LIFE FROM PAINT

Winter Air

2012-01-30T11:36:00.000-08:00

The Snow fall this year has been far below what I like to see for a solid snow painting season... I really feel like the snow is a great change in abstract shapes to paint and love how everything gets silhouetted by the snow also composition can become a fun game of connect the dots. The subtle color and value shifts of sunlit snow and getting to really use my cold pthalo colors in the shadows get me so fired up to paint snow.. I'm gonna have to cut this post short to go do a snow dance out in the street.

The piece above is at the moment untitled, 16x20" and from Weber and Son Lobster CO in (I think) Harpswell Maine.

Waiting on Spring

2012-01-18T09:54:00.000-08:00

This morning when we woke up (at around 3am) I checked to the thermometer like usual to see if I need to go chisel the ice off my wife's car before she heads off to work. The temp was 41 degrees Fahrenheit! I'm not sure if fall is hanging around too long or spring is coming early something isn't right..?.

This piece Above( @ Camden Falls gallery) is a painting that makes me drift away into spring thoughts everything I see it so I thought I would share it here in mid January. Thanks for stopping by.

Back to the Drawing Board

2012-01-08T12:52:00.000-08:00

This is a sketch on newsprint I did recently at the figure/life drawing group at the Boothbay Regional Art Foundation. I think it was a 15 min pose. Not sure. Ether way, I liked it enough to share and prove that I am trying to draw more (which was my failed goal last year).

Something that I have been pushing for finally happened.. My wife Raquele has started a blog including her original photography. Here is a link to Raquele's Blog . Her use of abstract shapes in the composition are lesson for most of us and worth checking out. Also I know that if you comment there, like me, she will respond to all. Worth checking it out!

Who Wants Leftovers??

2011-12-27T12:29:00.000-08:00

Ok, I might be done with the BRAF Fund Raiser Sale but they are still chugging along til about the end of the first week in January. This piece above "Chubby Frosty" 12x12 is (I think) still for sale. Now I'm not shipping it but if you want it talk to them about shipping to you. I have just mailed out 99% of the pieces (one international left ) and the large free one and I am fresh out of time for the post office. Sorry. Here is the phone number for the BRAF 1 (207) 633 2703. They have about 9 pieces left of mine.

Merry Christmas, Merry Everything !

2011-12-24T05:13:00.000-08:00

Reposting to go with the Holiday! Also here is my new website http://danielcorey.com/ It's not done yet as far as images and its really just been started. I'm not going for a traditional website with just my work and nothing personal. After New Year look for updates. Merry Christmas!

I Won , I Won!!

2011-12-23T01:58:00.000-08:00

Recently I have been drawing more and more so I naturally started looking at what is available for sketchbooks out there and found Stillman & Birn.. These are not your average sketchbook, archival quality and the particular ones in the above image (Beta Series) are 180# natural white with enhanced wet media strength.

Oh yeah, they are bound in the USA so I like that it's helping some employment here. We could use it.

So the post title "I Won, I Won!!" is because I did win. I "liked" the Stillman & Birn Facebook page and noticed they do a giveaway every once in a while. Well, I'm not sure how often to be honest but it seems pretty regularly. So a while back I signed up for one (just an email for notification) and lost. That didnt surprise me cause i always lose raffle type contests. So I noticed a new contest near Christmas time, I entered and won!! This image is what I saw when I opened the box. A nice presentation and very generous prize, a 7x7 and 7x10 Beta Series Sketchbook. Thank you Stillman & Birn!!

Here is a link to their site: http://www.stillmanandbirn.com/

I will share some sketches soon. Incase I don't post again before Christmas.. Happy Holidays!

A Couple Things

2011-12-20T14:43:00.000-08:00

Click Here to Buy Now thru Paypal after clicking to purchase please write a description of which one you would like. example "I would like the painting of the girl on the bottom of the middle row" or you can use the title that Sargent used "Egyptian Girl" After one is sold I will write in the comments if it has sold.

So first things first, i am calling it a day on the BRAF fund raiser sale. I will leave the paintings that are here up til the day after Christmas then they will be gone. I have raised some decent money for the BRAF and would like a little of my life back so I am done. So you have almost a week to decide if you want any of the pieces left posted here. Also Kyle has pieces for sale on his blog to benefit the BRAF. I'm not sure when he is calling it a day but I'm sure you can still buy whatever he has there advertised for the BRAF at the special low price. Thank you Kyle! your a stand up guy, great painter. Thank You to everyone who participated!

Last things last.. The image above are my 5x5" and 5x7" Sargent Studies. (on gesso board) These are for sale for $100 plus $15 priority shipping. These are not just studies but small paintings in there own right. I cropped them, interpreted the colors and simplified Sargent. I'm not sure how the image will work out when clicked on but if you're interested in one and want a good image emailed just let me know. Also if you purchase one, click the link above and in the area for special instruction describe which one you want, either by location on the board, colors or the title if you know them. thanks for stopping by.

I will re-post my Snowman Painting Video just before Christmas.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ! If celebrate something else, have a great something else!

The Big Holiday, Big Painting Extravaganza..!

2011-12-19T08:07:00.000-08:00

Here's the rules.. I always wanted to say that. Seriously though, here's the rules. The first person to answer the three questions right and be a signed up "follower" of this blog wins this 24x30" painting of Murry's Hill Landing. I will pay shipping in US. You pay if outside US. Fair? Fair.

Here's your three questions.reminder all answers are on this blog some old some new...

1. How many posts did I make on this blog in the year 2009?

2. What is my wife Raquele's Birthday? (this one is very important, she is a great woman.)

3. How many Fund Raiser Paintings are currently left for sale ? (As of the time of me asking this)

Good Luck! I Love you all equally!

Last Legs

2011-11-23T10:57:00.000-08:00

So I just noticed recently that the announcement was posted on their website so I know it's ok to say it here.. I found out that I was invited to participate in this coming years Door County Plein Air event! This is great news, if you remember from past posts, I drove all the way there, painted and painted then didn't win the invite... Well I think either the work or determination paid off and I got someone's attention cause I'm going.

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy painting!

This piece is from my recent travels and exploring of Brunswick and Harpswell. "Last Legs" 16x20".

Video Demo Fun

2011-11-10T08:38:00.000-08:00

Here is a video of a larger studio piece(36x48") that i have done from a smaller sketch. This snowman was from our early for the season snowstorm recently. The bright green grass, fall leaves and snow is a great color combo that i havent had many chances to see. the warmer weather only gave this snowman a a few days but i bet he will be back one day.... Turn up the volume!!

Oh yeah, if the music starts getting to you, just turn it down. I couldnt edit the video short enough or to match the music perfectly. I could really use good video editor.

On a Roll

2011-11-09T05:07:00.000-08:00

Well, since the last black and white post seemed to help a few be inspired to put in some B&W work. I thought I would share one of my favorite value studies (6"x8") of recent. This is my attempt to organize values and see what I can get out of a simple scene. I really like it when brushstrokes seem to be cruising at about 90mph and missed their exit. And while focusing on composition and values, what I think is OK brushwork has crept in.

With all the value studying I have been doing lately I have also developed an admiration for less intense color harmonies. I am guessing we all go through wandering influences but it is no easy task being influenced by Russian impressionists and the likes of Fairfield Porter.. They are always arm wresting in my head.

Fun surprise planned for the blog and coming very soon so stay tuned!! !

Last thing, I stumbled upon a pretty cool app on iTunes called "Right Brain Price" this app will quiz you in its own strange way and measure the amount of your thought that is (I guess) controlled by right brain. Now the cool thing about this is when you think your doing really well you will find out that you should get certain ones wrong and in a certain way. Don't ask me?? Check it out, it's free.

Black and White

2011-11-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

This is a quick Umber and White demo I did for a family member the other day. I thought I would share it here and prove that I practice what I preach about doing value studies. They are worth so much to me and I enjoy the shift in focus. If you don't already practice these then get going. Get off the computer and go move some values around.

"Art is not a study of positive reality, it is the seeking for ideal truth." George Sand

Prussian Blue and his Amazing Friends

2011-10-19T05:37:00.000-07:00

This photo is a palette of colors that would satisfy most painters from strict black and white tonalist to wild colorist. The best part of this palette is that it's only three pigments! I know there are plenty of three color palette out there with mostly three comparatively weak colors and they cause a supposed color harmony. I believe that a color harmony should be found and related from what's viewed in nature not be bound by what pigments are used. Just sayin.

To me this is the limited palette that is usable and you can breath with, Cadmium Yellow, Quinacridone Red/Rose and Prussian Blue. Incase your wondering these in the photo are all RGH oils. I don't use them as much as I used to cause there prices went up.

Incase your wondering why I'm posting this info. In my classes which I'm hoping to get going again (now that summer has ended and locals have a little time to themselves ) these are the colors I recommend if people are buying for the first time or just want to stop carrying twelve too thirty tubes. Now I don't use just these three colors alone but I do usually use them as the base for my palette which I add a couple pthalos, ,an orange for convenience and yellow ochre and burnt sienna for the same reason. I think if you try these three you will see what I'm talking about and if you just add a color or two of your liking you would be all set in most all cases.

Maine Magazine

2011-10-10T15:23:00.000-07:00

So do you remember my piece "Morning in Friendship"(24x30") from a few posts back? It was featured by Maine Art Gallery in a full page ad in this months (October) Maine Magazine. I am really excited by this as it's my first full page ad and Maine Magazine is my favorite of all the magazines about Maine and life here.

Yes, if you noticed in the pic, I bought two copies.... One for my Mom.

Incase you are wondering this piece is still (as far as I know) available at Maine Art Gallery in Kennebunk ME.

Last topic today, I am enjoying the change to my blog color scheme. I was never able to frame my pieces with white before so something has changed..?. I mean in my work not the blog.
Also on the top right, above the gallery links is my Facebook page, if you join it by clicking "like" you will see a bunch of photos/paintings (soon) that I don't put on the blog.

In Line

2011-10-08T06:19:00.000-07:00

This is a piece I didn't get to post over the summer and it was off to a collector in Switzerland right after delivery to Camden Falls Gallery. "In Line" 24x30" was an early morning light piece that I think conveys that light better then I have done in the past. I just thought I would share it here.

I will be trying to get my classes at Boothbay Regional Art Foundation going again now that fall is here and people have a little time for themselves. If you are interested please feel fee to email me (email can be found in my blog profile, I'm hiding it from the spam people) for info. Will also be doing a few posts related to the class so check back soon if that interests you. Thanks for stopping by, Dan

Knight's 49

2011-09-29T08:06:00.000-07:00

Recently while scouting out a Painting location I spotted this 49 Chevy and had to paint it. The only problem was the best location to stand was either on someone's lawn or in the street. So I asked the owners of the lawn if they would mind if I set up my easel and they were great about the whole thing and to my surprise when I was close to done they inquired about purchasing this piece. So when they invited me in to discuss the particulars I was shocked to see paintings by some of my absolute favorite Maine artists on the walls. Besides the obvious positive of being able to sell my work I am still blown away with to be part of this collection and all by chance...

I won't say who the collectors are or the location but I will say that in there collection was Connie Hayes, Tollef Runquist and my main man Colin Page. I would say that's good Taste.

Cribstone at Lands End

2011-09-16T03:16:00.000-07:00

This piece "Cribstone at Lands End" (24x30") has a bridge in the background with an interesting story. Well to me anyway.. Here is an excerpt from Wikipedia.

"For many years, the residents of Bailey Island, Maine advocated that a bridge be built to connect their island with Orr's Island. The town of Harpswell, Maine, which encompasses both islands, turned down the request. However, when the Maine Legislature drafted a law allowing the state and counties to fund bridge construction, a plan emerged to build such a bridge. A contract was signed in 1926, with construction beginning on the Bailey Island Bridge in 1927 and finishing in 1928. The engineer for the project was Llewelyn N. Edwards, bridge engineer for the Maine State Highway Commission."

If you would like to see this painting in person it is in Camden Falls Gallery, Camden ME. Thanks for stopping by.

Proud Mary

2011-09-11T15:15:00.000-07:00

So here is a 16x20" titled "Proud Mary" recently delivered to Camden Falls Gallery in Camden Maine. I am using this piece to paint a much larger studio piece and trying to refine the color harmony without abandoning what I found in front of the subject. Maybe if it works out I will share it here for comparison.

"Sweet is the memory of distant friends! Like the mellow rays of the departing sun, it falls tenderly, yet sadly, on the heart." Washington Irving

Barley Field Point

2011-09-04T09:30:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I delivered a handful of late summer paintings to Camden Falls Gallery and this is one of three 24x30s that made the cut. While searching out my new neighborhood I came across Barley Field Point. This is out on what I believe is "Orrs Island". I will try to post some more from these excursions soon.

"The right use of color can make any composition work." (Fairfield Porter)

Beach Reader

2011-08-22T07:58:00.000-07:00

Well we are done moving, finally.
I am writing this post from the buzzing local coffee house "Little Dog" in downtown Brunswick. A great little place that i think we will haunt while we are living here. Try the mango passion fruit smoothie!
This being the first morning that me and Raquele are able to do something other then pick up and drop off boxes. Again, finally!

The Boat Show

2011-08-15T10:35:00.000-07:00

This coming Thursday the 18th of August is the end of the "Boat" show at Maine Art in Kennebunk. You might remember this piece from a couple posts ago. The one on the easel with the blank canvas then painted in the next post?? Well this is a better photo of that piece.

Moving update: we made it! Everything is in boxes and I'm drooling looking at my new skylight... Can't wait to put that to use and get back to work. I'll post a photo of that light soon.

Goodbye Bristol

2011-08-08T18:11:00.000-07:00

Well the time has come to move on... This week we will be moving from the studio/apt in Bristol to Brunswick. The new diggs will be a smaller apartment right near the center of town. I will definitely miss being so close to the harbors i like to haunt but I am excited to paint some different scenery.
In preparation for this move I have been sorting thru the ridiculous piles of paintings and collected "stuff" from the few plus years we have been at this location. I have cut up well over two hundred paintings. And tied together way too many book.. Now just need to move it all..
This painting (Fat Cat Day Dream 30x40") is from last year and even though the photo is not great I decided to finally share it here. This image is a view of the door to my studio with my cat Choncho in the window watching the crows bounce and leaves skate across the yard.. I will miss this place.

Docked

2011-08-02T05:48:00.000-07:00

This piece "Docked" 18x24" is from a new favorite spot that a friend showed me this summer. I love this area and always find a spark there that gets the brush moving! People always ask if you were stranded on a deserted island what would you bring. I'm gonna ask you, if you had a loaded easel setup and could only pick one place to be stranded, to paint, where would that be? Wow that is a paint nerd question.. Don't be lazy? Respond even if anonymous. Thanks for stopping by.

Door County

2011-07-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

This piece (16x20") is from my recent road trip out to Door County WI. I painted this while on the front porch of the Inn I was staying at. The heat was something that I wont soon forget and this particular afternoon the shade on the porch seemed like a nice place to get a painting in.
So at the dock side quick paint in Door County (my main reason for driving 2900 miles) I had decided before leaving Maine, that a 24x30" piece was the kind of excitement and challenge I wanted to set for myself. Go big and then go home was my motto. Ha! Anyway, the piece turned out, not so great and I did not win the invite back next year. I know, bummer for sure. The good news is I met a ton of great people and a handful I am sure I will keep in touch with for a very long time. I even got a few paintings that are heading for frames and hopefully an invite back for just being the guy who went for it and wants it the most. I will show some more of the paintings in the near future. Thank you Door County had a blast!

Updates over Breakfast

2011-07-21T14:39:00.000-07:00

In case any of you were wondering, I made it to Door County! It's lovely here. Worth the trip for sure. I am writing you this as I wait for breakfast at a nice homestyle restaurant named "Pelletier's". Omelets here, gotta wrap this up!!

This Saturday coming, July 23 this piece "South Bristol" 16x20" will be one of 10 pieces included in Maine Art Gallery's "Boat" show.

Cape Elizabeth Preview

2011-07-17T07:55:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneak peak preview for my loyal blog-ites of the 24 x 30 I just painted for the Cape Elizabeth Paint for Preservation. The area is so beautiful a must see for anyone in the area. This is Pond Cove.

Realities

2011-07-15T06:14:00.000-07:00

So here is that finished piece I promised. This piece will be the largest of eleven paintings I will be showing at Maine Art gallery's "Boat" show. The show opens this coming week in Kennebunk ME.
As the photo shows this day was absolutely perfect. The only part that was real tough was when a boat would pass by, that dock piece I was set up on would knock into the pier behind it. If you were not paying attention like say you were wrapped up in a painting you would lose your balance and it would snap you right out of focus. Fun.

Possibilities

2011-07-13T16:48:00.000-07:00

This week coming is gonna be an interesting one to say the least. First on Sunday July 17th I will be participating in the "Cape Elizabeth Paint for Preservation" paint out here in Maine then I am off on a road trip to Door County Wisconsin for a paint out there. Now I'm not part of the invited artist list but I intend to be part of the quick paint event and have the possibility to earn my self an invite for next year. So wish me luck!

I will post the finished painting soon in my next post.

Pemaquid Pickett

2011-07-06T10:10:00.000-07:00

Recently I was invited to be the 2011 guest artist of the Pemaquid Gallery. This is Maines oldest organized group of artists and is located right in the Pemaquid Point Light State Park. I am really enjoying the chane to show my paintings of the area and hang some of my personal favorites. They actually let me decide what goes where. Crazy.

The above piece "Pemaquid Pickett" 16x20" will be available soon.

There will be a link to the gallery shortly up in the top right of the blog.

Sinking Ship

2011-07-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

This Piece "Sinking Ship" 16x20" was painted recently at Parsons Creek Farm. Sinking Ship is not out at a gallery yet as it is still drying but I want to announce a new gallery relationship! Maine Art Gallery in Kennebunk ME has a beautiful, uncluttered, multi-floor, naturally light filled showroom. You can click on their name or I will have a link to their site on the top right hand side of my blog header shortly. I recommend going in person though, the show room is really that impressive.

Happy Independence Day!

On the Fence

2011-06-29T06:07:00.000-07:00

Here is a shot of my easel and a piece on it that I painted yesterday. I'm thinking the palette shot is one of my favorites when they are shared online so here is my contribution to that. This piece was my reaction to a perfect day. It was low 70s, slight breeze, painted at one of my favorite locations to go to every year, Lilac Cottage. Topping it all off the street name there is " Summer St" Doesn't get much better.

Painting Painters

2011-06-25T03:56:00.000-07:00

Here is a piece (20x16")I painted recently of fellow painter Carol Palmer. This was painted while Carol painted, moved and even put up an umbrella eventually. I feel like I got more out of this piece then I originally asked for. I love when that happens.

Yes the easel really is that big compared to her! Lol

Parson's Porch

2011-06-21T04:24:00.000-07:00

This piece was painted recently at the same location as the last post. When all cylinders are firing I really like try to keep it abstract for as long as possible and yet still be recognizable. Maybe, keeping it abstract is really keeping it real..?.

Parsons Creek Farm

2011-06-16T02:22:00.000-07:00

This is a recent piece ( Parsons Creek Farm 11x14") was painted at my Aunt and Uncles home/farm nearby. I went for the flowers that were in bloom but ended up painting the scenes that captured my attension and wouldnt let go.

If you are heading down east this summer and would like to sit in on one of my Plein Air or indoor painting classes they are very affordable and I would happy to have you. Contact Boothbay Regional Art Foundation at (207)633-2703.

Patty's Seafood

2011-06-10T13:49:00.000-07:00

This piece (8x10") was painted recently at one of my favorite summertime only seafood stops. Pattys Seafood is right on rt 1 in Edgecomb ME. One of the best lobster rolls in Maine and good prices to boot. I didn't get to have anything as I finished up just as they were opening and had to move on..

The Painter of Mud

2011-06-09T14:47:00.000-07:00

Recently I traveled down to P Town in hopes of talking with a couple galleries and meeting up with some painting amigos. I am happy to say mission accomplished on both fronts. This quick 6x8" painting is of my friend and fellow painter Frank Gardner. Frank is having show of his latest and greatest work this Saturday at the Addison gallery in Orleans MA. If your in the area check it out its worth the trip. I promise.

If you notice the title of this piece is "The Painter of Mud" this is not a knock on Frank's color choices it's because he is working on a project inspired by Charles Hawthorne's Mud Head paintings. He started a new Blog (linked form his blog) just about these Mud Heads. I would post the link to it here but I am blogging from a mobile device.

Where's my book?

2011-05-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

This piece "Where's my book?" 18x24" was a demo I did recently for my weekly painting class. Our focus was keeping color interesting through relationships and also talking about keeping value judgements so that the masses would stay together as much as possible. This piece will be available at a gallery near you soon. Well, maybe near me.

First Class too the Life Boats

2011-05-17T19:00:00.000-07:00

This is a demo piece from the painting class I have been teaching at Boothbay Regional Art Foundation. One of the lessons when we are doing Black and white work is if you are gonna break up a value mass..make sure it's worth it. In other words if you are painter that says "I like details" make sure those details are worth breaking up the big statement your piece makes from a distance. I'm big on simplifying at the moment so that's my angle. Let me know if you like seeing stuff from my class or if you are interested in attending some classes.

The spring sale has ended early due to the overwhelmingly positive response. I think that is what shut down blogger for a couple days.... Yes I'm kidding.

Frosted

2011-04-14T02:50:00.000-07:00

Frosted, 9x12" available

Here is one of my favorite pieces from my painting sessions at the Bristol Dam. "Frosted" 9x12". If you click on the image, the detail should be pretty sharp. Finally after two years of taking blurry photos..... Thank for stopping by.

Odds and Ends

2011-04-11T06:26:00.000-07:00

Recently I started teaching through the Boothbay Regional Art Foundation in, you guessed it, Boothbay Maine. For now the class is just an intro to oil, focusing on being comfortable with medium and figuring out what you want to say with it once you are comfortable. The Plein Air Classes will be starting in late spring. All the classes are really affordable and you can drop in a week if you just happen to be here for a week so please contact BRAF @ (207) 633-2703 or visit their site http://www.boothbayartists.org/ for more info.
This piece is a 6x8" of a little slice of life that caught my eye inside Paul and Pharr Schulenburg's studio. Its titled "Pharr's Side"

Snowly Moley

2011-04-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

I was right!! At the end of my last post I stated that because I was talking about spring that snow would come again.. Not only was I right about it but for being smug we have had three different snow storms since then. One storm was nice enough to deliver almost a foot of snow. Free.

There are a few more snow paintings to share here and this one is from before my recent advance in photographing my work. Some subtlety is lost. It is a 24x30 titled "Blizzard Road Bristol Dam" and was painted a couple months ago when we received the first installment of our three foot plus base of snow...

Did you know that the original spelling of snow when translated was spelled "S-N-F-O-W..?
Then, my ancestors right here in the North East, New Englanders ... Changed it to S-N-O-W...
Because they were tired of the F in Snow..........

OK, read that last sentence out loud.

I wrote that.. thanks for stopping by.

Bristol Mint

2011-03-24T16:15:00.000-07:00

This piece "Bristol Mint" (30"x40") is one of the few survivors of the great war of 2010-2011 winter. This war took place at my easel and many tubes of paint are gone, resting peacefully (and empty) for the freedom of my brush stroke...
Seriously though I must have used a gallon of white this winter and have a coffee can full of brushes that are paint frozen solid and worn or just worn. All this waste and usage seems quite worth it when you get that one you are really proud of.. This is one of those pieces.
I would love to hear what you think of it.

Even though we recently received a gift of about 4 inches of snow I am confident that spring will start any time now and boy am I ready for it. I am sure because I wrote that, we will get snow again.... thanks for stopping in.

January Shanty

2011-03-19T06:15:00.000-07:00

This lil piece (6"x8") was painted about a couple months ago but as i write this......yes, it is snowing. Most of what had built up has melted and the mud has taken over. The landscape is a little tough to paint if your into postcards.

I couldn't decide on today's quote so two it is!!

Quote1: "Real painters understand with a brush in their hand ... what does anyone do with rules? Nothing worthwhile." Berthe Moriset.

Quote 2 : "Do not worry about your originality. You could not get rid of it even if you wanted to." Robert Henri.

Frosted

2011-03-14T14:53:00.000-07:00

Here is a piece from a while back. As you may be able to see here I have really been trying to work on my paint application and I really am enjoying the feel of a loaded brush. try it. If you click on this image and then again you will see what i mean.
Anyway, I will be posting a bunch more now that hibernation has ended and the snow is melting. I am also looking into doing a proper websitesoon. So if any of you have recommendations, warnings or just something you think I should know, please chime in. Thank you.

Quote: "Nature is a dictionary; one draws words from it." Eugene Delacroix

Ding of the Jelly Jar

2011-02-23T10:37:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was the reception for the Creative Convergence shows at the Addison Gallery in Orleans MA and the Cape Cod Museum of Art. Back to back openings, one Friday and one Saturday can really help inspire you to work even harder to elevate the level of your work. I personally feel like i have been on a non-stop spiral staircase of attempted improvement. Not that I'm constantly getting better but pushing to go up and up even if i am sometimes standing still. If that doesn't make sense then I will talk a little about the inspiration for this painting.
This piece may look like just a jar and a spoon but i really tried to get the "ding" of the jar. In other words, I wanted the jar to look like if you picked up the spoon and struck it you would be able to imagine the "Ding" of the Jelly Jar.. I have always thought, If you look for something different you will find something different.

Snow Day Bouquets

2011-02-04T03:59:00.000-08:00

18"x24"

So it has been snowing up a storm here in Maine lately and from what i see on the weather channel, everywhere else too. This is an 18x24" I did recently while the snow was falling. Hope you like it.

Snowballs

2011-02-01T04:56:00.000-08:00

It feels like forever since my last post.. How many times have you read that on a blog?
This is a piece from a few weeks ago. I was painting with a couple friends Ian Bruce (keep an eye out for Ian) and Colin Page . If you go to Colin's website journal a couple weeks back you will see his great painting from this day. As we all painted, if the wind blew even a touch it would send a dusting of snow on your canvas or palette or both! We had a great time even with freezing feet and random snow deposits...

Here is the new video, finally released after much clamor in the art world :) Creative Convergence Video I am interviewed a little and reveal a top secret about seeing color and variations of within a mass.. I was punished severely by the gang for letting this cat outta the bag but its worth it, I share. enjoy.

This video is also being shown at the Cape Cod Museum of Art to coincide with the Creative Convergence show that runs through the end of February at Addison Art Gallery and the Museum. See it if you can.

Signed, Sealed (varnished) and Delivered

2011-01-07T04:18:00.000-08:00

Green Harmony 8x10

This piece "Green Harmony" 8x10" is one of the four pieces delivered to Cape Cod recently. Two went to Cape Cod Museum of Art and two to Addison Gallery in Orleans MA for this years Creative Convergence show. I'm not sure if I have clearance on this but let me be the first to start the rumor that there was a documentary filmed about us during this years trip and even though i am a little weirded out by the prospect of being in a video I am pretty excited to see the finished product.

Here is a link to Addison Gallery

Www.http://www.addisonart.com/CreativeConvergenceCapeCod/default.html

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-20T11:14:00.000-08:00

Bristol Bridge 16x20"

Happy Holidays! I have a few big things planned for next year and I can't wait to attempt them and share them... stay tuned...

Quote: "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!" author unknown

Russian Influence

2010-12-11T05:18:00.000-08:00

This piece "Russian Influence" 8x10" is from my recent trip to P Town, Cape Cod as part of the Creative Convergence yearly gathering of the brushes.. This scene was one that struck me one morning while the group was figuring out where to go paint for the day. The book on the table is "Russian Impressionists" brought on the trip by Artist Rick Casali for us all to drool over. Check out his great work by clicking on his name.

Another member of the group and one of my favorite painters Logan Hagege is having a holiday sale on some great small works. I can tell you from having some of his work in my house there is something else in it... i think the word is soul. again, click his name to see more.

Quote: "Great art is the outward expression of an inner life in the artist." Edward Hopper

Mini Series #8, #9 and #10 the Grand Season Finale..

2010-12-08T08:40:00.000-08:00

Here are the final three pieces in the Mini Series, #8 A study from "The Daughters" #9 "Nude Egyptian Girl" and the grande finale #10 "Spanish Dancer" All of this series starts ending tomorrow on ebay so I thought I would put them all out so if you were trying to decide which one, they would all be available to view. Thanks for stopping by, Dan

Mini Series #7, Study of a Study...

2010-12-07T09:34:00.000-08:00

Here is a 5"x5" study of a study.. John Singer Sargent's "Study for "The Prophets" a mural in the Boston area. As I search scour thru all the images I can find of JSS's work for this self imposed project, I am deepening my appreciation. Let me ramble for sec. Most are in awe of just his ability to trick the eye into a reality like viewing experience. I say that is only a truley great accomplishment because of the poetry of his lively brushwork. Proof that reality is not the end all be all, in fact it is absolutely nothing without the poetry. Let me know what you think?

Usually when I ask for opinions I get zero comments.. Lets make a New Years resolution together?? I ask for your opinion and you give it... OK? Now go check out the auction, these look way better in person.

Mini Series #6, Madame X

2010-12-06T11:06:00.000-08:00

Madame X, no relation to Malcolm. :)-) was the painting that was not commissioned to Sargent but was his choice. This piece supposedly sealed the doom of his future as a portrait painter, well in France at least. Bad choice? I don't think so. In my opinion these choices and the stories like it, create an artist's legend.

Mini Series #5, The Master's Master

2010-12-05T10:09:00.000-08:00

Here is a 5"x7" study of the portrait John Singer Sargent painted of his teacher, Carolus Duran. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say he was probably a pretty good teacher.....

Quote: "Color is an inborn gift, but appreciation of value is merely training of the eye, which everyone ought to be able to acquire" J.S. Sargent

Mini Series, Vernon Lee....

2010-12-04T12:37:00.000-08:00

Here is number four in the "mini series" after Sargents "Vernon Lee" now am I alone in thinking this was a lady til the name was read??? either way one of my personal favs.

"Vernon Lee" 5"x5" on Gessobord

Click here to bid

Mini Series, Lord Ribblesdale.... a Peacocking Playa..

2010-12-03T10:26:00.000-08:00

I have always thought this guy was the epitome of Sargent.... Straight swagger... there was so much in his brush he liberally applied it to the stance and overall look of his sitters. I wish he were able to paint my portrait, especially after the holidays...

Some of the questions i have received about this series have focused on when they would ship... They will all be shipped in time for Christmas. The first one is a ten day auction and they will get progressively shorter towards the end of the series. Also they are all oil on Gessobords by Ampersand. Thank you to all who are watching and interested.

Quote: "I do not judge, I only chronicle" JS Sargent

Click here to bid

The Lady.....

2010-12-02T12:35:00.000-08:00

Here is number two in the "Mini Series" Thee Lady Agnew. I know I'm not alone when I say the original piece is probably one of the hottest portraits ever painted.
I hope I did some justice to the stunning beauty that Sargent painted, even just 1%.

Quote: "Mine is the horny hand of toil" JS Sargent

Hey I didn't say it...

Click here to bid

Made for TV Mini Series, Studies of Sargent

2010-12-01T11:42:00.000-08:00

OK, I have been waiting for quite a while to have the time to be able to do this...

Over the next week or so I will be doing approximately ten 5x7" or 5x5" studies of some of my favorite John Singer Sargent pieces. If you are a regular reader of this blog you know I have talked about JSSs' influence and pure image making genius more then once. So attempting this should be a chance for me to learn from one of the only painters in my humble opinion to deserve the moniker "Master".

These minis will be for sale on Ebay starting very low with an optional low buy it now price. I don't plan on regularly selling directly but these "mini series" could be fun and not everyone is looking for large pieces. thanks for stopping by.

click here to bid

Quote: "I don't dig beneath the surface for things that don't appear before my own eyes" J.S. Sargent

Firewood, a Winters Worth

2010-11-22T06:49:00.000-08:00

Firewood, a winters worth 20x24

Quote: " I put my heart and my soul into my work, and have lost my mind in the process" Vincent Van Gogh

Silver and Gold

2010-11-14T16:23:00.000-08:00

Silver & Gold 11x14

Here is a figure piece from earlier this year titled "Silver and Gold" 11x14. I really like the connection that's made when painting a figure. It seems that every shape and line when represented honestly convey the models mood, attitude, comfort or in this piece possibly discomfort. Standing, holding a pose for hours can cause you to tense up in order not to slouch or shift too far from the starting pose. Frequent breaks are needed for sure. I admire anyone who has the ability to do this job, and the guts to boot! I think this piece shows that tension in the pose.

Quote: "I tell you, the more i think, the more i feel there is nothing more artistic then to love people." Vincent Van Gogh

A Little Goes a Long Way

2010-11-12T07:01:00.000-08:00

A little goes a long way 11x14

So this year it seems that Veterans day is getting some extra well deserved attention. I'm not sure if it's because more and more people are having to deal with life without a service member, temporarily or permanently. I would love to write my opinion of the war and the big question of why but i will save that for another day..

I would like to Say thank you to the veterans, especially the ones in my family. Thank you!

This piece "A Little Goes a Long Way" 11x14 is about pride. Does anyone remember right after 9/11 how close we all seemed? Every car had a flag sticker on it? Well when I saw this little flag on the red house at my local paintn spot, it reminded me of those times.

This piece is part of the current show at Tidemark Gallery in Waldoboro.

Bettah Phodo!

2010-11-09T13:17:00.000-08:00

Local Color 12x12

This post is just to provide a better photo of the piece "Local Color"(12"x12") This piece is available thru my studio. Email for pricing.

Firey

2010-11-08T13:44:00.000-08:00

Firey 12x12

This piece "Firey" (12x12") is part of the current show at Tidemark gallery. It's one of those pieces that i have kept hanging on the studio wall for myself. I have received great feedback on this piece and the rest of the show, I wish I could have it all online to show you......I will try to post a bunch of the pieces here before its down. If you find yourself interested in a piece please feel free to contact me or Tidemark gallery of Waldoboro ME and you will be helped.

Ps there were approx 20 small works (6x8 or smaller) included in this show. I priced them low to say thank you to the people and Tidemark gallery.( Thank you Tidemark for a great opening also!!) There are still some left so get down there before its over.

Pirate Portraits, AArrrgggg you ready for the Tidemark gallery show?

2010-11-05T16:25:00.000-07:00

Pirate Portrait 11x14

i hope everyone had a great Halloween and is not too sick from all the candy. We didn't get one knock at the door with trick or treaters. Maybe its because we live on a high speed road and really only have one neighbor. Anyway, i was getting really frustrated with not being able to post so i kept messing with the broken computer today. A couple swings of the hammer and it stayed on for a good half hour. Enough time for me to upload and edit some photos.

So here is one of my contributions to what has become known as "Pirate Portraits". Painted in P Town, these were very informal, sit in the middle of a room, everyone surrounds you and the paint starts flying. The best spots to stand were somewhere near the two or three lights in the room, sometimes on these portraits i had to turn on my nocturne painting nite light. Really hardcore stuff. I think i got this guy down on this piece. Maybe.
Well im hoping to post more soon. If the computer holds out.. Sorry no quotes, I'll get back to it soon. Peace..

Oh yeah, don't forget the Tidemark show Saturday November 6 ! I have put together some of my absolute favorite pieces. 34 all together, there is even a portrait study in there after Sargent! Goodtimes..

Bad News...

2010-10-26T12:36:00.000-07:00

I wont be able to post for a little while... Well not with photos at least. My computer has bit the shed... til I can post again please rest assured i will be painting up a storm and have plenty to show you hopefully soon. Also I will be having a showing of my work at the Tidemark Gallery in Waldoboro ME. This is really a group show but I will have approx 25 pieces to share. The opening if you are in the area or want to be is Nov 6th, i think around 5pm. Also if anyone wants to swap some sort of modern I Mac computer for some art work, let me know. Dan

Creative Convergence 2010 Wet Paint Sale

2010-10-15T05:07:00.000-07:00

I just recently returned from this years Creative Convergence trip in Province Town Massachusetts. These two pieces plus one more not shown will be available starting tomorrow at Addison Art Gallery in Orleans MA. The top one is titled "Local Color" (12"x12") and definitely shows the influence of Henry Henche and the local Cape Cod School of Art. The second is titled "Green Harmony" (8"x10") and is of one of the iconic rock structures that line the beach in P Town. Both were photographed in slight rush with out being able to re shoot.. sorry for the fuzzyness..

I will (hopefully) be at the opening reception Saturday night from 5:30-7:30.

Choncho's Nap & Creative Convergence... Doing the trip.

2010-10-11T19:43:00.000-07:00

Here is a 6"x8" of my cat Choncho taking one of his daily naps. I feel like taking a nap myself. It has been a long summer (a good one) and I am ready for the slow down that happens here in Maine just about now.
Maybe the muted color harmony is a result of the way I was feeling watching and painting my little buddy taking a nap..?. I dont know. Either way its a peacefull piece for me.

I am currently in P Town on the Creative Convergence trip. There will be a wet paint show on Saturday at Addison gallery in Orleans MA from 5:30-7:30. See ya there.

Monhegan Legacy

2010-09-26T07:29:00.000-07:00

Here is a 20"x24" titled "Legacy". This piece along with a couple others are the result of taking some of my plein air pieces and living with them for a while, digesting whats going on. Hopefully learning from it then cleaning up the composition with a studio piece.

I am seeing the benefits of this practice in my plein air regularly but in a different way then you might think. Instead of seeing problems before they happen I think I am noticing them quicker as they are arising and starting fresh on a new piece, with the composition change on the front of my mind. The 30x40 "Fishermans Memorial" from a couple posts ago is an example of this practice that I am particularly proud of. I would love to hear your thoughts. Is this something you practice or would consider trying? Thanks for stopping by. Dan

Quote "It's all in how you arrange the thing... the careful balance of the design is the motion." (Andrew Wyeth)

Lady in Waiting

2010-09-22T05:05:00.000-07:00

Here is another piece including local lobster boat "Russ Ann". I really enjoy this boat, the colors (especially in the sun) the proud stance it takes on the stands and I imagine in the water she is the perfect balance of handling and stability. I cant wait to see her covered in snow..
Speaking of snow, I just purchased a Subaru Forester (well the bank did, but they have my signature :) ) and look forward to being able to really get out and paint in the harsh Winter weather. So if you have been on the fence about buying one of my pieces, now would be a great time. Subaru cars are not cheap but are pretty much a necessity to live and work here.

Quote: "I get letters from people about my work. The thing that pleases me most is that my work touches their feelings. In fact, they don't talk about the paintings. They end up telling me the story of their life or how their father died. " (Andrew Wyeth)

Country Road

2010-09-12T15:46:00.000-07:00

Here is a 16x20 I painted in South Bristol during the recent heatwave we had here in the N East. When coming home to have a small break i would see my thermometer consistently above 115 in the sun, highest was 119. I know those are not the "real" temps but when you work in the sun they are !
This piece is available at Coco Vivo Fine Art right around the corner in Boothbay. I just had my first opening with Coco Vivo, and had a great time. A big THANK YOU to everyone there for welcoming me and making me feel at home.

Quote: "The painter must enclose himself within his work ; he must respond not with words; but with paintings." Cezanne

Fishermans Memorial on Monhegan Island

2010-09-06T10:32:00.000-07:00

Here is a 30"x40" piece I painted recently of the Fishermans Memorial on Monhegan Island. Right about now the waves at this location are pretty good for painting and can be heard all the way on the other side of the island. About one mile away. At this time last year, while I was there, a workshop group was set up in this area painting. My guess is the students trusted their teacher to know better then the warnings of the locals and common sense... Well an extra large "rogue" wave came up and over this memorial, almost washing the class away.. One person had their entire Open Box M setup washed out to sea, they found the stainless steel brushwasher later and it was completely pitted and rusted from 45 mins in the ocean..

The photo is a pretty big let down...sorry.

Quote: "The best art amazes us because of what the artist left out, not because of what he or she put in. If everything is included, why not photograph the subject instead? " Sergei Bongart

Life from Paint @ Coco Vivo Friday Sept 3rd

2010-09-02T06:23:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple more pieces that will be part of my show at Coco Vivo in Boothbay ME. the top one is of of one of my favorite local ladies,the Russ Ann. I have driven by this boat for about 4 years an finally stopped to paint it. I am not sure what happened to the image, maybe blogger messes with it..?. Either way travel down east to see this and about 10 other new pieces in person cause photos don't cut it. Especially when I'm holding he camera.
The second piece is a 18x24 of Atlantic Avenue in Boothbay. When it was painted I was surrounded by a church, a memorial statue, boats, a beautiful harbor with working fishing docks but i couldnt fight it, I was attracted to the dynamic movement of the quiet street, which is usually loaded with people this time of year. I can't even picture people in this scene, it would get too busy with this composition.

The opening is this Friday (tomorrow Sept 3rd. I will be there unless we get hit by a hurricane.........?

Quote "Instead of trying to reproduce exactly what I see before me, I make more arbitrary use of color to express myself more forcefully."

(Letter to Theo van Gogh, 11 August 1888)

Good Morning

2010-08-26T05:32:00.000-07:00

Hi or should I say good morning? This piece titled "Good Morning" 20"x16" will be part of a showing of my work scheduled for this coming Friday Sept 3rd. at Coco Vivo Fine Art in Boothbay Maine. (see link above)
While I was painting this the woman that owned the house, the fence and the Sunflowers came out and was so happy that I was painting there she went in and brought me out the juiciest peach you have ever had.. So I decided she had to make a couple brush strokes, she did, did well and I think was somehow happier then I was with the peach..

Quote: "Morisot seems to paint with her nerves on edge, providing a few scanty traces to create complete, disquieting evocations." Octave Mirbeau

"Paint the Town" Waldoboro Today

2010-08-21T02:02:00.000-07:00

Well it's about 4:30 am as I write this, proof that someone can be somewhat coherent at this ridiculous hour.. Here is a piece I did recently in Waldoboro and may submit for the benefit auction this evening at the towns "Paint the Town" event. If you are in the area or have access to one of those jets ( you know the fast ones that whistle) swing in and check it out. I always have a great time catching up with other painters and meeting with collectors.

Quote "I know for sure that I have an instinct for color, and that it will come to me more and more, that painting is in the very marrow of my bones."

(Letter to Theo van Gogh, 3 September 1882)

Two More 20x24s

2010-08-18T04:10:00.000-07:00

Here are two of the four recent additions to the pieces on display at Camden Falls Gallery in Camden Maine. To see the other two you are just gonna have to drive over and see'em.

Waitin Ta Go

2010-08-10T15:59:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking of doing a demo vid for the blog and would love some feedback on interest.. I promise I will not stare into the camera and drop the "Blue Steel" look on you......... @ _@

:)-)

Quote: " Photography has greatly disturbed the imagination, because one has seen things devoid of feeling. When I wanted to get rid of all influences which prevented me from seeing nature from my own personal view, I copied photographs." Henri Matisse

On a Positive Note

2010-08-06T05:45:00.000-07:00

This painting was from a recent trip over to Waldoboro and will be available at the "Paint the Town" auction August 21st. When I was just finishing with this piece a woman approached me, asked if I was Daniel Corey, (I said yes) she then introduced herself offering her hand. I politely showed her my paint covered hands, instead she told me when and where her parents met me and that they were big fans.... Nothing prepares you for such a compliment.. Thank you.

"In both figure and landscape....I want to get to the point where people say of my work: that man feels deeply, that man feels keenly" Mr Van Gogh

Week of Insults...

2010-08-05T04:33:00.000-07:00

What a week its been.... I recently returned from a short (mostly business) trip to Cape Cod where I met with a gallery owner about possibly being represented. Long story short the words used to describe the piece above was " a generic still life ".... I know " criticism is part of the job" or "it happens" but I really feel like this piece has the qualities (good and bad) that fully represent what I am about.......I'm hoping that's not too "generic" ...
To round out my week of insults when I went to pick up a piece from a local plein air show I found it on a table with 5 or 6 other paintings stacked on top of it... now normally this would be NO problem BUT these 5 o 6 pieces were stacked on top of the FABRIC support that the painting was on....... so it was pretty stretched out... I also stopped by a different "local show" to see how the show looked hung and found one of my piece hanging in the bathroom......yes it smelled like bathroom spray....nuff said.

Quote: "I believe that the personality of the artist develops and asserts itself through the struggles it has to go through when pitted against other personalities." Henri Matisse

Pemaquid Pump House

2010-08-03T05:16:00.000-07:00

This piece "Pemaquid Pump House" 14"x18" is available thru Coco Vivo Fine Art in Boothbay Harbor Maine.
(see link near blog title)

Lupine Gallery, Monhegan Island

2010-07-31T05:06:00.000-07:00

After my recent trip to Monhegan Island (mentioned a post or three ago) I am elated to announce that my work will be showing at Thee Lupine Gallery on Monhegan Island. I am honored to hang on the same walls as some of my heroes in painting... what else can I say?...

Quote: An artist is not paid for his labour but for his vision" James McNeill Whistler

International Stance

2010-07-29T04:58:00.000-07:00

This piece "International Stance" 16x20 is available at Camden Falls Gallery in Camden Maine. camdenfallsgallery.com

Sunny Side Up

2010-07-24T16:14:00.000-07:00

So this weekend I ventured back to Monhegan Island for first time since my residence there last year. When I first arrived I was greeted by so many friendly faces and warm welcome backs. Thank you Monheganites!

This year M.A.R.C (Monhegan Island Residency Corp) is doing an anniversary show including all the past recipients of the residency award (including me) . It should be one great show and I hope my favs are part of it! Google em for more info! see ya there.

Quote: "It's on the strength of observation and reflection that one finds a way. So we must dig and delve unceasingly." Claude Monet

Quote II : "I'll look in a sorry state when I get home; my clothes have faded in the sun." Claude Monet

Poverty Farms

2010-07-21T14:17:00.000-07:00

"Poverty Farms" 24x36" available at Coco Vivo Gallery. http://www.cocovivofineart.com/

Chocolate Milk

2010-07-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

This week I have decided to revamp the look of the site/blog would be cool to hear some opinions on it.

The piece shown here "Chocolate Milk" is an 8"x8" oil, available at Coco Vivo Fine Art right here locally in Boothbay Maine through their gallery in Charleston South Carolina.

Quote: "I paint with the stubbornness I need for living, and I've found that all painters who love their art do the same." Suzanne Valadon

Showing at Botanical Garden

2010-07-13T06:50:00.000-07:00

This piece is from the recent paint out at the Botanical Gardens here in Boothbay Maine. "Portrait of Delphinium"(20x16") will be on display July 18th-25th at the Botanical Gardens with an artists reception July 19th 5-7pm. Hope to see you there.

This week I am also announcing my summer/fall Plein Air Class. This will be a twice weekly class that you can sign up for multiple classes for a discount or if your around only for a week or two you can drop in for a modest price. This will be Tuesday and Thursday mornings in the Bristol and Boothbay area. for more info feel free to email me. (I will not answer pricing questions on the blog) Coming soon will be a site/blog dedicated to the class, its locations and the weekly happenings. It will be a blast!

Quote: "What moves men of genius, or rather what inspires their work, is not new ideas but their obsession with the idea that what has aready been said is still not enough." Eugene Delacroix.

That has to be one of the best quotes I have come across.

The Cream Machine

2010-07-08T06:59:00.000-07:00

Here is a 16x20 of my latest muse.. the Tractor... They are all over Maine and seems like when you think you have spotted the oldest working one or the strangest colored you bump into one that is a step above the others.. I personally am looking for the craziest ratio of front tire to rear tire size. Before I considered painting them I vaguely remember seeing one with at least 6 foot rear tires... I will find you!

Quote:"I paint forms as I think them, not as I see them."Picasso.

The more I paint the more Picasso makes sense.. Has anybody else made this discovery about Picasso or any other Artist? This could be good conversation..?.

Slippery Slope

2010-07-03T18:20:00.000-07:00

This week has been a little hectic with delivering all my latest work to galleries:

Camden Falls in Camden( www.camdenfallsgallery.com ) and

CoCo VivO in Boothbay Harbor( http://www.cocovivofineart.com/ )

Also today I attended the Plein Air Paint out at the Botanical Gardens in Boothbay (a couple miles from Coco Vivo gallery) This paint out is a two day event, July 3rd & 4th. There will be a reception on July 17th for selected displayed works. I will not be there on the 4th to paint. Sorry. Beach day!

This painting "Farmers Lunch break" (14x18) is one of my favorites of recent. I think it is the simplicity that appeals to me. What do you think? This piece is at Camden Falls Gallery.

Quote: John Sloan in Gist of Art, 1939
"Though a living cannot be made at art, art makes life worth living. It makes living, living. It makes starving, living. It makes worry, it makes trouble, it makes a life that would be barren of everything -- living. It brings life to life." *Sloan

Tug of Workhorse

2010-06-26T08:09:00.000-07:00

This piece is a 30x40 that I did recently. Seeing these two work horses back to back was almost too good to be true.

If you are a regular reader/viewer of my blog please take to time on this post to say hi or comment (positive or negative) and let me know you were here and what you think. Thanks for looking, Dan

Quote "Shadow is a color as light is, but less brilliant; light and shadow are only the relation of two tones." Paul Cezanne

Check is in the Mail....

2010-06-23T10:50:00.000-07:00

This week has been a good one so far. I got to paint with my buddy Colin, I have only erased a couple paintings (that's usually a much higher number by any Wednesday) and I have some sweet frames on order. Hopefully! gallery season will start for me once they arrive. Then I can release some photos of pieces that have been kept top secret for no actual reason.... :))

Quote:"Above all keep your colours fresh!"Edouard Manet (1832--83).

Liberty Farms

2010-06-20T07:10:00.000-07:00

Hi all, I want to start off this post with a big Happy Fathers Day to all the men (or women in some situations) who have been there through thick and thin. Thanks Tom!

I figured whats a better icon of Fathers Day than a sweet John Deere tractor/mower.... I cant think of one... This painting is a 20x24 (yes another one) and was painteda few weeks ago at Liberty Farms near the Edgecomb/Boothbay line. They have the best fresh eggs in Maine that I have tasted. The second painting is from the same day. It is of a painter named Pat and she was sitting pretty still and the light was right so i sketched this 8x10 with the quickness.

Anyway the photos were pretty rushed as there is much to do today (including some painting I hope) so don't give me @$%# about em. Later on today my wife and I are going to a small get together to watch Brasil win in the World Cup. Go Brasil! (and USA also! but lets be honest... not yet...)

Quote: "I surrendered to a world of my imagination, re-enacting all those wonderful tales my father would read aloud to me. I became a very active reader, especially history and Shakespeare." (Andrew Wyeth)

P Town and Uncle Smokey

2010-06-16T04:04:00.000-07:00

So this past week (OK two) have been pretty busy. I had a friend/Artist (Kyle Martin) from Wisconsin come up to Maine for some painting. We had a blast. You can see more of his great work by clicking on his name on the right hand side of the screen.

Then I shot down to P Town to get in some painting with Paul Shulenburg, Marc Hansen, Peter Kalill, Frank Gardener, Jeff Bonasia, Logan Hagege and Jerome Greene. Jerome is the subject of this portrait. I painted "Uncle Smokey"(12x10) while we were all on the beach, in the heart of P Town. The other piece "Lost Cause" is a 20x24 I started this particular day with.

Quote: "An artist must recognize, when he is reasoning, that his picture is an artifice; but when he is painting, he should feel that he has copied nature. And even when he departs from nature, he must do it with the conviction that it is only to interpret her more fully." Matisse in his Notes of a Painter, 1908.

Reception

2010-06-08T15:22:00.000-07:00

Busy busy busy lately framing and painting.... This is a painting that has been on my mind for a couple years... So I finally stopped a few weeks ago and got it done. If anyone can tell me where this is you will receive 10 pts. These points are good for absolutely nothing BUT...... they are yours to keep.....

Van Gogh on Learning to Paint: "As soon as I have more power over my brush, I shall work even harder than I do now ... it will not be long before you need not send me money any more." (Letter to Theo van Gogh, 21 January 1882)

Afton's Legacy

2010-05-29T05:50:00.000-07:00

I painted this piece a couple weeks ago, its a 20x24 and is one of the only "overcast weather" pieces that I let live... Most see the round file.

Quote:"I know for sure that I have an instinct for color, and that it will come to me more and more, that painting is in the very marrow of my bones."(Letter to Theo van Gogh, 3 September 1882) Vincent van Gogh.

Leftovers.....uuggh

2010-05-25T16:39:00.000-07:00

Quote: "The best part about being an Artist is still being able to enjoy books for the pictures" Me/ Daniel Corey

Beauport Easel Fix

2010-05-23T14:42:00.000-07:00

Alot of people have been using or should I say "trying" to use the latest mass produced version of the original Goucester Easels, the Beauport. Working painters look for an outdoor easel that is sturdy while painting and they can actually leave for a second and not find fallen over, broken and your painting butter side down in the dirt when they return. This easel has that potential, the one thing holding it back is well, itself. The modern manufacturer ( I don't know the actual name) is sending these out for sale ignoring the best parts of the design that they have stolen (borrowed??)
With this post I'm hoping to help out those who bought one (or are about to) based on the photos and when they got it out of the bag and tried to use it said " WTF this thing is a POS!" Most of the measurements for the mods I'm gonna show you can be made by looking at the enlarged photo and guesstimating the location. Only a couple of things are very important to making this easel work correctly. Please ask questions if I am vague or over look anything.

First thing is the traveling, the "body bag" it comes with is ridiculous. You can probably use that to carry six of these easels...

Most all you need can be held in place with two small bungee cords.

1: First mod is taking one of the stock strap holder rings off and putting aside for later. Replace this with a decent frame hanger ring. The one you took off fits something else that we need to modify later. While doing this you can throw out the stock plastic clip that is attached to the strap. That thing is junk and you will do better to tie the long strap directly to the metal rings.

2: Place a small eyelet that has been bent open in the top inside of the back leg, as shown in Photo 3 and 4, this will be what holds the horizontal "A" cross braces in place when we are closing the easel and opening it. Notice the screws place into what will be the bottom front of the horizontal "A" frame. By the placement of the screws in the hinge area you should be able to get a ball park measurement to place these screws and leave them out approx 1/4 - 1/8 of an inch.

3: Here in Photo 5 we see where that strap ring clamp went, we placed it around one of the metal "C" rings that hold together the horizontal "A" cross braces. The other Metal "C" ring has been removed for the next step. Please click on photo as it should make what is going on here much clearer.

4: Notice in Photo 6 the location and orientation of the "metal C rings" one is in between the metal pins of the horizontal A cross brace and the other we must bend back on in front of the front set of pins. The opening of the "C" must be up on both metal "C" rings in order for the easel to close properly. Again click on the photo for clarification.

When you set up your easel now you will be able to use the supplied rod (the one that looks like there is a nail sticking out of one side) to pull the closest metal "C" ring towards you and this will tighten the easel. No more wobble. Genius right?
Anyway when these mods are complete your easel should fold up like an original and open like one too. If you ever get the chance to pick an original up, do it! They are about 3-4lbs lighter then the Beauport and the ones Ive seen open quicker then any other easel I know of.

No quotes today, a real post coming soon. Go paint!

Invasion of the 20x24s..

2010-05-17T16:38:00.000-07:00

For the past few weeks I have been painting 20x24" inch canvases more then anything else, here are a few that I like enough to share with you.

If your someone that says "I could never paint big outdoors" then that should give you all the more reason to try it... If you step back and use big brushes its really a similar experience to an 8x10 or 11x14. Except when you have a drawing mistake, people can see it from 30 feet away. Happy Painting!

Quote: Van Gogh on Color: "I know for sure that I have an instinct for color, and that it will come to me more and more, that painting is in the very marrow of my bones."(Letter to Theo van Gogh, 3 September 1882)

Quote 2 (remember... Two Quote Tuesday!) : "I retain from nature a certain sequence and a certain correctness in placing the tones; I study nature, so as not to do foolish things, to remain reasonable. However, I don't mind so much whether my color corresponds exactly, as long as it looks beautiful on my canvas, as beautiful as it looks in nature."(Letter to Theo van Gogh, October 1885)

Where the Masses Meet is Where the Color Sleeps!

2010-04-30T02:57:00.000-07:00

This week has been pretty crazy weather wise, we have had short sleeve shirt (in the sun) weather and yesterday I had snow landing on my palette.... For the most part spring has sprung in Maine and the grass is getting greener (finally!) .

I have decided that just one last gray scale comparison will do it this week and thought it was a good one to do this with, here's why. The colors are what some would call "crazy" or "Imaginative" I see these colors as fine comparisons of warm/cool and lighter/darker but you can judge for yourself. Either way it works in the gray scale and proves a point that a value is only a light or a dark in comparison to the value next to it.. If you took the unlit side of the building in this piece and made a sample chip to hold up to other paintings you would see that it could be a "Light", in this one it works as "in shadow. This piece was painted at Cozy Harbor in Boothbay, its 8x10.

The top piece is from a day up on Mount Battie here in Camden Maine. It was a day of on and off rain, this one is when the rain clouds left for the day. I am not sure why the top left of the image looks dirty??? In real life it is clean color. This piece is a 20x16.

Quote" "I have observed a number of works which actually lead one to assume that certain people's eyes show them things differently from the way they really are ... who perceive - or as they would doubtless say 'experience' - the meadows as blue, the sky as green, the clouds as sulphurous yellow, and so on ... I wish to prohibit such unfortunates, who clearly suffer from defective vision, from trying to foist the products of their faulty observation on to their fellow men as though they were realities, or indeed from dishing them up as 'art'."Adolf Hitler, 1937.

there.. do you really wanna have to the same opinions on color as that guy????

"The craving for colour is a natural necessity just as for water and fire. Colour is a raw material indispensable to life. At every era of his existence and his history, the human being has associated colour with his joys, his actions and his pleasures."-- Frenand Leger, "On Monumentality and Color", 1943.

I'm guessing these two didn't share a six pack.. LOL.. thanks for stopping by, Dan

Values..... what have you done to me?...

2010-04-19T06:19:00.000-07:00

OK the title is a little dramatic... Here are some more images in both Color and black and white. Please let me know what you think of these in comparison of the B+W versus the Color. Also let me know if these comparisons are affecting any your work and helping you keep values on the front of your mind, I would love to hear the feedback.

Images from top to bottom, 12x16, 8x10, 6x8.

Quote: "…As I understand it, we of course agree perfectly about black in nature. Absolute black does not really exist. But like white, it is present in almost every color, and forms the endless variety of grays -- different in tone and strength. So that in nature one really sees nothing else but those tones or shades. " Van Gogh..

A Month and A Day

2010-04-06T07:49:00.000-07:00

Wheeew it has been a month and a day since my last post... First off I would like to dispel any rumors that my blog is closing down and that I joined the peace corps or taken an apprenticeship with Ravi Shankar... In all honesty I have been working real hard on accessing where I am with my painting and what I need to work on to move forward.
What I have come up with is Values... I have always been pushing colors as far as I can and as a result my work has always stayed towards the middle of the road value wise. The side effect of this mid value bias is less impact visually and can sometimes (OK alot of the time) lull you to mental sleep.. Don't get me wrong I feel that a near white mid tone and almost black value scheme is the absolute worst. The lack of mid tone finesse can push away even the greenest of viewers on to the next image. So here is a collection of a few pieces in Color and Black + White. Let me know which ones you think worked out better or worse and if the value patterns seem too busy.... I think that's my next focus

I also would love to hear how the photos are looking compared to before, the bottom one is one I have had a few "re photo" requests for, so here it is.

Two Quote Tuesday. Both Paul Cezanne.

Quote: "Painting is damned difficult ... you always think you've got it, but you haven't."

Quote2: "I want to die painting."

Yesterday

2010-03-05T05:47:00.000-08:00

HI all! here is a 20x24" I did recently from one of my new favorite locations. I would love to ramble here but the suns out and its above (slightly) freezing here in Bristol ME, my palette is loaded (and filling the house with the great smell of linseed oil) so I'm heading out to paint. thanks for stopping by.

Quote:”An artist is not paid for his labour but for his vision.” --. James McNeil Whistler.