New Work: Just After the Sun Has Set, oil on canvas 36 x 36 inches

Just After the Sun Has Set
Oil on canvas, 36 x 36 inches $5100 framed
Saks Galleries, Denver

This is a scene from Castle Rock, CO near where I lived until recently. There were so many good sunsets looking west and I painted a good number of them. For this oil, the focus was split between the sky and land forms below.

Rather than focusing all of the color in the sky, I saturated the bottom half of the painting with the purples, reds, mauves and greens. The dark trees on the right set up a soft contrast as well as a border between the foreground and all that happens beyond,

It has a soft richness that I like. The water on the left was added last to create even more light effects, an improvement over the actual highway there.

Grateful Notices: Red Wall at the Lake Pastel on paper, 17 5/8 x 23 3/8 inches

Red Wall at the Lake
Pastel on paper, 17 5/8 x 23 3/8  Sold, private collection
Exhibited,: Madelyn Jordan Fine Art, Scarsdale, NY
Also available as a limited edition giclee print

The trees are an excuse to make a red pattern and the pattern is a device for the yellow trees and blues of the lake to to emerge from the background. All the colors and compositional elements work together toward a common goal - to make the reds as bright as possible.

The plan was a simple one, to set up the depth like screens in a stage play and to have horizontal bands of colors dancing across. It was a straightforward enough idea but it took hundreds of pastel strokes to make it come to life. I had a lot of joy in the creation of it and hopefully it comes through in the work.

My thanks to the collector and Madelyn Jordan Fine Art!

Happy Holidays 2019

Grateful Notices: Last Snow I, pastel, 8 3/8 x 12 3/8 inches

LAST SNOW I
Pastel 8 3/8 X 12 3/8   private collection
Exhibited: Dominique Boisjoli Fine Art, Santa Fe, NM

When I first moved to Colorado many years ago, I was living in a snow climate for the first time. This pastel was done soon after my arrival and I had kept it in my own collection for over 20 years. Creating snow scenes was a bit of a rarity for me and because this was my view almost every day when I lived in Castle Rock, Colorado, I felt compelled to make a pastel of the scene.

Now that I'm living in Steamboat Springs and surrounded by snowy landscapes for many months of the year, I am creating more winter artworks rather than the one or two in each of the past years.

When Dominique told me that a Denver collector added this work to their collection I was delighted and encouraged to create more. Thank you!

New Work: Last Sun over the Snow Fields, oil on canvas, 40 x 40 inches

Last Sun over the Snow Fields, oil on canvas, 40 x 40 inches
Saks Galleries, Denver    $6650 framed

The last light is setting up a very subtle, but colorful effect. When we really examine it, snow on the ground is much more than just white. Besides, there are so many ways to represent a scene like this.

How about a Delft blue in the line of trees and why not create a predominately purple sky with touches of pinks, greens and pale cobalt?

Once it was done, the piece comes off looking simple but that was not the case with this one. Sometimes it's the austere compositions that challenge me further to try out new ideas. The simple composition is very responsive to small or large changes on the canvas and it dares you to keep pushing things around.

After all of the work and the parade of changes, the gentle calm still comes through.

Newsletter: November 2019

Ken Elliott's Fine Art Newsletter November 2019 View this email in your browser

November News: Some of you may already know that I have moved to Steamboat Springs and I am now living with my wonderful (in many ways!) fiancé and artist, Marion Kahn. Our new studio set up is now in place and I'm currently involved with commission work. There will be new artworks emerging soon and I'm looking forward to new adventures, people and scenery. Once I'm a bit more settled in, the new workshops for 2020 will be announced. Feel free to contact me about having one in your area. Here's to a beautiful holiday season to you all! Ken In the Galleries:  SUN ON SNOW I Oil on panel, 24 x 24      $2450  framed Dominique Boisjoli Fine Art, Santa Fe, NM More about this oil on Ken's blog, For the Color SACCADES XIII Oil on canvas, 48 x 48 inches     $8950 framed Dominique Boisjoli Fine Art, Santa Fe, NM More about this oil on Ken's blog, For the Color EVENING PATTERNS Oil on canvas, 60 x 60 inches     $12500 unframed Saks Galleries, Denver More about this oil on Ken's blog, For the Color Video: Ken discusses this oil LIGHT EFFECTS Oil on canvas, 36 X 48     $5800 unframed Sorelle Gallery, New Canaan, CT More about this oil on Ken's blog, For the Color Video:  Ken discusses the making of this oil New giclee: FALL BEGINS 11 1/4 x 11 1/4 inches $300.  22 x 22  $575.  27 5/8 x 27 5/8, $790. Total edition of 195, plus 15 artist proofs. Giclee print on William Turner paper Also available on canvas and larger sizes on request Grateful Notices: WATER, LAND AND SKY IN FLOW Oil on canvas, 36 X 60      Private collection, CT Exhibited: Sorelle Gallery, New Canaan, CT More about this oil on Ken's blog, For the Color WATERS EDGE IN BLUE oil on canvas, 36 x 36   private collection Exhibited: Arden's Gallery, Houston More about this oil on Ken's blog, For the Color COLOR AT THE EDGE OF THE LAKE Oil on canvas, 30 x 48      private collection Exhibited: Dominique Boisjoli Fine Art, Santa Fe, NM More about this oil on Ken's blog, For the Color Workshops / Private Sessions /Studio Visits: Workshops for 2020 have not yet been announced, but you can keep updated on the website Workshop page or email me to get updates and to request a Workshop in your area. Here's a video about what happens in the Group and Private Workshops Contact Ken to arrange a studio visit or Workshop. It is always a pleasure to meet you. Take your work to new heights. These workshops and private sessions will focus on strategies for making better paintings, colorist tools, going to new places in your work and making fine art. We will be going deeper into making better and more appealing artworks with a variety of strategies including Photoshop insights made easy. all workshop info Ken Elliott American Landscapes coffee table book: This large coffee table book reprises 25 years of my works in oil, pastel, monotype, etching and collage.Large, coffee table hardback version, 11 x 13 inches, 94 color pages with essays. Book and a signed giclee print of the cover image: $150 or just order the book for $115. Also available as an iBook / download on Apple devices for $9.99. You can preview the complete book and how to order your electronic or hardback versions from my website. My Blog, For the Color Want to follow along in my studio? Come across some interesting art bits and intriguing posts from elsewhere? Check out my artist's blog: For the Color and on the right of the blog under Followers, click Join this Site. Right now you can view vintage videos of Renoir, Degas, a Piet Mondrian video montage, comments about my works and observations about museum artworks from some recent trips. View my newest artworks: This monthly newsletter is the best way to stay up to date with my new works and events. You can also follow me on Facebook and go more in depth with my blog, For the Color. To view the total of my works in all media and in all my galleries, go to www.kenelliott.com Thank you, Ken

Contact Ken 303-995-1611 email website Sign up for my Art Blog: For the Color Sign up for this newsletter Image top, cropped: Sun on Snow I Oil on panel, 24 x 24      $2450  framed Dominique Boisjoli Fine Art, Santa Fe, NM More about this oil on Ken's blog, For the Color American Art Collector Magazine: "Elliott's canvases display the strikingly vivid modern hues in which he chooses to render his contemporary landscapes."  Southwest Art Magazine: Although his paintings loosely reference photographs and plein-air sketches, they refuse to exist within the confines of already-prescribed images. Rather, they stand independent of any specific place or time, the fulfilled pursuits of the artist’s visual and intellectual explorations. Elliott wields color boldly, creating sizzling, vibrant shapes that are at once kinetic and placid, grounded in unifying illumination, and focused compositions. He has a fascination with line structure as well, believing that “edges empower colors.”  Private Lessons and studio visits: I have really enjoyed giving private lessons individually or with groups over the years. It is casual, focused and fun. It is always a pleasure welcoming collectors into my studio, please email me a call to arrange a time. The workshops are very stimulating and you will see a big result in your approach to making fine art and clarity on your career strategies. Let's discuss what works best for you. Transportation can be provided for the Castle Rock Workshops. What they are saying: "I had a clue what might be in store for my friends, but it went WAY beyond. You have a real gift. What a FANTASTIC couple of days!!!’ L. "Your painting demonstrations and the information you gave us  was invaluable- no wonder your paintings are so moving. I so enjoyed meeting you. Thank you for coming to Virginia." S. "Thank you so much for the wonderful, thought compelling workshop. You rekindled my love for making art. Your enthusiasm is contagious and felt throughout the room. You set up a stimulating environment that provided continuous visual images and your generosity in sharing those photos was much appreciated. I found you to be humorous, supportive and kind. I would recommend you as an instructor to anyone who would like to take their art to the next level." "I can't thank you enough for coming to Boulder! Thank you for your clear eye, your hard work, your beautiful color and your careful feedback. I'm now a different Painter...maybe a different person? I loved the weekend. And I can't wait until we get to soak up your love for the work, for Wolf Kahn, for COLOR -- yet again (note that I'm greedy). You are an amazing addition to our lives." M. "Thank you so much for lighting up our lives and our paintings at this past weekend’s workshop! I loved hearing about your time with Wolf Kahn, your thoughts on painting, the beautiful demo, and of course the great feedback you provided us on our own paintings." "You really reignited my desire to paint freely. Thanks also for your generosity in sharing the numerous links." "I hope to spend another weekend painting with you sometime soon." B.H. "Thank you for the workshop! It was a great two days. You are an amazing host and instructor, (two things that don’t always work together). "You pulled something from each of us and it was wonderful to be a part of it. Thanks to the moon and back," V. "Thank you Ken. It was a wonderment! I learned so much." Kathy "I so enjoyed meeting you and being part of the workshop. You got me on fire!!!!!" Ed "Wow! My weekend of private lessons was fabulous! While I was there I stepped into a whole new world that my soul was calling for." "Wonderful conversations, a beautiful time with great art everywhere and artistic success!" K. "It was a fabulous workshop! I know we all had a lot of fun and really enjoyed having you here. We would love to have you come back again next year!" D. "Just wanted to thank you again for a very inspiring, informative, and fun workshop. I worked LARGE today!" M. "Thank you for all your inspiration!" D. "Thanks SO VERY MUCH, Ken, for such a fun, informative, and energetic workshop. Your enthusiasm is contagious. What a wonderful weekend!!" C. "When I signed up for a painting workshop, who knew that it would be so much more.Thank you Ken. For your kindness, generosity of spirit, and sharing your knowledge and skill of painting with us." "Thank you to everyone for making our time together a magical weekend which will be cherished. Fortunately the universe provided me with what I needed, whether I knew it or not." L. "Love the class, you are a great teacher!" B. "I feel so enriched and on fire to paint big and glowing colors. If you ever get a chance to study with Ken Elliott, I highly recommend him. If you need help getting to his workshops just read his book Manifesting 123" F. Website Facebook Twitter Pinterest SHARE THIS EMAIL

Grateful Notices: Lake Sunset, Color Dialog and Cloudswept in Blue, two oils on 24 x 24 panels

Lake Sunset, Color Dialog
Oil on panel, 24 x 24  Private collection
Exhibited: Saks Galleries, Denver

For this painting I wanted to do an evening scene without using the typical sunset colors. So rather than resorting to the use of bright, warmer colors, everything is shifted downward. The light is not intense and the palette is predominately blues and greens. A lot of color is in play here but in a subdued way.

In the last painting session I added the glowing highlights to the water in the foreground. The painting was doing well overall but the water was lacking something. Once the lighter accents were added the water began to glow and I was actually surprised at how much stronger it made the painting overall.… A very satisfying conclusion.

Cloudswept in Blue
Oil on panel, 24 x 24  Private collection
Exhibited: Saks Galleries, Denver

As it was the previous oil, I wanted to do another sunset effect without the usual warm tones. The colors here are severely limited to a number of blues and a couple of purple hues.

The upper part of the painting it is intentionally more opaque and dark. The snow field at the bottom is reflecting the light but it still has just enough density to allow the atmosphere in the center section to retreat backward and set up a glow the permeates the entire scene.

It’s a quiet piece, reminiscent of those silent, snow-covered fields, but if you look carefully, there’s always something a little unexpected and electric in the scene.

My sincere thanks to the collector who purchased these two oils.

Grateful Notices: Soft Autumn Light, oil on canvas, 48 x 48 inches

Soft Autumn Light
Oil on canvas, 48 x 48 inches
Exhibited: Saks Galleries, Denver Private collection, Denver

This oil began as a smaller, 24 x 24 inch study, Bright Conversation, below.

Bright Conversation
Oil on panel, 24 x 24
Exhibited: Sorelle Gallery, New Canaan, CT
More about this oil on Ken's blog, For the Color

This composition really appealed to me and after finishing the smaller oil, I began the 4 foot square version.  The light was shifted to the right side and the palette focused on greens and blues. The foliage is more open in this version and there is more undulation in the foreground.

The effect on the larger canvas is a more open landscape with increased depth and motion. I am very happy with both of these versions and grateful that they are both in private collections. Thank you!

Grateful Notices: Autumn into Mauve, oil on canvas, 48 x 48 inches

 Autumn into Mauve, oil on canvas, 48 x 48 inches
Private collection

First of all my sincere thanks to the kind couple that purchased this artwork for their home.

Some years ago, a friend of mine attended a Neil Welliver art class and passed on a nice piece of advice. Neil said something to the point of 'insisting' on a color. I had that in mind when I was working on this piece.

The initial idea was all about a red forest but early into the composition the mauves started to win out. The blue-purple hues were making the painting begin to sing, so I went with it. Once I started adding the forward trees it became apparent that the mauve tones were working really well. That's the point were I decided to cut back on the amount of foliage so that more of the background would show through.

The autumn yellows and golds played off that wall of mauve nicely but something was still lacking. Reds! They went in at almost full strength and some a bit of orange added in.

Still, the painting was demanding more. Adding the dark area at the bottom left of the background created more depth along with left-to-right interest, a nice move and finally, those few green bits of foliage added a more natural element to this bit of forest.

The colors here are very direct, each insistent on creating a better artwork. Thanks Neil!

Grateful Notices: Long Tree Line and Forest Brights pastels

Forest Brights, pastel on sanded paper 15 3/8 x 10 7/8 inches

Long Tree Line,  pastel on sanded paper 10 7/8 x 20 1/4 inches

As it turns out, both of these early pastels were experiments that became the start of a number of other works in oils and monotypes. I learned a lot from these works and it was a joy for a good friend to want them.

She had purchased a pastel from me years ago and it was lost in her California house fire. Happily, she has recovered nicely and these two works help to fill in her collection. Smiles all around!

New Work: Rain Moving Across, oil on canvas, 30 x 48 inches

Rain Moving Across, oil on canvas, 30 x 48 inches
Sorelle Gallery, New Canaan, CT   $5400 unframed 

It is fascinating to observe the edges of rain coming to the ground. Once I began to sketch this out on the canvas, there were some gaps in the land patterns and it struck me to turn those gaps into reflective ponds or marsh areas.

The abundance of reflective surfaces opened up the center of the painting, created more depth and made the rain effect even more pronounced. The dark areas at the top and bottom of the oil help to carry the light into the far distance.

And for good measure, the strong diagonal, other cloud forms and the waterways all point to the falling rain. It's theatre - a stage is set for the rain to make an appearance.

Grateful Notices: Waters Edge in Blue, oil on canvas, 36 x 36 inches

Waters Edge in Blue
oil on canvas, 36 x 36   private collection   Exhibited: Arden's Gallery, Houston

My thanks to the purchaser of this oil.

I love these rocky, coastal views and for this painting, the blues after sunset caught my attention. Each of the cascading land forms has a color of its own. Some of the rocks are in an atmospheric glow and the darker rocks express a substantial mass. It's interesting how the reds add the illusion of weight.

All of the elements here, the haze on the land as well as the water and sky are indicating motion. The color combinations flow across the oil with the last light yielding to the encroaching blues. There is a feeling that time is quickly passing and all that is aglow now will soon be gone. It is that perfect, blue moment.