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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Spending Drying Time With: Dan's Canvas; Gary L. Everest Paintings and The Colorist

TASK OF THE DAY: STRAWBERRIER STRAWBERRIES


WHILE PAINT WAS DRYING:

I visited three blogs I've added to my list of favorites:

There's talent with both paint and words on Dan's Canvas. And what hit home were the comments from a lot of folks who love art, can make it, and yet admit they can't settle down to one particular style--just like myself. My whole life I worried about style--wondered how could I be a professional artist if I didn't zero in on an art form and concentrate on developing that so that my work would be recognizable. Then I got angry and rebelled: why do I have to restrict myself to one style when I really think that subject dictates style? You wouldn't paint a street scene the same gooey, loose way you paint strawberries. You wouldn't paint a hard line subject in the same manner you paint soft line subjects. I became a designer instead where all drawings were hard line and very detailed with no fudging.

I once read somewhere that you have style even if you don't think you do. I wish I could remember which icon in my library wrote that, so I could look it up for you. But that info has long been forgotten. Just take my word for it. Somebody big in the art world said it. And it suited this styleless broad just fine.

There's another blog that caught my attention: Gary L. Everest Paintings. The man's work is amazing. He's a portrait artist, but extremely modest and self critical. From his comments, he doesn't think he's very good. He's out of his mind. It's work like his that makes me wonder what the hell I'm doing. Take a look at his new self portrait. It's eerie. His expression is American Gothic. His tee shirt makes the painting modern. If he didn't have on a sleeveless tee, he could pass for one of those scary guys in Mid Evil times his piecing eyes and pursed lips. Terrific picture. Curious point of view.

The Colorist interests me most. Casey Klahn says what I know to be true, but haven't done anything about it till this very last weekend: we're weighed down by our supplies and conventions. He works in pastels, the most expedient of all our painting mediums--no drying time at all, just lovely loose strokes and easy blends that go together quickly and become something beautiful. He paints landscapes, one of my favorite subjects, and his colors are rich muted tones with subtle highlights. I'm always curious to see what he's working on. In his current post he quotes Matisse, worthy of note. Casey does workshops in the California area, and I don't think he's coming to Michigan any time soon. Pity. Here's a guy I'd like to know better.

4 comments:

  1. I think I just gained ten pounds just looking at that painting. I love it! That was some article by Dan Kent, and how can anyone not be enthralled by the efforts of Casey Klahn? I still have to check out Everest, but I have no doubt I'll be a follower too (if I'm not already--name sounds familiar). All the best.

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  2. Wow! Thank you! I found this post of yours pretty much right away - you know why? Because I had recently added you to the list of favorites at my blog too! And suddenly there was my name. What a surprise! My canvas is a broad one, and I consider writing to be an integral part of my creative drive, so I appreciate the nod very much.

    I think your art is wonderful (even if a bit fattening). The colors and style are uniquely yours so while worrying about style, I think style found you. And your posts are quite interesting. Either alone is reason enough to follow you.

    Yeah, I know I have a style too - it is the method that is the mystery..

    I have followed Casey Klahn for a year or so now already, so I am well familiar with his masterful compositions. I'll have to check out Gary Everest (but as with William, his name sounds familiar).

    It is such a privilege to be connected to so many great artists in this online community. I never could have imagined it. What a true privilege.

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  3. Nice to see you Bill. I know you've been working hard and from your last post it's going beautifully. I did pick up Casey at your place. He showed me the scope of pastels and as a gal looking for spontaneity and speed he made me think just maybe I should investigate the medium?

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  4. Dan you blow me over. My pastry paintings have a double purpose: 1) to sit on the wall and look pretty; 2) to satisfy the urge to splurge on such and bypass sugar highs and thunder thighs. I really liked your painting of the empty chair. It is a brilliant tribute to those who died that horrible day. I am glad I found a thinking man with styles that change with a shift in the wind. Your post was reassuring.

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