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Archives for December 2012

Stylistic Unity

Mrs. Laura Lewis · Dec 31, 2012 · 2 Comments

Two years ago I had my work critiqued through Oil Painters of America.  Todd Williams was the  Signature Member who looked at images of ten of my current paintings.  He gave me some very helpful insight into my work and useful  suggestions.  One particular idea he proposed to me was very surprising and has resulted in unexpected changes in the direction of my work.

Miller's Bend,  oil on canvas, 60 by 90inches,  © 2009 Laura Lewis
Miller’s Bend,  oil on canvas, 60 by 90inches,  © 2009 Laura Lewis

This is the painting he was discussing.  He said something like this: “I notice that you have stylized the clay in the riverbed at the foreground, but you have not stylized the bluffs or sky in the same way.  So I am suggesting that you consider the idea of whether you would wish to have stylistic unity in your painting.”
 
I had never heard anyone talk about stylistic unity, nor had I considered such an idea when making this painting.  I knew that somewhere in this suggestion was a powerful catalyst for change in my work.  I could not accept the idea of stylizing this entire image in the same way that the clay was treated.  So I did not really know where to go with it.  But what became clear to me was that the patterned  clay was a big part of the reason that I keep returning to this part of the Brazos River for imagery.  So in some of my next paintings I gave pattern a stronger voice in my work.
Tractor Tracks, oil on panel, 18 by 36 inches,  © 2011 Laura Lewis
Tractor Tracks, oil on panel, 18 by 36 inches,  © 2011 Laura Lewis

Shadow Tracks, oil on panel,  32 by 14 inches,  © 2011 Laura Lewis
Shadow Tracks, oil on panel,  32 by 14 inches,  © 2011 Laura Lewis

Winter Wheat, oil on panel, 34 by 24 inches,  © 2012 Laura Lewis
Winter Wheat, oil on panel, 34 by 24 inches,  © 2012 Laura Lewis

Turnrow,  oil on panel, 32 by 45 inches,  © 2012 Laura Lewis
Turnrow,  oil on panel, 32 by 45 inches,  © 2012 Laura Lewis

 
Then I did get back to painting the Brazos again, and here is the evidence of the power of this idea.
Brazos Clay,  oil on panel,  32 by 34 inches,  © 2012 Laura Lewis
Brazos Clay,  oil on panel,  32 by 34 inches,  © 2012 Laura Lewis

So here I am back at the Brazos River. This painting has more stylistic unity than Miller’s Bend. I am happy with the painting. The water is mostly realistic and I have had more fun with the patterns on the right. The concept of stylistic unity is still driving change in my work and is a challenge I am enjoying wrestling with.

OPA Critiques

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Fall 2012 OPA Online Showcase Winners

Oil Painters of America · Dec 24, 2012 · 2 Comments

Fall 2012 Online Showcase Screenshot
Fall 2012 Online Showcase Screenshot
We are proud to present to you the Fall 2012 OPA Online Showcase winners. The OPA Online Showcase is a digital exhibition offered in the spring, summer and fall. While some shows are open to both Associate and Signature members, the Fall 2012 OPA Online Showcase only accepted entries from Associate members, giving an addition opportunity for Associate OPA members to enter and win significant awards for the low entry fee of only $14. The best part of this is that members are allowed to enter as many times as they wish, thus increasing their chances of winning.
Prizes for the OPA Online Showcase are made available largely to a generous donation from Dorothy Driehaus Mellin and the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation. These awards typically boast $3,000 in cash for first place, $1,500 for second place and $500 for third place along with 10 honorable mentions.
Judges for the Online Showcase are selected from our Signature members, Master Signature members and other top oil painters in North America. Signature member Kathleen Dunphy was selected as judge for the Fall 2012 show, and has included some excellent comments for each of the paintings entered.
The Spring 2013 OPA Online Showcase will begin accepting entries on March 1, so be sure to enter to win excellent awards. Until then, enjoy the remarkable artwork of your fellow OPA Associate members from the Fall 2012 OPA Online Showcase.

First Place

"Sunshine Breakfast" by Stan Rogers
“Sunshine Breakfast” by Stan Rogers

Sunshine Breakfast by Stan Rogers
16 x 20 Oil
Judge’s Comments: This painting has it all: Great design, accurate drawing without being too tight, energetic brushstrokes, thick and thin paint, wonderful play of color accents amid the grays. Well done! – Kathleen Dunphy, OPA
 

Second Place

"Cracker Jack" by Craig Pursley
“Cracker Jack” by Craig Pursley

Cracker Jack by Craig Pursley
18 x 18 Oil
Judge’s Comments: To pull off lettering in perspective and make it look accurate and not too distracting..what a feat! The red leads you right to the center of interest, a beautifully painted portrait, but your eye keeps moving around the painting to the door handle and light in the background. An ambitious and well-executed undertaking. – Kathleen Dunphy, OPA
 

Third Place

"Autumn Marsh - Proverbs 2-2" by Thomas Kegler
“Autumn Marsh – Proverbs 2-2” by Thomas Kegler

Autumn Marsh: Proverbs 2:2 by Thomas Kegler
30 x 40 Oil
Judge’s Comments: We’ve all stood somewhere similar to this spot and been awed by the hushed beauty at the cusp of the day. Thomas captured not only the look but the spirit of that moment – you can feel the emotion emanate from the canvas. Just enough detail on the grasses in the foreground and a lovely sense of mystery as detail and warmth diminishes into the background. – Kathleen Dunphy, OPA

Honorable Mention

"The Burden of Knowledge" by Michael DeVore
“The Burden of Knowledge” by Michael DeVore
The Burden of Knowledge by Michael DeVore
32 x 36 Oil
Judge’s Comments: Another emotional painting- I love the sense of intrigue–What’s he reading? What’s tormenting him? The painting on the wall in the background is a nice touch to add to the story. Incredible draftsmanship and just enough soft edges to keep it from feeling too brittle. Lovely color harmonies. – Kathleen Dunphy, OPA

Honorable Mention

"Sign of Spring" by Nikolo Balkanski
“Sign of Spring” by Nikolo Balkanski
Sign of Spring by Nikolo Balkanski
20 x 30 Oil
Judge’s Comments: Beautiful play of temperatures – you feel both the chill of the snow and warmth of the weak spring sun. Great drawing and depiction of “junk” – turning the mundane into art. I looked at this painting a long time before I noticed the fox next to the building – a great pay-off to the viewer without taking over the theme of the painting. – Kathleen Dunphy, OPA

Honorable Mention

"Sorolla's Studio: On Wings of Art" by Ray Hassard
“Sorolla’s Studio: On Wings of Art” by Ray Hassard
On Wings of Art: Sorolla’s Studio by Ray Hassard
20 x 24 Oil
Judge’s Comments: I must admit that any depiction of Sorolla’s studio would get my attention, but the execution of this piece elevates the scene from just a snapshot to a work of art. Lovely indication of Sorolla’s paintings in the background. Great design- the triangulation of the bright white color keeps the eye moving through the painting. That half-figure on the left looking into the painting is a bold and effective addition. – Kathleen Dunphy, OPA

Honorable Mention

"Mercato Nuovo in Rain (Firenze) No. 2" by James Crandall
“Mercato Nuovo in Rain (Firenze) No. 2” by James Crandall
Mercato Nuovo in Rain (Firenze) No. 2 by James Crandall
24 x 30 Oil
Judge’s Comments: I love the implied areas in this painting – the darks on the left and the signs behind the figures on the right. Lovely paint quality and brushwork. The warm accents from the incandescent lights play beautifully against the cooler natural light. Wonderful indication of wetness on the pavement. – Kathleen Dunphy, OPA

Honorable Mention

"Blue and White Ginger Jar" by Christine Saper
“Blue and White Ginger Jar” by Christine Saper
Blue and White Ginger Jar by Christine Saper
10 x 8 Oil
Judge’s Comments: Above and beyond the subject matter, this painting engages with the viewer with strong brushwork and luscious paint. I stopped thinking about a ginger jar and an apple and instead followed the tracks of the artist through her strong brushwork. Fresh and energetic! – Kathleen Dunphy, OPA

Honorable Mention

"Apotheosis" by Alan Larkin
“Apotheosis” by Alan Larkin
Apotheosis by Alan Larkin
20 x 16 Oil
Judge’s Comments: I kept coming back to this painting again and again – the various textures and unique subject matter grabbed my attention. Beautiful rendering of the elephant and dynamic lighting. A head-turner. – Kathleen Dunphy, OPA

Honorable Mention

"Early Birds, Winter Park Farmers Market" by Stacy Barter
“Early Birds, Winter Park Farmers Market” by Stacy Barter
Early Birds, Winter Park Farmers Market by Stacy Barter
24 x 30 Oil
Judge’s Comments: You need sunglasses to look at this painting! Wonderful feeling of light. Beautiful sense of time and place and accurately-depicted figures. Just enough detail to tell us what’s going on without losing that sense of blinding morning light. – Kathleen Dunphy, OPA

Honorable Mention

"Little Artist" by Randolph Peay
“Little Artist” by Randolph Peay
Little Artist by Randolph Peay
30 x 20 Oil
Judge’s Comments: Great design and paint quality! I love the way the bear almost blends into the background, focusing our eye on the little girl. Sweet without being too sentimental. – Kathleen Dunphy, OPA

Honorable Mention

"The Horse Before The Cart" by Elizabeth Pollie
“The Horse Before The Cart” by Elizabeth Pollie
The Horse Before The Cart by Elizabeth Pollie
24 x 30 Oil
Judge’s Comments: Intriguing textures – those little glints of red/orange coming through make for a lively painting.Good solid drawing and I love the temperature shifts in the indication of the bricks on the wall. – Kathleen Dunphy, OPA

Honorable Mention

"Brother Afar" by Jacob Neagle
“Brother Afar” by Jacob Neagle
Brother Afar by Jacob Neagle
22 x 28 Oil
Judge’s Comments: In addition to depicting a very moving subject matter, this piece is beautifully painted. The warm underpainting showing through provides unity throughout the work, and the thicker paint on the figure’s face creates a convincing sense of depth. Great textures and subtle color shifts in the background shadow. – Kathleen Dunphy, OPA

Upcoming OPA Events

  • March 1 – May 15, 2013 — Spring 2013 Online Showcase
  • May 17 – June 17, 2013 — 22nd National Juried Exhibition
  • June 20 – August 31, 2013 — Salon Show, Petoskey, MI
  • September 6 – October 8, 2013 — 2013 Western Regional Exhibition
  • October 20 – November 17, 2013 — 2013 Eastern Regional Exhibition

Stay tuned for more updates on these premier oil painting exhibitions for 2013 at www.oilpaintersofamerica.com

5 Stages of Painting

Ms. Jane Barton · Dec 17, 2012 · 5 Comments

"Horsepower" by Jane Barton, 8x10
“Horsepower” by Jane Barton, 8×10
Artists know that, in spite of what people think, creating a good painting is not a day on the playground. Some days are easier that others, but mostly it takes a lot of hard work and perseverance to get what you want to say on the canvas.
"Taking the Lead" by Jane Barton 12x16
“Taking the Lead” by Jane Barton 12×16

I was teaching in my studio recently and glanced at the bulletin board that I’ve loaded with sketches, ideas and quotes. I had written down the 5 stages of grief at some point and laughed (yes, laughed) at how the same list applies to the work of an artist. If you are an artist I think you’ll be able to relate to this. If you’re a collector, this will give you some idea of how hard our work can be, but you also might find the list applies to your own work, whatever that may be. And, as in life, these stages don’t just run their course and then “you’re done.” They keep repeating. And we keep trying to paint that perfect painting. All artists have a studio full of paintings that will never see the light of a show, but the ones that work make it all worth while!
"Full Bloom at the Arizona Inn" by Jane Barton, 8x10
“Full Bloom at the Arizona Inn” by Jane Barton, 8×10

Here’s an idea of what these stages mean to me:
Denial: This is not bad…not the painting I had in my head when I started…but maybe this will work…
Anger: Why isn’t this working? Why can’t I find that color? Why can’t I draw a horse?
Bargaining: OK, if you (the Art God?) just let me get this one painting done in time for the show, I promise I’ll clean up my studio and give up popcorn…and maybe ice cream.
Depression: This is never going to work. What made me think I could paint?
Acceptance: Well, this is not bad. This is going to work for now and the next one will be even better. I hope. I just have to keep working at it and I will get as close as I can before I die.
Repeat 5 stages of Painting. Order may be shuffled as needed.
Good Luck! And don’t give up!

Challenging Painter's Block

Susan Abma · Dec 10, 2012 · 6 Comments

"Plans for Christmas" by Susan Abma
“Plans for Christmas” by Susan Abma
Here’s a few ideas to think about whenever you get a creative block and find you ‘just can’t paint right now.’ There’s no guarantees, but they just might work, so it could be worth a try…
1. Paint your favorite drink – whether it’s a cup of tea, a pina colada, a steaming latte with lots of foam, or an ice cold beer – paint it in such a way that would show the viewer why it’s your favorite and how much you love it.
2. Go through the newspaper and find a photo – the first one that catches your eye – and paint your version of it – it could be abstract, realistic, finger-painted, or painted any way that might get your creative juices flowing for the next project.
"Eyes in Mirror by Candle Light" by Susan Abma
“Eyes in Mirror by Candle Light” by Susan Abma
3. Look in the mirror at yourself in this painter’s block mood and paint just your eyes, so that it shows how you feel and why you can’t paint right now. In doing so, you’re already on your way to stifling the creative block.
4. Paint yourself as a person with the occupation you wanted as a child – did you want to be a fireman, a hairdresser, a bungee jumper, a police officer, a dancer? Give yourself a day as the person of your childhood dreams.
5. Do you love spaghetti? Eggs benedict? Chocolate Mousse? Strawberries? Your secret recipe? Paint it so everyone can taste it with you.
6. Repaint the first thing you ever painted. Just knowing that you now have a greater technical knowledge will help you paint that image with confidence.
7. Paint your worst habit – do you smoke, drink, eat too much chocolate? Paint in a way that will show how bad this habit is. Perhaps your painting, over time, will actually even help you quit your habit – if you even want to.
8. Paint about conformity – peas in a pod, ducks in a row, bananas in a bunch, etc. Make sure that part of your group doesn’t conform – for instance, leave one of the peas out of the pod.
9. Paint yours or your child’s favorite toy. Show some of the worn areas that clearly display how much it has been loved.
10. If you’re really hoping for some particular thing in life – paint it – maybe a cottage at the lake? A diamond ring? A new tool box? A particular make and model of vehicle? A child? Live your dreams through your painting.
Remember that at one time you only dreamed you could paint – now you truly can paint your dreams. Just make those first strokes that will put you back on your way – you can do it – you just need a little motivation. Hopefully you’ll find it here.
© Copyright · Susan Abma

2012 National Show Winners Spotlight

Oil Painters of America · Dec 3, 2012 · Leave a Comment

This week we’re featuring some of our top 2012 National Juried Exhibition Winners by sharing their biographies and winning paintings.

 

Jeff Legg OPAM - In the studio
Jeff Legg OPAM
Jeff Legg OPAM
Master Signature Gold Award Winner
Jeff Legg, a native of Missouri studied painting and drawing at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and also Atelier Lack, a private art studio school modeled after 15th to 19th century classical European instruction. His “old master” techniques combined with his inspired contemporary use of chiaroscuro engage fellow artists and collectors world wide. Today, Legg’s artwork is represented by some of the nation’s most distinguished galleries including Astoria Fine Art, Jackson, WY, Morris and Whiteside Galleries, Hilton Head Island, SC and M Gallery of Fine Art in Charleston, SC. Mr. Legg is an Oil Painters of America signature Master painter and a nationally recognized award winning artist.
"The Provision" by Jeff Legg OPAM - 30x30
“The Provision” by Jeff Legg OPAM – 30×30
His paintings have been featured in many publications including The Artists Magazine, American Artist, North Light books, Art of the West, Western Art Collector, American Art Collector and has graced the cover of Southwest Art Magazine. Mr. Legg now resides in Estes Park, Colorado where he paints daily in his studio.

 

Xiao Song Jiang
Xiao Song Jiang
Xiao Song Jiang
Associate/Signature Gold Medal Winner
Xiao Song Jiang was born in 1955, in Wuhan, China. In 1978 he studied fine arts at the China Academy of Art, formerly the Zhejiang Art Academy, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in 1982, then began lecturing watercolor at the City of Wuhan Construction College. Four years after, Song was selected to further develop his skill at the provincial Hubei Art Academy. During his time there, he accumulated years of experience, painting, sketching, and working for a refined grasp of color and technique.
Throughout his early career, Song has received numerous awards as one of the representatives of Chinese paintings with works displayed at international art exhibitions in the United States, Japan, Hong Kong, Turkey, and Singapore. He also had the honor of having four representative works collected and preserved at the National Art Museum of China (NAMOC) and three works at the Jiangsu Provincial Art Museum.
"Tide" by Xiang Song Jiang
“Tide” by Xiang Song Jiang
In 1988, Song immigrated to Canada and invested a passion for its vivid scenes of the broad North American landscape. While there, he travelled widely from coast to coast and gained some 20 years of experience forming his unique style of a mixture of brush and knife with attention to the unique natural detail, richer handling of light, shadow and depth in each piece, which has won him numerous awards in North American exhibitions and art festivals. He now lives by the lake in Toronto, Canada with his wife and son.
He is influenced by the beautiful land and friendly people. Through his paintings, he wishes to express his love to the North American landscape and all its people.

 

Dayle Sazonoff
Dayle Sazonoff
Dayle Sazonoff
Dorothy Mellin Driehaus Fellowship Award Winner
Dayle has been painting since 1996. She has a private studio at the Palette and Chisel in Chicago, Illinois and served on their Board in the capacities of Secretary, Vice President, and President. She is a member of Oil Painters of America.
Dayle has studied oil painting with Diane Rath and watercolor with David Becker.   She has participated in workshops with Albert Handell, Margaret Kessler, Gregg Kreutz, David Leffel, Phil Beck, Hedy Moran, and Ken Auster.
Awards include the Palette & Chisel Irving Shapiro Watercolor competition for a landscape and the Harriet Bitterly award for an oil landscape. Her oils and watercolors were accepted in juried shows in Gallery North, New Buffalo, MI.  She is the 2012 winner of the $ 20,000 Dorothy Driehaus Melin Fellowship for Midwestern Artists – Oil Painters of America.
Dayle’s paintings are in the Amoco Oil Corporate Collection, Lucca’s restaurant in Chicago, and La Chaumiere Bed and Breakfast in Calistoga, Napa, California, Dijon, France, as well as in many private collections.
"Yellow Peonies" by Dayle Sazonoff, 20 x 24
“Yellow Peonies” by Dayle Sazonoff, 20 x 24
Currently Dayle has been giving her full attention to painting oil still lifes.

“There has been a recent resurgence in the popularity of this subject matter. The important interplay of colorful and colorless in a painting, the pattern of light, and the composition are great challenges to me.  Cut flowers, fruit, and favorite objects, new and worn, are reminders of life’s transience and of things past.”

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