Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Free At Last! the Mixer is Complete


Hamilton Beach Mixer
oil on canvas
18'' x 24"

Every once in a while I get into a painting that just doesn't want to cooperate. Fortunately it doesn't happen too often, but this has been one of those paintings. I've been working on it so long now that I don't even "see" it anymore. I can't tell if it works or not. Karen says it's really good. I did the overnight test, where I tell myself to wait until the next morning to make a value judgement. When I saw it in the light of a new day, I was "less" negative about it. I still don't know if I got it with this one. Jeff Stricoff at Stricoff Fine Art, Ltd. was excited to have it, so there's a second positive opinion. I believe I'll just have to get away from it for a while, then after a few days see if it starts to grow on me.

I'm still working out the details with Plus One Gallery in London, but I think I can safely say that I'm in! They have three of my small pieces now, which they tell me they love, but "would really like some larger work". Until we figure out the logistics of our relationship I am going to hold out on sending any new paintings, but I'm confident enough to begin work on a larger painting that will be slated for their gallery. The director and I spoke over the phone last week, and I don't think what we have to deal with could break our new association. They haven't put my name on their website as yet, but I have added them to mine. Couldn't wait to do that.

These next few paintings will probably be larger pieces requiring significantly more time to complete than my earlier work. Because of this I may post more "in progress" images to keep the blog current. I haven't decided on the subject of my next painting as yet, but at this point it looks like it will be a "big" percolator.

Addendum: I've been Tagged!
I got tagged last night by an amazing watercolor artist Pablo Villicana Lara. It's my understanding that I am now required to list 5 little known facts about myself, then "tag" five other artists to do the same. Here are my five:

1. I've begun the learning process of playing, then dropping the following musical instruments in the course of my life: 1. The Accordion 2. The Coronet 3. The Piano 4. The Guitar 5. The Banjo 6. The Clarinet
2. I once produced a short lived movie magazine called Cinemondo. It was the brainchild of our friends Burk Sauls and Kathy Bakken. The production team also included my best friend at the time Michel Valin (now my brother in law), and my wife Karen.
3. I've seen Stanley Kubricks 2001: A Space Odyssey over 60 times.
4. Once a year I allow myself one entire family size bag of Cheetos all for me by myself. (These are always eaten when Karen is not at home, and at a single sitting.
5. This may seem blasphemous to admit on an art blog, but I enjoy woodworking more (much, much more) than painting. Now that I paint full-time I do not have time for it, but retain wonderful memories of building furniture. You can see a few of those pieces here.

Those to be tagged? It's very hard to pick just five. Hopefully these have not yet been tagged:

20 comments:

  1. Holy Moley! this is beautiful! You constantly amaze me.

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  2. Neil, I think it's fabulous. The subtle colors and the blue light reflection on the metal base are incredible. You done good! You done good.

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  3. The moment I saw this painting, I just fell into it. This was worth the struggle!

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  4. You have added so much more mood to this since the in progress shot. It's very good. I can't wait to see the next in progress.

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  5. The realism of it is amazing. I agree with Jelaine, the blue in combination with the other colors really anchors the piece. Congrats on the Plus One exploit. Even though the subject matter may be different, you unique style still shows through.

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  6. You've managed to make a mixer look moody, that is very clever. Its a really interesting painting of a very 'everyday' subject. Well worth ever sweat from the brow, congratulations on a wonderful work.

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  7. Time away from it is always helpful. Sometimes it takes more than a day though, I find. :)
    I think this shaped up really nicely. Somehow it feels a little different from some of your other works.. a little darker, maybe. But I like that part of it the most.

    Kudos for not giving up!

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  8. Thanks everyone. It may have looked as though I was searching for compliments on this one, but that isn't the case. This one was a real struggle, and I truly wasn't sure if it worked. Your comments have eased my mind tremendously. Thanks again for your comments.

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  9. Neil, this painting might not have been very cooperative but you sure whipped it into shape. It's elegant, intriguing,beautifully lit and fabulously moody. I LOVE it. Mabye part of your hesitation comes from working larger than you usually do and the struggle to make it work. That can make us question ourselves.

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  10. I've only just clocked the furniture...great stuff, I see why you enjoy it when you produce such beautiful objects...

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  11. It looks good: The Plus One Gallery on your website. That should make you very proud! You are heartily welcome to it. I think your paintings will look great between the other artists. Congratulations Neil!

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  12. I think it works extremely well, and it's impressive to see how far it's come from the original painting below. What I like is that it appears darker than some of your other pieces, there's something ominous about it. It was definitely worth the struggle.

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  13. Your technique always astounds; we are grateful that you continue to explore painting as your interests are pulling you elsewhere

    stopping by today from lake trees blog; checking out the top art blogs. congratulations to you!

    http://laketrees.blogspot.com/2007/12/top-101-artists-blogs-list.html

    ascenderrisesabove.com/wordpress

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  14. Congrats on the new gallery Neil and on this painting. It is one of my favorites so far.( The car still has them all beat but this comes in second).
    The thing that I like about it most is the warmth. You can feel the years and how many times it must have been touched by hands in the kitchen.

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  15. Anonymous5:43 PM

    I would like to put my order in for two of the mission end tables!!
    Beautiful work!!
    Such a perfectionist!
    Your latest painting is gorgeous!
    What patience you must have!

    K

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  16. Hi Neil,

    You are such an amazing painter. This painting evokes such a comfort of times gone by .. of 'Nana' with her mixer. It really moves me as all of your painting do.

    I also visited your woodworking site. Just beautiful. I have a great appreciation for mission style as my brother is also a woodworker and has created beautiful mission pieces as well.

    You are a great inspiration!

    With kindest regards,
    Ann

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