Inspiration Fell Out of the Pages

A few days ago, a friend of mine loaned me a book, and as I flipped through the pages a small card fell out that read:

“The thing I love so much about working in Denver is that you can look out the window, down any street, and see western romance and reality in a head-on collision.” – artist Karen Kitchel

As a native of Denver, I love this quote. As an artist working in Denver I have always been inspired by the everyday images that are unique to my hometown. I think it is important as an artist to be aware of daily surroundings and how they can either intentionally, or unintentionally affect the outcome of creative expression. How does your environment affect you?

The view at my studio, just North of downtown Denver. In my opinion, a perfect example of "western romance and reality in a head-on collision."

Castles in the Sky

Recently, I came across the French idiomatic expression “faire des châteaux en Espagne.” In English, it has a similar meaning to “building castles in the sky.” It implies almost impossible, unattainable goals. It literally translates as, "building castles in Spain." According to some sources, this expression originated from a time many centuries ago when there weren't any castles in Spain. I had a “light bulb” moment when I discovered this expression. It describes my newest paintings so well. I love the idea of castles in the sky, and striving toward the nearly unachievable.

My most recent paintings embody this concept of “castles in the sky.” They are building thunderheads viewed at higher atmospheric levels, almost surreal and fortress-like. They have harder edges than my previous work yet still evoke a certain cloudy softness. I love this contradiction. I love the idea of striving toward the impossible, because I believe anything is possible. After all, there are now many castles in Spain.

Castles in the Sky, 22 x 30. Oil on watercolor paper.

Enchanted Sky, 40,000 ft, 22 x 30. Oil on watercolor paper.

40,000 ft Castle, 30 x 22. Oil on watercolor paper.

Cascading Break, 22 x 30. Oil on watercolor paper.

Works on Paper / Works in Progress

Maybe it is the abundance of natural light in my new studio or maybe it is my recent travels, but for some reason, lately I have felt compelled to start a new series of oil on paper paintings. I am captivated by the idea of a surreal dream-like world that exists in the upper levels of atmosphere. From an airplane window, I love looking at building thunderheads that are so striking from above, yet appear so ominous from below.

Posted below are two of my newest works on paper, both still in progress. I am planning a new series based around this theme of building thunderheads viewed from above. Stayed tuned for more soon...

Midsummer Night in Skagen

Browsing through my photos from this summer, I came across these from Skagen, Denmark. There was something disorienting and otherworldly about midnight in Skagen. That late night sky still haunts me. The sun was just setting below the horizon, only to rise a couple hours later. I watched as the Baltic and North Seas met tumultuously at the tip of Skagen, while an eerily orange full moon rose to the East. I felt as though I had stepped into a surreal dream world, and I was enchanted.

Every Painter Should Read This Book

Fig, Joe. Inside the Painter's Studio. New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 2009.

I recently picked up a copy of Inside the Painter’s Studio, an insightful book by artist, Joe Fig. I was captivated. The author interviews inspirational painters such as Chuck Close, Ryan McGinness, and April Gornik along with beautiful photos of their studios. Each artist is given a set of questions to answer pertaining to their studio and the creative process that occurs within the studio walls. Each answer provides greater comprehension into the mysterious creative process. As I read the responses, I found myself relating to this sometimes difficult-to-articulate, intangible artistic process. It made me much more aware of the great importance of a good workspace, allowing for the maximum amount of pure, uninterrupted creative thought and expression.

I especially loved artist, Ross Bleckner’s response to the question, “Do you have a motto or a creed that as an artist you live by?”

Life is short. Life goes fast. And what I really want to do in my life is to bring something new, something beautiful, and something filled with light into the world. I try to think of that every day so that I can remember why I am coming to my studio. And then the other thing is, just go, just show up.

Emotional Reactions

First of all, I want to apologize for my blogging hiatus. It’s been a busy summer filled with travel and change. I spent most of my summer in Europe, getting goose bumps from art masterpieces.

From Munch’s haunting work at the National Museum in Oslo, to the dramatic work of Caravaggio at the Uffizi in Florence, I became overcome by one universal quality of art; it’s eternal. The Scream still has the power to evoke an emotional reaction from all who stop to contemplate it, and Caravaggio’s work still brings tears to the eyes of thousands of tourists from all over the world, every day.

I was blown away by the command that these works continue to have over all who view them in person, even though these masterpieces were created so long ago. Good art transcends time, cultural boundaries, societal standards, and connects us all through strong emotional reactions that tie us together as human beings. It is a wonderful thing to experience.

Some masterpieces that impacted me this summer:

Vinternatt i fjellene, Harald Sohlberg, 1914. The National Museum, Oslo, Norway.

The Scream, Edvard Munch, 1893. The National Museum, Oslo, Norway.

Medusa, Caravaggio, 1587. Uffizi, Florence, Italy.

Happy (Blogging) Anniversary to Me

It’s been a year since I started this blog, so I thought I would list some of my favorite posts from the previous blogging year. I’ve enjoyed sharing my inspirations and creations with you, and I am very grateful to my wonderful blog readers.

The next several weeks should bring some interesting posts as I document my artist residency in Kemijärvi, Finland. I really have no idea what to except, but I can’t wait to share my experiences with you here. Please stay tuned…

My favorite blog posts in the last year:

Airmail

Why I’m an Artist

Palette Art

Pinhole Perspectives

School Report on Golden Chalice

The Sacred Studio

It Runs in the Family

Above the French Alps at Daybreak

The Three-Hour Sunset

What Causes New Yorkers to Stop and Stare?

Stalactite Sky, 2009. Oil and oilbar on canvas, 52 x 44.

First Friday Open Studio Tonight

Amazing how time flies! It is already the first Friday of the month. Tonight I am having open studio as a part of Denver's Art District on Santa Fe First Friday from 6 to 9 PM. For more information about my open studio, please click here.

Mid-Flight Moguls, 2010. Oil and oilbar on canvas, 66 x 72.

Pinhole Study #3

Below is the third installment in my series of pinhole painting studies. I have enjoyed working on these studies so much that I have decided to continue to create more. Currently, I am working on a large-scale square painting based on these studies. If you missed any of the posts on my pinhole painting experiment, you can find them all here. More to come soon.

Pinhole Study #3. Oil on panel, 12 x 12.

Airmail

I am a proud participant in the twitter Art Swap 2010. Artist David Pringle is the organizer of this wonderful exchange of art created by artists from all over the world. The idea is similar to that of a secret Santa but better, in my opinion, because the gift is art. Posted below is the painting I created for the Art Swap. It was sent to a recipient thousands of miles away. I can’t wait for this artist to receive my painting in the mail, and I anxiously await the arrival of the art that will come my way.

Flight AF7681 6:50 AM, 2010. Oil on panel 8 x 8.

Pinhole Study #2

Posted below is an image of my second pinhole painting study. My third pinhole study is currently in the works, and I will share it with you here once it has been completed. I plan to begin a large square painting based on these studies. Due to these studies, I have concluded that I like the concept of peering through a small hole or window into another more captivating world. There is something so haunting about that idea. It is beautiful, almost intangible, yet hopeful.

In case you missed my previous posts about my pinhole project and my relentless quest for a new perspective, you can find them all here.

Pinhole Study #2, 2010. Oil on panel, 12 x 12.

Front Range Fire

I am pleased to announce that one of my works on paper, Front Range Fire, was recently acquired for the permanent art collection of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado. My work was chosen to represent wind energy. I am truly grateful that such a wonderful organization has selected one of my paintings for their permanent collection. It is such an honor.

Front Range Fire, 2008. Gouache and soft pastel on watercolor paper, 35 x 43.

Pinhole Study #1

Previously I had written a post about my idea to construct a pinhole camera in the pursuit of a new hazy, dreamlike perspective in my work. I wrote about building a pinhole camera and photographing sky. I had promised to share the painting studies that I would create based on this experiment. I have finally completed my first pinhole study, and would like to share it with you here. Because most pinhole cameras produce square images, I selected a square format for my painting study to evoke a similar feel. I wanted the edges of the study to be dark and hazy, to suggest the feeling of peering through a small pinhole into another more beautiful world.

Currently, I have two more pinhole studies in the works, and can’t wait to post the images here once completed. After I have finished these studies, I plan to create a large-scale pinhole inspired painting. I have enjoyed this new artistic journey, and sharing it here with you. More to come…

Pinhole Study #1, 2010. Oil on panel. 12 x 12.

New Work

I would like to share with you my two newest paintings, Other Side and Mid-Flight Moguls. These two works continue to examine my fascination with skies above the clouds and away from all worries. I strive to evoke a moment of weightlessness and peace in creating these paintings. I am interested in further exploring ideas of being removed from anxieties and worries high above the earth’s surface. I will keep you posted on my developments. Thanks for visiting.

Other Side, 2010. Oil and oilbar on canvas, 56 x 78.

Mid-Flight Moguls, 2010. Oil and oilbar on canvas, 66 x 72.

Why I'm an Artist

Lately I’ve been thinking about my sometimes capricious career. In the last couple weeks I’ve been faced with some challenges that have prompted me to reflect on my career as an artist. Being an artist goes well beyond just a career. It’s a way of life. It is who I am in my most honest essential form. I didn’t choose this profession. It chose me. I saw no other alternative. I have such an overwhelming desire to communicate things I cannot put into words, a desire to inspire others and evoke a moment of peace and hope through my paintings.

I find infinite more meaning in my life by pursuing my passion and striving to inspire serenity and beauty in others. A career as an artist can be challenging with so many uncertainties, but I can’t imagine any other life.

I would like to thank all of my blog readers, twitter followers, collectors, fellow artists, friends and family for your encouragement and support of my art. Each and every one of your kind words motivates me to continue to paint and inspires me onward. I am truly grateful for all of you. Thank you!

Palette Art

I've found my palettes to be forms of art in of themselves. I usually start very simple and basic using only primary colors, and then mix to create any color I desire. Oftentimes I will look at my palette after hours of painting and realize it has evolved into an interesting abstract composition on it's own. It continues to remind me to try more abstract painting.

First Friday Open Studio Tonight

Just a quick reminder that tonight I am having open studio as a part of Denver's Art District on Santa Fe First Friday from 6 to 9 PM. Please stop by and see what I have been working on.

My studio is located at:

Space Gallery

765 Santa Fe Drive

Denver, CO 80204

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Stalactite Sky, 2009. Oil and oilbar on canvas, 52 x 44.

Painting North of the Arctic Circle

I am honored that the Kemijärvi Artist Residence in Kemijärvi, Finland has invited me to spend the month of July 2010 in residence painting and exhibiting my work. I am looking forward to a new perspective painting North of the Arctic Circle. I am not sure of the effects that the land of the midnight sun will have on my work, but I can’t wait to find out. I am excited to document my experiences while I am in residence and will share them with you here… stay tuned!

Lake Kemijärvi. Photo courtesy of wikipedia.

Pinhole Perspectives

Two weeks ago I wrote a post about my idea to build a pinhole camera, in the effort to find a new hazy, dreamlike perspective. I was hoping to apply those results to my paintings. After three hours of camera construction I had built my first pinhole, and was ready to shoot some photos.

It took a bit of time and adjustment to get used to the idea that I would not have instant results with these photos. I wasn’t sure if any would turn out, but in a way, that anticipation was refreshing. Below are some of the best shots from my first roll of film. I would like to take some of the elements and distorted light from these photos, and apply that in my next painting. Although I don’t work from photos, I feel this was a nice project to see light and sky a bit differently. As an artist, the pinhole perspective inspires me. My current direction is dreamlike and soft. I would like my next painting to appear as if the viewer is seeing beautiful dreams through the lens of a pinhole. I will keep you posted on my next painting influenced by my pinhole experiment.

P.S. Interesting fact: Pinhole photography is the oldest form of photography dating back to as early as 500 B.C.

School Report on Golden Chalice

I received a nice email yesterday from a junior high school student that wanted to do an art report on my work, in particular, my painting Golden Chalice. I have never had such a request and I felt very honored.

She had asked me for some background information on my painting and inspiration behind Golden Chalice. I thought I would share my response with you here, perhaps to shed a little more insight into my work.

Golden Chalice, 2009. Oil and oilbar on canvas, 56 x 78.

Here’s my response:

I am a native of Colorado, and Golden Chalice is inspired by the Colorado skies I have come to know so well. I create my paintings from things I have imagined, memories, places I want to go, and beautiful skies that I would like to see. Golden Chalice is a sky that I imagined. I want to create the sense of peace, serenity and beauty in this painting. My goal as an artist is to transport the viewer of the painting away from worries to a more peaceful place. I feel we could all use more moments of tranquility. That is what I strive to do with my work.

I like to make large paintings because I feel the large paintings best communicate the vast and infinite sky. I like my paintings to engulf the viewer, so that when looking at my paintings, all that is in the immediate range of sight is sky. I love vibrant, bright colors, which is why I chose such strong colors in Golden Chalice. I imagine Golden Chalice to be a late evening summer sky, just as the sun is setting. It is right after a storm, and the dark clouds are moving away from the setting sun, allowing for a beautiful display of color and light. I love the idea that after a storm there can be such a stunning sky. I find it very hopeful.

Golden Chalice took me a month to create, working every day. I don't always have a very clear idea of the way the painting will turn out until I start working. As I am painting I decide how it will evolve. I don't do any planning or sketching beforehand. I just let my mind wander.

The Pinhole Project

Months ago I had the idea to construct a pinhole camera to photograph my paintings and whatever else struck my eye. A pinhole camera is the simplest of cameras with no lens and a small aperture. I wanted to see how the pinhole would distort my paintings primarily for the sake of a new perspective on my work, and to continue with the dreamlike, surreal quality I have been striving to achieve in my paintings. I am interested in the otherworldly aspect often evoked with a pinhole camera. I am seeking the same aspect in my work.

Months have passed and I have still yet to begin this project. I bought a pinhole camera kit that currently still remains in the box. I decided I would be held most accountable to complete this idea by posting the stages here on my blog. I will begin construction on the camera this weekend and post the progress here very soon. Please stay tuned!

First Friday Open Studio Is Tonight!

Just a reminder that I am having open studio tonight as a part of Denver's Art District on Santa Fe First Friday from 6 to 9 PM. Please stop by if you are in the area!

My studio is located at:

Space Gallery

765 Santa Fe Dr

Denver, CO 80204

Have a great weekend!

Golden Crucible, 2009. Oil and oilbar on canvas. 52 x 44.

One Small Challenge

This week I went from working on a 56” x 78” painting to three 4” x 6” paintings. Such a vast difference in scale! I was recently invited to participate in a show that required the size of all paintings to be 4” x 6.” Not one to turn down a challenge, I welcomed the chance to create something outside of my normal painting practices. In the end it was a good exercise in scale, and it allowed me to work on some new ideas for larger pieces. Needless to say, I enjoyed this small challenge.

Here’s the info for the upcoming the show:

Micro Whitney Counterweight 100 Artists in Mail Art Show

H215 Gallery, 55 Bethune St, New York, NY 1001

Opening March 12, 7-11 PM

All paintings are oil on watercolor paper, 4 x 6.

Cleaning Out My Desk Brings Inspiration

I wanted to share these photos that I recently rediscovered cleaning out my desk. A collector and friend of my mine had sent me these photos from an evening flight right after takeoff above Charlotte, NC. It is a nice reminder of the dreamlike serene qualities of airplane skies, reflecting the current direction of my work. Stay tuned for a glimpse of my most recent paintings, posted here soon.

The Sacred Studio

Rembrandt van Rijn, The Artist in his Studio, c.1629.

I was recently reminded of the Rembrandt painting, The Artist in his Studio, posted above. I have always felt a connection with this painting as an artist. The fondness and peace Rembrandt must have felt for his studio is clear in this painting. A quiet simplicity and warmth exists in the space. Rembrandt’s painting sums up exactly the way I feel about my studio. Hundreds of years have passed, yet the emotion remains the same.

The studio of an artist is sacred and magical. This is where the dreams, thoughts, and ideas are brought to reality. It is the medium between the mind’s eye of the artist and the realization of that vision.

When I am in my studio, time stops. It is just my vision and my work. I am entirely at peace and all worries are forgotten. I believe that everyone needs a sacred place to think and create.

Me in my studio .

So Emotional

“A work of art which did not begin in emotion is not art.” –Paul Cezanne.

Recently I came across the above quote, and it resonated with me. I have always believed that if my work wasn’t emotional, it wasn’t anything; it simply becomes decorative.

I view my paintings as diaries from the period of my life in which they were created. I place every thought and emotion I am experiencing at the time into the work. Looking back at older works, I can recall feelings from the time that they were created.

Typically artists have been branded as being very emotional and sensitive, and I am no exception. However, I have to question why this stereotype carries a negative connotation. Isn’t it the artist’s role to communicate emotions and ideas through art? I think it makes life all the more beautiful.

First Friday Open Studio Is Tonight!

I am having open studio tonight from 6 to 9 PM as a part of Denver's Art District on Santa Fe First Friday. Please stop by and say hello!

My studio is located at:

Space Gallery, 765 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, 80204

Have a good weekend!

Both Sides Now, 2010. Oil and oilbar on canvas, 56 x 78.

In Case You Missed the Opening

Thanks to everyone who came to my opening at the Lakewood Cultural Center! If you weren't able to be there, below are some photos from the show. The show will run until April 4, so if you are in the area between now and April, please stop by. Thanks for your support!

More details about the show here.