Studio B.K. Seevers

Oil Painting in Progress

2012-02-10T11:16:00.002-06:00

Interpreting the previous scene in oil paint is a little more challenging. Here I have used blue for the distant trees instead of a violet as I have done in my pastel painting. The colors are working great. The trees and sky need to be reworked a little more and detailed. Today I've been adding in the foreground and distant road. Another hour and a half on it, I should be finished.

"Through the Woods of Honey Creek"

2012-02-07T11:02:00.003-06:00

"Through the Woods of Honey Creek"

11x17 pastel on paper

2012

$380 unframed

$450 after framing

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Located in Andrew County, Missouri along the Nodaway River is the Honey Creek Conservation Area. This area sits just two miles from where the Lewis and Clark Expedition passed in 1804. The area is mostly forest land, but also features native grasslands, croplands, and old fields. The road depicted in the painting is a maintenance road used by the Missouri Department of Conservation. These roads give hunters easy access as they ribbon through the area, sometimes leading to old fields and ponds.

Honey Creek contains grounds my family once often hunted for deer. I remember the days when I was just old enough to go on hunting trips with dad, grandpa, and my uncle. We would wake up 2 hours before sunrise and head out to Honey Creek during the opening weekend of deer season. This area was almost always our first destination, nearby Monkey Mountain being second---probably because of the easier hike and early morning. Fun times.

Work in Progress

2012-02-06T11:40:00.003-06:00

Near complete. I have filled in the trees and added a few details. I am currently working the foreground area by adding in the fallen leaves on the ground and some grass. Another hour and it should be finished.

Work in Progress

2012-02-04T19:06:00.003-06:00

A quick pastel painting in the works. This piece is being done on charcoal paper, 11x17. This paper works well for two tone pictures (charcoal, Conte crayon), not ideal for pastel use. I'm simply experimenting the outcome of the work. So far it is not that bad. Layering the pastel colors is very limited. This picture portrays a maintenance road at Honey Creek Conservation Area in Northwest Missouri.

"A Day in November"

2012-02-01T11:15:00.005-06:00

"A Day in November"

(oil painting study)

11x14 oil on canvas

2012

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During hunting trips I often snap pictures of scenery that catch my eye. The location depicted in this painting is a (deer hunting) hot spot of mine few know about, located on the river bluffs of Monkey Mountain Conservation Area in Northwest Missouri. The reason I call it a hot spot is because there is a "deer highway" that runs through it. This spot sits between two creeks deer often follow while passing through. The image in the painting is actually looking out of the trees upward toward the top of the bluff where it is bare from any forest. That top consists of wild grasses and a maintenance road that I have painted in previous works. Deer often cross over the bluff from the trees on the other side. Though I have only harvested two deer from this location, I have seen many during each outing. I've actually had some walk right up 10 or 12 yards from my hunting blind. I'm a picky hunter, seeing quite few at a time gives me choices.

Oil Study in Progress

2012-01-30T11:33:00.002-06:00

Another oil painting study in the works. This piece had some struggles yesterday, especially with the trees. My fine-line brush work needs to be more patient, not hurrying through the process and throwing paint in any direction. A few more branches will be added, and trees in the background will be redone. Depth in the dry grass will need to be worked as well.

"The Missouri River"

2012-01-25T11:07:00.007-06:00

"The Missouri River"

(oil painting study)

11x14 oil on canvas

2012

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Here is the finished image of my oil painting study. This practice is being done so I get used to the medium and various painting techniques. I've taught myself how to use pastels, now is the time to start getting back into oils. More small painting studies will be done before I get comfortable with the method. In my opinion, exploring and experimenting on your own are sometimes the best methods...just as a teacher has to let you go at some point in your study. You just might surprise yourself with your own results.

Oil Study in Progress

2012-01-24T14:30:00.003-06:00

Back to studying oil painting techniques with a simple composition. My focus is on several things; color and color mixing, creating effects, and handling paint. I think getting used to the application and handling of the medium is more important at this stage in my oil painting experience. Experimenting with colors and mixing just come along for the ride---playing around here and there. With this piece I am happy with, I think it is coming along great--especially for only 1 hour of work. It is near complete.

"The Missouri River"

2012-01-22T20:20:00.002-06:00

"The Missouri River"

12x16 pastel on paper

2012

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The Missouri River, nicknamed the "Big Muddy" for its enormous loads of sediment or silt---some of the largest of any North American river. One can find these deposits of rock and sand all along the Missouri, I have portrayed a few of them in this painting. The river is wide and powerful, and can take some time to get used to if one ever journeys out by boat for a fishing trip...I know because I've been there. Where else is everyone in the boat going to lose their fishing lines due to a large tree sailing down stream? Not in a lake. This river will be another focal point in my paintings, possibly the French Bottoms area near St. Joseph, MO.

Work in Progress

2012-01-22T15:31:00.003-06:00

Here is a quick and easy composition of the Missouri River. Near complete, I have spent about an hour and a half on it...mostly rubbing in the blue sky. A few small adjustments and little detail is what's left before calling it finished.

AKMA---38th Annual Membership Exhibition

2012-01-21T10:49:00.005-06:00

I have to say, in the five years of being a member of the Albrecht-Kemper, the Annual Membership Exhibition is an impressive event. Though the talents range from novice to mastery, discriminating nobody by welcoming all, the competition gets better and better each year. Museum Director, Terry Oldham often finds the judges of the event at a struggle in choosing the winners. I think the event is very competitive, and to many, may question their own talents whether or not they measure up among the others---I know I do. This year over 80 artists participated. Most are from St. Joseph and the Kansas City metro. I am happy to inform my followers that I did have recognition in the exhibition. My pastel painting, "Inviting Light," recieved Honorable Mention in the drawing category. This is a good way to start the new year. Thanks All who came out for support, and Congrats to those who won. www.albrecht-kemper.org

"Snow in Winter Warmth"

2012-01-16T16:08:00.004-06:00

"Snow in Winter Warmth"

12x16 pastel on paper

2012

$425 unframed

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Winter warmth is often a desired time during Kansas City's bitter winter season. This year we've been lucky to have the mild weather with temperatures in the 50's and 60's, not even an inch of snow has fallen. This picture depicts a much colder season along the walking paths of the Kansas City Sculpture Park, which is basically the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art's front yard. The warm sunlight is captured with warm colors. Shadows give a feeling of cold chills, lacking the heat from direct sunlight. When will the snow fall in KC for further inspirations? July?

Work in Progress

2012-01-16T00:22:00.003-06:00

With the Missouri winter so mild this year, there really hasn't been any snowy inspiration. Digging through my reference photos, I found this image taken a couple of years ago on the grounds of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art here in Kansas City. Believe it or not, some of my fellow impressionist are actually waiting for a good snow day. Wanting to get out and paint the wintery scenes despite the cold. In the near future, this is something I'm willing to tackle in oil. For now, I continue in the studio.

Already mostly complete, the foreground is all that is left to do---filling in shadows, grass and snow.

"Tree Lines Atop the Bluff"

2012-01-14T00:10:00.007-06:00

"Tree Lines Atop the Bluff"

12x16 pastel on paper

2012

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This piece is a little more detailed than the last one, due to all of the trees. I hoped to work a little more freely with this, I tend to get carried away into too much detail---but maybe that's just my style. I'm sure if this was done in plein air it would be a whole other story, working in a faster pace. The end result of this is still well played. The grasses are soft, the trees have character, and the colors are limited. Enjoy.

Work in Progress

2012-01-12T11:04:00.005-06:00

Another scene from the tops of Monkey Mountain Conservation Area is in progress. This one portrays the same maintenance road as it starts to go down the bluff. The evergreen tree line is on top of a ridge that drops off about 25 feet into a large abandoned rock quarry. When deer hunting, we sometimes sit on top of that ridge overlooking the area beneath, which is about the size of two football fields. I harvested a nice size doe from this quarry. In the second picture you'll notice that I am using the exact same color palette as my previous painting -- the reference photo was taken the same day with an overcast of cloud cover. I think this piece shows a good perspective, both aerial and linear.

"Bluff Tops of Monkey Mountain"

2012-01-09T11:59:00.005-06:00

"Bluff Tops of Monkey Mountain"

12x16 pastel on paper

2012

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Monkey Mountain is a Missouri Conservation area located in Northwest Missouri, North of St. Joseph, MO. This is an area my family has often deer hunted for the past 30+ years along with nearby Honey Creek. There is 800 acres of mostly forested bluffs overlooking the Missouri and Nodaway Rivers and 780 acres of Missouri River floodplain. I have painted several scenes from reference photos taken on my hunts. During the hunting seasons plein air painting would probably be prohibited as a safety precaution, so use of photography would be a must. This painting depicts a maintenance road on top of one of the bluffs used by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Along the tops of these bluffs inhabit native grasses that are found to be rich with colors of reds and oranges during the autumn months. The slopes are steep and tiring to climb with thick forests and briar patches, much worse dragging your harvest through. Most people don't hunt this part of Monkey Mountain due to the hikes, and those that do, often don't journey down past the tree lines on the slopes---knowing they would have to drag their harvest up steep hills and through thick grass, forest, and briars.

This area was called "Monkey Mountains," because early settlers deemed the Missouri river bluffs too steep for even monkeys to climb. The Lewis and Clark Expedition opened up this portion of the Missouri state for settlement, when it passed along the southern portion of the area on July 8, 1804. Settlement began on a large scale in 1836. At that time about 20 percent of the county, primarily the steep slopes, was in upland forest cover, consisting mainly of bur oak, white oak, red oak, black walnut, American elm, hickory and basswood. The remainder of the land, mostly ridge tops and rounded knolls, was either grassland or open timber with an understory of native grass, which I have depicted in this painting.

Work in Progress

2012-01-08T22:54:00.002-06:00

This next piece is near complete. It is a place I often visit during hunting trips on the high river bluffs of Northwest Missouri. This scene depicts a maintenance road along the very top of the bluffs. The background is finished, the middle ground needs some tweaking. I'm not satisfied with the formation of the trees on the right. They need to be more rigid and not too vertical. The foreground will be detailed with live and dry grass.

"Broken Sunset"

2012-01-07T11:40:00.005-06:00

"Broken Sunset"

12x16 pastel on paper

2012

$425 unframed

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Here is the final image of my second painting titled "Broken Sunset." You can tell by comparing both of them, I added two trees on the bottom right of this one. I felt that the space was too open and it needed something, plus they add some overlap which helps create depth. This piece is a good example of overcoming the issues when using reference photos. In a photograph, you would never see the details in the grass and trees, not even in the foreground due to the sunlight in the camera lense. By using your creative process you can overcome the issues by giving your own impression of what the scene may depict, filling in the foliage how you want to interpret it. This is my end result. Enjoy!

Work in Progress

2012-01-05T10:53:00.003-06:00

Everything is filled in and ready for details and adjustments. There is still some blending and layering of pigment to do as well. I want to soften most of my edges, a fuzzy effect---but not too much. The foreground needs some details so that it doesn't lose its perspective.

Work in Progress

2012-01-04T10:57:00.003-06:00

I have applied more pigments and blended them in. The sky is not completely done---I still want to make a softer effect, thinking I will wait on that. I'm going to move on and work the foreground areas; trees, pond, and grass. I would like to create as much mood as possible.

Work in Progress

2012-01-04T00:01:00.003-06:00

Didn't I just do this scene?.....Yes! This time I am using the side stroke and blending methods. I want to portray a softer look, with a great deal of evening mood. Instead of breaking colors where they mix in eyes of the viewer, I will mix the colors by blending them as they are applied. This piece is also titled "Broken Sunset," 12x16.

"Broken Sunset"

2012-01-03T11:29:00.002-06:00

"Broken Sunset"

12x16 pastel on paper

2012

$425 unframed

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This experiment came out nicely. The feathering technique gives an interesting imagery of what is portrayed. There is quite a bit of broken color going on throughout the picture. It is a soft and quiet subject, and at the same time it keeps your eyes busy, moving all around the picture. This is a bit more abstract and looser than what I normally work with. Enjoy.

Work in Progress

2012-01-02T23:48:00.003-06:00

This next piece I'm exploring in different technique. The method I am using for this interpretation is called "feathering." Feathering is way of breaking color. The pastel is applied in vertical lines allowing other colors to show in between. As mentioned in a previous blog post, the intention of broken color is to blend the colors, layed side-by-side, in the eyes of the viewer. Broken color is only one characteristic used by impressionists.

Breaking Color---Analysis

2011-12-30T09:21:00.012-06:00

Pastel is the ideal medium for the effects of optical mixing better known as "broken color." The aim is to blend the colors in the eyes of the viewer from a distance, the very concept used by the original impressionists. Here, I am going to explain a visual effect of application in the medium of pastels.

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Broken color is an art term used to describe an uneven layer of color so that it partially covers the surface allowing colors beneath to show through. Another description is to lay colors side-by-side where the colors optically mix forming another color or a different shade of color. There are many different ways to achieve this. Since pastel works both as a drawing and painting medium, there are much broader choices of application. Line strokes in the method of hatching and crosshatching can be used to create the effects of broken color. Other methods consist of feathering, scumbling, sgraffito, and stippling. The method I want to bring to light, is a basic method I often use---side strokes.

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The side stroke is exactly what the term implies, using the side of the pastel stick to apply pigment. Most pastelists use this method to cover large areas of the surface with masses of color, but there are more artistic and creative ways of using it if one knows how to embrace it. An advantage of this method is very expressive in a quiet manner, being less rendered and less define than its relative method---line strokes. It helps create mood and a feeling of softness in your work.

------------ Two things that should be considered when exploring broken color; the surface you intend to use and the color of that surface. For pastelists, there are a variety of surface textures made commercially or even the ability to prep them in your own home. Surfaces range in different textures, tooth, and colors. To get impressionistic effects, the choice of surface can be used as a tool and are often times key. Heavy sanded papers and boards hold more pastel as well as layers, but are finer in tooth which can make your colors less broken. The tooth of pastel paper or charcoal paper offer more visible grainy effects. As for color choices; darker surfaces help darken colors, whereas lighter colors lighten them---but only if you allow the surface color to show through. Neutral colors are most often used because they work well for both. Let's look at an example. ------------

Pictured on this blog is a pastel painting I've done entirely using the side stroke method. Its title, "Kristopher." This portrait was done on olive color Strathmore Pastel paper of medium weight. The paper, similar to Canson's Mi-Teintes pastel paper, offers a subtle texture. As you can see in the close up view, I've utilized the tooth (grain) of the paper for breaking color. The paper color can be seen through the less dense application of pastel. You will also notice there are areas where pastel have completely covered the paper grain from heavier applications, making it more difficult to see its texture. These areas have even amounts of pigment by filling in the grains. When using the tooth of a surface for breaking color, use the side of your pastel stick. Instead of rendering the image with thin lines, mass the elements in with broad strokes, short strokes, and long strokes with the flat edge/side of the pastel stick. The result is similar in effect to having different colors painted side-by-side throughout a work such as notable artist Georges Seurat has done in Pointillism.

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Analyzing further into detail, the side stroke method offers many different effects by varying the amount of pressure when applying the pastel onto paper. As mentioned before, the more pressure you apply, the more pastel color will show by filling in the grain. Shown in the second close up here, I used moderate pressure in areas so that the dark green does not become too dark and distracting to the work overall. I wanted the tooth of the paper to help create light with color vibration. With the white collar of the shirt, I used heavy application where the light strongly touches it, but moderate usage in the shadow areas where the color of the paper would help shade the pigment. The fading effect of color is also based on pressure used. As the green of the shirt recedes from the childs face, I used less pressure---fading the work into the paper.

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Again, the side stroke method if fairly basic. Utilizing the techniques in creating certain effects is a bit more challenging. Practice technique and know your ability is the best way to overcome obstacles. Allow the colors to blend in your eyes and not on paper. Many impressionist paintings were intended to be looked and admired at a distance, not up close and personal.

"Draped Figure"

2011-12-29T12:54:00.006-06:00

"Draped Figure"

12x16 pastel on paper

2011

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Figurative art, also known as Figurativism, is a form of observation. The practice of figure drawing is the practice of seeing and understanding elements. Those formal elements are aesthetic effects created by design, upon which figurative art is dependent, include line, shape, color, light and dark, mass, volume, texture, and perspective. Though, the human form is one of the most challenging subjects, drawing the figure is a basic exercise that helps develop skills, especially in representational art. The practice of observation.

Work in Progress

2011-12-28T10:58:00.003-06:00

The figure is near complete. Next, I will work on the robe being wrapped around the subject, capturing the effects of light and shadow. Afterwards, I will fill in minor details and blend some areas out of focus. Capturing realism is easy, giving the work an unfinished look in a creative manner that looks appealing as my own impression is more challenging.

Work in Progress

2011-12-24T11:34:00.004-06:00

Working in some flesh tones and shadows, I am making the work appear more 3 dimensional. With a gray paper, dark gray pastel is being used for shadow, making the figure harmonize with the paper color. Just as I have done in "Kristopher," where I used olive green paper, and dark olive green pastel for shadow. The effects help soften the work where colors relate instead of stickout and reject one another. If I wanted a more crisp look, then I would have chosen a different color for shadow, such as blues or violets.

Work in Progress

2011-12-23T10:50:00.004-06:00

The human figure is one of the most enduring themes in the visual arts. The human body offers every challenge one could require - line and tone, perspective and composition. Throughout the history of Western Art, drawing the human figure from living models was considered the most useful tool in developing the skill of draftsmanship. "Draftsmanship," now there is a word that best describes Edgar Degas, who emphasized draftsmanship throughout his work. If one wants to learn to draw, draftsmanship is essential in capturing the elements of composition. Here is draped nude I am working on. Instead of drawing the outline of the figure by contour drawing, I am shaping it with local colors by using side stroke techniques of the pastel---mass drawing. This is the same technique used for "Kristopher." In this piece, draftsmanship is not used through "line" or "edges" that distinguishes one feature from another, but used through masses of color and shapes. Placement and measurements are also things to be considered.

"Kristopher"

2011-12-21T13:04:00.003-06:00

"Kristopher"

9x12 pastel on paper

2011

(private collection)

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The final outcome of "Kristopher" is complete and very admirable. With a palette of only four colors used in this piece, not including the green paper, it is very well composed. The tooth of the paper adds the effects of broken color in areas. The blending adds a subtle look that brings mood to the viewers eyes. It is a simple drawing with strokes and renderings of pastel. This piece will be cherished in my own private collection.

Work in Progress

2011-12-20T11:33:00.002-06:00

"Inspiration is everywhere, sometimes you have to look lower than eye level to find it."

This next piece depicts a very inspirational piece of my life---my 13 month old son. As a stay at home "ada" as he calls me, I have great opportunity to watch this bundle of joy grow and learn. He is filled with timeless fun and play. I've always said the precious things in life call for delicate paintings. It was just a matter of time before I started working portraits of him. This piece will be titled "Kristopher."

"Mother and Child at Loose Park"

2011-12-19T22:01:00.003-06:00

"Mother and Child at Loose Park"

9x12 charcoal on paper

2011

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Today I did a quick charcoal drawing of the previous pastel painting, "Mother and Child at Loose Park." Instead of portraying the whole entire scene, I focused in on the figures watching the ducks nearby. This was done on blue toned paper.

"Mother and Child at Loose Park"

2011-12-16T01:34:00.005-06:00

"Mother and Child at Loose Park"

18x24 pastel

2011

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Complete. The middle of the lagoon was missing something, so I added two more mallard ducks to maintain interest to the viewer. The figure looks great. I interpreted the effects of bright sunlight reflecting onto the clothing and skin. Notice the light in the shadows--a technique practiced by impressionists. The white and peach for the pavement were too bright, so I used some light gray to tone it down. This piece contains multiple techniques used in pastel painting; short strokes, long strokes, broad strokes, blending and broken colors. Part of my urban series, but will be kept in my private collection.

This pastel painting depicts my wife, Brooke, showing the ducks to my son, Kristopher, at Loose Park in Kansas City, MO.

Work in Progress

2011-12-12T12:25:00.003-06:00

The rippling water effect caused by a Summer's breeze has been added. As you can tell, the rippling effect is not covering the water entirely. This creates movement as wind blows in separate gusts. Working on the foreground, I included a near by tree branch reaching overhead and began details on the figure. Nearing completion, this piece is coming along very well and with ease.

Work in Progress

2011-12-07T11:09:00.002-06:00

I have added some layers of color in the water by hatching and using side stroke techniques. The water is not completely done and will get back to it later. With the violet, light blue, and gray, I want to brighten it up in some areas a little bit more before moving on. The foreground will have to wait.

Work in Progress

2011-12-06T11:12:00.003-06:00

Moving along, the background is mostly complete. I will get back to it periodically adding details as I continue with the rest of the work. I've blended in the colors for the water. Three colors were used; violet, light blue, and light gray. Another application of these three colors will be added to get a rippling effect---this will be the next step. I also added another duck to the picture. Enjoy!

Work in Progress

2011-12-05T11:03:00.004-06:00

Local colors have been applied. I will now begin work on the background (sky, tree line, and walking path). This piece is not being wet brushed. I am completely doing it the dry method. In order to better blend the pastel, I am using a pastel brush. As you can see in the picture, the sky and trees are blended in, as the rest of the work is not. It's a fine tooth surface, in order to get the colors to cover it, a brush is essential.

Work in Progress

2011-12-04T00:50:00.002-06:00

This next piece will depict my wife and son watching the ducks at Loose Park in Kansas City. A "Mother and Child" of my own. The basic sketch has already been done. Next I will apply local color throughout the work.

Upcoming Events

2011-11-30T10:07:00.009-06:00

These past couple of months have been a little busy on the art side of my life, not only with creating artwork in the studio, but creating a new art group. I and three other artists (Greg Summers, Jeff Sparks, and Rachel Mindrup) have been working weekly during our spare times in forming a new society of artists, the Missouri Valley Impressionist Society (MVIS). This organization is formed to unify, network, and communicate with other like minded artists throughout the Missouri River Valley who work in impressionism and to share the experiences through group plein air paint events and exhibitions. With so many local art organizations throughout the communities, we have found that none offer the opportunities that we seek. With the array of talents that other organizations claim to support, many place emphasis on non-objective art and the modern abstracts---leaving those who show solid foundations in drawing, modeling, composition and perspective, found in representational art, on a back burner or ignoring them entirely. The Missouri Valley Impressionist Society plans to launch it's website by the beginning of January 2012. The organization is not limited to plein air painters, studio impressionists are welcomed as well.

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It's time again, for the upcoming annual membership exhibit at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. The event will be in its 38th year this coming January. This will be my 5th year participating. Last January I won "Best of Show." Two pieces of mine will be showcased among a variety of others from other artists. As always, the museum does a top notch job in hosting the event. It is one of my most favorable exhibits, something I look forward to each year.

"Kauffman Center at Sunset"

2011-11-21T10:56:00.003-06:00

"Kauffman Center at Sunset"

18x27 pastel on paper

2011

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Completed. A picture of the downtown Kansas City skyline with the newly built Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Like the Sprint Center, it has been interesting to watch this building in the making. It adorns the downtown entertainment district and is admired by many. Immediately it has attracted attention, booked and sold out performances. The structure is appealing at all times of the day, but at sunset it reflects a little more light and color as I have captured here. Enjoy!

Work in Progress

2011-11-16T00:05:00.002-06:00

Time to detail. The picture is basically finished, but there are minor details that need to be added. Overall, the composition is good, the color palette was limited, and the mood is soft. Normally I don't use alot of the brighter colors, orange and pinks, but this piece really works well with the impression of the sun setting. Final pic to come.

Work in Progress

2011-11-13T10:21:00.002-06:00

Near completion, the street on the lower right has been worked in. The street has several layers of pastel, gray, white, and a bright orange to get the impression of reflected light. The trees also have quite a few layers; violet, greens, and some orange on top. Some things on the buildings need tweaking but I'll get to that with final details. Now to move on toward the front, foreground---the buildings on the lower left. These should be easy and not take too much time.

Work in Progress

2011-11-10T00:40:00.003-06:00

This hour I worked on the skyscrapers, Bartle Hall, and the Kauffman Center. The progress is looking well as I play around with various colors. For now, I am going to leave them alone and continue on with the foreground area.

Work in Progress

2011-11-09T00:23:00.004-06:00

Worked on the sky periodically today, I have it just the way I want. A light gray was used to soften and fade the bright colors used for the underpainting. Next, I will be working my way forward/down the paper on the skyscrapers, Bartle Hall, and the Kauffman Center. I have a good feeling about this piece.

Work in Progress

2011-11-08T16:23:00.003-06:00

Here is the latest work in progress. This is a cityscape of Kansas City, MO depicting the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. This view was taken from a snapshot using my cell phone camera where W Pennway St turns into Broadway St. If you notice the street at the bottom right corner, that is Broadway going North up hill. The picture has already been wetbrushed with turpenoid, it is dry and ready to apply layers of pastel.

"Down 47th Street, Kansas City Plaza"

2011-10-25T12:57:00.002-05:00

"Down 47th Street, Kansas City Plaza"

11x17 Conte crayon on paper

2011

$385 unframed

$450 after framing

Here is the final image of this version in Conte. Darkening the corners of this piece gives it an almost aged look. I consider this one of my best Conte crayon pieces that I've done.

Work in Progress

2011-10-21T10:03:00.002-05:00

Almost complete. Some areas need some tweaking, but the end result is getting close. Pedestrians will also need to be included, giving it a little more life. I'm still working in the Conte crayon, especially in the sky.

Work in Progress

2011-10-19T00:12:00.002-05:00

Moving along, I am now working in the tones. Creating aerial perspective, shadows, and light by blending and erasing. I will keep doing this throughout the picture. This piece is a little more than half complete.

Work in Progress

2011-10-14T10:44:00.002-05:00

This next piece is a Conte crayon version of "Down 47th Street, Kansas City Plaza." I have already found my vanishing point and started filling in the visual elements. Once everything is filled in, I will go back over the entire picture, blending and erasing---creating mood.

"Down 47th Street, Kansas City Plaza"

2011-10-07T16:01:00.005-05:00

"Down 47th Street, Kansas City Plaza"

18x24 pastel on board

2011

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Here is the latest version of this image. I feel this piece is better played than the oil painting I did previously. My level of pastel painting is a little more established in technique than in oils due to amount of experience with the medium. One thing I love about this pastel, is the small amounts of rendering involved in the interpretation. These renderings give it a feel of Impressionistic technique, visual marks. Next, I will do a Conte Crayon of this same scene. Enjoy.

Work in Progress

2011-09-29T00:30:00.002-05:00

Continuing on with the pastel painting, which is much easier than the oil painting because of my comfort level. This piece is looking better and better each day. Some alterations will be done throughout the work. I am currently working on the trees on the left side. Once that is done, I can detail and add vehicles and people to the scene. Check back again for completion.

"Down 47th Street, Kansas City Plaza"

2011-09-26T15:02:00.005-05:00

"Down 47th Street, Kansas City Plaza"

11x14 oil on canvas

2011

This is my second piece as part of my self-study in oil painting. Again, the first series in oils are purely getting re-acquainted with the medium. As I continue through the process of creating a painting, I feel like I am getting more and more comfortable with it. This is the exact same procedure I did with pastel painting. Each piece progresses further in technique and ability. What will my paintings look like in the future?...Only time will tell.

Work in Progress

2011-09-22T00:26:00.003-05:00

Nearing completion, this oil painting is getting better and better. A few minor details are left, and adding traces of civilization (vehicles, people). Blue has been added to much of the violet shadows to help lighten the picture. The trees are pretty much finished. Some of the buildings need detailing as well. As paint is beginning to dry, I will just continue working this painting until complete. The pastel version is still in progress. More to come.

Chosen for Calendar

2011-09-21T12:18:00.004-05:00

One of three pieces of mine entered in the upcoming exhibit, "No Place Like Home," has been chosen for a 2012 calendar. 360 Architecture, a firm who helped design the Sprint Center and the Power & Light District, has picked 13 images for their 2012 printed calendar year. Of mine, they chose "Kansas City" for the month of February. The 12x16 oil pastel will be hanging in the exhibition at the Got Art Gallery on Third, and is available for sale. Exhibit information is posted on my Studio Blog in the right column.

Work in Progress

2011-09-19T00:32:00.003-05:00

This oil painting is about half complete. I added black to the street to make the gray. I'm working the trees in right now. It's really coming along as a learning process. The rest of the work in the blank spaces are smaller details. I do need to create some aerial perspective near the vanishing point. Check back later for more progress.

Exhibition: "No Place Like Home"

2011-09-16T16:42:00.000-05:00

I will have three pieces hanging in the group exhibition, "No Place Like Home." This exhibit will showcase local Kansas City representational artwork portraying areas of Lee's Summit and Kansas City. The exhibit will run October 4th - 30th, with a reception on Friday, Oct. 14th, 6-8pm at the Got Art Gallery on Third in Lee's Summit, MO. For more information go to, gotartgallery.org.

Work in Progress

2011-09-16T10:58:00.003-05:00

Pastels and oils, pastels and oils. The studio is starting to get a little busy working two art pieces at once. Multi-tasking is the word I'm looking for. You've already seen the current pastel painting in progress. On my other easel I have this one, an oil painting of the same scenery. After several attempts of trial and error, scraping paint, I finally got the sky the way I want. As of now, I am working in the buildings and lamp posts. Again, no black is being used as a source of local color. The lamp posts are made up of violet and blue. I will need to use a tiny bit a black in order to make the light gray areas on the street. This will be mixed on the canvas, white paint is already applied.

Proper Framing---Always Acid Free

2011-09-15T11:10:00.004-05:00

One of the things that I stress from time to time, is the importance of framing with quality materials. As a framer in the past, I was surprised at how many people, artists-that is, who are unaware about the importance of acid free materials. Most work with paper that's clearly labeled "acid free" on the tablet cover, but still have no clue to what that means. When it comes to framing, which is costly, artists will almost always take the cheapest route. The phrase, "You get what you paid for." holds truth, you do get what you paid for. If your art is an investment, regular mats instead of acid free mats can actually devalue the work and ruin it. It makes no sense to preserve something if you are going to use damaging materials, this also includes regular foam board or cardboard for backing. To many of my artists friends, your collectors trust your decision when framing the art, that they are buying something meaningful and in thought of good value. If you are not using acid free materials when framing work with the notion that collectors will reframe it, there is a good chance that in the long run they are not. That work sold will be ruined within a decade.

As an example; the two pictures shown are what will happen to artwork when framed with regular mats. The watercolor painting is ruined by poor choice or lack of knowledge. The above picture shows the acid bleeding from the matboard onto the artwork. The picture below shows the damage done once the mat has been removed. This discoloration is called "mat burn" or "acid burn." The damage is permanent. Always use ACID FREE.

Work in Progress

2011-09-13T00:23:00.003-05:00

Moving along, I've touch some of the sky, but still not quite happy with it. I went ahead and added a few basic details with local colors to the tree tops, flowers and rooftops. Very happy with the dark shade of blue used for the lamp posts. I did not want to use black. I haven't touched black for quite a few years now. Though, I have it to mix with other colors for a change of shade, it's pretty much kept off my palette. More to come.

Work in Progress

2011-09-12T00:30:00.003-05:00

This next piece will be a KC Plaza scene, looking west down West 47th Street. The main attraction in this piece are the row of street lamps fading into the vanishing point. Each of these lamp posts hangs a massive flower basket of mostly petunias. The main sketch has already been made. I've filled in the basic color for the street. The sky is still being played around with. Originally the sky was a clear blue sky, but I want to add clouds for more detail and color. A clear blue sky would look to plain. More to come.

Exhibiting: "An Evening with the Arts"

2011-09-09T12:59:00.004-05:00

Last night was "An Evening with the Arts" at the Sylvester Powell, Jr. Community Center in Mission, KS. The event is private through invitation only, an exhibit I participated in last year. This year I was invited not as an artist, but as a guest in support for a fellow KC Plein Air Impressionists, Gregory Summers. This was a chance to finally meet Greg and view his work in oils. We've both been communicating back-and-forth for quite some time, as with most artists, using Facebook. Though, we both emphasize our work environments differently, (him working in plein air, as I work in the studio) we both share the same artistic style and seem to be attracted to the same subject matter---Kansas City. I find his work to be well composed and inspirational. Just looking at the painting by Gregory I've included in this post, titled "Fanning the Passions," you can see how he portrays his own impressions. Each piece has a story to tell. Some of those stories are hardcore, scaling walls, climbing on roof tops to get a perfect view. You do what you got to do. Another local artist I've met on Facebook happened to exhibit in the same show, Kale Van Leeuwen. Not an Impressionist, but rather somewhere in between realistic and abstract. His work is definately different, the power of mix media. The art consists of edited photographs, canvas, and paint. In a way you can sense the photography, but it looks like a painting up close, giving each piece a real nice effect. Greg and Kale's work are on display throughout this month among other local talents. Sylvester Powell, Jr. Community Center 6200 Martway Mission, KS

Exhibiting: Got Art Gallery on Third

2011-08-27T13:17:00.007-05:00

The Got Art Gallery on Third located in Lee's Summit has asked for some of my urban pieces, from my series "Urban Light" Kansas City, to show for an upcoming group exhibition in October. The exhibit is titled "No Place Like Home," featuring images of Lee's Summit & Kansas City. I have chosen three to be entered for jury. Not only will selected submissions be on display, the gallery is choosing 13 pieces for placement in their 2010 Art Calendar.

I have selected the following to show:

"The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art" 18x24 pastel

"Scout View of Kansas City" 16x20 pastel

"Kansas City" 12x16 oil pastel

An update on the exhibit will be made later in the next week. For more information about the gallery, visit their website at http://www.gotartgallery.org/.

"Summer Rose Day at Loose Park"

2011-08-26T09:59:00.004-05:00

"Summer Rose Day at Loose Park"

18x24 pastel on board

2011

This is "Summer Rose Day at Loose Park." Portraying a hot summer day in June, the Kansas City Rose Society gets ready for their annual rose show. It wouldn't be complete without the ladies who fancy big hats and umbrellas, bringing character into the scene. At the time of this event, there weren't as many blooms in the garden as I have included in the picture. Due to the weather we have had through Spring, the garden wasn't in full blossom until later in the Summer. So as an artist, I worked around the simple flaw.

For more information about this garden and the Rose Society go to their website, http://kansascityrosesociety.org/

Work in Progress

2011-08-22T23:53:00.004-05:00

Finished with working the shrubs in the fore-ground. All that is left now is to go over any details that might need to be added or changed. Once completed, it will be signed, dated, titled and cataloged. This piece is fairly bright as opposed to my past work. I think partly due to the lack of dramatic light. You can tell it was a sunny hot day. it was Rose Day, June 5th.

Work in Progress

2011-08-18T23:51:00.004-05:00

Moving forward, I am currently working the foreground area. Adding rose bushes, soon to show red blossoms. Thinking about it, it's been some time since I've included people in my work. With this urban series, more is likely to appear. People in work do tend to make pieces a little more interesting as they depict a moment in their time, especially if they are not posing for the picture, but participating in some sort of activity or event. Viewers are able to guess what they think is going on in the picture which may differ from one person to another.

Work in Progress

2011-08-11T23:49:00.003-05:00

Half complete, this piece is starting to come together. I am currently working the mid-ground area, already resized some of the figures. Light blue is being added into the foliage to help lighten areas and eliminate too much green. Shadows need to be worked in the shrubs and resize the bench on the right. When done, I will continue to the foreground at the bottom, working the red rose bushes.

"Sunlit Foliage at the Botanical Gardens"

2011-08-10T21:32:00.006-05:00

"Sunlit Foliage at the Botanical Gardens"

11x14 oil

2011

Completed a couple of weeks ago, this piece is a beginning of a new era in my art. As mentioned before, I plan to take on oil painting as a new medium, not giving up my drawing. I will continue to paint small landscapes to get a feel of the techniques and the medium in general before I persue larger project ideas. Being used to the colors of pastels, I feel that oil paints are much more richer, crisper, and brighter.

Websites do Work

2011-08-10T07:37:00.003-05:00

Recently in the past week I was contacted via email by an art gallery in Americas largest art communities, New York. A representative for the Agora Gallery located in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, NY said she was doing some research online and happened to stumble across my website. Liking my style and the work that I've done, she invited me to submit a portfolio to review for possible representation. I did my research on the gallery, they do well. Not only do they exhibit your work all year long, they promote it through a variety of ways and try to sell it. This gallery is much higher in status, more professional, than any of the galleries in the Kansas City area. However, the fee for representation had made my decision come to a halt. I would have to pay over $3000 in annual fees. Living on one source of income at the moment would not support such opportunity, so I had to decline.

Funny thing, a few days before I was notified with interest, I happen to scout online for potential art galleries in the New York art market. I wouldn't mind taking part in a distant market that offers so much potential. Chelsea is a district area in Manhattan, it is the center of the New York art world, much similar to Kansas City's Crossroads District. When I declined the offer, I did tell them I may look more into it in the next year or so. They said that would be fine.

Work in Progress

2011-08-09T21:49:00.003-05:00

The back-ground is mostly done. I am now working on the figures and the foliage. I may have to resize some of the figures, I will look into that tonight. The violet on the bottom is placement for the rows of shrubs. When I work with tree or shrubs, I almost always start with the color for shadows first (violet or dark blue), then add the bright colors on top getting the effect of sunlit leaves.

Work in Progress

2011-08-05T00:30:00.004-05:00

Continuing on, another urban piece is in progress. This one will portray the Municipal Rose Garden "Rose Day" event held annually in June. There will be a small crowd of people in the middle ground where the event takes place, rows of rose bushes in the foreground. Already, I have sketched the basic composition and went on to work some colors in the background. Rose Day at the garden is at the beginning of June, where roses are at their peak in bloom. This year they weren't as plentiful with their blooms, so I will have to use my creativity when it comes to adding them. It's my picture and I'll do as I want. :) 18x24 pastel on board.

Back to Oils: 22 Years Since

2011-07-26T14:10:00.005-05:00

It's been quite some time since the last time I squeezed a tube of paint, dipped a brush in color, and sculpted a representation of the image before me on canvas...22 years to be exact. Though I always had a niche and love for drawing throughout my childhood, by age 11 my Grandma Jackie thought it was time to share her hobby of oil painting with me. It became an after school event for a few days a week. I would walk home from school, drop off my bookbag, grab my box of oil paint supplies and walk another mile to Grandmas for a lesson. She has taught me more than just the process of painting and the different ways of applying paint, she taught me how to use color. Every painting was done with great care, never rushed. Every mark had a purpose. In the past week I've been exploring oils. The picture above is a work in progress near completion. Oils, like pastels, do offer long standing colors and give me a much looser interpretation. Drawing mediums do take more care in preservation, whereas oils take less. Oils will give me the ability to work in much larger scale where pastels cannot. As I intend to add oil painting into my work, I will not abandon the fine art of drawing.

"Kansas City"

2011-07-12T13:31:00.004-05:00

"Kansas City"

24x36 pastel on board

2011

After a few days of refreshing the mind and coming back to view this piece, I've decided to leave it alone and consider it finished. This piece is very appealing in color and composition. The effects of light is what gives it a soft peaceful appearance. Online pictures never do justice compared to seeing paintings in person, but the colors used in this one are bright when using natural light to light up the room, especially with the blue. It's tempting to keep this one in my personal collection.

"Kansas City"

2011-07-06T13:59:00.002-05:00

"Kansas City"

18x24 charcoal on board

2011

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Here is the charcoal version of "Kansas City." As mentioned before, two tones are much easier and quicker to work with than a multiple of colors. The 24x36 is still a work in progress. One of things I like about the dry mediums such as charcoal and dry pastel, is that it doesn't take alot of effort to create mood in the atmosphere. The medium is very easy to rub into the surface and blend as you work the drawing. Finishing up the pastel version.

Exhibition---The American Landscape

2011-06-29T20:16:00.006-05:00

Almost missed an opportunity to exhibit, the Hilliard Gallery contacted me at last minute notice to see if I had any available art that may hang in their annual group show, "The American Landscape." In the recent past I had wondered if the exhibit was going to come up, but never found any information. When I realized the exhibit was approaching, I found the due date for submissions had already past. They contacted me last Saturday, and we worked it out. Earlier today I delivered two pastel paintings, as shown here for the show. The exhibit will showcase various artists interpretations of the American landscape, both urban and rural. Last year I did miss the submission deadline, but did participate the year before. I've already seen all the work submitted for the event today, there will be alot of talent exhibiting.

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The exhibit will begin on First Friday in the Crossroads, July 1. It will run until July 29.

First Friday events are from 6pm to 9pm.

Hilliard Gallery

1820 McGee

Kansas City, MO 64108

Work in Progress

2011-06-28T16:06:00.008-05:00

Yes, I added blue to the mix. I've decided not to go with light gray, instead mix some of the blue in with the violet to get a more appealing color. The blue really makes the work stand out. Basically all that is left to do now is work the effects of light playing throughout the work then go over any minor details.

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As the pastel painting comes closer to a finish, I went ahead and started the final "Kansas City" piece using the same skyline. An 18x24 charcoal on Pastelbord. I've already added the composition, and filled the bord with black and white compressed charcoal. Next I will go over the image using the wet brushing technique in Tur-pentine.

Work in Progress

2011-06-27T09:47:00.005-05:00

The sky is mostly complete, some areas still need to be lightened. As you can see I am playing around with the light adding white and orange to the mix. Before I make any final touches in the sky, I will continue on working the skyline to make sure it works well with the rest of the picture.

Work in Progress

2011-06-24T10:03:00.003-05:00

The colors of the sky have been added. To lighten the mood, I will have to overlap these colors with a great deal of white. I may add some light gray to the mix in some areas as well. More work on the sky needs to be done before I move down to the skyline. Usually I don't work all over the work until things begin to take shape.

Work in Progress

2011-06-23T20:56:00.003-05:00

Working on the 24x36 "Kansas City" piece. So far I have sketched the skyline and added pastel color, white for the sky, and violet for the ground. Once the two colors have been applied, I then wet brushed the areas with Turpentine covering the Pastelbord more thoroughly. I use Turpentine because water tends to dilute the colors too much for this particular piece. Wet brushing works wonders with soft effects and applying color. It also saves you from going through too many pastel sticks when trying to hide the surface you are working on.

Project: "Urban Light" Kansas City

2011-06-21T17:10:00.005-05:00

Those who follow my studio blog already know, this year I have been focusing my attention on urban subjects rather than the rural. The project is called "Urban Light," Kansas City. Since most of my work has depicted scenes of rural landscapes, I have given myself a goal to build a collection of work portraying the urban scenery. Towards the end of this temporary project, I hope to display the various works in a solo exhibit of the same title. Those who may be interested in seeing the collection while still in progress, CLICK HERE.

"Kansas City"

2011-06-20T12:46:00.002-05:00

"Kansas City"

12x16 oil pastel on board

2011

$550 framed

Final touches have been made. This piece really works well with only a handful of colors. A very soft and soothing look is what I focused on when creating the aerial perspective. I was not looking for bold colors, sharp edges, nor crisp imagery. Very impressionistic in nature. Two more pieces of this image will be done, a larger piece in charcoal, and a 24x36 done in dry pastel. Enjoy!

Work in Progress

2011-06-18T22:46:00.002-05:00

The skyline is taking shape. I want to only include major features that stand out, such as large buildings and other shapes. Blue is used to help lighten the shadows. White will be added to help brighten the skyline, giving it a faded look. This piece is close to being done.

Work in Progress

2011-06-16T16:01:00.003-05:00

After spending over an hour's worth of work in the studio, the sky is near complete. I've applied layers of colors and rubbed in the pigments to make the sky appear more blended. Now I will move onto the skyline. Since the light is coming from the opposite side of the skyline (behind it), less details will be made. Aerial perspective will be made, brightning the image as if looking through a great deal of light.

Work in Progress

2011-06-16T00:58:00.007-05:00

Another Kansas City skyline is in progress. This piece is a 12x16 oil pastel of a view from the top floor of Truman Medical Center. I caught this scene with my phone camera while visiting Brooke at work on the delivery floor (top floor) of Truman Medical Center. What caught my attention of this view was the composition and the way the light touched the skyline on the opposite side. With this piece I am experimenting on the application process. Instead of just applying oil pastels in a dry manner, I am wet brushing the colors with Turpenoid. This helps to cover the surface below with pigment and gives it a much smoother appearance. Turpenoid is a paint cleaner used to clean brushes, it dissolves the oil base in the pastel into a more liquid form. First, I fill in the surface with the dry medium, then go over it with a paintbrush dipped in Turpenoid.

"Scout View of Kansas City"

2011-06-14T22:12:00.004-05:00

"Scout View of Kansas City"

16x20 pastel on board

2011

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These Scout views are my first attempts of the Kansas City skyline. I must admit they haven't been easy when it comes to working in the city structures. As I add more works to the series, "Urban Light," more practice will come. The Scout View is one of the most popular views of the downtown area, especially for local artists. I found it was my turn to portray it. Other attempts of this view may come in the future. Enjoy.

Monet's Water Lilies: Exhibition

2011-06-11T08:43:00.007-05:00

A rare opportunity indeed. Three panels of Monet's "Water Lilies" triptych are brought together, on display for the first time in more than 30 years, at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. One of them in possession of the Nelson, the other two are borrowed for this event from the St. Louis Art Museum and the Cleveland Museum of Art. Always impressive to see the one panel hanging solo in the Nelson, but to see the three piece collection put together as one made it even more astonishing. Whether it's the size, the colors, the techniques used in creating, there are a variety of things that make it appealing and hard to walk away from. Noticeably, the room is filled with awe. The exhibit is very much worth seeing and I recommend it to everyone. This very well could be your only chance. The Nelson: "The reputation of Monet's "Water Lilies" has only increased over the years. Part of their lasting appeal is that they cannot be fully appreciated at a glance. They require calm and careful viewing, so repeated visits are recommended, especially since it is anyone's guess when the three paintings will be brought together again."

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"People discuss my art and pretend to understand, as if it were necessary to understand, when it is simply necessary to love." ---Claude Monet

Work in Progress

2011-06-08T19:53:00.004-05:00

Near com-pletion, this piece has really turned out well. All that is left to do is add any minor details throughout the entire picture. These adjustments will include light, shadow, shape, and color.

Work in Progress

2011-06-08T10:26:00.004-05:00

The foreground is coming along quickly as I apply a mixture and layers of greens, blues, and violet. Once the area is near completion, I will go back over the mid-ground detailing where I feel is needed.

Work in Progress

2011-06-06T10:35:00.005-05:00

The downtown is almost complete. Now we jump into the fore-ground. Once the foreground takes shape, I can go back to touching up the mid-ground, making sure it's the way I want it.

Exhibit Proposal: Celebrate KC Impressionism

2011-06-03T10:12:00.001-05:00

Periodically group exhibitions are held throughout the Kansas City metro. Skimming through the Call for Artists, they appear to be based on common themes, subject matter, even art done in certain mediums. What they do not call for, is a group of work that represents the ongoing celebration of a particular style or art movement. Don't get me wrong, it is interesting to view a variety of interpretations of a certain subject or theme, or see how the different artists apply a particular medium. I am surprised there has not been any exhibits showcasing the popular ongoing styles; Realism, Impressionism, Expressionism, and the more Abstracts.

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As an artist who works in modern Impressionism, I am proposing this idea to those who may have interest in it, fellow local Kansas City artists and the gallery owners. A group show, "The Exhibition of the Impressionists: Kansas City," titled after art critic Louis Leroy's name for the first exhibition of the Impressionists of France in 1874. Adding "Kansas City" at the end of it to differentiate. An exhibit showcasing a variety of representational interpretations by KC area artists in the style of modern Impressionism not limited to just work en plein air, but studio work as well. We could be looking at a possible annual event. Depending on how many interests from artists, an adequate space will need to be found where each artist can exhibit 4 to 8 pieces. If there is only a handful of us willing to take part, then we can exhibit more.

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Artists and gallery owners, feel free to share this blog entry to gain interest or show support. Get the word out.

"The Exhibition of the Impressionists: Kansas City" an exhibit we can call our own.

Work in Progress

2011-06-01T16:15:00.004-05:00

The middle-ground area is filled in. Minor detailing will be added, then aerial per-spective will take effect. I went ahead and formed the foreground with color, finding placement for some of the trees, the limestone, and the slope of the hill. Working the aerial perspective may alter the image of the buildings. Much of it will depend on the technique I choose to apply the pastel.

Found Inspiration

2011-05-31T07:55:00.008-05:00

Artists are known to capture people, places, events, and favorite items as well as ideas in their work. Many are known to share a body of work that depict the same subject matter time and time again. Monet, most notable for his extensive collection of water lilies, containing approximately 250 in the series. Degas acquired a reputation as a "painter of dancers," with a series of paintings portraying ballerinas. Cassatt had devoted much of her work depicting intimate bonds between mothers and children. It is obvious that these Impressionist painters found great admiration and inspiration in the subjects they chose. Though, some inspirations are found to be throughout their life's work, others came during certain times in their lives. ----------------------------------------------------- As a Kansas City artist and Impressionist, the Municipal Rose Garden in Loose Park has become my inspiration, just as the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens in Overland Park, KS have become others. Already, I have completed an 8 piece series, "The Loose Park Rose Collection." The work has been displayed in few exhibits across the metro, only once all together. We visited the garden a few days ago for the first time this year not only for recreation, but for new inspiration. That inspiration was found and I was able to take several reference photos for potential pictures. This garden is an attraction with it's striking array and displays of warm weather blooms, it's difficult to just leave it alone. I can assure, as long as I stay in the Kansas City metro, more paintings in series and individually will be made. The garden will be visited and photographed throughout the summer. Sunday, June 5th is Rose Day.

Work in Progress

2011-05-27T12:32:00.003-05:00

The sky is complete, for now. The city skyline is coming along great. All of the skyscrapers are in place. I am now starting to work in the main buildings in the mid-ground area. Once the main buildings are located and in place, I can fill in the rest with trees and other structures. Detailing will be added later as I work further on the downtown.

Work in Progress

2011-05-26T13:33:00.003-05:00

Another "Scout View of Kansas City" is on the way. This is the third one. A 16x20 pastel on board. Prepping the work, I went ahead and sketched in the basic composition. The sky is filled with color, but will still need some detailing. Once I have the sky the way I want it, the buildings will be sketched in their places. Again I will work my way forward from top to bottom, layering color as I go.

Project: "Urban Light" Kansas City

2011-05-23T23:15:00.004-05:00

As noted before in past postings, I am working up a series of urban pieces possibly for a future solo exhibit. This has become a project for me because of my emphasis on the subject matter for this year and the next. Past works focused on the surrounding rural landscapes, leaving out any urban life. Finding much inspiration, like many Impressionists, city life in Kansas City has caught my attention. This new series is a combination of various works done in charcoal, Conte, and pastels. The project will be complete once I have a good amount in my portfolio and for a show. Though the series may continue over time, otherwise a newer collection of urban work will begin.

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Coming to www.brentseevers.com, a project page is being added to my website where the images of this series can be viewed. This page is currently under construction.

"Scout View of Kansas City"

2011-05-23T13:28:00.002-05:00

"Scout View of Kansas City"

8x10 (miniature series) oil pastel

2011

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The second of this view is now complete. As you can tell, I added some light blue in the shadey grass area up front. Before I did that, it stole the attention away from the rest of the picture. It was just too dark. The blue is the same color as the sky, so it appears as if the light of the sky is reflecting off the blades of grass. I also touched up other areas with the light blue to harmonize the effect. One more to go and then onto a different picture. This next one will be done in dry pastel. The size and surface has not yet been decided.

Work in Progress

2011-05-20T22:21:00.004-05:00

Half complete. The only thing left is the foreground area. One of the things about working with distant land or cityscapes, is that you want to create aerial perspective. In the far distance, light and atmosphere tend to lighten images, the farther it is away, the bluer. In this piece you can see that the background and middleground areas are lighter compared to what I am doing in the foreground, especially with the trees and shadows. The foreground is found to be clearer.

Work in Progress

2011-05-19T21:48:00.004-05:00

The middle ground is filling in and near com-pletion. Unable to portray every single feature (such as buildings) from my reference photo, I have to choose what goes and what stays. I am careful not to leave each building looking like a blob. Shadows do help define one building from another. If I rush this area to quickly, it may not look like a downtown, but a mass of colored squares. Once the area is complete, I will go ahead and touch it up and start work on the foreground.

Work in Progress

2011-05-18T21:09:00.003-05:00

Here is todays progress. The sky is complete and the skys-crapers are mostly done, there may be some finer details added to them later. I may add some more violet to the dark blue shadows. I went ahead and placed some of the trees in the foreground before I add any buildings behind them. This way I won't have to fight erasing the oil pastel (it's a little more permanent than dry pastel). Next, I will begin work on the middle ground area, adding the smaller buildings and various trees. It is coming along nicely.

Work in Progress

2011-05-17T22:47:00.003-05:00

The second "Scout View of Kansas City" is in progress. This one is a miniature (8x10) oil pastel. Starting with the background working my way forward, I have laid out the skyline. These are the first layers of color used for placement and definition. As soon as I figure out my palette of choice, they will be filled in with thicker layers and begin moving forward. Some areas I may have to skip ahead to the foreground. We will find those areas as we go.

"Scout View of Kansas City"

2011-05-15T22:56:00.004-05:00

"Scout View of Kansas City"

12x16 Conte Crayon on paper

2011 ------------------------------------------------------------

Final touches have been made. Two more of pieces of this view will be done--I'm thinking in pastel (oil and dry). Different sizes will be made of course. Another skyline from a different angle will be on the way, viewed from Truman Medical top floor.

Work in Progress

2011-05-14T11:15:00.002-05:00

Here is an updated image of the work in progress. This piece is sitting on my easel near completion.. All that is left is a few minor details and then signed. It should be completed today, and posted by tomorrow. Then moving on to more work. I know it's been a month since my last posting. I did get side tracked with the holiday and other events, with large families on both sides - it's easy to do. Thank you everyone who show support and loyalty with my postings and work, I know many of you look forward to viewing Work in Progress. Let's continue on, shall we?