Crystal Bridges Museum Close Up

Last Friday, Kimberly and I visited the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, AR. It's not a large museum, but it is a beautiful building. As always, seeing these pieces up close allows me to gain a better understanding of the work which is poorly represented in reproductions in books and on the web. Shared here are some of the close up photos we were able to capture during the visit. Click on the images for a larger view.

Here's Dennis Miller Bunker's "Portrait of Anne Page." This full image is one that I pulled from the web, and does not do the portrait justice.

While the face is beautifully painted,

it's the hands that reveal the true mastery. They reveal a subtle variation between warm and cool color and an incredible economy of brushstroke.

The roses also showcase this delicate and simplified brushwork.

Here's another by Bunker, "Wild Asters." This overall shot is another that I pulled from the web. The colors in all of the reproductions I have seen do not come close to the warmth of the actual painting.

Notice how much warmer and more diverse the colors are in the detail shots we were able to capture.

Here's John Singer Sargent's "Robert Louis Stevenson and His Wife." Far more impressive in person, and so very different from the portrait work he was doing at the time.

Here you can see how thinly and fluidly he painted Stevenson, almost effortlessly conveying his features.

In contrast, Stevenson's wife is painted with thick and scumbled dabs of paint.

Here's Sargent's "Capri Girl On A Rooftop." In reproduction, it looks rather detailed.

Close shots reveal the simplicity of the figures.

And here is one more by Sargent. A close up of a "Portrait of George Henschel."

Here is William Merritt Chase's "The Song." Establishing photo is not mine.

Another great one to see in person, so that you can see the simplicity of the brushwork.

Next is Frank Benson's "Summer Day." I've always loved this piece. His brushwork is rich with broken color.

And finally, Gary Melchers' "The Embroideress." I was not familiar with this piece, and was blown away by it. I once again pulled this overall shot from elsewhere.

With the detail shots, you can see the thickness of the paint.

The hand is especially interesting. A complete contrast to the one I shared by Bunker, and yet no less stunning. A vibration between warm and cool colors, and it appears that he may have used black to turn the fingers from the light and fade the tips into the background.

Painting a Kansas City Icon - The Western Auto Building

A number of artists, painters and photographers, have depicted the iconic Western Auto building in Kansas City, and here's my take. I wasn't drawn to the sign, and that was my biggest challenge. The way the moring light flared off the top of the building was what grabbed my attention. The problem I faced was telling the story of the light without overwhelming the viewer with the enormity of the sign. I couldn't leave just leave it out. I had to find the perfect balance of color and value. After painting it 3 times, I realized that what set it properly within the painting was the way the light hit the supports behind the letters. These flares of orange and red played down the letters and complimented the bright orange of the top of the building.
Western Auto by Patrick Saunders (oil on board, 9"x17")

Waterlogue

Ever since digital imagery came into its own over 20 years ago, there have been attempts to mimic traditional media. Where others have failed, Waterlogue nails it.

Waterlogue is a new app born from a collaboration between John Balestrieri and Robert Clair that converts photos instantly to beautiful watercolor studies. Neither photoshop nor Corel Painter have yet to match this level of believability. Kimberly and I spent the day shooting everything, and we were consistently amazed at the outcome.

This really is a killer app. With a few simply clicks, I can choose from a variety of styles and post to all forms of social media. The most bland photo ops are quickly transformed into a thing of beauty.

For the painter, this is a great tool to assist in the decision making process. The app quickly gets to the heart of the images and filters out unnecessary details, revealing the prevailing colors and values. For the student, this is like having an experienced teacher looking over your shoulder and hammering home "Squint! Focus on the major areas of darks and lights!"

For those who think "now anyone can be a painter," I'm afraid you're missing the point. Painting is about the exploration of the world around us. The choices we make and the act of creation are far more important than the final product. Until our iPhones become self aware, I think we're ok. Waterlogue is an excellent tool that aids us in simplifying and interpreting an image, but we remain responsible for the experience.

http://www.waterlogueapp.com

New painting completed

Fresh off of the easel. "Betty on the Rocks" (oil on board, 15"x18") by Patrick Saunders. A painting of Betty enjoying the trails of the Taos Ski Valley.

Painting up for auction

"Pink Roses, New York Botanical Garden" (oil on canvas, 18"x13") by Patrick Saunders will be up for auction during the Hooray For Holidays at Mission Farms event, benefitting the Variety Children's Charity. The tree lighting and unveiling of the artwork will be Thursday, Nov 21st at 6pm. A last chance bidding party will take place on December 5th at VanBrock.

Mission Farms is located at Indian Creek Parkway (106th Street) and Mission Road.

http://www.varietykc.org

http://www.mission-farms.com/Calendar055000000.htm

Portrait Commission Sketches

I just finished a new commission, but I can't share it yet, as the subject has yet to see it. What I will share are the sketches. I did two layouts and a number of head studies before moving onto the painting. I'll post the final piece soon.

Oil Sketch of Mikayla

Here's an oil sketch of Mikayla, painted as a demo during Saturday's class.

Oil Sketch of Stanley

Here's a demonstration from last night's painting class. Thanks to Stanley for sitting.

Parkville In Art entries

Here are the 3 paintings I submitted to the Parkville In Art annual plein air painting competition. The paintings are on display now at the Cathy Kline Art Gallery - 173 English Landing Drive, Parkville, MO. In addition to other prizes, there is a people's choice award, so Parkville friends, please go and vote for me.

Portrait of Chardonnay

Here's my latest pet portrait. The lovely Chardonnay. Check out the initial sketches as well. She gave me multiple facial expressions to choose from.

Brush Creek Art Walk Award Winner

Thank you to Brush Creek Art Walk for honoring me with the First Place, Zone 1 Award for my painting "Morning On Brush Creek." Painted over the course of 3 sunrises, you can view a quick video of the process here.

Painting of San Jose de Gracia Church

Here's a painting demo from last Thursday's class. It's San Jose de Gracia Church from a photo I captured on our recent trip to New Mexico. Also known as Church of Santo Tomas Del Rio de Las Trampas, the church was built between 1760 and 1776 in Las Trampas, New Mexico.

Painting Video - 2013 Brush Creek Art Walk

Here's a very short video of my painting progression during the 2013 Brush Creek Art Walk.

Brush Creek Art Walk 2013

This was created over three beautiful mornings in September. I could only paint for about an hour and a half each session due to the rapidly changing light. Thanks to Kimberly Saunders for the photos and video. http://saundersfinearts.com

New Classes Starting Up

I've started 3 new classes this week. Here's a quick shot of the demonstration I painted during Wednesday night's session. About 2 hours. Fun to do.

The House That Nicolai Fechin Built

Earlier this week, I posted about the paintings of Nicolai Fechin. Another truly remarkable work of art by Fechin is the house and all of the furniture within.

From Taosartmuseum.org:

In the early winter of 1927, the Fechin family acquired the property of Dr. and Mrs. Bergman, a Dutch couple who were returning to their native Holland. The Fechins moved into the house, located on the main street of Taos, Paseo del Pueblo Norte.

Nicolai planned, and the multi-lingual Alexandra communicated directions to masons from the Taos Pueblo. The Fechins' workmen removed all interior, non-load bearing walls and reconfigured the space. They doubled the size of the front porch and added a series of rooms that projected from what was once the central cube.

The final result was an asymmetrical adobe Pueblo and Mission Revival house, with twenty-four-inch walls. The Fechins created a wonderful home and a masterpiece of Southwest architecture that celebrated a marriage of the arts: painting, sculpture, drawing, and metalwork. The spaces within the home were sympathetic to Nicolai's art collections as well as his carvings of sculpture, furniture, and architectural ornament.

Despite the massiveness of the walls, Fechin carefully planned window openings. Their locations and shapes were important to accommodate the home's scenic surroundings, including the Sangre de Cristo Mountains under a high sky. He introduced intense light, which bathed textured "terra bayeta" walls and richly carved wood, into the interior through lancet and arched bay windows of rolled and beveled glass.

Working in his father's workshop as a youth provided training for Nicolai as a carver. He absorbed a variety of influences from his Russian heritage and also from his encounters with Native American and Hispanic cultures. Armed with mallet and chisel, he began carving columns, stair rails, vigas, doors, and furniture. With the local metal smith, he fashioned light fixtures, door pulls, and hinges. By 1933, Nicolai and Alexandra, with their workmen, had created one of the most exciting homes in Taos. Eya stated, "A Russian house evolved out of New Mexico mud."

Check out the images below: