artist blog

Scottsdale Artists School Class in October

2011-12-02T02:15:56Z

I'm finally getting around to posting a short blog in regards to my week long class in Scottsdale, AZ at the Scottsdale Artists School from Oct 24-28. Teaching as always is alot of work, but I want to say to all of the "students" that spending time with you was alot of fun as well - and I am always jazzed up and inspired by "hanging out" with other artists. I hope that the class was a worthwhile investment for each of you and that it was a help to your art/painting - especially in the long run. I meant it when I said that you can send me a Jpeg once in awhile of your new work.........I also want to say thanks to the staff at the school. They were great, and I look forward to a return trip in the future to teach another class.

If any of you have any pics of me teaching, feel free to send them to me in an email. I always appreciate seeing a workshop in action. Below is the Portrait demo that I did of Dan in the class.....thought you might enjoy seeing a good repro of it. I have also added a Jpeg of the landscape demo - the painting is in the Holiday Small Works Show at The Legacy Gallery in Scottsdale (opening Dec 8). I hope some of you take the time to add a comment or two to this post......Happy painting and keep your brushes loaded. Michael

The Gathering of Artisans, Asheville, NC

2011-10-06T14:12:31Z

I just got back from the Gathering of Artisans in Asheville, NC where I was teaching an oil painting workshop along with many other fine artisans. It was a terrific conference, with great teaching, music , worship and fellowship. I recommend to all 2 great books that will inspire you and help you have a deeper understanding of how God wants you to see yourself in regards to your creative call in life. "Unlocking the Heart of the Artist" by Matt Tommey is one. Go to: http://www.theworshipstudio.org/resources.html to read about his book, and order one. I highly endorse this book......

Another book I recommend is called "Finding Divine Inspiration" by J. Scott McElroy. Go to: http://www.findingdivineinspiration.com/ to read more about this great book. I must confess I am only reading it now, but am very impressed and I'm enjoying it immensely. Both of these books capture the spirit of what the Gathering was all about.

I will be posting more about the weekend when I have a chance. Thanks to all of the organizers (Matt, Claire and others) and the YMCA at Blue Ridge. Also to Ken Modak for his help and the chicken/mushroom/onion dinner! Blessings - M

WORKSHOP AT LITTLE BROOK MEADOWS, LANCASTER, OH

2011-05-26T19:13:44Z

I just returned from a workshop that I held in Lancaster, OH (south of Columbus by about 25 miles) at a beautiful farm called Little Brook Meadows. There were 14 of us, some familiar old friends, and some new faces - Jeff Risner, the head of the Ohio Plein Air Society was there - he even tried painting a portrait indoors! The converted barn has a beautiful new floor, bathrooms and kitchen facilities, and a new pond out back. Several of us also stayed in the beautiful 8 bedroom, 6 bath house.....The owners, the Ryckman family, hope to continue to upgrade the barn - this is my 2nd workshop there and it worked out beautifully!

Below are a few shots of the workshop on day 3, and a portrait demo from life that I did on Sunday. "Bill Carson Portrait Demo", Oil on Linen Panel, 20"h x 16"w. Actual painting time was about 2 hours......

More to come later on the workshop.........Michael

NEW PAINTING FOR A CHRISTIAN COLLECTOR

2011-04-14T19:16:20Z

I just complete a commission for a collector of mine that is putting together a collection of Christian Art. Its called "The Master Teacher", Oil on Linen Panel 30"h x 40"w. He had wanted a painting of Jesus teaching some of his disciples, children and women (in the background) around a campfire in the early evening. Jesus is also pictured wearing a traditional kippah headcovering, which is unusual for a painting. The collector now owns 3 of my paintings, with more to come........I may make this available as a print.

SCOTTSDALE SALON OF FINE ART SHOW

2011-02-09T02:48:40Z

I have been fortunate to have had both of my entries for the Scottsdale Salon of Fine Art show accepted. They are "GOSPEL STORIES" 24"h x 36"w, and "GARDEN GAL" 24"h x 18"w (see post below).
The show will open on April 21 and run through May 19, 2011. The Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony will be held on Friday April 22 from 6-9 pm. I will do my best to attend the show....Go to http://www.scottsdalesalonoffineart.com/ for more information and to see all of the accepted entries.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

2011-01-20T16:07:02Z

The most recent work of art is a 24 x18 painting of a sweet little girl keeping the plants freshly watered. It’s destination is the Legacy Gallery Salon Show to be held April 22, 2011 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Enclosed is a shot of Michael adding the finishing touches during the painting process…Enjoy and feel free to ask questions…love to hear from you…

Notes From The Studio

2011-01-20T16:03:39Z

Hello, Everyone !!! From the” Dudash Studio” here in the woods of western Pa.! From time to time , Michael is giving me (Valerie),the wife, the O.K to hop on the blogwagon and give you all a birdseye view of his current painting endeavors as well as interesting current events. He is a brave soul …. We hope you will find it inspiring !!!!

American Art Invitational - Saks Gallery, Denver, CO

2010-12-20T15:05:03Z

A few weeks ago I attended the American Art Invitational event at the Saks Gallery in Denver, CO. It was my first time in the show, and I submitted three paintings - 2 western subjects and a "barn/farm/woman/2 daughters/back lit/New England feeling" painting. The non-western piece wom a "Collector's Choice Award" (see "available art - figurative gallery" on my site).
The Saks (Mikkel and Catherine) and the staff did a great job of putting on a fun and well organized event. By my estimation, it was well attended, sales seemed pretty good, and I know that the attending artists had a great time. I'm sure those that were involved, will want to came back again next year, provided the Saks offers to sponsor another Invitational.
I enjoyed meeting a number of artists for the first time including John Traynor, Joseph Larusso, Quang Ho, Ron Hicks and seeing some "old" friends like Kathy anderson and Stephanie Birdsall. My friend Ezra Tucker ( a terrific wildlife painter) drove up from Monument CO to see the show - great to see him as well.....And Michael Albrechtson also came to see the show, a compatriot from The Legacy Gallery.

To my fans and fellow artists - attending these shows is a real pleasure for me, and a necessary part of keeping my creative juices flowing. One can only be sequestered in the studio for so long So I always urge artists to make the effort to fellowship at these great events - see some great art, make lifelong friends with fellow artists, and do some business. If you are in the Denver area, make an effort to visit the Saks Gallery in the Cherry Creek area. You'll be well treated!

Southwest Art - Dec 2010 issue - An article on my work......

2010-11-24T02:50:13Z

Thanks to Southwest Art for showcasing my artwork in their Dec 2010 issue.......It's part of a section on artists from east of the Mississippi. A shout out to the Putney painters as well who were also featured.....I had the privilege of being able to paint with them back in 2003-2004....an exciting group of talented painters......

The Great American West Show 2010 - Settlers West

2010-11-24T02:42:40Z

I just got back from Tucson, AZ, where I attended the Great American West Show at Settlers West Gallery. As usual, Stuart and the gang did a great job of putting on a first rate event, and the artwork was terrific as well. I had 3 paintings in the show, and since I was participating for the first time, I want to thank Stuart for the invitation. It was great to see some friends, and make new ones. And thanks to Bob Coronato (and Lisa).....They allowed me to share dinner with them on Sat night along with William Philips..... Hope to be in the show next year as well!
I also managed to sneak up to The Legacy Gallery in Scottsdale, and I was able to see Brad, Dave and Carol - a pleasure as always!