down scaled my flying anxiety from sheer terror to slight discomfort. Really, it is silly to be afraid to fly, I mean just look at the clouds!

The first morning in Maine was hazy-one of my favorite things to attempt to paint. We drove for a while, and I had the urge to pull over every mile or so to paint. Dan kept going, and we finally arrived at Round Pond, a great place to paint.

Here is my first effort. Dan set up a palette for me, with loads of color, and also let me try some of his linen panels. There were two colors on this palette, that were new and interesting to me, prussian blue and vermilion. Vermilian is a red that I'd say "goes orange while maintaining it's identity as a red", sort of a Chinese red. I think this will be added to my palette in place of cadmium red. Dan explained that prussian blue is the color of Main, and after several failed attempts to pronounce it correctly, I was attempting to use this foreign blue. I might add, that for the first few of these my blues were ultramarine by Utrecht and the prussian. I like the prussian blue and it was good to step outside of my normal palette.

12"x16" oil on linen.

We both painted another study or two at round pond, the second that I did that morning is going to lead to a studio painting.

That afternoon, it was time for me to try a lobster roll and a whoopie pie. A lobster roll is a buch of lobster meat mixed up with mayonaise (I think) smeared on a toasted hot dog bun with a pickle. A whoopie pie is sort of a big oreo, but with chocolate cake instead of the cookies. When I say big, I mean rediculous. There is a roadside place right on Hwy 1 called Patty's that gave us a TON of lobster meat and the best whoopie pie I had while I was out there. She also gave us a side of fried clams for free. Starving artists eating well.

And then the rain came. The rain was ok because Dan is hilarious and kept us entertained the whole time. Dan has a library with lots of obscure landscape painting books that could drain the richest paypal account. He also has a good dvd collection, even though we were stuck inside, we could at least watch somebody else paint. I think you can tell by Dan's paintings the kind of personality he has - larger than life. He had us cracking up watching funny youtube painting video's (which I'll let him post them as not to steal his thunder) and best of all he even kept us updated on the wetcanvas threads while simotaniously playing his acoustic guitar at the same time. Dan is ambidextrious.

The rain cleared one afternoon and it was time for me to eat my first "real" lobster. Here in Wisconsin, I've only had lobster tails, not the whole thing. I have already mentioned that Dan and Raquele are generous, but here is the real kicker. They offered to take me out for a two lobster meal - two lobsters people! The meal also included an ear of corn and a pound of steamed clams.

The cups had instructions on how to crack one open...

...but Raquele had the proper technique.

Sweet signage.

On Friday we went over to Rockport for Colin Page's latest opening. The show was stellar. I believe that the idea behind the show was that the works were mostly paintings from the same port, right behind the gallery. The thing that I admire the most about these works is that several of them were just booeys, or somebody's work truck. His simple compositions are really striking, they will grab you from across the room and pull you toward them.
This is a random shot of the street in front of the gallery.

After the opening, we had to try to paint too.

9"x12"

I came home and made this studio painting from the above piece.

16"x20"

The last day I was around we had some good sun. We got out there early, and went to South Bristol. This is a storybook Main town, where the main street goes across a bridge that has to open every 20 minutes or so to let a boat go through.
In this picture you can see a bit of the bridge.

and here is another shot of South Bristol.

I was having a heck of a time trying to stay in the shade when painting this one.

18"x24"

After this, we were pretty exhausted, and it was time for me to go. I'd like to thank Dan and Raquele for having me out there, we had such a good time... my face hurts from smiling so much.

Spring Fling

2010-05-11T12:15:00.005-05:00

11x14" The old donkey farm.

9x12" My favorite view, half sun.

11x14" A Baraboo Garden.

11x14" Painted on the side of the highway, by Loganville.

Spring - Hansa Yellow is Back

2010-04-07T21:27:00.005-05:00

I was recently vacationing with my wife in the Bahamas. On the return flight, my camera got smashed, along with 4 paintings out of 10 or so getting smeared pretty bad.
Here is one from this spring that I grabbed a pic of when I had the chance.

Another Hawthorne quote
The whole thing hasn't the surprise of truth. Don't reason - by reason I mean don't say that I must have a cool light over this, for it gets a light from the sky. It's a sad commentary that nothing is so startling as truth to human beings - in a canvas too. Be a vital painter or they will take you to be academic.

Hey Love

2010-03-27T18:48:00.001-05:00

In Like a Lamb...

2010-03-15T14:05:00.005-05:00

And hopefully not, "out like a lion."
March has been a great month, several days of above freezing temperatures.

16"x20". The farmers have one hell of a mess right now. Lots of mud.

18"x24" Richland county farm. When I began painting this, the ground was spongy, by the end I was in a swimming pool.

6"x8" Clouds, I'll take 'em!

Things out of doors are very much of a silhouette-silhouettes and patterns are always vital whatever the conditions of light so long as we can see at all. On a gray day the light has a way of being a rim around things. You see the masses of light and dark and sometimes forget the tree as a whole spot in its relation to other things- after all, we must see the large spot of the tree against the sky. - Charles Hawthorne.

Baraboo

2010-03-07T20:10:00.003-06:00

There are many opportunities for enjoyable painting sessions in Baraboo, Wisconsin. This certain scene is one of my favorites. The stacking of buildings creates an interesting layout, one that culminates with the silhouette of St. Joes church against the sky.
Golden hour, on my 29th birthday.

9"x12"

A few days later, mid morning.

9"x12" picture a bit crooked.

The next evening, from a different view.

9"x12"

It has been a long interval since my last post. I have been doing a lot of painting and observing, trying to grow while being in the middle of a demanding semester. Any time that I get to unload the french easel from the trunk feels great, a needed release. At the same time, and this is something that many can respect, is that growth does not mean finished ideas. Often times it is just the opposite, fragments that may lead in the future. At any rate, the life of an artist is a good one!

"Those things are too beautiful for use. The subject may be very beautiful, but it will only be beautiful with a veneer of the thing I was talking about-that is, it will be purely literary painting. The reason is that you have thought about it in that way-that it was a landscape. You painted it because it was beautiful, but you did not have a sense of how beautiful those shadows were, coming against the sky. True you have made the house of the correct and conventional shape, but it couldn't possibly have meant anything to you; you did not specially settle yourself to paint that scene with the conviction that it was beautiful, that it was a beautiful subject. That was yellow sunlight, these widows would be purple-true, these windows of yours are the accepted shape, but see how in Sargent's water colors you have a conviction of shadow before you notice his purple. I want you to see things from the realization that your drawing does not need to be a house. The view that you mst take is that this is a piece of God's outdoors, that this is shadow and this is light. You ought to tremble before it, and not sit down like a magician and try to make windows" - Charles Hawthorne.

Still Life

2010-02-07T21:09:00.002-06:00

I've been working in my friend Jim's studio a day or so every week in addition to painting outdoors. The past couple sessions we have been working by window light only, observing subtle effects. It is challenging to finish one of these in one session, just like a landscape, the light is fleeting.

I have a few more pieces that I'd like to share, but the pictures don't do them justice. I will try to get better pics soon. A lot of my time has been spent doing calculus homework, I'm figuring 3 hours every day, in addition to my other classes.

"Don't let your schooling get in the way of your education" - Mark Twain.
If only it was that simple!

Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. I love that people are still making good soul music.

Frozen Fog

2010-01-22T20:37:00.003-06:00

Frozen fog giving way to sunlight.

11x14 oil on canvas.

A Weeks Worth

2010-01-10T22:55:00.002-06:00

Hello,

-Wade photo

Set up in the shadow of a round bale.

2010

2010-01-06T18:53:00.004-06:00

More winter paintings!

Just outside Lloyd Wisconsin. I've been painting in Richland county lately.

18"x24" oil on canvas.

Here is a white barn that is pretty high on a hill. When the sun goes down, it gets all of the final evening light. I'd like to give this one another try.

11"x14" oil on canvas.

The Chazen Museum, in Madison, is full of surprises. They have a nice nice collection of 19th century art, including a Twachtman painting titled "Misty Landscape".

Bay and Twachtman.

Snow on the Slamwalls/urban art.

Maybe So, Maybe No?

New Boots - AM Radio

2009-12-30T09:33:00.004-06:00

Winter is the best. It is a relaxed time of year. Time seems to open up a bit and allow one to as they please, rather than running around aimlessly.
I had plans to paint directly after my last final, but it was snowing. I decided to take cover and set up looking out of my garage to paint this tree.

9x12 oil on canvas.

Often times, a clear sky will dominate the day, only to give way to cloudy haze in the last hour of light. These make for some dramatic winter sky's...

11x14 oil on canvas.

...but sometimes, the sky's remain open, allowing golden light to dance on the subject.

11x14 oil on canvas.

9x12 oil on canvas.

I have new boots (thanks mom!) and they have opened up a new world of warm feet. When I painted this larger canvas, I was actually sweating. I spotted this view on the way to Jenny's grandparents house on Christmas, and made a note to return on a sunny day.

18x24 oil on canvas.

Snowshoein' and Paintin' - High Rock

2009-12-14T20:29:00.005-06:00

I was up early on Saturday to meet Elliot in the Dells, for a sunrise snowshoe outing. Ever since I have known Elliot, he has been telling me about his views on the Wisconsin River, and how great they are in the winter.

Here he is, shoein' into the magically lit forest.

Eliot throwing a branch overboard, and then waiting to hear the crash 10 seconds or so later.

Paintin' Highrock.

14"x11" oil on canvas.
Thanks for takin' me out there, Elliot! I had a good time (as soon as I could feel my feet again)

Here is a view, painted a half block from my house in the passenger seat of my car. This was done on Tuesday, the day of the big blizzard. I was driving home from the grocery store, and saw the -overcast but warm- sky peeking through the branches and pulled over.

6"x8" oil on canvas.

There have been a few others since the snow, more to come soon.

Bonus, a Todd Rundgren Video:

The End of Autumn.

2009-12-11T16:56:00.002-06:00

This is the view off of Hwy S. One needs to wear blaze orange when painting the day after Thanksgiving.

16"x18" oil on canvas.

The last Autumn Sun. A hazy Saturday a.m. A neighbor boy was surprised at how much blue I used in the barn color. "It's RED when you get up close to it," he remarked.

18"x24" oil on canvas.

Early November, lunchbreak.

8"x10" oil on canvas.

Early December.

9"x12" oil on canvas.

Here is a scene of the snow clouds roll in during sunset, the last possible chance to create a autumn painting.

9"x10.5"

Do You Remember Summer?

2009-12-08T22:57:00.002-06:00

All this snow makes one want to revisit works created this summer.

Morning, Cows grazing. I was up early quite a bit in the late summer, chasing the intense light effect.

16"x20"

Evening, Cows grazing. Just the facts, thrown on quickly. I was experimenting with some new pigments during this one. So many of our Wisconsin landscapes looks like this, pastoral scenes with abstract patches of long grasses.

11"x14"

Wedding Pictures

2009-11-29T22:54:00.000-06:00

Jenny and I lighting the unity candle.

Me and my guys, before the ceremony. From left to right: Paul Schonfeld, Cory Lyle Peterson, Myself, Rich Gross and Pat Zuehlke. I love this pic... yes we are wearing skate shoes.

Thanks Lucy and Paul for the pics.

Decompression, reflecting on the show, and playing catch-up.

2009-11-29T21:06:00.004-06:00

The Blue Heron show has been going very well. Last week, Thursday, was the opening night, and was very busy.

The best part of showing work is reconnecting with friends you haven't seen in a while.
Marla Brenner stopped by Saturday afternoon. She was my design and typeography teacher in college. Rhythm! Thanks Marla!

Nancy Herzog and Chris Gargan were in town on Sunday. I have spent many mornings trying to keep up with Chris... he completes HUGE canvases in the field with luminous color. Teacher, painter and enforcer on the ice - Chris holds it down. Nancy and Chris have both been instrumental in my developement as an artist.

Since the opening, I have been out in the field as much as possible, in blaze orange of course. The days after Thanksgiving were unbelievably sunny and warm, I was able to play catch-up on some plein air painting. Finally, on Sunday, I blocked in a quick still life painting demo for the final day of the opening.

Thanks to Larry, Kay, Dana and Heidi at the Blue Heron for a great time. They know how to throw a party, and thanks to everyone who made it to the show. The work will remain up at the Blue Heron.

Blue Heron Show - Opening this Weekend

2009-11-16T23:26:00.003-06:00

The opening weekend for my show at the Blue Heron in Reedsburg is here.
Please join us... I will be present at the following days and times.

Thursday 19 November, 4:30 - 6:30
Saturday 21 November, 12:30 - 4:30
Sunday 22 November, 12:30 - 3:30

Please email me if you would like to receive a card in the mail.

Wind, on top of the bluffs.

2009-11-06T16:05:00.004-06:00

Last friday was a windy, rainy morning. In order to paint, I needed to find something to shelter my easel. These hay bales worked well.

Views of the bluffs are challenging to say the least.
18"x24". oil on canvas. SOLD. Collection of Marla Brenner.

Six rainy days, one sunny.

2009-10-23T16:01:00.003-05:00

Painting on overcast days is always enjoyable. You are able to open your eyes and observe subtle colors, and their vibrations. When it rains, it is almost a bonus. A prizm effect happens that is of interest to the artist, this however, is only true if you can find a dry area to paint from.

I painted from inside the barn this morning at Denise Radke's farm. The prizm effect was happening as the sheets of moisture flew around the trees.

12"x16"

11"x14"

There was one sunny afternoon this week, and it lead to both of these.

9"x12"

11"x14"

Rain Delay

2009-10-16T15:38:00.003-05:00

It has been a wet autumn here. The one sunny morning that we had this week was filled up with schoolwork. I have been painting under the umbrella as much as time allows right now.

This farm is tucked away behind Bender's, on Mile Rd. (I believe.) Cows. Good times.

11x14.

Here is a Rainy late afternoon. This farm is the first white barn on the left after you pass Keonecke Ford on the way to LaValle.

9x12.

I was completely rained out and soaking wet (but happy) when painting this one. There came a point when the paint would not stick to the canvas any more.

12x16.

This weekend is the Sauk County Artist Association Fall Art Tour. I will be participating in the un-officail D-Tour. The D-Tour includes a opening tonight at the Wollen Mill Gallery, and several other events. My role in the D-Tour is to be out painting on Town Hall Rd. on Sunday after 3pm or so. If you'd like, stop out and see me on the D-Tour.

In a new collection

2009-10-14T14:22:00.002-05:00

The Sauk Counth Health Care Center is moving very soon, and I am excited to announce that three of my works will be represented in their collection. These paintings have not appeared here, on my blog, before, so it is a good chance to share them with you.
Thanks to Dana and Kay from the Blue Heron for facilitating this sale.

11x14

16x20

And the third is the Picture of round bales that Maralyn is looking at in this picture.

Autumn is here!

2009-10-02T16:40:00.003-05:00

18x24"

9x12"

12x16"

9x12"

Finally, the best time of year to paint. Cool weather, and an explosion of color. I will be out painting as much as possible during the next month.

Also, some good news, my work has found a home!
The Blue Heron in downtown Reedsburg has several of my works on the walls now, and I am gearing up for a exhibition there mid-November. I will make a post with exact times and dates soon. Salute!

Art Meets Agriculture - Juried Show in Platteville

2009-09-26T13:30:00.004-05:00

This piece, along with 3 others were accepted into the Art Meets Agriculture show at UW-Platteville. The opening will be September 29 - this tuesday - from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.

24"x36"

Amish Oat Shocks

2009-09-06T12:36:00.006-05:00

Oat shocks are very interesting. Amish farmers cut down the grain, and bind it together in 7 bundles, and then stack them together so they can dry in the field. When one comes across a field of them, it is almost an unbelievable scene, commerical farming focuses on high volume and overall production, it is refreshing to see smaller farms that stick to time honored traditions.

Last year, Josh Hess and I found a field of oat shocks out by Hill Point. We painted out there every day, until they were thrashed. This year, during the same week in late July, Jim Splitgerber and I were driving along, and found another field of them towards Ironton.

This first was painted very rapidly. The goal was to capture the late afternoon light.

12"x16" oil on canvas.

This second was mid day, when I had a bit more time.

12"x16" oil on canvas.

Available at the Blue Heron.

Morning Light

2009-09-04T09:51:00.005-05:00

I have really enjoyed waking up (semi) early to go out and paint. The morning haze simplifies everything, and the colors are amazing, while they last. I usually am out painting by 7:30 a.m., and the effect lasts anywhere from 15-45 minutes. It takes longer than that to paint a canvas of this size, so it is very important to take a mental snapshot and rely on visual memory. It's a great exercise.

This first one was painted a few weeks ago. As I drove through the countryside I could see sheets of moisture that were suspended in the air. It was almost like smoke.

Morning on Terrytown. 18"x24".

I pass this farm every morning that I work.

Morning on Hwy. H. 16"x20".

Online Exhibition

2009-08-03T16:35:00.002-05:00

Paintings from After School Studies. The show will run through the second week in September, at University of Wisconsin/Baraboo-Sauk County. More to come in the coming days, including photos from opening night.

After School Studies - Saturday Night!

2009-07-23T21:42:00.001-05:00

After School Studies - Exhibition

2009-07-21T16:36:00.002-05:00

I just finished hanging my show titled "After School Studies" at the UW-Baraboo/Sauk County Schwalbach Gallery. The opening reception will be this Saturday, July 25 from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. Please come and celebrate this body of work!

Churchill Farm.

2009-06-13T15:54:00.003-05:00

Two brothers own this farm. It was nice talking to them in between milkings.

16 x 20 oil on canvas. SOLD. Thanks Jim!

Junction Rd.

2009-06-13T15:51:00.002-05:00

Summer on Junction Rd., right past the horse farm.

16 x 20 oil on canvas.

Dramatic Sky over White Barn.

2009-06-13T15:49:00.002-05:00

Another reason to pull the car over and paint.

9 x 12 oil on canvas. $150 - FREE shipping.

Terrytown Rd., Farm.

2009-06-13T15:46:00.002-05:00

A dramatic sky over a farm on Terrytown.

11 x 14 oil on canvas. SOLD. Thanks Lucy!

Summer Sky, Beth Rd.

2009-06-13T15:43:00.003-05:00

A little summer sky painting.

9 x 12 oil on canvas.

Venice

2009-06-08T17:41:00.005-05:00

Venicia is one of a kind. No traffic; just canals, sunsets and spaghetti frutti de mar. I will return to paint in Venice some day.

14" x 11" oil on canvas. SOLD.

11" x 14" oil on canvas. SOLD.

Pisa

2009-06-08T17:37:00.005-05:00

We took a day trip from Florence to Pisa on a stormy day. I was happy when it began to rain because it cleared the tourists from the courtyard and gave me a clear view of the leaning tower.

9" x 12" oil on canvas. Sold.

Cinque Terra

2009-06-08T17:31:00.003-05:00

The Cinque Terra was one of our favorite stops during our travels. It's rugged coastline has a hiking trail that is very challenging, and perfect for lugging a french easel upon. You hike between villages and eat gelato and drink birra inbetween to catch your breath.

9" x 12" oil on canvas.
University of Wisconsin Baraboo Collection

2 from Paris

2009-06-08T17:22:00.005-05:00

A view of the River Seine with the eiffel tower in the background.

11" x 14" oil on canvas. Collection of Rich Gross.

On the way back from painting the first I had to stop and make a quick color sketch.

9" x 12" oil on canvas.

Sunrise in Amsterdam

2009-06-08T17:14:00.003-05:00

The best time to paint in Amsterdam is early morning, the rest of the day you would have to dodge bicycles! This is a canal not far from the van Gogh museum, a place I frequented during my visit.

9" x 12" oil on canvas.

Cloudscape over Farm

2009-05-09T11:02:00.003-05:00

I was filming myself painting for a semester project in history. Too bad the batteries died before I finished! This is just off Terrytown Rd. (I know, what a surprise) and was painted during my free period.

11x14 oil on canvas. SOLD.

Lehman Sunset

2009-05-09T10:57:00.002-05:00

A little golden hour painting. The location is by my freshman year (high school) algebra teachers house. I dropped the class at the time thinking "I'll never need to learn algebra"... well, I'm back in an algebra class now, around 15 years later.

9x12 $150.

Gibraltar Rock in Lodi, as seen from outside Baraboo.

2009-05-09T10:48:00.002-05:00

This is the scene off of Freedom road, this side of Baraboo. I was paining away and a farmer and his grandson drove up on a tractor and told me that I was painting a scene of Gibraltar Rock which is about 40 miles away. I just thought I was painting some cool blue bluffs.

16x20 oil on canvas $400.

Big Sky, Friday

2009-05-09T10:45:00.002-05:00

20x16 oil on canvas. $400.

Spring Storm over the valley, off Mile Rd.

2009-04-25T16:11:00.002-05:00

This was painted in the wind and rain last Sunday. Mile road is between Reedsburg and Rock Springs.

16x20 oil on canvas. $450.

James' View.

2009-04-25T16:09:00.002-05:00

My friend, James Radke, took me out to this field one evening and I painted it the next afternoon. He has the right ideas.

12x16 oil on canvas. $250.

Spring Storm.

2009-04-25T16:04:00.002-05:00

I set up in Baraboo, under stormy skies, and got a phone call from Jenny telling me that it was pouring cats and dogs in the Dells. I knew I did not have much time to paint this, but challenged myself to finish it. I could see the line of rain moving towards me, over the fields in the background. I painted the effect and was packed up and on my way home without getting too wet.

11x14 oil on canvas.

Clouds on Terrytown Rd.

2009-04-25T16:03:00.002-05:00

16x12 oil on canvas. $250.

Beth Road, one land bridge.

2009-04-25T15:58:00.002-05:00

This was a warm morning (above freezing temperatures) when the ice groaned, shook, pinched and howled as it melted and cracked. In this painting you can see ice with snow on it, the frozen water at the surface, and open water. At first I didn't know if I should paint this scene as there was not much color, but it just shows that anything can be a subject if you give it a chance.

12x16 oil on canvas. $250.

Boo U View.

2009-04-25T15:55:00.003-05:00

Here is the view from the parking lot at UW-Sauk County/Baraboo.

8x10 oil on canvas. Sold. Thanks Keith!

Little Tree, Cornfield Rd.

2009-04-25T15:53:00.002-05:00

I like Cornfield Rd., but I'm running out of subjects on it. I suppose once the leaves start growing everything will look brand new and I'll still be out there.

8x10 oil on canvas. $125.

Hwy S, round three.

2009-04-25T15:51:00.001-05:00

Here is the classic view off of Hwy. S. The blue paint shows where the last bits of snow were hanging on in the shadows.

11x14 oil on canvas. $200

Golden Hour off Hwy. K

2009-04-25T15:49:00.002-05:00

This was a cold evening, during the transition from winter to spring. The effect passed quickly and I was trying my best to make the paint land in the right spot.

11x14 oil on canvas. $200

Sky over Mirror Lake Road.

2009-04-25T15:46:00.002-05:00

Terrytown Road has been closed for construction, so I have had to find different roads for my drives to school. I painted this early last Saturday morning before the storms came.

16x20 oil on canvas. $350.

Beth Road.

2009-04-25T15:42:00.002-05:00

Here is a view of an interesting field between Reedsburg and Rock Springs. Virgil Schneider stopped by to chat for awhile while this was being painted. He thinks it would have been a nice day for a motorcycle ride.