Saturday, September 25, 2010

Commission Accomplished!!!... Short Strokes Launched... Algonquin bound on Monday!







I've had many brushes in my hand over the past few weeks... and my head was buzzing with "to do lists" that awakened me at odd early morning hours, but the large commission is complete and my clients are coming to the Gallery today for the unveiling. So most of the pressure has subsided and I can now look forward to the fall plein air painting season.... sans other commitments.

I am hoping that the Short Strokes addition to my blog and our web site will offer people who might wish to own a smaller "piece of Bruce", an inexpensive but miniature version of my style and commitment to quality art. I hope that my mentioning that I don't choose to join daily groups or take on marathon projects insinuated that I thought negatively of these ventures. To the contrary, I laud the efforts of all artists who share my passion and enthusiasm for making art... no matter the differences in which we each choose to work. I have always been a "loner" really in my thinking... and in my development as an artist. I work best alone... even though I relish those opportunities to work with fellow artists that I meet along the way.

I will continue to post these smaller plein air pieces as they are made for your enjoyment and they will be offered here in the Gallery in the Short Strokes Gallery on line at http://www.thepaintboxgallery.ca/ . Hopefully, they will continue to "fly out the door as they have here at the Gallery. They area part of my daily painting process when I am working in the field.
I usually either begin... or finish up the day (after painting a larger piece) by throwing up these smaller panel formats on the easel and doing a flash dance to capture the arrival or failing effects of light. Sometimes I win... other times the clock does! I laughingly refer to these pieces as "my run-for-the-sun" quick draws!

Early on Monday, Deb and I will head north to Algonquin Park together for a three day painting adventure... based either at Whitney at the East Gate entrance, or at Dwight where we enter at the West Gate.... depending on where we find the best colour. The colour has risen to almost fifty percent... my favourite time because the colour when it reaches its peak is too intoxicating...too raw... "too cadmium" if you know what I mean. I much prefer the softer, ambiant fall colours which occur earlier on... or just before the leaves fall. I will post photos and painting images when we get back for your enjoyment.
Deb is, in her own right a fine painter, in addition to her many other talents and interests. On occasion, she loves an opportunity to get "out there" (in good weather) with "Me". I really enjoy her company... and sharing the time together. Fingers crossed... for "good weather! HAHA!! Stay tuned!

Until then...Good Fall Painting to everyone... no matter where you might be painting!


PS Today's Short Stroke addition is "Basking In the Sun" oil on panel 8 x 10 inches $100 CAN+ shipping... it was the study for an earlier commission "Canadian Gothic" oil on canvas 36 x 48 inches.

16 comments:

  1. Hi Bruce,

    Your client will be thrilled and I also love your smaller paintings. I wish you the best of luck with your sales.

    I especially love your colors, I will continue to study your work and learn from the Master, You! All the best to you Bruce.

    Enjoy your plein air painting.

    Joan

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  2. Hi Joan! Good to hear from "You" again!

    I am no master... but rather a passionate and commited student of painting... but I am happy that sharing my process is helpful to you in your searching and painting life Joan.... and any others who might feel that there is some grain of furtherment in this blog in helping support their own individual journeys.

    Love your latest piece! You have captured those subtle fall colours that I love!

    Good Fall Painting to "You"!
    warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  3. nice job Sherman. I especially like the bridge piece.

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  4. Thank "You" Gary!... Great to hear from you again!

    Hope that the clients feel the same way! We'll know better this morning! It was a challenging commission... lots of archival research... "playing around" with reality to come up with a suitable composition and then the business of the three span arched bridge - a drawing nightmare! Any deviance from the proper curve really glared back at me!

    Great learning experience! We like that.... don't we Gary???

    Good Fall Painting to you! Imagine the aspen colour is not far off for you!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  5. Hey Bruce!
    Great work.... the small paintings always sell well. This has been a great year for sales for many artists. Have a wonderful time in Algonquin!
    Neil

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  6. Hi Neil and Susan!... Good to hear from you!

    Will be anxious to hear more about your new adventure! Life is about just that thing isn't it? Never carry the words..."What if...?" along with you in life. As Nike says: Just do it!

    Yes... smaller paintings fill in the spaces between the less frequent larger sales... "bread n' butter" is what we call them in our business! Fortunately for me... my larger sales have really been there consistently during the entire year... so we're both pleased and grateful for this blessing!

    Talk to you soon! Happy planning and adventuring!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  7. Hi Bruce,

    The commission turned out well - lovely colours and I like the touch of the heron.

    I hope you enjoy Algonquin and have better weather this year. :-)

    All the best,
    Keith

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  8. Hi Keith!... Thanks for the visit and the encouraging comments. The clients visited the Gallery today and shared your feelings. They were entirely delighted with the outcome!Mission completed!.... On to the next!

    I always look forward to my fall visit to The Park.It really stokes the senses for long after the experience... and always results in some good paintings and sketches!

    Fingers crossed for the weather! No midges for sure... so I can handle a bit of dampness... or whatever!

    Loved your newest piece! A transparent jewel!

    God Painting! Happy Fall Keith!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  9. Hello Bruce. Thank you so much for your comment on my blog; I am truly honored to have such an accomplished artist look at what I am doing.
    Love all your work; follow your blog regularly although don't always comment.
    I can definitely see why art lovers would snap up your smaller canvases very quickly, they are absolutely delightful.
    Congrats on finishing the large commission and enjoy every moment of Algonquin. Perfect time of year for that area of our province.
    Regards
    Ruby

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  10. Hi back Ruby!... It is ALWAYS my pleasure to visit your blog site. I am never disappointed with what I find there!

    I admire the thoughtful and deeply personal approach that "You" always put into both your painting... and your photographic art! Two "voices"- both crystal clear... eloquent and expressive! Keep the "Light" shining Ruby!

    Good Imaging...and Happy Fall to "You" and your Family!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  11. I am in awe of the wealth of beautiful pieces you have available! Wow! What an accomplishment, Bruce! Each one unique and wonderful!

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  12. The commissioned piece is really lovely! I can only imagine how thrilled the client is! So happy your small pieces are "flying out the door." The upcoming three days among all the Fall colours will be wonderful and I wish I oould go too! One of the few things I miss living out here is the dramatic change in the Fall...here it is much more subtle.

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  13. The bridge with the castel struct. off to the side is my favorite. Beauty.

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  14. Hi Katherine!...Thank you for your encouraging comments!

    Hope to maintain the production of smaller pieces throughout the fall painting season... I really enjoy outdoor painting at this time of the year. It is so short... so one must work quickly... and often!

    Rain and wind can really play havoc and take away the colour overnight! Fingers crossed!

    Good fall painting to "You"!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  15. Hi Karen!... Thanks for visiting! The clients were indeed very happy with the piece... and I... relieved! They are very anxious to get home to place over their mantel! They have a lovely home with many other choice pieces of art that they have purchased in the past... so I am honoured to be there!

    Must be hard for you to miss the Ontario colour. I can't imagine not seeing... or painting it every year! It's a ritual I so look forward to!

    Good fall painting to you Karen!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  16. Hi Melanie!... Welcome to my blog! Thanks for taking the time to visit and for leaving such a positive comment!

    I much appreciate your interest and constructive... encouraging thoughts about the work! Please do visit again!

    Good painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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