Oil Painters of America National Show

 

"Train Crossing'

11"x 14"

 

This is going to be a big week for me. I had my painting "Train Crossing" chosen for the Oil Painters of America National show!  The show happens to be in my home state of Texas in Fredericksburg, so there was no way I could miss this. I was estatic when I was accepted into the OPOA, but my jaw literaly dropped  to the floor when I learned I was accepted to the national show and on my first attempt! I'm not taking this blessing lightly. The talent in this group is outstanding and the compition for the show is unprecidented. I know literaly hundreds of incredible painters that didn't make this particular show and it left me wondering "why me"?. I'm trying to get past those thoughts and just accept God's gifts and try my hardest to get the most of this opportunity.

I am attending the national convention starting this Wednedsay and it kicks off with a "Pampered Paint out" hosted by Southwest Art magazine. Among other events and classes there will be demos by the likes of Kenn Backhaus, Scott Burdick, John Michael Carter, John Cosby, Elizabeth Robbins and Sherrie McGraw!   

 

22nd Annual National Exhibition Opening Reception

Location: InSight Gallery — Saturday, May 18, 2013 — 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Free and open to the public
Collectors, artists and art lovers are cordially invited to attend the opening of this year's 22nd National Exhibition at InSight Gallery featuring over 200 of the top artists from the United States and Canada. Come enjoy complimentary wine and celebrate the beauty of representational work at its finest. The exhibition will be on display from May 18 to June 17, 2013.

Wow! One of the top 200 artists from the U.S.! How cool is that?

GOD is GREAT!

 

 

Here is a link to view all of the outstanding paintings that I have been blessed to be included with.

 

 One of Texas best galleries, the Insight Gallery is the host for the show. This is a drop dead gorgeous 2 story gallery that until now, I could only dream of hanging in.  

 

 

 

 

Big Boy Needs a Home

 

"Big Boy"

10"x  10"

SOLD

I was trapped in my studio, looked around for some inspiration and found this vintage trade figure from Big Boy restaurant chain that my wife had bought for me. I wanted to try something different and went for it. This came together really fast and it was pretty fun.

 

My wife thinks it looks like me, but I don't see the resemblance. ;?) 

 

 

What do you think?

 

 

 

 

 

My First Oil Portrait

 

"Weathered Cowboy"

10" x 12" 

Click to purchase 

$275 + $12 s/h

This was my first attempt at an oil portrait and I had a lot of fun. I applied the paint thickly and loose and wanted to give the painting a sketch feel instead of overly rendering the piece. Being one of my first attempts at skin color, I was a little surprised at how much color it took to actually create the skin tones. My mind wanted to just mix a big batch of pink and tan and have it, but I just took my time and really tried to emulate what I was seeing.

 

This was a ton of fun and I see more in my future. In fact, I've already done a self portrait that I will share soon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cow & Calf

"Cow & Calf"

 9 x 12

 My painting "Cow & Calf" is on display at the 28th Texas Neighbors Regional Art Exhibit in Irving, TX.  This is a five state show that is open to many different medias. The opening reception was today and the show runs April 20 thru May 26th.

Faded Glory

 

"Faded Glory"

11 x 14

 

This is a plein air painting from a recent roadside excursion. I painted earlier that day and had a poor outing, so I was hesitant to pull over and try another with it so late in the day, but I'm glad I did. This  painting is available at the Southwest Gallery in Dallas as part of Plein Air Southwest Salon. 

 

 

 

 

 

Shows, Shows & more Shows!

 

"Little By Little"

9 x 12

 

Sorry I haven't posted much lately, but I promise it's not because I haven't been painting. It's actually the opposite. My plein air work has slowed down mainly because of the time of year, but my studio works have picked up. Also, I seem to be entering a different stage of my career. I have entered more shows this year than ever. I have four paintings accepted into the Plein Air Southwest Salon, April 6-May 4, a painting in Texas Neighbors Five State Exhibit April 20 - May 26 and a painting in the Oil Painters of America 22nd Annual National Juried Exhibition of Traditional Oils May 18th - June 17th. I also have a book that I'm working on. Things are moving forward for me, so stick with me as the true plein air season is upon us.

 

 

 

 

Truck & Tractor Guy strikes again!

 

"First Snow"

10" x 10"

A fellow painter, Tony Hilscher, sent me this photo reference and said it reminded him of me. Tony lives in Minnesota and is really used to painting snow, but this was my first real attempt and I'm happy with the results. The interesting thing for me is all of my social media attempts seem to be working and that I'm starting to hear from people referring to me as the "Truck & Tractor Guy".
 A few years ago, I would have never thought of myself as that guy, but I have to admit I keep going back to those subjects. Looking for more gallery representation, I talked to several gallery owners and the common response was gallery's want to know what to expect out of the artist, quality wise and subject. I decided these subjects are what I paint best at this time and hence the "Truck & Tractor" guy was born.  I'll wear the title with a proud smile and see where it takes me.

Time to put up or shut up!

 

"Off Road"

9 x 12

 

  I was invited to do a demo for the Associated Creative Artists art league. This was my second attempt at a demo. Painting is never easy, even in a studio, so standing in front of a large group of artists, talking the whole time and having my painting projected onto a large monitor within my view was a challenge. I was curious myself how it would turn out. lol

 

  I had learned a few things from my first attempt. I choose a subject that I had painted before ( see video ) with a simple background so I could use most of my time to create the form and shadows. I used a small palette of colors, but added some premixed grays to help speed me up. I think it went very well and was glad that it was well attended considering it was a very rainy, bad weather night. I want to thank the A.C.A. for the opportunity and for the chance to make some new friends.

 

Video Demonstration "Off Road"

 

"Off Road" Video Demonstration

 

This is my first attempt at filming myself creating a studio oil painting and it's shown in very quick time. The painting took 80 minutes and I've speed it up to 4 1/2 minutes. I've watched many of these types of things, so it was very interesting to see myself. I also figured out some things to make my next one even better.

 

Hope you enjoy it!

Seasons Greetings!

 

"Burning the Midnight Oil"
10 x 10

I tried something a little different with a night shot and it turned out kind of cool. This is framed up and ready to go to the gallery!

Happy holidays friends! Be safe and hug your family for me and remember that "Jesus is the reason for the season!"

Topless - Must be over 21 to view

 

"Topless"

5 x 7

 

I found this tractor on a side road in a small town and was struck with how strange it looked with it's hood off. I had to paint it! 

           

Old Green Truck

 

"Vintage Green"

8 x 10

 

"Lets drive far, far away and  not stop until we get home"