Newsletter: September 2017

September News: the late late version I am late for my self-imposed newsletter deadline but I'll plead that the month was too interesting and fun to stop and take the time to write! A Making it Fine Art / Advanced Strategies workshop wrapped up last week. It was a specially scheduled Fri-Sat class to accommodate two artists from Massachusetts, Grace and Maureen along with Rob from CO Springs. We had a vibrant and inspiring experience, all pushing ourselves and thoroughly enjoying our time together. My next workshop will be in mid-May, 2018. Details will be announced soon. Contact Ken to learn more or to schedule a workshop in your area.  all workshop info The month ended with the completion of a couple of large oils (below.) The cropped photo at the top of this newsletter shows me close to completion on a 4 x 5 ft oil... more to follow as the painting bends me to its will. Do take the time to embrace the inspirations of the fall! Ken For the Benefits: Afterglow Oil on canvas, 30 x 30 inches, $4400 framed Donated to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund website Contact Arden's Gallery, Houston About Afterglow: Recently I noticed a trend in almost every cloudscape I paint. Rather than paint the perfect, puffy-white clouds, I opt for the darker ones. The darker clouds have more color and variation, giving more opportunities for a colorist painter. I spent half of my life in Houston and now live in a Colorado landscape that is depicted here. Everyday I see the long lines of foothills with the cloud patterns in constant movement above the landscape. The dark clouds in my work always have a counterpoint, a source of light. I realized that I am painting hope in these scenes. Although the cloud form is overpowering, it is a necessary part of the scene. Without that added drama, the soft glow in the landscape would look ordinary and uninteresting. In the end, is the light, the hope that illuminates the scene and brings it beauty. Thanks to the Relief Fund for the opportunity to give something back to my dear hometown. Corals Emerging From an original pastel: Limited edition giclee in three sizes and prices: 17 x 12 5/8 inches $300. 23 x 17 $575. 27 1/2 x 20 1/2, $790. Total edition of 195, plus 15 artist proofs. The Artful Home online gallery is offering a large number of pink-themed artworks during the month of October with 15% of proceeds going to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Reasearch Foundation. This is a wonderful opportunity to purchase great art from a large number of artists and support breast cancer research. View the entire Pink with Purpose Collection Purchase Ken's Corals Emerging New Works: Bright Patterns Oil on canvas, 48 x 60   $10950 framed More about this work on my blog, For the Color Sun Behind the Foothills Oil on canvas, 36 X 60      $7500 unframed Exhibiting: Sorelle Gallery, New Canaan, CT More about this oil on Ken's blog, For the Color Currently Exhibiting: Gold Progression II Oil on canvas 48 x 60   $10950 framed Renjeau Gallery Natick, MA More about this oil on Ken's blog, For the Color Grateful Notices: Soft Sunset Oil on canvas, 24 x 48 inches Private collection Workshops / Private Sessions: Take your work to new heights. These workshops and private sessions will focus on strategies for making better paintings, 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. Contact Ken to learn more or to schedule a workshop in your area.  all workshop info Great things happen in these Fine Art Classes with information that will last a lifetime. Ken's work at the Denver International Airport Should you find yourself at the Denver Airport, take the time to view my work and those of my gifted Expand artists / colleagues reproduced in the Main Terminal. You will see the images between the baggage claim areas and behind the car rental counters. This “Here to There” themed display was curated by the DIA Art and Culture Program. The airport desired more color in the main terminal spaces and happily, we were allowed to use it as our playground. Many thanks to my fellow artists and everyone that made this possible! Our EXPAND artist group is comprised of five artists from the Denver metro area: Victoria Eubanks, Janice McDonald, Carol Ann Waugh, Mary Williams and myself. Publications: A Survey of Paintings and Prints at the PACE Center with works in oils, pastels and monotypes. This exhibition catalog can be purchased online here. 30 color pages and text by the artist. $10 plus $4 postage. 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 Art Blog: For the Color Sign up for this monthly newsletter Image top: Ken working on an oil in progress, 4 x 5 ft. (cropped here) 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: I have really enjoyed giving private lessons over the years. It is casual, focused and fun. There will be a big result in your approach to making fine art and clarity on your career strategies. Give me a call and we'll discuss what works best for you. Lodging and transportation can be provided for the Castle Rock Workshops. What they are Saying: "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!" Kate "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 "Thanks SO VERY MUCH, Ken, for such a fun, informative, and energetic workshop. Your enthusiasm is contagious. What a wonderful weekend!!" Christine "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." Linda "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 " Website Facebook Twitter Pinterest SHARE THIS EMAIL

Exhibiting: Arden's Gallery, Houston July 23

"Lake Palette", oil on canvas, 36 x 48

I have a Two-Person Exhibit with new works opening in Houston, TX.
Saturday, July 23, 5-7 pm
Arden's Gallery http://www.ardensgallery.com

view the exhibit

I hope to see you there!
Ken

Fun: Celebrating at the Cupcake ATM in Houston!

I'm celebrating my successful art exhibit at Arden's gallery list night with a high tech treat, the Cupcake ATM!

But first a quick coffee at Rice University, a look at a piece of the Berlin wall, over to the Apple store and around the back - the Sprinkles Cupcake ATM! 

www.sprinkles.com

www.ardensgallery.com

3:48 min

Exhibit: One-man show, Arden's Gallery River Oaks, Houston

Here are most of the works from my One-Man Show at the Arden's Gallery, River Oaks, Houston.

Artist's Reception, Saturday, December 5 and continuing through December 31.
2143 Westheimer, Suite B, Houston, Texas 77098 map

It was a very successful show and many thanks to all that attended and purchased works!

Also my sincerest thanks to all at Arden's framing, W. Alabama and Arden's River Oaks Gallery director Amanda and gallery assistant Marie for making it all possible.

New Work: Ocean Patterns, oil on canvas, 36 x 36 inches

Ocean Patterns

Oil on canvas, 36 x 36 inches

$4200 unframed

This is an oil started as a demo in my June, Making it Fine Art Workshop at my home / studio in Castle Rock, CO.  This is my first seascape in oil, but since we were all in class to make some new moves, I was compelled to begin an ocean canvas for the first time.

It all began with a good start, locating the brightest and darkest parts of the scene, freely using a variety of colors - some arbitrary to keep things interesting. I had severely cropped the source photo from a recent trip to Galveston, TX. This image represents just a fraction of the original photo. 

I kept the brush marks loose and free. As it turned out, any number of color combinations could have been used here and I will do so in future versions. My focus to was make an engaging work of art without being too representational. There is much for the eye to take in with the overall textures and colors shifting along the vertical and horizontal directions.

This three foot square oil is a nice success, a sketch for larger works to come!

Exhibiting: Ardens Gallery River Oaks April 11- 30, 2015

From the opening reception, April 11, 2015

Arden's Gallery at River Oaks, Houston

A group show with works by

Ken Elliott, Sunny McKinnon and Denise Jansson

Exhibit continues through April 30

Hanging MOVEMENT ACROSS THE LANDSCAPE

oil on canvas 54 X 84

$15500 unframed

 Gallery owner and director, Amanda

Ken at the opening reception

ARDEN'S GALLERY RIVER OAKS

Tuesday thru Saturday, 10 to 5 pm, Monday by appointment only

2143 Westheimer, Suite B, Houston, Texas 77098   713.371.6333   website

Grateful Notices: Yellows at the Creek IV

Yellows at the Creek

Oil on canvas, 48 x 48 inches

Private collection, Houston, TX

This is an imaginary scene, first made as a pair of pastels. I wanted a composition that was a fall color surround with a glowing stream. In some earlier versions there was a whiter bit of sky at the top, but here I decided the stream would be the only source of bright light. As the oil proceeded I noticed a nice effect coming of the brush. It was something that created a soft surface in the grasses, so I kept with it and flattened the background trees a bit more. Still, the overall effect is softer than the other oil versions, more pastel-like and it accentuates the warm colors enveloping everything.

Pardon the less than optimal reproduction here. Now I have all my artworks shot professionally and the difference well worth the effort.

This painting was purchased as a birthday gift, a great honor.

Thank you!

Ken

Grateful Notices: Autumn Verticals commissioned oil on canvas

Commissioned work:
Autumn Verticals
Oil on canvas, 32 x 40 inches
Private collection, Seattle, WA

I always enjoy commission work. I am usually working with a new client that obviously likes what I do, so my job is to do my best work and thrill myself. If I am happy the client will likely feel the same way.

A commission is the opportunity to go further in any variety of ways, using a number of strategies to create a great, new work. More or less complex? More monochromatic or open the color up? Find ways to increase the drama? The studio is full of possibilities.

The client and I are excited about the possible outcome, that finished work on the wall. The entire process is a delicious one for me. A bit of risk on the high wire and the freedom to make something wonderful.

I did a larger version a year ago. This client wanted something close to that look but allowed me to try new things. So this time it's a bit of the aspens or birches without as many of the lighter tree trunk colors. The foreground trees are separated from the background in this version as well. It is less realistic, but this increased the contrast and depth. This separation freed the colors as well, allowing the vertical trunks to be rendered in a variety of deeper blues, purples, aquas and greens. The colors are almost like the paints sitting on the studio palette - a delight to see.

It was a bit sad to have it leave the studio where it had been entertaining me for weeks.

Thank you for placing it your lovely home!

Workshop: Houston April 6-7, 2013

Ken Elliott


Making it Fine Art  Workshop

Houston  Sat-Sun, April 6-7, 2013 

view flyer

Ken will be discussing strategies for making fine art and taking your art to the next level.

Marsh Greens and Golds  oil on canvas, 48 x 60 inches    sold

In his workshop:
This workshop is open to artists are all skill levels. 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. Ken is a very hands-on teacher, so there will be some collaboration if you are open to it.

In addition, Ken will talk about business and promotion, necessary to being a successful artist in the marketplace.

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.

Complete info on my website.

Two-day workshop: $225. per person.
Contact Ken to sign up: email or 303-995-1611

Location: Mixed Emotions Fine Art and Framing

95 Tuam St. Houston, TX 77006   map

713-861-9666

Open to artists of all skill levels

11-5pm with after class discussions off-site? Dinner, etc?

This workshop is limited to a small number of artists and it will fill up quickly!

Other Workshops 2013:

Please contact me about teaching a workshop in your area.

Tentative plans are in the works for two-day formal painting and pastel workshops in 2013:  Denver May, Austin, Cape Cod, Atlanta, Ventura County, CA and New York. Two-day workshop: $225. per person.Some of you are interested in my traveling to your locale this year. Please give me a call and let's make it happen in your state.