[featured artist]: Janet Ledoux!

"Jackie's Washday" by Janet Ledoux image: JanetLedoux.com
“Jackie’s Washday” by Janet Ledoux
image: JanetLedoux.com

I love this painting! It reminds me of an area on Monhegan where there are always colorful clothes or towels hanging on a line amidst beautiful flowers… what nice work by artist Janet Ledoux! I remember one of the first few paintings I tackled on Monhegan one year involved a clothesline… if memory serves me correctly that was the only part of the painting that I liked, ha ha… this is wonderful in every way. Janet captured a delightful scene… she also captured the movement, I swear I just felt the wind! Nice job, great work… with a touch of Sovek to it. Check out Janet’s website!

Read a blip about Janet from the Isalos Fine Art website:

After a career as an award-winning illustrator and art director, Janet Ledoux turned to full-time painting in 2000, working on the Maine coast and exhibiting her paintings, collages, drawings and monotypes in numerous venues. A graduate of the Paier College of Art, Ledoux is an elected member of the Ogunquit Arts Association and a recipient of a fellowship at the Vermont  Studio Center. She regularly paints in Stonington.

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…  TREATS of Maine located in Wiscasset. It’s a tradition!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O… The magnificent homes on the West Bluff, Mackinac Island, MI

Catch you back here tomorrow!

[ f e a t u r e d a r t i s t ]: H e n r y I s a a c s !

"Islesford Village" by Henry Isaacs
“Islesford Village” by Henry Isaacs

You can spot a piece of Henry Isaacs work a long distance away. With all the fabulous artists in the world its pretty cool when an artist develops a style that’s quite different and recognizable. Henry has done just that! Isn’t this piece wonderful? Henry has an amazing website, take the time to check it out!

Gleason Fine Art has an opening reception this evening from 5-8PM featuring Henry’s new work. If you’re in the Portland, Maine area stop in and check it out. If you’re no where near Portland… check it out via their website! Henry Isaacs exhibit runs through November 30, 2013, catch it if you can! This is going to be an amazing show!

Read a bit about Henry from the Gleason Fine Art website:

Cranberry Island artist Henry Isaacs paints with energy, passion, and self-assurance. His style—broken brushwork and a palette of delicate blues, greens, pinks, and yellows—marks him as one of the most recognizable artists painting in Maine today. In person, Isaacs is as engaging an individual as you will ever meet. He is both worldly and down to earth, both witty and self-effacing, generous with his time, and passionate about the dangers of the art world’s becoming overly commercialized.

 Isaacs and his wife Donna live in the village of Islesford on Little Cranberry Island, a small island located near the larger island of Mount Desert. But island living in no way inhibits Isaacs from going wherever he’s asked to paint. Recently, this was a commission to paint on the grounds of a large Namibian estate in southern Africa. “New Work” is Isaacs’ first one-person show in Portland, and for this special occasion, he has presented the gallery with nearly 20 paintings, some of very large in scale.

 Isaacs has had a varied and impressive education, including the Slade School of Art in London, the Rhode Island School of Design, and the Putney School in Vermont.  Isaacs’ teaching career is even more impressive and varied, with stints teaching anatomical drawing at Dartmouth, drawing and painting at the Massachusetts College of Art, and drawing at several European colleges.

 Freelance writer, and Portland Newspapers arts reviewer, Dan Kany uses high praise to describe Isaacs’ technique: “Isaacs’ approach to color is based in balancing warm and cool tones. He does this brilliantly with his ubiquitous whites and neutrals, and with his brighter colors as well. Like the French Impressionists, he doesn’t use black. [Isaacs’] handling of paint owes an unapologetic debt to the chunky boldness of the early 20thcentury Modernists and Fauves. The brushwork is strong, but primarily dedicated to the job of pushing paint around the canvas—an activity Isaacs clearly enjoys.”

 “Henry Isaacs: New Work” opens October 4 and runs through November 30.  Please join us Friday, October 4, from 5 to 8 pm to meet Henry Isaacs.  For more information, call the gallery at 207-699-5599, email us at info@gleasonfineart.com, or check out our website gleasonfineart.com. Gleason Fine Art, Portland, is located at 545 Congress Street.  Gallery hours are Wednesday – Friday, 11 am–6 pm; Saturday, 11 am–5 pm.

 Image: GleasonFineArt.com

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…       39 Rue de Jean, a fabulous Charleston restaurant!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O…   Artist to watch… Betty Anglin Smith! October Skies Show (2011)

Catch you back here tomorrow!

[ f e a t u r e d a r t i s t ]: T o m P e r k i n s o n !

Distant Snowfall by Tom Perkinson
Distant Snowfall by Tom Perkinson
10×10 oil on panel

Tom Perkinson’s paintings are magical. Each one has an element that takes it over the top. The texture in this painting is amazing… and that orange… ahhhh, that orange is the part that takes it over the top for me, well, that and the clouds… I love how that wonderful orange light is reflected in the sky a bit. This is such a striking painting!

Norman Kolpas from Southwest Art featured a fabulous article about Tom this month, it’s a good read!

Moonlight, New Mexico by Tom Perkinson
Moonlight, New Mexico by Tom Perkinson
Watercolor/mixed Media 28×38

To me, this painting is magical. The full moon, the moonlight reflecting on the tops of the clouds,  the small cabin with the smoke billowing out of the chimney just makes me really wish I was there… hunkered down with some great food, a bottle of wine or two and a book… and of course Fred! It would be worth staying up to watch the moon until it faded away.

It was really exciting to run across Tom’s work, I’m a forever fan!

Read a bit about Tom from his website:

Tom Perkinson was born in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1940. He was raised in the country, and developed a love for the natural landscape. He discovered that he had a talent for art while in elementary school. Art quickly became his chosen passion. During high school he studied at John Herron Institute of Art in Indianapolis. After high school, he studied at the Chicago Academy of Art.

He left Indiana to pursue an undergraduate degree in Oklahoma. Each year while attending the university, he was invited to stage an annual exhibit of his work. His early work focused on the landscape, but also included still lifes and city scenes. At that time, his favorite artists were the early American painters, like Homer, Sergeant, William Merrit Chase, Potthast, and the painters of the Boston School. Particularly influential to him were the early painters of southern Indiana who painted the landscape in which he grew up; painters like T. C. Steele, Vawter, Schultze, and Forsythe.

After graduating, he moved to New Mexico to pursue his Master’s Degree in Fine Arts at the University of New Mexico. During graduate school, he was creating large-scale works that had a foundation in Surrealism, using detailed and highly rendered images. But he still continued to paint the landscape, which now reflected his new fascination with the southwestern landscape. He found that the drama of light and shadow, and the mystery that characterizes the New Mexico landscape held great appeal to him. He recognized that he had found an infinite source of inspiration in the panorama of the southwest landscape.

He taught art at the University of New Mexico for two years after receiving his Master’s Degree. In 1970, he committed his life to painting full time. His work is included in private and public collections across the globe, and he is represented in the collections of many museums, including the Museum of New Mexico, Santa Fe; the University Art Museum, Albuquerque; and the Eiteljorg Museum of Western Art in Indianapolis. He has lived in Corrales, New Mexico for over twenty years. His work is included in the May 2006 book titled “Landscapes of New Mexico, Paintings From the Land of Enchantment”, authors Suzan Campbell and Suzanne Deats, published by Fresco Fine Art Publications LLC.

All images via TomPerkinson.com

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…  The Laura B – Monhegan Bound!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O… Sunset on Mackinac Island!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

[ f e a t u r e d a r t i s t ] A n n G e t s i n g e r !

Apple and Angel by Ann Gesinger
[image: DowlingWalsh.com]
AMAZING paintings by artist Ann Getsinger, I’m telling you each one is so intriguing! Ann’s show opens this Friday, October 4th, 2013 at Dowling Walsh Gallery in Rockland, Maine. It is one spectacular show! If you can’t make it to the show be sure to check out their website!

How creative is this painting? You see the angel… and the apple… the fabulous trees, the moonlit water, the rocky coast… what’s not to love about this?

Read a blip about Ann from the Dowling Walsh website:

Ann Getsinger grew up in Watertown, Connecticut, studied in San Francisco and has spent most of her life either in the Berkshire Hills of far western Massachusetts or in coastal Maine.

The youngest of five in a creative household, as a child she often spent time either at the dairy farm next door or in the surrounding woods where natures creativity influenced her powerfully. After attending Paier School of art in New Haven, CT, and the San Francisco Art Institute, she settled permanently in western Massachusetts where she studied with realist artist Sheldon Fink.

The coast of Maine has been a lifelong love beginning with family vacations as a child and now continuing in her family’s home near Port Clyde. The experiences of sea and shore, along with views of Mosquito Island and Head , have been incorporated into Ann’s work countless times in all weather, seasons and circumstances. From the age of twelve, exposure to the artwork seen in the nearby Farnsworth Museum in Rockland, Maine, especially the work of the Wyeth family, has been pivotal.

The artists’ home and studio, since 1988, is in the rural Berkshire town of New Marlborough, Massachusetts. Ann’s oil paintings have been exhibited in museums and galleries and hang in hundreds of homes.

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…      Photo: Monhegan Boat Line – Laura B!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O…  Artist to watch… Eric Hopkins!

[event] American Impressionists Society Exhibition Sept. 28 – Oct 30, 2013 – Charleston, SC!

"Morning... Her Chilled Breath We Feel" by Kenn Backhaus [image]
“Morning… Her Chilled Breath We Feel” by Kenn Backhaus [image]
October and November are fabulous times of the year to visit Charleston. There is usually a lot going on in this art-loving city, but hang on to your hat… Tomorrow the American Impressionists Society (AIS) 14th Annual National Juried Exhibition begins! It’s being held at M GALLERY OF FINE ART  (soon to be renamed PRINCIPLE GALLERY) right here in beautiful Charleston, SC! This show runs from September 28 – October 30, 2013 at 125 Meeting Street. The AIS reception and awards presentation is October 3rd, from 5-8PM and a public reception will be held October 4th from 5-8PM in conjunction with the French Quarter Art Walk. This is one event you won’t want to miss!

Kenn Backhaus, AISM (American Impressionist Society Master) is the Judge of Awards and will be conducting a painting demonstration in the gallery Oct. 4. Personally, I can’t wait for that!

The list of artists who have been juried into this show is amazing. Eric Bowman, Roger Dale Brown, Gene Costanza, Chris GrovesShelby Keefe, Elizabeth Pollie, James Richards, Greg Summers

J U S T   T O   N A M E   A   F E W ! 

There will be demos, workshops, and receptions… Gather your friends and head to M Gallery! Like them on Facebook to keep up with the latest, or join their mailing list!

Here is the AIS SHOW GALLERY… just look at these paintings! It’s like a dream come true for this many wonderful paintings (and artists) to be in one city!

View the AIS prospectus, lots of great information!

A blip from a newsletter from M GALLERY OF FINE ART:

[image]
[image]
AIS SHOW
A few quick thoughts on American Impressionism and Contemporary Realism. As we unpack over 200(!) boxes containing the very best recent work in the genre, it occurred to us Impressionism IS the original Realism. All of these ‘isms’ aside, the thrust of the expression is on being true to the moment and leaving the viewer with an enduring mood or narrative- as does Contemporary Realism. This upcoming show celebrates the incredibly varied voices that differentiate American Impressionism from its more intellectual European counterpoint. During the rise, fall, and re-introduction of AI, American Impressionists were witness to familiar surroundings in rapid, dynamic transformation from agrarian to industrialized communities. The general malaise of wartime and the Depression led many an Impressionist to evoke a more nostalgic and familiar life. Rapid brushstrokes and dynamic color were two marked principles that contemporized the reassuring lines of a more pastoral life and expressed the inner life of the figure. M Gallery is honored to be hosting this multi-faceted show and support the enduring legacy of plein air and Contemporary American Impressionism.
HAVE SOME THOUGHTS OF YOUR OWN? STOP BY FOR A CHAT:
– October 3rd 5-8pm we’ll be toasting the country’s very best Impressionists at M gallery     http://www.americanimpressionistsociety.org/s2013.html

Hope to see you there! Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…  Dr Oz’s 5 Step Plan to Prevent Alzheimer’s!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O… Artist to watch… Gary Akers!

Tropical Storm Relief in Mexico… YOU can help! A big thank you to Frank Gardner and friends…

Image

I swear, some artist’s have the hugest hearts… with all the devastation that has pummeled Mexico, your help is needed! Frank Gardner has started a fundraiser selling his paintings at super prices. Once some of his fellow artists found out about this adventure, they shared their paintings as well… These paintings are sold on a first come first serve basis… and they are stunning… check it out!  They are going quickly, so if you check and there are none left, but you would like to help out anyway… I’m sure that can be arranged! If there is any way that you can donate any amount, it would be more than appreciated. Frank is easy to get in contact with… Just email him…

Here’s the latest from Frank 9/24/13 PM:

We are at $2,200. dollars so far in less than one day! Added new pieces today by Peter Kalill, Dennis Poirier, Colin Page and me. More coming soon. If anyone wants to donate or purchase please contact me.

frank@frankgardner.com

Details below… Click on the MY PAINT BOX BLOG link if you’re short on time…

My Paint Box blog 

Below is information from a newsletter from Frank… what a great group of artists!

I hope you are all well.
This newsletter is to let you all know that for the next week or so, I am going to be using the My Paint Box blog to set up a fundraising campaign. We are raising money to help people affected by the tropical storms that battered the Mexican coasts last week. The one-two punch of Manuel’s first landfall on Sunday and Tropical Storm Ingrid’s lashing of México’s east coast on Monday. (Ingrid was a hurricane offshore, but made landfall as a tropical storm.) Manuel became a hurricane before heading back to shore for a second hit on México’s upper west coast.
So far, at least 80 people have been killed in Mexico from the storms, not including the 58 people missing from a landslide in La Pintada, located a few hours north of Acapulco.As you probably know, my family and I live in Central México. While were wedged between the two storms and got a lot of rain last week, we were spared the brunt of these storms. As we began see reports from the affected areas we began to think of a way that we could help, beyond just taking a few canned goods down to be donated, we want to try and help in a bigger way. I can’t imagine losing everything and or losing friends and family members in a disaster like this.I decided to make the small gesture of putting a few of my paintings up for sale at specially reduced prices to raise some money for relief. Then take that money and buy necessities and non perishable goods to donate to the Mexican Red Cross. Both my niece and nephew are volunteers with the Mexican Red Cross here in San Miguel and the Red Cross has the best infrastructure for getting donations where they need to be.Before I could even get some pictures taken and get it on line friends began contacting me wanting to help out. This project continues to grow with the more than generous support from people who want to help. Please keep checking back, because we will continue to add more donations that are available.On my blog are images of donated artwork and other items. Many of these items can be seen at Galeria Gardner, Zacateros 75 in San Miguel de Allende. Some things that have been donated by friends will be shipped by them directly to the buyer. We think trying to auction these items will get too confusing and time consuming for everyone. After much thought we decided to go with the “Buy it Now” system of a set price, first person to make the offer to buy it gets it. Below each item I will put the Title, Artist’s name and information, Special Fundraiser Price, Shipping cost if applicable, and any other pertinent information.Because these are also available “off line” we are not using a “Buy it Now” button to avoid selling a piece twice. If you are interested in purchasing anything listed below you must email me at frank@frankgardner.com with the name of the item and your desire to purchase. Please do not try to purchase in the comments section of this blog. We can’t check email constantly, but the first email in my box for each item, or person that buys in person at Galeria Gardner, will get it. We can accept payment with PayPal on line, or cash and checks in person at the gallery. If buying on line, I will contact you to confirm your purchase. and send a PayPal payment request.Remember to keep checking back for more items. We will be adding more soon.
Please help out in any way you can. Every little bit helps.
Thank You.
http://frankgardner.blogspot.com

If you have not seen the damage from these storms you can see images here:

or here:

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…     French Enamel House Numbers… Sharp!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O… Owls Head General Store… what a find, the best hamburger ever!

[featured artist]: David Grossmann!

"Trunks and Sky in Winter" by David Grossman [image: Abend Gallery]
“Trunks and Sky in Winter” by David Grossmann
[image: Abend Gallery]
This is not a pretty painting… David will know that I’ve read his NEWS page “What not to say to an artist”. It made me smile.  This isn’t a pretty painting, no… that’s not how I would describe it. A brilliant painting? A unique perspective that I absolutely adore, something fresh and different, that’s how I would describe this painting. I enjoy David’s style, very nice!

Read a blip about David from his oh so nice website (and be sure to check out his NEWS page, its fabulous!):

Art has been a constant presence in David Grossmann’s life. Drawing was his favorite activity as a child, so he spent much of the time exploring his imagination through pencil and paper. David’s family consistently encouraged his love of art, and some of his first art lessons were from his grandmother, who taught him to use oil paints when he was ten years old.

A love of the outdoors has also been a life-long companion for David. He lived in Chile until he was fourteen, and the towering Andes, the vast ocean, the barren deserts, and fertile valleys shaped his appreciation for the beauty of nature. When he left Chile and moved to Colorado, the majesty of the Rocky Mountains brought a touch of familiarity through the time of transition and culture shock. At that point, David continued to study art and also began taking art-related jobs, including painting commissions and a series of illustrations for a publishing company.

While still in high school, David studied drawing with artist Valorie Snyder. He went on to earn degrees in business and Spanish, and then attended a classically-based art academy in Boulder. It was at the academy that David had his first class in plein air (outdoor) painting. He responded immediately to the challenges of this new method and the way it fit perfectly with his love for the outdoors. David’s dedication to landscape painting kept growing, eventually leading him to study with renowned artist Jay Moore.

Since then, David’s work has been included in many exhibitions, including national shows sponsored by Oil Painters of America, The American Impressionist Society, and Salon International. Southwest Art Magazine featured him as one of their “Artists to Watch,” and David’s work has also been included in Plein Air Magazine and American Art Collector Magazine. In her description of his work, acclaimed artist Nancy Guzik said that he “goes beyond his paint by bringing a sensitivity that appears to be magic.”

David continues to find inspiration from all over Colorado, the western United States, and wherever else his travels may take him. His adventures have spread from Patagonia, Eastern Europe, Africa, and Central America. No matter what location inspires his work, David’s paintings are noted for their understated sense of tranquility: “I like to think of my paintings as prayers and as visual poems. They are simplified rhythms of color, light, and shape. On the surface they are quiet whispers, but I hope that they convey a depth of emotion to anyone who takes the time to stop and listen.”

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…  Shrimp Boats at Shem Creek Park!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O… Artist to Watch… Cindy Baron!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

[featured artist]: Jon Redmond!

"Evening in West Chester" by Jon Redmond
“Evening in West Chester” by Jon Redmond

Jon Redmond has been described as a “poet of light and shadow” and I would say that’s a pretty accurate description. This guy’s work is absolutely out-there-amazing! The way Jon can simplify a scene, quite like Edward Hopper, keeps his paintings contemporary and unique in style. Each and every one of his paintings is unreal! This is only one of the paintings that Jon is exhibiting at the Somerville Manning Gallery located in Greenville, DE. There are so many wonderful paintings it was difficult to choose only one! If you’re anywhere near Greenville, DE, make your way to his show if at all possible! The opening reception is Friday (today!!) and the show runs through October 12, 2013. If you aren’t in the area, then check out Jon’s work on the gallery’s website!

There is a great article posted on Somerville Manning Gallery’s website, here’s a blip from that article in American Art Collector magazine… use the link below to read the full article…

The Collector Says…

“Jon Redmond is a poet of light and shadow, whose paintings reflect a range from the clarity of Vermeer to the palette of an impressionist. He is a master at capturing the natural beauty and wonder of the Brandywine Valley, and he has also encompassed the essence of landmarks and scenery he has encountered in his travels to Philadelphia and Maine”

– Dr. David Nalin

Click here for the original Jon Redmond – American Art Collector article

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…  Resurrection Fern… thought I was losing it!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O… Artist to watch… Jack Goldsmith!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Image via SomervilleManning.com

[featured artist]: Samantha Buller!

"Hicks Valley" by Samantha Buller
“Hicks Valley” by Samantha Buller [image]
This is a nice painting by Samantha Buller… there is an art (pun intended) to painting a scene that has been simplified to project a specific feeling, kind of like you’re there… without all the hoopla getting in the way. This painting has nice brush strokes, and a composition that keeps your eye in the painting. My favorite part of this painting is the driveway. Love it! I never thought I would like power lines in a painting… until one day I saw Colin Page do a painting, power lines and all… and the power lines MADE the painting over the top good! Great job Samantha!

Samantha is part of a show at Elliot Fouts Gallery (EFGallery.com) through September 26, 2013 – if you’re in the Sacramento, CA area, be sure to stop in and check it out, otherwise check it out online, the gallery has a great website!

Read a blip about Samantha from her website:

Samantha Buller currently lives in Sonoma County after painting and teaching in Kansas for the past two years. She received her BFA in Painting from the Academy of Art University, San Francisco. Originally from the Bay Area, her work reflects the beautiful light and modernism that is found in Northern California. Her work has been shown in the Hall of Justice in downtown San Francisco, in business’ and several galleries, as well as on the set of a prime time television show.

She studied a semester abroad in Italy, which has greatly influenced her love and passion for the arts. “Italy was full of rich, golden colors. The culture is truly inspiring for any type of artist and to have the opportunity to paint while standing amongst an Italian sunflower field, should be one experienced by all.”

Her love of color completely drives her work. She is inspired by the art of Wayne Thiebaud for his paint application, color, and composition, as well as the works of Raimonds Staprans for his layering techniques. She chooses to paint simplistic objects to create a clean, strong design, sharing interest with the negative space.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…  Delicious Lunch – Slightly North Of Broad (SNOB) Charleston, SC!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O… A Site to Behold!

Image via SamantaBuller.com

*Monhegan Light… a wonderful Monhegan setting!

Monhegan Light

*UPDATED WITH TRAILER LINK… the previous Vimeo link was not working… (You can also Google “Monhegan Light Trailer” or click the link below…)

You’ve got to watch this movie trailer. I swear this movie is going to be a winner! I just recently found out that a group of students from Ohio University’s School of Media Arts & Studies created a film based on a short story by Richard Russo. The story is about a cinematographer who travels to Monhegan Island to confront a painter about his relationship with his deceased wife. There is an actual story line. The scenery is beyond stunning. I have to give them a thumbs up on all levels. For those of you who have been to Monhegan, this will transform you back to that special place.

Update 2025: while the trailer and website for this film are no longer available (therefore links didn’t work) I’ve removed them from this page…

Update 12/2025: I heard from Frederick Lewis, who along with his students, produced this film – he provided updated links, thank you!

“I did find the trailer here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcDzVUsKUXE

And the full film is here:  https://vimeo.com/65193261

I pulled this from: lpfilmforum.com (no longer an operable link for this film)

More than a short film, really, “Monhegan Light” approaches the mid-length genre at almost thirty minutes running time.  The film was produced by a team of Ohio University students, led by Associate Professor Frederick Lewis (who executive produced) and directed by Joe Battaglia, an OU student.  Money was raised to produce the film ($18,000) which was shot on location in four days on Monhegan Island, Maine.

For those of you who are familiar with Monhegan you will notice Alison Hill‘s paintings, as well as her yard and her living room (with cool orange sofa)! This group did such a fantastic job. They raised the money, they worked hard and I really want to promote them!

If you’re interested in behind the scenes movie making, watch this video they made… you will see gorgeous scenes of Monhegan around18-19 minutes into it. Marcus DeAnda did a great job as the main character. So believable and he had so much emotion. Perfect casting. Great job to all the actors, Joe Battaglia (Director and Producer) and all the people behind the scenes. Its amazing how much work is involved. Read more about them all on their Facebook page!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Image via Monhegan Light Facebook...

Featured Artist… R Gregory Summers!

"In Ailie's Glade" by R Gregory Summers
“In Ailie’s Glade” by R Gregory Summers

R Gregory Summers. Amazing work. Love his biography… We the people like to hear the intimate parts of an artist’s life (not to be too nosey) as well as info about your art, who your mentors are, who your fellow painters are… and Summers shares with us his personal story as well as the story about his art career. So interesting.

“In Ailies’s Glade” won 2nd place (oils) in the 2013 STEM Plein Air competition and it will soon be on its way to Charleston, SC – and will be included in the American Impressionist’s Show this year which will be at M Gallery of Fine Art in Charleston, SC. The show runs September 28 – October 30, 2013 with the opening reception on October 4th in conjunction with the French Quarter Art Walk!

Read a blip about Greg (from his website):

Inside the artist,

Born in the Flint Hills of Kansas, the oldest boy in a family of 8. Summers has always had a love for art, and the great outdoors, spending much of his youth on outdoor excursions, or indoors with pen or brush in hand.

Enlisting in the USAF in 1974 paid his way through college on the GI Bill earning an Assosiciates Degree in Commercial Art. Fresh out of school Summers married his 1st wife and began his professional career as an artist at Hallmark Cards Inc. in Kansas City, Missouri.

During the next 20 plus years, he raised 4 children being very active in their upbringing, and helping in community service projects, scouting, coaching, sports.

The 21st century brought many changes in his life. The biggest was the realization that alcohol was not the cure-all that he thought it was, and that the only way forward was to put it behind. With this knowledge, a new marriage to a loving and supportive wife Summers was able to focus on what he did best, and that is paint.

Through a continuing education course at the Kansas City Art Institute he was introduced to painting “en Plein air”. This was the real turning point in his art. Never before had he considered going outdoors to paint. It was the spark that was needed to rekindle the fire that had almost been smothered.

It is the love of the land and the people that he went on to form the Missouri Valley Impressionist Society, and Brush Creek Art Walk. Sharing his visions of a world joined as one through art.

We go outdoors to enjoy the land, or stay inside to avoid it. It is Gregory Summers an outdoor artist that brings the outside in.

We look forward to welcoming Summers to Charleston – be sure to check out his website! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Image: RGregorySummers.com  

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…  Monhegan Island… Artists Everywhere!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O… Artist Ken Auster’s book: Intellect and Passion!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

[featured artist] Millie Gosch!

"Montana Canola Fields" by Millie Gosch
“Montana Canola Fields” by Millie Gosch

Millie Gosch is a plein air painter from the Atlanta, Georgia area. Her work is fabulous! Millie’s compositions are interesting, the brushstrokes are nice, and that beautiful green in the distance.. LOVE IT!

"First Light" by Millie Gosch
“First Light” by Millie Gosch

Had to include one more… I would say she nailed it! Millie has a fabulous website, here is just a short blip (read more on her website) about her…

I love to paint from life and I love to be outdoors, so naturally painting en plein air is a good fit for my art. During the spring and fall, I spend a lot of time painting field studies. From those studies, I paint larger pieces in the studio. I don’t use photographs at all. I paint what I know, and what I love is nature. My favorite subjects are big open fields, sunrises, sunsets, trees, the lowcountry, and the southland. I use a limited palette of primary colors. In my work I strive to bring my viewer into the painting and let them make it their own experience. 
-Millie Gosch

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…  What’s for dinner? Greek Salad with Grilled Chicken… quick and delicious!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O… Artist to watch… Tollef Runquist!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

[images] via MillieGosch.com

[solution]: find a gorgeous painting, but have no wall space? here’s what you do!

Circa 1970 Lighted Easel by Restoration Hardware
Circa 1970 Lighted Easel by Restoration Hardware

At Restoration Hardware I believe they have a solution for everything. How many people have run across a beautiful painting, but you hear that they have no wall space… hmmm… well here is a solution! This is the Circa 1970 Lighted Easel available at Restoration Hardware! The price isn’t cheap ($895), but it affords you the ability to sneak in one more painting to your collection! This easel is height adjustable. Its design is sleek and classy. This easel is constructed of stainless steel and has cast brass fittings and a nickel finish. The built in spotlight adjusts at three points. The base is weighted for stability…

F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…  Featured Artist… Robert Lange!

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O… Giada’s Carbonara… oh! What could be better for a meatless Monday?

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Image via Restoration Hardware

[remember]

"A New American Flag" by Gary Bodner
“A New American Flag” by Gary Bodner

[remember]

Remembering those who lost their lives, who battled to save others, and for those who are still struggling today after that fateful attack on 9/11/2001. It’s hard to believe twelve years have gone by since that day that we were all glued to the radio/television. Thank you to those of you who have served or are now serving to keep this country safe. God Bless YOU!

This painting, by Gary Bodner, is entitled “A New American Flag” – hoping that peace becomes the new norm… at least one day soon! Maybe a flag with hearts isn’t such a bad idea? For anyone who may be interested, this painting is available at Anne Irwin Fine Art!

Be thankful for what you have, help someone out, make someones day… it will make yours too! Essentially… do unto others as you would want them to do unto you. The world would be a much better place!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

[image] via AnneIrwinFineArt.com

Workshop with Ken DeWaard… this October!

Ken DeWaard at Bowens Island 2012
Ken’s visit to Charleston 2012 – Bowens Island…

Are you looking to take a workshop from a well known, award winning, super nice, patient artist? Well look no further, if you’re going to be in the Newnan, GA area (about 30 miles SW of Atlanta) October 24-27, 2013 then this workshop is for you!

"A Waterman's Life" by Ken DeWaard - won ARTISTS CHOICE AWARD at Plein Air Easton!
“A Waterman’s Life” by Ken DeWaard – won ARTISTS CHOICE AWARD at Plein Air Easton!

Ken is a cool guy, very down to earth, knows his stuff AND he is willing to share what he knows… It doesn’t matter what the painting is of, Ken can tackle it and create a TO. DIE. FOR. painting… He has a way of capturing a scene that makes it so special! I love this guys work!

"Acacia, Night on the Town" by Ken DeWaard - Won Best Architectural painting at Easels of Frederick, MD!
“Acacia, Night on the Town” by Ken DeWaard – Won Best Architectural painting at Easels of Frederick, MD!

Ken captures the feeling of all the places that he paints! He has a great website, be sure to check it out, blog too! ! He lists all the plein air events that he participates in and includes images of all his work! Impressive!

Here is the information on the plein air workshop “Essence and Design”… it’s not until next month, so here’s a heads up…

CONTACT MILLIE GOSCH at milliegosch@gmail.com to make your reservation (or if you have any questions)!

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F L A S H B A C K

O N E   Y E A R   A G O…  Charleston Photo: Mebkin Abbey…

T W O   Y E A R S   A G O… Artist Carol Marine…  [note: this post is from two years ago…]

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Images via KenDeWaard.com