J A Baker - "My Open Studio"

POMEGRANATE & OLD TIN

2011-10-31T01:44:00.010-05:00

POMEGRANATE & OLD TIN
Oil on Board
11 x 14 inches

Just SOLD through
La Posada de Santa Fe...

This old tin is one of many items that have found a home in my studio. I love things with patina and I can't resist collecting them in my wanderings through antique and thrift stores. This one just caught my eye when I was hunting for the right thing to complement the color of the red in the pomegranate. I like the dullness of its surface against the more juicy texture of the fruit.

A lovely video featuring my work..

2011-08-06T00:04:00.002-05:00

A friend of mine, Jeff Falck, created this music/art video featuring my work. I hope you will enjoy it!

Check out some of his other YouTube work... OnlineDJ is his name on YouTube.

Another new painting from my show...

2011-06-08T11:08:00.006-05:00

Violets in Love

Oil on Board

10 x 10 inches

Currently available through The Gallery Collection at La Posada de Santa Fe

call Sara Eyestone at 505 954-9668

I really like this 10 x 10 format and I'm considering doing an entire series called 10 x 10 x 10.

10 paintings in 10x10 format with the numbers from 1 to 10 in the subject matter. I'll have to see how it develops. I'll post them here if it works out... if not I'll post the ones I like!

Ligustrum and Old Copper

2011-06-02T12:48:00.006-05:00

Ligustrum & Old Copper

20 x 24 inches

Oil on Board

Currently available through The Gallery Collection at La Posada de Santa Fe

call Sara Eyestone at 505 954-9668

This is called "Ligustrum & Old Copper" and it's the largest of my oils so far. It was painted from a photo that I had taken about 2 years ago. I was digging through my photos for something interesting to do on a 20 x 24 panel that I had prepared and this seemed to fit the bill!

Ligustrum has a gorgeous fragrance and the flowers that are in the painting produce really dark purple berries in the Fall. I may have to do a remake this Fall when they are at their fullest. I can use some of the same props and see how different it might look!

I am now represented by La Posada de Santa Fe... Call Sara Eyestone at 505-954-9668.

As I promised...

2011-06-01T18:42:00.015-05:00

...of Tea & Oranges

9 x 18 inches

Oil on Board

Currently available through The Gallery Collection at La Posada de Santa Fe

call Sara Eyestone at 505 954-9668

I enjoyed painting "Orange Peeled" so much that I decided to follow it up with this one. I enjoy painting the luster of silver and copper so I paired up my oranges with this old silver pot. It's always fun to play with the reflections and trying to get just enough presence in it was a challenge.

I am now represented by La Posada de Santa Fe... call Sara Eyestone at 505-954-9668.

Just yesterday I was working with a radio playing in the background and I heard "...and she feeds you tea & oranges that come all the way from China" in the lyrics of a song I had long forgotten! (the title link will take you to a video Leonard Cohen and Judy Collins performing the song live in 1976)

Suzanne
by Leonard Cohen

Suzanne takes you down to
her place near the river
You can hear the boats go by
You can spend the night beside her
And you know that she's half crazy
But that's why you want to be there
And she feeds you tea and oranges
That come all the way from China
And just when you mean to tell her
That you have no love to give her
Then she gets you on her wavelength
And she lets the river answer
That you've always been her lover
And you want to travel with her
And you want to travel blind
And you know that she will trust you
For you've touched her perfect body
with your mind.

And Jesus was a sailor
When he walked upon the water
And he spent a long time watching
From his lonely wooden tower
And when he knew for certain
Only drowning men could see him
He said "All men will be sailors then
Until the sea shall free them"
But he himself was broken
Long before the sky would open
Forsaken, almost human
He sank beneath your wisdom like a stone
And you want to travel with him
And you want to travel blind
And you think maybe you'll trust him
For he's touched your perfect body
with his mind.

Now Suzanne takes your hand
And she leads you to the river
She is wearing rags and feathers
From Salvation Army counters
And the sun pours down like honey
On our lady of the harbour
And she shows you where to look
Among the garbage and the flowers
There are heroes in the seaweed
There are children in the morning
They are leaning out for love
And they will lean that way forever
While Suzanne holds the mirror
And you want to travel with her
And you want to travel blind
And you know that you can trust her
For she's touched your perfect body
with her mind.

2011-05-22T22:47:00.008-05:00

Queen Lily

Oil on Canvas

20 x 10 inches

Currently available through The Gallery Collection at La Posada de Santa Fe

call Sara Eyestone at 505 954-9668

It's been such a long time since I've posted anything on this blog that I'm feeling guilty! I've found that Facebook has overrun my life and I've neglected my blogging friends.

Well, I'm back and I want to let you know that I have a solo show up at 764 West Gallery in New Braunfels, TX. This is the very last painting I completed for the exhibition and I think it's one of my best new works for the show.

Maybe sometime in the next few days I'll post the other new work. It's been a long dry spell for my easel but I finally broke through and finished 7 new paintings (some of them are really small, I admit it!) which were all completed in the frenzy of the month leading up to the show.

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The story behind "Queen Lily" was kind of serendipitous (is that a real word?) I was planning to put a white Prickly Poppy in this one and I carefully drove down FM2722 looking for some with my husband. I used leather gloves to handle them since they're rather viscious and gingerly brought them home, held them with pliers to anchor them on the flower frog in the bottom of the bowl, and set up my still life. I got so involved with painting the copper (one of my favorite subjects) and the rocks and water that before I started painting the flower it was far beyond dead!

I felt a little guilty about ripping a perfectly happy wild plant from it's roots and was anticipating going through the entire process all over again.

On a trip to the supermarket, I decided to just cruise through the flower department and found this lone group of Oriental Lilies. It was pretty impressive so I took it home and here it is...far more regal and it smelled WONDERFUL in my studio for the entire week. I've been back to look for another bouquet of them and I haven't seen any since then. The universe certainly had a hand in this painting!

I can't wait to find another one so I can do a few more paintings of this gorgeous flower!

Paintout Monday!

2010-04-12T20:37:00.004-05:00

What a great day in the Fredericksburg, TX area! We drove the Willow City Loop and threw caution to the wind in spite of warnings not to stop along the road. We stopped at nearly every turn, took hundreds of photos and absorbed as much of the beauty as we could. Once I get them sorted I'll post my favorites on my facebook page.

After that we made our way to the ranch (many thanks to the Cunninghams!), indulged in a quick picnic lunch, scared off the rattlesnake and proceeded to paint. After warnings of rain and clouds, we were thrilled to find blue skies, sunshine and a warm breeze...not to mention some breathtaking scenes to be painted and photographed.

It was a wonderful day topped off with an early evening meal at Bejas Grill in Fredericksburg, a few gallery stops and the lovely ride home. I can't think of a better way to take the sting out of a Monday morning!

A quick photo of today's plein aire painting...

12" x 9"

Oil on Canvas

"Waning Autumn" & the Salon International 2010

2010-04-10T21:45:00.004-05:00

"Waning Autumn" was painted to save the last colors of Fall. I'm from up north in NJ and I get really nostalgic when the leaves start to drop and the first chilly winds hit the Hill Country of Texas.

When I was growing up, my Mom and I would gather the colorful red, orange and yellow leaves that covered the ground all around New Jersey. We'd pick up the best and brightest leaves & take them home in a big brown grocery bag. Mom would heat up wax in a frying pan, we'd dip the leaves in the wax to preserve them and we'd hang them all around my room.

This was one of my yearly milestones that marked the end of Autumn and usher in the pre-holiday Winter events. The leaves outdoors would dry up and blow away but my collection would remain until the decorations of Christmas would take their place.

Now I live in Texas and although the Hill Country is beautiful, it offers no match for the brilliant Autumn colors that I remember as a child.

This year, when the chilly winds started to blow and the live oak leaves started to turn brown, I went in search of some local color! I found this lone tree on our property, nestled among the "winter naked" soapberry trees and live oaks, I clipped off some branches and tucked them into my favorite vase and put them in a place of honor... next to my easel. I set the light low to represent the "setting sun" of the waning autumn and did this still life painting.

I still don't know what kind of tree it is, but I'm taking care to protect it from harm so I'll be able to enjoy it's color again next year in the last days before Winter's return.

This painting is 24" x 12" Oil on Canvas and is currently available through the Greenhouse Gallery of Fine Art in San Antonio. Come visit!

"The Nest Egg"

2010-03-20T22:01:00.003-05:00

"The Nest Egg"

10" x 10"

Oil on Board

I started this painting as a demonstration during a recent event.

I found the nest with the egg outside a restaurant where I had just had lunch. It was just the inspiration for this composition. I'd recently found the bottle in a thrift store and the bird and butterfly motif was perfect with the nest. Sometimes things just seem to fall together!

"The Annual Celebration"

2010-02-28T19:13:00.005-06:00

"The Annual Celebration"

Oil on board

14" x 11"

This is my latest painting. Please forgive the reflections...I'll get a REAL photograph of it soon.

Almost there

2010-02-21T19:24:00.002-06:00

I'm almost satisfied with it.

Now trying to decide whether to add a piece of orange peel at the base of the bowl. I'm waiting until the painting is dry enough to paint it in and still be able to wipe it off again if I don't like it!

Another day...

2010-02-10T20:08:00.004-06:00

Here is today's progress. I've worked on rouging in some of the bowl (by no means there yet) and most of the background and tightened up the oranges a little. Fortunately, I had that pretty much in order BEFORE the cat tried to sleep in the set-up and pushed the bowl and the oranges to the floor.

Another day...

"Monument to Oranges" or "Orange Appeal"?

What's on my easel...

2010-02-08T17:12:00.004-06:00

Here is the start on my newest painting...

This is only the top half of it. The bottom is barely sketched in. I'm happy so far.

I need to think of a name for this one. This monument of oranges is in a green pedestal bowl. Maybe that's what I should call it... "Monument of Oranges"

It's a 16 x 20 vertical and the oranges are fairly large.

Two new Paintings

2010-01-11T16:18:00.002-06:00

"The Copper Cup"

16 x 20

Oil on Board

"Waning Autumn"

24 x 12

Oil on Canvas

Tiny Paintings in "Wassailwest Gift Gallery"

2009-12-01T20:59:00.012-06:00

"Reclining Pear"

Oil on Board

4" x 4"

"Pear"

Oil on Board

4" x 4"

I love these red pears... so rich looking!

"Half A Pear"

Oil on Board

4" x 4"

After finishing the other pair of pears, I cut the prop in half. Ate one and painted the other.

Tasted really good by the way.

All three of these paintings are in the "Wassailwest Gift Gallery" show at 764 West Gallery in New Braunfels.

Come see us for the reception on Thursday night, Dec 3 from 5 - 9 pm.

I'll be there.

A Daily Painting

2009-11-26T12:44:00.003-06:00

"Two Mums & A Marigold"

4" x 4"

Oil on Wood Panel

Simple painting of two fall flowers.

2009-11-21T12:35:00.003-06:00

"Zesty"

8" x 12"

Oil on Linen

"Hollyhocks"

8" x10"

Oil on Linen

These two paintings have made the journey to New Mexico where they will be on display at The Art Garden Gallery in Eldorado. I'll post a link to the gallery website as soon as the it opens in December.

"Garlic & Oil"

2009-11-21T12:02:00.005-06:00

"Garlic & Oil"

7" x 12"

Oil on Wood Panel

$275 (plus shipping & tax if applicable)

A small pewter pitcher caught my eye on my shelf of props. The garlic seemed like a good indicator of the tiny size of the pitcher. I love the mellow shine and the weight of pewter and it was fun to paint.

"Little Orange"

2009-11-20T16:50:00.004-06:00

4" x 4" oil painting on wood panel

Daily painting for November 20, 2009

A cute little orange that I bought as a snack. I'm glad I took photos before I ate it! This is the second painting that I've done...first in watercolor (SOLD) and this time in oils.

You can bid on it...

"Pottery and Sumac"

2009-11-19T21:25:00.007-06:00

"Pottery & Sumac"

12" x 9"

Oil on Linen

$275 (plus shipping & tax where applicable)

I enjoyed painting this the first time so I decided to do it again. It was a challenge to paint the sumac before the leaves dried up and turned crispy!

"Tankard"

2009-11-13T22:34:00.003-06:00

"Tankard"

Oil on Cradled Panel

7" x 12"

$275 (plus shipping and tax if applicable)

This is my newest still life. I wanted to add a little warmth by adding the tea towel to the mix. I think it worked pretty well.

I haven't put a buy now button on it because I'm taking it to a show and I think this might sell there.

This painting has made the journey to New Mexico where it will be on display at The Art Garden Gallery in Eldorado. I'll post a link to their website as soon as the gallery opens in December

"Vine Ripened"

2009-11-10T18:51:00.008-06:00

"Vine Ripened"

12" x 9"

Oil on Linen

$275 (plus shipping & tax if applicable)

These tomatoes were so ripe that I was afraid they wouldn't last long enough under the lights to paint them! There is something about the color of a vine ripened tomato that is hard to paint. There is blue and umber and cadmium red and a bit of alizarin, cadmium yellow and yellow ochre... a real challenge.

This painting has made the journey to New Mexico where it will be on display at The Art Garden Gallery in Eldorado. I'll post a link to their website as soon as the gallery opens in December

"WHAT!"

2009-11-05T11:45:00.005-06:00

"What!"

9" x 12"

Oil on Canvas

$250 unframed (plus shipping & tax if applicable)

Another cow painting! What a deal!

Two youngsters that were relaxing when I had the nerve to come and photograph them. I could here the reclining one asking "am I going to have to get up and run?"

I snapped a few shots, enough to get a couple of references, and left them to finish out their lazy day.

"Big Red Onion"

2009-10-29T14:28:00.004-05:00

"Big Red Onion"

12 x 9

Oil on Linen

$250 (plus shipping & tax if applicable)

I love the color of red onions! I may even paint this one again.

This small painting with a gallery wrap (it can be hung with or without a frame) will be part of my Artist of the Month exhibit at the New Braunfels Art League Gallery for the month of November. If you want to buy it, click on the PayPal button above or visit the show and purchase it there.

"Hollyhocks

2009-10-28T12:52:00.005-05:00

"Hollyhocks"

8 x 10

Oil on Linen

$215 unframed (plus shipping and tax if applicable)

Hollyhocks are one of my favorite flowers because they remind me of my childhood home. They remind me of summer days and grandpa and the garden full of heirloom flowers and honeybees.

This is a small painting with a gallery wrap so it can be hung with or without a frame. "Hollyhocks" will be part of my Artist of the Month exhibit at the New Braunfels Art League Gallery for the month of November. If you want to buy it, click on the PayPal button above or visit the show and purchase it there.

"The Gift"

2009-10-27T17:49:00.006-05:00

"The Gift"

6 x 8

Oil on Canvas Panel

$175 (plus shipping and tax where applicable)

I'm always intrigued by those little daily paintings that seem to be so popular right now so I thought I'd work on one. I could easily get into this! Quick and simple! How could it get better than that!

This little daily painting is for the upcoming show at the New Braunfels Art League. The "Art for the Holidays" show is all works under 11 x 14. Some are framed and some are not. This is my unframed price but if you want me to frame it, add $50. I highly recommend framing it to suit your own taste!

"Onion Soup"

2009-10-27T11:10:00.006-05:00

"Onion Soup"

19 x 7

Oil on Cradled Wood Panel

$375 (plus shipping and tax if applicable)

This painting is on a cradled wood panel with painted edges. It can be hung unframed or you can add a custom frame.

"Onion Soup" will be at the New Braunfels Art League in my Artist of the Month exhibition for the month of November! Come in and see it in person or you can click on the PayPal link above and buy it now.

Yes! I painted a cow!

2009-10-27T10:46:00.010-05:00

"Youngster"

9x12

Oil on Canvas

$250 unframed(plus tax if applicable)

This is the second cow that I painted at the "First Ever ASBA (American Society of Bovine Artists) Art Show and Sale" and Paint Out.

It took place at Cactus Jack's in Gruene, TX and it was a great success!

This and the other painting that I finished there will be in my Artist of the Month exhibition at the New Braunfels Art League Gallery starting on Monday Nov 2. Come see it there or if you want to buy this painting now, just click on the PayPal link.

"Through and old window"

2009-10-04T10:38:00.006-05:00

"Through an old window"

Digital photographic print

10-1/2" H x 9" W

Matte finish

Unframed & unmatted

$85 plus shipping

This image was designed to mimic the look of Polaroid SX70 photos, one of my favorite mediums back in nineteen-eighty-something.

I had fun with that spontaneous medium back then and I still love the look of them now. But with this image, I began with a digital photograph taken on my travels to Seattle. A little side trip into a nearly abandoned small town produced a number of interesting architectural images.

This image is an edition limited to 100 prints.

(Price is subject to change as numbers of available prints decrease)

Prints are produced on demand and may take up to 14 days for shipping. Unless otherwise requested, prints will be shipped protected between supports via Priority Mail.

Wow, I can't believe it's been so long!

2009-10-04T03:25:00.007-05:00

"Live Oak, Dead Leaves"

Digital photographic print

6-1/2" H x 18" W

Matte finish

Unframed & unmatted

$85 plus shipping

I created this image to mimic the Polaroid SX70 photos that I loved to create back in my days in Tulsa.

The medium intrigued me then and the "bite sized" images still do. I've tried to recreate the look of the old medium in an archival print using digital images. Characteristics of the old instant images were the darkened edges and corners of the print area and the very familiar "frame" format.

Prints are produced on demand and may take up to 14 days for shipping.

Unless otherwise requested, prints will be shipped protected between supports via Priority Mail.

Happy family

2009-03-12T18:01:00.002-05:00

Proud New Owners

with "Firethorn & Antler"

Adopted!

2009-03-07T22:57:00.002-06:00

"Firethorn and Antler" was delivered today and the patrons were very pleased with the finished painting. It was fun to see their reaction when I brought it out.

Time to start something new!

First Final...

2009-03-02T21:58:00.009-06:00

I think it's finished but there's always a possibility that I'll find something that I want to change when I look at it tomorrow. The photo shows the image as it is placed on the paper. I left a lot of extra paper around it to allow the for more flexibility in framing and matting.

Right now, though, it feels done.

The cedar fence post went much easier than I thought it would even though it was the most complicated part of the composition. The whole process has been very enjoyable in spite of the "false start" involving some nasty masking fluid stains.

Here is a closer view of the finished painting to show a little more detail...

Fence post...

2009-02-28T23:25:00.006-06:00

I'm sorry that this photo seems a little washed out but it's just a

quick snapshot.

I've started the fence post and the texture is in on the top part.

Next I'll be adjusting the tone of the fence post so it won't

"take over the painting". Right now the tones are a little too

close to the ones in the antler so I'll darken it up some and add some

color to it. Probably some ultramarine to cool down the shaded

side and some burnt umber or burnt sienna to the sunny side.

More Progress

2009-02-28T19:41:00.003-06:00

All the leaves are in now. I am enjoying seeing all the stages line

up in my blog. It's interesting to watch the image develop.

While I'm working through a painting it seems to move so slowly

that I don't even know how it happens. I get in the zone and

work along listening to the tv or radio in the background and the

time floats by. I'm sorry I couldn't find a good way to make a

video of the process but I'm sure it would be like watching grass

grow anyway.

Maybe I can try it next time.

I'm not really fond of being in front of a camera but I think it would

be interesting to make a video of a painting in progress . I'll have to

work on that with my son Kabe who would probably do something

terrific with the production of it. Even though his specialty is audio,

he has a good eye for video as well.

Moving along...

2009-02-27T20:30:00.005-06:00

After another day of painting...

It looks like the berries, stems and leaves were less intimidating

than the fence post. It all seems to depend on my mood when

I sit down to paint. I really prefer to work from "life" meaning

from the actual item rather than from a photo.

In this case, I had to work from other references because I

couldn't very well bring the fencepost and wire home with

me and the berries that I picked from a shrub on our property

when I was doing the drawing had all disappeared when I was

ready to start painting.

This means that I'm working from a photo, from memory and from

"Berry Red", a painting that I did last year. This is a pretty good

photograph from my little point and shoot camera but the red berries are

a bit more saturated in the actual painting.

I think that it's coming along pretty well now... what do you think?

Commission progress...

2009-02-24T21:28:00.003-06:00

Today I was able to put in some time on the painting so I decided to work on the antler. These seemingly simple items are sometimes pretty tricky. It's like trying to draw grass!

I think I'm pretty happy with the results even though I'm sure I'll have to go back into it and bump up the contrast a little once the rest of the elements are painted in. This would be a very monochromatic piece if it weren't for the leaves and berries!

It's anyone's guess which part I will do next. I'm never sure myself until I start painting.

"Ball Moss on Red"

2009-02-22T21:05:00.003-06:00

This is an acrylic painting that I started as a demo for the New Braunfels Art League meeting a few months ago.

I've put a little more work into it and finished the sides of the panel (about 10" x 10" and about 2" deep) I'd like to do a few more pieces like this as a series.

I wish I could get the photo to show the deep cherry red of the background but it just doesn't seem to translate very well. Why is it so hard to get the reds and oranges to show up right in photos?

I'll have to keep trying.

Moving forward...

2009-02-22T20:56:00.004-06:00

Here is the painting at the masking and background stage...

The masking is still in place and the background is mostly there. I always add small touches to the background as the painting progresses but this gives me a pretty good base.

I've now begun painting in the barbed wire just because it seemed like a pretty safe place to get started. I normally will work through one element at a time until the entire work is completed.

What's next?

I'll probably start working on the fence post so I can judge how light/dark the leaves should be to stand out sufficiently. But then, you never know!

A Setback!

2009-02-16T20:52:00.002-06:00

I was making some progress on the commissioned painting. I had the image drawn on the watercolor paper and I'd masked out the subject areas and painted the background. I was pretty happy with the background as a matter of fact.

BUT...

When I removed the masking noticed that the masking fluid had left a stain. Since I've had a painting ruined by just such a stain which darkened over time, I've decided to start over.

Today I finished making a tracing of the final image and made 2 copies on tracing tissue...one of the entire image and one of just the areas that need to be masked out. I've thrown out the bottle of masking fluid (obviously it doesn't have a great shelf life) and bought a new bottle.

Tomorrow I'll start again!

Moving forward...

2009-02-07T00:48:00.007-06:00

I've now finished the pencil overlay for the painting and it's been transferred to the paper.

I apologize for the (poor) scan of the pencil drawing on the painting. It's very difficult to get a really good image of the drawing since it has to be done very lightly on the paper. I had to enhance the scans and piece the sections together to get the whole image into one file. As the painting progresses, I will be able to get better images (less white paper and more tone for the camera to record) and it will, hopefully, give you a better idea of the progress.

I'm using Arches Cold Press 300 lb paper so that I can put in a nice wash background on it without any buckling. The surface of Arches watercolor paper works well when I have to mask out the "whitest" areas of the painting, in this case the antler and the fence post. I may mask out all of the subject since I'm planning to do some "spatter and smear" texture on the background... similar to the background on "Antler", the large painting that the client originally cited as their favorite.

I think I'll handle the background more as a vignette on this painting though...more like the background on the sketch, instead of a full background. It should give the painting a slightly lighter feel.

I'm now looking forward to starting to paint!

A new commission...

2009-02-07T00:02:00.002-06:00

This is the beginning stage of a newly commission that I am working on.

The client was interested in purchasing a painting but the images that they were initially drawn to were a bit larger than they wanted. They gave me a list of their favorite pieces from my website and we began a discussion about the possibility of a commissioned piece.

They'd never been through the process before so I sent them a pdf file explaining commissions, what the process was and how they would be kept "in the loop" We discussed size, budget and a number of preferences to be considered and a few days later they told me to go ahead and work up some sketches.

These were the first three sketches that I did.

They requested a combination of some of the elements from the original sketches and a bit of barbed wire (from "Barbs & barbed wire") and I did a new sketch.

I took the antler out with me and photographed it hanging on a barbed wire fence. I actually took several photos, using an assortment of antlers that I have collected but this one had the best light and shadows to work with as well as just a better shape overall.

I added the branches with the red berries to the image later by combining the original sketch and the photo in Photoshop. (I really love that program for working out the little details.)

I'll go back to the original photo as a reference when I'm painting the final watercolor. The contrast will have to be toned down on the post just a bit and I'll work from an actual clipping from the Pyrocanthus bush in our yard.

The client requested only one change to this sketch...they wanted the branches to have a more natural position on the far left. They felt that it appeared that the branch was clipped off and floating in the air (which it was!) so I changed it slightly to join it into the other branch. The change was simple & the clients are happy.

Perfect!

"Broken Fortune" ...now available on eBay

2008-08-28T19:03:00.000-05:00

"Broken Fortune"
Oil on Linen
10" x 8"
Unframed

Buy it on eBay

This is a simple little oil painting that I painted while tending a shop one day. It was a very quick little painting and I had to struggle not to get into my usual obsessive compulsive style.

We've started something...

2008-08-25T09:15:00.000-05:00

Brigitte Woosley is a friend and previously we shared some studio space and now we're sharing some cyberspace!

We've just set up a new organization extolling the virtues of the cow in art. The group is called the American Society of Bovine Artists.

Right now we only have four members including ourselves but we're growing! After all, we're just a couple of days old. Check out the website and if you: are interested in paintings with cows; have painted cows; collect paintings of cows; own cows; dream about cows!?! you should become a member. It's only $10 and it's all fun. There is an artists' gallery and a page just for friends.

This is what I have up there now but I think I may have to do better....

By the way, I did the website for ASBA as well so if you're looking for website design.... contact me!

I'm a little bit sad...

2008-07-26T09:47:00.000-05:00

I made a decision this month to give up my lovely studio. I've been so busy at working on our "new home" that I haven't had any time to go to the studio and paint over the past two months. You can see what's been going on there if you go to "the trailer dailies" that I've been posting on my website. I finally updated the pages on Wednesday night so it's now pretty complete.

That was only half of the reason, though, why I've decided to give it up...

With gas prices going up and the impending move to Canyon Lake, I decided that I will paint at home for a while. It's about 20 miles (one way) from our property so the round trip costs me dearly!

I'll still be painting again when the dust clears from the construction and I'm looking forward to it. The longer I stay away from painting, the more I miss it. I'm trying to see this as a "summer sabbatical" which will end soon!

Since I haven't been painting much, I thought I'd put up a photo of the watercolor painting that was recently accepted in the 23rd Annual Conservatory Art Classic at the Bosque Conservatory in Clifton, TX. There were 159 works accepted from 859 entries. I've been told it's pretty difficult to get into this show so I'm thrilled to be chosen. The show will be on exhibit from September 20 - 28.

"Tiny Pumpkins, No. 2"

14" x 11"

Transparent Watercolor on Twinrocker Handmade Watercolor Paper

Also in September, I will be part of a three-artist invitational exhibit at the Ray Goldstein Gallery at the Dell Jewish Community Center in Austin, TX. I'm looking forward to this show since it will be the first time that I will have a showcase of my work in oils, acrylics AND watercolor. I'm grateful to the selection committee for inviting me and I'll post additional information when it's available.

What has REALLY been keeping me busy...

2008-06-17T14:02:00.000-05:00

We bought a new piece of property...well it's actually an old mobile home that we're gutting and rebuilding.

If you want to see what we're doing you can check it out here .

It's adjacent to the property we already own where we're going to build our house. We'll move into this while we're building then turn it over to our friend to live in. What a plan!

Unfortunately, Paul had to head out to California for a job so I'm on my own with an additional work crew of one...

Wish me luck!?!

"Three Tomatoes"

2008-06-17T11:31:00.000-05:00

"Three Tomatoes"

6" x 8"

Oil on Panel

It's been so long since I've spent any "quality time" in my studio!

I did this one day recently while I was there and it came out fairly well. It's a little different style than my normal work but it was fun. Maybe I'll do more of them.

I've recently been invited to show my watercolors at the Dell Jewish Community Center in Austin. It's a three artist exhibition in the Fall including two photographers and myself. I'll post more information when it's available.

Really! I haven't died...

2008-06-07T09:24:00.000-05:00

I feel bad that it's been so long since I posted but life has kept me so busy! I've done a few small paintings but I've definitely been too lax and I've had far too many distractions.

I promise that I'll get back to work this week and get some new work posted. For now, I'd love for you to visit my website at www.judithbakerarts.com and see my gallery of work there. There are some things that I've never posted here including photomontage (from the same series as my last post), oils, acrylics & life drawings.

I'm planning to do some really different kinds of things over the next month. I hope to enter the Oil Painters of America Western Regional Show this month and I've been invited to participate in a three artist show in Austin (more info on that to come) so I will have to get busy!

For now, I'll post this...

"Oregon Rocks"

Digital Photo Montage/Collage

20 x 24

$850 (framed original montage/collage)

This image is also available as a montage print without the hand torn edges and layers. It's slightly smaller than the original at 13" x 16".

Contact me if you'd like more information about prints.

"Leaving Roswell" 3/50

2008-05-21T11:11:00.000-05:00

"Leaving Roswell"

Limited Edition Print 5/50

8" x 18" (on 13" x 19" Ilford Matte Paper)

$185 unmatted/unframed

FINALLY!...

I'm finally starting to feel better after that horrible (cold/allergy/bronchitis?) month of feeling awful and I'm ready to start getting back to work. I have a long list of things to do before the end of this month.

There are competitions to paint for...

There's the "TEXAS" Show at New Bruanfels Art League which takes submissions on June 1.

The Oil Painters of America Western Regional Show deadline is June 17 (online submissions) and the Bosque Conservatory Conservatory Art Classic deadline is a few days earlier on June 14.

Lots to do!

My most recent painting...

2008-05-03T00:13:00.001-05:00

"From the Soap Berry Tree"

(unfinished)

14" x 11"

Oil on canvas

My trip to Austin ended with me catching a terrible cold so I haven't been very good about painting since then. (Coughing and hacking and just plain miserable)

I did spend a few days at the studio to work on this painting so I could enter it in the "Contemporary" show at the New Braunfels Art League. I apologize for the less than optimum photo but I took it before the painting was finished and it was still just sitting on the easel. If you look at it closely you can still see where I scratched/sketched in the composition before I started painting it in. I also made some changes to the background with some lighter and color-shifted areas which made the overall look a little less gloomy. I wasn't able to frame it the way I planned but at least it made it into the show.

I've also been working on restructuring Judith Baker Arts Dot Com to make it easier to update and to correct some problems that have cropped up. So keep an eye on it for the new and improved!

The last painting that I finished before "Art City Austin"

2008-04-15T21:58:00.000-05:00

"Three Tulips"

24" x 12"

Transparent Watercolor

It took two tries to finish this one but I'm pretty happy with the results.

Now that Art City Austin is over...

2008-04-14T12:38:00.000-05:00

...I'm looking forward to working in mediums other than watercolor for a while!

I spent the last two months concentrating on getting stock ready for the festival and it will be fun to break out my oils again. I've had several ideas that I want to try so the next few months should be interesting. I'll also be making a quick trip out to CA (work for Paul and a mini vacation for me.)

Then it's back to the studio.

"Art After Dark"

Booth #114 at Art City Austin, April 12, 2008, 7:30 pm (cell phone photo)

PS. I've decided that Art City Austin is probably not the best venue for my watercolors. Although I received nothing but the best feedback about my work, sales were just not there. I sold a few reproductions but that was it. I'm contemplating the reasons and I've decided that unless I can include oils or acrylics to my booth, I will probably not do the festival again next year.

Maybe, just like last year, the best outcomes of the festival are not the sales but the contacts that were made. I've met some interesting new people, made some wonderful new friends and reached some enlightening new conclusions so all is well!

A step forward...

2008-03-31T01:24:00.000-05:00

Me, standing next to "Three Tulips" Watercolor 24" x 12"

photo courtesy of Gaye Sekula

"The Gallery at the Hacienda de las Rosas" show is now over and it was a lovely weekend event. Some of my good artist friends, Kay & John Reinke and Gaye Sekula were also in the show along with 9 others.
There was a nice crowd of art lovers at the reception on Friday night and lots of others came by to see the show over the weekend.

Now that this milestone is behind me, I can get back to work on more paintings for Art City Austin in April! Come see me at booth #114 on April 12 & 13.

Paint on...

Something I was reminded of...

2008-03-25T00:10:00.000-05:00

"James"

Conté on Colored Paper

I was visiting the blog of a new acquaintance of mine, Susan Carlin. She does wonderful portraits among other things. She recently posted a simple portrait drawing that I really loved. I thought I'd dig into my archives and find this portrait that I did during a life drawing session a few years ago.

Sometimes the full pose just doesn't inspire you and it's the perfect time to work on your portrait skills.

Here's another portrait from a life drawing group session...

"Lydia"

Conté on Colored Paper

I've been busy, not just lazy...

2008-03-18T15:56:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted in a week but that's not because I've been slackin'.

Here is one of the paintings that I did this week. This one is a little larger that the previous ones but it's probably a simpler one.

"Antler"

Transparent Watercolor on Twinrocker Paper

16" x 20"

I'm also doing a redo of a painting that I started on Saturday last. I found out the hard way why you should let a watercolor dry overnight before removing masking fluid from the Twinrocker paper that I'm using! I got anxious and started removing it too soon and the paper tore. I mean it really pulled the surface off! I was really bummed. But a lesson was learned. Fortunate for me, I learned two lessons at the same time... you also can't use masking fluid over an area that has been painted with the Cadmium Red family! Yup, just took the paint off almost to the paper! WOW! Won't do THAT again.

Coming Events!

2008-03-11T14:28:00.000-05:00

Does it seem that I've been busy lately? Well you're right!

There are two events coming up in the near future.

I've been invited to exhibit in San Antonio at the Antique Rose Emporium in "The Gallery at the Hacienda de las Rosas" annual fine art show on March 29 - 30. I'll have several of my watercolors on exhibit along with a number of outstanding area artists. Try to come by!

Art City Austin is also coming up (April 12 & 13) and I'm painting like a fool...

If you would like to visit me there I'll be in booth #114. Come by and tell me that you found me through my blog I'll have all of my watercolors for sale on site and I think they look better in person!

I'll be watching for you!

"Tiny Pumpkins 2"

2008-03-07T13:21:00.001-06:00

"Tiny Pumpkins 2"

Watercolor

14" H x 11" W

Another view of the little "pumpkins." Actually they're gourds, I am told.

I tried something new with this one. I painted the entire background before painting the gourds. I think it was a bit easier that way but with such simple shapes that makes sense. If I were to try that with a leafy subject it would probably be a bit more difficult. I think I'll try that next!

"Red Berries"

2008-03-06T11:57:00.001-06:00

"Berry Red"

13'" H x 10" W

Watercolor

This is the newest of my paintings and I tried something new. I decided not to trust in masking fluid when putting in the background on this one because of the delicate stems in it. Masking fluid is a wonderful tool but it is TREACHEROUS!

There is nothing so disheartening as finding a missed area after you've removed the mask! Those little failures always seem to show up in a conspicuous area and they're so difficult to fix.

So this time I decided to carefully paint in the background freehand. I think it was pretty successful but it certainly was tedious.

"Tiny Pumpkins"

2008-02-28T20:05:00.000-06:00

"Tiny Pumpkins"

Transparent Watercolor 9-1/2" H x 15"

I'm back at it. It's been a challenge to get back into my watercolor mode after working in oil for a while.

It's interesting. Now it seems that this would be a much easier subject in oils! Just a few months ago, I would have said just the opposite. Funny how that is!

I'm actually having some fun with these new paintings which are so different from my previous ones.

Compare this to one of my previous ones...

"Shasta Cone and Driftwood"

Transparent Watercolor 10" H x 12" W

two more

2008-02-21T19:59:00.000-06:00

Here are a couple more...

One of the hardest things for me is trying to

decide WHAT to paint.

Some new watercolor paintings...

2008-02-19T23:31:00.000-06:00

I've been working hard to get back into the watercolor routine by doing a series of small (6" x 6") paintings. I'll move on to some larger ones after these.

I have to have a bunch of watercolors for "Art City Austin" (formerly called the Austin Fine Art Festival) in April as well as for the Antique Rose Emporium's "Galleria in the Hacienda"

I've been trying to focus on oil paintings lately but both of these shows have requested my watercolors so I have to change hats for a while. I've been completing these little paintings in about 2 days each so I should be able to have quite a few by the end of March.

I'll post more as I finish them.

an update...

2008-02-11T20:23:00.001-06:00

I managed to get a few hours of painting done on this today and I think it's coming along.

Hopefully I can work on it again tomorrow. I have to focus on watercolor over the next month for a few upcoming events and I have to work at "changing hats". It seems to be more and more difficult to do that lately.

See you tomorrow.

Why not?

2008-02-09T12:59:00.000-06:00

I've always loved horses. When I was 5 years old, my Dad had to take long circuitous routes from point A to point B to avoid passing by my beloved pony farm!

I still love horses and I have no idea why I've never done paintings of them. This week I decided to give it my focus and I started the oil portrait of a bucksin inspired by a photo that I clipped from an old magazine (My magazine fetish is another long story that needs telling at some other time)

This is a cellphone photo of the results after my first day of painting on it. The color needs work and it needs a LOT of refining and a good idea for the background but I'm happy with it so far.

I'll post my progress on this first piece of equine art as it moves along.

A lovely ballerina...

2008-02-03T18:57:00.001-06:00

This was painted alla prima during our portrait group at the New Braunfels Art League last week. It was such a lovely pose by such a beautiful young lady that it was hard to fail! This was my first classic ballerina painting and I'm quite happy with how it turned out.

The newest member of Oil Painters of America...

2008-01-22T23:07:00.000-06:00

I've decided to really work on getting my work out into new venues this year and I've entered a few big shows and applied for membership in the Oil Painters of America.

Today I received my letter of acceptance! I hadn't heard anything since I sent in my application one week ago and I was resigned to the fact that I wouldn't get in before the National Juried Exhibition deadline.

I went to see the show at the Whistlepik Gallery in Fredericksburg last year and was quite impressed with the caliber of work I saw there. I've now sent in my entry and I have my fingers crossed!

Wish me luck?

The Holiday is over!

2008-01-16T21:31:00.000-06:00

It's been a long time (over a month!!!!) since I've posted anything on my blog and my friends have been quite merciless in pointing this out to me.

I'll take the heat!

I had a wonderful holiday season visiting my son Kabe in Tulsa and my old friends in New Mexico. While visiting the Sandia Mountains where I used to live, I marveled at the fact that I never went out and painted the fantastic scenery there. I wasn't doing landscapes then (but then, I wasn't doing much else either!)

I took lots of photos while I was there so be watching for them to show up as paintings in the future.

Now that things are settling down and I'm getting things settled in at my new studio, I'm anxious to start painting there. My plan is to get into more shows and do more painting than ever before. I have some new ideas rattling around in my head and I can't wait to see what falls out when I pick up my brushes again.

Thanks for patiently waiting for something new to appear here...

I hope that it will be worth the wait!

For now, I'll post a painting that I did as a commission. The painting was made into a print but the original is mine and available if you like it....

It's been a while!

2007-12-11T23:40:00.000-06:00

It's been a busy few weeks for me. I've recently finished a commissioned painting of cowboy boots, attended my last meeting as an officer of the New Braunfels Art League, and now I'm moving into my new studio/gallery space.

This picture is the front door (the one on the right) to my studio. The building is a relocated Texas cabin originally built in the 1800's.

The first thing you see as you enter the front door is going to be the public room... a place to greet people, visit with them and present my available work. It's a really rustic and cozy space and it will look great with a rug, a few comfortable chairs and a selection of my work.

This last picture is from the kitchen looking toward the front door. The area in the foreground will be my work area. It's only slightly separated from the public room and anyone visiting the studio will have a view of the work space. They'll be treated to the sight of the clutter of a working painting studio and the controlled chaos it involves. Fortunately, I have a small back room for storage and the "not so picturesque" elements of a working studio.

I'm looking forward to receiving visitors along with my studio/gallery partner, Brigitte Woosley, who will be offering her wonderful Western oil paintings in the adjoining gallery space.

I'd love to have you come visit me!

Check out Cindy Revell's work...

2007-11-28T01:02:00.000-06:00

Sometimes you find an artist who's work makes you say "I wish I had done that!"
Cindy Revell is one of those artists whose work just fascinated me.

I hope you enjoy seeing her work as much as I did.

What caught my eye....
Check her out!

Dark And Stormy Still LIfe

2007-11-19T19:23:00.001-06:00

It took me a year but I've finally finished this painting. It went through a few phases and ended up a bit surrealistic. I'm glad I finally finished it. It really bothers me when I get stuck and I can't seem to get back to something that's been around that long!

It's almost worse than facing a blank canvas!

"Dark and Stormy Still Life"
Oil on Board
12" x 18-1/2"

Just a little touch-up in the studio...

2007-11-15T16:59:00.001-06:00

This was a beautiful southern Texas morning in the fall. We searched for a while to find the perfect place to paint and "that we did!"
This was a spot on Hunter Road between New Braunfels and San Marcos and there were 3 beautiful scenes to paint. I chose this one because I was wanting to paint some SKY!

"Hunter Road"
Oil
11" x 14"

ALAS!

2007-11-12T17:38:00.000-06:00

I started a still life painting and I liked the way it was progressing but life is full of complications! Now the petals have fallen and the painting isn't done. I have to remember to make a good photo BEFORE I start to paint.

Hmmmmmmmm.... Maybe I'll just fake it!

(Unfinished Painting)
Oil on Canvas

Part of the Fun...

2007-11-01T18:28:00.000-05:00

When painting outdoors, part of the process is interacting with the curious public. The last time I was out painting with my studio partner, a nice man stopped and took pictures of us. I was happy to find those pictures in my email today and I thought I would post one of them.

Some artists that I know say that they find it distracting to have someone interacting with you while you are painting. I find it interesting that others are fascinated by artists, what artists do, and how artists work. It's pretty much second nature to me to have someone looking over my shoulder. What is more difficult for me is to explain why or how I paint.

I'd love to hear what others think about this.

"A View of Cypress Bend"

2007-10-24T22:06:00.000-05:00

Painting the river on this sunny afternoon was a real challenge for me. The water is beautifully clear and the first impression of it is that it is somewhere between seafoam green and aqua. In fact it is every color on my palette! It was a great piece to expand my comfort envelope.
I will certainly attempt this again but I think tomorrow I'd like to paint some rolling meadows and sky. Who would have guessed that I would fall in love with painting outdoors?

"A View of Cypress Bend"
Oil on Panel
12" x 16"

A great site to visit...

2007-10-19T23:19:00.000-05:00

If you love moody/misty paintings, you should really visit Rob Ibjema's blog "Painting Wales Diary
( http://paintingwalesdiary.blogspot.com/ ) I check in frequently and there's always something wonderful there.

My personal painting today was limited to touching up a few recent paintings in the studio to finish them up. I'm hoping to get back out tomorrow to do a new landscape.

"River Road"

2007-10-18T20:01:00.000-05:00

This was a nice shady spot on the lake end of River Road. It was a great day to be painting but I started a little late and the light was changing fast! It's clearly an afternoon location though. I loved the way the trees were casting shadows on the bend in the road. Combine that with the sound of the river just over the little hill to my right and it was perfect!

"Shadows on River Road"
Oil on Canvas Panel
9" x 12"

The commission has landed!

2007-10-17T21:33:00.001-05:00

My two commissioned watercolor paintings for the St Regis Princeville in Hawaii.

I'm not used to working from photos but that was all I had available to me for these. I think next time I will require a trip to the location so I can work from the actual plants!

There's the ticket!

Monday's landscape...

2007-10-15T14:57:00.000-05:00

I saw this driveway while returning home from Austin a few days ago. I thought it would be a good painting so I went back today. It was pretty challenging to paint so many trees at such varying distances. I may work on it in the studio tomorrow just a little before I put it into a frame.

"Country Drive"
Oil on Panel
16" x 12"

Tuesday's Painting

2007-10-09T20:11:00.000-05:00

This was my efforts for this morning's Plein Air Paintout. I was a little disappointed when I got to the lake because the sky had clouded over but I settled in anyway. I think it was worth the effort. AND I really had fun!

I'd love to hear your opinions...

"Canyon Lake"
Oil
14" x 18"

Third Portrait of Grace

2007-10-04T17:54:00.001-05:00

This is the second painting of Grace that I've done in two weeks. I really like her as a model. What do you think?

"Third Portrait of Grace"
Oil on Canvas
12" x 9"

Painting Grace

2007-10-03T22:50:00.000-05:00

Our portrait painting group had another session with Grace tonight. I really enjoy painting her very distinctive features. I'll photograph the painting from this evening and post it tomorrow. I'd love to hear comments about the two paintings.

Of course, I'll have to take a new photograph of the first painting as well since I made a few changes to it since I posted it. The original painting is now part of the "ARToberfest" Show at the New Braunfels Art League until Nov. 11.

Check out my first portrait of Grace

See you tomorrow!

"Grace"

2007-09-26T22:37:00.000-05:00

I painted this tonight with our Portrait Painting Group. I think it was one of my more successful portraits but I want to work just a bit on the arm. What do you think?

"Second Portrait of Grace"
Oil on Canvas
12" x 9"

Just dropping in...

2007-09-25T16:35:00.001-05:00

This week is going to be a really busy one. I've gotten the approval on the commissioned watercolors that I'm doing for a hotel in Hawaii and the ARToberfest Show is about to break at the New Braunfels Art League. So much to do in so little time!

I've done the sketches and committed the first watercolor to paper. I'm just about to begin the painting of "Neill's Coral Tree" so I thought I'd post before I get too busy. The sketch above is the initial drawing that will be transferred to Twinrocker Watercolor Paper. I'll try to photograph the work as it progresses.

I hope to be able to post at least every other day so I don't get too far behind.

Busy, Busy, Busy!

2007-09-18T12:06:00.001-05:00

Our Open House was a lot of fun. Many friends came to wish us well and we had a great time!

On the same day, I received confirmation on a commission that I will be doing for the St Regis Princeville in Kauai, Hawaii. I am looking forward to working on the two watercolors which will be featured in the rooms at the resort. I hope I will be able to visit personally to see the originals installed there. One of the prints will be in every room of the resort!

I'll try to keep my progress posted on these two watercolors as I progress with them.

This is the BIG DAY...

2007-09-14T00:21:00.000-05:00

Later today we'll be opening our doors to the public at Three Brushes!

I wish you could all be there to join in the fun. Since you can't, I'll post pictures of the space and the event.
See you soon!

After a busy week...

2007-09-08T19:26:00.000-05:00

I've moved all of my paintings, canvases and painting equipment to the studio and tomorrow I'll put things in order. We should be ready to open the space up on Friday, Sept. 14 as planned.
And I'm happy to say that I'll be receiving the materials and purchase order on Tuesday for two commissioned watercolors. Just in time to break in my new studio space! Perfect!

"Beauty in the Beast"
Watercolor

I'll be painting two watercolors of Hawaiian flora for a hotel there and they will be made into prints to be hung in the guest rooms. The style will be similar to "Beauty in the Beast" (shown above) The originals will be installed in the model rooms. I will keep a record of my progress here.
Right now I'm going to have some dinner and relax and prepare for another week.
Happy painting!

Getting Ready!

2007-09-04T18:57:00.000-05:00

The Three Brushes studio is getting close to being a real workspace! We've painted the gallery area and with a little clean up and rearranging, we'll be able to work there! It's been fun getting it ready but I'll be glad when we're able to sit at our easels and get to work. We have a little bit of painting left to do on the outside, some more equipment to move in, artwork to hang & we'll be ready to welcome everyone to our...

OPEN HOUSE
Friday, September 14, 2007
2 - 7 p.m.

We're hoping to have lots of visitors to give the studio some great energy. Leave me a message if you want directions!

A Busy Day...

2007-08-30T23:08:00.001-05:00

This certainly has been a busy day. Actually it's been a hectic week with no sign of it easing up.
We are now officially in our new studio which we call "Three Brushes". I spent today buying paint and painting the walls in the gallery space. I have to say that I like the new gray paint better than the first color.
I also took a truckload of paintings and equipment there so now it's starting to look occupied!
Another week and we should be making art there!
Break open that bottle of Raspberry wine...

A New Painting...

2007-08-27T11:53:00.001-05:00

"Pride of Barbados"
Oil on Canvas
8" x 10"

These plants caught my eye in the parking lot across from my new studio. I just had to paint them.

I took the day off...

2007-08-26T21:02:00.000-05:00

Actually, I went to the new studio space this morning and took a few paintings with me. After that I came back to the house and put in an hour on a new painting before going off for a social afternoon with family.

It was difficult, once I started, to put down my brushes. I'm really liking the switch to oils from watercolors. I'm having to look at things a lot differently and adjust my thinking when planning a painting. I'm sure I will continue to do watercolors but it will be nice to have another medium to alternate with.

I'm finding that oils are opening me up to a much looser style and brighter color work. Interesting!

Here is a tiny little peek inside our new studio...

We've decided to call the space "Three Brushes Studio & Gallery".
We've painted one of the walls in the gallery area with a medium gray but it looks a little too blue. So we'll try again for a more neutral gray. It does look good with a little darker wall though. Our work should stand out very nicely. Watch for the next picture. There should be some paintings up by then.

A Big Day...

2007-08-24T01:33:00.000-05:00

I now have the keys to our new studio!

Tomorrow we paint and by the first of September, we'll be moved in. I'm looking forward to having a good space to work in and a place to exhibit the work I have on hand.

I'll take pictures and post them soon.

My painting for today...

2007-08-21T23:44:00.000-05:00

"Magnolia"

Oil on Canvas
8" x 10"
(Sorry, this one is taken)

I did this painting today for an art trade. I felt really good about it and it crossed my mind that I should have kept it and traded another piece.

In the end, I decided to let this one go for the trade and I'm glad I did. It will have a place in the home of someone who will appreciate and hopefully cherish it.

If I had kept it, I would see it every day and it would hinder my progress. I am beginning to understand that about myself. I had a very wise friend tell me that the best thing that I can do to progress as a painter is to let go of each piece as it is finished so there will be room for many more. I think I am ready to test that theory.

If I progress as I hope, there will be something new to post every day. (Well, at least most days. I'm not quite THAT disciplined.)

An artist to watch...

2007-08-20T10:52:00.000-05:00

A quick note to tell you that I just visited a great blog that you should drop in and check out...
http://qiang-huang.blogspot.com/
The work is fresh and exquisite.

But, HEY, don't forget to come back to see what I'm up to!

Here is one of my watercolors...

"Live Oak, Dead Oak & Pebble"

Watercolor

Another Busy Sunday...

2007-08-19T23:06:00.000-05:00

It was a pretty good day today. A lot was accomplished and I spoke with two friends from New Mexico. That always makes a day feel special.

My friend Jo has a coffee shop/cafe called Jo's Chameleon Cafe on "South 14" outside of Albuquerque. If you know the area at all you know that isn't the right name for the road but it's the name that everyone uses. Her coffee shop is a great place to visit if you are ever in the Tijeras area.

While you are there, you should check out the artwork on the walls. Jo's a pretty good artist herself but most of what you will see there is by local artists and friends of hers. There is some beautiful work there. You may even find a couple of my photo montage pieces hanging.

Well, after a long day, it's time to relax and get ready to pick up the brushes again tomorrow.
Hope you had as good a weekend as I did.

See ya later.

Late Saturday Night...

2007-08-18T23:13:00.000-05:00

I decided to put in some work on the landscape below to try to add some life to the upper right corner. It may be time to stop working on this one or it may become too labored. I will set it aside and work on something new tomorrow. I'm not very practiced at landscapes so I feel as though I've never picked up a brush before.

Of course, every time you pick a new type of subject or medium, there is an uncomfortable period of adjustment.

I am looking forward to painting with a group of my artist friends beginning in September when the weather cools a little. We'll be painting on the banks of the Guadalupe River just to the NE of San Antonio. This will be my first "paint out" so I'm anxious to give it a try.

For now, I'll settle on starting another "from nature" painting. I'm working at painting at a quicker pace to loosen up which is a real challenge for someone who likes to get all of the details in.

Here is one of my watercolor pieces that is still available...

"Beauty in the Beast"
Watercolor

I am so accustomed to painting in the minute details that it is hard to pick up a large brush and stroke in a broad sweep of color! I'm working on it though so stay tuned for my progress.

What's new?

2007-08-18T10:37:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited!

Over the past few days, things have really taken shape. Along with two of my artist friends, Kay and John Reinke, I found a new studio space. It's a quaint little space with "Charles Dickens" storefront appeal and a small courtyard to the side of it. I can't wait to fix it up and move in!

It's located in downtown New Braunfels, TX not far from the center of town. 725-B W. San Antonio Street to be exact.

We plan to do open studio shows in the front gallery and I'll post the information here when we have something scheduled.

Here is another one of my paintings that I'll be hanging up there...

"Dogwood"

Acrylic on Cradled Wood Panel
Img size: 8" x 12"
Available

I'm so excited!

Thursday and it's raining again!

2007-08-16T19:43:00.000-05:00

We've had 10 days without rain recently and it's been too hot to paint outdoors. I've been wanting to hone my plein air skills but it's really unbearably hot and humid so I've had to resort to painting indoors.

I did the landscape in an earlier post from a photograph that I took earlier this year in New Mexico at a state park called "City of Rocks".

So! Until Fall arrives and the weather becomes more pleasant, I'll be painting indoors. This is not a bad thing, don't misunderstand me. I've been painting with a portrait group for the last 7 weeks and I've thouroughly enjoyed it. I'd like to do a lot more of those if I can find people to sit for them.

For now, though, I'll continue to paint things "from the land". I love painting things that we see every day. I picked up this branch from someone's back yard. Most of the tree was cloaked with lichens and ball moss and this branch had fallen during a stormy night. I'm sure that people are not happy to see their Live Oak trees covered with these parasitic plants but they make a wonderful painting!

I hope you enjoy this painting which was awarded first place in a show of contemporary art at the New Braunfels Art League in July.

"Fallen"

Acrylic on Gallery Wrap Canvas
(can be hung without a frame)
30" x 20"

Painting fun portraits - alla prima

2007-08-16T01:12:00.000-05:00

Over the last few months, I've been part of a group of artists who are practicing painting and drawing portraits at the New Braunfels Art League.

This particular portrait is hanging in an art league show titled "Texas". If you visit New Braunfels, TX , come by and see the show! It's a good one.

"Lone 'Star' Attitude"
Oil on Canvas
10" x 20"

Here is another painting from the portrait sessions.

If you are interested in purchasing any of my paintings just leave a message including your email address and I'll send you the information.

"Grace"
Oil on Canvas
12" x 24"

J A Baker

Let me introduce myself...

2007-08-16T00:23:00.000-05:00

My life as an artist began as a child.

Crayons and construction paper, WOW!

Since this is my very first post on my very first blog, I'm going to keep it simple!

I plan to show my new work as I produce it as well as the work that I've done in the past. I'm currently working in oils but I also work in acrylics, watercolors and digital photo montage/collage.

This is a landscape that I've just taken off my easel...

"City of Rocks"

Oil on Canvas
16" x 20"

I hope you enjoy visiting my blog.
Be sure to bookmark it so you can visit often to see what I'm working on.