“The Writer” a Tuscan scene

This painting is a composite, almost a dream, of several scenes we experienced in Tuscany last spring. The painting had its premier showing in the New Romantic Figure show. It now hangs in my studio at California Lutheran University.

Tulips

These lovely tulips in “Our Mantel” marks a new beginning in my journey as an artist. On May 5, 2011, I will begin life as a full-time artist. I will be leaving my administrative position of over 30 years as director of California Lutheran University’s Creative Media Center. There I was the head of marketing design for the university and had the honor of working with a remarkable and diverse community of outstanding individuals. In Fall 2011, I will continue my relationship with CLU by teaching drawing as an adjunct professor in the art department.

New Still Life “Peeled Lemon”

It felt good to paint a still life again after focusing on figurative painting over the summer. The challenges of figurative painting has given me renewed confidence in handling paint on canvas (actually linen, in most cases). I am using a new brand of paint, Sennelier, and fantastic new brushes made by Rosemary & Co.

The theme of this little painting, Peeled Lemons, is becoming a favorite of mine – peeled fresh fruit with old books. The book is a prayer book dated 1715. I love the mix of textures. The intertwining of old and new intrigues me. The fleeting freshness of the lemon’s peel and juicy meat dried within hours of being peeled. The peel almost embraces the prayer book, a treasured possession of a now forgotten man or woman whose notes, written nearly 300 years ago, can be discovered on its pages.

Peeled Lemons started as a live demonstration on the final day of my show and finished in the studio. This short video shows the progression of the painting from pencil sketch to the last highlight.

Six Paintings Sold Opening Weekend

Realism is alive and well! Go Novorealism!!

I could not be happier about the opening of my show at the Kwan Fong Gallery of Art, on the campus of my alma mater, California Lutheran University. There was a steady stream of people for hours. Family, friends, collectors and lots of people who had never been to the gallery. It has definitely increased the visibility of both my paintings and the gallery and introduced both to a wider audience. I am both overwhelmed and exhilarated by the goodwill towards me and the interest in my work.

The sales are very exciting, too – six paintings the first weekend. Of course, it is a validation that my work connects with others. Beyond that it will make it possible for me to give back to the university (A portion of the sales will be donated to the gallery which is an integral part of the fine art program at CLU.)

My good friend, Michael Pearce, is the gallery curator and chair of the art department at CLU. Under his guidance, CLU is restoring representational fine art education that focuses on solid fundamentals in the belief that they empower artists to clearly express visual ideas. This type of education has been missing from colleges and universities for nearly four decades. My show is, in part, dedicated to traditional realism and support of Michael’s vision for CLU’s fine art program.

I am making plans for a couple small events before the show’s closing October 8. Perhaps a mid-day art talk in the gallery. Maybe a painting demonstration there too. Let me know if you would be interested in either.

But for now… I am going back to the studio. I have a painting on the easel screaming for attention.

View the Kwan Fong show collection…

Kwan Fong Show is Open

Paris ~ Provence ~ California

Kwan Fong Gallery of Fine Art and Culture
California Lutheran University | Thousand Oaks, CA
September 2 through October 8, 2010

Kwan Fong Gallery of Art and Culture - CLU

The show is open!!!

You can see images of the paintings here.

The gallery looks great. This is a great collection of painting, if I do say so myself. I am very proud of these pieces. The new floor has really enhanced the space and the light in the gallery is great.

I had a lot of help from my good friend Cary on setting the show up. I couldn’t have done it without you Cary.

One more thing - I will be adding a new painting at the artist reception on September 11, 3PM. It is still on the easel, but I believe it will be one of my best paintings to date.

I hope to see you at the reception.