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.

Come see how this painting turned out!!

    I was honored to accept a request to be "featured artist" at the Kimble gallery in 2013 of which I will have a chance to share a collection of paintings from this summer's plein air-a-thon (it seemed). Start the New Year Right in 2013 in supporting your local artist by stopping in and sharing the beauty that our area has to offer. 

    Jan 7—Feb 4  at Kimble Esspresso Gallery 6950 Kimball Dr Gig Harbor, WA 98335 

From sea to shining sea

  ("Lone Boat" 9x12 oil on gessoboard)

   As a traveling artist, I painted this scene in an area of the Puget Sound known as Cromwell... quiet, peacefull, private and serene. As the light was moving quickly this was one of those frenzied "fast paint" sessions but a nice balance of representation. This painting can be viewed at the Mallards Landing Plein Air exhibition during the month of October -G.A. scouring the shores and braving the tides for ideal places to paint.