Tuesday, 19 March 2013
San Antonio Mission Paint-Out
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I was recently at a paint-out with the California Art Club at the San Antonio Mission near Jolon, California. These are always fun events as much for the camaraderie as for the painting. About fifty of us were there for a three day weekend of painting. This mission is located in a very isolated area so it feels like a real getaway and step back into the past. Without the constant telephone and computer access one is able to better contemplate the beauty all around us including the stunning starry sky at night. Many fine artists were in attendance from all over the State including Paul Kensinger from San Francisco. I executed two oil paintings during the weekend, one of the Mission and one of the nearby Hearst Hacienda, built by Randolph Hearst for his overnight guests on hunting expeditions. Otherwise I did many pen and ink and watercolor drawings, my favorite way of passing a vacation.
Monday, 12 November 2012
Gallerie Amsterdam
I have now begun showing my work in one of the finest galleries in Carmel, California, Gallerie Amsterdam. The gallery is located in the heart of Carmel on Dolores Street between 5th and 6th street. (Carmel has the distinctive charm of not having street numbers!) They show a wide range of the world's finest artists. If you are ever in the area Carmel and the Gallerie Amsterdam are well worth a visit. I am proud to be a part of their fine gallery.
Wednesday, 31 October 2012
California Art Club retreat
I've just returned from an artist's retreat on Tomales Bay in Marin County, CA. The California Art Club took over the entire Marconi Conference Center on beautiful Tomales Bay about seven miles from the charming little town of Point Reyes Station. There were over sixty of the top artists in California painting the scenery up and down the coast of this dramatic inlet. Everyone painted up a storm for three days including a night session of painting from the model(s). It was a pleasure to paint alongside such top artists as Sterling Hoffman, Timon Sloane, and Philippe Gandiol. Most of the artists worked in small formats of 8x10 to 11x14. They were somewhat shocked to see that I had completed two large oils of 24x30 in the same day. I also painted a wonderful small Victorian house in Point Reyes Station. You could learn more from the blog of Richard Lindenberg who organized this fun weekend.
Monday, 8 October 2012
Christensen awarded Best of Show
Ken Christensen was awarded the Best of Show for the just concluded San Luis Obispo Plein Air Festival 2012 for his painting "Leave a Light On" a nocturnal view of Morro Bay. Ken painted the night scene from the upper deck of his house in the daylight. A true nocturnal painting cannot be properly viewed in a normal room under normal light so the artist must adjust the colors and values to create the night time atmosphere while still being clear enough for interior viewing. Ken chose a front porch light on the small house in the foreground of the painting to convey a highlight while giving the scene an intimate feel and human presence. The distant Bay and the town of Morro Bay can be seen in the distance including the twinkling lights of the embarcadero.The judge, Stephen Berg-Hansen was enthusiastic in his praise for the piece and an admirer quickly purchased the painting. Ken was also featured in a newspaper article about the event. You can read the article in the San Luis Obispo Tribune here.