Weekend In Denver

I spent this past weekend in Denver for the opening of the Oil Painters of America Western Regional Show at Gallery 1261. OPA Master artist Jeff Legg was the juror of awards and you can see the award winners here.  I enjoyed seeing the show, reconnecting with old artist friends and also making some new ones.  The highlight of the weekend for me was watching painting demonstrations by Jeff Legg and Quang Ho.

Here's Jeff arranging his still life for the demo.

He began by drawing dark silhouette shapes on a toned panel.

The painting gets going - working from dark to light.

The finished demo after about two hours work.

In the afternoon Quang Ho - also an OPA Master artist - began his portrait painting demo by rapidly laying in color with no preliminary drawing.  (His model looked to me like she could have stepped out of a Sargent painting!)

Quang slows down as he begins to work on the model's face and make adjustments to the drawing.

The finished demo after about two hours work.

Now I'm inspired to get back to the easel and start painting!

OPA Regional Exhibition

My painting of the First Methodist Church in downtown Fort Worth is traveling to Denver.  It was juried into the Oil Painters of America Western Regional Exhibition which will be hosted by Gallery 1261 from October 4 through November 3.  Click here to see all the paintings in the show.

"Last light on First Methodist"   24" x 18"


Some close-ups.

And here's a short video my son made of the painting progression.

Video by Justin Tennison

At The Show In Idaho

Across the street from Devin Galleries

OPA Exhibit at Devin Galleries   ("Autumn Dancer" in background)

Lake Coeur d'Alene near the hotel and gallery

I'm in beautiful Coeur d'Alene, Idaho for the Oil Painters of America National Juried Exhibition at Devin Galleries.  (you can see all the paintings on display here).  It is truly an honor to be included in this show and to meet so many great artists.  Now I'm really inspired to get back to Fort Worth and continue painting life in the city!

"Autumn Dancer" Travels To Idaho

"Autumn Dancer"   30" x 20"   Oil

I am honored that my painting, "Autumn Dancer," has been accepted in the 2011 Oil Painters of America National Juried Art Exhibition.  Each year this show is held in a different art gallery around the U.S., and this year Devin Galleries in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho is hosting the event from June 9th until July 10th.

My wife and I first saw the Sakura Dance Group at last year's Fall Festival at the Japanese Garden, and were impressed by the beauty and grace of the dancers in the glow of the afternoon sunlight.  I photographed them again at the recent Spring Festival and plan to do more paintings.  Thank you Mallory-san.