On the road again

    So it begins... my Plein Air Season in Des Moines! It was a grey, cold misty morning when I arrived to the site where my new group gathered. They were troopers of intent to paint the landscape of Saltwater state park but while most of the members were on the beach I found the hardy leader, Sylvia, painting the creek.

  

Sylvia painting the creek.

I set up gear when struck by an intriguing composition. With the skies grey I had little change in the lighting. Unfortunately the rain moved in and my proceeding land masses, stacked in the distance, began to disappear. By the time the rain came to shore I had the composition and basic color notes so fudged in the boulders and foreground before my ponche box began to hold water.

From direct painting to studio study

 This year in my efforts, it is my desire to attempt to use the direct pieces done en plein air as sketches for "studio work" that I may or may not finish back on site. As seen in this study I am changing the composition slightly while pushing the underpainting towards a tonal yet complementary warm/cool study. Whether I add spot color for the greens will depend upon what a few sessions creates. G.A.- plein air fever broken.

Gypsy Artist: April= party time!!!

Places/Events where my art will be showing and on sale:

April 2nd-May 31st
The Hub (Harmon Brewing Company)
Tacoma: Stadium District
Opening party TBA

April 6th
Spring Fling
Key Penensula Civic Center
Party  Saterday 7-10

April 12th
Chair Affair
NSFB Tacoma: between Freighthouse Square and Museum District
Party Friday 7-?

3D challenges March onward

"Copper Owl" 12"x7" paint on copper

   This is a prototype for an owl mask sculptural project made from 36 gauge copper sheet metal. Unlike my metalsmith days in Alaska, I no longer have access to the studio containing proper hammers, shaping anvils, stakes nor the heat to soften the metal for more shaping so the process of making this piece differs greatly from any metalsmithing I have ever done. While some of this was coaxed by hammering into submission with a common house hammer or rubber mallet, much of it was hand formed and refined with wooden sticks. In challenging myself further with this new material I tried painting the metal to define the owl's markings. The finished metal mask sculpture for this project will be available for purchase during Two Waters Art Alliance "Spring Fling" auction on Saturday April 6th at 7pm in the Key Peninsula Civic Center. Go to  http://www.twowaters.info/pages_events/2013_spring_fling.php for more information.

An Affair to Remember



"Retro Rocker" 45 Lable



   Greetings art enthusiasts! I invite you to attend the 2013 Chair Affair Friday, April 12th at Northwest Furniture Bank in Tacoma for the unveiling of my newest creation, "the Retro Rocker". It will be an evening of fun and folly starting at 6 pm to view 30 artfully transformed chairs from local artists to auction off throughout the evening. Tickets are on sale for which you can go to http://www.chairaffair.org/ for more information. G.A.- rocker from way back.

Exhibition Opens March 4th

Inkwell #1- 9.75 x 13.5" graphite/charcoal/ink

    Previously I had done 4 studies of a plaster ear in varying mediums in a sketchbook on one page. I wanted to try this idea again but instead of doing the same exact view of one object, I tried using the same 3 objects in a still life just being rearranged and re-lit for the each medium. Today I was able to finish the last study on the lower right in pen. From top left: pencil/ charcoal/ ink wash with dip pen (from still life)/ micron pen. 
   The original idea was to frame the four as one but there was some damage to the surface when removing the tape separating the images. Come to the Fox Island Artists Group Exhibition at the Kimball (show opens March 4th) and see which one is chosen. In addition to a new painting I'm only exhibiting once, I will be joined by half a dozen other talented artists I work with on a weekly basis.- G.A.  really enjoying the drawing after doing sculptural work (this month and last) for upcoming engagements.

Meanwhile, in the real world...

"Dorothy" -12"x12" charcoal on paper

   Although I'm still playing with "the mess" of abstractions, I had the pleasure of working from a model this afternoon. In this 90 minute session, I felt I was just starting to get warmed up before it was all over. - G.A. with a heavey sigh.

What the -?

Lily2 on collage mixed media 4x5.5

   Okay I'm just as baffled about where this piece came from (aside from my studio) but it is my journey to trial and prototype on this forum so... consider yourselves tested!!! In this magical forum, this realist artist has gone off the deep end and is completely out of any element to reinvent myself. Don't worry, I will retain my sensible, more straightforward, endeavors in art but once in a while you just gotta reach out there and see what or why you are steered in a different direction. G.A.- fearlessly putting it out there for art's sake.

Away from my desk...

...but still in the studio.

Carp and cougar  5.5" x 4" mixed media on yupo



    In celebration of finishing a body of work and exhibiting the paintings, I thought I would take a week off (kinda) because I've been pushing since April of last year. Most people go on vacation to exotic destinations but my adventure was in the studio. I spent a week reading (art books), sketching (for the joy and discovery), and playing abstract-ish artist. Here are 2 of the 32 small studies I made in the last week. G.A. having fun and sending postcards...from the edge of abstraction.



The Queen's Post 4" x 5.5" mixed media on yupo



But wait... there's more

"Leaves" 9x12 mixed media on yupo
Ever once in a while the brain needs a break from reality... at a 2nd venue in Gig Harbor I am exhibiting some less representational works at Tacomma Community College during Jan. and Feb. 2013.
Gig Harbor Campus: 3993 Hunt Street, Gig Harbor WA 98335
253.460.2424

BUILDING HOURS
Monday - Thursday	8 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Friday	8 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. *Stay tuned for info about new work exhibiting in March.

BUILDING HOURS

 

Monday - Thursday

8 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Friday

8 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
*Stay tuned for info about new work exhibiting in March.

The elf is lit

   I would not be a good artist if I weren't doing "figure studies" throughout the holidays. All is calm... all is bright into the new year. Happy holidays to all my loyal viewers.   - G.A. keeping my sense of humor into the new year.