"Finger Mesa"

I recently finished this piece, entitled "Finger Mesa" 16 x 24. You may remember the little gouache study that I had done. I had fun on this piece, took several liberties with color and tried to make an interesting composition. The scan is a little "off", but you can get the idea.
As a side note, I found out today that I was selected by the Entrada Institute, to be their "artist-in-residence" for 2007. The Institute is dedicated to preserving the Colorado Plateau, and each year an artist (music, written, photo, video or visual) is selected to spend time in Torrey Utah, doing what they do, then at the annual fundraiser in the fall, they show what they have accomplished, etc. I'm excited about this, I mean, who wouldn't want to spend 4 days around Capital Reef painting and drawing? Actually, "Finger Mesa" was painted from a mesa in Caineville, just on the east side of Capital Reef, that is some awesome country. Anyway, thought I'd share that bit of news. Take care, and enjoy the painting.

Now Titled, "Fluid Repose"

That is the title for the new painting. Thanks to all for your input, it was helpful, enlightening and humorous. If you must bash the title, go right ahead, it's a free world (in some places), but it's my painting!
P.S. Stay tuned for new work.

"Untitled"

Good day to you all. I'm asking for your help on this one. I've just completed this painting, and as of yet, have not come up with a decent title for this piece. So I'm soliciting your creative help in coming up with a proper title. All I can offer, is that the "winner" will definitely have their title given to this work. Unless of course, all the offered titles are found lacking. Now, go for it!

Pyramid Lake Postcard painting

This is a small 3 x 6 inch postcard sized painting. I did it a little while ago, as a study for larger painting. I'm in the process of working on a 12 x 24, of the same Lake, different view and composition.

Ok, one more Casson

Just another Casson piece. Enjoy.

A.J. Casson

I'm just too excited not to share this with everyone. I finally found a copy of the book; A.J. Casson: His life and Works. Dang, this is an awesome book, about one of Canada's premier painters. I just can't say enough about his work, you'll have to google him to see more. This one is just a teaser.

Small Sketch

Here's a new gouache sketch (2.5x3.5). This is a color sketch of a painting that is currently in the "block-in" stage. The larger painting will be a 16x24 oil. I try to stay fairly simple with the color sketch, working out a possible palette, but mostly value patterns. I do not always do a color sketch, sometimes just a small b/w thumbnail sketch, but with this one, I wanted to work out a few things before going to the canvas. Just a bit of insight into my working process. As a side note, gouache is an opaque watercolor paint, but unlike transparent watercolor paint, it does not dry permanent. It allows the painter to "go back into" the painting and re-wet and rework areas.

"Desert Expanse"

Here is the finished (possibly) painting of the below sketch. The jury is still out on this one. I'd like to hear some opinions and thoughts, if you will. As all artists know, it is difficult to create something, then hang it out there for all to see. A very personal event. But if the illustration world has taught me something, it is to have a thick skin.

Finished!

I have been working on a large painting (25x48) for the past several weeks. Today, I think I may have finished it. The posted sketch is of that painting. The painting is slated to be auctioned off at the Annual Cowboy Poetry Round-up in Salt Lake City, Nov. 8. Should be a good time. I always breath a sigh of relief when a large painting is done, and I didn't destroy it or start over, they take a lot of energy to create. Whew!

First "painting" post..

I thought I had better add some "color" to this site. Here I've posted a 3x12 inch painting, that I did recently. I know you've seen it on my "other" site, but still, I had to add something.

For Starters...

Against my better judgment, but at the request of friends, I have created a "blog" to chronicle my varied and vast achievements in the world of art. Who knows what will come of this venture, but I will try to post current paintings, sketches of what I've been working on, and where I am headed in my travels. Occasionally I will post "small, postcard sized paintings" that will be for sale. I'll keep you posted. Hope you enjoy...jb