Archives for Portrait

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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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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Back In the Saddle

Back In the Saddle

November 27, 2011 | by

When he was 12 years old, John DeMott was invited to visit the home of Western film and music star Roy Rogers. It was a pivotal occasion, and today DeMott regards it as a strong influence in his life and his art. Growing up near Chatsworth, California, with its movie sets and Hollywood flare, the DeMott family lived in the same neighborhood as Rogers and his wife Dale Evans, and young DeMott routinely played with the couple’s children. John DeMott (Colorado) Against The Painted Sky Oil 25″ By 30″ I enjoy the great sunsets off my studio deck every evening
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Making Music

Making Music

November 27, 2011 | by

Nancy Guzik loves nothing more than the challenge of capturing—and conveying—the beauty she finds in a face or a flower, a teacup, or a tree. That she more than meets that challenge is apparent in the many awards her paintings have earned and the many prestigious collections throughout the world that include her work. Nancy Guzik (New Hampshire) Peony Tea Oil 11″ By 14″ In this fanciful composition and color harmony, I get the chance to play with making flowers look like delicate peonies, and teacups feel like real china-magical! Nancy Guzik (New Hampshire) Creativity Oil 16″ By 12″ In
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Keeping The Adventure Alive

Keeping The Adventure Alive

September 27, 2011 | by

Dan Beck was justifiably pleased when one of his paintings earned a Gold Medal Award at the Oil Painters of America Show in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in June. It was the latest in a long list of honors for the talented artist. While he admits that he enjoys the recognition, he keeps things in perspective. Dan Beck (Colorado) Vania In White Oil 20″ By 10″ For me, there is such a mystique and energy to this beauty. Dan Beck (Colorado) A Warm Breeze Oil 36″ By 24″ There was something noble and connected about this model. I wanted to show
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The Excitement Continues

The Excitement Continues

September 27, 2011 | by

David Halbach readily admits that what drove his initial interest in art when he was a young boy was a bit of sibling rivalry. His older brother, he says, loved to draw trains and, upon showing them to his parents, would receive glowing reviews and a pat on the head. “I wanted a little of that praise, too, so I started drawing,” Halbach says. David Halbach (California) Track Inspectors Watercolor 21″ By 29″ Totally baffled, these Indians have watched the white men uproot the soil, lay wood, then hard cold material. With all having left save the wood and cold
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Historical Inspiration

Historical Inspiration

September 27, 2011 | by

Born and raised in Carthage, Missouri, population 14,000, 53 years later Andy Thomas still calls the small town home. He is living proof that you can find success and personal fulfillment without straying far from your own backyard. Andy Thomas (Missouri) Johnny Saved The Girl Oil 40″ X 30″ Cowboy lore tells us to help the unfortunate, punish the bad guys, and save the girl. Andy Thomas (Missouri) You Can Call Me Darlin’ Oil 30″ By 24″ A worldly, wise saloon girl has won the affections of a naïve cowboy.
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Memory Keeper

Memory Keeper

July 27, 2011 | by

Tong Luo is living out his dream of studying technique and art history in New York City. But following his passion has come with a price. His family is far away, living in China. Although he is sometimes lonely, Luo tries to stay focused, knowing that he is doing what he needs to do, not only for himself, but for his family. Tong Luo (Canada) Snow Valley Oil 30″ By 30″ I saw this girl on a snowy day. Although she is only 6 years old, she has to fetch water every day. Tong Luo (Canada) Nomadic Girl Oil 30″
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It’s Got to Come From the Soul

It’s Got to Come From the Soul

July 27, 2011 | by

It wasn’t a typical phone call for a guy who paints cowboy art. The caller was a representative for George Lucas-yes, that George Lucas, the producer of “Star Wars” fame—who was soliciting art samples for an upcoming book in which Lucas wanted his legendary characters depicted imaginatively in different genres. As Idaho artist Nelson Boren talked to the caller, he pondered the assignment with his usual wit. Nelson Boren (Idaho) Flowers Don’t Lie Watercolor 14″x14″ I’ve always loved the contrast between rough leather and soft flowers. Most cowboys I know are rough on the outside, but have soft hearts. Nelson
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A Successful Gamble

A Successful Gamble

May 27, 2011 | by

I think the Lord gives you talent,but you have to sacrifice. You have to pay your dues.” So says Jim Norton, who did indeed pay his dues as he followed his dream of becoming an artist. He studied, he painted when he was dog tired after working a full-time job to support his growing family and, with the support of his wife Pam, he gambled on his talent taking him where he wanted to go. Jim Norton (Utah) Maza Waken Oil 52″ By 40″ Maza Waken was the name the Sioux gave the gun. They believed it was a very
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