Kia Ora from New Zealand

I arrived in New Zealand on December 6th and as of the 14th, I have a house under contract.  There are a lot of hoops to jump through before it is officially mine but I have my fingers crossed that all will go according to plan. I'll be in the Bay of Islands in Northland,  about three hours north of Auckland.  Also known as The Winterless North, I am so very happy to be here.  As I write this, it is snowing at my old house in Northern Arizona.  I don't miss it.

Though New Zealand will be my primary residence, I will return to the U.S. twice a year. I'll also continue to do The Waterfowl Festival (November - Easton, Maryland) and Art for the Sangres (late September in Westcliffe, Colorado).

In a few years, I'd like to teach small workshops at my home and studio in the Bay of Islands, both to American students and New Zealanders.  The workshops will be limited to just a few students - and I may also offer room and board!  Ahhh - then you'll discover that I'm not the greatest cook.  But perhaps I can have meals catered! But for now, it is all on hold as I take time to rediscover my native country, dip my toes in the ocean, and feel very grateful for the opportunity to come home again.

Gallery Show at the Santa Ysabel Gallery - San Diego County

Next Saturday afternoon, Dec 1st 2012, I will be one third of a three-person show at the Santa Ysabel Gallery, Santa Ysabel, California.  Santa Ysabel is just a wide spot in the road between Ramona and Julian in San Diego County - but the gallery is well-known for landscape paintings.  Owner Annie Rowley,  is respected for supporting and promoting the tradition of painting plein air.

The three-person exhibition is titled, Aotearoa, Land of the Long White Cloud, and will show the work that Joe Garcia, Joanne Hanson (my sister!) and I painted in New Zealand this year.  There will be an artist's reception Saturday, December 1, 4-8 pm and will hang through Jnuary 6, 2013.  The gallery is located at the intersection of Hwy 78 and Hwy 79 in Santa Ysabel.  For more information, contact Annie at 760 765-1676.  If you're heading east on hwy 78, the gallery is on the left just past the hwy 79 turnoff.  I hope you can make it to the show.  If you know of any New Zealanders in the San Diego area, perhaps you could let them know about the exhibition.  Thanks!

The morning after the opening, my sister and I will be making a mad dash back to Arizona as we fly to New Zealand on December 4th to house-hunt!  After many years in the U.S, I'm moving back to New Zealand...but will continue to have a foot in both the U.S. and NZ. 

High Tide at Sandspit

7" x 7" oil on board

SOLD

Flight Through Mangroves

7" x 7" oil on board

available at the Santa Ysabel Gallery

Big Changes Ahead!

The last month has been chaotic.  I've sold my house in Oak Creek Canyon (north of Sedona, Arizona) and international shippers have packed up almost everything I own in a 20' container.  It is now on a container ship in the Bering Sea, heading towards Asia.  The first stop is in China but eventually the ship will arrive in New Zealand on December 2nd, just a few days before I arrive.  I have a couple of weeks to find a house, buy it and have my container delivered and unpacked in my new abode.  I am hoping my new studio will have a view of the South Pacific or perhaps a mangrove edged inlet!  New Zealand will be my primary residence but I will return to the U.S. twice a year for a couple of months per trip.

Before leaving for New Zealand, I'll be attending  The Waterfowl Festival which happens next weekend in Easton, Maryland.  This is one of the smaller oils that I'll have with me at the festival. 

Shades of Blue

8" x 8" oil on panel
SOLD

A Time in September

When I'm not packing, I'm working on paintings for Art for the Sangres, a one day/evening show to be held on September 29th in Westcliffe, Colorado.  It's a small town at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in southern Colorado with wide-open plains that are home to deer, elk and pronghorn antelope.  If the autumn color is on schedule, I'd like to spend a day painting the brilliant yellow aspen at the foot of the mountains.  Westcliffe is 7800 altitude, so the winters are hard.  On previous  Art for the Sangres weekends, we've had snow in Westcliffe, but we've also had temps of 78 F.  I'm hoping for beautiful color!

I originally intended to put a bear in this 24" x 36" oil, A Time in September,  but I couldn't find a place to put him - and the idea of a bear seemed to disturb the peace, so I left him out. I've framed
this in a 3" wide dull-gold frame....and love the way it looks!

A Time in September

24" x 36" oil on Ampersand Cradleboard
SOLD

I've had people ask about my plans to return to live in New Zealand.  I'm originally from Warkworth, about 45 minutes north of NZ's largest city, Auckland.  Warkworth is now considered part of the 'super city' of Auckland and real estate prices are through the roof, so I'm looking further north.  I've been shovelling snow for 35 winters and I am d-o-n-e!  Another reason why I am looking for a house in The Winterless North.  I'm cross-eyed from looking at houses online and have almost used up 5 gB limit for the month, with another ten days to go, but it seems that the New Zealand's Northland will win out. 

On to a new adventure!

Mountain Trails Gallery in Sedona, Arizona

I am pleased to announce that I am now represented by Mountain Trails Gallery in Sedona, Arizona - with two galleries (upstairs and downstairs) in Tlaquepaque.  Besides being a top-notch gallery, lots of my artist friends including Sandy Scott, Susan Kliewer and Betty Carr are already represented by Mountain Trials, so this will be a good match.  The gallery participates in  First Friday, an art gallery tour held the first Friday of each month.  This and other events at Tlaquepaque will give me the opportunity to paint at the gallery.  As I tend to be a hermit, this is good thing!  

Painting at Mountain Trails Gallery last night.

Summer Bun

For lack of a better title for now, this little piece is called Summer Bun.  As a former watercolorist,  this piece illustrates the transparent watercolor-like textures I can achieve on Ampersand gessoboard.
It's fun to work on!

Summer Bun

8" x 8" on Ampersand gessoboard

"Summer Symphony"

I'm getting brave!  This is an 18" x 18" oil that I painted plein air this morning and was finished by 11 am!  "Summer Symphony" will be one of my five plein air entries for Wild About Colorado a plein air festival held in Breckenridge.  Tomorrow night is the VIP exhibit and sale followed by a public exhibition on Saturday at the Carter Pavilion on High Street in Breckenridge.

"Summer Symphony"

18" x 18" on Ampersand Cradleboard
SOLD

"Rain Coming"

I was out painting early this morning and had this 12" x 9" oil finished by 11 am.   I painted it in Breckenridge of Peak Ten, which is part of the Ten Mile Range.  Just as I finished it it started to rain so it is titled, 'Rain Coming'.  

"Rain Coming"

12" x 9" oil study on board

Change of Galleries

Sadly, Windrush Gallery in Sedona, Arizona, which has represented me for many years, is closing its doors.  The owners John and Jane, had an eye for good art and asked the best of the best artists to join the gallery including friends Joe Garcia, Marc Hanson, Terry Miller, Bill Cramer, Carol Marine, Virginia Vaughan, Becky Joy and many others. It was a treat to wander around the gallery and check out the work.  Goodbye John and Jane - and thank for you representing me these last few years.

Happily, I've been asked to join Mountain Trails Gallery in Sedona, upstairs in Tlaquepaque.  Mountain Trails also represents some fabulous artists including sculptors (and friends) Sandy Scott and Susan Kliewer, painters Suzanne Baker, Joshua Been, Ed Aldrich, Betty Carr and lots of others!  As I'm in Colorado for a couple more weeks, the gallery won't have any of my work until I'm back in Sedona but my paintings should be hanging there sometime in August.

A Happydoodle

I'm in Breckenridge, Colorado as artist-in-residence for the month of July for the town's art district.  I think there are more dogs per square mile in Breck than anywhere else in the U.S. including lots of labradoodles which is what you get when you cross a standard or miniature poodle with a labrador retriever.  They're handsome dogs and if they're half poodle, probably pretty smart too.

Happydoodle

8" x 8" oil on board

SOLD

Fourth of July in Breckenridge, Colorado

I'm artist-in-residence at the Tin Shop in Breckenridge, Colorado - part of the Breck Arts District.  As I'm just half a block from Main Street, I had a front row seat for this morning's Fourth of July festivities, including the kid's chalk art competition.   I was one of the judges and was very impressed with the 100+ entries.

In spite of the crowds and time out for judging, I spent most of my day painting in the studio with the door open so people could wander in and out.  I started an 18" square Colorado landscape and now I'm wishing I'd photographed it as a step-by-step as I like the way it is progressing.  I'll post a photo of it in the next day or two. 

I'm Teaching a Three-Day Oil Workshop in Colorado Next Week!

I'm now at the Tin Shop - my studio/living quarters in downtown Breckenridge, Colorado where I'm artist in residence for the month of July for the Breckenridge Arts District.  A percentage of my sales benefits the arts program as does the workshop that I'm teaching next week, July 9 - 11.  Titled, Oil Painting Basics from Study to Studio, this 3-day workshop will concentrate on the basics of oil painting; composition, learning to see large shapes and values and seeing and mixing color.  The intimate class size ensures plenty of individual attention.  9 am - 4 pm with an hour off for lunch.  Materials list is provided with option to purchase materials.  For info, call 970 453-3364.  You must register at least three days in advance.

And while you're in Breckenridge, you have to visit the foxes on Main Street!  Last year when I was artist in residence here, a mom fox had two kits. This year she has four!  They're almost full grown and provide the perfect photo op as they chase each other and pose for the tourists.  I took this photo of one of the kits this morning - perfect light around 7 am!

J = Jay, My Oil Study for Today

It has been a while since I've painted or posted here!  I've been on the road - now I'm in Colorado where I start a month-long artist-in-residence program tomorrow at the Tin Shop in downtown Breckenridge, part of the town's Art District.  I was artist-in-residence here last year and loved the experience, so I asked to do it again.  If you're in Breckenridge, stop by and see me!

I found time this morning to get a little study done for my 75 for $75 project and also for a daily Facebook project called Alphabet Mini's.  This is J = Jay.  Nothing like doing a little oil study to get me back in the painting mode!

278 - Jay

5" x 7" oil study on board, unframed

$75 plus $6 shipping within the U.S.

SOLD

Three New Paintings for Windrush Gallery

I just delivered four new oils to Windrush Gallery in Sedona,  Arizona - showing three of them here.  These oils are 12" x 12" painted on 2" deep Ampersand panels which gives the work a more contemporary feel as they are unframed - much like 'gallery wrap'.  I really enjoy painting the large shapes of cactus and succulents as they are less fiddly than the foliage of shrubs and trees.

"Waltz"

12" x 12" on 2" deep Ampersand board

"Point of Contention"

12" x 12" oil on 2" deep Ampersand board

 

"Yavapai Jade"

12" x 12" oil on 2" deep Ampersand board

I = Ibis

As I continue to paint my little oil studies alphabetically, I realize there aren't a lot of choices for the letter 'I'.  Ibis, orioles (genus Icterus) and a few other birds that I don't have much information on.....so why not an Ibis?  I see the White and Glossy Ibis when I'm on the East Coast - and the White-faced Ibis around Blythe and Brawley when I'm driving to California.  But seldom paint Ibis though I paint lots of Egret - a similar bird.  The egret is Cinderella and an Ibis the ugly step-sister. They look great in a group, but not nearly as elegant in flight. Perhaps I misjudge the Ibis and should get to know them a little better. Anyway, this Ibis is the Eastern U.S. variety - the White Ibis.  

277 - White Ibis

5" x 7" oil study on board, unframed

$75 plus $6 shipping within the U.S.
SOLD

H = Horse

I'll be gone all day tomorrow so this is tomorrow's 75/75 plus my submission for the Facebook Alphabet Mini project. This one is titled, 'H = Horse'.

Last July I was artist-in-residence at The Tin Shop in downtown Breckenridge, Colorado.  The Tin Shop program is sponsored by the Breck Arts District.  I had a wonderful month there - and will be there again this coming July.  The model for H = Horse is one of a pair of draught horses that pull a carriage through the streets of Breckenridge.  Their regular route takes them right past the Tin Shop several times a day.  I must look like someone that the horse knew because he watched for me at the Tin Shop door.  As he passed by, he'd turn his head to look at me until the carriage turned a corner. Maybe I look like someone who fed him apples.

I like this little study and will use the idea for a larger gallery painting. 

276 - Horse

5" x 7" oil study on board, unframed

SOLD

G = Gull

Last year I did a gull study along these lines but without ocean - just sand.  I really liked the tonalistic quality of it - so I've carried the idea a little further but this time it is gulls and ocean.  I like the way it turned out - perhaps I'll use the ideas from both pieces for a larger gallery piece.  Also, in order to keep this as a learning project, I'm trying to do more landscapes (with a bird or two).

This study is G = Gulls for the Facebook Alphabet Mini project I'm doing with sculptor Paul Rhymer and other artists - but it is also a study for my 75 for $75 project.  You know what they about killing two birds with one stone.  : -)    Perhaps I need to change the title of my 75 for $75 project as I'm now up to 275!

275 - Gulls

5" x 7" oil study on board, unframed

$75 plus $6 shipping within the U.S.

SOLD

F = Falco sparverius aka American Kestrel

Today's study for both my 77 for $75 project and the Facebook project "Alphabet Minis" is an American Kestrel, the smallest of the falcon family.  They used to be called Sparrow Hawks. I've only ever seen them go after grasshoppers and cicadas but my field guide says they will go after small birds, mainly in the winter.  Their diet is usually insects, reptiles and small mammals.  I usually see Kestrels in farm country - about one per mile, always sitting on a telephone line while surveying their domain. 

274 - Kestrel

5" x 7" oil study on board, unframed

$75 plus $6 shipping within the U.S.

SOLD

E = Egret

Today's post is an oil study of an egret.  This is for Paul Rhymer's Facebook project called "Alphabet Minis" but it's also my 75 for $75 study for the day.

273 - Egret

7" x 5" oil study on board, unframed

$75 plus $6 shipping within the U.S.

SOLD

C = Cardinal

I did another C = Cardinal.  This oil study is inspired by Ace Basin, about an hour south of Charleston where I've painted every year for about 15 years.   Except for the alligators, mosquitoes, fire ants, snakes and chiggers, it is a beautiful place!

I'm trying to do more little landscapes (with a bird) for my 75 for $75 project so that I'm continuing to learn.  

272 - Cardinal

7" x 5" oil study on board

$75 plus $6 shipping within the U.S.

SOLD

D = Deer

What happened to my previous post....C = Cardinal?  I deleted it because I couldn't get a good photo of it.  I will try scanning it when the oil is dry.

In the meantime, this piece is a 5" x 7" titled,  "D = Deer".  This study is for a daily painting project on Facebook started by my friend, sculptor Paul Rhymer, called "Alphabet Mini's".   I like the colors in this study and will use the piece as reference for a larger gallery painting, so though it is one of my 5 x 7 studies, it isn't for sale at this time.  

D = Deer

5" x 7" oil on board
 

B=Blackbird, Today's Study

This is my little study for a project that Paul Rhymer has going on Facebook, called "Alphabet Mini's". This very contemporary little piece is B=Blackbirds (red-winged) but it's also a study for my 75/75 project.  If I wasn't a bird artist, I might say that I'm killing two birds with one stone.

 271 - Red-winged Blackbirds

5" x 7" oil study on board, unframed

$75 plus $6 shipping within the U.S.

SOLD

Immature Black-chinned Hummingbird Study

It's been a while since I've posted a study.  I'm painting work for my galleries but thought I'd squeeze in a few studies in the next week or two before heading to Colorado.

This summer, there are hummingbird nests everywhere - and I also have baby Painted Redstarts in a nest in a wreath on my frame shop door.  All these feathered babies have inspired me to paint a young black-chinned hummingbird.

I have fibbed about the chin color on this little guy.  A fledging wouldn't have the neck color but rather a white chin with some speckles.  The dark chin worked better against the light background so I lied.  It is called artistic license!

270 Immature Black-chinned Hummingbird
5" x 7" oil study on board, unframed
$75 plus $6 shipping within the U.S.

SOLD

Work in Progress

This is an unfinished 20" x 20" oil, work-in-progress, titled, 'Low Clouds Over Buffalo'.  It's a view of Buffalo Mountain from Silverthorne, Colorado. 

Step 1:  The colors felt a little dreary so I sat the painting aside for the rest of the day and thought about it.

Step 2:  I decided to really push the blues in the painting but struggled with the trees as they were competing with the mountain.

Step 3:  I simplified the trees and got rid of many of the tree trunks.  Tomorrow I will push the clouds by making them stronger and bluer - then will finish the foreground.  I've used this brand of gessoed linen before (Centurion, pre-stretched) but I don't like the slick surface.  However once I have an underpainting down, it is fun to work on. 

"Summer Fox"

I'm back in my Northern Arizona studio briefly.  In a month I head to Colorado where I'll be artist-in-residence for the Breckenridge Arts District's Tin Shop.  This painting is of a Breckenridge fox - they wander around the streets while tourists line up to photograph them.  The 16 x 20 isn't quite finished....the body of the fox still needs a bit of rounding out.  But at this point, I set a painting aside
for a couple of days before finishing it.  By then I've got a pretty good idea of what it needs to be called 'finished.

Summer Fox

20" x 16" oil on Ampersand Board

Goodbye New Zealand

I'm heading back to the U.S. today after spending three months in my home-country of New Zealand.  I'll be at my Arizona home for a month, then off to Colorado where I'll be spending the month of July as artist-in-residence in Breckenridge, Colorado.  While there, I'll be working on a couple of my daily painting projects - so stay tuned!

Today's Study - A Gosling

I've done a little Canada gosling for today's study.  I'm in New Zealand (returning to the U.S. in a week) where Canada Geese were introduced as a game bird.  The Canadas is native to North America where it migrates seasonally, but here in New Zealand, it's my understanding that the Canada geese don't migrate.  There's probably no need as the weather here is mild.  New Zealand's Canada geese are so plentiful they're regarded as a pest and can be hunted without limit.

268 - Canada Gosling

5" x 7" oil study on board, unframed

$75 plus $6 shipping within the U.S.

SOLD

Today's Oil Study - A Bluebird

Today's study is a bluebird. You'd think the loose, painterly look would be easy to achieve, but it's easier to paint detail.  I wiped the background off a couple of times before I was happy with it.

267 - Bluebird

7" x 5" oil study on board, unframed

US$75 plus $6 shipping within the U.S.

SOLD

Today's Oil Study - A Spotted Towhee

For some reason I felt in a festive mood this morning so I decided to paint a colorful bird - what better than a Spotted Towhee, formerly known as a Rufous-sided Towhee.  I like these little guys - I often hear them scratching around in the undergrowth around my house in Northern Arizona.

266 - Spotted Towhee

5" x 7" oil study on board, unframed

US$75 plus $6 shipping within the U.S.

This afternoon, I did this second little piece, a plein air study, from the deck looking out over Sandspit.  It's a quick 6" x 8" and the 39th painting I've done on location since arriving in New Zealand in February. Somehow I don't think I'll be meeting my goal of doing 60 plein air pieces before I leave New Zealand in about 9 days.

"Tide's Out"  #39 of my 60/60 Challenge

6" x 8" oil on board

Today's Study - A New Zealand Fantail

As I'm leaving New Zealand in about ten days, today I painted my favorite of the New Zealand birds, Piwakawaka - a fantail.  When walking through the bush, these cute little flycatchers will follow you closely giving the appearance of being friendly when they're actually after the insects you're stirring up.

265 - New Zealand Fantail

5" x 7" oil study on board, unframed

US$75 plus $6 shipping within the U.S. or New Zealand

SOLD

Today's Study - An American Goldfinch

I've been travelling so it's been a while since I've posted an oil study.  I hope to make up for it this coming week.  I was just north of Wellington (Mt. Bruce) at the southern end of New Zealand's North Island for a month, and now I'm back in the north, near my hometown of Warkworth.  I'll be here until the 15th of May when I fly back to the U.S. and will then mail all of the studies that have been sold. (and thanks for your purchases and support!)

Today's little study is an American Goldfinch, though I was very tempted to paint a Rosella as I could hear them screeching in the trees around me as I was painting this morning.  It's a large red, yellow and green parrot - actually an Australian species that self-introduced itself to New Zealand, and is flourishing in this part of the country.

  

264 - American Goldfinch

7" x 5" oil study on board, unframed

US $75 plus $6 shipping within the U.S.  

SOLD

I have been trying to paint 60 paintings on location, plein air, while in New Zealand and I'm far from reaching my goal.  This is #38.  Will I be able to paint another 22 pieces in less than two weeks?  Stay tuned!

60/60 #38   8" x 6"

Painted from the deck of the house where I'm staying.  

Today's Study - An Indigo Bunting

Today's study is an Indigo Bunting.  Such a pretty bird and so hard to get the exact shade of blue right.  I won't be posting a study for the next few days as I'll be on the road visiting cousins in Te Horo, a small coastal town on New Zealand's west coast, north of Wellington.  Another adventure!

263 - Eastern Bluebird

7" x 5" oil study on board, unframed

US$75 plus $6 shipping within the U.S.

SOLD

Today's Oil Study - An Oriole

Today's oil study is an oriole.  I started the day by doing a New Zealand Stitch bird or Hihi, but the background caused problems to I put it to one side and will finish it later.

75 - 262 Oriole

5" x 7" oil study on board, unframed

US$75 plus $6 shipping within the U.S.

Today's Oil Study - A Nuthatch

I've not done a study for the past couple of days but I'm back at it.  This little 7" x 5" oil study is a white-breasted nuthatch, a North American species that we definitely don't get in New Zealand!

261 - White breasted Nuthatch

7" x 5" oil study on board, unframed

US$75 plus $6 shipping within the U.S.

SOLD

A Productive Day!

 

8" x 10 Oil on gessoed board (still untitled)

I didn't do an oil study today, but instead painted two oils for one of my galleries.  I can see how the 5 x 7 studies have really improved my brushwork - but still a long way to go before I get to where I would like to be.  What is the saying?  It's the journey, not the destination.

6" x 8" oil on gessoed board (still untitled)

Today's Oil Study - A Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Today's oil study jumped right off the brush.  Some studies are like that - others take more effort.

260 - Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher

7" x 5" oil study on board, unframed

US$75 plus $6 shipping within the U.S. or New Zealand

SOLD

If you are in New Zealand and would like to purchase this, the BUY NOW button will work for either NZ or US $.  (it's about NZ$90). It will be mailed to you as soon as it is dry in about a week.  If you're in the U.S., I'll mail it when I arrive back in the States - mid-May.  

Oil Painting Workshop - Breckenridge, Colorado July 9-11 2012

I'll be teaching a small, three day workshop in Breckenridge, Colorado, July 9-11. 

Oil Painting Basics from Study to Studio

This three day workshop will concentrate on the basics of oil painting; composition, learning to see large shapes and values and seeing and mixing color. Following my daily painting demos, students will paint small studies which they can later develop into larger studio paintings. Intimate class size ensures plenty of individual attention.   Class size is limited to 6 so register early!  Email me if you have any questions. 

Tin Shop
9:00 am – noon and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
$450, materials list provided w option to purchase materials
Registration 3 days in advance – 970-453-3364

A Landscape for my Daily Painting-From-Life Challenge

In addition to doing my daily 75/75 bird study, I'm also working on my 60/60 challenge - that is 60 paintings in 60 days, from life.  This is 33 of 60.  I've been painting the hills outside the studio and this is yet another attempt.  It's a small piece - 6" x 8".  I'll be showing some of these New Zealand plein air paintings at a group show titled, 'Under the Southern Cross' at the Santa Ysabel Gallery in San Diego County, this coming December.  My sister Joanne Hanson and artist buddy Joe Garcia, are the other two artists in the group show.  They've been painting with me in New Zealand the past two months.

Ignore the little dark things at the bottom of the painting - they're the gizmos on my easel that hold the painting in place.

Today's Study - Great Blue Heron

Today's study is a Great Blue Heron - finally done after wiping a couple off.  Some days are like that!
This is the North American species - though there is a white-faced heron here in New Zealand which is about the same size as the N.A. tri-colored heron.  The background on this piece is warmer - more orange than you see here.  For some reason I can't get an entirely accurate photo of it.

259 - Great Blue Heron

5" x 7" oil study on board

US $75 plus $6 shipping within the U.S. or New Zealand
SOLD

If you wish to purchase this piece and you live in the U.S., I'll mail it to you when I return to America in about a month - mid-May.  If you're in New Zealand, the painting will be mailed as soon as it is dry in about a week.  Paypal will convert your payment to NZ $.

This second painting is a little piece (4.5" x 5") I did this morning for my 60/60 Challenge project.  These are the Mt. Bruce/Eketahuna hills that I see from my cottage.  I'm starting to get a glimmer of understanding as to why Cezanne painted the Sainte-Victoire Mountain over and over again.  These hills never look the same way twice and I feel compelled to paint them over and over again until I get it right.