March '06 paintings, "On your Game"

"Belgian Study", 16"x20"

"March on the Sanpoil", 11"x16"

It's good to get back to painting after traveling on business for the Washington PUD's. You have to paint everyday to be 'on your game'.
Paul Dorrel, "Are You Making What You're Worth?", April addition of the Artist's Magazine, explaining to a patron that is new to purchasing art about the seemingly high price of artwork. In answer Dorrel, explained the amount of time, perhaps decades and training an artist invests in his career and although a painting may not reflect the hours of time it took to make it, the painting was a reflection of all the effort that lead up to that point. Dorrel also points out the role of the artist to society is as important as that of any other career be it legislator, archetect or engineer and to allow for that in your pricing. Those thoughts resonate with me. Sometimes it's difficult to continue when the financial challenges are so daunting. Such considerations challenge innovation and the exploration of technique or even content.
People want what is safe, especially in times of social duress but in fact it is this duress that motivates 'new' points of view and the challenge of established status quo whether it is in art or our homes.
In these studies I have been influenced by an artist I met and hope to have the opportunity to work with, Robert Krogle. www.robertkrogle.com . An exceptional draftsman his paintings are masterful. I bought a portrait study and have scrutinized it.
Solid basics of drawing, value, edges,color and technique. Thick over thin, back to front, light over dark.
I hope to get to Couer d'alene, ID. where artists are working together in studio to keep inspired and be challenged by fellow artists. Except for Everett Russel, Republic artist this area is pretty remote from other artistic influences.