Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Gun Dog Expo


Mouthful
Original Oil
10" X 15"

I just finished up three small pieces for the upcoming Gun Dog Expo in Portland, Oregon this weekend. It is hard to see from this scan, but I had a lot of fun "creating" the iridescence on the pheasant's neck.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

A Master Hand

October Morn
Original graphite by Terry Miller
8" X 26"

I am fortunate to have many talented friends. Their work continues to inspire and humble me with its greatness.

This is a piece which takes my breath away. It is not a subject matter which would normally draw me nor a scene with which I am familiar. Yet, there is something about it which says so much. I have been watching the progress of this piece since May 31st. Enchanted with it since the second or third post, I have to admit sometimes I would check twice a day to see if the next stage had been posted.

If you haven't had a chance to watch this work take shape, go to http://www.pencilshaver.blogspot.com/ .
Terry's commentary on the various stages are instructive not only to graphite artists, but to all artists looking to use depth, light, and dramatic compostion in their art.
Terry Miller has a Master Hand.

Friday, June 8, 2012

New Painting

Still thinking of a title... any ideas?
21" X 10.5"
Original Oil
Giraffe lend themselves to a vertical format so well. When I put them in a tall painting, I like to have some horizontal elements to create a soft balanced composition. If I was going for drama the horizontal components wouldn't be as important.
Below you can see the compositional elements.
I am far from an expert on this. Mostly I design by feel with little intellectual calculation. I am sure I miss some critical opportunities for a better composition on some pieces. Then again, maybe there are some of my paintings which have design elements which don't fit the "normal" conventions for composition but the paintings really work.