Wednesday, Dec 21st

Today is one of those days I just want to give up as an artist but thankfully it's not because of what I paint or how.  The struggle to be a financially successful artist has to be one of the most difficult but I know I will prevail. Here's another piece.  Alla Prima 16"x20"

Another Figure

Here is a figure painting using the duo-tone method...limiting the palette basically to later possibly introduce color.  (If you are going to develop it further.)  I had actually done this while teaching and don't think the picture does it justice....but still waiting to get a nice camera and download Photoshop again into the computer I am currently using.  I may actually have a job and need to try balancing that ever annoying concept of work and painting.  Of course I would just paint if the money just started pouring in but money still isn't free....waiting for that day.

Oil on Canvas Alla Prima Figure

Saturday

Here is another piece I had done.  It is 10"x8" oil on board.  I am still trying to keep up with this blog.  I seem to be better at maintaining my auctions.  As always there is the artistic part of me that must paint and create, then there is the business side of me that must reach out, market, and maintain a consistent profile of being an artist.  Though it would be so much nicer to have someone do that for me, it's not really that difficult to do.  Once again discipline reigns supreme.  I am going to open studio today to paint the male nude.  For some reason it's always 10 times easier to sell a male nude.  Of course that market supports the arts and I am grateful for that.  Hope you have a good weekend.  

Blogs

So I did post the other day again...but where did it go?  Sometimes technology doesn't do just what you want it to or is it operator error.  I am trying to keep up with this blog and do daily posts.  Of course life always gets in the way.  Discipline is key for any artist followed with consistency and a lot of tenacity.  We, who are artists, must persevere even among the darkest of times.  And with my art I decided I would try everything I possibly could before throwing in the towel.  Like always, it is that balance of things to do that I must continue.

As always hope you are well.  Here are some recent pieces.

2 New Julia Pieces

The oil all prima painting I did last week but was waiting to dry before I took a photo.  It is 16"x20" of Julia done in just one sitting.  I am teaching an alla prima class this fall and want to get more practice.  The little drawing is 6"x6" done in just a few hours.  It is graphite on toned paper.  Both are of the model Julia.  I am trying to do several different things with this pose to get the most out of it.

Kris Kuksi Sculptures

Intricate and interesting.  I love the work of Kris Kuksi, to date one of my favorite sculpturers. Though I always want to see them larger they are amazing.  I am including some great links I found which helps explain his process a little better.  His process is called kitbashing or model bashing something that the film industry used to create models.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=456zO11q9r4
http://rvamag.com/articles/full/5759/kris-kuksi-performs-opera-apocalypse

Publish Post

Two New Pieces Last Couple of Days

I have 2 smaller pieces I've done in the last couple of days.  It's funny being a painter, you are generally your worst critique.  I keep going back in forth with these two.  Ultimately I think if I spent days on them then I would be a little happier with them but that defeats the purpose of daily painting.

So here they are.  They are both 6"x4" Oil on Board.  1)Night and Day 2) At Rest (color study)

The Pianist

I am able to work from a model from time to time over the summer.  It is a great privelege always to have someone to sit for you especially when money is an issue.  (So annoying)  This is a one day (or less) study.  Though I feel it's really a small painting.  I plan on doing some different things with this same pose.  Possibly an alla prima portrait, graphite drawing and maybe a small piece again from a different spot.

The Gift

6"x4" oil on board still life.  Shades of red. 

Carissa Seated

Another image I did during the course of the day. It is 8"x10" Oil on Board. Figure Study in Duo-tone technique.

Daily Paint

Here is one of the first images I created. Oil on Board 4"x6". I decided to take advantage of the tiger lilies that are all blooming by my house. I like working on board except when it gets too wet it's a little annoying to get the paint to do what you want it to do. I like it better after it dries once and then you paint another layer on top of it again but in the spirit of daily painting that defeats the purpose. So I'll see if I can get better with the material or switch.

Posting Day One

Hello-
First day. Of course I already started a blog but can't access it. Awesome. So here's a second blog with a dash. They don't make this the easiest but it will do.
In attempt to get out there more and actually make a living as an artist I am investing time and energy to this blogging endeavor. The transition from student to fine artist isn't the easiest either. It takes perseverance, some guts and a lot of hustling to put it lightly. Though I know I will eventually be successful, do I have the patience to wait it out?
In the meantime, more painting, more networking, additional teaching and a few commissions. It's all become a big juggling act and balance is key. Though my sense of entitlement is still there, always wondering why I couldn't just be born with or married into financial freedom, I know that working hard and intelligently is key. Being grateful for who I am and what I have instead of demanding or desiring for what I don't is important.
So here we go on another adventure. I can't but help put my own personal spin on it and include what I'm thinking and feeling along the way. Besides I love writing too.
"Whatever you do, do with all your heart."----writer?
http://www.studioincamminati.org/inst_hagen.php
http://www.wix.com/jenhagen/art
www. dailypaintworks.com/artists/jhagen-1883