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.