Tuesday, September 30, 2008

“If you see beauty everywhere in everything your soul is set free, no one can take that away.”

Local Color Movie The Art of Living “If you see beauty everywhere in everything your soul is set free, no one can take that away.” “…the beauty of being alive this is Art.” “…because there is beauty in everything.” “You would be crazy to become a painter today.” http://www.localcolormovie.com:80/ One of my favorite clips is “Art Fair Fiasco,” very funny. I received this email from Tony Pro of Oil Painters of America about what looks to be a great film that I think may be of great interest to many of you. Greetings in art! I hope this email finds you well. I am contacting you to let you know about an exciting event that is happening in the world of representational art. My good friend and painter, George Gallo has made a film, Local Color, loosely based on his life about becoming a painter and the trials and tribulations he went through to train with a Russian master. This film has been picked up by Empire Film Group, which they will distribute for a national release! Personally, I have seen this film and I can say it is not only a well-directed and well written film, but the core principle of the film is based around making people see the RELEVANCE of Representational Art and calls to attention the ridiculousness of the Modern Art movement. Through the Oscar worthy performance of Armin Mueller-Stahl, we see a Russian master painter who speaks the truth about what Modern Art has done to the world of Representational Art and ha s grown tired of fighting back. Any of this sound too familiar in your life? I am TIRED of walking into places like Los Angeles County Museum of Art or the Metropolitan Museum of Art and find that they have taken down another Sargent or Rembrandt and replaced it with a piece of Modern “Art” that I can’t even identify what it is. It kills my soul when this happens and I know it kills the souls of many artists around the world. George and his wife Julie have made a film from money out of their own pockets that promotes this very idea. The studios wouldn’t touch this film because it didn’t have sex and drugs and they don’t see the relevance of Representational Art. Well, my friends, we are relevant and we are here to stay. The ONLY way we can refute the modernist movement is to make Representational Art RELEVANT again. How do we do this? Not by local shows or even national shows that only get the attention of other artists, it has to be done through the media on a mainstream basis. It needs to be injected back into the mainstream and it needs to become a part of the World Culture again. This film is going to be out in the mainstream, it’s even trailering on Apple’s website. This is our champion piece for our cause to start moving Representational Art forward and make it relevant to the masses. PLEASE, I implore you to go support this film in it’s first week of opening nationally the week of November 7th; take your spouse, go with friends. This movie has something for everyone to discover. The film is so well made that you don’t need to be an artist to enjoy. It’s a heartwarming story that will touch your soul, I know it did mine and it made me realize how good and proud it feels to be a representational artist and to cherish life through art and the relationships we make along the way. For more information and to see a trailer: http://www.localcolormovie.com/ http://www.apple.com/trailers/independent/localcolor/ “A deeply felt movie about pursuing your passion in life. Armin Mueller-Stahl is magnificent and young Trevor Morgan matches him step for step.” - Leonard Maltin, Entertainment Tonight “A breathtaking and moving cinematic masterpiece.” - Roger Tennis - CLIPS-TV Cast: Armin Mueller-Stahl Trevor Morgan Samantha Mathis Ray Liotta Ron Pearlman Charles Durning Diana Scarwid Julie Lott Writer/Director George Gallo

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Oregon Coast Gallery Gets Stormy in November, Stormy Weather Arts Festival

Beach Connection - Manzanita, OR ,USA
Michael Orwick, Tracy McEwen and Christopher Bibby will eat, drink and sleep their medium over the weekend, appearing at the quick draw on Friday night and ...
"Experience that “certain slant of light” Michael Orwick brings to his work. Michael fuses a fierce impressionistic talent with modern sensibility to paint Oregon landscapes that shimmer with light. He celebrates the natural beauty around us as only a native-born son can." -DragonFire Gallery See all stories on this topic
(Cannon Beach, Oregon) - On November 7 to 9, the north Oregon coast town of Cannon Beach celebrates the early days of winter with the enormous Stormy Weather Arts Festival. DragonFire Gallery's portion of that citywide event is three days of color, light, music, food and conversation. An enormously talented trio of oil painters makes up our featured artists this year. Michael Orwick, Tracy McEwen and Christopher Bibby will eat, drink and sleep their medium over the weekend, appearing at the quick draw on Friday night http://michaelorwick.blogspot.com/2008/08/one-of-my-most-favorite-art-events-of.html and then spending Saturday and Sunday in the gallery, demonstrating and chatting about their techniques. Each artist’s work focuses on a sense of place in dramatically dynamic and individual ways. Catch them at the Quick Draw, make a bid and come away with a treasure. Experience that “certain slant of light” Michael Orwick brings to his work. Michael fuses a fierce impressionistic talent with modern sensibility to paint Oregon landscapes that shimmer with light. He celebrates the natural beauty around us as only a native-born son can. DragonFire Gallery Christopher Bibby displays an Englishman’s whimsical view of the Pacific Northwest with his architectural studies of Portland and surrounding nature. His oils are rich in color and playful forms, showing us a place we are glad to inhabit. Tracy MacEwen captures the magic of foreign travel in joyfully colorful encaustic canvases. His semi-abstract landscapes and life studies interpret that “genius of place” all travelers will recognize. Tracy blends a formal training in design with a true artist’s love of texture and color. Both DragonFire and the gallery cafĂ©, Inspired!, will be alive with music all weekend. From 12 – 2 p.m. on Saturday Blues artist Kelsey Mosley will make her DragonFire debut. Kelsey and her guitar will charm you with an original and easygoing contemporary blues repertoire. During our big Stormy Weather reception from 4 – 7 p.m. Saturday, the multifaceted Los Luminos will be in the house with their signature zydeco music and a full range of other classics. Our featured artists will be on hand; wine and appetizers will be served. Come meet many surprise artists who have come to celebrate the storms with us. The entire town of Cannon Beach celebrates the Stormy Weather Arts Festival in early November. From 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday at the Chamber of Commerce, DragonFire photographer Clark Little will be featured in a special event called Surfing as Art. Clark grew up in Hawaii surfing the Waimea Bay breaks and decided to document the majesty of ocean waves through photography. Clark will be on hand to talk about catching the perfect wave on a board and through the lens. Details of this event are still in progress - but count on Clark’s photos, music, surf stuff and more. Whether you ride the waves or not, this event promises to be a must see. Clark and his photographs can also be found at DragonFire during the day on Saturday. Sunday offers another chance to chat with our artists and see them work while Lee Clingman will charm you with his blues and humor from 11 – 1 p.m. during a light brunch reception. Mark the weekend on your calendars and call the gallery (503-436-1533) for any questions. DragonFire Gallery can be found at the corner of 1st and Hemlock Streets in Cannon Beach. On the web at DragonFireStudio.com
All the best,
Michael Orwick Orwick Arts http://michaelorwick.blogspot.com/
My art hints at a story and then invites you to finish the narrative. My style has been called Inspired Expressionism, which combines impressionistic brush strokes and a touch of realism to create the atmosphere and lighting woven into my work. The easiest way to see my work is at www.michaelorwick.com

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

you can speak about Art with both authority and confidence with the Critical Response to the Art Product (or CRAP)

Thank you to my friend Carrie Holst for pointing out this fun site.
The Instant Art Critique Phrase Generator
you can speak about Art with both authority and confidence
How many times have you found yourself looking at (modern) art saying things like "I'm experiencing delayed articulation at this juncture. The inability to disclose such verbiage escapes me!" -Brenda Boylan http://www.brendaboylan.com/
well no longer friends, thanks to The Instant Art Critique Phrase Generator http://www.pixmaven.com/phrase_generator.html
Salvation is here! Feeling inarticulate? Critically gauche? Or just verbally impotent? The folks at Pixmaven have developed The Instant Art Critique Phrase Generator so you need never again feel at a loss for pithy commentary or savvy "insights." With this device you can speak about Art with both authority and confidence. Use this marvellous tool to amaze and confound friends and colleagues. Don't miss this opportunity to menace and dumbfound professors and artists emeriti! The instructions are simple-- type any five digit number in the field, click 'Create,' and enjoy your ready-made Critical Response to the Art Product (or CRAP). Now you can produce CRAP critiques as easily and fluently as anyone in your MFA program! Please use this product responsibly. What I created my first try,
this beautiful, ready-to-use specimen of Art Speak: "With regard to the issue of content, the disjunctive perturbation of the spatial relationships brings within the realm of discourse the distinctive formal juxtapositions."

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Expressions of Nature Portland Plein Air & Studio Painters’ Annual Exhibit 2008

The Kingstad Gallery 15450 SW Millikan Way, Beaverton, Oregon 97006 Expressions of Nature Expressions of Nature Expressions of Self Portland Plein Air & Studio Painters’ Annual Exhibit 2008
Featuring: Michael Orwick, Kitty Wallis, Celeste Bergin, Amanda Houston, Brenda Boylan & 17 other members of the Portland Plein Air Painters and premier guest artists: Mitch Baird, Eric Jacobsen, Eric Bowman, Cathleen Rehfeld, Scott Gellatly, George Broderick. May Clover, by Amanda Houston Exhibit dates: 9/10/08 – 12/06/08 Opening Reception: Last Tuesday, 9/30, 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Here is a google map link that you can provide in your email together with the pdf announcement file. http://maps.google.com/maps?client=safari&q=kingstad+gallery&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF-8&ll=45.498887,-122.833672&spn=0.161712,0.31208&z=12&iwloc=A
Laurelhurst Park Autumn, (12x16) by Eric Bowman
Plein air works have an immediacy and vitality that is unique to the process. Being devoted followers and heirs of the late 19th- and early 20th-century French tradition, these accomplished artists gad about the woodlands, fields, and cityscapes of urban existence with easel, palette, and brush to record the beauty of a vista, an existential moment, and their relationship to the world of light.
Cool White Aspens by Michael Orwick
In addition to works that record and reflect the aesthetic joy of being an artist of the Pacific Northwest, this 3-month exhibit will highlight the inner landscape of the plein air artist with expressive works that reflect a range of interests that stretch the definition of plein air painting. Furthering the cause of plein air and its profound contribution and influence on contemporary art will be world-class premier artist and founder of Portland Open Studios, Kitty Wallis, as well as renowned nationally exhibited guest artists: Mitch Baird, Eric Bowman, George Broderick, Scott Gellatly, Eric Jacobsen, and Cathleen Rehfeld. They will be joining accomplished artists from Portland Plein Air & Studio Painters’ roster: Celeste Bergin, Brenda Boylan, Carrie Holst, Amanda Houston, Michael Orwick, and a number of other members of this dynamic association.
'Wakheena Creek' by Mitch Baird
The opening reception will be on Last Tuesday, September 30, 6:00 – 9:00 pm and will be catered by Kingstad Catering’s award winning Chef Christian Russell; no-host wine bar.
The Kingstad Gallery presents original works of art by regional and national artists from all visual disciplines in quarterly themed exhibitions. This dynamic state-of-the-art facility is the largest privately owned gallery and exhibition space in the Portland Metro region.
Multnomah Falls, Cathleen Rehfeld
Gallery hours: Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Friday, 9:00 am – midnight Saturday, 5:30 – midnight Sunday, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm or by appointment: 503.626.6338
Clear Horizon, by Scott Gellatly
Lora R FisherDirector, The Kingstad GalleryLora@Kingstad.com 503.626.6338 • 971.344.5848
by Celeste Bergin
by Kitty Wallis

WOW! Another interrogation I mean interview and please help Raise awareness for our “Save Cinnamon Roles from Raisins” Campaign

Dolphin Parent Questionnaire (My Daughters preschool) Hi dolphin parents! Since Fall is beginning we are looking forward to a fresh start to a new school year. In order to help us understand you better we would love to get to know you better! We would appreciate it if you would take a few minutes to fill out this questionnaire. Thank you! Name: Michael Orwick, Elena’s friendly Pet Dad 1. What are your hobbies? Art, travel, outdoor stuff (Hiking Gardening Camping Photography). 2. Do you have any secret talents? If so what are they? They are Secret, but one of them rhymes with orange, the other involves time travel and messing with the phenomenon of time dilation based on velocity in the theory of special relativity (exemplified by the twin paradox) as well as gravitational time dilation in the theory of general relativity, it is currently unknown whether the laws of physics allow for traveling back in time…I’ll let you know. 3. What do you really like and what do you not like very much? I really like Cinnamon and I really don’t like raisins so cinnamon roles with raisins make me cry a little each time I see them ( I eventually pick around the disgusting ugly little dead grapes). 4. What are your favorite kinds of gifts to receive from your child? Sleep and money. 5. How do you prefer to communicate (in person, telephone etc.)? phone and interpretive dance mostly. 6. How would you like to be addressed? (Mr. Mrs. First name. nick name. pet nameJ) I want everyone to start calling me Daddy, except my father who can continue to call me son. Most people still just call me Michael. 7. What is your favorite color? Green, and after four years of raising a princess I don’t hate pink anymore, and I now know what fuchsia looks like (electric magenta). 8. What was your favorite toy as a child? Star wars figures, except Ewoks. 9. Where is your favorite vacation spot? The woods near a beautiful clear creek. 10. What is your favorite thing to do with your child? Explore and have adventures often around beautiful creeks. Travel into the future. Raising awareness for our “Save Cinnamon Roles from Raisins” Campaign. Telling overly long bed time stories about an epic space opera in a galaxy far far away, where two robots (one cute one British sounding) save the princess and the entire rebel fleet with a little help from Yoda and a thing called The Force. Learning about how much pink is actually too much pink and when a touch of Fuchsia is needed to save the outfit and the day. 11. Where did you and your significant other meet? She was dating my “too pretty” roommate in Salem Oregon . I saved her.
12. Would you ever be interested in coming in and hanging out with the Dolphins a little? (example: A special project, a special holiday you celebrate, a neat talent…) I did and I loved it. PLEASE BOTH PARENTS FILL THIS OUT INDIVIDUALLY AND SEND IT BACK OR PICK UP A FORM FROM OUR CLASSROOM! Mike aka Daddy, LOL thank you sooo much for the wonderful response to our email! That was the best way to start this morning. I don't think we have laughed that hard in a long time! Have a great day Carrie and Sarah PS Sarah would love to join your "save cinnamon rolls from raisins" campaign! lol All the best,
Michael Orwick Orwick Arts http://michaelorwick.blogspot.com/http://fineartstudioonline.com/michaelorwick My art hints at a story and then invites you to finish the narrative. My style has been called Inspired Expressionism, which combines impressionistic brush strokes and a touch of realism to create the atmosphere and lighting woven into my work. The easiest way to see my work is at www.michaelorwick.com

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

first impression of beauty and sublimity

Forest Grove show opens tonight (Wednesday, sept. 3rd) Hood River Plein air show opens Friday (Sept. 5th) details below
'Celebrate Forest Grove' offers music, art opening and food excerpt from The Hillsboro Argus
"Celebrate Forest Grove" is the theme for the First Wednesday event, Sept. 3, from 5 to 8 p.m. in downtown Forest Grove. The Celebrate Forest Grove theme will focus on local organizations and events for the whole family. Features include live music by Reload, art vendors, wine tasting from ten local wineries, outdoor barbeques, farmers market, kids booth, comedy improv and food and retail specials in historic downtown Forest Grove. Valley Art Association will hold an artists' reception for its September and October show during the First Wednesday celebration. The show, "Of Earth & Sky," will feature oil paintings by Michael Orwick and raku pots by Barbara Hertel. The reception will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the gallery, 2022 Main Street, Forest Grove. Regular gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Hood River Show Opens Friday Sept 5th
Painting Outdoors from the Mountains to the Sea September 5 through 29 Columbia Center for the Arts 215 Cascade Street Hood River, OR 97031 541-387-8877

This year is the 4th year of the Pacific Northwest Plein Air painting competition. 30 regional artists (listed below) are participating in this year's juried show. As in previous years, there is a writing component to the show. This year, 12 writers (listed below) are participating in those events. The show opens on Friday, September 5, and extends through the end of the month. Artist Reception Vista House at sunset 30x40 by Michael Orwick Please plan to meet the artists at the opening reception on Friday, September 5, from 6-8pm.

Poetic light (Columbia Gorge from Hood River)
16x20 Painted in Plein Air By Michael Orwick As in previous years, this year’s “Pacific Northwest Plein Air 2008” exhibit focuses on both painting and writing about our natural surroundings. Painting This is a juried show, with 30 artists selected from many entries (see list of artists at the bottom of the page). The artists are dedicated to the historic tradition of painting directly from life. Plein Air artists promote a heightened visual appreciation of our area by sharing with the public our combined knowledge and experience through exhibitions of the highest caliber. Writing The writers will also observe nature first-hand and will create prose and poetry that capture their experience. A reading of the works created by participating writers will be held on Septembr 14. The Anthology of the writers' works will also be unveiled at that time. Works will subsequently be posted on this site. To learn more about the Plein Air Writing Exhibition and Anthology, click here.
Columbia Gorge view of Vista House, sunrise - photo byMichael Orwick Letters on Landscape Painting (en Plein Air) -A.B. Durand "In recommending you, in the beginning of your studies, directly to Nature, I would not deceive you with the expectation, that you will thus most speedily acquire the art of picture-making—that is much sooner acquired in the studio or picture gallery.I refer you to Nature early, that you may receive your first impression of beauty and sublimity, unmingled with the superstitions of Art—for Art has its superstitions as well as religion—that you may learn to paint with intelligence and sincerity—that your works shall address themselves to intelligent and sympathetic minds, and spare you the mortification of ever seeing them allotted to swell the lumber of the garret and the auction room." Excerpted from The Crayon, Vol. 1, No. 3, January 17, 1855. Collection to read much more of this beautiful letter http://www.myamericanartist.com/2008/08/letters-on-land.html 30 Participating Artists In the Hood River show Mitch Baird Celeste Bergin Janet Bland, Eric Bowman Donna Clark, Gregg Caudell Emily Dyches, Mary Lou Epperson Peter F. Fox, Terrence Gasca Scott Gellatly, Joe Howard Carol Jacquet, Eric Jacobsen Mike Kowalski, Don Lonsbrough David E. McNeill Michael Orwick Dennis W. Porter Mike Rangner Cathleen Rehfeld Charlene Rivers Todd Smith Susan Sutherland David Taylor Donna Van Tuyl Beth Verheyden Eric Voigt Karen Watson Bonnie White