Nicholas Simmons

Strathmore NAWA Opening

2012-01-19T20:24:00.001-05:00

Self-Portrait: Breathe

On Sunday, January 8, the six members of North American Watercolor Artists met as a complete group for the first time in Bethesda. Strathmore Mansion hosted the opening of our Stepping Over The Line exhibition, curated by Harriet Lesser. Exhibiting at the same time on the second floor of Strathmore is Shahla Arbabi. We had a chance to stretch a bit in this show, unconstrained by the limitations imposed on us by the various biennials. I introduced a couple of new ones, ¡Barcelona! (which sold at the opening, thank you!) and Self-Portrait: Breathe.

¡Barcelona!

A great crowd at the opening, and Strathmore did a wonderful job of putting it all together. Many thanks to Holly Haliniewski, Director of Fine Art Exhibitions, and of course to Harriet for her expertise, encouragement, and enthusiasm.

I'm very grateful to my colleagues for making the trip: Kathleen Alexander from Hawaii, Keiko Tanabe and Tom Schaller from California, Carol Carter from St. Louis, and Mark Mehaffey from Michigan. On Monday, a few of us went to the National Gallery in D.C. to meet with the curator of works on paper, and were shown twenty-five watercolors from the collection. Sargent, Homer, Wyeth, and many others of note - all without glass, but with firm instructions about not sneezing!

NAWA's next stop will be Colombia, stay tuned.

Strathmore
Art Talk on Saturday, January 21 at 1 PM
Children's Talk and Tour at 10:15 the same day.
Stepping Over The Line hangs until February 4.

Hot Plate Boogie!

2011-12-24T13:12:00.004-05:00

Here's a funny song I wrote a long time ago in about 30 minutes. Recorded it the next day with my buddy Duane Freeman, who put down a very entertaining vocal. Finally got around to making a video. Crank it and smile!

Hot Plate Boogie (words, music, all instruments by Nick Simmons)

My mama never cleans but Lord she loves to cook all night
No huffin' or a-puffin' or a rubbin' and a-dubbin' in sight
She just stand up in the kitchen hopin' everything will be alright

You see the rent's not paid so they took it all away, dunno where
Except for the kitchen you'd be bitchin' that there ain't nothin' there
But my baby sees it different and at dinnertime she don't care

She do the Hot Plate Boogie
And it goes somethin' like this

The children got no shoes so they gotta walk to school real slow
When in times of trouble it's their stomach that's the last to know
She says a well-fed baby never worries where the money goes

Well she should be cryin' but my baby will be fryin' tonight
Pork chops, green beans, anything you like she just might
That ol' hot plate glowin' and a-smokin' to my baby's delight

She do the Hot Plate Boogie
And it goes somethin' like this

Southern Caribbean 2011

2011-12-19T10:54:00.003-05:00

Olga, Larissa, and I spent a glorious 11 days on Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas in late November. From Cape Liberty in New York Harbor to beautiful Labadee in Haiti, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Antigua, and St. Kitt's. Olga's brother Denys (see above) is First Officer on the ship, serving under the most famous captain in the business, Olav Nyseter. As in previous voyages, we were privileged to be on the bridge during a departure, and Capt. Nyseter let Larissa sound the horn -- something she nor the island of St. Maarten will forget anytime soon! We were also honored to sit at the Captain's table for a very elaborate dinner. Lots of sun, fun, and adventure. "Tak" and "spasibo" to the Captain and First Officer for making our vacation so memorable!

NAWA at Strathmore Mansion

2011-12-11T23:16:00.008-05:00

North American Watercolor Artists (NAWA) was formed in 2010 to represent the United States in international watercolor exhibitions, and is the only group of its kind in the country. Kathleen Alexander, Carol Carter, Mark Mehaffey, Thomas Schaller, Nicholas Simmons, and Keiko Tanabe have already shown their paintings in Mexico City and Madrid, and continue to receive exhibition invitations from around the globe.

Each member has gained a reputation as a leader in the development and critical acceptance of the watercolor medium, and each has been highly recognized for their art, garnering prestigious honors and media attention. NAWA enjoys a combined worldwide audience that includes virtually every watercolorist working today.

Their backgrounds -- personal and professional -- are as eclectic as their paintings, which demonstrate an impressive range of genre and approach: realism; impressionism; abstraction; figures; city, land, and seascapes; florals and botanicals; images depicting locations and cultures from Europe to Asia, as well as compositions that defy category or description.

Contemporary watercolor is a demanding and intensely competitive field, requiring one to maintain a personal vision amidst countless painters who consistently expand the limits of technique and creativity. That six artists should unite with a shared purpose is a testament to the camaraderie and mutual respect fostered by their common bond. Standing on the shoulders of the greats who have preceded them, they blaze a trail that promises a bright future for their beloved medium.

Strathmore website

NAWA feature in The Art of Watercolour #5

¡Barcelona!

2011-11-22T11:40:00.008-05:00

The Escodas extended a warm welcome to Barcelona and their factory in Sabadell where the world's finest artist brushes are produced. The people, the food, the culture, the music, Gaudi -- wow, what an experience! I had wonderful guides around the city in Angela Barbi of Enjoy Painting Catalonia fame, and Anna Morales Puigcerver, a cyber-friend artist I've been wanting to meet for a few years.

The highlight, of course, was the tour of Escoda Sabatés, S.A. which was fascinating. I've always wondered how a first class brush is made, and I observed the process from start to finish. Many of the artisans have been at Escoda for decades, and their skill is as impressive as the product. Most of the machinery was designed long ago by Josep Escoda himself, and is still in use today. But it's talented hands in concert with technology that make it all come together, and every time I pick up an Escoda I'll be thinking of these dedicated people.

My signature series of five brushes is not available quite yet, but they presented me with a mock-up of one of the packages. I also got a preview of the new catalog which will feature pages devoted to Alvaro Castagnet, Charles Reid, Joseph Zbukvic, and myself. This recognition has given me a new confidence, and I'm ready to embark on bigger and bolder watercolor adventures. More details to follow regarding the availability of my series.

I will be returning to Barcelona and Sabadell, sooner rather than later, and also am planning a workshop there through EPC. Actually, I have no choice -- a drink from the fabled Font de Canaletes on La Rambla demands it!

Si bebes agua de la fuente de Canaletes, te enamorarás todavía más de Barcelona y no importa lo lejos que vayas, volverás otra vez'. (see last pic)

A huge thank you once again to Ricard Escoda and family, Angela Barbi, Tom Dix of Global Art Materials, Inc., and everyone who made me feel so at home.

New Escoda website coming soon

(posted from the Explorer of the Seas, somewhere in the Atlantic. See you in 10 days!)

Escoda & Nicholas Simmons

2011-09-02T10:00:00.005-04:00

I'm truly excited and proud to announce my new partnership with Escoda, makers of the world's finest artist brush. This offer arrived like a bolt from the blue, and the honor of joining legends Charles Reid and Joseph Zbukvic as an Escoda artist is one of the best things that has happened to me. Soon I'll have a page on the new Escoda website and upcoming catalog, then to Barcelona to tour the factory and stage promotional events.

The biggest "muchas gracias" possible to Ricard Escoda, Tom Dix of Global Art Materials Inc., and Angela Barbi. Drinks are on me tonight!

Xin Jin #3

2011-08-27T00:48:00.015-04:00

Xin Jin #3 was done using Da Vinci Artist watercolor on Fabriano Artistico 140 lb. hot press paper. The image measures 33" x 43" and framed is 40" x 50". Another in a series of Asian imagery inspired by last year's visit to Shanghai. This work gives the paint a lot of freedom, accentuating the power and spectacular effects unique to the medium.

100 Artists of the Mid-Atlantic

2011-07-23T19:37:00.006-04:00

Early last year I was contacted by author E. Ashley Rooney to contribute work for a book she was planning about Eastern seaboard artists. Thank goodness this was not another "pay-to-play" publishing offer (many of us receive them almost daily), but a real book by a real author; Ms. Rooney has written and edited a number of acclaimed books on art and other subjects.

It arrived recently, and I am blown away by the quality of the work, reproduced with stunning accuracy. Nearly all mediums are represented, and Rooney has selected an astounding group of artists to illustrate the creative talent of the Mid-Atlantic states. Truly a volume to be proud of, for the artists, author, and publisher. (I circled my pic on the cover!) 224 pages on very high quality paper, hardbound, complete artist information and bibliography, foreword by Charles Yoder. Available from Schiffer Publishing Ltd, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other booksellers.

Manoir de Maison Blanche ~ Paris

2011-07-14T18:50:00.021-04:00

Last week I conducted a 5-day class at one of the world's premier workshop destinations, Manoir de Maison Blanche, in the Dordogne region of France. Created and run by Alain and Véronique Duvivier, the Manoir is a magical place combining unparalleled atmosphere amongst 16th C. architecture, fabulous cuisine, and instruction from the top artists in watercolor such as Janine Gallizia, Alvaro Castagnet, and Joseph Zbukvic. A wonderful group of painters came from France, Belgium, and Spain, convening in the ancient barn converted to a modern studio. Translation was provided by the lovely and charming Berice whose talent for several languages was indispensable. I had the opportunity to finally meet some internet pals, and reunite with Janine (champagne time, see pic!) The week also included a side trip to a renowned foie gras farm where I made friends with a llama. Superb apertif hours, extended dinners, games, singing, and general frivolity provided a lot of memories that I'll hold dear. Oh...we did lots of painting, too!

I'm thrilled to return to Maison Blanche next year for another week, June 18-22. This workshop will sell out quickly, so contact the Manoir early for reservations.

After the workshop, I relaxed a few days in Paris to soak up even more inspiration. C'est magnifique!

PTA Reflections 2011 Winner

2011-06-26T14:53:00.005-04:00

Together We Can Build a Better World

Brian Koh - Second Grade - Duluth, Georgia

PTA Reflections is one of the country's oldest and largest arts recognition programs. In 2011 over 530,000 students, from kindergarten to high school, participated in six artistic disciplines. I judged the visual art division, and awarded the top prize to Brian Koh, a second-grader from Duluth, Georgia, for his Together We Can Build a Better World. Brian was recognized during a ceremony at the 115th Annual National PTA Convention and Exhibition earlier this month in Orlando, Florida. He will also receive a certificate, medallion, and $800 for his winning entry. A special award of $200 will be granted to his local PTA. Way to go Brian, we loved your work, and I hope this is just the beginning for you!

Summer 2011 Workshops

2011-06-17T11:17:00.008-04:00

I'm scheduled to do a workshop at Manoir de Maison Blanche in Dordogne, France in a couple weeks. This is one of the top watercolor workshop venues in Europe, and I'm really looking forward to it. July 4-8. Contact: manoirdemaisonblanche@orange.fr

Next, I return to Idyllwild Arts in the San Jacinto Mountains of California - fresh air, sunshine, and tall pine trees! July 18-20. Contact: heatherc@idyllwildarts.org

Then it's off to a new location for me - Ann Arbor, Michigan. July 25-28.

Contact: idzamperla@gmail.com

Starting in August I'll also be doing more workshops at Plaza Art in Rockville - watermedia and Photoshop Secrets For Artists. Contact: 301-770-0500

All workshops listed on the Workshop page of www.nicholassimmmons.com.

Hope to see you!

Xin Jin #2

2011-05-18T17:30:00.004-04:00

Xin Jin #2

Xin Jin #2 is a giclée print variation of original watercolor painting Xin Jin. Giclée prints are printed on 100% rag paper with archival ink. The image measures approx. 30" x 31" (original image 38" x 39" - black border not part of print).

$450.00 including shipping in the U.S. (inquire for overseas shipping).

Burchfield Penney Art Center

2011-05-07T23:22:00.016-04:00

WaterMedia Weekend 2011 is coming up (see earlier post) soon, and it promises to be an exciting and informative experience. John Salminen kicks it off with a demo on Friday the 13th (!), followed by many other activities over the next two days. On Sunday I'll be participating in a round table discussion hosted by Naomi Ekperigin, editor of American Artist, followed by a mini-workshop. Then I'm closing out the event with a presentation that will be.....well, anything but standard watercolor fare, I guarantee. Fasten your seat belt and don't miss it!

presented by

American Artist's Watercolor Magazine and the Burchfield Penney Art Center.

Join leading watermedia master artists/teachers - Philip Burke, Margaret Martin, Margaret Roseman, John Salminen, Nicholas Simmons, Mel Stabin, Mary Whyte - for an engaging, hands-on weekend of workshops, demos, and roundtable discussions at the acclaimed Burchfield Penney Art Center, Buffalo, NY. Learn from the masters, network with fellow artists, get to know the editor of American Artist's Watercolor Magazine, and enjoy the art and architecture of the renowned Burchfield Penney Art Center, home to the world's largest collection of Charles E. Burchfield works and archival materials

Cost: $325* early bird registration by March 2011; $350* which includes five two-hour sessions with leading watermedia masters, evening receptions, tours of the Burchfield Penney, weekend lunches. Special hotel rates are available at the nearby Holiday Inn ($98) and Hyatt Regency ($124). Parking at the Burchfield Penney is free. *Burchfield Penney and Niagara Frontier Watercolor Society Members will receive an additional $25 discount Call Katie Kelly at 716-878-3216 or email kellymc@buffalostate.edu for info. Space is limited. Early registration encouraged.

Schedule and registration info HERE.

2e Biennale de l’Aquarelle ~ Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer

2011-04-21T16:47:00.003-04:00

Lest Ye Be Judged

2011-04-12T17:31:00.005-04:00

The Art of Watercolour #2 is out, and includes a feature I did about painting for competitions and judging. Sorry for the lo-res image, but I'm sure they'd prefer you buy the magazine! (see the first issue for free on Calameo)

I'd like to thank artists who participated in the workshops in Bradenton, Rockville, and last week in College Station. The next workshops will take place May 15 at the Burchfield Penney Art Center in Buffalo as part of Watermedia Weekend 2011, and then at Strathmore Mansion in Bethesda, May 20-21.

Sevillana

2011-04-03T15:00:00.007-04:00

Sevillana - 92 x 92 cm. - watercolor

Sevillana will be exhibited at the first biennale in Saint Cyr-sur-Mer, France from May 1 - June 19. (see post below) The painting was also recently sold to the Quanhua Watercolour Gallery in Shanghai for its permanent collection. I'm returning to Shanghai in 2012 and look forward to seeing it there. 谢谢你!

Giclée Prints

2011-03-17T12:39:00.007-04:00

Tokyo Express

I have a source that is making incredible prints - color reproduction and quality is fantastic, using archival UV inks on beautiful smooth rag paper. They are costing more to produce, so the price will be going up. However, for a short time longer I am offering Tokyo Express and Sueño del Verde at the original $350 price, including shipping in the US. They can be purchased through my website via PayPal (link below). Contact me for overseas orders.

http://www.nicholassimmons.com/purchase/index.htm

l' art de l' aquarelle - le livre

2011-03-05T14:42:00.012-05:00

I received my copy of l' art de l' aquarelle - le livre from France this week. It is a magnificent collection of paintings from 24 of the top contemporary watercolorists in the world, all of whom have been featured in the magazine of the same name. The book is softbound, 196 pages printed on very high quality paper, with outstanding reproductions. (see this post for more information about content and ordering) It is divided into sections according to subject matter, including a chronological history of watercolor, and very interesting write-ups about the artists.

In Simmons' paintings, instantly recognisable and precisely drawn images appear in the midst of a whirlpool of vivid, dense and raw colour. His is considered to be one of those contemporary watercolourists who are exploring the very limits of what is possible in watercolour, sometimes in a far from orthodox way, but always with some surprises in store. Neither does he hold his tongue when it comes to defending his favorite medium!

All text in French and English. Along with the catalog of the Shanghai Zhujiajiao exhibition, it is the best book of watercolor paintings I have seen. At 94 Euros (including shipping) for American customers it is not inexpensive, but an indispensable publication for the serious watercolor enthusiast.

The book may be purchased via PayPal, please email Sonia Seince for more information: s.seince@megastar.fr

Creative Catalyst Productions - France Exhibition

2011-02-28T12:44:00.007-05:00

Creative Catalyst Productions has launched their new website, with many improvements and added features. Included are free video clips, new artist bios and galleries, blog, and expanded workshop listings. I'll be shooting a new DVD with them later this year, a totally new and radical video workshop!

I'm joining Janine Gallizia (Fr), Ross Paterson (Aus), Xavier Swolfs (Bel), and Shirley Trevena (UK) for the ‎2e Biennale de l’Aquarelle to be held at Centre Sébastien, Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, France, May 2011.

Florida -- Interview

2011-02-15T22:15:00.009-05:00

Florida is nice this time of year, maybe the best month to be there. I had a very enjoyable workshop at Art Center Manatee, which is also currently hosting the National Watercolor Society traveling show. Looks like I'll be returning there to do a Photoshop seminar, maybe this year. I met Anne Abgott, reunited with some familiar faces, and then spent the rest of the week seeing friends.

______________________________________________

Artist Jeanette Jobson does very cool work, much of it using the Japanese technique of fish printing (gyotaku). She also maintains a popular blog and writes a monthly art newsletter. She includes an interview with other artists in each newsletter, and I appeared in the December edition. I really appreciate being asked, and admire artists who support other artists - thanks Jeanette!

Read interview here (scroll down).

Kevin Slater - Amazing Grace

2011-01-26T20:44:00.017-05:00

I never met Kevin Slater, but he was a good friend, and a huge inspiration to me and many others. Kevin was left a quadriplegic after suffering a spinal cord injury during a wrestling match in high school. He struggled through a tough period when he almost gave up. But he triumphed, and resolved to live life as fully as he could.

Kevin became an artist -- a "mouth painter." I have seen many physically handicapped artists who paint this way, but Kevin was different: he painted in watercolor. The vast majority of mouth painters work in oil, as it's too difficult to control a wet medium. I don't know how he did it. And he was really good. I tried to paint watercolor holding the brush in my mouth to see whats it's like, and it was impossible.

In 2004 we crossed paths on an art website where he was known as "Strider." Pretty soon we became friends, and I used to call him at his house in Indiana to talk about painting, music, and anything else that came to mind. I cherished those conversations, and always came away from them revitalized. He was into guitar music, and I sent him a CD of mine.

In 2007 he was approached by a company that offered to buy his paintings. Kevin would have an income, and part of the proceeds would go to a foundation that supports people in his situation. He was really excited about it, and so was I. Unfortunately, just as this was happening, he was afflicted with a serious lung ailment and ended up in the hospital. The next couple of months were a roller coaster of procedures, gains, setbacks, emotions, and ultimately, heartbreak. When I called him in his hospital room, he couldn't speak, only listen. It was my intention to travel to Elkhart to visit him, as some other friends did. Before I could do so, Kevin died on July 17.

I drove out there a few days later to play at the funeral, and to meet Kevin's family. The church was in North Manchester, not far from the little town where Kevin grew up, Sidney. He was born in Wabash. I sort of wanted to play The Wabash Cannonball, one of my favorite American songs. I ended up playing Swing Low, Sweet Chariot as they brought him into the church, and Amazing Grace when they took him out. I'm not a religious person, but I love a lot of the hymns. Knowing the kind of music Kevin liked, I took a chance. Amazing Grace starts out as a reverie, but about half way through I turned it into a testifyin' footstomper. Using a looping device (very dangerous in a live situation, especially at a funeral!) I then put down a rhythm track, bass line, and started the sermon. Listening to it now I can still hear at which bar I glanced down from the balcony to see if the priest was going to cut the power. He was stunned, no doubt about it, but everyone in that place was moving to the music. Kevin's family and friends told me it's exactly what he would have wanted.

He was buried in a small cemetery next to an old church out in the middle of the country. In a pine box. At the graveside his brothers, father, friends and I shared cigars and a few shots of Jack Daniels. A nod to Kevin. You'll see them all in the photos, along with his mom, wife Pam, his beautiful nieces, close friend Sandra, the loyal young Carly who lived across the street and assisted in his studio. You'll see the studio, the brushes with the telltale bite marks, the palette. Some of the photos are difficult for me to look at, but I felt they are appropriate. I believe his family would agree. People live, people die, and we go on. If Amazing Grace was written for anyone, it was written for Kevin Slater. I loved the guy.

Kevin Slater art on Zazzle.

Best of 2010 - Watermedia Weekend 2011

2011-01-21T20:54:00.014-05:00

Thanks to Jessica Canterbury and Watercolor Artist magazine for including Nassau #1: Discount Warehouse in their "Best Watercolors of the Year" feature (February 2011 issue). The painting won the gold medal at the 61st Texas Watercolor Society National Juried Exhibition.

Friday, May 13-Sunday, May 15

Water Media Weekend 2011 in Western New York presented by American Artist magazine and the Burchfield Penney

Join leading water media master artists/teachers - Philip Burke, Margaret Martin, Margaret Roseman, John Salminen, Nicholas Simmons, Mel Stabin, Mary Whyte - for an engaging, hands-on weekend of workshops, demos, and roundtable discussions at the acclaimed Burchfield Penney Art Center, Buffalo, NY. Learn from the masters, network with fellow artists, meet the editors of American Artist and Watercolor magazines, and enjoy the art and architecture of the renowned Burchfield Penney Art Center, home to the world's largest collection of Charles E. Burchfield works and archival materials.

More information and registration HERE.

Turn Up The Volume

2011-01-14T17:03:00.004-05:00

This was recorded live at the Florida Guitar Show, at Thoroughbred Music in Clearwater, late 1990s. At the time I was sponsored by Ibanez guitars, Laney amps, D'Addario strings, and Roland. All music and guitars by yours truly. The louder, the better!

William K. Moore - The One And Only

2011-01-02T11:54:00.016-05:00

Heaven is Hell - 17" x 21" - Xixtograph by W.K. Moore

About four years ago I came across an artist who amazed, disturbed, challenged, and touched me -- all at the same time. Reverberations through the blogosphere led me to the Cool Kids On The Block, and the leader of the pack, identified via one link as "William Moore, the crazy." I had to click.

William K. Moore was living then in Los Angeles and traveling to Colombia to paint the colorful denizens of the Bogota barrio, as well as local phenomena you don't see in the travel brochures. As the Bogota Painter, he took the urban guerilla approach, mixing with a crowd that is wary of American gringos. Fluency in Spanish, a heart full of compassion, an eye for the unusual, and loads of street smarts allowed him to chronicle a segment of society most would ignore, let alone immortalize.

Que bellezA - 18" x 15" - watercolor

It is essential to scour the Moore blog archives, because there is just way too much work to discuss here. Start at the beginning and work forward to best appreciate the evolution of themes and methods. You'll find sensitive and beautifully-painted images of people such as the tamale woman, homeless vagabonds, prostitutes of the Candelaria district, and a number of self-portraits that could only be described as bizarre. (I'm proud to own Chink Chank Chunk) Sometimes I wasn't sure if they were self-portraits, as the photos on his profile were just as outrageous. I kept thinking, "Who is this guy???"

It turned out he is a tall, dashing native Chicagoan who studied at the Art Institute and continued to hone his talents in drawing, figure painting, portraiture, and plein air, etc. across several mediums. All of this prowess combines with a prodigious imagination to form one of the most diverse portfolios you'll ever see. And he's prolific. The entire range of of the human condition leaps from the canvas, and instantly impresses as the work of one who has forged a unique style, unflinching, unapologetic, and in your face. As the artist forewarns, "Get ready to have your pants pulled down and receive the visual spanking you deserve." Yes!

Cotton Candy - 19" x 14" - watercolor acrylic

2008 saw the artist return to the Windy City to live, and marks the time where new design elements and working modes emerge, many pieces utilizing cubist environments with distorted perspectives. One thing that I find very stimulating in these works is the visual buzz created by disjointed edges, practically vibrating before your eyes. The concepts become more volatile, many in a horrifyingly spectacular way. Bill Moore is not afraid to explore the darker, grittier recesses. I have been rendered breathless by the supreme boldness of what this artist is putting out there, and wishing I had half the guts. There is often a humor that softens the blow, Tee Hee, but this is not your aunt's parlor art, and was never meant to be.

SpinxSpanx - 30" x 24" - silk screen

Accompanying most of the entries are mind-bending, often equally-disturbing narratives. I go back to read some of them, my favorite an ode to the hapless Gingerbread Man. Do the stories connect to the paintings? I would never presume to know for sure, and that's part of the adventure.

During 2009-2010, silk screen and mono screen is added to the arsenal of techniques, followed by the artist's own Zeit Screen and Xixtograph processes. Chicago provides a new cast of characters in street preachers, sidewalk loiterers, and fascinating faces masterfully depicted with heartbreaking poignancy.

Foster Exit - 7" x 18" - acrylic

Don't miss Bill's other blog, B Side Paintings, office annex to the main gallery!

It is impossible to adequately pay tribute here to an artist so original, broad, and daring. Bill Moore is one of the few I look to as a true innovator, a courageous force in contemporary art.

Chicago Painter William K. Moore

William Moore - B Side Paintings

Silk Screen Boiler Room

WKMoore Artbreak

The Art of Watercolour

2010-12-19T12:32:00.005-05:00

From L' Art de l'Aquarelle:

We created a prestigious book on a selection of the artists that have appeared in the watercolour magazine over the last two years... the book is completed and printed. It is sincerely well above and beyond any other book on contempory watercolour artists that we have seen.

24 of the world's greatest artists
100 never before published images
6 major paintings explained
24 x 28 cm.
Full colour high quality reproductions of all paintings on 150 gms paper

For information about purchase, email: Sonia Seince at s.seince@megastar.fr

BACH & friends

2010-11-28T10:51:00.024-05:00

Pianist Simone Dinnerstein says that playing Bach is "as close to religion as I get." This sums up my feeling as well as that of most of the musicians who appear in Michael Lawrence's superb new documentary, BACH & friends. The Baltimore filmmaker (see also the brilliant Barrueco: A Gift and a Life) has assembled a stellar and eclectic collection of musicians who all owe a lifetime of gratitude to the most remarkable composer in history. Fascinating interviews are joined with spellbinding performances into a two-hour (plus second bonus DVD of all performances) journey that awes as it stimulates.

All of the performances are noteworthy, but special highlights are organist Felix Hell's amazing rendition of the D Major fugue, mandolinist Chris Thile blazing through the E Major prelude, and Joshua Bell playing the Chaconne. Great camerawork captures Bobby McFerrin, Bela Fleck, Richard Stoltzman, Jake Shimabukuro, Peter Schickele, The Emerson Quartet, my friend Manuel Barrueco, and many others demonstrating the universal effect Bach has had on music and their lives. A provocative, recurring theme throughout the interviews is the notion that Bach did not "compose" the music, but rather simply wrote down what he heard in his head, channeling some otherwordly muse.

My favorite segment of the production is perhaps the Badinerie performed by the Swingle Singers, featuring the wonderful Joanna Goldsmith. This piece reveals the deep connection Bach has with humanity, transcending race, language, and the centuries. It brings to mind something Randy Kentfield once wrote:

It seems to me the various art forms are at varying stages of spiritual development, which I take to be a progression from identification with finite biology to a union with infinite physics. Dangling from the lowest rung of Jacob's Ladder are the verbal modes of expression. Poor, harried humanity, in order to deal with the world at the level of animal survival, has invented labels for what it sees, and has become attached to those names; the underlying processes are hidden from dull men's eyes by the dead weight of their illusory forms. The visual artist is somewhat more liberated. He can transform an animal's limited eyes into totally new ways of seeing. But the musician - that man has forsaken folly and revels in God - deals in a fluid medium unseen and unfelt but ecstatically experienced.

Thanks to Michael Lawrence for another landmark documentary, and I'm delighted to learn there will be a second Bach installment. I highly recommend BACH & friends, no matter your taste in music or art - there is something here for everyone to learn from and aspire to.

BACH & friends page on Michael Lawrence website

Thanks to Michael Lawrence for printing my comments!

Bienal Internacional de la Acuarela - NAWA

2010-10-29T19:30:00.011-04:00

SIX AMERICAN ARTISTS TO REPRESENT THE U.S. IN THE NINTH INTERNATIONAL WATERCOLOR BIENNIAL IN MEXICO

Kathleen Alexander, Carol Carter, Mark Mehaffey, Thomas W. Schaller, Nicholas Simmons, and Keiko Tanabe have formed the North American Watercolor Artists, a group of six U.S. watercolor artists, to represent the United States in the IX International Watercolor Biennial in Mexico. The exhibition will be held at the National Museum of Watercolor in Mexico City, December 5, 2010 through February 13, 2011. Artists representing countries in five continents are participating in the Biennial, which is invitation-only. Begun in 1994, the purpose of the Biennial is to establish or enhance friendly relationships among watercolor artists and promote watercolor painting around the world.

Kathleen Alexander www.kathleenalexanderwatercolors.com

Carol Carter www.carol-carter.com

Mark Mehaffey www.mehaffeygallery.com

Thomas W. Schaller www.twschaller.com

Nicholas Simmons www.nicholassimmons.com

Keiko Tanabe http://ktanabefineart.com

Museo Nacional de la Acuarela http://www.acuarela.org.mx/

________________________________________________________________________

I'm very happy to be included in this group of incredible painters, and look forward to representing the USA in the upcoming biennial. As soon as there is a website for it, I'll post a link. In the meantime, each of us has submitted one painting for the exhibition, and we may have more opportunities to exhibit as a group in the future. Each of the other artists has done a lot of work that blows me away, and I expect this association will inspire me to try even harder and do better. A big thanks to my five compadres....we are the NAWA!

Upcoming Workshops

2010-10-15T10:24:00.012-04:00

More workshops have been added to the schedule for the next couple of years. Next week I'll be doing one for the California Watercolor Association, which you can read about in the current newsletter. (thank you for the great write-up!). Next month I'll be in Florida for a few days at beautiful Amelia Island and a new venue for me, Amelia Island Artist Workshop. I'm looking forward to that, I've heard wonderful things about it from other artists. I believe there are still spaces available, see contact info below.

2011 includes a watercolor expo at the Burchfield Penney Art Center in Buffalo, five days at the incredible Manoir de Maison Blanche in France, and a return to Idyllwild in the San Jacinto mountains. 2012 includes workshops and judging major shows for San Diego Watercolor Society, Florida Watercolor Society, and others. More events are added regularly, see updates on the Workshop page of my website.

4-day workshop - California Watercolor Association - Concord, California. October 18-21.
Contact: Karen Powers 510-502-6211

3-day workshop - Amelia Island Artist Workshop - Fernandina Beach, Florida. November 12-14.
Contact: Mikolean Longacre 904-415-3900

2-day workshop - Plaza Art - Rockville, Maryland. November 20-21.
Contact: 301-770-0500

1-day Photoshop Secrets For Artists seminar - Plaza Art - Rockville, Maryland. December 11.
Contact: 301-770-0500

2011

3-day workshop - ArtCenter Manatee - Bradenton, Florida. February 4-6.
Contact: 941-746-2862

2-day workshop - Plaza Art - Rockville, Maryland. February 19-20.
Contact: 301-770-0500

3-day workshop - Brazos Valley Art League - College Station, Texas. April 7-9.
Contact: Cynthie Hanks 979-229-6242

Judge - 2010-2011 National PTA Reflections Program (Visual Arts)

Demonstration and 1-day workshop - Watercolor Expo - Burchfield Penney Art Center - Buffalo, New York. May 13-15. More information TBA.

2-day workshop - Strathmore Mansion - Bethesda, Maryland. May 20-21.
Contact: Holly Haliniewski 301-581-5125

5-day workshop - Manoir de Maison Blanche - Dordogne, France. July 4-8.
Contact: manoirdemaisonblanche@orange.fr +33 553 56 90 55

3-day workshop - Idyllwild Arts - Idyllwild, California. July 18-20.
Contact: summer@idyllwildarts.org 951- 659-2171 x 2365

4-day workshop - Ann Arbor, Michigan (web page TBA). July 25-28.
Contact: Debra Zamperla 734-662-8734

2-day workshop - Plaza Art - Rockville, Maryland. August 13-14.
Contact: 301-770-0500

4-day workshop - San Antonio Watercolor Group - San Antonio, Texas. September 13 -16.
Contact: Sandy McCoig or Karen McCauley - 830-281-4903

1-day Photoshop Secrets For Artists seminar - Plaza Art - Rockville, Maryland. October 1.
Contact: 301-770-0500

2-day workshop - Plaza Art - Rockville, Maryland. November 5-6
Contact: 301-770-0500

1-day Photoshop Secrets For Artists seminar - Plaza Art - Rockville, Maryland. December 17.
Contact: 301-770-0500

2012

2-day workshop - Plaza Art - Rockville, Maryland. February 4-5.
Contact: 301-770-0500

4-day workshop - Waterloo Watercolor Group of Austin - Austin, Texas. April 2- 5. Demonstration April 1.
Contact: Nancy Charbeneau 512-795-0203

5-day workshop - Utah Watercolor Society - Salt Lake City, Utah. April 30-May 4. Demonstration May 1.
Contact: Joyce Baron 801-375-4933

Judge - Utah Watercolor Society 2010 Annual Open Juried Exhibition. April 2012.

4-day workshop - Niagara Frontier Watercolor Society - Buffalo, New York. May 14-17.
Contact: Carol Siracuse 716- 867-9044

4-day workshop - Acadia Workshop Center - Mount Desert Island, Maine. July 30-August 2.
Contact: Gail Ribas 207-460-4119

4-day workshop - San Diego Watercolor Society - San Diego, California. August 13-16.
Contact: Alice Kayuha (619) 876-4550

Judge - San Diego Watercolor Society International Exhibition. October 2012.

Judge: Florida Watercolor Society Annual Exhibition. August 2012.

4-day workshop - Florida Watercolor Society - Orlando, Florida. September 10-14.
Contact: Linda D. Neal 321-544-8888

4-day workshop - Greentree Studio - Lawrenceburg, Indiana. September 28-October 1.
Contact: Sandy Maudlin 812-539-4505

3-day workshop - Santa Clara Valley Watercolor Society Workshops - San Jose, California. November 12-14. Demonstration November 11.
Contact: Jeanne de Campos-Rousseau

Ocean City & Hold the MSG

2010-10-02T14:40:00.014-04:00

Ocean City, Maryland is a place people like to go when it's warm and sunny. Last week I was there during what must be the off-season for the town, and it was windy, foggy, rainy, and almost deserted. Perfect. I had a condo overlooking a very wild and dramatic beach, and got some good pics. See the view down the beach from the balcony, above.

Unfortunately I had to cancel the last day of the workshop for the Art League of Ocean City, due to an illness. Yes, an illness called Worst ****ing Migraine Headache I've Ever Had Thanks To MSG. Ever gotten that one? I had dinner the night before at Outback steakhouse. Chicken. Ever wonder why everything tastes exactly the same at that restaurant? Because they bury it all in their "seasonings." Most of which are obviously loaded with MSG in one or more of its disguised or undisguised forms. Doesn't matter what you order - steak, chicken, pork, it all tastes the same. Anyway, aside from that I really enjoyed the place and the welcome fall atmosphere. Thanks to ALOC for inviting me, the great accomodations, and sorry especially to those who traveled far!

Luna Faerie Meets Wes

2010-09-24T10:18:00.003-04:00

Having fun on a 3/4 size kid's guitar! First the bass line, then rhythm, then lead on top using the Lexicon JamMan looper. All improvised, one take.

Square 1

2010-09-16T00:14:00.004-04:00

E-Z Terms - 102 x 102 cm.

A blog buddy urged me to organize thoughts expressed in my replies to comments posted on this entry. Realizing it could add up to something close to an artist statement or explanation about personal "process," I pause. Re the former, I rarely read artist statements. They tend to subtract points from the work before I've even seen it, and in some cases allude to things that tell me I'm about to see some bad art. Without getting specific on that score, I've also heard this opinion from galleries and curators, etc. I don't recall ever reading an artist statement that measurably enhanced my enjoyment of the work, so I'm reluctant to compose one. Anyhow, I prefer the idea of art speaking for itself.

The process part is more interesting, especially if you happen to like the artist's work.

When I used to hear artists discuss their process(es), I always felt like a bit of a chump. They had this thing that sort of guided them and it seemed as though there was a discipline to it. I, on the other hand, had no such method or consistency. Eventually I decided that not having a process was my process, flying by the seat of my pants. Rather than fitting subject matter into a certain approach, style, or ethic, I simply would get an idea for a painting, imagine how I think it would look best to me, and then figure out how to do it -- or at least try to do it. This often means going back to square one with each new piece. In workshops I tell people that I often feel like a rank beginner when starting a painting, and that this is my "comfort zone." Not knowing where it's going but listening to the picture as it takes shape has yielded better and more surprising results than anything I likely could plan. It doesn't always come, and it can't be forced. I like how the poet William Stafford described it as a thread: you search for the end, pull gently, and follow. Which is starting to sound suspiciously like a process. :)

And so I've ended up with a body of work that is all over the map. I like it that way, diversity is one of the things I value most in art. Part of this is due to an inclination to avoid much of what I've seen in watercolor since I first got hooked. There is a lot of recycling in every medium, and watercolor is no different -- maybe worse. Perhaps because of its immediacy and associated traditions, there are legions of watercolorists who develop a style that often says to me "this is how I paint skies...this is how I paint trees...this is how I paint figures" etc. Facile and attractive, but I can tire of it quickly. Lots of painters play almost every tune in the same key, same tempo, with the same feel. I've been to concerts like that, but I don't stay long.

The painting above is an example of something that popped into my head a while back. I've never painted a dog, and don't even particularly care for dogs (un-American, I know!). But I had a hankering to see something like a junkyard canine with a fence and sign. Nothing deep, just shapes and colors and edges. Got it out of my system.

Next!

The Artist's Magazine - Shanghai

2010-09-05T13:26:00.002-04:00

The new October 2010 issue of The Artist's Magazine has a feature I wrote about the Shanghai Zhujiajiao exhibition (see earlier posts here and here re the judging and opening) on The Artist's Life page (edited by Cherie Haas). Photos include my wife Olga at the opening with my painting Russian Woman, myself with the other judges, some of the award winners, and the lucky shot I got in the water village of Zhou Zhuang. Sorry about the low-res pic -- if you don't subscribe, please go out and buy this excellent magazine!

Cabaña Con Carne

2010-08-26T11:09:00.007-04:00

Cabaña Con Carne - 61 x 142 cm.

Based on a photo I found, with some serious adjustments! Da Vinci watercolors on 140 lb. Fabriano hot press paper.

Happy Birthday, Tommy!

2010-08-01T11:34:00.004-04:00

Carmine Appice and Nick

Did some fun reminiscing a couple nights ago with an old friend of yours. :)

Kiss The Sky

2010-07-18T17:03:00.005-04:00

Kiss The Sky - 102 x 102 cm.

Da Vinci watercolor on 140 lb. Fabriano hot press paper. And check out my new axe! The guy who dreamed up the Tommy Bolin "Teaser" guitar for Dean finally got one of his own. These guitars take a while to make and I wanted people who ordered them to be first in line. More soon.

Idyllwild

2010-06-30T19:18:00.015-04:00

Just finished a workshop at Idyllwild Arts, a fantastic private arts academy in the San Jacinto mountains of Southern California. During the school year it serves as an arts-focused boarding school for grades 9-12, and adult classes are offered during the summer. The campus is spread over a mountain and consists of about 100 buildings in a breathtaking setting. Last night while wandering around I happened on the ampitheater and was quite taken with six enormous canopies that cover the hillside leading down to the stage. Sunlight was streaming through them and it was beautifully surreal. There are lots of artists visiting here teaching courses in clay, metal, sculpture, painting, Native American arts, etc. I had a great group of people, and look forward to returning again.

When I drove here from Santa Ana airport last Friday and started up the mountain I quickly got a sense of how remote the little town of Idyllwild is -- like going back in time, and I fell in love with the place. Proximity to airports is a bit of a problem, otherwise I wouldn't mind moving here. Today I hiked along Strawberry Creek and took a lot of photographs. Tomorrow it's back to LA area meeting with DaVinci and hanging out in Laguna. Rough, huh? :)

100 Mid-Atlantic Artists

2010-06-16T01:13:00.007-04:00

...

La Vida Breve - watercolor by Nicholas Simmons

La Vida Breve will be featured with several other paintings of mine in a new book by E. Ashley Rooney, 100 Mid-Atlantic Artists, published by Schiffer Books. I'll post a notice when it is available.

Johnnie Bolin!

2010-06-04T14:30:00.046-04:00

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Tommy and Johnnie Bolin - Mile High Stadium, Denver

August 29, 1976

I was in Dayton, Ohio two weeks ago doing a workshop, and on what was supposed to be my last night in town (Thursday), I was sitting in a restaurant having dinner. I got a call from Johnnie, and without mentioning where I was, asked him where he was off to next:

"We're playing in Dayton on Saturday."

"Dayton? That's where I am!"

I hadn't crossed paths with Johnnie since the NAMM show in January of 2008, so I hung out for a couple days. And glad I did! It was great to see him, especially looking so healthy and happy. Black Oak Arkansas was playing Dayton's rock & roll club, McGuffy's, so I also got to meet rock icon Jim Dandy and the rest of the band. Too good to pass up. :)

This gives me an opportunity to post a few of my favorite pics of Johnnie, such as the one of him with Tommy when they were little kids. Even then, music was obviously going to be the family occupation. I love the photo of them together (see above) many years later when Johnnie was playing drums in Tommy's band, and performed for over 50,000 people at Denver's Mile High Stadium on August 29, 1976, only a few months before Tommy's death. Also on the bill for this show were Gary Wright, Steve Miller, and Peter Frampton at the height of his fame. You can read more about this period of the Tommy Bolin Band on the Tommy Bolin Archives site. There is some rare surviving footage from the Mile High show, where Johnnie can be seen drumming. (it was shot on silent 8mm film, so the audio has been dubbed from another concert)

Johnnie has played with too many bands to list here, and has been pretty much everywhere. He can really tear it up, as you'll see on the video I shot during the BOA gig the other night. Not great audio, but I wasn't expecting to see him or I would have brought a good camera. Johnnie became a sponsored DDrums artist recently, and soon there will be a page for him on that site.

Besides the colorful musical career Johnnie has lived, he has also endured a lot of personal tragedy, and survived. Tommy's death at age 25 devastated not only the family, but the entire town of Sioux City (the whole state of Iowa, actually), not to mention legions of music fans. Johnnie's younger brother Rick died at an early age in the 90s, followed by his father and mother. Johnnie's the only one left, but he has a spirit of optimism and kindness that rubs off on all those who know him. He is blessed with a son, Bobby, who just may have some of the Bolin musical genius in him as well, and must be the best-looking kid in the Midwest!

My frienship with Johnnie is one I cherish, and I think about him everyday.

Juan Carlos Cardesin

2010-05-14T18:04:00.031-04:00

...

Hidden Landscape IV - watercolor, 28 x 42 cm

Juankar Cardesin is an artist in San Sebastian, Spain. It would hardly scratch the surface to refer to him as a watermedia artist because his work is all over the map -- not just medium-wise, but also in subject matter and handling. It's hard to put into words what he does, it really must be seen. And felt. However, following the initial shock of stumbling over his blog (thanks to another heavyweight San Sebastian painter and compadre, Enrique Ochotorena), I came to two conclusions about his art:

1. He is absolutely fearless, or, alternatively, he is terrified of everything.

2. He is an extraordinarily sensitive person, responding like litmus paper to his environment.

I should explain. I believe Juan will paint or draw anything, and in the way he feels at the moment -- something that is very, very difficult to do without succumbing to self-doubt, and that artistic governor that shuts down the motor when things get too far afield. There is an honesty in that approach that is enviable. But in attempting to analyze it, I wonder about the presence of a yin yang gene that, instead, drives the artist through fear and awe; fear, if nothing else, in the prospect of losing an idea or precious flash of inspiration. This is a raw artist, exposed nerve endings in a constant state of flux, without buffer or filtering mechanism between heart and canvas. This guy won't make you question whether or not he is an artist, but whether or not you are! And that, is scary.

In artspeak, Juan might be characterized as a sort of Expressionist-Deconstructionist-Minimalist, with notes of Picasso, Schiele, Mauricio Lasansky, and Euro-trashism. Decay is a major feature in much of his work, be it human or industrial. The painting above, Hidden Landscape IV, is watercolor on Martele Damier paper, which is a synthetic surface similar to Yupo. This painting arrived on my doorstep out of nowhere last December, which tells you something else about the artist: he's a wonderful and generous man. We've become quite good friends via the Internet, and it was my loss last fall when my planned trip to San Sebastian fell through. I did experience a Cardesin-induced near-cardiac-arrest when I beheld his magnificent Shining Mountains while judging the Shanghai Zhujiajiao International Watercolor Biennial (shown below with our mutual friend, Javier Oña, a great painter from Cadiz, Spain).

Shining Mountains - watercolor, 65 x 95 cm

Going to Juan's blog is always a chest-pounding adventure, you never know what you're about to see. And good luck trying to keep up with him -- he's incredibly prolific! He has what a departed friend of mine, jazz pianist Fred Williams, used to call "the worm." The term refers to musicians and artists who are so compelled to create, they simply cannot stop, cannot rest. I've said that true artists are explorers, and Juan Carlos Cardesin is one of the trailblazers.

Juan Carlos Cardesin links:

Cardesin

Mimoleskinenegro

Apuntadeplata

Kanuga - Go On, I Dare Ya!

2010-04-23T02:00:00.007-04:00

...

James Toogood, Nicholas Simmons, Ted Nuttall, Mike Bailey

While Olga was in Shanghai, I was in Hendersonville, North Carolina for the Kanuga Watercolor/Watermedia Workshops. And what a week that was! About 250 people from all over the place enrolled in courses taught by eleven artists: Mike Bailey, Linda Baker, Mary Alice Braukman, Gerald Brommer, Jeanne Carbonetti, Lana Grow, Ted Nuttall, Beth Patterson, Pat San Soucie, James Toogood, and myself. Also there for presentations and independent study projects were Carrie Burns Brown, Joan Fullerton, Don Getz, Taylor Ikin, Carol Ann Sherman, Susan Webb Tregay, and some others I'm forgetting (sorry, send me the names!).

I drove down after spending a night at a friend's in Richmond.* Kanuga Conference Center is 1400 acres of gorgeous woods set on a lake in the Smoky Mountains. Guests stay in cottages and cabins, congregate in the lodge for meals, and fill the auditorium for large events. Several other buildings house studio spaces and classrooms, some of them converted for the purpose of workshops during this event. That's a lot of tables, chairs, and demonstration mirrors.

The first day everyone arrived, Sunday, there was an exhibition of the instructors' work and a meet & greet with enrollees. I was surprised to see a few people I know from my workshops in the DC area, and even more surprised to see some internet buddies there, including Myrna Wacknov. An introductory presentation took place in the auditorium, and then a concert by Barbara Bailey Hutchison (see above), Grammy-winning singer and songwriter. She was fabulous -- if you haven't heard her on one of her seventeen CDs, you've heard her on a number of commercials. Wonderful voice, can play the axe and keys, really entertains an audience, and is beautiful on top of it. What's more, she was in my workshop - yes, she tears it up with a paintbrush too!

The next four days were consumed by the workshops and a schedule of activities that kept the whole group of painters together and talking about art. There was a huge critique session, a night with five painters demonstrating at once, a studio walk, and enough after-hours fun to keep the creative party going non-stop. The studios remain open all night, and I was stunned to walk into mine one evening at about 10 PM to see almost everyone in there working - made me feel like a slacker! One night the instructors were invited to dinner at the fantastic aerie home of Stan Hubbard, president of Kanuga, which offers a breathtaking vista.

The whole class was great, really nice and interesting people who got a lot of new work accomplished. Special thanks go to my assistant, Karen Bell! (see pics below) I also met many from the other workshops and of course got to know the instructors. Most all of them are people I've been very aware of but had never met until Kanuga. Others were new to me, but I now feel we are friends, not just colleagues. I had lots of fun hanging out with Linda Baker and Joan Fullerton, a couple of spirited and mega-talented painters who added a lot of sparkle to the experience. The well-attended evenings in Cabin 3 and 8 won't be soon forgotten!

One of the best parts of the week for me was getting to know Mike Bailey and Ted Nuttall, two guys who are so high on my faves list it's not even funny. I bumped into Ted that first Saturday night in a dark hallway, a cool way to have it happen. Besides being a giant among the greatest watercolor portraitists, he is truly one of the kindest people I have met in this business, and I have a feeling we will be friends for a long, long time. Mike Bailey....hmmm, what can I say? A brilliantly imaginative artist who doesn't seem to have a clue how asskickin' dangerous he is (or does he?!), and one of the finest writers and educators I've encountered. Reading Mike's blog is like getting a masters in fine art - for free. He's also one of the most hilarious cats ever, and that night in Cabin 3 he had me on the floor gasping for breath. (please don't quote that out of context!) I'm happy he's the new president of the National Watercolor Society; of the two major organizations in this country, NWS is generally the more progressive and they couldn't have invented a better artist to lead the way. The last night the three of us and James Toogood stayed up into the wee hours solving the watercolor problems of the world over a bottle of Glenlivet, courtesy of Ted. Things should start looking up. :)

The Kanuga watercolor workshops would not be possible without the amazing Robbie Laird and her husband Will Rasmussen. How they put all this together and make it so successful year after year (this was the 25th anniversary) is beyond me, but I saw it all happen with my own eyes. Thank you Robbie, it was a marvelous and memorable week!

*Easy trip until I got to Asheville via I-40 West and needed to get on I-26. Detour. That was Slight Hitch #1. On the map I-26 goes south to Hendersonville, but it's actually 26 East. That's Significant Annoyance #2. Weird stuff going on with those two roads, exacerbated by what has to be the worst signage this side of the Khyber Pass. Headache #3. Two wrong turns taking me about 10 miles out of my way, and an elaborate set of defective directions from Asheville "native." Cussin' Like Stable Boy #4. Look at watch, realize I'm missing instructors' Saturday night dinner. Punch The Dashboard #5. Then....the sign. I mean the sign:

"Future I-26"

What???? Yes, I was driving on Future I-26. I had catapulted out of our space-time continuum and was on a highway system that exists only in crystal balls and the perverse fantasies of the North Carolina DOT. I needed I-26 Of The Present, and would have considered I-26 Of The Past a bargain. I'd tell you more about the Future, but I'd hate to ruin it for you - drive to Hendersonville yourself....go on, I dare ya.

Shanghai Exhibition Opening

2010-04-18T22:51:00.047-04:00

...

Jin Xin, Alvaro Castagnet, Olga Simmons

Whew. As David Burge said the other day, we put a "global pincer movement" on the watercolor world last week: my wife Olga at the Shanghai Zhujiajiao International Watercolor Biennial Exhibition, and I was in Hendersonville, NC for the Kanuga Watercolor Workshop (Kanuga post to follow soon). See earlier post about judging the Shanghai exhibition HERE. More photos from the opening and links to artists will be added as I get them.

More pics added today! (April 19) Six photos courtesy Kathy Salminen.

More pics added today! (April 23) Six photos courtesy Javier Oña -- see much more on Javier's blog HERE.

I was not able to make the opening, so Olga represented me and had a fabulous time. Before all of the events, she went into Shanghai with Alvaro Castagnet and his lovely wife Ana, accompanied by my friend (who is also a very good artist), Jin Xin. They checked out the Bund and historic Yu Gardens.

Jin Xin, Olga, Alvaro, Ana Castagnet

The other judges -- Ong Kim Seng, David Taylor, David Paskett, Changjiang Wu, Tieshan Huang, Weixin Wang, Jian Chen, and Xidan Chen -- reconvened, along with many of the award winners from the world over. I'm familiar with all from the international field, but I'm very sorry not to have had the chance to meet the Chinese artists, the majority of whom are unknown in the West. I think this will change as a result of the exhibition, and there are two or three dozen who are simply mindblowing. It's tempting to post some of their paintings (I took lots of photos while judging in March), but its best to see them reproduced so beautifully in the book (see below).

Alvaro, Ong Kim Seng, Olga, David Taylor

There was a dinner the night before the opening in a private dining room of the 5-star Royal Tulip Garden Hotel where many toasts and friendships were made amidst a gourmet feast of Chinese cuisine. Olga was overwhelmed by the hospitality and attention paid her, which comes as no surprise following my visit. These people not only embrace those of us from the West, they have a profound respect and admiration for watercolor. As an artist, it's a wonderful feeling that borders on celebrity and I'm sure we all could get used to that!

Royal Tulip Garden Hotel dinner

The next day, April 15, involved a tour of the Zhujiajiao district and another spectacular lunch before the opening. The hotel hosted a reception and press conference with the media, and many speeches were made for the exhibition and its future as the most important watercolor event in the world. 2.5 million visitors are expected in the Quanhua Gallery during the Expo. The Chinese government has officially committed to supporting it for a long time, based on the success of this inaugural show.

At the Quanhua Gallery, guests saw 244 paintings selected out of approximately 25oo entries from over 2000 artists, representing 19 countries. 15 equal awards of excellence were granted. The judges are also displaying work. Everything has been gorgeously framed at no cost to the artists. The winners, in addition to prize money and having their work inducted into the Quanhua permanent collection, were also flown to Shanghai and stayed at the Royal Tulip Garden. I'm quite sure there isn't another watercolor organization in the world that does this -- they spared no expense!

Russian Woman by Nicholas Simmons

International field award winners (6): Xiaochang Zhang, Alvaro Castagnet, Brian Stratton, John Salminen, Mark Mehaffey. Joseph Zbukvic was unable to attend.

Award winners from China (9)were Yongjin Chen, Wei Hou, Zhenwen Jiang, Changshou Wang, Weicai Wang, Yong Wang, Zhoutian Xue, Xiao Yang, Jitong Zhao. (unfortunately, I'm unsure of who's who in the photos)

A string quartet played at the gallery, and a dedication ceremony preceded the awards. Chinese girls in traditional costumes attended, and thousands of photographs were taken of the artists and judges. In this respect, it was probably better to have Olga there than yours truly, ha. A formal banquet followed at the hotel where more speeches were made, and endless toasts offered.

There is no way to adequately thank the people responsible for this huge shot in the arm that watercolor sorely needed, nor to thank all of them. However, the biennial would not have been possible without the organization and leadership of Liu Dawei, Chao Weilin, Gao Kang, Wu Changjiang, Zhang Guohong, Liu Jian, Huang Tieshan, Yang Jinsong, Sun Ping, Ding Jie, Wang Weixin, Liu Yaping, Liu Shouziang, Guan Weixing, Chen Jian, Zhou Gang, Qu Huimin, Tao Shihu, Gu Jun, Cao Weiming, Jiang Zhinan, and Ong Kim Seng.

Corporate sponsors include Artron, L' Art de L' Aquarelle, Canson, International Artist, and EMS.

Special thanks go to Zhang Guo Hong, Governor of the Qingpu District of Shanghai, and Qianlin Lu, CEO of Shanghai Zhujiajiao Investment & Development Co., Ltd. And the whole thing would never have happened if not dreamed up by Xidan Chen, esteemed Chinese watercolorist who lobbied for money and support. Last but certainly not least, I want to extend my gratitude to Xidan's daughter, JoJo, without whose tireless organizational efforts, liasion with the international field, and impressive translating talents, the exhibition would not have run so smoothly. Thank you Xidan and JoJo, I can't wait to return and see you again!

The exhibition book is incredible -- easily the most stunning collection of watercolor art I've ever seen in one place. This sets the standard for all other watercolor exhibitions and catalogs. 275 pages, printed on high quality paper, and very accurate color reproductions of every painting in the exhibition. There is also a small abridged version and a book of postcards. The book can be ordered from this link, and for a limited time, they are including the latest issue of The Art of Watercolor (English edition of l' Art de l' Aquarelle) which has a spread on the exhibition and also wonderful features on Shanghai exhibitors Janine Gallizia, David Poxon, and Guan Weixing.

September Memory

2010-04-09T00:06:00.009-04:00

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September Memory - 27" x 55" - framed 32" x 60"

I leave for a meeting in Richmond today, and then Kanuga in North Carolina, where there will be about 250 people enrolled in workshops conducted by a dozen recognized artists. I'm very excited, lots of stuff planned, and I'll meet a bunch of painters I admire - some of the best in the business. The painting above will be included in an exhibition of the instructors' work. (I've used just about every September title I can think of, in a few different languages....this one might be the end of the line!)

At the same time, Olga will be heading to Shanghai to represent me at the opening of the exhibition there.

More updates on both events soon!

David Burge

2010-04-02T22:12:00.021-04:00

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Wendy - oil and charcoal - 60 x 60 cm

I've got a number of "mates" down in Oz by this time, but the one I first really hit it off with is David Burge, aka Dake. I made instant friends with Dake about five years ago on a popular art forum when he told me he "hated" one of my paintings. It happened to be my best painting up to that point, but I digress... :) I thought "now there's a guy I can trust," and we've been trusting each other since.

Dake fronted some bands, and I believe that experience influences his art. He is also a wizard with words, and writes some of the most exhilirating art opinions out there, soaring from the subversive to the sublime. (he was banned from that art forum, btw, a special distinction I've always envied) I started referring to him as The Thunder From Down Under. So he wields a mean guitar, a pointed pen, and a velvet brush. Painting mostly in watermedia, Dake's work covers primarily figurative and landscape pieces, with series of dancers (Swan Lake at left), blues artists, window reflections, portrait commissions, and still lifes, in addition to some oil, silverpoint, and photography. Recent work shown on his blog reflects an interest in Aboriginal art.

It's hard to know what to post when writing about a favorite artist - there's too much to choose from, and you run the risk of disappointing somebody, very likely the artist! Anyway, I'm posting some of my favorite pieces of Dake's that I admire for their sheer pictorial brilliance and diversity. Such as the portrait up top, Wendy. Not like his watercolors, but one of my favorites -- I love the palette, the stark haunting mood and Picassoesque drawing.

More people probably know David Burge for the beautiful nudes he has painted in watercolor, achieving a wet-in-wet approach that shows the medium and the artist at their most sensual. They can be seen on his website, but figures also show up in a series depicting juxtaposed reflections, logos, and mannequins in downtown windowscapes. One of them, Brides By Design won a City of Melville Art Award, and is also in the Shanghai Zhujiajiao International Watercolor Biennale. Another of the series, King Street Reflections won top watercolor award at City of Melville the year before. All of the pieces in that series are fantastic, I could never pick a favorite...but one of them would have to be Skiva, Forrest Chase, Perth, watercolor 56x76 cm. (left).

Just messing around in oil he does stuff like these incredible pears.

Some of his best portraits are of musicians and writers -- I won't forget the first time I saw his portrait of Norman Mailer, and the bluesmen can be urban and gritty, or smooth and sultry. Aubrey Beardsley (56 x 76 cm, left) captures the outrageous personality in a way the illustrator might have approved. There are a number of creative and delicate portraits of Dake's children and commissions of others on his website. From time to time the artist shows early work, or examples from an erotic series, all fascinating excursions into his high-voltage mind. My first stop in Oz will be Perth, Western Australia, a million miles away from anything, really, but the domain of the Thunder, and by definition base camp for cool. So cool, one might even say, in the words of the man himself.....chilling!

David Burge website and blog.

American Art Collector - March 2010

2010-03-21T18:51:00.007-04:00

...

Page 68, and two paintings featured in Guide to Collecting Fine Art in Washington, D.C., page 69.

Ni Hao Shanghai!

2010-03-14T11:09:00.129-04:00

...

Russian Woman - 127 x 127 cm.

The 14-hour flight from Chicago to Shanghai was very comfortable, and the difference between the USA and China couldn’t have been more extreme than the contrast between O’Hare and the remarkable Pudong airport. You can almost eat off the gleaming floors of the parking garage of Pudong, and the whole place just sparkles. Everybody very courteous and efficient. I was met by two impeccably-dressed young gentlemen who drove me the 1 1/2 hour trip through incredible traffic to the Royal Tulip Garden Hotel in the Zhujiajiao district. I was surprised to learn they already knew much about me, my art, and my music. I was getting a feel for the treatment we would receive while in Shanghai, and it was very nice, indeed.

The hotel is beautiful, and there I met Xidan Chen, the man who conceived this exhibition, and his daughter Jo Jo, who did a marvelous job of organizing the daily itinerary, tours, and translating. There was a reception that evening for artists and top art officials who arrived from all over China, and I also then met David Taylor, renowned Australian artist, David Paskett, President of the Royal Watercolour Society in England, and the great international master, Ong Kim Seng. We were treated to a spectacular dinner in a private dining room of the hotel (see pics).

The next day was spent doing the selection of paintings at the Quanhua Watercolour Art Gallery, a 1300+ square meter traditional building set on a Zhujiajiao canal, and recently the subject of a 10M yuan renovation. I've never seen an exhibition space like it, a maze of rooms and galleries on two levels, all of which will be climate controlled and highly secured. 2.5 million visitors are expected in this gallery during the World Expo. They received over 2500 entries, which were reduced to several hundred, from which we made selections from two groups: the Chinese, and the international entries. Among the international group were 35 invited artists. We were seated at what looked like an altar, as young Chinese girls wearing white gloves brought out paintings (unframed) from the international entries for us to vote on. This took a long time, and we then inspected the paintings from the invited artists. We were guests at a special luncheon courtesy of the Governor of the Qingpu District of Shanghai, Mr. Zhang Guo Hong. This was precipitated by a reception in a very formal chamber of the Shanghai Zhujiajiao Investment & Development Co.,Ltd. as guests of the CEO, Mr. Lu. This corporation is one of the important sponsors of the exhibition. We were treated to gourmet dishes prepared in our honor, and many toasts were made to the success of the event and its bright future as the preeminent international watercolor exhibition.

Jury of the Shanghai Zhujiajiao International Watercolor Biennale

Back at the gallery, we then selected works from hundreds of the Chinese entries, which was a very demanding task. Here I saw the best watercolor work imaginable, it was astonishing. The vast majority of these artists are completely unknown in the west, though that will begin to change, I'm quite sure. (it's tempting to post photos of many of the paintings, but there will be a book published, and they will also be posted on the exhibition website) After that long and arduous process, we began selecting the fifteen equal awards. This was difficult for many reasons, not the least of which was that I felt awards could have gone to 25 or 30 paintings. There was much discussion, voting, re-voting, etc and several walks around the many rooms where the paintings were distributed on the floors and hung on walls. I am posting a photo here of several paintings on one wall from the international group, since we are all presumably familiar with their work: Alvaro Castagnet, Janine Gallizia, David Poxon, and Joseph Zbukvic. I won't discuss awards here, but some people are already aware of winners.

The judges were also asked to display work, and I contributed the new painting above, Russian Woman, which I believe is the largest piece in the show.

The next few days were spent on tours of the fascinating ancient water towns of Zhujiajiao, Zhou Zhuang and Xi Tang. Some of these areas are over 6000 years old, and the villages themselves over 1000 years old. People still live here much as they did generations ago, and we spent all day exploring the tiny alleyways and bridges. Everyone shot tons of photographs, many of which I imagine will end up as painting material. Luckily, it was raining the whole time, which made for even more atmosphere and color. One of the most beautiful moments was walking through a narrow passage next to a school (see pic at left) in Xi Tang while children were singing Ode to Motherland. I have always loved this song, and it was very moving.

We spent another day in Shanghai checking out the World Expo district which is being worked on at a feverish pace 24/7 in preparation for 70+ million visitors, the downtown and Bund from the river, and exploring the jam-packed Yu Gardens. Kim Seng arranged for us to meet with Liu Yi, one of the very top watercolorists in China, a dashing and charming guy, and a major hero of mine for a few years. (one of his famous ballerina pieces is in the exhibition) This took place in the fashionable Luwan district, a blend of Eastern motifs and Western commerce. We visited a very chic café owned by a friend of Mr. Liu, and also saw the site of the first Communist Party meeting in China -- ironically located in the most capitalist section of town. He then arranged for us to have a meeting in the appropriately-named Richgate, the most expensive piece of real estate in Shanghai. No photographs allowed! That was quite an experience, and demonstrated the opulence that seems to pervade at least one segment of this city of 30 million people. That night we all had dinner in a revolving restaurant at the top of a tall building with breathtaking views of Shanghai, its lit highways and magical skyline providing some fantastic photos.

The last couple of days were devoted to lectures given by the two Davids, Kim, and myself. These took place at the auditorium of the Shanghai Zhujiajiao Investment building, and were attended by artists and officials from all over China. David Paskett lectured on his experiences living and painting in China; David Taylor did a fine painting demo; Kim gave an in-depth talk on the history of British and the California School of watercolor; and I gave a presentation, with music, of how and why I do what I do. The reception was quite enthusiastic for all, and the attendees were amazed that I gave away all my "secrets"! Looking out at the unbelievable talent present was a bit daunting, but I did my best. Afterwards I posed for countless photographs with everybody, and forged friendships that I expect to last a lifetime. I am returning to exhibit in Shanghai soon, and look forward to opening a new world of opportunity in China.

I can't describe the thrill and honor it has been to be chosen to represent the Americas as a judge and exhibitor in this landmark exhibition, the largest in the world. It is impossible not to speak in superlatives. After what I have seen in Shanghai, I believe the future of watercolor is there, thanks to these remarkable artists and the unprecedented respect and admiration extended to our medium by the Chinese. I actually felt like a celebrity there. Besides my boundless gratitude to Mr. Xidan Chen, I have to say a special thanks to Ong Kim Seng. I first discovered him in about 2004 after I got back into watercolor, and we struck up an internet friendship that has been as warm as it has been rewarding. Our meeting is all I had hoped for and more; he is one of he most brilliant men I have ever met, possessing a profound expertise in not just watercolor, but all art and all periods of art. His knowledge of cultures, politics, history, literature, and the most distant corners of the globe astounds me. He speaks eight languages fluently. I dearly love this man, and look forward to our reunion, which may be in Singapore (he is a celebrated artist in Malaysia), Beijing (to meet with Guan Wei Xing), or painting in the remote provinces of China, where he assures me I can escape the evils of MSG!

The exhibition opens April 15 and runs the duration of the World Expo through October. I'm very sorry to miss the opening as I'll be doing a workshop at Kanuga, but they are flying my wife Olga over in my place.

Update: thank you to Watercolor Artist magazine for the blog entry HERE, email notice HERE, and to Creative Catalyst Productions for another blog entry HERE.

(all photographs copyright Nicholas Simmons 2010)

Costa Brava Workshop

2010-02-26T15:14:00.000-05:00

Enjoy Painting Catlalonia is a workshop series run by Angela Barbi in Spain. I will be teaching one this year in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, September 1-7. This will be an in-studio session, but we will be enjoying a gorgeous location overlooking the ocean. I have already heard about the wonderful job Angela does in organizing, and if the roster of artists connected with EPC (Alvaro Castagnet, Charles Reid, Joseph Zbukvic, etc.) is any indication, this is one of the top watercolor workshop venues in the world. I'm very pleased and proud to be included. I hope you will consider enrolling, it promises to be a fun week!

Many thanks to Victor Retuerto and Angela for putting together the video above. Guess whose music they used? :-) All information about workshops and tutors are listed on the website, and check out all of the cool pics!

Artgraphica - Nicholas Simmons Online Tutorials

2010-02-22T03:01:00.003-05:00

Artgraphica.net is a website dedicated to art instruction in many forms, across a wide range of styles and mediums. A few articles I published about five years ago on another website were recently added to the watercolor section:

Painting Large in Watercolor: Faded Glory

Watercolor Life-Sized: Tarantella

Watercolor Batik: Koi

The articles are quite detailed and include many photographs. The koi demonstration is an abbreviated version of what is covered in even more detail in my Innovative Watermedia DVD from Creative Catalyst Productions.

Thank you to Gavin in the UK for providing this valuable online resource, and for putting it all together in such a beautifully-designed site!

Kanuga - Vancouver - Zagotta

2010-02-18T15:12:00.007-05:00

Kanuga Watercolor/Watermedia Workshops is run by Robbie Laird, in a gorgeous North Carolina mountain setting. This year it's happening April 11-16, and I'll be teaching there with eleven other recognized painters. I believe they will have something like 250 people attending - not your average workshop! I'm unsure of remaining spaces, but if you can't make mine I hope you'll consider signing up for one of the other artists. There are many activities on the schedule and it promises to be a wonderful event. Contact information is on the website.

Art Escapes Vancouver is a workshop organized by Jamie Kelley, and is taking place on incredible Granville Island, April 22-24. (see photos on the website) Vancouver was recently rated the best place to live -- anywhere! -- and I can believe it. I haven't been there since I was a kid and am very anxious to return. Also teaching there this year will be renowned watercolorists Joseph Zbukvic and Ted Nuttall. If you can't make my class, I hope you can make one of their's. Contact information on the website.

Special note: a big thanks to Donna Zagotta for listing this as one of "27 Art Blogs to Watch in 2010." Check out her marvelous work and bookmark her site!

The Glass Eye.....Again

2010-02-11T23:27:00.012-05:00

A recent post on this entry regarding photography and projectors seemed worth a special mention here, and it gives me a chance to expand a bit in a direction I didn't go in the Robert Genn article.

Posted by Vinayak:

Dear Nick,

Thank you for all these wonderful posts. They are such a treat to go through.

With all due respect, I would like to say something in response to (another poster's) comments about Richard Schmid. I have read his book Alla Prima and also seen the video where he takes pictures of a scene for making a landscape painting. And I dont think he expresses contradictory ideas in the two. He is quite clear about the limitations of painting from photographs and how they can never substitute the real plein air experience. However he also agrees that under certain circumstances photographs can come in very handy for example when there is not enough time to finish a painting en plein air. But it's still a compromise, and that's what he says even in the video. So I dont think the two things really go contrary to each other. I do not think someone as technically sound as Mr. Schmid shall ever have to resort to tracing.
Thank you
Best wishes,
Vinayak

Vinayak - thanks very much for your post, I appreciate it. I don't want to put words in (the original poster's) mouth, or take a chance of misrepresenting her intent, so I'll defer any discussion there...maybe she'll have a chance to post again.

But you raise some things that I can comment on from my own perspective:

I understand the reasoning behind the plein air tradition, painting from life, etc. and have enormous respect for the people who do it as well as Schmid. (much less respect for people confusing method with message) There is no doubt the human eye can discern things that escape the camera lens, to a point, and there isn't any substitute for real life. In my case, however, this apparent advantage is somewhat, if not wholly, irrelevant, for a few reasons:

1. While many artists seem to be driven to paint what they see, I'm driven to paint what I don't see. Most all of what I do is stuff that's flitting around inside my head, not borne from real-time observation. I don't walk through a flowery meadow, for example, and think "I'd like to paint that." Could be a character defect, but it just doesn't happen to me.

2. I don't pretend to possess a technique that would necessarily benefit from observing in real life the nuances of lighting, form, color, shadow, etc. In fact, that could even be a handicap for me, as too much information can be distracting and overwhelming. I know myself well enough to realize that what the camera omits is very possibly something that a) I don't really care about, b) I'm not good enough to reproduce or interpret anyway! So much painting I admire is a result of subtraction and simplification. I can do this on my own -- many of us do, at least to some degree -- but I also like how the camera or even a computer program accomplish this.

3. One of the most unfair indictments of the camera in connection with artists is the unequivocal notion that it can’t see what the eye sees. How wrong this is; often it sees far more! Think of all the blurred-motion photos that give us a fascinating idea about the visual representation of movement, not to mention the myriad bizarre effects the camera produces through “error” that might inspire the artist. One need not look any further than the unparalleled work of Alex Kanevsky to understand how important the camera has become in the hands of contemporary masters.

Getting back to the projector issue…knowing what I do about his work and methods, I don’t believe Schmid would have any use for such a device. Whether or not he would use something to transfer a drawing, large-scale, I have no idea. The main point I was making on Genn’s site is that there are other applications of the projector that are quite useful. But nobody ever talks about them; the moment the issue is raised, there is the typical one-dimensional, knee-jerk purist reaction that ignores the nuances ;-) of the subject. Most frustrating, is that I often agree with many of their points…. but they never seem to notice.

PWS Exhibition Entry

2010-02-07T10:43:00.005-05:00

The Pennsylvania Watercolor Society 31st Annual International Juried Exhibition will take place October 1 – November 14, 2010 at the Crary Art Gallery, Warren, PA. I'll be the juror of selection, and the entry deadline is May 31. Click here for downloadable prospectus. This is a major exhibition, I encourage all serious watercolorists to enter. Good luck!

TWS Gold Medal

2010-01-31T09:41:00.007-05:00

Nassau #1: Discount Warehouse - 41" x 41"

I learned a few days ago this painting won the top prize at the 61st Texas Watercolor Society Annual Exhibition. This is a major show with a lot of big names, and Janet Walsh and Arne Westerman were the judges. Thank you! Other award winners include Soon Y. Warren, Duncan Simmons, John Salminen, and Dan Burt. The opening reception is April 10 at the Rockport Center for the Arts.

St. Andrews By The Sea

2010-01-28T01:45:00.004-05:00

Time for another blast from the past. This was done after a trip to Nova Scotia and Maine a millenium ago with Valfred Thëlin. I had been painting about a year, and felt this was one of the best of that period. And I still like it. It sold for $500 at my first solo show at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, and I thought I hit the lottery! Probably painted on Crescent or Strathmore watercolor board, can't remember which w/c paint. Approx. 24" x 36".

Barrueco - Shanxii II

2010-01-19T18:15:00.009-05:00

Shanxii II, a painting (based on Chinese mythology) we've been living with for a few years, finally found a permanent wall in the beautiful home of Manuel Barrueco. Manuel has an art collection gathered from his travels around the globe, including quite a few pieces by contemporary Cuban artists. I was thrilled when he took a liking to this one, and I think it might be used on another CD cover (see this post). It's hard to describe what's it like for me having the opportunity to spend some time with one of my all-time heroes. And what happens when you have lunch at Applebee's with the world's best classical guitarist? Every waiter that plays guitar runs out to the parking lot to grab his axe for an autograph. I would do exactly the same thing. (all I signed today was the check!)

After Hours - Kiev

2010-01-12T22:38:00.006-05:00

After Hours - Kiev (40" x 40")

A slice of Eastern-euro nightlife with a shot of exotica and a vodka chaser.

Michelle Kwan - East of Eden

2010-01-09T18:39:00.004-05:00

I'm looking forward to the Winter Olympics, one of the few times I can actually become a TV nut. Especially during the figure skating. And I can't think about figure skating without remembering the single most beautiful performance I've ever seen: Michelle Kwan's legendary skate at the 1998 World Professional Championships. It truly transcended sport and made time stand still for a few minutes. I can barely stand to watch it, I get all emotional!

Sorolla and Sargent Websites

2010-01-01T18:42:00.007-05:00

Beached Boats - Joaquín Sorolla

Iain Vellacott is a very talented British painter living in France. He has started a beautiful website devoted to Joaquín Sorolla, an artist whose list of present-day admirers keeps growing. Sorolla Paintings is well worth bookmarking, and check out Iain's killer work on his blog, Painting Inoils.

I have referenced the John Singer Sargent Virtual Gallery many times, a wonderful resource put together by Natasha Wallace. Warning: it's very easy to spend a lot of time there!

Thanks to the creators of these sites, both my favorite painters!

Shanghai Biennale Entry Deadline

2009-12-24T12:15:00.006-05:00

There is one more week to enter the Shanghai Zhujiajiao International Watercolour Biennale Exhibition. This is being touted as the biggest watercolor exhibition in the world, held in conjunction with the World Expo in China. 70 million expected visitors! There is no entry fee. Click on the "Biennale" tab to find entry information.

Any questions about the entry procedure should be directed to the Curator, Mr. Xidan Chen: shscsnz@gmail.com

Best of 2009

2009-12-17T11:33:00.026-05:00

The February 2010 issue of Watercolor Artist is out with the Best Watermedia Paintings of 2009. It was nice to see my entry from the 30th Pennsylvania Watercolor Society exhibition, Bay St. Girl, among them, especially as Tokyo Express missed the publishing deadline for this issue last year. Had to win it again! :) I'll be the juror of selection for the PWS show next year.

Also in this issue is a great article/interview with Janine Gallizia, by editor Kelly Kane. Some fantastic pics of Janine's work, don't miss it!

SRQ-TPA

2009-12-13T12:20:00.013-05:00

I've been in Sarasota and Tampa the past week for a local event, meeting with Da Vinci, and seeing a lot of friends. Also visited Dean Guitars. Some announcements on the music and art fronts coming up. I ran into old friend photographer Pete Carmichael, who was another buddy of Valfred Thëlin's way back. The weather is beautiful, makes me miss this place!

Robert Genn - Projectors and Such

2009-11-27T10:25:00.005-05:00

Robert Genn printed my response to his November 24 letter, Projectors and Such (scroll down), on The Painter's Keys website. Thank you Robert, and continued thanks for being a best friend to artists worldwide!

By the way the Robert Genn Twice-Weekly Letters book is available for order. 960 pages, ten years of over a thousand unabridged letters including an 82 page index. Can't wait to get that!

Over The River And Through The Woods...

2009-11-26T02:27:00.001-05:00

Up Close, Personal

2009-11-19T14:20:00.041-05:00

Here are thirty close-ups of a bunch of paintings, old and new. Several of the shots are good examples of the effects of painting on gessoed paper (mostly Arches or Fabriano hot press). All are regular watercolor, "acrylic watercolor, " or a combination of both. The pic above (from the Misteria series) is a detail of granulation that resulted in a nice verdigris effect.

2010 Workshops

2009-11-05T01:18:00.019-05:00

These are confirmed, there are several more pending, here and abroad. Have to say thanks again to all of the people who have signed up for the workshops the past few years, and I'm sure I learned as much as they did. I appreciate the word of mouth goodwill, and look forward to visiting more and more interesting places and groups of painters!

2010

2-day workshop - Plaza Art - Rockville, Maryland. January 30-31.
Contact: 301-770-0500

1-day Photoshop Secrets For Artists seminar - Plaza Art - Rockville, Maryland. March 21.

Contact: 301-770-0500

4-day workshop (6-day event) - Kanuga Watercolor/Watermedia Workshops - Hendersonville, North Carolina. April 11-16.
Contact: Robbie Laird 530-259-2100

3-day workshop - Art Escapes Vancouver - Granville Island, Vancouver, British Columbia. April 22-24.
Contact: Jamie Kelley 604-730-2776

2-day workshop - Plaza Art - Rockville, Maryland. May 1-2.

Contact: 301-770-0500

4-day workshop - Town & Country Fine Art Center
- Kettering, Ohio. May 17 - 20.
Contact: Leonard Williams 513-897-5222

3-day workshop - York Art Association - York, Pennsylvania. June 8-10.
Contact: York Art Association 717-755-0028

3-day workshop - Idyllwild Arts - Idyllwild, California. June 27 - 29.
Contact: summer@idyllwildarts.org 951- 659-2171 x2365

4-day workshop - Sandy Maudlin/Greentree Studio - Lawrenceburg, Indiana. August 6-9.
Contact: Sandy Maudlin 812-539-4505

1-day Photoshop Secrets For Artists seminar - Plaza Art - Rockville, Maryland. August 21.

Contact: 301-770-0500

5-day workshop - Enjoy Painting Catalonia - Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Spain. September 2-6.
Contact: Angela Barbi +34-972-221-879

3-day workshop - Art League of Ocean City - Ocean City, Maryland. September 27-29.
Contact: Ann Heslop 410-524-9433

4-day workshop - California Watercolor Association - Concord, California. October 18-21.
Contact: Karen Powers 510-502-6211

3-day workshop - Amelia Island Artist Workshop - Fernandina Beach, Florida. November 12-14.
Contact: Mikolean Longacre 904-415-3900

Bad & Beautiful

2009-11-03T00:04:00.003-05:00

This is another track from the archives that I put together with some recent photographs. The string pad sound you hear is the Roland GR-1 synthesizer which allowed me to play my guitar with a MIDI pickup, triggering a synth. I was one of the clinicians for Roland on the GR-1 when it came out. The lead guitar is a Strat through a Marshall JMP-1 preamp. If you like certain Jeff Beck stuff, you might like this.

Sylvan Grouse Guild Medal

2009-10-26T02:21:00.007-04:00

Thank you to the Board of the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society for awarding me the Sylvan Grouse Guild Medal. Six lifetime points are required for induction; I earned ten points in one year with consecutive wins at the annual PWS juried exhibition, 2008 and 2009. It is a really beautiful (and heavy!) engraved bronze medal, and I'm honored to receive it. I was also awarded Signature Membership in PWS.

Vernissage, Seneffe

2009-10-18T08:46:00.029-04:00

The opening at Le Centre de l'Eau was a wonderful night. Large numbers of very enthusiastic and knowledgable art lovers began arriving 30 minutes early, apparently a Belgian trait(!). I've never experienced a crowd that displayed this kind of interest in watercolor, it was surprising to me...but probably shouldn't have been, considering the artists I was exhibiting with, and the person who organized the event, Janine Gallizia.

This was the first chance I've had to see Janine's paintings in person, and they are truly exquisite. As are, of course, Joseph's and the others'. You'll see from the photos that mine were too large to ship framed, so we did what has become a trend in some NY galleries with sizable works on paper, and simply attached them to the panels. Not ideal, but it's better than staying home!

The catalog that Janine put together is breathtaking -- it looks like something a major musuem would publish. The reproductions are outstanding, and each artist wrote about the others, which makes for very interesting reading. A nice touch. There is a dedication from one of the sponsors, Winsor & Newton, and a history of the exhibition and its connection with Seneffe. An excerpt from "A word from the town":

Thanks to the initiative and persistance of the creator of the show, Janine Gallizia, a second exhibition of the highest quality is now taking place. More international in style than the first one, as revealed by its title, "On The Water's Edge," it exhibits the work of six major internationally recognised artists of very different origins -- two Australians, one American, one French and two Belgians -- with a common passion for the infinitely subtle, delicate and at the same time fiery, art of watercolour painting. A wonderful invitation to the discovery of a major art, all too often neglected on the european continent.

I was a bit overwhelmed by the amount of people standing in line to speak with me, some with interpreters. They asked all kinds of detailed questions about what I'm doing, and told me they have not seen this approach to watercolor in Europe. I received very kind workshop invitations for France and Belgium, among other opportunities. I also signed a lot of autographs -- that hasn't happened too many times at shows back home, makes you feel appreciated!

The only disappointment is that I had to postpone my subsequent plans, and how weird is this -- I'm in Belgium and cancelled my visit to Spain; Joseph Zbukvic was in Spain and cancelled his visit to Belgium (family emergency). C'est la vie! I fly home tomorrow.

Artist websites:
Marc Folly
Janine Gallizia
Stéphane Heurion
Nicholas Simmons
Xavier Swolfs
Joseph Zbukvic

On The Water's Edge

2009-10-13T23:44:00.006-04:00

I leave tomorrow for Belgium, exhibition opening on Friday. Then I'll spend several days meeting friends in Spain: San Sebastian, Bilbao, Burgos, Madrid, Toledo, and maybe Granada. I'll update the blog as time and access permits. Bon voyage and adios!

Walk On Water - Master Watercolors

2009-10-10T17:56:00.011-04:00

I have two new friends in Belgium who have generously devoted space on their blogs to my work, in connection with the upcoming exhibition in Seneffe.

Catherine De Ryck has a fascinating watercolor blog, Walk On Water, that is well worth bookmarking. An award-winning professional artist with a very fine technique and eye for detail, she is influenced by Roland Palmaerts, and is well-acquainted with contemporary painters of note. Catherine also has a serious interest in the development of modern art materials, and mixed media approaches to watercolor.

Paul Scorpion has been running the Master Watercolors blog for a few years, highlighting a number of famous and respected artists. I've discovered some fantastic painters of the past and present I didn't know about thanks to him, including one of my current faves, José Parlá. Paul is an accomplished painter himself, and I expect one of these days he'll get talked into featuring himself on his own blog!

Thank you Catherine and Paul, and I look forward to meeting you both at the opening!

Shanghai Zhujiajiao International Watercolour Biennial Exhibition 2010

2009-10-03T17:50:00.007-04:00

Much to my surprise, an invitation arrived from the Chinese government to join mega-heroes Guan Wei Xing and Ong Kim Seng on the jury of this new international exhibition, taking place in conjunction with the 2010 World Expo. I've longed to meet those two incredible masters, and never dreamed it would come about like this. It's probably the biggest honor I've received in watercolor, and I've also been asked to display an "American Nicholas Simmons painting"! I'll go over in March for the selection process, and then again in April for the opening.

Shanghai Zhujiajiao International Watercolour Biennial Exhibition website.

Ong Kim Seng and Guan Wei Xing

Wayne Roberts - l' Art de l' Aquarelle

2009-09-21T14:27:00.016-04:00

The second issue of l'Art de l' Aquarelle is coming out soon with an article about Wayne Roberts. I was honored to write for that feature a small tribute, translation below. This issue will be entirely in French, but after that there will be an English version of the magazine available.

When I got back into watercolor six years ago, I spent a lot of time scouring the Internet to learn what had happened during my absence, and who was doing what. It didn’t take me long to discover Wayne Roberts, and when I did, it was something of an epiphany. Here was an artist who was pushing the limits of the medium, not just technically, but even more importantly, in terms of imagination and creativity. He seemed to be able to paint any subject in virtually any style, abstract to representational, at the highest levels. Rather than settling into one comfortable, formulaic approach -- a trap that countless artists succumb to -- he was “all over the map,” and in a way that suggested not superficiality, but rather, profound breadth. I revere this quality because to me the finest artists are explorers. Wayne is a tireless explorer who has blazed trails I had never seen in water media. As if that weren’t enough, I realized that some of the best ideas I ever had for a painting, Wayne Roberts had already done! And done so well, there was no point in my even trying. I started referring to him as The World’s Most Dangerous Man With a Brush.

How does he do it? I believe that artists of this caliber are born, not made. However, something more has to account for this kind of genius. Wayne’s deep interest in science, mathematics, medicine, and music keeps his mind in a constant state of assimilation and heightened awareness, which at any moment might channel a thought or emotion through the pen, the violin, or the paintbrush. Wayne’s insatiable curiosity about the world is reflected in his paintings, which deal with concepts of the large and small; the dark and light; the celestial and terrestrial; the spiritual and physical. As a musician myself, I was fascinated to learn that Wayne has devoted years to an ever-evolving work, The Principles of Nature, which, based on my understanding, is a sort of Unification Theory combining the mysteries of music and visual art through scientific analysis. This is something that has occupied my mind for many years, but I didn’t have the slightest notion how to go about organizing or expressing it. This type of monumental work is best left to the bona fide Renaissance Men of the world. Wayne Roberts is such a person, and I feel truly privileged to behold his many astonishing and unique talents.

For information regarding subscription email Sonia Seince at s.seince@megastar.fr

See the No. 1 issue July-September post.

Seneffe, Belgium Exhibition

2009-09-08T00:06:00.004-04:00

I'm privileged to be exhibiting next month in the Seneffe, Belgium watercolor expo. Janine Gallizia, Joseph Zbukvic, Xavier Swolfs, Marc Folly and Stéphane Heurion will be participating, and I'm going over to meet them for the opening, October 16. The show runs through October 25, during which time I'll be going to Spain to meet with many friends from the Hispacuarela website, as well as doing research for a commission. I can't wait!

However, a few folks are bound to be less than enthusiastic about my involvement in this exhibition, as you'll see by clicking on the video below! Hope you enjoy it, feel free to rate and comment. :)

Katherine's World

2009-09-05T00:18:00.035-04:00

Quite possibly the best part of the artistic life is the people you meet along the way. The shared interest in beauty and bringing beauty into the world, forges friendships that last among those who are true to the calling. Nobody knows this better than Katherine Lollar Rowland, a woman whose life has been dedicated to art, artists, and a search for the answer to the question of "Who am I?"

I'm so happy to have reconnected with Katherine after many years, and very touched to be remembered in her new book, Katherine's World.

This follows her 2006 memoir, A Painter and His Wife, which chronicled her life with her husband, Elden Rowland, and his pursuit to become a fine artist -- which he achieved with Katherine loyally at his side, and in a way that would be impossible to do in this day and age. I soaked that story up, as I learned so much about their inspiring saga, and it made numerous references to the burgeoning art community of Sarasota, Florida, starting in the 1940s.

The new work is an answered prayer for me, documenting the history and notable people connected with the Sarasota scene, particularly through and beyond the period when it was responsible for my own entrance into the painting world.

Katherine's expert running of the Hilton Leech Studio and formation of the Friends of the Two Arts and Sciences in Sarasota attracted renowned artists and photographers, among others, to visit, teach, and host a number of expeditions to adventurous ports of call. It would be no exaggeration to say that without Katherine's influence and organizational talents, I might never have picked up a brush; the Leech Studio is where I first encountered my most important painting mentors, Valfred Thëlin* and Barbara Nechis. I enrolled in workshops, won my first awards there, and took part in the Two Arts trip to Nova Scotia and Maine.

Katherine's World brings all of this together, and brings back cherished memories for me and countless others. A significant portion of the book is devoted not only to artists and photographers I knew or know -- Valfred, Barbara, Pete Carmichael, Margarette Mead, Nicholas Reale, Frank Webb, and Shirley Hummel, to name several, but a host of others I had heard of and learned about: Jerry Farnsworth, Dorothy and Hilton Leech, Bruce McGrew (whose outstanding watercolor graces the cover), Robert Sisson, Marc Moon, Judi Betts, et al.

In addition, the book delves into more history about Katherine's ancestry, the Shakers, her present extended family, and includes a selection of her glorious photographs and poems. The layout of the book is simply stunning, as are the reproductions. Highly recommended! See Katherine's website for information about ordering.

Katherine will turn 91 this month, and shows absolutely no signs of slowing down!

* * * * *

On page 66 is a full-page reproduction (in perfect color, thank you!) of me with my painting Summer Sonata.

On the facing page is one of my favorite photographs of Valfred, his gal Deidre, Shirley Hummel, and myself on a boat to Monhegan Island, experiencing some rough seas!

On page 64 Katherine wrote:

Since the Down East group was from Florida, most of our participants were from mid-to-retirement age. But there was one younger participant. Nicholas Simmons, a young musician from Iowa had seen Val's work in Sarasota and been so inspired by it, and Val's personality, that he added watercolor painting to his activities. Since that time, he's made steady progress with his painting and in 2007 his powerful "Fresh Sushi" won top award in the National Watercolor Society's Annual Exhibition, one of many honors he has acquired. He lives in the Washington, D.C., area of Maryland, and is married to Olga, from Ukraine, with whom he fell in love on a trip to Russia. They have a daughter, Larissa.

Thank you, Katherine, and when might we expect Vol. III?!

Katherine Lollar Rowland website.

Katherine Lollar Rowland Facebook page.

* I wrote a tribute to Valfred Thëlin in December of 2007, which can be seen here. Please read the Comments section and look for Katherine's contribution.

RM1

2009-08-28T16:43:00.005-04:00

RM1 - 17" x 29"

Key To The Highway

2009-08-24T12:25:00.002-04:00

The Big Bill Broonzy/Charles Segar blues classic, covered by everyone and his dog. I recorded this a long time ago, and I still like it - the solo is killin'! I put some old photos to it, in sepia, and added the film grain. And the vocal? Your's truly....believe it or not. Hope you enjoy it!

Saving Face

2009-08-22T16:21:00.009-04:00

Thought I had deleted the Facebook account months ago, but apparently it only deactivates - until you get shamed into starting it up again. That place is an addictive time-waster, but I have found some long lost friends, and that has been a nice surprise. I probably won't be putting much art on there, leaving that for the website and blog.

Nicholas Simmons Facebook page

If you're on the Book, gimme a look!

"Innovative Watermedia" DVD On Sale!

2009-08-19T14:19:00.002-04:00

Creative Catalyst Productions is offering a great sale price on my Innovative Watermedia DVD, celebrating the recent PWS award. See more on the CCP blog here.

If you are interested in more information about the DVD, or want to order, please use this link.

Thanks again to the great people at CCP, and thanks to all who have purchased the DVD and given us such wonderful feedback!

Why Spanish People Rule!

2009-08-14T09:34:00.005-04:00

Down? Blue? Worried about the economy? Wondering what kind of world you brought your children into? Wishing Sarah Palin would just go away...forever and ever?

I know.

This fantastic song will cure what ails you, even if it gives you the bilirrubina! Keep your eye on the background singers - that's how I want to dance, and I'm learning how. That's all I want to do, and I'll be happy. Muy muy feliz!

PWS Gold Medal 2009

2009-08-08T11:14:00.014-04:00

Nassau #4: Bay St. Girl - 38" x 38" (97 x 97 cm)

I learned this week from Debi Watson that this painting won the 30th annual Pennsylvania Watercolor Society exhibition, which is a major show with international entries. I got the same award last year for Tokyo Express, so I'm very surprised and of course very honored. There is some fantastic work represented: John Salminen (2nd), George James (3rd), and a number of other name painters. Carol Pickle, one of my favorite artists, judge.

The opening and awards are tomorrow at Goggleworks, a totally boss art center in Reading, PA.

PART II

The opening at Goggleworks was very well-attended, there must have been hundreds of people going through the Cohen Gallery and the rest of the complex. This show has a lot of outstanding work, I saw other paintings by Denny Bond, Dottie Burton, Jeanne Dobie, Z.L. Feng, Andrew Kish, Chris Krupinski, Jean Uhl Spicer (judge 2008), Mel Stabin, James Toogood, Patrick Varriano, and many other noted watercolorists -- too many names to list. Bay St. Girl is hanging at the entrance of Goggleworks, a nice location! Thanks again to PWS, Pat Cook (juror of selection), and Carole Pickle (juror of awards). The show hangs until September 11.

"Virtuoso Guitar Duos" Released!!!

2009-08-01T10:43:00.018-04:00

August 1 is always a special date, being Tommy Bolin's birthday. I was invited by Johnnie Bolin to play the annual Tommy Bolin Fest in Sioux City which takes place today, but couldn't make it out there, and really wanted to be here for the release party of Manuel Barrueco's new CD, Virtuoso Guitar Duos. This spectacular recording also features young Italian superstar, Franco Platino. I'm very honored to have been asked by Manuel to do the cover of the CD, and we ended up using a painting of mine, La Vida Breve. I thought designing it around a mirror image of the painting would be appropriate for the duo concept, and I'm quite proud of the result. Even more so, as Manuel and Franco play a new arrangement of de Falla's La Vida Breve on the recording!

The party is today at Manuel's house, and among the guests will be some of the best young classical guitar virtuosos in the world - many of whom are or have been students of Manuel. As the guitar has been the major force in my creative life, and Manuel its acknowledged classical master of the modern era, you can imagine how thrilled I am.

Thank you, Manuel and Asgerdur. Abrazos!

The new CD is available here.

See the extensive (and autobiographical) post I made about Manuel a few months ago here.

Manuel.....Tommy.....what a day! I'll post some photos here tomorrow.

PART II

Well, it was everything I could have dreamed of and more. About 25 people arrived at Manuel and Asgerdur's house at 4:00, and I was the last to leave at 1 AM! Fantastic food, endless wine and champagne, heartfelt toasts, and a number of the best contemporary classical guitarists, from all corners of the globe. I would list the names, but I'd forget someone, and a few will soon be making appearances in this blog. And of course with Manuel himself, it really was Ground Zero of the classical guitar world. It was a beautiful evening, and eventually we all congregated outside on the deck overlooking the swimming pool and grounds of Casa Barrueco. There we were regaled with stories told by a humble and charming raconteur, the man who has brought unprecedented joy, inspiration, and wonder into our lives. I made a lot of friends last night, and realize the unique circumstances of our meeting created a bond that will never be broken.

Franco Platino, Manuel Barrueco, Nick

Creativity Workshop Winners

2009-07-28T14:59:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to Elise Beattie and Kris Storey, and I'm very happy my June 2009 article in Watercolor Artist magazine generated some great ideas. Thanks to Sarah Strickley for working with me, and you can read more about this on the WA site.

"l' Art de l' Aquarelle"

2009-07-21T16:13:00.016-04:00

A new French watercolor magazine, L' Art de l'Aquarelle, has just published its first issue, and I have an 8-page spread, with 6 full-page reproductions (first two pages shown below). This magazine spotlights the best watercolorists in Europe, so of course it features my friends Janine Gallizia and Joseph Zbukvic (cover), and another euro star whose work I love, Gottfried Salzmann. There is one other American in this issue - some guy named Andrew Wyeth! I have to say, it is a gorgeous magazine, printed on heavy glossy stock and loaded with articles and fabulous pictures. I believe the next issue will feature the great Wayne Roberts. After that, Guan Wei Xing. Where do you go from there???!!!

For information regarding obtaining this magazine, please email: redaction@lartdelaquarelle.com

Ni Ko La Shi

2009-07-14T18:33:00.005-04:00

A friend of mine recently returned from China and brought back this for me. I've always wanted to have a "chop" made, but never got around to it. I believe it is carved from soapstone, and when it was made, an onlooker read it as "Nicholas" so I guess it's authentic! Ong Kim Seng read it to me as Ni-Ko-La-Shi. It was a timely, even clairvoyant, gift. More on that soon!

Bloomberg.com

2009-07-13T10:17:00.004-04:00

Thanks to Brian McGee for the reference and link in his Bloomberg.com article today about the Sorolla exhibition in Madrid.

Kanji #2

2009-07-10T00:28:00.003-04:00

Kanji #2

This one is based on the first in the series, but distorted and cropped to fit the different format. It seemed the bamboo didn't really need to be "painted" and the whites (all whites are the paper) balanced the design. Da Vinci on Fabriano hot press, 31" x 44" (79 x 112 cm).

Sorolla Video

2009-07-06T00:53:00.006-04:00

Here is a very good 15 minute video of the current Sorolla retrospective at the Prado, with subtitled comments by the curators. I wish I could see this show! Thanks to Iain Vellacott for putting the link on his blog.

The exhibition catalog is available here.

From Odessa With Love

2009-07-03T16:52:00.003-04:00

Larissa and Olga are spending the summer on the Black Sea. Thanks to Skype, I almost feel as though I'm there. Well OK, not even close.....but it's better than nothing!

женщина в беседке

2009-06-23T17:54:00.005-04:00

Which translates roughly to "woman in arbor." This is a collage of two paintings which I made into a giclée. The image is 30" x 30" on Hahnemuhle paper.

We Miss You Randy

2009-06-20T13:15:00.004-04:00

Randy Kentfield
November 26, 1952 - June 20, 1989

Life hasn't been the same, and nowhere near as funny. We still idolize you, marvel at your brilliance, and think of you everyday. Yes, you were right - reflection is not as painful as it was, but the void has never been filled, and never will be.

By a departing light

We see acuter, quite

Than by a wick that stays.

There's something in the flight

That clarifies the sight

And decks the rays.

-Emily Dickinson

Kanji #1

2009-06-08T02:27:00.013-04:00

Kanji #1 - 24" x 56"

I'm still intrigued with the Japanese and Chinese characters, this time distorted to fit into a horizontal format. All whites are the paper, Da Vinci on Fabriano 140# hot press.

Framed 28" x 60" - sorry for the reflections

Thanks to everyone who participated in the workshop at VisArts in Rockville! I think I'll be doing more there in the fall and next spring, details here and on my website when available.

Economic Crisis?

2009-06-02T17:25:00.007-04:00

Even though I don't have to buy paint anymore, I still hate to waste a single drop. I've been cutting tubes and bottles open for years, and when Da Vinci Paint learned that...well, see for yourself. Best artist quality colors, and they blow everyone away on price!

I have a 3-day workshop starting tomorrow at the gorgeous new VisArts center in Rockville, and Da Vinci is once again giving free samples of their fabulous fluid acrylic to everyone. Thanks Marcello!

Windows Vista

2009-05-21T14:36:00.002-04:00

The two most dreaded words in computerdom. It has put me largely out of cyberaction for the past 6 weeks, might have to finally bite the bullet and go for the Mac. (sorry Maddox!)

American Contemporary Gallery

2009-05-04T14:10:00.013-04:00

I'm sorry to say the new American Contemporary Gallery in Annapolis closed its doors after the March exhibition. I learned about the gallery when Carol Carter showed there, and I was scheduled for this month. John Bodkin opened ACG in November, and it was certainly one of the coolest places in the DC area, and he's one of the coolest guys I've met in this business. I believe he's planning to reopen when the economy improves, and in the meantime will be occupied with other art projects. We wish him luck and look forward to his return!

In the photo are John and my wife Olga at the opening of the March show.

Sorolla - Prado

2009-04-26T18:48:00.019-04:00

Approximately 100 paintings of Joaquin Sorolla y Bastida (1863-1923) will make up a major exhibition at the Prado in Madrid, May 26 - September 6.

Sorolla is one of my all-time favorite painters - with a style of bravura brushwork unmatched, he created wondrous moments like Just Out of the Sea, captured glorious light in scenes such as Sewing the Sail and Lunch on the Boat, but also depicted pathos in paintings like the devastating Sad Inheritance.

There's not a show I'd rather see of any artist, anywhere. (Alex Kanevsky's new work at J. Cacciola Gallery would be second on the list!)

Also, visit Museo Sorolla here.

Watercolor Artist Magazine - June 2009

2009-04-17T19:03:00.004-04:00

I have an article in the Creativity Workshop of the latest Watercolor Artist magazine.

Most artists I've encountered have at least some experience using the computer and programs such as Photoshop, typically working with reference photographs in preparation for a painting. The article deals with using Photoshop to progressively alter not a photograph, but rather a painting, to generate new variations and abstractions. It is another way of extracting more material from an idea, and an interesting collaboration between man and machine. I started with a piece from a couple years ago, La Falda Leventada (see pic from first page), and explained the evolution of subsequent paintings via Photoshop filters and cropping.

(I see DaVinci is giving a free triad sample of watercolors with subscriptions)

Thanks to the twenty people from the Cape Artists in Lewes, Delaware, who attended the workshop last week. I had a blast, and I hope to return sometime! (yes, I made it to the gallery in Ocean View, 5 mins before they closed)

Learning To Live Again

2009-04-05T17:23:00.007-04:00

This is an original song I wrote in the 90s, and the lyric is by a friend of mine, Nick Palmieri. The singer is Venetta Smith, a gospel powerhouse who can can do some serious sermonizing on the blues, as you'll hear. Tenor star Richard Elliot trades licks with both of us. Ruben Drake on bass, Ron and Dave Reinhardt on Hammond B3 and drums. I did all guitar work and arrangement, I think it's one of my best tracks. Recorded at Morrisound in Tampa. Crank this one, louder the better!

Charito

2009-03-31T13:25:00.004-04:00

While on the ship, I had some time to put a few pics together with original music. This piece is a S. American-style acoustic guitar thing, all instruments and arranging by me. Most of the soloing is improvised, played on a Takamine LTD-92. Muchas gracias to Charo Vargas for the inspiration!

York Art Association

2009-03-30T11:39:00.004-04:00

I did a demo for the York Art Association in York, Pennsylvania yesterday. We had a full house, and a very nice group of people it was - I hope to return to do a workshop! Thanks to Debi Watson for organizing it (though it's nerve-wracking having someone that good watching!).

There is a 3-day workshop in Lewes, Delaware, April 8-10. I think it is sold out, but contact Sonia Hunt for details. 302-644-2973

Check out the new slideshow on the Art Escapes Vancouver website with paintings by Joseph Zbukvic and myself.

Tampa-Clearwater

2009-03-25T21:42:00.011-04:00

We stopped in Tampa on the way home and visited Dean Guitars headquarters, where Larissa came away with her first real guitar, and Olga almost drove away on the Dean custom chopper.

We spent last night as guests at Roebling Manor in Belleair. That would be a fantastic place to spend some time painting, with spectacular views of Clearwater Bay. Thank you to Pam and Elliott (check out theTommy Bolin shirt!).

Still Toughin' It Out

2009-03-19T16:28:00.007-04:00

Larissa is an old pro at Adventure Ocean, especially enjoys the Pirate Night where all the kids dress up and take over the ship. I have some good video of that, maybe I can get it posted. Here's a shot of her with remnants of the makeup, she was pretty scary... Arrrrr!

Denys has been showing us a good time, and we have the run of the place. More fun, more friends, lots of Russkies to hang out with, not to mention more food and drink. Trying to keep off the pounds with a couple of sessions in the gym each day, and dancing to a good latin band at night. It's gonna be hard going home!

Got a cool shot of the pool the other night, it really looked like that.

Sun & Fun

2009-03-15T13:48:00.008-04:00

We're on a cruise ship for a couple of weeks in the islands, having a blast. Reunited with Olga's brother, Denys, who is First Officer with Royal Caribbean. (see posts from February 2008) I'm sitting in a Starbucks in Nassau, first decent internet access I've had in days.

Check out the video of Larissa kicking Olga off the dance floor - she doesn't like competition! Another week of this torture, and then seeing lots of friends in Florida. I'll try to maintain radio contact...over and out.