Grateful Notices: Gathering Light oil 36 x 36 inches

Gathering Light oil 36 x 36 inches  Private collection

This is an image that I have previously done a couple of versions of. The earlier oils were purple-based and more subdued. I really like this composition and felt compelled to really push the colors in a new version.

I began with the bright oranges and reds in combination, making a bright, new world.  Care was taken to keep the brightest reds and oranges in the background only. Other colors may be similar, but they are not as strong.

The strategy was to create a powerful, high-color scene. The stronger colors are not diluted, but magnified because they were not repeated elsewhere. It is the same with the yellow hues at the tops of the trees - that yellow is not used again. The other yellows are slightly green or red shifted, leaving the tops of the trees brighter than the other yellows.

It all comes together in a bright, luminous landscape where all of the elements accentuate the others, setting up the glowing red-orange background as a focus point.

It was a pleasure to work through this one and I want to thank the new owner for purchasing this for their home!

Grateful Notices: Yellow Wall, oil on canvas 36 x 60 inches

Yellow Wall  oil on canvas, 36 x 60  private collection

It was a thrill to see this oil go to a private collection. Now that I think of it, the composition predated my idea of the Saccade series.   more information about the Saccades

I wanted to create a large forest scene with a minimum of detail but just enough of an organic feel to set up a forest with glowing yellow and russet tones. The 5 foot width envelopes the viewer when looking at it close up and at a distance in the room, the painting gives the effect of a window into a radiant world.

My sincere thanks to the new owners and the Steamboat Center for Visual Arts, Steamboat Springs, Colorado for making this sale possible.

Newsletter: March 2016 with New Works, Exhibit, Lectures and Announcing Workshop Dates

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News:

The March weather in Denver is the wettest of the year. It's perfectly normal to get snow during the month and we have had 9 and 4 inches of snow in the last 10 days. It's nice to be painting fall and spring in the studio and see a stark winter landscape with the bright blue skies outside. Soon the studio windows will be open...ahhhh!

I just finished the last of three sold out, Making it Fine Art Workshops in Boulder, CO. We hit some very high notes, learned some important new strategies for making fine art, created larger works and made learning fun! My gracious thank you to all to that attended.

Please note below: 2016 Making it Fine Art Workshops in the Denver Metro / June and two Workshops in Massachusetts in September.


Lecture / Pastel Demonstration:
Sponsored by the Pastel Society of Colorado,
Grand Junction, CO
May 21, 1pm
Location: Bray Education Center, 637 Belford Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81505 .map


Lecture:
Success Summit sponsored by ADC Art Consultants
June 3-4 Cincinnati, OH
I am honored to be speaking at this two-day conference as part of marketing, coaching and education sessions for artists. complete information and registration


Upcoming exhibit:


Here's a studio shot of preparations for my one-person show at the Mirada Galley, Friday, May 6, 6-9pm. The exhibition will be in Mirada's captivating, log cabin gallery space in the foothills a few minutes west of Denver. Mirada Fine Art, 5490 Parmalee Gulch Rd, Indian Hills CO 80454  map  (303) 697-9006. Here's a preview of what's in the works.


New Works:


Through the Purple Woods
Oil on canvas, 24 x 24 inches
Steamboat Center for Visual Arts
Steamboat Springs, CO
$2150 unframed

Currently Exhibiting:
Just announced: Through December 2016, you can see some of my works at the Cherry Creek Art Gallery, Denver CO.


Soft Skies II
Oil on canvas, 24 x 48
$5100 framed
Cherry Creek Art Gallery, Denver CO



Orange and Red Woods
Oil on canvas, 36 x 48
$6800 framed
Total Arts Gallery, Taos, NM

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 / collogues 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.

"Making it Fine Art" Workshops in Denver and Massachusetts, 2016


From the March 2016 workshop in Boulder

Take your work to new heights. These workshops will focus on strategies for making better paintings, going to new places in your work and making fine art. Open to all skill levels.  Please inquire

Just announced:
Castle Rock, CO (Denver metro)
Making it Fine Art Workshop
Sat and Sun, June 9-10 9:30 - 5pm
Flyer and complete info
Open to artists at all skill levels and media
An indoor, two-day workshop limited to 6 participants.
$390 per person payable to Ken Elliott. Register online

Making it Fine Art 3-day Workshops in Marshfield, MA
Sept 9-11 and Falmouth, MA Sept 16-18
These groups are now taking registrations. It is an amazing time of the year to be on the East coast and I hope to see you there!
complete info and registration

After each art Workshop there will be a free lecture / book signing of Ken's new book, Manifesting 123 and you don't need #3. The lecture is open to the public.

Great things happen in these Fine Art Classes with information that will last for a lifetime.


The March 2016 Workshop in Boulder, CO


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 i-book / 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

Newsletter: February 2016 with Workshops, New Works and Announcing Workshop Dates

View the entire Newsletter
Visit the Newsletter Archives

Through the Purple Woods    Oil on panel, 24 x 24 inches (cropped here)

February News:

February has been a full one and this newsletter just made publication on the last day of this leap year month.... whew!

I'm in Houston currently and I just delivered a 6 1/2 foot commission for a private collection. Thanks go out to the clients and Arden's Gallery for making it all possible.

I am happy to announce my one person show at the Mirada Gallery. Friday, May 6, 6-9pm. The exhibition will be in Mirada's captivating, log cabin gallery space in the foothills a few minutes west of Denver. Mirada Fine Art, 5490 Parmalee Gulch Rd, Indian Hills CO 80454  map  (303) 697-9006. I'll be very busy in the studio making exciting works for this exhibit!


New Works:


Gold Progressions II
Oil on canvas, 48 x 60 inches
$10000 framed


Through the Purple Woods
Oil on canvas, 24 x 24 inches
$2150 unframed

Grateful Notices:

A new oil commission is underway, two oils went to a private collections (below) and a number of limited edition giclees have been placed in private and public collections including the Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, CT. Thank you for your support and interest in my works.


Trees in Half Shade
Oil on canvas, 36 x 36
Private collection


Down the Meadow
Oil on canvas, 30 x 30
From the Mirada Fine Art Gallery, Indian Hills CO
Private collection


New Limited Edition Giclee:


Wood at the Lake II ( from the original oil)
In three sizes, total edition of 195, plus 15 artist proofs.

There now are over 90 giclee images available in 3 sizes from $300 - $890. These signed, limited edition giclee prints are also available in custom sizes, with or without borders on paper and on canvas.
View all of the giclee images here

Currently Exhibiting:


Lake Shadows
Oil on canvas 30 x 30   $3700 unframed
Arden's River Oaks, Houston



Edge of the Woods, Autumn
Oil on canvas, 36 x 36    $5100 framed
Mirada Fine Art, Indian Hills CO

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 / collogues 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.

"Making it Fine Art" Workshops in CO and MA, 2016


From the February 2016 workshop in Boulder

Making it Fine Art Workshops in Boulder, Colorado this March and MA in September and CO to be announced, 2016. The Jan and Feb Boulder classes filled before I could announce them here, but there are 2 openings left for the March 19-20 date. Here's a photo from the February class just completed. $390 per person.

Marshfield, MA Sept 9-11 and Falmouth, MA Sept 16-18 venues are now taking registrations. It is an amazing time of the year to be on the East coast and I hope to see you there! 
complete info and registration

After each art Workshop there will be a free lecture / book signing of Ken's new book, Manifesting 123 and you don't need #3. The lecture is open to the public.

Great things happen in these Fine Art Classes and it is information that will last for a lifetime.


A recent Workshop in Ken's studio, an ambitious 2 days!


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 i-book / 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.

Contact Ken 303-995-1611 email website Art Blog: For the Color Sign up for this monthly newsletter

Making it Fine Art Workshops Take your work to new heights. These workshops will focus on strategies for making better paintings, going to new places in your work and making fine art. Open to all skill levels.  Please inquire Next Workshops in Boulder, March 19-20; Marshfield, MA Sept 9-11 and Falmouth, MA Sept 16-18 and in Ken's Castle Rock, CO studio to be announced soon. complete info. After each class there will be a free lecture / book signing of Ken's new book, Manifesting 123 and you don't need #3. The lecture is open to the public. 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: "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 "You are so gracious. Thank you so much for the wonderful workshop and ALL that you shared. It was a great weekend." Suzanne "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 "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

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

Grateful Notices:

Forest Light

Oil on canvas 40 X 30 inches
Steamboat Springs Center for Visual Arts

A big thank you to the Steamboat Springs CVA!

I had blogged about this oil last year and discussed how it took awhile to bring it to completion. Here's the first part of that blog:

Over the years I have attempted a lot of oils and not all of them ended up as finished works. This piece was begun about three years ago and put aside.

Had I made a better start at the time, this painting might have essentially finished itself By offering a clearer path to resolution. Instead, the canvas was a muddy muddle without clear areas of focus. It was unappealing and I didn't have any ready solutions to take it forward.

This oil was in a stack of orphan canvases that needed help. My plan was to add three things the canvas lacked: contrast, drama and clarity. Thanks and gratitude to my teacher Wolf Kahn for those insightful tools.

Read the rest of the post here

New Work: Forest Light oil on canvas, 40 x 30 inches

Forest Light

oil on canvas 40 X 30

Steamboat Springs Center for Visual Arts

Over the years I have attempted a lot of oils and not all of them ended up as finished works. This piece was begun about three years ago and put aside. 

Had I made a better start at the time, this painting might have essentially finished itself By offering a clearer path to resolution. Instead, the canvas was a muddy muddle without clear areas of focus. It was unappealing and I didn't have any ready solutions to take it forward.

This oil was in a stack of orphan canvases that needed help. My plan was to add three things the canvas lacked: contrast, drama and clarity. Thanks and gratitude to my teacher Wolf Kahn for those insightful tools.

The painting was already dark enough so that when I added lighter areas, the oil was immediately more appealing and happily, the contrasts began to emerge. Immediately I had a better composition to work with and more options presented themselves.

Greens are not usually a focus of my works but since I was pushing off with this older image, I wanted to gamble with a variety of greens in a way I hadn't attempted before.

To increase the dramatic effect and depth, a number of colors were tried in the background: pink, orange, rose, blue, and purple. There wasn't a color system at work, I was contrasting the greens with an interesting array of color to see what would work best. As it turned out, I found a way to weave all the colors together creating the effect of a left to right motion. It was a nice counterpoint to the predominantly vertical composition.

The last touches were the blues in the upper right foliage and the few bright red leaves. Both moves added complexity and additional points of interest in a subtle way. 

In the end, it took patience, a bit more artistic experience and clearly seeing what was needed to bring the painting to life. 

I'm going back into the orphan stack to see what I can fix next.

Grateful Notices: Autumn Moment, oil on canvas

Autumn Moment, 40 x 40 oil on canvas

Private Collection

It is always an honor to have your work selected for someone's home. My sincere thanks to the buyer and to Linda Laughlin at the Steamboat Springs Center for the Visual Arts, Colorado for exhibiting my work and making the connection possible.

In this work I was pushing the color more but striving to keep the delicacy and sense of space. This oil started as a more complex array of trees, but evolved into a simpler grove with the complexity left in the foilage. 

The oil was almost finished but I was searching for additional ways to improve it as if it were completely new. I continued to alter the composition and made the reds and pinks more pronounced but it was still lacking something.

What color did I have in reserve? A solution was found with the blues and purple / violets, adding drama and more interest than my original concept.