Archives for Oil

Walk On In

Walk On In

May 26, 2012 | by

As artistic careers go, Daniel Mundy’s didn’t come to fruition until he was almost 45 years old, despite a life spent painting and dabbling in various art forms. It’s not that Mundy didn’t love the patterns and colors of the sky, or the nuances of form and color that shadows cast on the light; he just hadn’t quite figured out yet that he was an artist. Daniel Mundy (California) A Field In Bloom Oil 24″ By 30″ A few years ago, I happened on this field of poppies in late afternoon light. I jumped out of the truck, threw up
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Bigger, Bolder, Better

Bigger, Bolder, Better

May 26, 2012 | by

He’s part storyteller, part historian, and part movie director. That’s how Texas artist Xiang Zhang regards his role when he paints. And he takes his work so seriously that he combs the vast ranching landscapes of the Southwest in order to be as accurate as possible in his portrayals. Xiang Zhang (Texas) Simple Pleasure Oil 20″ By 16″ I met this cowboy at my friend’s ranch. He was about 70 years old and looked so handsome on horseback. He lit a cigarette whenever he got the chance, during the roundup. My friend told me that he was the model for
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Honoring the Master: A Retrospective

Honoring the Master: A Retrospective

March 26, 2012 | by

I take my work very seriously, but I don’t take myself seriously. Take awaymy paintbrush, and I’m no different than anyone else. Howard Terpning (Arizona) Medicine Man Of The Cheyenne Oil 48″ By 40″ The medicine man held a very important position in any tribe. He was, in effect, a combination doctor and minister, or priest. He knew about the healing properties of plants, and he knew the ceremonies, chants, and songs that wielded magical powers for the benefit of individuals, or the whole band. Howard Terpning (Arizona) Cheyenne At The Disappearing Creek Oil 50″ By 40″ In the 19th
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Beautiful World, Beautiful Life

Beautiful World, Beautiful Life

March 26, 2012 | by

Cary Ennis’ still life paintings embody a simple, elegant beauty while radiating with color and light. They are lovingly arranged, beautifully painted, and enthusiastically collected. A comment made by a viewer of one of Ennis’ paintings sums it up nicely: “Oh, I wish I saw the world that way!” Cary Ennis (New Mexico) Lemon Orchids Oil 28″ By 32″ Spending time in Hawaii was enhanced by access to such wonderful flowers. Orchids have such character and variety, and they last a long time, which makes them perfect for still life painting. The exquisite form of these white and yellow Cataleyas
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I’m Not Just an Artist

I’m Not Just an Artist

March 26, 2012 | by

With the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges, the vineyards of Sonoma Valley, or the Big Sur coastline as his backdrop, Kevin Courter never wearies of painting the majesty and diversity of the California landscape. Kevin Courter (California) Moonlight Oil 20″ By 16″ Nocturnes are a common theme of mine and are especially intriguing when utilizing the subtle light of a full moon. I enjoy pushing the subtle color shifts and warm hues in these scenes. Kevin Courter (California) Dance Of The Pacific Oil 12″ By 18″ Eucalyptus trees are one of my favorite trees to paint. I love their graceful lines
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Painting His Memories

Painting His Memories

March 26, 2012 | by

When asked about his favorite childhood memory, Oregon artist Jim Daly stops and thinks for a moment. Not because he can’t remember one, but because there are so many. Jim Daly (Oregon) A Sympathetic Friend Oil 18″ By 12″ We’ve all had a rock in our shoe at one time or another, or a sore toe that kept us from running at full speed. This boy is taking time out on a hot summer day to check things out. He doesn’t see his dog’s concern, but for us, the viewer, sometimes a dog can say more with just a look
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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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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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