Thursday, December 13, 2018

Half Light - Show opens December 15

Half Light, 15 x 30, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2018
SOLD

This is another painting of mine that will be on display in the "Night Vision" show at the Davis Gallery. The exhibit opens this Saturday and it will be a festive and joyous time! Art and friends... what could be better?

 Night Vision - Winter Group Show
Davis Gallery, Austin, Texas
December 15 - January 12
Reception December 15, 7-9 pm

Come on your way to or from your other holiday activities!

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Twilight Closes In - Group Show December 15

Twilight Closes In, 30 x 24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2018
SOLD

I am pleased to be presenting 3 paintings in the Davis Gallery holiday show. If you are nearby, please come join us!

Night Vision - Winter Group Show
Davis Gallery, Austin, Texas
December 15 - January 12
Reception December 15, 7-9 pm

  "Night Vision celebrates the artist's ability to see things many others seem to overlook. This exhibit focuses on spaces shrouded in darkness, the energies that lie beyond the visual spectrum, and allows the viewer to imagine what could exist 'in between'. Each artist has either created new work for this show, or carefully chosen work from the past, which uniquely recognizes Night Vision's concept." 

What do I see? Well, I can't help but notice that there is always a little bit of light, even in the darkest hour. When my eyes adjust, only the simplest shapes emerge, but the way is clear... soft, quiet, and dreamlike. 

Monday, December 3, 2018

Soaring - spring workshop information

Soaring, 12 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2018
SOLD

Back to the Golden Isles of Georgia... Out on the marsh, birds love to feed and perch at the "hammocks". Hammocks are stands of trees or bushes that have grown up in the wetlands... where two different eco-systems collide. It's fun to watch the birds playfully helicoptering in and out. On this day, they seemed to be having a convention!

I have three plein air workshops coming up in the spring and would love to have you join me. Put it on your Christmas list! ;)

Workshop Dates (click HERE for details and descriptions on my website)

March 25-28, 2019 - Wimberley, Texas
Contact Helena Hauk, Wimberley Artists Workshops, 800-327-1913

April 11-13, 2019 - St. Simons Island, Georgia
Contact Mary Anderson, Anderson Fine Art Gallery, 912-634-8414 

May 10-11, 2019 - Austin, TX
Contact Registrar, Contemporary Austin Art School, 512-323-6380 

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Golden Path and announcing Spring Workshops!

Golden Path, 8 x 10, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2018
Available - Click HERE for information

This is another plein air piece from my fall travels. I got down to St. Simons Island (in Georgia) for a few days and was greeted with blue skies, orange grasses, and billowy clouds. It's one of my favorite places to be and paint, and I never quite get enough!

UPCOMING...
I will be teaching 3 plein air workshops this spring... please come join me! And please visit my website HERE for complete descriptions and information about each one.

March 25-28, 2019
Wimberley Artists Workshops
Wimberley, Texas
4-day, all-inclusive artist retreat in the beautiful Texas Hill Country 

April 11-13, 2019
Anderson Fine Art Gallery
St. Simons Island, Georgia
3-days in the Golden Isles of the Georgia coast

May 10-11, 2019
The Contemporary Austin Art School
Austin, Texas
2-days in Austin (the live music capitol of the world!)

Monday, November 19, 2018

Foggy Coastline - And Happy Thanksgiving!!

Foggy Coastline, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2018

This is another plein air piece from my California trip last month. The fog cover over Spanish Bay was pretty thick all morning, which made for a nice study of atmospheric perspective. This gorgeous ocean view is right along the famous 17-Mile Drive... a delightful place to breathe in and contemplate!

Wishing you a HAPPY and BLESSED Thanksgiving!!!

Monday, November 12, 2018

Hidden Beach - Painting on the West Coast

Hidden Beach, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2018

I know I have been missing in action for a couple months, and I am happy to report that all is well with me! Thanks to those who checked in! Once I finished those large commissions, I got my house and studio back in order, and I took a break! We traveled some, had a long visit with our daughter and her children, and just enjoyed life. 

This is a painting from our trip to Carmel, CA, one of our fall excursions. Hidden Beach is a small cove, off the hiking trail at the end of Point Lobos. It was a bit of a hike to get down to, and I had a fabulous quiet morning painting the waves and rocks in a lovely patch of shade. (The bright sunlight can be challenging and I forgot my umbrella, so that shade was a welcome surprise.) Very few hikers ventured down the path, so I had the "beach" pretty much to myself. It was awesome. 

Here are some other art-making moments... You will be happy to know that even though I was taking a break, my studio was in full use!




Monday, August 27, 2018

DETAIL SHOTS of 10-ft painting, and Reveal Party Pics!



Figure Detail 1 - Father and Son
from Tunnel of Trees (56 x 120), oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2018

I had a lot of fun working the figures into each of these large pieces, and want to spotlight them a bit here (the image of the full painting doesn't quite do them justice.)  This father and son were an extra delight for me, because they are my son in law and grandson!!! I didn't actually have a picture of them walking on this specific Houston boulevard, but I DID have them walking in just the right direction and angle on another street. I was able to pop them into the scene just like they belonged there! Painting them was such a joy that now I want to paint all my kids and grandkids!

Tunnel of Trees, 56 x 120, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2018
3rd Commission piece for Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas
I'm including the full painting here, so you can see where each figure appears.

 Figure Detail 2 - Dog Walker
from Tunnel of Trees (56x120)

Figure Detail 3 - The Ladies
from Tunnel of Trees (56x120)

THE COMMISSION REVEAL...
This past Saturday, we celebrated the completion of this 3-part commission project, with a reception at the Davis Gallery in Austin. It was a SUCH fun gathering... I loved being able to share the last painting, IN PERSON, with local friends before delivering it to Houston today! Heartfelt thanks to my friends at the Davis Gallery, and to ALL who came and/or sent kind wishes! 

Here are shots of the party...

Being introduced for Artist Talk by Kevin Ivester, Gallery Director


So fun to see friends...

from all walks of life...

old and new...

Thank you, Eddie, for getting an up close view of that brushwork!!! 

Thursday, August 23, 2018

Tunnel of Trees - 3rd of Three 10-ft paintings, and a Commission Reveal Party!!

Tunnel of Trees, 56 x 120, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2018
Commission for Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas
Third of three 10-foot paintings to hang in new North Tower

Hip hip hooray! I am finished with my giant commission project! Three 10-foot paintings... mission accomplished!!! This has been an incredible opportunity to stretch my wings and push the artistic envelope; AND, there is nothing quite like being done. It's an amazing feeling.

To celebrate, we are having a viewing party at the Davis Gallery in Austin, on Saturday. This third and last painting will be on display for one day only. If you are anywhere nearby, please join us... 

Commission Reveal - viewing party
Saturday August 25, Reception 1-3pm, Artist Talk 2pm
Davis Gallery, Austin, TX

Thursday, August 9, 2018

Details! Close up images of a 10 foot painting!

Figure Detail from Bayou Bend Pathway (56x120), oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2018

As I shared after Giant Painting #1... Giant Painting #2 ALSO needs to be experienced close up and personally! The camera just can not capture the brushwork and presence that this painting has. 

Have I mentioned that I really wish you would drive to Houston and see it in person??? Well, I know that is not practical, so these details are as close as I can get to showing you the brushwork and movement in the painting. Click on images to see them larger. 

Bayou Bend Pathway, 56 x 120, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2018
10-Foot Commission for Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas
This is the big one again, just so you can place the close ups... ;)


Tree Detail 1 (top middle) from Bayou Bend Pathway (original piece is 56x120)
Oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2018

Figure Detail 2 (right hand side) from Bayou Bend Pathway (original piece is 56x120)
Oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2018

Azalea & Signature Detail (bottom right) from Bayou Bend Pathway
Oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2018

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Study for 2nd Large Commission

Bayou Bend Study, 8 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2018
Study for 2nd large commission for Methodist Hospital in Houston

You might be interested to know that the idea for my second large commission was designed, submitted, and approved in the mini-version above. Through that study, my client was able to get a sense of the composition, color, and value direction I would take with the big one. Once approved, I stuck as close as possible to the overall "feeling" of the small piece.

Keep in mind that the study is approximately 50 times smaller than this larger, final piece. Just for comparison, here is the large one...  


One reader asked how I was able to keep the overall perspective correct on such a large piece. The short answer is that I backed up... often and a lot. Every time I worked an area or passage, I would back across the room and make sure it still "worked" overall. 

Another thing that helped was to use a projector to transfer the image of my approved study onto the large canvas. This allowed me to capture directional lines and outline major shapes from my design. Once those were in place, I could develop the painting with confidence that the perspective would be in tact. 

Tomorrow I'll share some close ups of the large piece so you can see the brushwork and detail... please stay tuned!

Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Bayou Bend Pathway - 2nd of Three 10-Foot Commissioned Paintings

Bayou Bend Pathway, 56 x 120, Oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2018
Commission for Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas
First of three 10-foot paintings to hang in new North Tower

If you have been following along with my blog this year, you know I have been working on a giant, 3-part commission for the Methodist Hospital in Houston. It's been all-consuming! The second 10-foot painting (of three) was delivered and installed in early June, but I got distracted by the third one, and life in general, so my posting about it got delayed! Better late than never, I say! 

Today, I will begin by showing several process shots, so that you can see how the painting developed from the beginning to the end. I'll be sharing different aspects of the overall process as the week goes on (including close ups and the smaller study I worked from), so please stay tuned!!!!

I began with a sepia tone painted block-in. This first step established my composition and value patterns of light and dark. It became my road map for the rest of the process.

Because the canvas was so large, I worked in sections to cover the canvas. At this phase, I was trying establish the best average value and color range, and focused on large shapes and masses rather than detail.

The middle section... more large shapes and masses.

The last section... shapes, masses. As the canvas filled up, I started comparing areas and thinking about how I would adjust them.

In the final stage, I painted broke up the masses with subtle color and value shifts. This is when the details emerged and final pops of light were placed. The photos are painfully small for such a huge subject, so it's hard to see what I am talking about, I know. 

This gives you a sense of the scale... AND a sense of my joy at being finished! 
Click HERE to see painting #1 of 3.
Two David Sorg Easels set up side by side hold my 10 foot canvas.

Monday, August 6, 2018

Bayou Bend Pathway - 2nd of 3 Ten-Foot Commissioned Paintings

Bayou Bend Pathway, 56 x 120, Oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2018
Commission for Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas
First of three 10-foot paintings to hang in new North Tower

If you have been following along with my blog this year, you know I have been working on a giant, 3-part commission for the Methodist Hospital in Houston. It's been all-consuming! The second 10-foot painting (of three) was delivered and installed in early June, but I got distracted by the third one, and life in general, so my posting about it got delayed! Better late than never, I say! 

Today, I will begin by showing several process shots, so that you can see how the painting developed from the beginning to the end. I'll be sharing different aspects of the overall process as the week goes on (including close ups and the smaller study I worked from), so please stay tuned!!!!

I began with a sepia tone painted block-in. This first step established my composition and value patterns of light and dark. It became my road map for the rest of the process.

Because the canvas was so large, I worked in sections to cover the canvas. At this phase, I was trying establish the best average value and color range, and focused on large shapes and masses rather than detail.

The middle section... more large shapes and masses.

The last section... shapes, masses. As the canvas filled up, I started comparing areas and thinking about how I would adjust them.

In the final stage, I painted broke up the masses with subtle color and value shifts. This is when the details emerged and final pops of light were placed. The photos are painfully small for such a huge subject, so it's hard to see what I am talking about, I know. 

This gives you a sense of the scale... AND a sense of my joy at being finished! 
Click HERE to see painting #1 of 3.
Two David Sorg Easels set up side by side hold my 10 foot canvas.

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Fruited Valley - Haggin Museum Show with American Women Artists

Fruited Valley, 24 x 30, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2018
American Women Artists Museum Show
SOLD

I am so proud to be part of the American Women Artists exhibit at the Haggin Museum in Stockton, CA, which opens on tomorrow! Unfortunately, I am unable to attend the opening, but I'm thrilled that my piece sold in a pre-sale! It will be on display for the duration of the show. 


American Women Artists Illuminate the Haggin Museum
Haggin Museum, Stockton, CA
August 2 - September 16
Reception August 2, 6-8pm

A little bit of information about the show...

"For this exhibition, members of American Women Artists (AWA) were asked to create artwork that was inspired by a selection of 11 paintings from the Haggin Museum’s 19th – 20th-century art collection including works by William Merritt Chase, Albert Bierstadt, Rosa Bonheur, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and other notable artists. AWA artists have taken their inspiration from the work of art, the artist’s greater body of work, or the theme of the painting."


My own piece was inspired by the simple, but powerful composition of Jan Monchablon, a French painter from the late 1800's...
Early Afternoon by Jan Monchablon, 1886

See the entire AWA show HERE

Sunday, July 29, 2018

The Heavens Rejoice - Eternal Hope

The Heavens Rejoice - Eternal Hope, 18 x 18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2018
SOLD in Davis Gallery "Reflector" Exhibit

Last night's opening at the Davis Gallery was a wonderful time! It's always so much fun to see and celebrate the work of the gallery artists all hanging together; and it's also great to have friends and family come out to support us. I was delighted to discover that this piece sold before the show opened last week! YAY! It was shipped out immediately, and consequently, it is not on display anymore... but I can still show it here! :)

Here are some pictures of the party with some dear artist friends...

with Tammy Brown

with Chris De Dier and Joe Hammer

with Lynda Young Kaffie



Friday, July 27, 2018

The Heavens Declare - Divine Presence... and a group show!

The Heavens Declare - Divine Presence, 24 x 30, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2018
SOLD

I am pleased to be part of the summer group show at the Davis Gallery! This piece and another are on display. Please join me at the opening reception tomorrow night!

Reflector - A Group Show
Davis Gallery, Austin, TX
July 28 - September 8
Reception July 28, 7-9 pm

Sorry for my recent silence - it's all due to my ongoing work on the three 10-foot commissions. They are keeping me busy... brushes moving, pigments swirling! I will have more to share on that soon. 


Sunday, June 3, 2018

Trailing Color

Trailing Color, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2018
SOLD

I started this painting as a demo at my last workshop, but didn't finish it in the class. Sometimes that happens. It was one of my favorite gardens that we painted in and I did love the scene, so I finally got back to it this week. The flowers pouring over the sides of that turquoise window box were deliciously abundant, while the sunlight angled in just perfectly... it was a fun morning to revisit!