Archives for 2012 January-February Issue

I Just Want to Paint

I Just Want to Paint

January 26, 2012 | by

Richard Thomas points to a plaque on the wall in his Montana studio that, he says, has “been with me forever.” The words on that plaque not only describe artists in general, they are a commentary on Thomas’ career. Richard Thomas (Montana) First Light Oil 30″ By 40″ This is early morning’s first light on a Blackfeet encampment in Montana. The setting for this piece is not far from what is now just outside my studio. Richard Thomas (Montana) The Day’s Mounts-Three Forks Oil 30″ By 44″ In this painting, I depicted riders picking up their mounts on the morning
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Still Pouring It On

Still Pouring It On

January 26, 2012 | by

In 1972, Walt Gonske made a decision that, he says, was “probably the smartest thing I ever did.” That decision-to leave illustration and New York City behind and move to Taos, New Mexico, and try his hand at fine art-changed the course of his life. It also provided art lovers with the opportunity to enjoy his incredible talent. Walt Gonske (New Mexico) Los Colonias Oil 30″ By 28″ Winter cottonwoods and red willows along a Taos creek-it doesn’t get any better than this, having all of these forms and color in one composition. Walt Gonske (New Mexico) Placita Winter Day
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The Journey Continues

The Journey Continues

January 26, 2012 | by

For more than two decades, California-based artist Calvin Liang has been inspired by the majestic beauty found along the Pacific coastline, so it is not surprising that billowy sail boats, rosetinged sunsets, misty coves, and secluded beaches continue as favorite subjects for his impressionistic, yet slightly stylized, oil paintings. Calvin Liang (California) Venice Canal Oil 30″ By 40″ Venice might be somewhat of a tourist trap, but it is beautiful to the eye. In this scene, it is surrounded by colorful buildings and dramatic water reflections Calvin Liang (California) Spider Rock Oil 24″ By 30″ Spider Rock is one of
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Answering the Call of the Wild

Answering the Call of the Wild

January 26, 2012 | by

It’s been 50 years since Gerald Balciar left his hometown of Medford, Wisconsin, and drove west to Denver, Colorado. One of the biggest and best taxidermy shops in the country had offered him a job at $1.25 an hour—and that was enough to entice the 19-year-old Balciar to leave home. Plus, he knew that in Colorado he would finally see live mule deer, antelope, and elk. Gerald Balciar (Colorado) Up, Up And Away Bronze 21″ High I wanted a composition of rising mallards that would look good from all angles without a back side. I needed the cattails for suspension,
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Celebrating “God’s Greatest Masterpiece”

Celebrating “God’s Greatest Masterpiece”

January 26, 2012 | by

Artists – no matter the medium, no matter the subject matter – have one thing in common: They are driven to share their visions of the world with others. The six artists featured here are particularly drawn to the human figure or, as Romel de la Torre describes it, “God’s greatest masterpiece.” Clayton Beck III (Illinois) Minitka Oil 20″ By 16″ It is always a gift, when one of my models comes in looking like this. It seems that, before I begin to paint, my work is almost done. Michelle Dunaway (California) Katie And Jenni-The Daughters Of Jane Seymour Oil
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