Progress ... " PJ"

                                                                                click for a enlargement

 So much has happened in these past 2 days that I don't know where to began.... but my time is short today.

1. My next sitter is a REAL Character

2. Intrviewed yesterday for the local newspaper  Auburn Journal

3. My first commission

4. And some good leads ....


more soon..... The ParaJumper is slowly but surely coming along.... A Big Bicicle race is happening today around Auburn like the Mini 500... its called the CRITERION ... and cyclists will be racing in front of the Gallery ... Man I'm in a happening location!!!!!!


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Day 3 ... Ed ..." I'm on a Highway to Hell"

9x12 oil on panel

 Day 3 turned out to be the most fascinating day so far. I paint with my back to the street , but we have a mirror on my back wall where we can see whats coming in. I noticed a disshoveled man just staring at the art in the windows and staring inside the Gallery. I had shut the door as it was starting to rain AGAIN and I actually wanted to get some painting done.

 This man in black opened the door and shuffled in and commented that I had produced beautiful work. He sported an odd grey beard with scares on his face and small beady eyes to match and he had some metal object dangling from his chin.

 He made small talk about art and how he loved beauty. I sized him up as a man who had spent time in prison and had lived on the streets. His language was coarse but one could tell that he had his wits about him and he talked intelligently. He began to talk about his life and the time he had spent in prison. It was towards the end of the day and I asked him if I could paint his portrait and he said ... " Why not". The reason that made me want to paint him besides the fact that he was so unusual looking was that he had reminded me of all those Russian Peasant Portraits by Kromskoy.

 Most of my sitters usually just start talking about their life and Ed was no exception. He talked bitterly about his ex wife and estranged children. He went into detail about how his girl friend had commited suicide and how he had found her letter and her body. Then he talked about the subject he was most familiar with. Prison. He mentioned that he had been incarcerated all over the country but that he had now paid his debt to society and had changed his ways. He talked about the dark side of those individuals who steal and kidnap children for the sex trade. He said he hated those guys. He said he only stole motorcycles for the syndicate but that he hated felons who abused or raped children. He made it clear that his kind took justice into their hands when they found out about a pedophile in their mist and even hinted that guards had leaked their whereabouts. Ed by no stretch of the imagination was politically correct. His language was colorful beyond description.

 I asked him if he felt his Life could be redeemed. He responded and shook his head. " No way man , I'm no good... I'm on the HighWay to Hell". Ed said he even stole motorcycles from people while they were attending church and how he had used paper from a bible to smoke pot. " I'm no Good" he kept saying. I told him that God wanted to redeem his life. He said it was too late.

 We could have talked more but he had to go. I think his face tells the story. He kept saying over and over like a mantra... I'm a Swedish Jew.

 One thing occurred to me and it was the power of beauty to attract those men who you would never think would be moved by painting. Staring at his prison tatoos while he closely examined my paintings was a truly eye opening moment of Beauty tames the Beast. We need Beauty in this World if only to show that in this Life of Tears there is Goodness and it is precious

blessings and keep safe.....


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Day 2

 The Adventure is upon me and Tuesday was my second day. My world has truly been shaken up a bit as I find that it will take a great effort to move most of my studio gear such as my books and supplies which are plentiful and 25 years worth of accumulation . So I plan to take my time and take a little bit when I need them to the gallery.

 I start the day by taking a broom and sweeping in front of the Gallery door and I take in a deep breath of the brisk Auburn air. What will today bring? I can safely say that I feel that each day will bring adventure if I am open to it. I have set up the front room so that passerby's can see me paint. I have placed my old art teachers Mission Style chair right next to my painting spot , that way if someone wants to talk to me they can make themselves comfortable. So far, that seat has been occupied quite frequently. So here is what happened today.

 A man walks in after he has been staring at my paintings through the window and I wave him in. He is carrying a book that I recognize  that I AM actually reading at the moment.

So I says to him... Hey...I think I'm currently reading the book in your hand! ...
He says... " No.. I don't think so!"
I says ..." oh Yes I am!"
He shows it to me and says... " I don't think your've reading THIS book"
I says " Yes.. That's the book I'm reading right now ... " A Patriot's History of the United States" by Larry Schweikart.

 He is amazed and dumbfounded. Wow! He mentions that one of his right-winger friends recommended the book and that he is enjoying the contents so far. He makes it clear that he is left of center and that he is open to another view. I can respect that. We converse on many historical topics and I find out that he is retired from working at the San Francisco Chronicle. It also turns out that he lives next to one of my students in Lincoln. There seem to be quite a few retired folks walking the streets during the early afternoon hours.

 The next person who walks in is Architect Mike. He has his footprint all around Auburn and he seems to admire my paintings. He is also a painter himself and he is enthusiastic about seeing me at the gallery. He also runs an imported persian rug business and offers to trade me a Persian Rug of my choosing for one of my paintings of his choosing. well... it seems that I will have a nice Persian Rug in the gallery soon.

 Then, there is a man whose face seems to speak of a hard life. He stares inside through the glass windows goes away for a spell and then stares again and then walks in. He is very complimentary about my portraits and asks many questions about my art. He asks my pricing. So far, I have not posted any prices and I need to do that soon. I tell him a price for a 16 x 20 portrait and then he asks if I can paint from one of his photographs. I said I can but I prefer to photograph the subject myself so that I can direct the lighting. He informs me that he would like a portrait of his deceased son. I can tell the pain in his eyes. I then offer to give him a deal and promise to do a good job for him. He takes my card..... will I see him again?

 Soon after a man sporting a marine baseball cap and standing at around 6'2" walks in . He loves my work and continually tells me that I am capturing beauty. I keep painting this time because frankly I am not getting much work done. He stares at my painting of St. Peter healing the Lame Man and starts to say that anyone who believes in Religion is brainwashed. Well... I just love these sort of conversations and I work and talk to him as he insults me in a nice way and reproves Christians for being hypocrites and believers in " A Myth" . I respectfully keep the conversation going and ask some probing questions . He says that it's okay with him if people believe in these fairy tales if it makes them feel better. He hates Christians who try to convert him. He believes this earth and the beauty of Nature is the real Heaven. He tells me ... " You seem like an educated guy and I have never had a conversation like this before, ordinarilly I avoid talking about Religion and Politics." So finally , I ask him  " What makes you so condescending and so self righteous that you think you are right..." You sound just like the Religionists that you seem to dislike" . He then repackages his diatribe in a more pleasant way but continues to batter home the point that I am brainwashed. Of course I ask him where he received his value system and where does he get his moral authority to believe he is right. He then recycles all the arguments against a Loving God... " How can a Loving God allow a busload of kids to burn alive in a crash?" He sys your Bible is a Fairy Tale. Of course I tell him ... " Would you rather have a God like the " Truman Show" where everything is perfect and no free will and God is the Ultimate Puppet Master?" He then looks at my St.Peter healing the Lame Man and states aloud... I guess you would say thay I am the Lame Man on the ground in your painting. I answer that he is not that Man. I answer that that Lame man wanted healing and needed God but that he is too self righteous to ask for a redeemer..... I got the feeling no one had addressed him that way.He ends by saying " I guess I've converted you and made you doubt " ... I respond" Actually , you've just repeated every cliche against Faith that I've either parroted myself or heard before" .  I hope I talk to Mel again .. I actually like him ... ya gotta love a Marine!

 What a day...what will tomorrow bring?..... one thing is for sure. I plan to put the chair to my right as opposed to where it is now. I can't seem to talk and look over my shoulder to my left and paint.

 I like the idea of making this spot an artists hang out. I plan to bring most of my bookcases here to share my books.

 Next thing on the agenda is to buy some frames..... and get these paintings off the floor.

 My buddy Scott and I will redesign my window. It will look like the wood floor of an artists studio with splattered paint. Any ideas?

Setting up the Gallery

 Okay... its been awhile but yesterday was my first ful day painting at the Gallery on Lincoln Way in Auburn. I can't say that I got too much work done as there is great foot traffic and curious shoppers walked in and hung out. I placed an ol cumphy chair next to my easel so that visiters could talk comfortably while I painted. So far... guests are taking the hint and staying awhile.

 I see something amazing happening. Besides just painting , teaching and selling paintings, this Gallery could easily be a hangout for art types and art lovers. I am getting the vision to bring in book cases and have books in the Gallery to educate and inspire.  I need a sofa ... anyone discarding something in good condition?

 I met a local pastor who walked in and stayed for awhile and he actually uses ART for his sermon illustrations. He wants to collaborate with me on some projects in the future. There is a mighty reason for all of this and I'm catching a vision that I could not have anticipated. I feel like Noah building something without clear knowledge of whats in store. A Gathering of Art Animals ....

Pics to come ... I've been so busy tearing down and moving .... just had enough time for my family ... and the drama of my Father in Law falling twice and visiting the hospital on 2 seperate occasions......

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!

Portrait Demo at Sun City Roseville

 Thanks again to all of you at Sun City Roseville for having me over at the Club House and allowing me to share my portait skills. We had a good time and I'll remember all the laughs. I've been laughing alot lately.

 I added a couple hours to the hour demo  of President Dennis Carr as you can see . I plan to add a touch here and there and just finish off the shirt a little more. Otherwise I think I've captured a bit of the mischief that he is conjuring in his brain ....

Again the palette I use for demos is simple and elegant. Titanium White , Yellow Ochre , Cadmium Red Light , Cobalt Blue and Ivory Black and thats it. I am continually amazed at how many colors this palette can give me.


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Special Request and Update

My friend Todd, who posed as a Roman Guard on the left , is a California Highway patrolman. Yesterday while he was riding his CHP motorcycle responding to an emergency , he was struck by an unsuspecting vehicle and tossed from his motorcycle. He not on suffered noticeable physical injuries like a broken arm but he ruptured his  Aorta and was airlifted to Stanford Medical for emergency surgery.

 If you are the praying type, kindly send out a message to the Almighty for his care. His family dearly loves him.

Update ... Todd is doing well and surgery to repair his Aorta was successful! Praise God.....

He made the local paper in Santa Rosa Ca.

In Progress ... Park's Model A

 I've put in 2 days on a sample for Cruise Night which will be this Friday Evening right in front of the Gallery. About 400 classic cars and thousands of car lovers will fill Lincoln Way Street. We hope to draw them into the Gallery. My friend Park posed by his Model A that he brought to showroom condition from scratch. He is also one of my biggest collectors. He owns 8 of my paintings.

 Then on Sunday Lance Armstrong rides by along with other racers in front of the Studio. As they say  ... Location Location Location.

 I still have a couple hours left on this piece.

 Since no one has commented about the Conference I assume I have bored you all with that.


 I demo at Roseville Art Association tomorrow. Then off to the Reception for " About Face " in Sacramento.

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  Thomas Blackshear and Frank Ordaz...




The Art Center Gang .... Mick McGinty , Frank Ordaz and Chris Hopkins in the back


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The Masterpiece Christian Artists Conference Part 2

 As soon as we drove up and said hello . I set right to work to paint an on location landscape. The snow flurries had cleared towards the top of the property where we were and the gusts of wind were bearable at our painting spot. Mick and I set up camp and went into a paint jam.

                                      all photos taken by Karen Cain Smith

 There was a great little opening where we could see the grazing valley below where the horses hung out. The clouds were moving rapidly so the key was to set a composition and "stick with it" as the shadowing on the planes would be changing  constantly. I was glad we had a warm up at Bodega Bay , It prepared us for the wind and loosened us up. Although I must admit I did kinda miss those Modelo's.

 Mick set up shop right away behind me. Mick is one of those whiney Arizona boys who is always complaining about the cold. See how he was bundled up. It was only 45 degrees. Those are spring conditions...perfect for painting.

 Off we went a painting. I just love my Soltek Easel. Easy to set up and tear down. Check out the Meeting Hall in the background.

 This shot gives you a good idea of our view . The total painting time was about an hour or so. I just wanted to layin the scene in bold confident strokes. No licking or overthinking .

 Afterwards , Mick made a bee line towards the Meeting Hall and made the case that he had blown me out of the water with his awesome painting. Kim Ragsdale plays devil's advocate . ;v) 



More to come ..... next is Blackshear Time

Portrait at the Conference

 There will be more to come. But this is just a teaser shot from the conference.

 God is doing some amazing things. I just finished a telephone interview with a student from St. Mary's University about my role as a Christian artist.

 Now get this ..... many of his questions were asked at the conference. Coincidence? I think not. He asked me why I switched from Atheist to believer. I asked him his status. He answered that he was an atheist. After 1 hr with the Ordaz he said he was more a skeptic. Now that is progress!

 I say ... Divine appointment.  " Sky" ... there was a reason you called me today!

Frazetta RIP

here is a link to a Times article today ....

The Masterpiece Christian Artists Conference at the BoxR Ranch Part 1

Mick and I arrive late to the Box R Ranch. The weather man forgot to tell us that it was going to snow. As we approached we were surrounded by snow flurries and I felt that I probably would not be able to paint on location.

 This is the view as you drive away from the office towards the cabins. It is spectacular and the cloud formations take your breadth away. Can't you just smell the pine!

 As we enter the Meeting Hall and greet the gang, Big Norse Chris Hopkins is already teaching  a still life class. Notice the rapt attention Chris commands of these young aspiring painters.

This is a sample of a Hopkins Masterpiece

 Big Norse feels the pressure as the one and only Thomas Blackshear looks on as Chris demonstrates flashes of arm virtuosity and the joy of moving paint across canvas.

more to come as we see Frank paint on Location

with MickMan and some amazingly talented students. Next.........

everyman's secret dream ... adoring female artists ..... ;v)

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Mick and Franks Excellent Adventure +10

 Well... this starts a post of one of my most memorable road trips that started off in Auburn Ca and stopped first at Bodega Bay with my ol Art Center Fellow classmate Mick McGinty of " Twice a Week" Blog. Mick was a semester ahead of me and he was already married during our torment at AC and we knew of each other but it is not until recently that we have forged a friendship. Our personalities compliment really well and I can't remember a time that I have laughed and enjoyed myself so much with a fellow artist.  I'm talking side splitting laughter where you have to stop, otherwise you might crack a rib.

 We landed at Bodega Bay on Monday and were joined by Derek who was a former Lucas Arts employee who had lurked on this blog and noticed that we would be in his neck of the woods and wanted to paint with us... check out his email to us.....


I wanted to have this waiting for you as you got back in touch with the digital world, thinking you're on the way back down.


In short, dunno if I could ever thank both of you enough for your time and the fun last Mon and Tue. Simply, I feel like I'm a bit cut off here in Santa Rosa- no peers around who I know of and no one to help me steer when I need it, so those couple of days for me were fantastic. Being torn between 'Do I watch, paint, who do I watch, what's Frank got, oh geez look at what Mick's doing, man empty canvas waiting for me, oooo...'  well, I remember just about every word, and the most important ones: just paint. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of that.


I hope that the rest of your week was as energizing, and that amazing stuff's coming along. I hope to stay in touch and will be back at the fun soon (er, don't suppose either of you took part of Bodega Bay with you, like I did? ie poison oak... I looked online, supposedly it's harder to recognize there, but I don't know where I'd have been through it, ah well)






For now, my thanks and continued best wishes to both of you,




Derek

 Well Derek.... Mick and I enjoyed having you around only to witness to others how crazy we were together. Thanks Derek for bringing the case of Modelo Beer!!!!

This was the view from our cabin.

Nobody does it cooler than the Mick Man.  Cigar and Camera in

the right combination means an inspired shot.

It was windy the entire time and Bodega Head was even windier.

Bodega Head. Pacific Ocean.

This is an on location painting of one of the dilapidated cabins

on Bean. St.

The light was great early in the morning and while Mick was still in bed

dreaming of chorus girls and slot machines , I was braving the elements and 

painting.

I painted this later in the day and it was starting to get overcast

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Next I will post about our next stop  ... the Box R Ranch in Ashland Ore!