Oregon Painter

Night Scene Pastel

2011-08-05T12:18:00.000-07:00

An experiment: Here I've used the rough side of hardboard (aka Masonite) to paint with pastels. Many layers were involved with acrylic fixative in between. While I wouldn't recommend this method, it was certainly interesting.

I took the photo of this painting outdoors near noon. Although it was a cloudy day the overhead light was more than sufficient to emphasize the strong grain of the board, as you can see. Depending on the light angle, this grain may or may not be so visible. Furthermore, the painting is dark and the acrylic fixative is glossy - so that in certain subdued lighting situations, the pastel painting appears to be basically just black with maybe a little line of horizon showing.

Two Color Exercise

2011-05-01T12:43:00.000-07:00

It's just an exercise, so try to not be horrified. Sometimes I get stuck and feel like I can't do anything. I'll go for a while without painting then I'll come up with an exercise just to snap myself out of it. You can try it too!

In this case, my idea out of nowhere was a watercolor using just two colors (randomly chosen from my paint box: Indanthrene Blue and Raw Sienna) and one brush (#10 flat sable).

I had an image in mind of Cape Meares (Oregon Coast) point, a man on the beach with a walking stick and some rocks and driftwood in the foreground. -- Starting with a very light wash of raw sienna over pretty much the entire paper, I then drew in a far shoreline (base of cape) with some indanthrene blue and whisped around some sky to make the clouds appear. I then darkened the hillside with more raw sienna and added indanthrene blue shadows, a horizon line and some wave details...

On a side note, I really don't like Indanthrene Blue; to me it's too saturated and stainy. But I studied under AWS master Domenic DiStefano and he loved it, so I always have a tube in my box. I was just glad to be able to use some of it. :)

By the way, there was no preliminary drawing here, I just started painting. The approach of abstract impressionism lets your mind fill in the details from minimal information. It works. -- The little guy with the walking stick was drawn-in with near-straight Indanthrene, and straight out of the tube paint was used for the foreground driftwood and rocks.

Well, the point of all of this is, one can always challenge oneself just to do something different. It might not be pretty but it's always a learning experience. Like I said, try it!

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I sent that painting out on Monday the 18th of last month so we should be hearing from our winner soon. And I still have some prints to give away....

A Winner ! And more...

2011-04-15T19:00:00.000-07:00

I've also decided to draw 2 runner up entries. The first runner up will get the painting of the winner is not available. Otherwise the First runner-up and the second runner-up will each receive a random signed print from my last art show! I know, it isn't as good as an original painting but I really wanted to say thank you...

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The drawing was totally random. I don't know how I could have made it more equal. In a way I kind of wish everyone could win. That's why I decided to draw two runners-up because I also have couple of prints here.

The winner of the painting, as drawn by Bob: Marjorie Dawson via Google Friendconnect.

First runner-up: Rhonda Rogalski Photo (@Google) gets a print!

Second runner-up: JLynnPro @Google gets a print.

Be sure to get in touch with me, with your snail mail addresses!

Thank you so much for making my life temporarily exciting. :)

Wave Study / Oceanside Watercolor - GIVEAWAY

2011-03-16T10:25:00.000-07:00

This 9" x 12" watercolor painting started out as a wave study and I just ended up turning it into a painting. It was an accident, I swear. So here is the weird part; since I was just doing a watercolor experiment, I grabbed the paper that was closest to me; Bienfang Canvasette. It's a 182 lb paper-impregnated canvas - usually used for oils or acrylics.

Canvasette makes the painting look different. It has lots of texture, for instance. And for all I know it will easily last for the next 500 or a thousand years but I can't be completely sure. So I've decided to have a contest and give this painting away to some lucky person or sentient being.

Yep, it's a giveaway of a probably otherwise collectible piece of original art. I've given a little thought as to how to do it so here is my idea: Comment on this posting. You just have to do it in a way that will make it possible for me to identify and contact you if you win. See my suggested routes below...

RULES FOR THE WAVE STUDY PAINTING GIVEAWAY:

You must comment on this post to win, and don't do it anonymously or I won't be able to figure out who you are to send your painting to you. However, I do NOT want you to post your email address because you'll get spam. So please do one of the following:

Friend me on Facebook (see sidebar for a link) then tell me your facebook name in the comments below.
Follow me on Twitter and give your Twitter @ handle in the comments below. As with Facebook, you'll find a link to my Twitter in the sidebar of this site.
Follow this blog using the Google Friend Connect panel in the sidebar, and mention your Google ID/name below.

One entry per person/follower/friend.
There must be a minimum of 10 entries in order to have this giveaway, otherwise it seems silly. I mean, if fewer than 10 people care, why bother, right? So tell your friends! The more the merrier.
Not open to family members, sorry. You guys already get freebies from time to time.
Contest ends on April 15, 2011 at 5 PM Pacific US time. Shortly thereafter, if we've had at least 10 separate people entering for this painting, I'll have a third party draw a name from a bowl and I will attempt to notify the winner. If I don't hear from you by the following Monday, I will have my third party draw a second name. One way or another, this painting is going to a new home!
Oh, and you have to promise to send me a picture of you, posing with your new painting. :)

It is an experimental work, as I said. It's kind of a weird surface for watercolor - but it still could have some value someday.

So lets see some comments/friends/followers whatever, k? And as I said, tell your friends. I think I'm supposed to add 'no purchase necessary and void where prohibited by law' so there you go.

Spread the word.

Cape Kiwanda Oil Painting Miniature

2011-02-13T09:55:00.000-08:00

Kiwanda Approaching Fog at Sunset

Thanks to overhead lighting, brushwork is clearly visible in this miniature (8" x 10") oil painting of Cape Kiwanda and Haystack Rock with an approaching fog bank at sunset.

Up to this point, my smallest works have been 9x12 watercolors but I have been wanting to do something different; more affordable and less resource-consuming art. Thus, the mini-painting.

Coquille Lighthouse

2010-06-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

Boat Yard (Watercolor)

2010-02-05T08:19:00.000-08:00

Even to this day, I'm surprised when these on the spot watercolor sketches actually turn into something. As impressionistic as it is, I still like the boat for sale...

The scrawled "Sale" written on the bow is about as unreadable in real life as it is here.

Garibaldi Oregon dry docks - Watercolor, 9x12

Abandoned Desert Homestead (Watercolor)

2010-01-09T11:50:00.000-08:00

Small watercolor sketch of an eastern Oregon homestead that has seen better days. This one takes me back....

New Year's Resolutions

2010-01-01T10:57:00.000-08:00

Winter House, watercolor

It's a new year and it's time for me to rethink and make some new resolutions.

I admit that I've allowed my work - as a documentary photographer - to take up all of my time. That's not fair to those who'd like to see more paintings. I am still painting, btw, but I haven't been blogging or posting. That needs to change.

So we'll make it a resolution to post more often. I certainly have the incentive to do so! I just need to make the time.

One of the things I am trying to do right now is to trade a pair of my award-winning bird paintings (matted and framed) for an older but still good RV. The one I've been using as a mobile studio has just reached the point of being beyond repair. This is the biggest reason you haven't seen more paintings lately.

Here they are:

Not shown above is the nice off-white mat and red wood frame... these are part of my personal collection. For the right RV, I also have a little bit of cash, too.

A nice dry studio will make everything better.

India Ink Sumi-Style Sketch, Oceanside and Seagull

2009-10-24T16:04:00.000-07:00

Created with india ink and tradtional bamboo sumi-e brushes, this sketch of Oceanside Oregon rocks with a seagull was a fun experiment. Having studied Sumi-e, I had been meaning to use those skills for something new and different. This sketch is 9" x 12" on Strathmore watercolor paper.

And Coming Soon...

2009-10-15T10:53:00.000-07:00

Yes, I will get back to posting paintings again. I've been working on some long-term projects including the feral cat documentary but I'm painting too. You just don't always see the results.

Also, I have an essay in the new book, Art Is Dead, where I talk about the problems with art in America, both in terms of popular culture and the inner circle of art elites. It is a worthwhile read and I suggest you acquire it....

Paintings of Oregon 2010 Calendar

2009-09-17T11:54:00.000-07:00

"Paintings Of Oregon" 2010 calendar - it is a unique gift idea; rare, unlikely to be duplicated. It may seem early but now is the time to preorder before it's too late.

This is a collection of my paintings in a nice art print size. Once each month is done, you can save and frame each print. You won't find a better bargain in fine art anywhere.

You'll love these watercolors and pastel paintings of the natural beauty of Oregon. I guarantee it. And so will your friends. Thank you, in advance, for choosing my art..

The Needles Cannon Beach Oregon Pastel Painting

2009-08-28T19:17:00.001-07:00

Pastel Cannon Beach, Oregon at sunset... this time it isn't Haystack Rock, but its companions, called The Needles. It's great to get just the right angle so the sun sets between them. As is often the case, there were people present but I elected to leave them out. This painting is not about them...

There are more dynamics in the painting than my digital camera was able to read; but that's kind of normal. This is a problem that often brings me much frustration.

Oregon pastel painting on 9" x 12" Bristol board, painted in layers using SpectraFix.

Fine Art Prints

2009-08-27T12:13:00.000-07:00

At this time of year I seem so busy... shows, and such. I WILL be posting new art here soon. In the meantime, I decided to make a few of my favorites available at Red Bubble. This is an experimental offering. We shall see how it goes.

Sand Lake Pastel Study

2009-06-12T21:02:00.000-07:00

After fussing with this pastel painting for a bit too long, I decided it was time to just go ahead and post it. This is a 9x12 pastel study of the Sand Lake estuary with the Sandlake peninsula and recreation area seen in the distance.

Cascade Head, Proposal Rock Sunset (Pastel)

2009-05-30T11:16:00.000-07:00

Pastel painting/sketch of Cascade Head, viewed from Proposal Rock, at sunset. Pastels on 9x12 Bristol board smooth.

A study for an oil painting I've been wanting to do... Perhaps I should create a new category called "Painting Fail" because this sketch turned out as IT intended rather than what I had in mind. Even so, it gives me some ideas about what I do (and don't) want to do in a larger work.

By the way, Proposal Rock is the spot where we lose people every year because of sneaker waves. In fact, you see one coming at you right now! This is just 9 miles from my home base. ...Last year, there was a story about a guy who took his fiance there to propose to her and she got washed away by one of those waves. It was heart-rending enough to make national news. We also lost a middle-aged woman here just last week, but that probably didn't make it to Fark and Drudge. It's like a beautiful death trap. I just thought I'd share that with you.

Nestucca River Oregon Pastel Painting

2009-05-26T11:48:00.000-07:00

At last, a new work! ...It was high time I worked with my pastels again; as a teenage artist I was known for my pastels but for some reason I've just drifted away from them. Today, pastels are back.

This work was completed just this morning. Total time to complete: About 2 hours. I've painted this subject before, but it is a beautiful area and I wanted to revisit it. Now, I did this using my plen air drawing board and paper (Canson 9x12 recycled). Had I used a paper with more tooth, I could have added additional values but the paper was saturated so this is what we have.

As it has been a while since I worked in pastels, it felt a little awkward at first. But I got comfy fairly quickly. I could be wrong but I think it's a keeper.

UPDATE: I used this painting as a reference for a slightly larger version. That painting was entered in the local county fair art competition. It won FIRST PLACE for landscape on paper and BEST IN CLASS (All works on paper).

Sand Lake, Oregon (Acrylic Painting)

2009-01-17T15:44:00.001-08:00

As promised a new painting. This painting is the final result of the process that began with the watercolor sketch of Sandlake.

Sand Lake Estuary
Acrylic on Canvas, 20" x 30"
In the distance you can see Cape Lookout. Beneath the cape, lies the trees of the Sandlake Recreation area, while on the left you see some of the trees on Whalen Island.

The trees in the foreground are mostly dead, having been killed by a combination of salt water intrusion and some kind of creeping vine (which you can see all over the dead trunks).

The painting itself is much more vibrant has a greater value range than this photo indicates. I was disappointed that I was unable to get a good image of this art work but I've had that trouble often in the past.

At this time, this painting is available for offers. Contact me if you are interested.

A Good Fishing Spot - Watercolor Sketch

2009-01-11T19:41:00.000-08:00

Going through my watercolor sketches, I was reminded of how much I liked this stretch of the Wilson River....

Oh yes, there IS a fisherman in the background...he blends with the rocks rather well. I have new items to post, too, including an interesting acrylic I think you'll like. In other words, there will be new things soon.

Haystack Rock at Cape Kiwanda (Acrylic)

2008-11-09T09:58:00.000-08:00

This was a simple acrylic painting of Haystack Rock at Cape Kiwanda. This is the larger of the two rocks named 'Haystack' in Oregon, and allegedly the second largest monolith in the world.

I always liked the colors found in this painting. There are other things I'm not happy with, but the color was wonderful. This painting was sold immediately. However, I preserved the essence of this work of art in a low cost poster and a framed print.

Abandoned Church (Watercolor)

2008-11-08T12:09:00.000-08:00

Ghosts still pause at this old long-abandoned church in Eastern Oregon. An original watercolor..

This quickie watercolor sketch gives the somber feel of the location and the moment. The original watercolor is now in a private collection but you can have your own print or poster here.

Sandlake Estuary (Watercolor)

2008-10-31T19:01:00.000-07:00

This is not the best photo of my work but you get the idea. Area residents will recognize this - well, if you try hiking or biking Sandlake Road instead of drive too fast.

I felt it was time for a re-do of this watercolor due to receiving some recognition.

This small watercolor has a bit more value range than is indicated from the photograph: My digital camera has been giving me a bit of trouble, lately - I may have to save up for another one.

Ax Man Watercolor

2008-10-05T19:01:00.002-07:00

My desire here was to do a homage to the local loggers I know through an updated tribute to Winslow Homer, one of my favorite artists. This watercolor sketch, therefore, is a 21st century update of a Homer work, but in my own sketchy impressionist style.

The name was originally Oregon Logger from Woodsman but then along came the History Channel's TV series Ax Men. As coincidence would have it, I actually know a few of these guys. The show is great but WAY dramatized to the hilt. It's still good, though And btw, nobody calls them "ax men" in this part of the world. They are loggers.

Alas, the original painting has already been sold and is in a private collection. I didn't really even have a chance to enjoy it myself! Fortunately, before it disappeared I managed to have it made into framed prints and posters. They came out pretty well so now I own two of them.

Finally, just for fun, I also created an 'ax man' silhouette directly from the painting for use on a T-shirt. It was something to do....

Oregon Fisherman (Watercolor)

2008-05-26T12:32:00.000-07:00

Oregon Fisherman
watercolor 9x12

An original painting, but based on a work by one of my favorite painters, Winslow Homer. Rather than fishing in the Adirondacks in a rowboat, this hopeful fisherman fishes near the Oregon coast in a motor-powered Jon Boat.

The original painting was only in my possession for a few days before it was sold, but for the time being you can still get an inexpensive poster print or a framed panel print.

I know I am going to! It's depressing when I don't get enough time to enjoy my own work.

Cape Kiwanda Sunset #10 (Oil Painting)

2008-03-15T19:22:00.000-07:00

From Oregon Paintings

The latest in the series that began with a live sketch and continued through several iterations, showing different ways of looking at the same scene. This is a gallery-wrapped oil on canvas painting, 24x30.

This painting is for sale:
$750 + Shipping - OBO

Thank you for taking the time to enjoy my art.

Garibaldi Harbor Fishing Boat Painting (Watercolor)

2008-03-14T19:48:00.000-07:00

An original watercolor in my abstract impressionist style, this painting features the commercial docks at Garibaldi Oregon with the commercial fishing boat Jeanne Arain tied up near Hoy Brothers fish company.

This small watercolor measures 9x12. I'm planning on using it as the basis for an oil painting.

Everything was rendered by brush only, no drawing.

Be sure to visit my little store of Oregon prints and posters, too! Your support of the arts is appreciated.

Depoe Bay Harbor Entrance (Watercolor)

2008-02-09T19:13:00.000-08:00

Depoe Bay, Oregon

Watercolor 9x12 Depoe Bay Oregon harbor entrance. Also known as the world's smallest harbor. This painting gives a nice view.

I'm not sure who owns this work of art now, but I DO have (for the moment) inexpensive poster prints and framed prints available here: Roadside Artist Store

Surf Dory Pacific City Watercolor

2008-02-02T18:41:00.000-08:00

Watercolor painting, 9x12

Cape Kiwanda / Pacific City Oregon... the last place in America, maybe the world, where commercial fishing boats in the form of dories are launched directly from the beach, into the surf.

A dying breed. Pacific City is being developed like crazy by real estate speculators. This benefits about 5 families in the area but will soon end the unique nature of the town.

These paintings are already in private collections but I DO have (for now) some inexpensive posters and framed prints available here: Roadside Oregon Artist Gallery.

Galdee Mtn. Oregon Tribute to Winslow Homer

2008-02-01T10:56:00.000-08:00

An acrylic on paper painting, done in a watercolor style; it is called Tribute to Winslow Homer because it is based on his painting, Burnt Mountain but is actually Galdee Mountain in Tillamook County.

In private collection.

A print is available here: The Roadside Artist Oregon Gallery.

Garibald Harbor Watercolor

2008-01-31T10:49:00.000-08:00

An original watercolor painting, Garibaldi Harbor Oregon:

9x12 watercolor of Garibaldi Harbor in an abstract impressionist style like you might find with someone like Domenic DeStefano; I can paint photo-realistically but I can also take photographs! Painting a picture in an abstract style that you can still recognize is more fun.

In private collection.

There may be posters available at The Roadside Oregon Artist Gallery.

A Ray Of Hope (Photo)

2007-12-13T09:55:00.001-08:00

Perhaps it is only wishful thinking. In fact, I'm sure it is, but this rainbow was beautiful after the big December storm - it was like a ray of hope.

Just south of Tillamook, across a flooded field, a double rainbow illuminates a shattered land as seagulls, worn out from the great storm, rest in the distant foreground.

We were without electricity for over a week. Some are still out. I hope this doesn't happen again for quite a while.

Garibaldi Harbor Fishing Boats (Watercolor)

2007-07-11T18:35:00.000-07:00

A watercolor painting of a couple of fishing boats tied up at the service dock...

I had my own commercial fishing boat many years ago when it was still something worth doing. It's a lot harder now, and a lot more corporate. The original painting Garibaldi Anne Marie is available at Art Talks Gallery in Westport Washington. There are also some inexpensive posters available at Roadside Oregon Artist Gallery..

Cool Morning (Acrylic Painting)

2007-07-09T12:12:00.000-07:00

We've had an unusual (for us) heat wave of late.... but at least the mornings are cool..

Lost Fishing Boat Memorial (Photo)

2007-01-27T12:01:00.000-08:00

Thursday night, we lost another commercial fishing boat. It just couldn't make it over the Tillamook bar. But thanks to a heroic Coast Guard rescue swimmer, only one of the four people aboard was lost. "Only" is relative, however, and we grieve for the loss.

When I arrived at the Barview Jetty the next day, this flower memorial was all that was left to tell the tale.

Snow .. on the Oregon Coast Photos, Watercolor

2007-01-11T20:02:00.000-08:00

Well, yes. When I was growing up we'd get this at least once a year but it has been a long time since I've seen snow here in my home area, just a few hundred yards from the beach.

This will probably inspire some snow paintings in the near future. I haven't done any of those for a while, have I?

The Roadside Artist Motorhome trapped in snow

It's going to stay around for a few days because we have a sub-freezing cold snap. And like everything else in life, I will try to find a way to enjoy it.

While we're at it, I did a little watercolor sketch of a farm house beset by snow:

Oregon Ghost Town Painting in Academia

2006-12-29T18:30:00.000-08:00

An Oregon Ghost Town... Hardman, Oregon appears in an academic publication. Actually, it's my painting of the ghost town, as you can see here:

I admit that it doesn't look quite as impressive in the book, but at least my work is getting some academic notice:

Thank you. Hey, at least my name and bio appeared above Picasso. You can get a poster of this painting here: Roadside Oregon Artist Gallery.

Umqua Lighthouse, Devils Punchbowl, Graces, Twin Rocks Watercolors

2006-06-13T11:52:00.000-07:00

An assortment of watercolor sketches From Umqua to Twin Rocks....

A watercolor sketch tour of parts of the Oregon Coast, Umqua Lighthouse is part of a series I've done on lighthouses.

Then we visit the Devil's Punchbowl...

I think this might be Art Talks Gallery in Westport WA.

Not too far away, is the Boiler Bay area...not really a bay, more of a rest stop near Depoe Bay, Oregon...

Moving on to Pacific City ...

After swinging through Tillamook and Garibaldi, we notice the so-called "Three Graces" rocks found at Barview/Garibaldi, inside the Tillamook Bay bar entrance:

Then we make a stop to see my friends at Twin Rocks...

And wander up to Manzanita and Neahkanie where I observe this interesting dog running on the rock-strewn beach there:

Finally enjoying a sunset at Cannon Beach...

Thank you for taking the time to enjoy my art. While all of these paintings have been purchased by private collectors, you can still get some of them as inexpensive prints or posters at The Roadside Oregon Artist Gallery

California Gull (Acrylic Painting)

2005-09-14T12:15:00.000-07:00

Seagulls seem to be everywhere. They are often hated, often derided. But the truth is, we need seagulls. They are scavengers and we need them or our beaches would soon be fouled with all kinds of dead things. So don't hate the bird.

California Gull
acrylic on paper
11" x 15"

Although it is called the California Gull, it is ubiquitous. The orangish round spot near the end of the lower beak identifies it. There are many other gulls, too, but we certainly see a lot of these.

This painting was done in acrylics, watercolor-style, using just three colors. As usual, this painting is available on a "make an offer" basis for now, or you can wait until the upcoming show in October... or I may have some prints done.

This painting won a ribbon recently. I now have it matted and framed in a red-colored wood frame, 16" x 20" I think... And it is available to the right person. Make an offer.

Thank you.

Snowy Plover, Oregon Shorebird. (Acrylic Painting)

2005-09-06T13:03:00.000-07:00

It could be the most hated bird on the Oregon coast, at least by the locals. Why? Not for any good reason but because it is endangered and wildlife officials would like to close some small areas of a few beaches to save it. Many locals would rather see it go extinct ...and that is sad.

The Snowy Plover
Acrylic on Paper
11" x 15"

As is usual for me, this painting was created using just three near-primary colors. It's all in the mix... This painting has won an award. I now have it in my private collection, matted and framed (16x20). Feel free to make an offer if you are interested.

Thank you.

Camp Creek Old Schoolhouse Watercolor

2005-08-26T09:51:00.000-07:00

Old Camp Creek School House

It's the ancient, run down Camp Creek School House in watercolor. I love this painting and I wish I knew who bought it.

Oregon Painter, The Real Story - Welcome

2005-08-26T09:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my world...

Over the past few years I developed a small following on eBay, where I became known as The Painter Of Oregon.. thanks to one overzealous writer. The truth is, I've come to accept the fact that I'll never be the artist I always wished I could be (since childhood).

I'm a native and I love to paint my home state. I do a lot more than just paint Oregon scenery and I hope you'll get to know me better as time goes on.

I grew up mostly in Tillamook county, although I had some early childhood experiences in California... mostly experience being part of a homeless family and living in a car. Well, it was a different way to grow up, anyway.

That's probably part of why I've bounced around in careers. I've been a fishing boat captain, a church pastor, a volunteer firefighter, a web designer, a book editor, a Park Ranger assistant, a guitar teacher, a wedding photographer (assistant), a computer network administrator... and probably several other things I've forgotten for the moment.

Anyway, continuing with the bio: There's college, too; Blue Mountain Community College, Clatsop Community College, Eastern Oregon, Nortwest Bible and much later Western Medical College. Later still, the New York Institute of Photography. And with all of that, I ended up using nothing of my "education."

Instead, I basically make a living as a computer monkey; doing layout and editing work for 'zines and small book publishers. On the side, I sell a few paintings, a few prints and posters and a few (very few) Cartoon T-shirts and word-art gifts.

One thing some find interesting regarding my painting is that all of the works you will see here are painted using just three colors: Cadmium Red, Cobalt Blue and Yellow Ochre. Some people think this isn't possible but the real trick is in knowing how to mix these colors into a broad spectrum of colors and values.

From time to time, I will post paintings and photos here, focusing on my love affair with Oregon, my home. Keep checking back and feel free to offer your thoughts. Thank you.