The Influence of the Arts: Serenading the Cows with a Trombone

This is an unforgettable video. The arts make a difference in the most unexpected way!

Kind of a sing-a-long at times.

Sculpture Made from Paper Video

Remarkable. Not at all what it seems....

Li Hongbo's mesmerizing sculptures are currently on view at Klein Sun Gallery in New York. After years of trial and error, he's perfected his method of layering thousands of sheets of paper and carving them into busts, replicas of nature and human forms.

New Work: "Yellow with Red Insisting", Oil on canvas 30 x 40 inches

Yellow with Red Insisting    Oil on canvas 30 x 40 inches

This oil was done as a demonstration at my Making it Fine Art Workshop in Halibut Cove, Alaska. map

I wanted to do something expressive that would be dramatic and elegant. The paint went on thick and I used some greys, adding them right into the yellows at the right.

Since the sun doesn't set until 11:30 in the summer, I used the late hour to do a second session before midnight. The next morning I got in a third session and put in some of the reds at the left.

After the workshop was done, the painting had to dry before it could be shipped back to my Colorado studio. After it arrived today I cut in the sky at the upper right and added purples and blues behind the trees on the right. A small amount of work was done on the field and the oil was complete.

Here's a photo of the fabulous setting where the workshop was held. I hope to get back to that slice of heaven again very soon!

New Work: Fall Begins Oil on canvas, 30 x 30 inches

Fall Begins  Oil on canvas, 30 x 30 inches

This oil was begun as a painting demonstration during my Art Workshop in Steamboat Springs last month. I really enjoyed going after this with full color. The sky and the colors behind the trees keep things organized, a real necessity here. 

Check out my website Workshop page for current listings and information for private lessons.

In the Studio August 4, 2014

There is a lot going on in the studio today.

The 30 x 40 oil, lower left is complete: Yellows with Reds Insisting
The 30 x 30 on the easel is also complete: Fall Begins

The 48 x 48 oil on the upper left is going through more changes. At one time it was all yellow trees, now telling what will happen next, but it keeps going through stages of getting better and more interesting along the way.

The 30 x 40 oil on the right easel is just about complete... it is there to be reviewed for the next few days.

I'll be starting in again on yellow and orange 4 x 5 foot oil on the floor, right. Can't wait!

Grateful Notices: On a Saturday Afternoon, oil on canvas

On a Saturday Afternoon, oil on canvas 30 x 30 inches

This oil is a smaller, cropped version of the same cloudscape I have done a few times now. The larger versions are 60 and 72 inch horizontals.

I Really Like this array of clouds. This particular version was started in one of my workshops and over the last few months it has been my task and delight to make it stronger and more attractive with every painting session. I thought it was finished a couple of times but after viewing it for a few days I knew it could be a better painting. Just good enough is not thrilling or satisfying.  

My good friend Carol was in the studio this week and watched a part of my last session as some of the tastiest colors were added.  It was great fun to push the color when she was there and she decided to purchase it for her collection.

Thank you so much!

"Making it Fine Art" Workshop Schedule 2014

Alaska Workshop, Stillwater Cove  July 2014

In Ken's "Making it Fine Art" workshops, new artistic paths are offered as well as strategies for making fine art. It is an inspirational weekend with information that will last you for a lifetime.

The feedback from the "Making it Fine Art" Workshops has been very positive. People are saying they are getting much more than they expected and for many, a real boost to their careers. Some have experienced tremendous breakthroughs. More info on the Workshop web page

For those interested, at the end of each weekend workshop Ken will give a free lecture / book signing of his new book, Manifesting 123 and you don't need #3. It works wonderfully for artists!

If you don't see a workshop convenient to you, please give me a call to arrange one close by with your group and friends.

Ken's studio, Castle Rock, CO
(Denver Metro)
Sat-Sun, September 13-14
$290, one-day option, $160.
Call for details: 303-995-1611 or email Ken

Beatrice, Nebraska Workshop

Lincoln, NE Metro
Saturday-Sunday, October 18-19 9-4pm
Sponsored by the Beatrice Art Guild
More details to follow

Cape Cod, Massachusetts Workshop:

Saturday and Sunday October 25-26
Sat 9-5 and Sun 9-4pm.
Sponsored by the North River Arts Society
More details to follow

Plans are in the works for two-day formal painting and pastel workshops in Denver, Austin, Atlanta, Ventura County, CA and New York.

If you are interested in joining or want me to teach in your area, please let me know and we'll plan a great event. Two-day workshops, $350. In the Workshops, we will be discussing strategies for making fine art and taking your art to the next level.  More info on the Workshop web page


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 as space is available 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

People are saying:

"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 feel so enriched and on fire to paint big and glowing colors. If you ever get a chance to study with Ken Elliott Fine Art 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

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

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

It was a great work shop, I highly recommend Ken's workshops.
Scott