Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Mark Webster - Abstract Geometric Landscape - Mixed Palette Knife and Brush Technique Oil Painting




Mark Webster - Abstract Geometric Landscape - Mixed Palette Knife and Brush Technique Oil Painting.



9x12" Oil on Canvas Panel.

$150 Free US Shipping

SOLD


Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Snow Dusted Field Two, abstract landscape by Carol Engles

8 x 10 watercolor and pastel on paper.

jcengles@verizon.net

carolenglesart.blogspot.com

California Abstract Artist Carol Engles

COLORFUL PLEIN AIR LANDSCAPE by TOM BROWN


“ON TOP OF THE HILL”
5x7 inch plein air painting on masonite panel
By Tom Brown
Email me to purchase this painting:
tombrownstudio@cox.net

Mark Webster - Cats Cradle Sunrise - Abstract Geometric Landscape Oil Painting




Mark Webster - Cats Cradle Sunrise - Abstract Geometric Landscape Oil Painting.



9x12" Oil on Canvas Panel.

$150 Free US Shipping
($15 for International Shipping)










Monday, February 27, 2012

Back Bay Design #1 Large Oil Paintings of the Newport Beach California Back Bay in Abstract Contemporary Style



48" x 48"
Oil on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

This painting was commissioned by a local interior designer for her own home.
She met with me and explained that she wanted two pieces that would hang 
 side by side in the staircase of her beautiful home.
We discussed the palette, general composition and general
"feel" of the painting.
My client mentioned liking the abstract quality of my work and she also had noticed 
that I often left some underpainting showing through and liked that.
In other areas, she wanted thicker paint (thus the PALETTE KNIFE!)
Anyway...... we worked together, meeting several times and here is the first painting!

"A Sunday Afternoon" 10x8 Oil by Joe Mancuso


I have been trying to get outside and paint on location more these days. This is a recent plein air painting of the greenbelt that runs through town. Back in the day this used to be a train track with a regular visit from the train in the morning and afternoon. It was great fun to get a penny or heaven forbid, a nickel or dime and set it on the track and watch the train flatten it.
 A simple and wonderful time.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Venetian Garden One, abstract painting by Carol Engles

14 x 20 acrylic on paper.

jcengles@verizon.net

carolenglesart.blogspot.com

California Abstract Artist Carol Engles

FREE PLEIN AIR WORKSHOP NOTES from TOM BROWN




There are many ways to approach Plein Air painting. We explored just one of them in the class where this 12x16 inch canvas was painted.

In a new 5-session workshop beginning in Orange County this Saturday I will teach more about this method and other approaches to creating successful Plein Air paintings.

For example I’ll show how to paint in an even bolder and “more painterly” way. And the opposite: how to paint in a much tighter and more “realistic” way.

I’ll show interesting surfaces to use that give different results than canvas. I’ll demonstrate economical equipment options, ways to choose the best view to paint, and much more.

Email me for more information about my new 5-session Plein Air workshop, or to get a free copy of the notes that recap highlights from the class where this painting was done.
tombrownstudio@cox.net

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Evening Light by Nancy Eckels - abstract, contemporary, modern art, painting

Click on the image to see larger version.
For more paintings, visit my blog and my website
Acrylic on deep canvas 12" H x 12" W  2.5" D

Sallie-Anne Swift - Painting in Australia

"REFLECTION"
I did this painting whilst visiting Australia for close friend
who has always wanted a piece of my work.

It was a large tryptic, each panel 36" x 48"

Their only request was that I use colors to suit their living area
and they would like some kind of vortex to be the focus.
I'm happy with the finished piece, colors are perfect, my friends are happy
and it will be hanging in his living room above his sofa next week.


This was a fun piece to do!
As I was painting this piece we were reminiscing our friendship,
fun times and working together as graphic designers over many years.
I felt the piece reflected our conversation perfectly!
And so I have titled it  
"REFLECTION"
 


http://sallieswiftart.com

One Lucky Artist - Marian Fortunati Art Exhibition in San Marino, CA





Click on the link above for
additional details.
Rolling Out The Red Carpet for "One Lucky Artist"

I hope any of you who live anywhere near San Marino will join me tomorrow (Sunday, February 26th) between 2-4 to walk down the "red carpet".  I am very excited about the opening reception of my one woman show and would love it if you were able to make it to the reception.   Since it's just before all of the Academy Awards activities, I thought I'd put out my own "red carpet"... ( a red tablecloth) to get you in the mood for the Oscars.

Thirty-One of my paintings are hanging in the Crain Gallery.   This is a mix of studio paintings and plein air paintings.   Subjects are mostly landscapes, but there are some cityscapes - scenes from my travels (such as Calle Dorado) and some crazy animals are mixed in there.   I also tried to vary the size (and therefore the price range) so that people might just find something they would like to have in that special spot in their own home or office.   CLICK HERE to see all of the paintings in the show.

Opportunity Knocks
This exhibition is the result of a fun and very lucky set of circumstances.   My girlfriend, Beverly Dahlstedt formed our friendship back when we were Alpha Chi Omega Sorority sisters in college at UCSB.  She and I traveled to Europe together one summer many years ago and had a grand time.  (That was the first time.   The second time I went with another sorority sister and that's when I met my husband, Gastone.)  Beverly and I mostly communicate these days through email since she lives up in the Bay area.  Beverly gets my monthly newsletter.  A few months back, she forwarded the newsletter to another sorority sister, Sandy Morris.  Sandy is vice-chair of the Crowell Library Board of Trustees.

The Crowell Library complex was built on the site of the former San Marino Public Library.  It was the result of a huge community effort and generous donations from the San Marino City Council and former San Marino Mayor, Suzanne Crowell and her family.  The new Public Library opened on January 26, 2008.  The Art Gallery was named to honor long time Library Director, Carolyn Crain, who had championed the building of the new library, but who succumbed to cancer on May 8, 2008.

Sandy took the time to come to one of my shows and say "hi".  Later she and the board asked me if I wanted to show my work at the Crain Gallery which is inside the Library Complex.  What a terrific opportunity!!  And now it's really happening!!





THE NITTY GRITTY....        Please come by to see the show... or to see me (or both)!

One Lucky Artist - A One Woman Show 
February 26 through April 20, 2012
The reception is Sunday, February 26, 2012 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public.
The Crain Art Gallery is located within the Crowell Public Library Complex 
1890 Huntington Dr. in San Marino, CA  91108. 
Free parking is accessible behind the building.
The phone is 626-300-0777 and website is http://sanmarinopl.org/index.html .

The Crain Art Gallery is open for art viewing Monday through Thursday and Saturday and Sunday during the following times: 
M-Th  10am-9pm
Sat       10am-5pm
Sun      1-5pm



I had a terrific time last Thursday as I was hanging the show.  It was fun chatting with people as they walked in to look.   I was thrilled to see one white-haired gentleman pull out his smart phone and scan a few of the paintings.   (I've got QR codes on the labels for quick access to the painting on my website.)   It works!!!  YAY. 
During the run of the exhibition,  I will be on hand from 10:00 to 1:30 on most Wednesdays to chat with visitors and to paint in the courtyard.  Check with the library to confirm, or just drop by to say “hi”.  

Paintings can be purchased from me during my Wednesday visits or
through my website or by contacting me.
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Friday, February 24, 2012

The Grass Is Always Greener Abstract Palette Knife Pool and Landscape Paintings by California Artist Janet Bludau


12" x 12"
Oil on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

This painting is on its way to a gallery that represents me in Charleston, South Carolina,
Atelier Charleston Gallery


Email me anytime!  bludauart@gmail.com

Mark Webster - Progress on Abstract Geometric Landscape Oil Painting




Mark Webster - Progress on Abstract Geometric Landscape Oil Painting.



12x9" Oil on Canvas Panel.





Thursday, February 23, 2012

Mark Webster - Abstract Geometric Landscape Ocean Oil Painting




Mark Webster - Abstract Geometric Landscape Ocean Oil Painting.



9x12" Oil on Canvas Panel.

$150 Free US Shipping











For The Birds - by Marian Fortunati



For The Birds
© Marian Fortunati
20"x16" Oil on RayMar Panel


 
Click on the link above for
more information.

 
"For the Birds" is one of two paintings that I created for a show called "RED" which were juried and curated by art representative, Margaret Danielak, and shown at the Women's City Club at the Historic Blinn House in Pasadena.  It was my favorite of the two juried in because it brought back memories of the beautiful city where I was married.   It was also quite a challenge for me and I was proud of the outcome.

The other painting "Red Umbrella Nocturne" seemed to be a favorite of the visitors at the opening reception and I was thrilled to learn that a collector purchased it.    Although everyone seemed to like Nocturne the best, For The Birds is still my favorite.  (And it's still available.)

A CONFESSION
How often do we read posts about the dangers of being sucked in by email, social media and other internet whimseys.   I confess.  I've become an email junkie.    It's like a Vegas slot machine.   Most days all you get is junk, but every once in a while you get a jackpot in the form of a new client who asks to purchase a painting OR equally thrilling, you get an email like this:


Dear Marian,

Congratulations! Your painting, "For The Birds", was selected as part of the FAV15% (jury's favorite 15% of the entries) in the January 2012 BoldBrush Painting competition.
You may view the FAV15% paintings, including yours:
http://faso.com/boldbrush/fav15/73

This honor means that you might be featured in http://informedcollector.com in the coming months.
Please login to your account and make sure your bio info is current if you want any additional info to run in that article.
Thanks again and congrats again!
Sincerely,

Clint Watson
Software Craftsman and Art Fanatic

PS - Don't forget to enter again THIS month!
Good things like this come just often enough to keep me excited about opening my email.   I guess it's sort of an addiction.  -Happily not too harmful an addiction.    Now back to the easel!  (And try to remember to enter something in the next Boldbrush Contest before the end of the month.)
**********
Would you like to sign up for my free newsletter??  It would come in YOUR email about once a month!
http://marianfortunati.com/email-newsletter

Venice is the city where I met my husband.

It is a city that is beautiful and wonderfully different each time I go back to visit.

When I started this painting I used a reference photo I had taken on a trip in 2007.   On this day Tyler, who was then 7 years old, and I walked all over the city.  I was revisiting favorite places and he was pretty much seeing it for the first time since he was four when he last visited.  Just before I took the photo reference for this painting, I took one of Tyler who was in tears, running from all of the pigeons.   (I figured he'd never forgive me if I used THAT one for a reference.)  
I have an artist friend (Ying Liu) who used the photo as a reference several years back.  She is an amazing artist and did a wonderful job.  At that time I didn't have the nerve to attempt it.

This time I did.   Although I found the mass of pigeons and shadows difficult, I am pleased with how it turned out.  I hope you like it too.
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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Mark Webster - The Modern Landscape 4.0 Abstract Geometric Oil Painting



Mark Webster - The Modern Landscape 4.0 Abstract Geometric Oil Painting.
8x10" Oil on Canvas Panel.

$125 Free US Shipping ($15 for International Shipping)
Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.










CANYON, TREES, PLEIN AIR by TOM BROWN



Paint the “Wow!” and skip the rest. That’s what I tell artists in the workshops I teach. This painting is an example of that. I ignored fussy details in favor of showing my feelings about this inspiring view from the rim of a canyon. That was enough; any more would have been overworking it. ENJOY THE VIEW!

Click here to own this painting:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CANYON-TREES-MTS-COLORFUL-IMPRESSIONIST-PLEIN-AIR-OIL-PAINTING-by-TOM-BROWN-/350539104363?pt=Art_Paintings&hash=item519dc2406b

“CANYON MAGIC” 5x7 oil on Masonite panel

Thanks for looking.
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Mark Webster - The Modern Landscape 3.0 Abstract Geometric Oil Painting



Mark Webster - The Modern Landscape 3.0 Abstract Geometric Oil Painting.
8x10" Oil on Canvas Panel.

$125 Free US Shipping ($15 for International Shipping)
Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.









Monday, February 20, 2012

Mark Webster - Astro Pop Sunset - Abstract Geometric Landscape Oil Painting



Mark Webster - Astro Pop Sunset - Abstract Geometric Landscape Oil Painting.



9x12" Oil on Canvas Panel.

$150 Free US Shipping
($15 for International Shipping)









Reflecting on Life, Time and Luck - Marian Fortunati, Artist



Still Water Reflectiions
© Marian Fortunati
12"x16" Oil on linen panel


Click on the above link for
additional details.


Struggling With Life and Time
It seems lately that I am not in control of my life.   I am anxiously awaiting the birth of my youngest daughter's first child.  Happily all is going well but events such as these being what they are, create a bit of an out of control feeling when dealing with an upcoming solo show and my father who is extremely ill.  It is just life as usual, I know, but it makes, painting and blogging take a backseat to life.   (Which is as it should be, I imagine.)

While, I'd rather be painting, I have spent huge amounts of time preparing for my solo show in San Marino which is coming up next Sunday.  Framing, making and sending postcards, planning the reception, working on the publicity, creating price lists, labels and all of the necessary "things" to make the show a success take a LOT of my time.   If you are anywhere around San Marino, next Sunday afternoon before the Oscars, please come by MY "red carpet event" to chat and see the art.  

One LUCKY artist.... AGAIN!!!
Additionally, ANOTHER stroke of luck came my way which I could not pass up.   One of the owners of Rothschild's, a fabulous well-established Italian restaurant near Newport Beach, called me up after they had seen my painting in the Altadena Town and Country Club / California Art Club Show.  They wanted to hang some of my work!   At first I was hesitant, but after several phone calls and email exchanges, I realized that this was an opportunity NOT TO BE PASSED UP.  I drove down to Newport Beach last week to deliver six paintings to Heidi and Jim Patricola, the owners.  Heidi is just a lovely person and my conversations with her husband, Jim, have been wonderful as well.   The food is terrific, the location is phenomenal and most impressive to me, as an artist, is that my work will hang on the walls with some absolutely awe-inspiring painters:



Rothschild's is proud to feature the work of local Orange County artists, on view in the restaurant
on a rotating basis. Some artists who have exhibited with us are listed below. Click any artist's
name to visit their website and view their work.
Jeff Horn - www.hornart.com
Jim Wodark - www.jimwodark.com
Niles Nordquist - www.nilesnordquist.com
Jacobus Baas - www.jacobusbaas.com

My name is Fortunati... I've always felt lucky to have married a wonderful man, but maybe Fortunati, which means fortunate or lucky in Italian, is also a reflection on life!

Heidi chose five paintings from my website, but one was the one at the CAC show, so I took down six (two extras to see if she might like one of the extras instead of the Garrapata Coastiline she had chosen.)   She took them all:


Santa Barbara is the home of the University Of California at Santa Barbara, where I earned my undergraduate degree.   I always thought it was funny that I received a Bachelor's of Arts degree with a major in Zoology, but when I earned my Master's in Education from the University of Southern California, it was a Masters of Science.

Whatever the sense or non-sense of that, while I was at UCSB I had a terrific time ... lots of party time but even more study time.  I didn't really explore the campus.   I walked around Isla Vista, where I lived, and of course all over the beautiful campus, but I never visited the north campus area around Devereau Slough. 

When visiting my daughter, who also graduated from UCSB, and who now lives in Santa Barbara, I decided to do some exploring.  This gorgeous area just made my jaw drop.  I HAD to get out and paint it.   Judging from the parking signage which stated that parking was only allowed for bird watching and for painting.. I wasn't the only one.   In fact, the very next day I was thrilled to attend the California Art Club's 100th Annual Gold Medal Show and there were two gorgeous paintings also painted from near this area. 

I spent a very pleasant afternoon in the shade of a row of large eucalyptus trees painting the scene across the slough while aquatic birds of all types entertained me from afar.

 ** This painting was juried in to the 25th Annual National Juried Exhibition at the Cultural Arts Center in Douglasville, Georgia.** (November-December, 2011)
 
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Sunday, February 19, 2012

Wild Horse Painted in Vivid Colors by Theresa Paden


 Wild Horse Painted in Vivid Colors
"Sapphire"
By Theresa Paden

40 x 30"
Acrylic on 1.5" gallery-wrapped canvas

Edges are painted so a frame is not needed
Email me for purchasing information
theresapaden@gmail.com

Saturday, February 18, 2012

PAPER NEST EGG, CONTEMPORARY STILL LIFE PAINTING by TOM BROWN



I felt like trying something unusual. I crunched a piece of kraft paper into a nest shape, placed an egg within the nest and this is the result.

PAPER NEST EGG”
6x6 original oil on canvas panel
by TOM BROWN
Click here to bid:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/tombrownfineart/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=

Thanks for looking.
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

"Hawaii" 11x14 Pastel by Joe Mancuso

700.


This is pastel painting is a demonstration from my pastel class. I used a reference photo from a trip taken last summer. The location is on the big Island not far from Kailua Kona.






WILD TROPICAL PARROTS IN MY YARD, PAINTED FROM LIFE by TOM BROWN


Wild tropical parrots woke me this morning.

They gathered in the eucalyptus and palm trees in my yard. And they’re LOUD.

Quick as a flash I grabbed my pochade box and raced out into the yard. Wet paint was on my palette from yesterday so I was ready to go.

I dove right in, standing with bare feet in cold wet grass as they nested high above me.

Most parrots kept moving from branch to branch, but this fellow remained in the same spot long enough for me to paint him. I even had time to snap a few photos.

What a great way to start the day!

“TIME TO WAKE UP!” is an original plein air oil painting on a 5x7 inch foam board panel.
Click here to purchase this painting:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350536709678

Thanks for looking.
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

Red Field One, abstract landscape painting by Carol Engles

17 x 23 mixed media on paper.

jcengles@verizon.net

carolenglesart.blogspot.com

California Abstract Artist Carol Engles

Friday, February 17, 2012

ART LESSON and PLEIN AIR LANDSCAPE by TOM BROWN





This one practically painted itself. I just grabbed the brush and hung on for the ride.

Nature was merely the starting point. I let the emerging painting speak to me and take on a life of its own. The result was pure magic.

The texture of lush juicy oils. The balance of rich color and subtle hues. Lively brush work that adds vitality and freshness of its own.

The painting itself became the real subject here: colors, strokes, edges, textures on the surface of the painting. And the memory of an unforgettable day outdoors.

“A DAY TO REMEMBER” is an original oil painting on a 6x8 inch Masonite panel.

Click here to purchase this painting:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NATURE-TREES-PRISTINE-IMPRESSIONIST-PLEIN-AIR-OIL-PAINTING-by-TOM-BROWN-/350536132432?pt=Art_Paintings&hash=item519d94e750

Thanks for looking.
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

Mark Webster - Via San Pietro - Virtual Paintout - Elba - Abstract Geometric Seascape Oil Painting



Mark Webster - Via San Pietro - Virtual Paintout - Elba - Abstract Geometric Seascape Oil Painting.


Via San Pietro, Marciana Marina, Tuscany, Italy


9x12" Oil on Canvas Panel.

$150 - Free US Shipping
($15 for International Shipping)








NOSTALGIA, COUNTRY HOME, PLEIN AIR LANDSCAPE by TOM BROWN



“A STEP BACK IN TIME” is an original oil painting on a 5x7 inch Masonite panel.

I painted this while standing in weeds beside this rural roadway. I used the compact pochade paintbox that you’ve seen in many of my YouTube videos.

I love that little pochade box. I keep it in the trunk of my car whenever I’m out riding in the country and in a case like this it lets me set up and paint within moments. When I finished, I simply left the painting clamped in place and closed the box. I was packed and ready to travel.

The late afternoon light brought out the rich colors of the scene, and it was my goal to capture that effect. This one has some delicious colors, interesting “edge treatments” and a wonderful feeling of having stepped back in time to a slower paced era. I hope you like it.

Click here to purchase this painting:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/350535858410?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

Thanks for looking.
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

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