A Few of My Abstract Art Oil Painting Techniques

Ever wonder how an artist starts with a blank white canvas and transforms it into a beautiful oil painting?  I get a lot of questions about my oil painting techniques, because every artist works differently.  My method often involves building up my paint in layers, creating a texture that adds depth and character to my abstract art.  Sometimes, I'll dig down into the paint to expose deeper layers, showing you glimpses of the painting beneath.  Lately, I've started incorporating gold leaf in to the oil paint. Want to know more?  I'm always happy to talk about my art.  Just ask me!

Art for Life at Artwork Network

I'm pleased to be a part of the Art for Life silent art auction benefiting Project Angel Heart again this year.  My piece titled "Secret Moon" will be up for bidding along with more than 100 pieces of fine art created by local and nationally recognized artists.  It's a great way to help provide meals for those coping with life-threatening illness.

This year, Project Angel Heart will also introduce an emerging artist salon including artwork from students at Denver School of the Arts and Art Students League of Denver, juried by Denver artist Bill Starke.

The auction goes from 6-10pm at 878 Santa Fe Drive Friday September 9th. To purchase tickets visit www.projectangelheart.org.
Tickets are $65 for one or $120 for two. Enjoy marvelous cocktails, wine and delicious hors d'oeuvres and dessert while bidding on art at the Artwork Network in the Santa Fe Art District.

My oil painting is in the Denver Modernism Show!

I'm so excited that one of my latest pieces, Bare Winter, was jury-selected into the Denver Modernism show!

 

The show runs Aug. 26, 27 and 28.  Friday 5-10 pm, Saturday 10 am - 6 pm and  Sunday 10 am - 3 pm. It's at the National Western Complex Expo Hall in downtown Denver.

 

They'll have everything from a Miss Modernism Pageant, to a Vintage Car Show!

 

You can get tickets, and more information at denvermodernism.com.

Hope to see you there!

Penumbra Sunset now at Clayton Lane Fine Arts in Cherry Creek

Penumbra Sunset 24 x 24 oil on canvas

At the end of the day, just before sunset, all of the colors around us become magnified for a brilliant moment, just before they fade into the twilight.  The ancient astronomer Johannes Kepler created the word "penumbra" to describe the elusive edge of an eclipse, where the light struggles to escape being blotted out by the darkness.  When I painted Penumbra Sunset, I wanted to paint about holding onto the edge of the light, the edge of hope, keeping the beauty alive inside the darkness.

You can see Penumbra Sunset now at Clayton Lane Fine Arts in Cherry Creek.

Deepest Secret now at Clayton Lane Fine Arts in Cherry Creek

Deepest Secret 24 x 24

Deepest Secret was inspired by the e.e. cummings poem "I carry your heart."  I've always believed that you have to carry on in what you believe in, not only for yourself but for the people you love.  Sometimes, that can be incredibly hard -- but doing it defines who we are.  Deepest Secret evokes the cool blues and brilliant reds of a winter sunset, a time when the darkness and cold close in, and the crucial moments when we remember the people that inspire us to carry on.

You can see Deepest Secret now at Clayton Lane Fine Arts in Cherry Creek.

Blaze of Noon now at Clayton Lane Fine Arts in Cherry Creek

Blaze of Noon 36 x 36

The endless skies of Colorado constantly inspire me.  I embedded fragments of a Robert Frost poem in Blaze of Noon because I wanted to be reminded that everything we do, everything around us is a journey.  Our lives are not about the motions of day to day living, but about the lengths we will go to and the inspiration we find around us every day to keep us going on the journey we need to take.

You can see Blaze of Noon now at Clayton Lane Fine Arts in Cherry Creek.

Bare Winter now at Clayton Lane Fine Arts

24 x 24 Oil on Canvas

Bare Winter is about hope.  The stark image of leaf-bare trees in the snow inspired me to paint about the long wait for our chance to bloom.  The icy blue light of winter is set against flashes of sun, while the trees are caught in between, motionless, suspended between the deep cold and the distant warmth, clinging to their chance to break free and embrace the future.

You can see Bare Winter now at Clayton Lane Fine Arts in Cherry Creek.

Pieces Magazine featured my oil painting!

Deepest Secret oil on canvas 24"x24" 

I just wanted to say thanks to Pieces Magazine for featuring my oil painting Deepest Secret this month.

Pieces of Denver is a monthly entertainment magazine that offers a unique format that captures local news, sports, commentary and art. Pieces of Denver is a free publication that can be found in hundreds of locations throughout Denver and surrounding areas. You can pick up a copy at your local grocery store, many retailers, restaurants, coffee shops and hospitals. You can even subscribe for home delivery at denverpieces.com.

I really appreciate being a part of such an exciting new magazine!

2011 Inspired Art Show

I painted a charity piece for the Inspired Art Project again this year.  It was inspired by this poem called Red Heart, written by Joann R., age 9, from Munroe Elementary:

Red heart in Love, hip hip hurray
Sad heart it smells like perfume
Red heart is soft it sounds like
Pom Pom Pom

The art show and silent auction will benefit two local non-profits that promote creative expression and youth development for Denver's urban children.
America Scores Denver and Think 360 Arts.
It will be held on March 10th at Space Gallery at 765 Santa Fe Drive
Tickets are $30 in advance/$40 at the door
Fabulous drinks and hors d'oeuvres will be provided along with some amazing local art and youth poetry.
For tickets to the show visit inspiredartdenver.wordpress.com or contact aoloughlin@americascores.org.

My abstract art is now at MFI Art Company in NYC!

I'm excited to announce that MFI Art Co. and the Michael Ingbar Gallery are now representing my artwork!  This is a wonderful moment, because I love the New York art scene and I'm thrilled to be a part of it.

The MFI Art Company is a major New York art consulting firm with clients ranging from individual collectors to major multinational corporations. Since 1977, MFI has provided artwork to well over 2200 clients.  Located in the storied Soho arts district of Manhattan, the Michael Ingbar Gallery was established to help locate new artists and collectors.

If you're in the New York City area, I'd like to invite you to check out my artwork:

MFI Art Company
568 Broadway
New York, NY 10012
(212) 334-1100

http://www.mfiart.com/

My artwork will be showing at the Madden Art Museum!

My abstract oil painting Blessing Moon will be in the This is Colorado art show at the Madden Art Museum this month. The show runs from January to March. 

It's a terrific show celebrating Colorado artists and the artwork inspired by the beautiful state of Colorado.  I'm really excited to be a part of it!

The opening reception is on January 14th from 4:30-8:30 pm. Refreshments will be served.  Hope to see you there!