Believing in myths and magic

"Magic," 4 x 4 acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas

Myths, Mystical creatures.  We live in a world not just of science and facts and human egos, but of the unexplained, the believed, the hoped for.

Of the mythical creatures we've conjured up or seen or dreamed of, the two most likely are dragons and unicorns, with perhaps mermaids third. They are real however in the sense they are products of human imagination and dreams, or fears or experience.

So here are two testaments to myths and magic, today's paintings.

"Passion," 4 x 4 acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas

 Available next week at April 6   opening of Edmond Vibes at TheVault405, and thereafter at InYourEyeStudioand Gallery in  PaseoArts District.

From horror to hope

"Easter Dawn," 5 x 5 acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas, palette knives

If there's an eternal message about the Easter story, whether you're a Christian or not, centers on humanity's hope, after the horrors of inhumanity. 

After all  the horrors of Roman crucifixion, of humans' constant cruelty,  in war  and crime, to other humans, to other living things, to all of creation--hope somehow survives, hope in life here and after death. Eternity is always present. 

Thus today's painting, rough textured for the horror, light for the hope, just  for Easter. Available soon at Edmond Vibes, April 6 at The Vault, and thereafter at In Your Eye Studio and Gallery in Paseo Arts District.

Black and white journeys

"Hunters' Moon"

"Magic"

"Tuxedo Time"

"Nevermore"

Here they are, 4 x 4 acrylics for the January-tehemded black and white show at In Your Eye Studio and Gallery in @Paseo Arts District, OKC.

"We will survive," Calm before Storm, and Ukraine's colors

"We Will Survive, dedicated to the Ukraine, 24 x 30 acrylic on canvas

 Finished. My largest painting, "Calm Before the Storm."

While it was in progress I noticed it featured the colors of Ukraine, battling the monstrous Russian invasion. 

So my title has changed, "We will Survive."

As most have on the Great Plains of America, through hardship, drought and violent weather. 

This will be available in two weeks at  my @InYourEyeStudio&Gallery and in time for the @Paseo Arts District  Arts Festival May 28-30.

Dedicated to the real patriots, not with words, but fighting with their lives in Ukraine. Death to tyrants, here and everywhere.

Mountain Spirits

"Mountain spirits," 22 x 30 watercolor, 300 lb d'Arches cold press paper

Spirit. Many of my recent books, which I didn't pick because they seemed related, deal with spirituality, in humanity, in nature, in eternity.

Some one is telling me something, and I guess it's no accident, thought I didn't get the connection until today,  that I exhibited by large watercolor, "Mountain Spirits," at our gallery, In Your Eye Studio and Gallery in the Paseo Arts District yesterday.

So, for the record, here it is, the largest I've ever attempted, of one of my favorite places, where memories and spirits collide.

The watercolors of January--a story

Red. That's the theme of February's show at our gallery, In Your Eye Studio and Gallery in Paseo Arts District. I'll be hanging mine today, getting ready for First Friday art walk, Feb. 5.

There are 10 of us member artists now, and we meet once a month--via zoom for the past 10 months as the pandemic has disrupted every one's lives and businesses. We've been fortunate that we've not suffered as much of the rest of the world. That's when we chose the red theme for February.

It's been my goal ever since March to try to bring some bright color into the world to offset the darkness,  and it spurred my creativity, with many, many paintings...some good, some, well so-so. But I painted...more a gift to myself than others, I suspect.

I count myself fortunate to be such a member,  but when the theme was suggested, I thought I had nothing red to show. So I got to work.

As I did, and began assembling them, getting them framed at Pirate's Alley in Britton, I also found a few earlier red ones to be included.

And in this process, this appropriate poetry from by readings in Rumi just appeared this week:

Here is the slide show, beginning with my best, the round barn at Arcadia. It ends with the first painting of the new year, the only non-red one of the month, "Manzano Moon Shadows."

Here's the information on those paintings, most are 5 x 7s, unless specified otherwise, size not including mat and frame. Those from earlier than January are included:

"Oklahoma Sentinel" (8 x 10), "Attention Getter," " Everybody needs flowers," "Seeing Red,"  "End of the Line" (8 x 10), Granddaughter's birthday card, "Rock and Roll" (earlier), "Hold on to your hat kind of day" (earlier), "Red Hot," "Redhead," "Irish Eyes" (earlier), "Passion," "Amazing Grace" (8 x 10, earlier), (U.S.S. Arizona" (earlier), "Great Plains Winter" (earlier),  "Manzano Moon" (8 x 10).

Red-handed

 Seeing red...A month’s water work, plus a few from earlier, in time for our February red-themed show and sale, at In Your Eye Studio and Gallery in Paseo Arts District.
5 x 7s to 11 x14s, framed sizes, from $59. Slide show on this blog tomorrow

Route 66 Sentinel

"Route 66 Sentinel," 8 x 10 watercolor, 140 lb. d'Arches rough press paper

Oklahoma's historic round barn at Arcadia, built in 1898,  is just a few minutes from our house.

It's a symbol of resilience, of Okie hard work and dedication, and a treat to visit.  It is now a destination for those from around the world who want to travel the equally historic and iconic US 66, which runs by its front door, if a round barn has a "front" door. Of course, it's older than US 66, and US 66 is now history, and now is designated State Highway 66. 

So many stories and memories to tell. You can find out lots more about it at the website: Round Barn . Better yet, go visit.

Every once in a while I just drive that way, and in a few minutes I'm past the suburban strip mails, consumerism and traffic of Edmond and Oklahoma City. There is a two lane highway, trees, other barns, and part of old US 66--Oklahoma has more of that original pavement than any other state. And of course, there is the barn.

I've painted it today, because In Your Eye Gallery in the Paseo Arts District in OKC, of which I'm a member, will designate "Red" as  the theme for our shows in February.   I have some other subjects to be painted, but this was the first.

My second watercolor of 2021, depicted in the early years of US. 66 when it wasn't all paved, but there were some telephone lines.

And yes, it will be framed and for sale, in February.

Magic Metro Art

"Magic Metro," 4 x 4 acrylic

 I've donated paintings to two art organizations for fund raising this year, one has been purchased and here's your chance to buy "Metro Magic, at a bargain price.

Now you have an opportunity to buy an original, and help the Paseo Arts Association, with the annual 4 x 4 auction, also entitled "Magic Metro," also acrylic on canvas, bids starting at $25, or buy-it-now for $75 on line. Dec. 1 and 2.

The online only portion of the auction for two days the week before the in-person event. It will open Tuesday, December 1 and close Wednesday, December 2. Bidding will begin at $25 as usual, and if pieces are purchased at the Buy It Now $75 price, they will not be available for bidding at the in person event. If, for example, a piece gets up to $45 during the online auction, then the starting bid will be $45 at the in person event.

The in-person action will be First Friday, Dec. 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Paseo's new art and creativity center. 

The first fundraiser at Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition's 12 x 12 was held earlier this fall and successful. My 12 x 12 acrylic "Metro Magic", at left, sold  to an OKC resident.

It's been a tough year for the arts, everywhere, and these fund raisers are more crucial than ever. Support the arts. 

Halloween Goodies

 

It's going to be a different kind of Halloween this year, but it's still a time of fun amid pandemic...all you have to do is look at the various yard decorations cropping up everywhere.

In that spirit, here are three one of a kind "treats" for the season, 5 x 7 watercolors, matted and in cellophane ready to frame, for gifts, a party  or just fun.

 Now for sale, just $29 each,  beginning tomorrow afternoon at In Your Eye Studio and Gallery in Paseo Arts District. 

Pandemic paintings, positively

Deadly as the pandemic is, and has been for six months, it has also spurred creativity around the world, in poetry, writing, in music, in all kinds of art including painting--reactions to quarantines and hard times. 

These are times when art is needed more than ever, to be antidotes of humanity to gloom, doom, and insanity.

 For me, it was a personal challenge, a fight against depression, against powerlessness, against being cooped up. Thus in these months, I've found solace and meaning in trying to paint consistently, rarely negatively, but positively, bringing color and light into these dark times.

Beginning this Friday, and through October, at In Your Eye Studio and Gallery, where I am one of 10 member artists,  in the Paseo Arts District, you can see, enjoy, and perhaps purchase, 28 of my watercolors and three oils, of my beloved New Mexico. But it's free to look. They're not all new, but many of the most colorful are, landscapes of Oklahoma and the southwest, and some whimsical ones of cats, birds, barns and more. There's a special corner where framed 5 x 7's are priced from $69 to $89.

I'm sharing the monthly show with Jim Reznicek, terrific photographer, and the back part of the gallery.

The gallery is open from 5 to 9 Friday Oct. 2 , and from 5-9 Saturdays. If you want a personal appointment, you can contact me starting Oct. 5 at tmclark@gmail.com. View much of my art also on my webpage: www.tmclarkart.com.

Here are some photos of the show, hopefully to  whet your appetite. Hope you enjoy.

Back porch musings when the Muse takes a nap

"Pot," pencil, 4 x 4

I wondered what was wrong, sitting on the back porch after the cool front, in what old sailors would call the doldrums.
The Muse seemed to be napping today. For the first time in seven weeks, I didn't pick up a brush.

My lonesome paintings at In Your Eye Studio & Gallery in Paseo

I think I figured it out, without making excuses. Earlier today, I donated and delivered a watercolor painting to the Paseo Arts Association, planning a fundraiser for Paseo District employees who've been out of work, coordinating with a virtual First Friday From Home, program, "live" streaming from 6 to 8 pm Friday, with videos of some of us artists, and of merchants, etc. I'll get you the link.
It was the first time I'd been back to Paseo in about six weeks, and the vacant streets and closed shops and galleries was disturbing. 
Then I walked into our gallery, In Your Eye Studio and Gallery, to look at my paintings,  and the almost eerie quiet of the place. There are three vacant places on the wall, and it just looked lonesome.
I'd forgotten what my paintings looked like, and by the time I left, I realized how much I miss the atmosphere of the gallery, the interchange of ideas, the camaraderie of fellow artists, the inspiration of other art. I hope we can re-open for June First Friday, but I know everybody will consider where we are in a month, putting health first.

""Twisted Tree," pencil, 8 1/2 x 11, 

By the time I got home, I thought I was inspired to try a painting, but just kept putting it ff.
So as I sat on the back porch this evening musing about all this, I went in and got my sketch pad and pencil.
Others have written about napping muses. The advice is to go to work. To wake a napping muse, go to work.
I sat there on the porch, and did two quick sketches, the first of a vacant flower pot in our yard, and another, over the fence,  of our neighbor's twisted post oak tree with a cloud in the background. Hey, they're not great, but that's beside the point. 
Those are my musings about my efforts to wake the Muse tomorrow.

New watercolor adventure--letter to students

New adventure for me, thanks to friends--teaching a watercolor class this fall.
(I hope I'm better at teaching than at painting.)
Friend Amanda Bleakley, executive director of the Paseo Arts Association thepaseo.org where I'm a board member, broached the idea recently, and I said ok, let's try it...not knowing if anyone would enroll.
Program Director Paige Powell created the promotion on the Paseo web page. https://www.thepaseo.org/paseo-events/watercolor-terry-clark
Seven have enrolled to date--which means "it makes."
So for four Mondays in October and November, I have a new challenge. Now comes the work--to get organized.
As I do that, I'm aware that everything I will bring to these students will be the result of the many watercolor teachers I've had in the past 20+ years, plus my own views: Cletus Smith, Don Nice, Ron Ranson, Connie Seabourn, Don Andrews, Tom Lynch, and lots of online videos and books.
Organization: Here's the letter that the students will get ahead of time.
Watercolor students:

Thank you for enrolling in the Paseo Arts District watercolor class which begins Oct. 21.

     I will soon send a complete supply list, but its not necessary to buy them  until we’ve had our first session and I’ve talked about them.  I will supply some paint, paper and brushes that  evening for our first exercise.

    If you already have watercolor materials, you’re more than welcome to bring them. If you wish to buy anything, the two most important items will be:

·       d’Arches 140 lb. or 300 lb. paper—this is the most expensive item. As my first teacher, Cletus Smith, said, “Good paper can make you look good.” One 22 x 30 sheet will be enough for all four classes. Or you can buy a pad, or block of 9 x 12 size.  

·       Watercolor paint in tubes, not pans. Grumbacher paint is fine—you don’t need to buy expensive Winsor & Newton. Only a few colors are needed: Ultramarine Blue; Alizarin Crimson; Burnt Sienna or Burnt Umber; Raw Sienna; Gamboge; Thalo(Phalo) Red and Blue.

·       Hobby Lobby carries these. You might also check Porch School Supply on Santa Fe, just north of 50^th street to compare prices

Our first day agenda follows:

·       Introductions

·       Supply list and explanations

·       Discussion and demonstrations, with examples:

1.     Transparency

2.     White

3.     Light to dark

4.     Wet and dry

5.     Composition

6.     Value sketch

7.     Not photography -play with reality

8.     Color-mixing-color wheel

9.     Contrast

10.   Perspective

11.   Graded wash

12.   Tricks--Salt, Spray bottles, slanting

·       Demo-I will paint a small painting as you look on

·       Exercise for you on provided materials to get feel of watercolor

Questions are welcome at any time.  This is a conversation class. You are free to take notes, photos.

It is important that we have fun.

If you wish, Here are  links that will be of help and stimulate your interest.

1.     First, there is a Facebook group, Watercolour Addicts, that I highly recommend. You will see daily watercolor paintings of every skill level and every type from around the world.

2.     A fun and informative site: https://doodlewash.com/

3.     One of the workshops I attended last year in Texas has really influenced me and the site offers lots of ideas: https://www.tomlynch.com/index.cfm

4.     My website shows you some of my paintings: www.tmclarkart.com

No obligation, but for your reading pleasure and leisure, I have written a blog since 2009, and many of the posts are about watercolor. Some of what we cover in class will reflect the ideas and points you’ll find here.

1.     https://clarkcoffee.blogspot.com/2009/09/watercolor-lessons-about-life.html

2.     https://clarkcoffee.blogspot.com/2012/06/lessons-from-watercolor-painting.html 6/26/12

3.     https://clarkcoffee.blogspot.com/2013/06/a-watercolor-artists-vibrant-lessons.html 6/23/13

4.     https://clarkcoffee.blogspot.com/2013/06/watercolor-lessons-quotations-for-life.html. 623/13

5.     https://clarkcoffee.blogspot.com/2014/10/why-i-paint.html 14

6.     https://clarkcoffee.blogspot.com/2018/01/a-month-of-happiness.html. 

7.     https://clarkcoffee.blogspot.com/2018/03/story-of-painting-failures-or-lessons.html 3-21-18

8.     https://clarkcoffee.blogspot.com/2018/02/story-of-painting.html 2-10-18

9.     https://clarkcoffee.blogspot.com/2019/03/why-blue-stories-of-color.html 3/3/19

10.   https://clarkcoffee.blogspot.com/2019/02/white-rules-story-of-painting.html 4-5-19

11.   https://clarkcoffee.blogspot.com/2019/08/where-pavement-ends-stories-and.html 9-19

If you are a newcomer to watercolor, you’ve probably heard that it is the most difficult of painting mediums. I will say that I’m always learning about watercolor. Every painting is an education. After my first lesson years ago, I came home and said, “I can’t do this.” Don’t be discouraged with first attempts.

I look forward to meeting you.

Thank you,

Terry Clark