Box R Wrap and the Stream of Consciousness

 

 Ever tried to paint on location with people constantly walking in front of your view?  .... more on that at the end of this post.

 I finished this demo and Dennis stopped by the Gallery Friday night. He wanted me to freshen him up a bit before he purchased the demo.

 Well, this will be the wrap up of the Conference from last week that I should have posted last week but because last week was so full of demanding personal appearances I was just exhausted by the end of the day and my pillow looked pretty good last week.

 The food is always good at Box R and Rocky , the chef , also doubles as comedian and guitar worship singer and leader. He is also good with da blues.

 Thomas Blackshear was the Keynote Speaker Wednesday night and there were oohs and ahhs on just about every 100 images he showed us. His work is absolutely beautifully executed and his sense of composition and color are without equal in the Illustration World. His poster " Forgiven" is easily the most recognized painting in the Christian Market today by all standards. But what struck a chord with everyone was Thomas's humble dialogue of some of his personal challenges and the answers he received by prayer and a 40 day fast. One would think that all would be rosy with a man so accomplished and success would follow instantaneously , however ,  business associates were on the take and Thomas has had to deal with the realities of a cut throat gift market industry. His faith and resolve in God has not waivered and he challenged us all to seek God for answers when ALL seems futile.

 I've already posted images of my paintings but what ministered to me was a gal named Laurie who attended the Conference as a result of reading about it on this Blog. She told me she had never heard of a Conference to encourage Christians in the ARTS. She herself, has worked at Dreamworks , and she was looking to be with like minded artists and get inspired. Towards the end of the conference we had had a nice talk over breakfast and she said that the 4 days were transformational for her and that a spark was lit. Her face lit up . She could not believe what had happened and she felt energized and committed to pursue excellence and a balance of Family and Art in her Life. Hearing her story gave me a feeling that Blogging can reach places and people I could never reach on the spot I park my easel.

 I like getting up early and the cabin cat rang a silent clang to awaken the Conference goers.

 This was the view from our cabin.

 That morning I led a devotional on my favorite Psalm 61. Most artists , if not all , battle with discouragement and rejection. Those feelings are all so much a part of the package of life. Everyone experiences them. The psalm focuses us on how King David cried out to God... he was looking for a solid rock when he was feeling overwhelmed ... lead me to a rock that is higher than I!

 I owe a debt of gratitude to Chris Hopkins who invited me to participate in the conference. He is the resident artist and displayed several of his large paintings featuring native peoples of North America.

 Mick McGinty is here seen speaking with the owner of the Box R Ranch Don Rowlett. He was the mastermind behind the department store Ross Dress for Less and Box R is his vision.

 The Conference ended with a panel discussion and all those in attendence were treated to a hilarious question and answer session with Mick , Chris , Thomas and myself.

 And so.....  , Friday night was the kick off of Cruise Night in Auburn Ca. About 400 cars lined both sides of Lincoln Way and I decided to strike out in adventure and paint a car that was parked in front of the Gallery I will be running this week. I knew that I would have people walking across my line of sight but I threw caution to the wind and went for it! I used to feel nervous and self conscious painting out in public but I don't anymore. I just feel like I'm supposed to be  in the outdoors doing my thing. I like the tightrope feeling of action painting and its a great way to meet people who are curious and interested in the whole painting process. Kids are drawn to artists immediately. This small painting was definitely one of the most challenging paintings I have atempted in a long time. The majority of the time throngs were in front of this beautiful classic automobile so I would have 30 seconds to visually memorize the light falling on the car then paint from short term memory. This went on for about 1 1/2 hrs. So many people kept asking me " How can you paint that when so many people are in your way ". I replied that is was part of the challenge and I welcomed it.

 I like painting cars and I wanted to test the waters of the car market. Some of the owners seemed genuinely interested but I am not so sure they are aware of the prices for original art. The owner of this car came into the Gallery and wanted to buy the painting . I told him I would charge him $250 for this beautiful 9 x 12 oil painting on panel. His eyes lit up. It was evident to me that this customer was looking for something under a $100.

 Now, The whole Gallery operation is going to be a new experience for me. I move into the space on Tuesday and I will be painting there. How will that work? Will I get any work done? Is this madness? I am stepping out in faith and casting my bread across the waters of the public square. This should be a great learning experience.

 Below I am pictured with my business partner Mike Maydak in front of the Gallery on 843 Lincoln Way in Auburn Ca 95603.

 Going for it!