Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Funny how things start


This is part 1 of how the big four venue art and wine tour show has come to be.

Fruity and Earthy

Her questions raced about my mind.  Charlie Boguz, my friend and the owner of Primary Colors Consulting, had met me at the Legacy Gallery during the opening for the Oil Painters of America show in Tucson, Arizona. We had a chance to break away for a bite to eat and a glass of  wine.  So, here we were at lunch, on the premise of talking about my career.  It was a shockingly short discussion, but Charlie was smart and knew how to lead me by asking many what ifs, have you thought abouts, or would it be possible type queries.  Her questions were going to lead to something big. 
We’re on to Something Here
Soon she was asking about my next series of images, and I told her I realized the irony that my paintings were often inspired by far off locations, as if I felt I should travel to find beautiful scenery.  I live in the Pacific Northwest! It’s one of the most diverse, mysterious places I know, and I recalled the adage that we can mine for diamonds in our own backyard.  And my back yard is spilling over with mountains, streams, moody weather, towering evergreens, and seas that reach to the orient.  Another sip of wine, and we were seriously talking about Oregon’s famed vineyards.  I told her how popular my occasional paintings of Oregon vineyards had been, and Charlie knew we were onto something.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

A chance to paint learn from my instructor and friend


Essential Oil Techniques
with Thomas Jefferson Kitts
Classes held at Oregon Society of Artists.
2185 SW Park Place
Portland, Or 97205 (15 blocks from Art Media)

Kitts Boats
Essential Oil Techniques
Thomas Kitts
Feb 4, 2011 10-4
$95.00 plus small materials list
CRN#: 6M
Learn how to craft sound oil paintings using basic materials and methods. Increase your skill and confidence with a simple and direct approach. This practical hands-on class will focus on the issues the artist must resolve when working in oil. Oil is one of the oldest and most venerated artistic mediums of all. Find out why it has stood the test of time, and how your work can do the same!

All supplies available at Art Media
(Ask about our frequent buyer program)
Please bring:
Three flat hog bristle brushes, sizes #2, #4, and #6.
One round #2 and #4 hog bristle brush.
Palette for mixing paint
Bent handle palette knife
Roll of soft paper towels
Lunch and snack

Thomas Jefferson Kitts is a Northwest artist living in the Portland area. He has over 25 years of experience painting and teaching art. Widely known for his West Coast landscapes, Thomas also paints the figure and still life from direct observation. This summer, Thomas has been juried into three prestigious plein air competitions, and is offering two 5-day regional workshops in August. He is also a member of Oil Painters of America. To view his work visit www.thomaskitts.com 

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Cannon Beach Oil Painting Workshop 2011

Strengthen your Visual Sensitivity and Creative Visual Language 
This workshop is designed to explore the fundamental reasons behind a painting's success as you create your own masterpiece - Class is March 25, 26 and 27 - 10 AM to 4 PM daily at the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce in the beautiful Chamber Hall - 207 N Spruce St Cannon Beach, OR 97110



Contact Information:
folks at Dragonfire Gallery
www.dragonfirestudio.com
503 436 1533

Think of walking into a gallery and instantly being grabbed by a painting from clear across the room. What is it that reaches out to you and pulls you to get a better look? Learn what it is that first draws you in and how the painting continues to cast such a spell that you have to get within sniffing distance to learn all you can.
Through informative conversations and step-by-step demonstrations, students will gain an understanding of the interrelated components of painting- including value, shape, color, and edge relationship. You'll be painting right alongside artist Michael Orwick. Each of you will be given personal attention and friendly critiques.
Take home your own light filled masterpiece along with improved painting methods and theory.

To sign up for the workshop please contact the fantastic folks at Dragonfire Gallery
123 SOUTH HEMLOCK ST Cannon Beach, OR 97110 www.dragonfirestudio.com 503 436 1533
Tuition is just $250 for all three days and the special reception, for those in town for less time there is an open option of $100 per day.

Bonus: On Saturday after class (4:30-5:30) a special reception with appetizers and wine is being offered free of charge at Dragonfire Gallery for this group.
Bonus: Get ready for painting outdoors with a Plein-air equipment overview and suggestions list and weather permitting I invite you join me before and after class to paint the magic of Haystack rock in plein air.

Oil Painting Supply List and handouts Please email Michael at orwickillustration@comcast.net 503 693 7639 or contact Dragonfire gallery 503 436 1533. and to learn more www.MichaelOrwick.com


Cannon Beach Oil Painting Workshop 2011


$250.00
Location: Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce
207 N Spruce St
Cannon Beach OregonThe Amazing Oregon Coast 97110
United States


Michael will also discuss the benefits and drawbacks of photo references. He will provide some reference material for you, but you are encouraged to bring your own landscape photos to paint. Michael will emphasize emotion, color, composition, and ways to turn a photo into a spirited painting.

Starting with composition, emphasis will be placed on editing and selection skills as well as clarifying light effects for strong, personal design. You’ll study the power and importance of balance, unity, variety, interest and contrast through the tonal and color aspects of your paintings.

As a student, you will also learn about mixing colors from a limited palette while still achieving dynamic light and shadow effects with lively color. You’ll discover how values and temperature work to keep your paintings in harmony

To learn more about this fantastic art town and lodging options please visit
http://www.cannonbeach.org/


Oil Painting Supply List

Canvas and Painting Surfaces
_ Sizes 8x10 and 11x14 for learning on cheap boards and canvas panels are fine. Use what you like and can afford easily. I Use Raymar.com Portrait canvas boards.

Paints
_ 1. Ivory Black — general mixing black with moderate tinting strength. I try not to use black very often, but we plan on doing some black and white studies, which are a great way to learn values.
_ 2. Titanium-Zinc White - best general mixing white
_ 3. Cadmium Lemon – cool color, great mixing yellow can go warm or cool. Option instead of Lemon yellow Hansa Yellow Lt.
_ 4. Cadmium Yellow Med. — warm opaque yellow
_ 5. Cadmium Red Medium –can go warm or cool
_ 6. Quinacridone Red (or Alizarin) — cool red replacement for Alizarin and makes high key tints
_ 7. Ultramarine Blue or French ultramarine — warm (toward red)
_ 8. Manganese Blue Hue — cool (toward green) transparent water blue this beautiful color that many people can use for sky and water. 



My extra color I keep around in Gamblin’s Indian Yellow for warmth.
Media
_ 1. Gamblin Gamsol odorless mineral spirits for painting and cleaning.
_ 2. Winsor & Newton Liquin for detail and glazing, to unify shine.
Other Supplies
_ 3. I always have a roll of paper towels ready to wipe my brushes and canvas. I like Viva paper towels.
_ 4. A Round Point Painting/palette knife sometimes called a Spatula knife for mixing colors and occasionally for painting.
_ 5. I like to mix my paints on a glass surface, but most any palette can work. Try to stay away from the disposable paper type.
Brushes
I like Chungking Hog Bristle brushes for their strength and durability. I buy mostly flats and Filberts in sizes 6, 8, 10, and 12 with one smaller size like 2 for detail work. I use these brushes for the whole painting. I order mostly Utrecht.com series 209 White Hog Bristle.
_6. Easel, table top or standing, many can be either.

My good Friend Elio's Workshops for 2011 Around Portland Oregon





Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Art Scam Database

FASO Launches Free Searchable Art Scam Database


We are pleased to announce a feature that will help protect all artists from being scammed online.

If a person randomly contacts you about buying your art you may want to use this FASO feature to find out if the person is a suspected or known art scammer. This searchable database of suspected art scammers is made available to all artists (including non-FASO members) as a public service. It is free for anyone to use.

We at FASO keep tabs on known or suspected art scammers in order to protect the thousands of artists who have personal websites hosted by us. If art scammers are contacting our customers there is a huge chance they might be contacting other artists as well. That is why we decided to offer this search feature as a public service to all artists worldwide.

As mentioned, artists can search the database of known art scammers at no cost. Thus, you may want to do a search if you receive a message from a potential art buyer that appears suspicious. Due to the ever-increasing wave of art scams online it is very important to utilize a free service such as this. It will give you some idea of who exactly you are dealing with.


Take care, Stay true,

Brian Sherwin

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Please help a dear friend of mine, Artwalk for Annie

Artwalk for Annie, Save the date! December 7, 2010Most of you aware that Annie Salness suffered a stroke on October 14th.  Annie is an amazing woman, wife, mother of four children, artist and friend. She has made remarkable progress in these past few weeks and many of you have asked how you can help Annie and her family.


With characteristic modesty, Annie Salness signs her masterful "slice of life" paintings just ........."Annie". Last month Annie Salness, wife- mother-artist, suffered a severe stroke that has damaged her right side and impaired her speech. Annie was alone when she had the stroke and it was several hours before anyone found her. Thankfully, a lot of progress has been made, but there is a long road of rehabilitation ahead. "Artwalk for Annie" seeks to help the Salness family with medical expenses and we hope you will join us. Share an sparkling evening of beautiful art donated specifically for this event from many of Annie’s talented friends and colleagues, bring your checkbook, do some Christmas shopping, purchase some of Annie’s art or simply make a donation—all proceeds will go directly toward medical expenses.
"Art Walk for Annie", Tuesday, December 7, 6:30-8:30 pm Sunset Presbyterian Church Lobby 14986 NW Cornell Road (xHwy 26, by Phoenix Inn and Arco Station) Portland OR 97229

To find out the many ways you can help or to donate go
or

Save the date and please forward this invitation to all your contacts.

Annie’s art blog: 


(Top photo) Getting Ready to Ride by Annie Salness (Winner, Bold Brush Painting Competition Outstanding Acrylic 2009), Photo 2: Annie Salness

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Good Things-Small Packages

Good Things Show Card
With the holiday season upon us, Loni and Lauren are excited to invite you to ART Elements for the perfect artful shopping experience. Artists currently represented in the gallery along with other fine craftsmen from around the Northwest are creating unique and affordable artwork for your holiday gifting with price ranging from $50-250.
The gallery will be keeping our doors open late 'til 8:00 pm every Friday from November 19th - December 17th for fun art demonstrations (6-8 pm see schedule below), food and holiday shopping. We hope to see you there!

I hope to see you at the gallery for all of our fun events soon!
We wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season.

Artfully Yours,

ART Elements Heeaer

Loni Parrish
ART Elements Gallery

phone: (503)487-6141

Friday, October 29, 2010

7 Ways to see my new paintings in November.

1.
9 new works for the Stormy Weather Arts Festival In Cannon Beach Nov. 5th, 6th and 7th. I'm doing the Quick draw event on Friday night and demos through out the weekend, come out and party with us.

Stormy Weather

"A full weekend of art, music, and much, much more.
Three days of art, music and literary events will showcase the galleries and artists of Cannon Beach at the 23rd annual Stormy" 







"The 2010 Quick Draw artists include Rebecca Devere, Lisa Lamoreaux, Miska, Scott Johnson, Bonny Gorsuch, Mickie Skinner, Josh Henrie, Drenda Duff, Brian Anderson, Abbas Atwi, Walter Share, and this year featured artist and perennial Quick Draw favorite Michael Orwick, who created our beautiful 2010 promotional artwork!" 








2.
6 paintings for the Small works show at the Rip Caswell Gallery in Troutdale Oregon starts Friday the 5th with a big party.
Small Works Big Music


3. 
3 gems for Art Elements has their small works show starting.

Good Things small packages show.



4.

7 images total for Anne Amie Vineyard in Dundee Oregon, I have a solo show going on, get out there soon to enjoy the vineyard in it's Fall beauty, drink some wine...buy some paintings.
http://www.anneamie.com/


5. 
3 New works at the Freed Galley in Lincoln City Oregon.


6.

4 new paintings at my newest gallery the Terpin Gallery in Jackson Hole WY. 



More information on this soon.

7.
6 new paintings for the Valley Arts Annual collectors show in Forest Grove Oregon




Annual Artist Event
November and December

Little Art - Big Music at Rip Caswell Gallery in Troutdale

FIRST FRIDAY 11-5_II

Friday, October 15, 2010

The Healing Value of Art


by Barbara Blair

This post is by guest author, Barbara Blair This article has been edited and published with the author's permission. You should submit an article and share your views as a guest author by clicking here. 


For several years hospitals and medical facilities have included art in their buildings to help patients in their treatment and healing process, to calm fears, speed recovery, as well reduce stress for staff and visiting family members.
Several studies have been done on the benefits of art in the health care field.  Positive healing art images affect the autonomic nervous system, hormonal balance, brain neurotransmitters, the immune system and the blood flow to all organs in the body.  The most healing images are of expansive nature scenes, calm water, trees and flowers.
Healing artwork also has a valuable place in the home and office.  We are living in a very stressful world.  Many people are experiencing anxiety, sleep disorders, high blood pressure, depression and many other ailments as a result of stress, as it takes a heavy toll on the body and immune system.
Your home can be a powerful tool to create health, happiness and well-being, if it is filled with positive impressions and images.  You could think of art and everything else that you place in your environment as food that you ingest through your senses and that affects you on a cellular level.  Your body functions at maximum wellness surrounded with sympathetic compatible frequencies that create harmony.  It is therefore important to make choices that resonate with you in a positive way.
By placing images in your home and office that allow you to experience a moment of quiet reflection, or a sense of joy or upliftment at any time of the day, it will help you to combat stress and stay more balanced.  Think about what images and colors feel good, make you happy and inspire you.  For many people this involves pictures of nature, as the studies indicate.
What is hanging on your walls?  If you have dreary old pictures that you inherited from your grandmother as “family heirlooms” and feel obligated to hang them on your walls but have never liked them, give yourself permission to take them down.
The painter Henri Matisse said that art should be “something like a good armchair in which to rest from physical fatigue.”  Surround yourself with what you love (this applies to everything in your home, not just the artwork) and get rid of what you don’t love.
Then notice how your home or office has transformed into a joyful life-affirming space.

----------------------------------------------
This article appears courtesy of FineArtViews by Canvoo,
a free email newsletter about art, marketing, inspiration and fine living for artists,
collectors and galleries (and anyone else who loves art).


This article originally appeared at:
http://fineartviews.com/blog/23806/the-healing-value-of-art

For a complimentary subscription, visit: http://www.fineartviews.com

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Quick Draw Tickets Are Now on Sale!

Quick Draw Tickets Are Now on Sale! They go fast.


Please come and support the artists at one of the most fun and crazy events of the year.
Quick Draw Ticket are now on sale for Friday,
November 5th. Tickets are $55 per person,
$99 for two. Stop by Cannon Beach Chamber or
call 503.436.2623 to reserve your tickets.
For more information about the Stormy Weather Arts Festival and Cannon Beach’s year-around offerings, visit www.cannonbeach.org

Here is the final version of the poster using my painting of
"the Old Painter and the Sea"



A Weekend of the Arts
Three days of art, music and literary events will showcase the galleries and artists of Cannon Beach at the 23rd annual Stormy Weather Arts Festival, November 5-7, 2010.
This popular coastal event highlights the creative talents of a wide range of artists, with a packed schedule that includes an art walk, art gallery receptions, "So you think you can paint," photography exhibits, and much more. Cannon Beach shops, restaurants and galleries will be hosting music, art and literary events throughout the weekend.
“The Quick Draw,” a festival highlight, kicks off the weekend of activities on Friday, Nov. 5 as artists create their own individual “masterpieces” from raw materials—in one hour. Completed pieces will then be auctioned off. Another celebration mainstay, “The Spotlight Event,” will be staged at the Coaster Theatre on Saturday night, Nov. 6.
For more information about the Stormy Weather Arts Festival and Cannon Beach’s year-around offerings, visit www.cannonbeach.org

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Landscape Techniques in Oil


http://michaelorwick.com/workshops

Landscape Techniques in Oil
$170.00 Best price on a workshop I have offered (Thank you to Emerald arts for making it possible)
Workshop Dates: 9/22/2010 - 9/24/2010
Location: Emerald Art Center
500 Main Street
Springfield Oregon 97477-5469
United States

www.emeraldartcenter.org

http://www.emeraldartcenter.com/flyers-workshop-2010/EACW-OrwickSept10.pdf

In this workshop Michael will share his technique and insight in creating exciting, thought-provoking art.
There will be one day of plein air painting, weather permitting.
It will include demonstrations, plus individual and group critiques. All Skill levels Michael Orwick's Website www.MichaelOrwick.com

Contact Information:
Emerald Art Centeradmin@emeraldartcenter.net
541-726-8595

The Old Painter and the Sea

I was very honored to be selected to be the painter for this years Cannon Beach Stormy Weather Festival promotional campaign. It is to be sold at auction after the always fun Quick Draw event.

http://www.cannonbeach.org/chamber/events/stormy/stormy-weather.html



Stormy Weather Arts Festival
 Cannon Beach
November 5 - 7, 2010

The Stormy Weather Arts Festival offers a deluge of artistic and musical talent. There will be live music in shops, galleries and restaurants all over town. The many events include the "Quick Draw and Auction," musical concerts and demonstrations by local artists.

For more information, call (503) 436-2623, or visit the Information Center in Cannon Beach, at the corner of Second and Spruce streets.






"You did not kill the fish only to keep alive and to sell for food, he thought. You killed him for pride and because you are a fisherman. You loved him when he was alive and you loved him after. If you love him, it is not a sin to kill him. Or is it more?"

Monday, September 13, 2010

The art and art making blogs


The art and art making blogs or sites that I use often, and some of mine thrown in for good measure. This is a very brief and under informed list, please let me know if you have others, I can look into and add.

WetCanvas! (or as some people affectionately call it, WC), was founded in 1998 in an effort to better leverage technology to assist visual artists in sharing information and making new contacts and friends. From its humble grass-roots beginnings, the site has grown into a valuable resource - a veritable gold mine of information, serving painters, sculptors, illustrators, and other artists. We currently deliver over 3 million web pages each month, to over 500,000 unique visitors!
Our online community is comprised of artists of all levels, ranging from Sunday painters to artists who exhibit in some of the finest galleries in the world. Whether your interests lie in learning new techniques, experimenting with alternative or cross-over mediums, gaining critiques from fellow artists, or getting the scoop on exciting new industry products, WC has something for you.
ArtBizCoach.com gives you all kinds of art-marketing tips and tools that you can adapt to your art career goals. Alyson Stanfield, author of I'd Rather Be in the Studio! The Artist's No-Excuse Guide to Self-Promotion

This is one of my most favorite. Robert Genn Twice-Weekly Letter
Many subscribers are art students--often encouraged to subscribe by their instructors.
Creative people worldwide appreciate the level of informed inspiration and information provided by this letter.
It arrives in your inbox every Tuesday and Friday morning, and it's free. Nothing to buy.

My personal blog sent one every week or two.  This is an update of what I have been up to and thoughts and observations.

Little Little Creek © Michael Orwick 30x40 oils



My art website with links to my Bio http://michaelorwick.com/other-form my art http://michaelorwick.com/works and my Email Newsletter http://michaelorwick.com/works which a large number or smart and beautiful people such as your self have already signed up for.

One of the most popular art sites on the net with information about all things art, and you can sign up for a free website or image hosting.


http://
sun hat 16x20 oils © Michael Orwick\












This is a great site by an Oregon writer who communicates in a very straight forward and honest way. Painting Tips, Selling Art Online & MoreAt EmptyEasel you'll find all types of art and painting tips, including oil painting tutorialsdrawing techniques, and general art advice, as well as articles on famous artists, historical art movements, and contemporary artists. PLUS, EmptyEasel has inside info about selling art online and the online art market. Dig in and enjoy
And here is an article he did on me some time back.

This is the company I use to host my website.
Artist websites made easy! FineArtStudioOnline is a revolutionary web site creation tool that allows an artist to create his or her own art website in a matter of minutes!

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.”
Aristotle
Zen Habits is one of the top blogs on the Internet, and covers: achieving goals, productivity, being organized, GTD, motivation, eliminating debt, saving, getting a flat stomach, eating healthy, simplifying, living frugal, parenting, happiness, and successfully implementing good habits.
Go to the bottom of the home page for links to many great articles and links such as-
The Top 50 Productivity Blogs from Zen Habits (most of which you haven’t heard about) http://zenhabits.net/2007/04/the-top-50-productivity-blogs-most-of-which-you-havent-heard-about/

An inspired artist agency that carries many of my whimsical images.
inspirational mini-film has caused a small, unexpected international sensation. 

Katherine Tyrrell's very popular and insightful blogging portfolio about: - Making a mark creating drawings with pastels, pencils and pen and ink.

light in all the guises in which we encounter it on a daily basis. I've read countless books dealing with digital and traditional art and the subject of light only ever seems to be touched on very lightly (pardon the pun). Yet to anyone wishing to create an illusion of reality should have a good understanding of how light behaves in the physical world.

Radio from the Music Genome Project
Because music helps in my studio and this is a great site to explore new and never heard before music of my choosing.  It’s like a radio station that you design


Thank you to Karla for reminding me of these two fantastic blogs.

 Gurney Journey http://gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/

and Stapleton Kearns http://stapletonkearns.blogspot.com/