Pointillism

I recently completed a new pointillist painting. Every so often, I get inspired to paint in this style. It started after a trip to the Musee d’Orsay in Paris years ago – home of the impressionist masters. I was inspired by a piece by George Seurat – an actual small woman’s fan that had been painted on the front side, that looked so real I thought it was a photograph. After closer examination and realizing it was a painting, I was not only inspired but completely intrigued. His painting technique is called pointillism - in which small, distinct dots of pure color are applied in patterns to form an image (similar to what we call pixels today). To paint in this style takes time, patience, a lot of color mixing, and a challenge to create a finished product that matches what you originally envision. I enjoy stepping out of my normal style of intuitive painting, and working in a style that instead requires much more thought process, requiring that I use the other side of my brain and challenge myself. In my career, I’ve created about a dozen pointillist paintings, and each time I finish with more respect and appreciation for the masters. Perhaps it’s the labor of love, but they always seem into fall in my “favorites” category.

"Fall Splendors"

This piece “Fall Splendors” is currently on display at Gallery 903 in Portland, Oregon for a short time. As with all my pointillist pieces, it’s a large oil – 72″ X 48″. 

I hope you can get down there to enjoy it before it’s gone!

Other pointillist pieces I’ve created that are available as Limited Edition Prints are:

"Afternoon Reflections"

"Dusk Approaches"

    

"Shimmering Light"

    

"The Pool"

Fall Series

I love the fall. This is a new piece I am working on. Sometimes I like to change things up to keep me from getting bored, so I decided to do another pointelist-style painting. This is a technique using small dots of color.

This painting is 72" X 48", so it will take me a lot longer. I'm about 70% done...

New Work at the Lawrence Gallery

"Pacific Reflections "36" X 60" $4,800

Just about to head down to the Lawrence Gallery in Sheridan to deliver some new work for the Labor Day Weekend. If you are out in the wine country this weekend, be sure to stop by the gallery and take a look. Some of the work will be heading down to the Lawrence Gallery at Salishan, so it might not be there for long.

I don't often paint the ocean, which is odd because it moves me as much as the dramatic skies. I plan to do more plein air painting at the coast in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned!

Come Watch Me Paint Today at the Portland Plein Air Paint Out

Today and tomorrow, the Portland South Park Blocks turn into a lively outdoor studio. Come join me and other local artists as we paint many of our favorite landscapes and landmarks with oils, watercolors, and pastels. Artists will begin at first light and paint throughout the day on Saturday. Visitors are encouraged to watch and talk with the painters as they translate the landscape in front of their eyes to canvas.


On Sunday, we return to exhibit and sell selected works in the Museum's courtyard. Enjoy live music by jazz/swing trio Boy & Bean, handmade ice cream from Salt & Straw, and tasty sandwiches from Lovejoy Bakers. Sweets, wine, and beer will be available for purchase in Museum Grounds cafe.

Hope to see you there!

Dancing with the Moon: Back by Popular Demand

"Dancing with the Moon"
Original Oil: 72" X 68", $10,500
Limited Edition Print: 36" X 36", $700

One of my favorites, "Dancing with the Moon", is now back at Gallery 903 in Portland, Oregon. I've had it at my studio for the last 18 months or so, keeping me inspired. It is one of my creations that just seems to resonate with a lot of folks. I often have people call me from all over the country who have seen it on display at various galleries to say "they just can't seem to get it out of their mind".

I was inspired to paint it on my way home from a summer vacation in Montana. It was late at night and we were driving home through the Columbia Gorge, which separates the states of Washington and Oregon. If you've ever driven through the gorge, you know how hypnotically beautiful and captivating it is (which is why I am always using it as my subject matter in so many paintings). On this particular night however, there was a full moon and light cloud cover. As we traveled through various bends, the moon was shining brightly, illuminating the river with brilliant reflections, only to quickly disappear behind the clouds and then make herself known again just moments later. This continued for miles, leaving me feeling like we were dancing together. As is often the case after my time in gorge, I arrived home anxious to start painting - this one just flowed out of me.

Since it seems to leave so many with an impression, I've made limited edition prints on canvas available for purchase. If you are interested, contact me.

It all started with illustration

Every so often I am asked if I still do any professional illustrations. And yes, I still do on occasion. Today I am working on soldier illustration for a US Army exhibit.

Commission studies

New commission studies for Morton and the Cole Gallery