Watching artists paint as inpiration

Work in progress at the easel

Still life set up.

Last Friday night, I had the opportunity to watch a Master oil painter create a painting before a crowd of artists, admirers, and workshop attendees here in Portland. This was a rare opportunity, giving many a view into the inner sanctum of the artist's mind and method. There is nothing more telling than watching a piece come together from the blank canvas to the final finishing touches. As it was, we were not allowed to photograph or record the event, but I did get a few sneaks in (shown above). I'd dare to say that much was learned, and I liken it to a live performance, but in the visual sense of all things given.  I'm not going to uncover the artist's identity, and will let you figure that out on your own. If you ever have the chance to watch a painting come alive from start to finish, I highly recommend it because you will learn much and build upon your bank of visual knowledge.

And now I must segue into a little shameless self promotion...

I will be participating in a repeat performance at the Allison Inn & Spa's Trilogy Winemaker's dinner and Quick Draw event held on March 3rd. Eighteen professional artists will create, from start to finish, a piece of artwork before your eyes within the span of one hour and then placed for auction in support of the Newberg Chamber of Commerce. Prior the auction, everyone will be treated to a culinary journey paired with some of Oregon's finest wines. Ahh, my favorite, fine wine and art...mmm, mmm.  How can it get any better than that?
Here's a quick visual treat of last year's event.



More info is listed in the sidebar to the right---> (Trilogy Quick Draw)

I can't wait for this event again as it was quite the workout to paint in this type of setting with the time constraint. The artistic energy was high, the wine delicious, and the food superb!

Forthcoming Spring, 10x8, and Trilogy recap

"Forthcoming Spring, 10x8" Pastel on sanded paper

The last post I was headed out to the Allison Resort for a Quick Draw and boy was that a lot of fun!

This event was everything I thought it would be. Once I set up my easel and roamed the room to meet the other artists, I set out to paint on demand for about 2 hours with the help of a little complimentary Pinot Noir. The companionship of the 17 other artists was motivational as we chatted and joked while making art. Midway through the painting, the gracious guests arrived and watched the artwork come to it's final mark. The MC came around and asked a few oartists to describe their work, adding to the excitement and noise level.

With my work in progress, "Crimson Symphony", 22x22" Pastel on sanded paper

Painting and sipping wine alongside artist Michael Orwick

Soon enough, we were given the 15 minute warning to finish up. While the guests gathered into the dining area the artists made their final strokes of genius and then framed their finished work for the oral auction. (Imagine how one frames a large pastel behind glass in 15 with a little vino? ...but I digress.) Then all the artists gathered with the guests for some incredible cuisine pared with more delicious wine. Oh my, more wine! By this time, I'm feeling pretty special...well...that is because the Allison prepared my dinner "gluten free"! Yeah!

The auction began shortly after the dessert and as the finished art was presented, each artist was able to go up to the mic and share a little about their work. It was nice to be able to hear each artist's take on their work, so unique in every way. Afterwards, I finished off the late night with a little sobering after hour art conversation at McMinamen's Pub with Thomas Kitts and Scott Gellatly. After all was said and done, it was a great experience and I do hope to be included once again.

The rest of my week was spent painting and readying for my trip down to Los Gatos Plein Air. Here are some warm-ups from Sauvie Island in the meantime...

"Spring Swale" 16x12" Pastel on sanded paper

Painted on Sauvie Island, 'the' Portland artist gettaway, near Steelman Lake...and below, this little piece is located just across the street from a strip mall in Beaverton.

"Meadow Harmony" 9x12" Pastel on sanded paper

So, the next time I post I will have driven a 1,310 mile round trip all for the sake of Plein Air. I'm wishing to share my experience with you along the way, but only through my facebook fan page, and that is only if I can score some WiFi. We'll see!

Until then...