Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Announcing a 3-Day Intensive Advanced Strategies Workshop with Ken Elliott, October 28-30 2022

Forest Haze and Clarity, oil on canvas, 40 x 40 inches

3-Day Intensive Advanced Strategies Workshop with Ken Elliott

Castle Rock, CO (Denver Metro)
Fri - Sun, November 4-6, 2022

Fri - Sat, 9:30 - 4 pm
Sunday evening after break, Photoshop Tools 4:30 - 6 pm

Open to artists at all skill levels and media
An indoor, fully immersive, three-day workshop
Limited to 6 artists, $590.
Contact Ken to register / more information / register online
303-995-1611  email
 
 
Ken will discuss strategies for creating better artworks with a variety of common and creative tools.
The workshop will focus on concepts for making better starts, compelling artworks, going to new places in your work, and how to make fine art. They will use informative videos and pass on strategies, some not the literature, but handed down from the very best teachers.
 
Ken will be going deeper into the how-to of making more appealing artworks with a variety of ideas and tools. 
After the day's sessions, the group is invited to further discussions and dinner. After the Sunday session, Ken will present Photoshop techniques for taking your works to the next level and creating better pathways for finishing your artworks. You will be given a simplified Photoshop guide and have access to a large photo file of over 2000 inspiring artworks.

Private lessons by appointment


Just After the Sun Has Set
Oil on canvas, 36 x 36 inches



Hidden Sunset
oil on canvas, 60 x 60 inches

Trees in Half Shade
oil on canvas, 36 x 36 inches

Ken Elliott Private Lessons:
I have really enjoyed giving private lessons over the years as well. It is casual, focused and fun. There will be a big result. Give me a call and we'll discuss what works best for you. Transportation and accommodations are included for out of town guests in Ken's home / studio. Please inquire by email or 303-995-1611

A private lesson recommendation:
"Ken Elliott is an excellent host and a very accommodating art instructor who helped me clarify my goals and improve my skills. He offered productive review, practical methods and excellent business advice. I benefitted tremendously from our class and feel confident the quality of my work has moved to another level. Thank you Ken."
Rona Lynn Fitzpatrick


Yellow with Red Insisting
oil on canvas 30 X 40
From Ken's Alaska Workshop demonstration


Ken Elliott Making it Fine Art Workshops
There are always new workshops being planned. If you would like for me to do a workshop in your area, please contact me to make arrangements. View the current workshop schedule on the website

In the Workshops, we will be discussing strategies for making fine art and taking your art to the next level. Please contact me if you want me to teach a workshop in your area.

Ken comes from a background of working in the art gallery and ancillary art businesses for over 40 years. As an artist for 25 of those years, he can speak to the business and creative aspects of being a professional artist.


From a Boulder, CO Workshop attendee:
"Just a quick note to let you know how much I learned, enjoyed and benefited from your art workshop at Jacque Michele’s studio Jan. 16-17. It was a groundbreaking eye opener for me in so many respects. At the end of the two days I felt like you had given me the tools to truly free up my art work and go wild with color and strokes. A very liberating experience indeed. It was such a pleasure to meet you and study under you. Hope we will be seeing more of you in Boulder."
A.R.


Wood at the Lake
Pastel on sanded paper, 15 1/2 x 14 inches
From my workshop with the Pastel Society of Colorado



Ken studied with Wolf Kahn for a month at the Santa Fe Art Institute Master Class program. He came away with enough information for a lifetime.  For decades he has been associated with a number of wonderful and successful artists.  As a former gallery dealer, he has a great deal of experience and knowledge about past and present artists and their reasons for success.  Having grown up in the arts with framing, gallery management and as an artist, he has much to offer to the hobbyist and professional artist.


Teaching Experience:  
Madden Museum art class with Casey Klahn, Denver, CO
North River Arts Society, Marshfield, MA
Beatrice Art Guild, NE
Anchorage Art Guild, AK
Colorado Springs Art Guild, CO
Colorado Pastel Society, CO
Pikes Peak Pastel Society, CO

In the Workshops:
Ken will discuss strategies for creating better artworks with a variety of common and creative tools. The workshop will focus the strategies for making better paintings, going to new places in your work and how to make fine art. Much attention will be given to improving your own artworks and career.

Ken will demonstrate painting using oil and pastel. He will discuss the idea of making strong starts and keeping the way open for more interesting and dramatic finishes.

Attendees are invited to bring whatever they wish to paint with and work on. You may bring works or visuals to start, works in progress, and finished works to evaluate.  There will be a lot of conversation about the mental aspects of making good art by design and experiment.  The mental aspect is the quickest way to get the breakthroughs to the next big success in your art.

 Ken will bring some finished works to share with the group.

There will be serious discussions, laughs, and your questions.   We will all come away with new tools to take your art to the next level.


More Comments:

"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. Your generosity in sharing your own 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."


"Yours was exactly the kind of workshop I had hoped it would be to give me the focus I needed. I can't thank you enough for coming all this way for such a small group...but I think you got the students who needed you the most!


"The Workshop was amazing. It made me get out of my way in terms of a different painting method and expanded my vision. Also, the friends I made from that weekend are wonderful. My eyes were opened and I can't go backward from that."
R. 


"Thank you for sharing all your stories. I think you have a great way of helping people grasp and put into practice the principles of manifesting. Cheers!"
Anita Mosher  website


"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. I hope to spend another weekend painting with you sometime soon."


"Thank you for our 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."


"So, when my friend, Ken Elliott, told me he was co-teaching a workshop on color with Casey Klahn, I immediately said sign me up! Ken's work is simplified impressionist landscape with an emphasis on bold color like reds and yellows. Casey's work is influenced by the cloudy days of the northwestern part of the United States, and his paintings are simplified, abstracted landscapes. Casey uses subdued colors like blues and purples. Both artists' style and color sense are so dramatically different than mine that I knew I would be challenged by this workshop. And indeed I was! I have to smile when I see the work I produced in this workshop. It's so unlike my usual work."
Lee McVey website


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!"
Kate


"Thank you so much for including me in the wonderful weekend workshop at the Castle Rock Artist "Retreat" :D I found all of you to be a delight and am so happy to meet each of you! Ken, you are a wonderful teacher & inspiring person!! The one day with you in your B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L home & "artist sanctuary" was "exactly" what I needed on so many levels !!! Thank you for your generosity, great color sense, sharing of your artful knowledge & supply resources. I came away with a renewed art spirit and also w/ some new artistic ideas for applying paint to the canvas! Very inspiring indeed!
Jeannie Paty website


"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. And 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."
Linda


"Your workshop changed my whole outlook on what I might be able to do with my art career and gave me the confidence to really go for it. It was also huge from a creative standpoint, helping me focus on color and having that be the lead/primary solution to my paintings as a colorist and abstract artist - but also from the manifesting angle it was my introduction to the whole idea and what set me on my course as a professional artist."
Kirsten McGannon website 


"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!"
Donna 


"Just wanted to thank you again for a very inspiring, informative, and fun workshop. I worked LARGE today!
Maxene


"Thank you for all your inspiration!"
Deb


"Hey, I DEFINITELY recommend this! SIGN UP for Ken's class! Take your art further than it's ever been!" 
Nanette


"You are a wonderful, vibrant instructor!"
M.J.


"Thanks SO VERY MUCH, Ken, for such a fun, informative, and energetic workshop. Your enthusiasm is contagious. What a wonderful weekend!!"
Christine


"You are so gracious. Thank you so much for the wonderful workshop and ALL that you shared. It was a great weekend."
Suzanne


"Love the class, you are a great teacher!"
Betsy


"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"
Francine


"Great class Ken! Thank you for all the good tips and inspiration. So glad you came to Houston."
Kay 


A good time was had by all! Thank you!
Barbara, Workshop organizer and attendee 


"Thank you Ken for a awesome workshop, picked up some new tools to advance forward. Looking forward to using them tools. I had a great time meeting everyone and working together."
Scott

Monday, June 6, 2022

New Work: Soft Slope Pastel on sanded paper

 

Soft Slope Pastel on sanded paper

12 5/8 x 12 5/8 inches

Exhibiting: Dominique Boisjoli Fine Art, Santa Fe, NM

In the studio

Framed, $1750 To purchase


About this pastel:

This is a scene I saw on the way to an art workshop I was putting on in Nebraska. It was a very overcast day with greys and greens in all directions.


I was attracted to create this pastel because of the appealing slope of the meadow and the few bits of vegetation receding back into the space. The band of trees and the larger hills in background had possibilities. The grey day presented a challenge I was happy to take on.


My focus was on the composition and how to make it more interesting and with the color considerations secondary. Once I put in the first few marks, that grey day went out the window right away and it opened up a number of more appealing options.


After some false starts, the meadow and sky became patterns of direct color and it led me to open up the texture of the trees and hills in the background.


There was still a lot of back and forth with ideas coming and going, but when I added the pink and shadows to the far hills, the entire pastel fell into place, instantly creating more depth and appeal.


I don’t miss that hazy day at all.





New Limited Edition Giclee: Yellow Winds

New Limited Edition Giclee: Yellow Winds

Signed, limited edition giclee with 3" deckle borders:11 1/4 x 11 1/4 inches $300. 22 x 22 $57527 5/8 x 27 5/8, $790. No border, printed to the deckled edge:17 1/4 x 17 1/4 inches, $400. 28 x 28, $675.and 33 5/8 x 33 5/8, $890. Total edition of 195, plus 15 artist proofs.Giclee print on William Turner paper.


to purchase


About this image: This giclee was made from a 24 x 24 inch oil. My intention was to fill the painting with trees and leaves, all in motion and to keep it loose. I never imagined that after making a few marks with pinks and yellows, that the oil would essentially paint itself! It was as if the oil was making demands. I insisted to keeping the slanted composition design for the top and bottom, but I was open to what the colors would be. It didn’t take long to find out what direction that was going to take. I started with some medium yellow leaves and very quickly, it was if the painting was pushing me: for a different yellow, now a blue, now greys and whites, then different yellows all over again. The pace was pretty fast, not my usual method, but I happily followed along as more colors were added to what was becoming a lacy wood. The foreground was painted along with the rest, a result of some of those same yellows lightly mixed together, but brighter. All the leaves were swiftly painted in, as if by magic. There was a wonderful potential here and by adding the light tree trunks and branches and new depth and delicacy appeared. I took a break, came back and added a few darks along the bottom tree line and then the blues in the upper right. It was done and it still seems magical.



May 2022 Newsletter

May News:

“Great art picks up where nature ends.” – Marc Chagall

As a painter of landscapes, I keep a number of goals in mind and this quote by Chagall keeps the bar high.Landscape paintings, not the realist ones, are interpretations of nature and that opens up a lot of possibilities for the artist. In my work, the landscape is the starting point and it contains more elements than I really need. My goal is to take parts of that scene, arrange them as I wish and modify whatever is required to make a compelling work of art.
 
These works are rarely completed in a linear fashion so I have a lot of paintings continually going forward to completion. Making art is a struggle at times but part of a continuing adventure with the reward of creating something that didn't exist before.   

My latest worksop in Nebraska was a wonderful time, even magical at times. I throughly enjoyed meeting and working with everyone. It was my second workshop there and it was great fun to reconnect with some of the artists and collaborate with new ones. 

I am currently teaching a new workshop with Paula Hansen in the Denver metro this weekend and new workshops for 2022 will be announced soon. If you would like for me to do a workshop in your area or if you are considering private lessons in person or online, please let me know. email 

You are much appreciated!
Ken

____________________________________________

New workshop open to artists at all skill levels and media
View the workshop video

3-Day Intensive Workshop with Ken Elliott and Paula Hansen
Castle Rock, CO, Denver Metro. (two spaces left)

Fri - Sun, May 27-29, 2022
Times: Fri - Sat, 9:30 - 4 pm
Sunday evening after break, Photoshop Tools 4:30 - 6 pm

An indoor, fully immersive, three-day workshop, limited to 6 artists, $590 per person

More information on the Workshop web page
Workshop flyer

Contact Ken to register / questions / info
303-995-1611


New Works:


Spring Verticals
Oil on canvas, 48 x 30 inches
Exhibiting: Dominique Boisjoli Fine Art, Santa Fe, NM
$6400 framed
About this oil



Cloud and Veils
Pastel on sanded paper, 12 5/8 x 12 5/8 inches
In the studio, framed, $1750
About this pastel

Soft Slope
Pastel on sanded paper, 12 5/8 x 12 5/8 inches
In the studio, framed, $1750
About this pastel


Available Works:


Yellow Winds II
Oil on canvas, 48 x 48 inches
$9250 framed
Exhibiting: Sorelle Gallery, Westport, Connecticut
About this oil



Softwestern View
Oil on canvas, 36 x 36 inches
$5700 framed
Exhibiting: Breckenridge Gallery, Breckenridge, CO
About this oil
 


Lake Calm
Oil on canvas, 40 x 40 inches
$6650 framed
Exhibiting: Saks Galleries, Denver, CO​
About this oil


Grateful Notices:


Forest Colors Arrayed
Oil on canvas, 36 x 36 inches
Exhibited: Sorelle Gallery, Westport, Connecticut
About this oil



Rain Coming Through
Oil on canvas, 36 x 36 inches
Exhibiting: Dominique Boisjoli Fine Art, Santa Fe, NM
About this oil

Workshops and Mentoring Sessions:



Take your work to new heights. My Workshops and Mentoring 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 and in some sessions, there will be time for Photoshop insights made easy. all workshop info



Here's a video about what happens in the Group and Private Workshops

Ken Elliott American Landscapes coffee table book:

Ken Elliott book, American Landscapes
This large coffee table book reprises over 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: $160 or just order the book for $125.

eBook versions available for Amazon Kindle Fire®, Apple iOS devices, and macOS computers for $14.99.You can preview the complete book and how to order your electronic or hardback versions from my website.

View my newest artworks:


Green and Blue Diagonals
Oil on canvas, 36 x 36 inches
$5700 framed
Exhibiting: Breckenridge Gallery, Breckenridge, CO
About this oil

  
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. To view the total of my works in all media and in all my galleries, go to www.kenelliott.com Pass this onto a friend and they can sign up for this newsletter here.

Thank you,
Ken

Contact Ken
303-995-1611
email
website
Sign up for Ken's blog
Sign up for this newsletter


Image top:
Spring Verticals (cropped here)
Oil on canvas, 48 x 30 inches
Exhibiting: Dominique Boisjoli Fine Art, Santa Fe, NM
$6400 framed
About this oil
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.


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 bookManifesting 123"
F.

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