Some times it feels really good to just go big. I went to the bare canvass hung directly on the wall to create this giant painting for an added jolt to the decor of my apartment. It was Julie’s idea and I love the results…and yes it does match the pillows as requested.
Working in oil is always an adventure of color and temperament. My latest trek incorporates wine glasses and bright vibrant colors. I added a vase to the collection too and all is well in love and paint. Cheers!
Back to canvass and experimentation with texture. I grounded up my Lapis Lazuli from Afghanistan into a fine powder. Then I composed a non objective design onto six canvasses. I used clear stand oil and saturated the work, and spread the Lapis across the surface.
The images randomly appeared with a slightly raised texture. Completely free from the use of a brush the powder collected in abstract forms of soft unhindered clumps. I enjoyed watching the powder melt into the pigment. The almost eerie faces appeared as if the painting was looking back at me.
Sailing has been a part of my family for generations. I wanted to honor my mom and her sister with this ten panel window. It features the sail boat they used to race while growing up on Geneva Lake. I worked towards a repetitive effect with each panel depicting subtle differences and a few drastic color schemes.
A new home for the large canvas.
The fine folks at the Milwaukee Veterans Hospital welcomed one of my canvasses to aid in healing through art as an addition to the group therapy room. I am honored to have my work inspire other veterans as we learn to cope with the conflicts that remain within and learn how to heal in this ever changing world. Peace surrounds the painting as colors swirl in soothing tones and textures.
Peace to all on this somber Veterans Day weekend.
Old ideas with new faces
I wanted to warm up tonight with a guitar that had been sitting around awaiting a face lift. I’ll stop here and see where to go next.
I had the pleasure of spending the day under blue skies painting on the side walks of Wauwatosa Wisconsin. The Urban Laundry boutique was my first attempt at capturing a store front in full sharpie style and backlit effects. It was a pleasure meeting all the fine folks in the “cream city”; named for the color of the bricks that were used in the early days of Milwaukee.
I received a welcome response from the beautiful style specialists at “Urban Laundry”. Dee Dee was also there to assist with my color scheme. She said don’t forget the red wagon in the background. I’ll be touching up some areas after it dries but for a single sitting in cooler temps I think it went well. The Starbucks coffee helped too. Thanks Tosa, here’s to you.
This new Horse window was commissioned by Dave Grever for his daughter. Sadly Dave will be moving to Texas soon. The window is from his house here in Williams Bay. His daughter loves horses and seems pleased with the idea of moving to a state full of our four legged friends. Dave is a war historian and knows Franz Marks tragic end on the WWI fields of Verdun in 1916.
It’s 1996 again as I sift through old photographs of art school in Groningen Netherlands. It has beep a point of reflection realizing my favorite themes have not changed. Going back in time gives us a chance to take stock in ones life. Looking back also gives reason move forward to experiment and be pushing your comfort zone all the time.
We are all fortunate to be here. Art has a way of saying more than words can.
This last pic is from Highschool. I always loved that feeling getting pumped up for a Down Hill Race. Very Similar to starting a new painting.
The Baker House on glass was an experiment using glue and a silver sharpie to look like stained glass. I delivered the piece today to the surprise of the staff dressed in 1920’s fashion. If any one is in the Lake Geneva are I encourage you to experience this treasure of a land mark on the shores of Geneva Lake.
I wish you all happy days and a fun weekend.
Mark Duran Art 