art outside

Watercolor # 4

2006-11-29T12:01:00.000-06:00

Thinking of you this Holiday Season

Sorry its been such a long time since argos posted. I have been way too busy lately and traveling a bit. Leaving again tomorrow and know that I will be busy through the end of the year. To my close bloggy friends who have written, I will write to you very soon via email. Thanks for thinking of me. Here is a little watercolor I did in your honor so that you may know I am thinking of you too!

Section Line

2006-10-30T06:15:00.000-06:00

oil on canvas 12 x 16

Just happened to get another painting done last week. This is what a lot of Iowa farm land looks like. Of course, it used to be part of what was considered the tall-grass prairie, which was made up of coarse grasses and abundant wild flowers. Obviously, most of it has been tilled up and turned over for row-crop production. I still have about 50 some acres of never-been-tilled land which I walk around on just about every weekend.

A man can get a little thinking done out here. Lately there has been something that has caused a considerable stir in my constitutional make-up, a challenge to my moral compass. As a Taoist at heart, walking down a road like this, or through the prairie, is where I can access that passive, non-striving and intuitive part of my self. But one can do this anywhere. The Tao-te ching states that: "where there is emptiness, it is there that you will be filled up." and "in the state of nothingness, you will find everything."

This is often what I am striving for. To get away from the noise of man, find that quiet place where one can access the space that overflows with a unity at the cosmic level. Go there and listen to the emptiness and, It is here you may find everything you are looking for. Most don't ask questions, nor seek answers because, apparently, most feel they have them all. It is when I feel like a vessel, that I feel my best and most child-like in this life.

Rare Pond

2006-10-23T10:01:00.000-05:00

To all my blog friends I would like to apologize for being less than accessible these past few weeks. Life can occassionally put one on a tac that demands that all free time be invested wisely. Either you go along with it or suffer through the hours with a cloud of guilt that hovers constantly over your head. Truth is, there just aren't enough hours in the day for me right now and I may be struggling through some issues regarding personal discipline. However, I think I see a light at the end of the tunnel and, provided its not a train coming at me, which most likely it is, I will be able to spend a little more time with my wonderful bloggy friends, whom I miss more than they probably miss me.

Here is a simple little 11 x 14 I tackled last week in fits and starts and then, as usual, abandonded it like all paintings are. Hope you enjoy it. I will get around the bloggy block and pay you all a visit very soon. Ciao!

Upland Field Day

2006-10-09T18:33:00.000-05:00

Quail season

The hunting seasons are here. Last year was a bountiful one as evidenced by the abundant game stashed in my freezer. If you haven't had quail slow cooked on the grill with a little native applewood, you just haven't eaten as well as you could be. In the heart of Iowa we have wild turkey, plenty of waterfowl, whitetail deer, and the fishing is excellent too. Too bad the tomato season is over. As for the painting, this is oil on canvas with knife, 11 x 14. This painting I reworked and am fairly happy with the results. If interested in purchasing, please email me from my profile page. Good Hunting!

Quick study watercolor

2006-09-24T17:55:00.000-05:00

Oktoberfest

This weekend, all over the world most likely, is Oktoberfest. Here in Des Moines, Iowa there is a little bar downtown in a converted old train station, Hessen House, which served it up this year. Maybe 10,000 people were there Friday night. A good time really. I met a lot of people and took a few photos. This is a simple little watercolor I did this morning of one of the german girls.

Now I have a blogger question, if anyone can answer- If you notice in the previous post, there is all this extra space, extra returns if you will. How the f#ck does one get rid of it? When you go to edit a post, the wysiwyg thingy opens and, geez, just breath, or click, and you have some extra space that cannot be deleted! I thought a wysiwyg was supposed to stand for "what you see is what you get." Not true.

Studio Centro

2006-09-22T07:42:00.000-05:00

Pas de chef-d'ouvre dans la paresse!
Here is a shot of my recently acquired studio in the downtown area. I have been sick for almost two weeks with a bad cold/cough and, therefore quite lazy lately. This sick time has given me the opportunity to read for hours as I try to catch up on rest. You can see that my oil palette and easel are just sitting there waiting for me to embrace them once again. Finally though, last night, while viewing the Andy Warhol documentary and tired of the laziness, I pulled out some large format paper and did a charcoal drawing of my intern/girl friday, Crystal. I might go in this direction for a while, as I had quite a bit of fun with drawing. Fresh flowers always seem to brighten up a junky place too, but I also see that there is a bottle of Johnny Walker on the table, just for the sipping. There happens to be two new oil paintings behind me too. After I give them one last go over, I will post them for you.

Wine and Roses

2006-09-06T07:28:00.000-05:00

Last of the summer wine
It has been a couple weeks since I posted. Settting up a new studio borders on the profane yet it is a good feeling to have a lot of new space to play in. Another knife painting in oil where the focus was to tackle water and reflection. Like a lot of painters, I get to the end and feel "I really don't have the hang of this". Such is the humility that comes with an avocation like painting.

Farm Pond

2006-08-25T04:57:00.000-05:00

12 x 16 oil on canvas with knife
I must say, what a crazy couple weeks this has been. Home struck by lightning. Broke little toe on my left foot. Too many nights on the terrace. Although, these are the kinds of things that mark a rather quiet summer when they seemingly go by so quickly. Rather lame and tame really. The exciting news though is that in two weeks, September 1st, marks the launch of my new company, Park and Rec Apparel Group. How can an entrepreneur find time to paint? At the end of the day, many of them long, there remains the night. With the new studio, I plan on producing a few new paintings a month. I am aware that spring is the time for renewal yet I've always found new sources of energy in the fall season. When the ponds freeze up for winter though, I'll be looking forward to finding a beach and, in my spare time, riding some giant waves. Recently, I decided that, if I could choose a means to die, I would like to do it while surfing. Silly thought no? In the meantime, I have lots and lots of work to do, am very excited and happy about it.

Work in progress

2006-08-16T07:46:00.000-05:00

Enchanted
There has always been something very meaningful to me about New Mexico and the indigenous architecture throughout the state. I seem to want to return often to this part of the country. Call me a romantic but, as much as I like five star hotels and great urban cities, spending time out west always reinforces those feelings of remaining somewhat childlike, what enchantment is all about. This painting is 18 x 24, oil with knife. I intend to finish this painting in the next couple weeks and posting once more, the final product. It will be for inventory build up for gallery submission. In the meantime, in case you are interested, email me to bid on this piece.

Chain Fruit Cholla

2006-08-07T15:54:00.000-05:00

oil on linen

This work was done plein air outside of Scottsdale Arizona. The Cholla is a beautiful element of the colorful desert floor. Although I painted this for a show, it never made the final cut.

Barista oil on canvas

2006-08-01T07:58:00.000-05:00

As I have been working diligently for many months on a start-up company in the fashion industry, I have done next to no painting. Last night, I needed a studio fix, have been looking at many paintings lately and became inspired. Oh man, I am rusty! However, learning color again is like running into a long lost friend. The whole time, I just kept thinking of...

Lenard Cohens "Anthem."

Ring the bells that still can sing.

forget your perfect offering.

There is a crack in everything.

That's how the light gets in.

Crossroads- oil on canvas

2006-07-28T13:41:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile since I last posted. I lost my blogger password and could not access my own blog for days. Never heard from Blogger either until, I did a restart. Duh! Sometimes it truly is Occams Razor that one must apply.

This painting is NOT my work. It is however, my painting. I own it. I think its 30 x 30. Was given to me as a gift by the great artist and friend, Andrew Peters. He is an outsider too, by the way, but now has 25 years plus as a full time painter. You can see his work at trailsidegalleries.com I wish you could see how alla prima the sky is. He simply nails value and chroma in one shot. The brush strokes are awesome.

I have a small, 99 acre, non-working farm in Iowa. This is very close to what it looks like coming out of my gate, although this piece was done plein air in another county. Just thought I'd share this with you. I am just tooling up a new studio, look for new works from me very soon.

Snowman

2006-07-17T18:00:00.000-05:00

As this is the time many large corporations must begin communication projects for the holiday season, I thought I'd post this watercolor now. This image is available for use. Please go to my profile page to find my email address should you have interest. I did a series of these. Watch this site for more.

oil on canvas 16 x 20 vines

2006-07-16T12:33:00.000-05:00

Seems in converting to web format in MGI Photsuite that I lose a little quality in the image. I think I will begin to upload in another manner, just to see if I can improve the results.

young vines

2006-07-14T10:15:00.000-05:00

This is one of my first paintings with a knife. I see now that I can't crop worth a crap. Also, I need to get better at matching digital image with original. Its very close, just not as vivid.

One minute charcoal

2006-07-13T07:45:00.000-05:00

who is right?

my every morning

2006-07-12T07:47:00.000-05:00

the path

Early in the morning is my favorite time of day. Its a magical time, the airglow of a new beginning is the only place I can commune with magic of some form. Here in this space, there is calm and peace, a kind of childlike hope. The early morn is the only time I feel that, if we who are not busy living, are busy dying.

The Ferrier

2006-07-08T15:37:00.000-05:00

oil on canvas 18 x 24

Another painting that mis-behaved. I did not finish. I could loosen it up but, I have moved on to other things. Maybe later. Wet paint though, is ones friend and, they have left me on this one too.

Summertime

2006-07-05T07:56:00.000-05:00

the round bale

charcoal # 6

2006-06-29T06:46:00.000-05:00

Woman running naked

How many places can a woman find to frolic in the nude in the great outdoors. Every woman I have taken to the farm finds herself doing this in the vineyard. Of course, I encourage it.

Charcoal # 5

2006-06-28T07:09:00.000-05:00

Elizabeth
This is amother quick study in charcoal. My intention is to concentrate on the face, get the relationship of the eyes, ears and mouth to be correct. I say quick in that this is about one hour of work in hopes of establishing proper values for later use in oils.

county line

2006-06-26T18:05:00.000-05:00

another watercolor road study
These are done fairly quickly. Mostly for fun and practice in getting the right amount of water and value.

Iowa

2006-06-26T06:35:00.000-05:00

near by in Lucas County - 12 x 16 oil on canvas

I don't know why I started painting with a knife but I do enjoy it. Here is another example.

Veritas

2006-06-22T07:04:00.000-05:00

oil on canvas 18 x 24

This painting was a whole new direction for me. Not as painterly as the plein air landscapes. Still, it is always fun to experiment. That is my right hand and also me as the bartender. This piece has been sold but like Degas and many others, if I were in front of it again, I'd probably work on it once more.

Charcoal # 4

2006-06-21T05:31:00.000-05:00

market girl - quick study

Being a single guy, I will notice woman and especially if they seem to be noticing me. I turned and this one looked right at me, in the eyes. Of course, I carried on my way after a bit of a smile. I did not forget her face or the look in her eyes.

Watercolor # 3

2006-06-19T06:10:00.000-05:00

another lonely gravel road

I previously posted a similar watercolor and love doing gravel roads and fence lines. There is so much color in snow. I hope you enjoy this one too. The original size is from a moleskin journal.

Out in the West

2006-06-17T06:46:00.000-05:00

cattle drive by 11 x 14 oil on canvas

I never finished this painting. Plein air work has its own challenges and porting wet work can be difficult. I accidentally poked a hole through this piece while travelling.

Charcoal # 3

2006-06-16T06:39:00.000-05:00

Nude # 1

You may occasionally find nudity in the work here at art outside, I being one who is compelled to study the human figure. They are mostly value studies for painting in oils. This is a friend and model. The bottle of Crios rosa was good too.

Coyote Fence

2006-06-15T06:41:00.000-05:00

oil on canvas 12 x 16

Indigenous architecture including elements such as this coyote fence are part of what makes the southwest so enchanting.

Charcoal # 2

2006-06-14T06:22:00.000-05:00

Quick study

Compelled by the emotions I often see in faces of random people, I will often do a quick rendering of someone I saw that day. Cartoon-ish yes. This woman looked deeply sad.

Oil on Canvas- 9 x 12 SoCal

2006-06-13T06:26:00.000-05:00

LA County

I lived in Los Angeles for a handful of years. On those rare days in winter the sky is very clear.

Charcoal # 1

2006-06-12T09:50:00.000-05:00

Michelle 11 x 14

I should have photographed this piece rather than scanning it as it appears a little grainy. In any case, I often will sketch portraits such as this and am fascintated with the human face. Now I have posted to this newborn blog my work in oils, watercolor and charcoal/graphite. Don't know if I have a talent for any of it but soon will begin a series of some theme to begin selling online. Any suggestions?

Champion crowned

2006-06-12T07:13:00.000-05:00

Greg Churchill accepts green jacket and Mogo Claret jug

While Mr. Chuchill admits he is no longer a 42 long, he is this years Mogo champion. We never had a chance.

The Mogo

2006-06-07T05:54:00.000-05:00

Okoboji Iowa

I will be away from all electronic communication devices for the next week. Here is where I will be, relaxing with great friends on the lake and playing some golf. See you next week.

Water Color # 2

2006-06-06T06:13:00.000-05:00

Road in winter

Watercolor can be very fun. I like to dabble in little studies of the countryside, especially in winter.

12 x 16 Oil on Canvas

2006-06-02T05:39:00.000-05:00

Open Range Colorado - Sold

I once lived in Colorado Springs for several years and miss it often. Most previous paintings posted were done with a knife. This painting was plein air with brushes.

New Mexico

2006-06-01T06:55:00.000-05:00

Oil on Canvas 12 x 16 with knife "Ranchito"

The southwest is a wonderful place to paint outdoors. The entire country is beautiful but in large areas of the west, there are no fences. This painting is in inventory and available for sale.

Vineyard Hill

2006-05-31T06:52:00.000-05:00

Oil on canvas 18 x 24 plein air with knife

This is a highly keyed representation of a wonderful little vineyard on a lonely road. I guess I need to improve my photography. This painting is in inventory and available for sale.

Watercolor # 1 a.w.

2006-05-29T20:20:00.000-05:00

annabel

Frequently, I enjoy doing little watercolors of people I know. I do them on blank watercolor greeting cards. This is one that I particularly liked. Often, I don't know what to do with them once I finish and, thought this would be a great way to archive them. What are you doing with yours?

Memorial Day 2006

2006-05-29T06:33:00.000-05:00

Twelve years ago

I am not at all afraid of death. Worse is being alive in a world that seems more empty than it once was. Here lies a man among men who is missed by all who knew him. I wish I could ask him just twenty more questions.

My blue heaven

2006-05-27T15:04:00.000-05:00

Gray's Lake

Weather permitting, I usually roller blade around this lake a few times every morning. The lake has a 2.2 mile ten foot wide hard surface path around it, so six times around is a half-marathon. I am in training to skate the marathon circuit in Europe. Anybody else?

In The Vineyard

2006-05-27T14:54:00.000-05:00

wine with friends 18 x 24 oil on canvas

So this is my first post, my first day. I did this painting plein air with a knife. Five acres of French American hybrids on a 99 acre ranchito in Iowa. These are two girlfriends who come by on lazy Sunday afternoons to apparently watch me work. It's a crappy digital image of the painting, I know, however the values and chromas are as close to original.