25 Frames

tried to get as much done possible before the rain started. Cut and put 25 frames together. I still have to paint the frames, and then paint pictures to put IN the frames.

peace

ken

new gallery feature on my blog

I have added a new section to my blog. It is a gallery of my artwork. I am testing some new technology to feature my artwork online. I plan to continue adding work to the gallery, so pay it a visit every now and then. Here’s a direct link to the gallery

I am happy with the results, but let me know what you think…does it work for you?

peace

ken

After blogging with blogger for almost 2 years, I have decided to move my blog from Blogger to WordPress. I would have made the move sooner, but no change is always easier than change.

With wordpress, my blog will be hosted on the same server as my website. It is open source, and I will have opportunities to customize the blog in a wide variety of ways.

To make the transition smooth, I will publish new posts on both blogger and wordpress, but may eventually phase blogger.

So if you bookmark my blog, please change the url to:
http://www.kenswinson.com/wordpress/

If you subscribe to the feed, here is the new rss feed:
http://www.kenswinson.com/wordpress/?feed=rss2

If you don't know what an rss feed is, you may want to read this.

I would like to hear from any bloggers out there who have made the switch from blogger to wordpress. Any tips or suggestions would be appreciated.

peace

ken

I am an artist

Between school and personal stuff, I haven’t painted for a little over a week. As soon as i smelled the turpentine, and started putting paint on the canvas, I was overcome with joy. I feel awkward in most situations. It’s only while painting I feel in my element. Why do I let so much time pass?

It’s kind of like running. I am good at finding excuses not to do it, but once I get started, I wonder why I waited so long.

After blogging with blogger for almost 2 years, I have decided to move my blog from Blogger to WordPress. I would have made the move sooner, but no change is always easier than change.

With wordpress, my blog will be hosted on the same server as my website. It is open source, and I will have opportunities to customize the blog in a wide variety of ways.

To make the transition smooth, I will publish new posts on both blogger and wordpress, but may eventually phase blogger.

So if you bookmark my blog, please change the url to:
http://www.kenswinson.com/wordpress/

If you subscribe to the feed, here is the new rss feed:
http://www.kenswinson.com/wordpress/?feed=rss2

If you don't know what an rss feed is, you may want to read this.

I would like to hear from any bloggers out there who have made the switch from blogger to wordpress. Any tips or suggestions would be appreciated.

peace

ken

Moving to WordPress

After blogging with blogger for almost 2 years, I have decided to move my blog from Blogger to WordPress. I would have made the move sooner, but no change is always easier than change.

With wordpress, my blog will be hosted on the same server as my website.  It is open source, and I will have opportunities to customize the blog in a wide variety of ways.  

To make the transition smooth, I will publish new posts on both blogger and wordpress, but may eventually phase blogger.

So if you bookmark my blog, please change the url to:
http://www.kenswinson.com/wordpress/

If you subscribe to the feed, here is the new rss feed:
http://www.kenswinson.com/wordpress/?feed=rss2

If you don't know what an rss feed is, you may want to read this.

I would like to hear from any bloggers out there who have made the switch from blogger to wordpress.  Any tips or suggestions would be appreciated.

peace
ken

Richmond Marathon

The race results are not officially in, but me, mom, sister, and brother-in-law all finished. It was perfect race weather. Richmond offers great views on their course.  

Mom is a wonderwoman!  Around mile 10, she started passing people at a constant rate.  She kept it up for about 8 miles.  As she passed a number of younger, talented looking athletes, I thought to myself,

     "That's my mom!"

At the beginning of the marathon, she swore "This is my last one..."  laying in bed at the hotel after the race, she looks at me and says, "ok, maybe one more".

I hope I can keep up with her when i'm her age.

Plein Air Sunday

Sunday, I met my friend Susan for some plein air painting in the countryside. It was a little cool and windy, but the colors were changing.

Hike on Appalachian Trail

I am back after a 5 day hike on the Appalachian trail.

Time and weather limited my ability to paint much.

It rained the majority of the trek, and I wasn't prepared for the physical strain involved when you must carry all your food and accomodations on your back.  In spite of less than perfect conditions, I had a great time!

 

I am already planning my next hike...maybe when I finish school, maybe I'll spend a month or two on the Florida Trail?

 

I have some artwork to show, but in the meantime, here are some of my snapshots while on the trip.  You can see some more of my photos from my trip:  
click here to go to my pictures on flickr

I'll try and post more pictures, paintings and videos from the trip soon!

peace
ken







this is one of the wild ponies that live in the highlands along the Appalachian trail.  His back came to my chest.

Ubuntu version 7.10

I am supposed to be catching up on my schoolwork so I can take a week off for a hike on the Appalachian Trail, but I couldn't resist the download for the Ubuntu upgrade. It looks like every geek on the planet has the same idea, because the download is going VERY slow. I won't get to play with it until I get back from the hike.



If you don't know what I'm talking about, Ubuntu is a popular version of Linux. It is a free, open source alternative to Windows and Mac OSX.

I must focus on SCHOOLWORK!

peace
ken

Art Off Pike

Yesterday, I was at Art Off Pike, in Covington's rapidly growing Arts District. The City of Covington has been actively tring to get artists to open studios and galleries in their historic neighborhood. I love Augusta kentucky too much to consider leaving, but there is a certain appeal when a city's policy recognizes the value of having artists in their community. Very tempting...

The organizers were very friendly, and there was a very fun and festive vibe throught the entire show. There were live bands, dancing and tasting of locally brewed wines in the streets of Covington.

Thanks to all the nice people who came out and supported the arts. It was a very nice show.

Hyde Park Square Art Show

WOW!
Despite the unseasonable 92degree weather, it was a busy and successful show.  Thank you everyone who endured the heat and supported my art.  

I've been working hard to fill the orders I took at the show...I will have them out on monday at the latest.

The success of Hyde Park has caused some problems.  I am participating in Art Off Pike in Covington, as well as having my art on display at the old winery in Augusta this Saturday.  I do not have nearly enough artwork.  I've been working around the clock to put everything together.

This is why it's taken so long to write a post about the art show.

plein air wednesday

I met Sue Gorman for another 'Plein air wednesday' at Aberdeen, OH's river park.

The view of Maysville is impressive from the park.  I was feeling ambitious, and thought I'd try and tackle a 20"x30" canvas.  I figured I would just use a bigger brush, and it would be the same as a sensible 11x14 or 16x20 canvas.  


My arm got much more of a workout, but I wasn't able to finish the painting...I stayed an extra 3 hours longer than our usual painting session.  However, the great size of the painting gives a great impression of a magnificant view!  I am finishing the painting in studio.

Sue left before I could photo her painting, but she did an excellent painting of the bridge in turquoise and oranges.  If she sends me a photo, I'll post it...it's very nice.

Then, after a swim at the YMCA, a storm rolled in, and I had to stop and take a picture of the dark sky contrasting with the autumn colors.

peace
ken

**update**
Sue sent me a copy of her beautiful painting for everyone to enjoy...thanks sue!

A week flies by...

Sorry for not posting on the blog all week:

A week goes fast when you are keeping busy....or maybe I'm just getting old.

Last wednesday, I met Sue Gorman for plein air wednesday. We painted a covered bridge on North Pole road (it's just outside Ripley, Ohio). A deer came close to the site where we were painting, but ran away as soon as I got my camera in focus.

I did, however, get some snapshots of a pair of artists in their natural environment!

School's in full swing (week 6). It's taking a lot of time I would really rather spend being an artist.
 
I went down to Augusta and painted Rosemary Clooney's house.

I spent a day cutting wood into picture frames. I still have to putty and paint.

Monday, I drove to Flemmingsburg to paint and visit my friend and opera singer, Jessica Cain.

Tuesday was school for the first half of the day, followed by an afternoon of studio painting!

Hope you all had a great week!

Oh , I heard my painting for fresh art sold for $800 at the auction. It was a great painting, but I'm surprised (in a great way) it did so well!

peace
ken

Plein Air In Augusta, KY

Sunday, I decided to drive down to Augusta and paint a house or something. The weather is perfect, and participating in "fresh Art" reminded me how much I enjoy plein air painting.


I planned to paint one of the historic homes that face the ohio river, but was surprised to see a giant sternwheeler docked at the river. I asked the captain how long the boat was going to stay, and when he said "a little over an hour", I quickly setup my paint, and threw paint on the canvas.

With such a short time to work, I didn't have much time to fuss over composition or details. I just painted in a rage...I knew my time to paint was limited, and I wanted to do as good as I could while the opportunity was there.

The finished product is not bad for a little over an hours work, but a valuable lesson was learned. Life is kindof like that...We all have limited time here on earth, and should try and have enthusiasm for our work and do as good as we can while the opportunity is here.

peace
ken

Fresh Art 2007

I endured a whole day of blue skies, a light breeze and incredible view of Cincinnat's skyline from Dree's Pavilion to make my painting for the "Fresh Art" auction. What a hard life!

This painting turned out so good, I almost hate to let it go. I did get a good photo before turning it in, so I can make prints.

I hope it fetches a good price for the museum. I'm going to miss tonight's auction, my car needs a little work before I am going to drive it long distances.

I have bad anxiety at social functions anyway!

peace
ken

September 14th - Judy Federer Day

For those who missed the retrospective of Judy Federer's paintings at the Augusta Art Guild, I've posted a lo-fi video of the building's dedication.

I am going to have to go back and see her paintings. The building was not big enough to hold all of her friends who came to celebrate her art. People were sprawled around the building, and I couldn't navigate through the crowd to view all 88 of the paintings on display. Judy was special, we are sure going to miss her

peace
ken

Fresh Art Sept 15-16

I've double checked my calendar, my car is running, and I am not going to miss this event. It's a fun fundraiser for the Behringer-Crawford museum. They have a great collection of Harland Hubbard's paintings.

If you haven't heard of Harlad Hubbard...imagine Henry David Therou living on a homemade shantyboat on the Ohio river as a painter...

The event is called 'Fresh Art'. Local painters meet at Devou Park, where the museum is located, and they create a work of art (start to finish) within the boundries of the park. Sunday evening, the museum hosts a dinner and auctions the paintings.

here's the link to the 'fresh Art' website


Jason D. Geil, from the Enquirer took a great photo of me at last year's Fresh Art. here's a link to his photo


I'm planning to paint from Drees Pavilion. It's such a great view!

uh oh

I just suffered a major consequence of trying to do too much at once.

I missed the Belleview Art Show. Don't tell the show organizers, but I thought the show was on Sunday. Something just wasn't working right in my brain. Hyde Park's artshow is on Sunday, and I guess I was confused.

I made the mistake because lately, I have been trying to do too much. School full time, A job, commission work, getting ready for the show...you get the idea.

To make myself feel better, when I picked my van up on saturday (I thought the show was on sunday) It ran for about 15 miles, and then it broke down! So my official excuse for missing the show was car trouble...it's semi-true, and much less humiliating than the truth.

My apologies to everyone who came to see me at the show. This has been a real wake up call, and opportunity to get my priorities in check.

peace
ken

Stretching Canvas

I found some time to try making my own stretchers for canvas. My table saw does a decent job putting a bevel on the wood, but I think a router may be a better tool for the job. I could also use it fancy up my custom picture frames a bit. Any tips from experienced woodworkers are appreciated.

I want to start painting bigger. With two newly stretched 20x30 canvases, I will have a great surface to paint.

peace
ken

its a lot of fun working hard

I spent much of the labor day weekend helping my friend at his restaurant in Augusta, Ky. I made a trip to Cincinnati to help my friend Samuel Ruder frame some work
 for an upcoming show.   
Monday I did some kayaking on the Ohio River.  
Tuesday, I made a trip to trip to Cinci to get some framing supplies
and stopped at NKU.

I had driven by the campus often, but never stopped to visit.  
It looks like a nice campus.  
I am not sure if I would want to drive 45+ minutes for class, 
but the the campus looks nice, 
and the technology building appeared to have all the 
comforts a geek like me needs.  
I even managed to get a halfway decent panoramic 
snapshot with my little pocket camera.

I offer printing services to local artists,
and have spent the rest of the day cutting matts,
and assembling matted print all day, but it
sure is nice to do work that I love for a living.  
It makes it much easier since the artist's 
(Barb Clarke) work is so nice to look at.

Oh yeah, If your in Belleview this Sunday, stop by and say HI, I'll be at Art In the Park...it's from 12-5pm.

8.31.2007

Sorry for dropping off the face of the earth.  After my last post, a heatwave rolled in and the trip became more difficult.  

After pedaling a total of 730 miles on the bicycle, I finished following Michigan's coast, and met Samuel at St. Joseph's where he brought me across Indiana in the comfort of his air-conditioned van.

Now, I am catching up with my studio work that I neglected over the three weeks I spent in the North Country.  School's back in session too...I think it will be an exciting semester.  I am taking an advanced web design class, java programming, operating systems and hardware maintenance.  

September 8th, i will be at Belleview's Art in The Park.  Followed by Fresh Art at Devou park in Covington the next weekend (Sept 15-16)

Hope to see you there!

It's nice to be home.  

peace
ken

7.28.2007

It can be tough sometimes.

Last night, it was raining around 7pm, so I found a nice spot to stay for the night in a wildlife preserve. After resting, I took my bike to Cheboygan. My first impression was very good. The town sits on a small river, lined with docking boats. The "Koffee Korner" makes a delicious pumpernickle bagel with ham, egg, and cream cheese.

I took the obligitory photos of their lighthouse, then decided to move on to Macinaw City. There, I was suprised to see the sidewalks packed with people...with standing room only. Flatbed trailers loaded with people were delivering people to the main part of town. There were even TV reporters. I felt like a one man parade, riding my bike down the street. At the shore, where you could see the bridge, I did a few sketches, but chose not to paint because of all the ruckus. I finally asked what all the festivities were about...It's the 50th Anniversary of the bridge.

Happy Bithday Bridge!

I love people, but not in swarms, so I decided to get some distance behind me. I took a scenic highway nicknamed "the tunnel of trees'' a 20+ stretch of windy narrow hilly road that finishes with breathtaking bluff views of Lake Michigan. I hadn't experienced many hills in Eastern Michigan, so I renamed the course, "the tunnel of tourture".

It got worse when the only store in Good Hart refused to let me use their sink to refill my water bottles. Of course, you can buy water there. I always spend money whenever I refill my bottles at a business, but out of principle, I was not going to support a business that is unfriendly to cyclists. The rest of the trek was pretensious mansions with keep out signs at all the pretty views. Still thirsty, I was putting out a bad vibe.

I breezed through Harbor Springs after getting some water, then followed their 20+ mile bike trail. As the sun was setting, I was afraid that I wasn't going to find a place to rest, but at the last minute I found a patch of trees outside Charlevoix where I was able to end the day.

7.28.2007

7.27.2007I am trying to create a workflow where I paint, cycle, take, pictures, camp, and keep everyone updated on my blog. It's frustrating when the library's computer won't let users switch to the Dvorak keyboard layout. (that's a whole other story!) I do have some stories and pictures to share, and I think I have developed a system that will work while on the road.
It's the fifth day "living" on a bicycle. I have adjusted to the reality that I probabably will not see my home and "modern" convieniences for some time still. I don't mind, because (in spite of the hardships) when this journey is over, I know I will wish it lasted longer.
To start the day, I quickly broke camp, and resumed my pedaling toward Rogers City. I followed a sign that invited travelers to visit Presque Isle, and see their 2 lighthouses. The turn off the road ended up being a 6 mile comittment before seeing a lighthouse. (that equals 12 miles out of my way)

I stopped first at the "new" lighthouse. It was built in the late 1800s, and is the tallest on Michigan's eastern shore. It was a pleasure to start my morning painting the structure, and even nicer to meet the "lighthouse lady". She took care of the lighthouse, and was very enthusiastic about my painting and trip. She insisted that I climb the lighthouse. I had never climbed a lighthouse before, and while enjoying the view, I realized what I had been missing all my life. I don't think a photo would do the scene justice, but I took a few snapshots anyway.(how do you capture the sound of seagulls, and the smell of fog in the air?)

I visited the original lighthouse, and painted it while the kind lighthouse keeper let me use their electricity to charge my camera's battery. I think the older lighthouse has the more picturesque setting between the two lighthouses, but the new lighthouse has the best view!
In Roger's City, I picked up my birthday present from my sister. (a tripod with flexible legs, so you could wrap it around a tree or a fence or a BIKE!) Thanks Carrie. While at the post office, I used the gifts box to send a pair of shoes and jeans that I will never use on this trip home. (i was warned about bringing too many clothes). Also of note, Roger's City's post office has aWPA mural depicting the town's limestone quary.
My best memory of Roger's City was it's bike trail. It's trail winds through the city's pine woods and follows Lake Huron's shore, guiding the cyclist to the nearby state park.
En route towards Cheboygan, I stopped at the 40 mile Lighthouse. I didn't intend to spend so much of my time painting/photographing lighthouses, but seeing them in person is hard to pass up...especially with sand in your toes!

sorry about the pictures being sideways. this library's computer gives 30 minutes use, and does not allow windows to rotate images...go figure!
peace

ken

i put a kickstand on my bike!

now it can stand up by itself!

and for the next few days, i'll be closer to the north pole than the equator.

peace

ken

july 26, 2007

july 26, 2007

Yesterday was my birthday. I spent it in the Huron National Forest.. Afthr a restful sleep in the forest, I visited the Lumberman's Monument in search of a cup of coffee. The friendly ranger directed me to a camp/supply shop 3 miles away. the store was classic...with pictures of record breaking catches by fishemen. They also have pictues of the building of the dam.
I painted at Ioaga springs, which provided abreathtaking view of the Au Sable river. I stopped to paint the view. After returning to the monument, I saw a series of exhibits that recreate the logging process back when the Lumbermen were paid 2 dollars for 16 hour workdays(meals were included). The highlight of the exhibit was a floating camp. complele with skillet and flapjacks. It gave me some serious ideas about my next trip...Harland Hubbard style.
After painting pine trees by the river, I returned to my bike, where a note was attached to my bike. It asked me to please visit campsite 18. After getting directions from the ranger, I was greeted by the couple i met in Saginaw, who pointed me to the rail/trail in Bay City.
They were so happy to see me. they explained that they often took long distance hikes, and knew the value of a hot meal. Bonnie insisted on cooking me an omelet, while I looked over the m.ap with Jim.. They were an extrodinary couple. together, they had hiked 100+ mile trails. Jim was an avid cclist and canoe paddler....and this couple camped in style. their camp was relatively empty...due to the majority of campers need for electricity. they had a hummingbird feeder fresh potted flowes, and it was obvious they loved the outdoors. bonnie packed me up with cookies, and i said 'happy trails' to my friends for the second time.

It was reassuring to know that I am not crazy after all. Or at least I'm not the only one!
After leaving the park, I stoppcd beside the river, and had a refreshing dip. It's amazing how clear the water is. You can see the fish swimming beneath you.

east tawas mi 7.24.2007

greetings from east tawas MI.

I had a very frustrating morning. l slept beside the highway, disturbed every-so-often by a passing truck or woodland critter. l was freezing and damp and tired. My hands were chapped from not wearing gloves, I was sunburnt...you get the idea. I was not having the experience that I set out to have...oh yeah, did i say it looked like rain?
Then there was East Tawas.I had breakfast at Mcdonalds...afamiliar comfort, then visited the local wal-mart for some gloves, a raincoat, and some food for the road.
Across the street was a park with a marina. The light was that morning light painters dream of...pink,purple, and blue with clouds in the sky...is there going to be a storm, or is that light peeking through the clouds?
I decided to paint the maina, in spite of boats being a difficult subject to paint. I was greeted by a friendly boater who asked about my travels. I told him about my trip, then found a place to paint on the pier.
A pair of women stopped to watch me paint. Barbara, owns a gallery and art supply shop overlooking the shore. she sells paints made with honey as the binder. The pigments look rich, l'm eager to try them out.

Augusta's Bluegrass Festival

After the art show, Today, I got my bike. Brian Todd made some modifications to keep me comfortable during the trek and allow me to carry all the gear I would need during my trip. Brian's wife, Kim, organized a bluegrass festival as a replacement for the city's discontinued "Regatta Festival". Money was raised to help with the preservation of Augusta's historic jailhouse.

On my way out of town, I took some time from my packing to listen to and Jake Speed and the Freddies. Laying on the grassy bank of the Ohio river, | wounded if I wasn't making a mistake by leaving my happy Kentucky home. Hopefully it doesn't change while I am away. I have a fear that progress will eventually discover the little town, and it will be plaqued with fast food and Cincinatti's sprawl.

Art Show At Banana Tree Studios

13 July 2007

Art Show At Banana Tree Studios

I was invited to participate in a special "All Male" exhibit of local artists at the Banana Tree Studios in Flemingsburg, KY. The exhibit features myself along with Jack Donahue (pastel), Ken Macht (ceramics), and Tom Ross (photography). Hosted by Kathy and Ken Macht, the opening was well attended and a pleasure for everyone who participated.

Sales were above my expectations, and I met a lot of friendly people, enthusiastic about my work.

Ken and Kathy are a class act, and anyone traveling near Flemmingsburg will not be disappointed by a visit to their studio/gallery

I'm not dead...just working a lot!

Early this month was Augusta's Art In The Garden. June 3rd

I seriously considered not participating this year.
I've been in school all year, and unable to develop a strong body of work. I reluctantly decided to do the show since I have been in this show for the last 6 years, and it is in my home town.

The show was a success!
I have noticed that each year, the show is a bigger and bigger success. Many friends came to the show...some I had not seen for a few years. I had a great time, and am glad I decided to do the show after all. Thanks everyone for coming out!

Before the show, I had a few questions about the direction of my work.
Taking a year from studio work to study computers, I had moments when I thought I would like to work with computers to make a living. Other times, I deeply resented my studies and felt I was ruining my life depriving myself time to create artwork.

I have been working hard with my art since the show
I love being an artist. There are some exciting possibilities with technology that I will continue to pursue, but my primary objective is to be an artist, so that has been my focus over the summer.

A few shows are coming up:
I will be one of the exhibitors this saturday at 'the Written Word' bookstore in Ripley, Oh 4-8pm
also

• one of a 3man show at 'Bananna Tree Studios' in Flemmingsburg, Ky -July Friday the 13th


• 'Art In the Park' in Belleview, Ky -September 15


• 'fresh art' at the Beringher-Crawford museum in Covington, Ky -Septemeber 16


• 'hyde park square art show' in Cincinnati, Oh October 7

5 Things NOT to do at a triathlon

I'm a little behind keeping up with my blog. I should have posted it two weeks ago...I hope it's still relevant.

5 Things NOT to do at a triathlon



1. Underestimate the importance of a good night's rest
I help a friend at his restaurant one or two days a week. Friday night before the race, he was extremely short staffed. I was the waiter for the entire restaurant while training a girl on her first day as a waitress. To make matters worse, there was a high volume of customers. Needless to say, I did not get a good night's rest the day before the race. I did not get to sleep until about 2 am, and I felt like I had already ran a triathlon.

2. Pack for the morning of the race
Organizational skills are not my best asset. I packed a lot of my gear the morning of the race. 30 minutes before the start of the race, I realized that I had forgotten my goggles! I was very lucky that a good friend happened to have a spare pair.
Thanks again, Laura!

3. Plan for perfect conditions
During the swim, I felt good, I did not panic, and my form was excellent. However, I was one of the last to get out of the water. This was particularly frustrating because I had been working hard to improve my stroke all year. My placement in the swim was worse than last year's! When I got to my bicycle, I had a flat tire!

4. Give up when discouraged
Not only did I forget to pack my goggles, I also forgot to bring my bicycle pump. I carry a small pump on my bike, but It does not get enough pressure for a 25 mile race! I almost went home , when a spectator offered me the use of his pump. I changed my tire, and followed the course...doomed to the shame of last place.

5. Bring a highly competitive spirit
While finishing the race, I thought about why I was racing in the first place. I'm not an elite athlete, I pretty much do it for fun...and my health. I was so worried about my rank, that I didn't allow myself to have a good time. Once I realized my mistake, the race became very enjoyable. Maysville is a beautiful city, and it's a great course!

Plein Air Wednesday at McGee's Bakery-May 23, 2007

Sorry I haven't been very good at posting over the last month. Along with my usual excuse of having a busy life, I recently started using the Devorak keyboard layout. I've been typing extremely slow, and kept my typing to a minimum. Anyway, here's the post I would have typed a week ago:

It was one of the first hot days of the year, and the first day of the season for plein air Wednesday. For 3 years now, a group of local artists meet every other Wednesday for fellowship, and to paint in the open air.

To start the season, we met at McGee's bakery. A local favorite situated on a picturesque farm in Mason County. Before starting with a cheese danish and cup of coffee, l strolled along a path, scouting out the picture-perfect scene. I gravitated toward the old wooden barn. From my direction, I could see the barn, dirt path, bakery and farmhouse with rolling hills in the background.

since it was the beginning of the season, I was feeling particularly ambitious, and decided to mash everything into one scene. With all the scenes, it was impossible to choose one.

While painting,I was aproached by the resident herd of cows. Curious about a stranger painting in their field, they gathered around to watch. One of the younger cows must have been inspired. He came very close to smell my paint and brushes.

It was good to get back to my passion...painting outside. The delicious cookies and danishes didn't hurt either!

Teacher let the monkeys out...almost

Just 2 exams to go, and I will have another semester under my belt. I opened a new gallery with a few digital paintings on my website. This gallery uses flash instead of HTML. It's a rough sketch gallery, but I like the possibilities. Maybe this education hasn't been a waste after all.

here's a direct link to the gallery

have a great week
peace
ken

friday the thirteenth

Friday the Thirteenth

What a weird day.
My ipod broke.
Work was stranger than usual.
A black cat crossed my path on the way home from school
(i think there was white on it's paws so it shouldn't count...right?)
and when I got home, the heater for my room was fried.

I'm not really superstitious, but...

hope everybody had good luck!!!

peace
ken

windy house on hill

digital painting.

you like???

peace
ken

photo of the artist

I was trying to describe a painting's size to a potential customer over email, and included a photograph. To illustrate the work's size in proximity to a human.

I usually like to be on the other side of the camera, but since it's not my worst photo, I thought I'd share with you all.

Sorry, guys, the painting sold. I do have prints if anyone needs one.

peace
ken

barns in snow

I know most people here in kentucky are sick of looking at snow, but here's one last picture before the spring season gets going.

Can you tell what medium I used?

peace
ken

boy with rooster updated

I am really starting to have fun with this new medium.

So if you decide halfway through your painting that you'd like to try a different color scheme...instead of starting the painting from scratch, you can do a little photoshop wizardry and go from there.

I'm not decided if I like the boy better in blue or not. I think he is really asleep, dreaming that he has a rooster for a friend. I don't know if the rooster is one legged or two yet either....

I'll keep you updated!

peace
ken

boy with rooster

Something I've been working on for a while now. A portrait with a farm animal.

This work was started from a rough pencil sketch. The rest was done in Photoshop. My goal is to make work with the latest technology, while maintaining the look, feel, style I have developed with traditional media.

I think the hands need some work.

Also, there is a halo between the body and background. This is a result of working the two parts of the painting separately. This painting is going to receive more colors. First, I will make it my screen saver and study it for a while.

new media??

I have been experimenting with a new way to draw/paint. The artwork is created through a touch sensitive screen on a computer with photoshop.

The three crocks in a corner window are a current work in process. The sketch was created on location. There are no photo references.

I started drawing using 3 tones:

• dark brown (shadows)
• sepia (midtones)
• light yellow (highlights)

Then I drew the aqua color with a semi-opaque brush, allowing the light/dark contrast of the underpainting come through.

I have been using the rub tool to smear the brush strokes.

It's a challenge whenever an artist starts a new medium, and this one is no different. I am somewhat familiar with photoshop as a photo editing program. However, I am interested in using it in a similar way to how an artist would use traditional media.

Right now, I want to learn to:

• create custom brushes that respond to a surface texture
• create brushes that respond to the color they are applied to (similar to Painter's smeary brushes)
• apply textures that look natural

This is new material, so comments/suggestions are greatly apprecaited

Wintery Mix

The weatherman said that we would have a wintry mix of precipitation today. I braved the elements to drive to the store and get some cough syrup.

I wasn't the only one braving the storm. My neighbor dog "bucksley" was stomping around in the snow. It's been a very mild winter so far, and a little snow was nice to look at.

It's gotten that bad. I'm using my blog to talk about the weather! I'll write something about art next post. Meanwhile, If you'd like to talk about your weather, or anything else...please leave a comment!

ken