Snow and 17 for my Birthday…

Snowy and 17 degrees: I love snow, but wish the temperature was closer to my age today!

 

Out of the Studio: Red Door, Coal Room Demolition, Camping…

I notice that I’m not the only blogger that has taken some time off this summer from regular blogging.  At the beginning of the summer I knew that I would have some out of the studio time in July and August to work on home renovation projects and travel a bit, including a solo camping trip to one of my favorite spots in Colorado, just outside of Leadville.

So, in my effort to get back into the swing of things, I thought I’d post a few snapshots from the last 2 months of a few of my outside-of-the-studio activities!  I’ll share more about my favorite camping spot in another post.

After 11 years in our home, I finally tore out the original 1899 coal room from our basement.

Red doors might be cliche, but we've always wanted one. The "right" red is tough and I got this one on the first try: Behr "Heirloom Red".

My camping perch above Turquoise Lake and Leadville, Colorado.

 

What, Exactly, Makes a Knockoff?

I came across a few of my older paintings in my studio today as I unwrapped works from storage to hang in the upper reaches of my studio space.

Several, in particular made me remember the two times in my 5-year art career that I’ve heard someone utter a disparaging remark about my art being “Rothko knockoffs”.  So, I’m wondering (and asking you, dear reader): “What, exactly, is a knockoff”?

I should mention that Mark Rothko is one of my most favorite artists.  And yes, my art has been influenced by him.  I should also mention that the paintings in question are not of my “elementals” or “fossils” series that surely couldn’t be accused of being a “Rothko knockoff”.

So, I dug up some examples to see what you think – are these “knockoffs”?  Or are the just “inspired by”?  Are they something else?  What would make these a knockoff (style, composition, color)?  Why do I care?  Would anyone else care?  So many questions!  I might have to do some research into this… in the meantime, I sure welcome comments and thoughts!

Alexander Julian, watercolor on paper, collection of the artist.

Firmament Study No. 2, watercolor on paper, private collection.

Summit, watercolor on paper, private collection.

 

Artist Residency Application 1 of 10: Denali National Park, Alaska

One down, at least nine to go in my quest to apply to 10 artist residency programs for 2009!

I sent in my application for the Denali Artist-In-Residence program several weeks ago.  This is quite a unique program made possible through a partnership between the National Park Service and Alaska Geographic.  The program provides artists with a rustic cabin in Denali National Park as a place to stay and create art.  There’s electricity but no running water, which is fine since I can paint with jugs of water that the nearby National Park Ranger station provides!  Notification of acceptance is in early December, so stay tuned!

Here’s one of the images I submitted with this application (which is also one of my Limited Edition giclee’s):

Five Autumn Trees, watercolor, 28 x 20

 

Recent Travels: The Train Station in Sandpoint, Idaho

Our recent travels to Montana and British Columbia also took us through beautiful North Idaho.  I lived in Sandpoint (north of Coeur D’Alene) for my last two years of high school.  The beauty of the Sandpoint area, Lake Pend O’reille and the surrounding mountains, especially in autumn is a great source of inspiration for me.  I took tons of photos and will be taking some in to my studio soon to work from.

In the meantime, it was the Sandpoint Train Station that has been feeding my inspiration a bit lately.  We stayed at the Edgewater Resort which is right on the lake next to the City Beach.  It is also right next to the train station.  I’ve posted about my love of trains before, but I was also drawn to the old train station because it was the scene for a pivotal moment in my life so many years ago.

The last time I visited the Sandpoint Train Station was in the summer of 1986 when I boarded the midnight (literally!) Amtrak bound for college in Phoenix via Seattle, Portland and Los Angeles.  Now days, this is an “unmanned” station – the doors are unlocked, but waiting room empty and the ticket windows closed and covered with notices for passengers to help themselves to getting tickets and boarding the train (it was a bit unclear as to whether you had to flag down the train yourself or not!).

The feelings I had revisiting this place of nostalgia, emptiness and loneliness in a spot that sees so much traffic have stuck with me as I’ve painted in my studio these past few weeks.

Thanks, Steve for taking the photos below (and for letting me share the train station with you)!

At the Sandpoint, ID Amtrak train station.

 

Last time I was at this door was in summer, 1986 to board the Number 7 train at 11:49pm... bound for college in Phoenix.

 

Lots of train traffic, but otherwise empty...

View of the Sandpoint City Beach and Lake Pend O'reille

 

Recent Travels: Paws Up Resort Near Missoula, MT

As part of our Northern trek vacation earlier this month, we stayed at Paws Up Resort just outside of Missoula, Montana for several days.  We had a great time relaxing and hiking and eating great food (delicious Bison steak!).

I also loved this simple composition photo that Steve took from one afternoon of relaxing in Adirondacks in the sun.  The contrast of the iced tea and the weathered wood is something I’ll be working with in my studio next week!

Iced Tea and Adirondack Chair by Steve Zeiden

 

Atop Lookout Rock at Paws Up Resort

 

What a Rush: Cheering in the Middle of 100,000+ Coloradans for Obama

This past Sunday, Steve and I walked down to the Obama rally in Civic Center Park in downtown Denver.  Wow!  I have literally never in my life been in the middle of a crowd of more than 100,000 cheering people.

I was still “humming” from the energy of the people as I painted in my studio today.  The hope and yearning for positive change for our country was so evident in the crowd and the people we talked with around us.

Looking east towards the state capitol... from the middle of 100,000 fans

I especially liked that Obama wasn’t all “frosting and sprinkles”.  I think the changes we have coming won’t be easy and I, for one, am ready to stand up and make more changes myself to help us get there.  Here’s how Obama put it:

Now, make no mistake: the change we need won’t come easy or without cost. We will all need to tighten our belts, we will all need to sacrifice and we will all need to pull our weight because now more than ever, we are all in this together.

At a defining moment like this, we don’t have the luxury of relying on the same political games and the same political tactics that are used every election to divide us from one another and make us afraid of one another. With the challenges and crises we face right now, we cannot afford to divide this country by class or region; by who we are or what policies we support.

There are no real or fake parts of this country. We are not separated by the pro-America and anti-America parts of this nation we all love this country, no matter where we live or where we come from. There are patriots who supported this war in Iraq and patriots who opposed it; patriots who believe in Democratic policies and those who believe in Republican policies. The men and women from Colorado and all across America who serve on our battlefields may be Democrats and Republicans and Independents, but they have fought together and bled together and some died together under the same proud flag. They have not served a Red America or a Blue America they have served the United States of America.

We have always been at our best when we’ve had leadership that called us to look past our differences and come together as one nation, as one people; leadership that rallied this entire country to a common purpose to a higher purpose. And I am running for President of the United States of America because that is the country we need to be right now.

This country and the dream it represents are being tested in a way that we haven’t seen in nearly a century. And future generations will judge ours by how we respond to this test. Will they say that this was a time when America lost its way and its purpose? When we allowed the same divisions and fear tactics and our own petty differences to plunge this country into a dark and painful recession?

Or will they say that this was another one of those moments when America overcame? When we battled back from adversity by recognizing that common stake that we have in each other’s success?

 

Recent Travels: British Columbia Points Folks to the Artists

It has been many years since I was in southern British Columbia – early October was a beautiful time to visit.  Our destination was Ainsworth Hot Springs and I’ll be sure to post pictures from our time there, but I first had to share a snapshot of a sign that I saw frequently along the way.

Artisan Road Sign in Southern BC

How great is this!?  More importantly, how do I get one?!  We saw quite a few of these and visited a great glass art studio (more on that later).  I wish we would have taken the time to follow a few more of these signs to see where they led.

Maybe some of my Canadian readers know something about this program and how well it works to get people off the beaten track to see your art??

 

Recent Travels – Bodega Bay, CA = Iridescent Topaz

I’ve been traveling alot in September and October, but am back at home and have been sorting through the volume of pictures I took.  Since I am greatly inspired by different places, my upcoming posts will be about the different places I’ve been and how they are inspiring me in my studio.

As an abstract painter, I sometimes work from photos of the real world – often picking up on colors I find.  Here’s one of my snapshots from the Sonoma Coast north of Bodega Bay.  Yes, I loved the cool colors of the Pacific, but am also inspired by the hillsides of the Golden State.  Made me think of one of my favorite Daniel Smith colors, Iridescent Topaz, which I’ve been painting with over the last few weeks.

Sonoma County hillsides, just north of Bodega Bay

 

The DNC and Free From my Republican Past

The Democratic National Convention is in Denver this week and there’s lots of action and energy here (check out this snapshot of my partner, Steve, with San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom from yesterday!).

I thought this’d be a great time to post about a small piece of memorabilia that I came across this summer.  I’ll start by saying that I’d classify myself, my views and my values as “moderate liberal”.  But, that’s most certainly not where I came from!

My memorabilia - I was registered as a Republican in college...

I grew up in a pretty conservative family – my immediate family members have continued to drift away and to the rigid right as I’ve grown up and discovered who I am.  This, along with the fact that I just happen to be gay, has left me with little or no relationship with them at this point.  Well, they DO also all live in Idaho, so maybe there really IS something in the water up there?

This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, but I don’t believe in the Iraq war.  I don’t believe in spending billions of dollars that we don’t have.  I don’t believe in lowering taxes while our deficit continues to skyrocket.  I don’t believe in raping the environment to satisfy our every, selfish want.  I don’t believe that oil is the answer, now or in the future.  I don’t believe that bake sales should have to help fund our schools.  I don’t believe greed should rule our leaders, corporations or Douglas County, Colorado.

I DO believe in God, in health for all, in being good stewards of the Earth, in taxing ourselves to pay for what we buy, in equal rights for all people, in really great education for our children, in peace, in humanity and taking care of the poor, sick and old…  I also believe in the information age and I believe in the internet (and a Presidental candidate that has actually used it).

I can’t remember that day in June, 1988 when I clearly registered as a Republican.  I do remember learning from my parents that “well-off” people are Republicans.  Maybe I wanted to make sure I remained “well-off”?  You may remember from a past post that I also learned from my parents that I’d be kicked out of the family if I became a train engineer when I grew up (because I’d have to be in a “union”, which is something I knew nothing about at age 6).

So yes, I’m excited the DNC is here.  And yes, I’ll be supporting Barack Obama.  And yes, I love my tie-dye “DenverCrat” tee shirt!

My DenverCrat Tee Shirt

 

Great Opening Party!

Thank you to everyone that stopped by my new studio opening party last Friday.  I had well over 125 people come check out my new “digs” and help me celebrate!

If you missed it, be sure to let me know and we’ll schedule a time for your own personal tour!

Artwork hung… couldn’t wait to make holes in those fresh, new walls.

We had an Italian/French soda bar to refresh everyone.

Some of the first guests arrive.

 

New Studio Update

I’ve nearly completed all of the interior painting (and am SO glad to be done working from the top of a 10-foot step ladder to reach the ceiling!).  Over the next few days, I expect the building renovator to complete my utilities (final electrical, sink/plumbing, window trim, door installation, etc.).

Now for the big multi-hundred dollar question… turns out the building renovator plans to install wood floors in the common hallway outside my studio and asked if I’d like to have wood floors installed in my studio space.  Uh, YES!!  My floor is currently old, painted concrete with medium damage (pits, cracks, rough spots).  I had not budgeted to put in new flooring, but planned to clean it well and paint it for the short term and then install a more comfortable wood floor when I could afford it.

So, the building renovator has basically offered me a great price and promised that it will be done before my Opening Party on May 2nd.  I think I’m going to go for it – I’ll have to postpone some other finishes for now to fit it into the budget, but it will look great and be much more comfortable to stand on than concrete!

New paint on the walls and my minimal cabinets installed!

 

Snowy Day in April

It occured to me this morning as I woke up to a bunch of April snow that it was almost exactly a year ago that I was moving into yet another new studio in the snow.  My post with pic here from a year ago looks alot like today’s pic below!

Last year at this time I was moving to a studio space that I rented in the Santa Fe Arts District.  This year, I’m preparing to move into a new studio space that I recently bought, also in the heart of the Santa Fe Arts District!  I plan to move a few things in next week (and the weather is expected to be in the 70’s).

Snowy day in April, 2008… no studio moving today!

 

 

Update on my New Studio

I sure felt depressed as I wrote my last post and came up with that haiku!  Well, I now have some good news on the renovation progress with my new studio – my understanding is that the permit issues that have delayed work for nearly 4 months have been resolved and things are expected to move forward quickly now.  I went by last Friday and took another snapshot of my space – you can see foundation work being done on the main entryway that my space is next to.  Wow!  Actual digging and pouring of concrete!

Now the bad news… I’ve had financing for purchasing this space lined up with Countrywide since last September.  They just notified me that they would be cancelling my open line of credit retro-effective to the end of January.  So, I’m starting over with securing financing and running into some resistance.  The big mortgage companies seem to be really tightening up on lending (remember not too long ago it seemed that they gave money away to anyone that could fog a mirror).  Going the commercial lending route is also problematic since the amount I need is “too small” for most programs!

I don’t think I’m ready to solicit for donations yet… but I’d be interested in a private financing option, so email me if you’re interested!

My new studio space on February 8, 2008.

 

Colorado Watercolor Society Newsletter

Last fall I stepped up to take over the Editor position for the Colorado Watercolor Societies’ monthly newsletter, Collage.  It is an interesting volunteer job and I’m having fun working with lots of new people to get this newsletter out each month.

I’ve been a member of the CWS for about 4 years now and think they have some good things going on.  In fact, the next monthly meeting is tomorrow (Tuesday, 1/15) at 7:00pm in Denver.  So, if you’re not familiar with this organization, come to a meeting – visitors are welcome!  This month’s meeting will include a product overview of Dr. Ph. Martin’s watercolor paints (Hydrus) by Larry Salis who is the President of this local company based in Golden.  This will be followed by a demonstration by Colorado watercolorist Janet Nunn - it promises to be an interesting evening.

Details on the meeting and other CWS news are in the latest newsletter – visit the CWS website and click on the Newsletter tab to check it all out!

 

Denver Arts Week: October 5-12, 2007… I’ll be there – will you?!

Denver’s first official Arts Week is October 5-12, 2007 and there are plenty of great arts events of all sorts going on in each of the art districts throughout Denver.  I’ll be participating and exhibiting at several events, so I hope those of you in the Denver area will come out to see and hear what’s going on!

Here’s a synopsis of where I’ll be, and I’ll post more details on the day of each event.

Friday, October 5, 2007: Art on the River Exhibit Opening Reception, 5:30pm – 8:00pm 

On Friday, October 5th, I’ll be at the Opening Reception of the “Art on the River Exhibit” at the Art Students League of Denver.  My painting, “Stevie in the Shade” was selected for the Second Place Award (which includes a cash prize!) and I’ll be on hand to visit with everyone.  This will be a great exhibit and is generously sponsored by the Greenway Foundation.

Saturday, October 6, 2007: Painting Demonstration at Foothills Art Center, 11:00am – 2:00pm

On Saturday, October 6, 2007, I’ll take a “fieldtrip” out to the Foothills Art Center in Golden to do some watercolor demonstration painting in the gallery as part of the Rocky Mountain National Watercolor Exhibition.  I’ll be creating some of my elementals in the main gallery room, right near my painting (Elementals No. 18) that was selected for the Exhibition this year.

October 8 – 12, 2007:  Outdoor painting during the High Plein Air Arts Festival

During the week of October 8-12, 2007 I’ll participate in the High Plein Air Arts Festival in Denver’s Golden Triangle Museum District.  This will be great fun – lots of artists painting “plein aire” (outside, or “in plain air”) throughout the District.  I’m not sure yet were I’ll be and when, but will post more next week as I get started creating a unique elementals Denverscape painting!

 

Left Hand Carpal Tunnel Update: Stitches Out!

I finally got the stitches out of my left hand today!  I sure was ready to get that big, puffy bandage off, but what a big baby I was at Dr. Hurley’s office – I had to lie down after they unwrapped my bandage because I nearly passed out!  Many folks know that I grew up on a farm doing all sorts of bloody things to animals, but apparently when it comes to the sight of my own blood (and there wasn’t even any blood today), I’m all woozy and faint. 

In any case – it’s all done now, but, I still won’t be able to do much with it (like not lift much weight over a few pounds) for the next month.  And, the pain since surgery with my left hand has been noticeably worse than with my right hand, so I’m having a more difficult time with it being uncomfortable to just paint.  Just think though, in two months I’ll be as good as new!  Overall I’m very excited about the success of going through the carpal tunnel release surgeries on each hand.

After getting my stitches out… I had to have a band-aid put on so I wouldn’t see my “wound”…

 

Back to Painting… in my Temporary Studio Space at Home

Well, after several days “off” last week to move out of my old studio space (more on that here), and then several more days off recouperating from my left hand carpal tunnel release surgery, I’m finally able to get some painting done.  Even though I’m having to use our livingroom and diningroom for storage, this is actually a pretty workable set up for the next month or so.  Let me know if you’d like to come by to check it out – I’m certainly open by appointment! 

Getting our front sunroom (which is under renovation) cleaned up for creating art.

I started painting again this morning… the lighting is a bit challenging, but it is working great!

 

My Future Studio Space

This is a snapshot from a few weeks ago as renovations were just getting started.  My space will be the corner/end unit with exterior windows and a few “bubble” skylights for some great natural light.

View of my new studio space… currently being used for storage.

 

Studio Woes….

I typically strive to stay positive and upbeat in my life… and with my blog posts.  Today I have to share a bit about my current studio situation, which has rather quickly turned a bit sour.

One of the downsides of sharing a studio space is that I really only have control over me and my art (there are, of course, more downsides and plenty of upsides).  I’ve learned that the behaviour of others can sure be a big wildcard, especially when it can affect my creativity and work habits.

So, first the GOOD NEWS: I’ve had a new studio space (very close to my current location in the Santa Fe Arts District) under contract to BUY for several weeks now and expect to be moving in at the end of October!  This will be a space that I’ll own and I plan to make it a really great space for creating.  So, I’ll have more exciting announcements and info on that coming up very soon!

But, there is some BAD NEWS:  The sub-lease for my portion of our shared space isn’t being renewed and I must move out at the end of September.  So, I’ll be studio-less for several weeks.  This development was quite unexpected and it has created some operational issues (like rescheduling the carpal tunnel release surgery for my left hand) and has soured the creative atmosphere at the studio.  Rodney Wallace (who holds the lease to our studio and subleases to me and the other two artists) abruptly served me a written notice on September 1st that my lease would not be renewed - no “heads-up”, no discussion, no flexibility, no nothing.  I call that pretty sad behaviour.

I know many artists that are pretty particular about their creative space.  I know I’m one of them and I’ve worked pretty hard to stay flexible in our shared creative space.  I just sure wish that would have counted for some good old fashioned professional courtesy in a situation like this.