It is all about the image. The image is so important. Here are a few paintings, or in other words an image, they have been coming to mind, these images so much more meaningful than words. I had hoped to get back to the blog sooner, but what can I say, I’m a painter so I painted. Always, I am trying to convey the drama and emotion of place or setting that first captured my attention. I think these three paintings illustrate my point. Here are some words that might help to explain the images… these words are mine. I wonder what do the images say to you the viewer?

Red Tea and Roses                                   30 x 36

In Red Tea and Roses, you will find a painting in a painting inspired by a painting…the Zakharov hangs in the Beaver Creek Fine Art Gallery.  I set up a still life in front of it and used the Zakharov as the background; and any Zakharov is inspiration for any painter. Notice the real flowers are warm and the painted Zakharov flowers are cool, creating contrast and interest.

Painters used to go to museums and study and copy the masters, this is done little now. So I am honored to have the opportunity to study and copy the Zakharov in the gallery.
 

Los Ojos Winds - Storm Approaches          30 x 40

Los Ojos Winds – Storm Approaches captures the New Mexico village of Los Ojos, a favorite place of mine from long ago. Years ago, I “grew up” as painter there. Now many of the old historic buildings are gone – only memories – but still rich in my mind. I remember waiting the torment of the approaching storm to pass. Its fury and strength were impressive, with the strong winds and colorful play of light and shadow. A great feast this was for a painter. As the storm passed, I remember the incredible calm and sweet smell of rain! A great memory!

Twilight Reflections                                                  20 x 24

Twilight Reflections is a strong colorful painting with much emotion. This painting was painted from memory and from a small sketch done quickly on a piece of cardboard. I have kept this small study for many years. Each time I see it the memory is still so strong – like it just happened – a dramatic moment in time, when the sun sets and the light “explodes” before it fades away. It happens so strong and powerful in a moment of quickness, it lasts only in a memory. Working from my emotions of long ago I painted Twilight Reflections; now it lasts for others to view and be inspired. 

I hope you enjoyed the view as well as the musings about my most recent work. I will be musing and painting as the journey continues.

DS

Something new and challenging… a BLOG! Stepping out of my comfort zone… sharing the knowledge, thoughts and experiences of my journey as a painter.

It seems appropraite to start out with telling you just a little about myself… (for some this will be redundant but for the sake of being the initial entry), here I go. I made the decision to become a professional artist at a very early age. By age 15, I was selling my work and by 18, I was exhibiting side by side with seasoned artists as an established painter.

In 1982, my faithful friendship with Russian master painter - Sergei Bongart began. During this period with my mentor, I was taught in the “old academic way” not how to paint by formula, but how to “see” the relationship of color, form and design in nature. When Sergei died, I moved to New Mexico to begin a new era. What could I do?... it was hard. I stopped painting as a student and began my journey as a painter, with my own voice. I found discovering my own way to be exhilirating!

When I look at a painting, I want it to bring me back to when I was on the scene. I want it to convey the drama and emotion that first captured my attention, the atmosphere, and the soul of the place. This is the goal of my work – to go past just the image to touch the viewer in a way so emotion is felt.

My teacher taught, his teacher taught, for me, it is a matter of keeping a tradition alive and of giving something back, but it’s also a critical aspect of the artistic process... it helps one articulate what one is thinking and doing. In 1995, carrying on the legacy of my teacher, I opened Sahli School of Art in Evergreen Colorado, to give the “hungry” student a safe place to learn and work. Then in 2008, with the help of Mediabound Productions, an Interactive Art Instruction DVD Collection was produced. You can “bring” me to your studio for your own lesson.

There’s more to tell; but that’s for another day. I’ll be musing as things come to mind!

That wasn’t so bad… Like Art of Painting, I think blogging will take much hard work, discipline; it will be a long journey full of many questions to ponder; ideas to consider; an opportunity to support and encourage. So here is to the journey!

-DS