DAY 27 of 30 - TWIN CIRCLE NEST

This 12 inch circular canvas board is slowly developing into a textured collage painting. I’m trying not to overwork the leaves or add too many, but I love them so much I probably will add many more. I’m also trying to resist adding another egg, what do you think?

The painting should be finished tomorrow, and then I have to add a mount and varnish, but there weren’t enough hours in the day today.

Lots of crackle in this one Sheila!

30DCG2020  and ODP

DAY 26 of 30 - Prep for Nests

Today I spent some time doing prep for some nests. 

The top image is a circular canvas prepped with a crackle surface. Crackle is not easy, being a combination of the chosen surface, type of crackle, type of underpaint, type of overpaint, thickness of application, type of application (brush, roller, spray) thickness of application and just sheer luck. Each different combination produces a different result and there are thousands of possibilities. 

Once you know what you’re doing, you can make choices, but never totally control the outcome. I’m getting better at it and having the pressure of a challenge forced me to figure it out once and for all. I like the way this is going.

This is a cast metal tree I’m repurposing for a nest stand. I will have to make the nest about 3 or 4 inches to fit in the crook, but I think it will look great when done. I try not to repurpose cast and wrought metal because its heavy to ship, but this piece was too special to go to the landfill. PS thats the fireplace behind which I redesigned last summer, right on trend.

One of the other pieces I worked on is a chateau chic candle stand which I’m also repurposing for a nest stand. I’ve used three different colored but similar chalk paints and left some of the raw dark wood exposed on the inner section to enhance the amazing hand carving done by the previous artisan.  Its gonna be hard to let this one go.

30DCG2020  and ODP

DAY 21 of 30 - NESTING CIRCLE (final version)

NESTING CIRCLE (final) by Sea Dean 

WIP

As I thought yesterday, the slight triangulation of the nest lying on a fork in the tree really helped the composition. It gave the eye something to settle on and understand, taking it from absstract and fantasy to reality.

The particular green that I’ve added to the leaves, Grumbacher Thalo Yellow Green, also gives the painting more depth. It seems garish when you’re using it and you have to have the courage to let it dry and settle, but it was a great tip learned from an artist and friend I much admire, Daniel Dearborn.  I like the softer green in the first WIP, but the final version is much more me.

30DCG2020  and ODP

DAY 20 of 30 - NESTING CIRCLE

NESTING CIRCLE by Sea Dean 12 inch diameter $125 (unmounted)

This was an experiment all the way. I had read somewhere that it was possible to mix acrylic paint with chalk paint, so I wanted to give it a go. I grabbed a round canvas board, just because it was easiest at hand. I added crackle and painted the edge so it could be hung without framing.

I will probably mount this on a hidden square birch cradle, but other options include gluing another identical canvas to the back, mounting in a needlework ring, ordering a 12” round frame, mounting onto a larger square birch cradle or mounting onto the same size round birch cradle.

Painting in the round isn’t easy; do you totally center the composition or off center it? If you off center, how do you balance the lopsidedness and how off center should you go. I remember when I first started painting on square canvas I had the same problem. I think the answer in this case is to triangulate.

30DCG2020  and ODP

DAY 13 of 30 - BIRDHOUSE BLING (final)

Yesterday I completed the front and today the back and sides. I think I’m going to include some color inside like beautiful lining in a designer coat. Just have to decide between red, green, turquoise or blue.

I also continued with some layers on three others that are not quite ready to show.

30DCG2020 - ODP

Day 3 of 30 - SILVERY NEST

SILVERY NEST by Sea Dean

This sweet two tone nest with bird is about 5” across. I’ve displayed it with NEST FOR THREE from earlier in the week to show the difference in size. The bird is crafted from polymer and feathers. I will include the acorns for shipping within Canada, but I don’t think I can ship them over a border as they are real. I think the sculpture is just as good without. The purchaser could always collect some natural objects of their own.

Steel, copper, polymer and feather.
Available in my Artfinder shop artfinder.com/sea-dean

 30DG2020 - ODP

SILVERY NEST a and NEST FOR THREE by Sea Dean

Created on 02/02/2020 a rare eight-digit palindrome (reads same, forward and backward) the only one of its kind this century.

The previous eight-digit palindrome was 11/11/1111, 909 years ago.

We have to wait another 101 years for 12/12/2121

Day 1 of 30 - NEST FOR THREE

NEST FOR THREE by Sea Dean

I wildly agreed to take part in another daily challenge. I always think it’s a good idea when I’m several months distant, but as it gets closer I start to panic. What am I going to paint? How am I going to fit it in? etc. etc. Nevertheless I will be taking part in the 30 Day Creative Gathering which spans the month of February.

I didnt expect to choose a theme, thinking I would just wing it, but it came to me that I love creating nests and with spring coming it’s the perfect theme. So I’m going to create all things nesty and birdy for 30 days. I may even slip in some furniture painting and progress on my latest manikins Oscar, Lucy and Monique ... Oooo La La.

To join the Facebook 30 Day Creative Gathering click here

NEST FOR THREE with FLYING HIGH both by Sea Dean

There are many ways to display my nests but my favorite is to place them in a pre-lit LED tree or any natural branches. Many in the series come with a stand for display, but occasionally a plain nest can be purchased in my artfinder shop so you can get creative. NEST FOR THREE contains three solid marble eggs and is quite large and heavy for my small tree, but you get the idea.

The oil painting pictured here is also available in my artfinder shop.

30DCG2020 - ODP

DESIGNER NEST

DESIGNER NEST
5" x 7"
Mounted in a black frame
SOLD

I was surprised that this painting didn't sell fast, but possibly that is because it is so unique and most buyers in our area are quite conservative.

The painting is part of my popular nest series and the eggs in it really pop because I spent a huge amount of time creating the effect. That time is never lost though, and the next time I go to paint a nest with eggs I will remember the technique. The other unique feature is that I collaged some real feathers into the artwork. Possibly in a craft show this would be more appreciated than in a gallery location. However, some astute customer snapped it up at Ritchcraft, which is a framing shop with a bijou gallery stuffed with all kinds of creative knick knacks.

3D SCULPTURE - A NEST FOR ONE - SOLD ... A NEST FOR TWO - AVAILABLE

A NEST FOR ONE
SOLD

This is one of my favourite works of 2015 and it's on it's way to Alaska; a addition to the journey of my creations around the world. I sold the nest through a UK website where it was priced in British Pounds and yet my U.S. buyer, found it, loved it and purchased it, via the internet. That is the impressive power of internet presence.

A NEST FOR TWO
Purchase on Artfinder

My nest series is one that is close to my heart. I've sold many nest paintings from miniature ACEO to 10" x 15" and now a sculpture. It seems to be a subject that speaks to all ages and all sections of society. A nest is a symbol of hope and new life, it  speaks to anyone that has brought a child into the world and inspires happy memories of childhood.

As I progress from the new kid on the block to a weathered professional artist, my direction is beginning to crystallize. Staying close to nature represents my true inner self. Still life and landscape paintings are very challenging to me and I've recently realized that is because there is no movement. When I add an animal or bird to a landscape it breathes life into the painting: In my nests it is the hint of life inside the egg which adds just enough gaia energy.

So no doubt you will be seeing more nests, birds, animals, figures and movement in my work in 2016

ACCEPTANCE - Nests

I've been accepted for the COHA Exhibition "Expressions of Death: dying, grief and life after" showing in September at the Alternator Gallery in Kelowna, BC.

"The Central Okanagan Hospice Association (COHA) offers compassionate care, comfort, support and learning to those who are dying or grieving within our community. We all will die, yet the words, death, dying, died are spoken in hushed whispers if they are spoken at all. Through the denial of our death, we deny those around us the knowing of our wishes, fears, and hopes. We deny lasting connection in our final breaths. Through starting the conversation on living until death, we hope to create an atmosphere where to die is not to lose a fight, but an inevitable step on one’s journey."

This is the first time I've been accepted  on the strength of a proposal for a conceptual piece, which is a step in the direction of public art submissions. My proposed art work is called CROSSING OVER. The piece is a sculpture based on my nest series, exploring a much loved area of my artistic life that I rarely play in. Stay tuned for more, as I develop the proposal and start construction. Yay!

I think this may be the only 2D nest that I have available at the moment. You can purchase it with or without a frame, but it is currently for sale on Daily Painworks framed and matted. Just contact me if you want to mount it yourself and save on shipping.

VIew my online Gallery of large works and Limited Editions at ARTFINDER
View my online Gallery of small works at DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO and printed products here
Art Cards $5 and Art Postcards $3 here

COMMISSION of NEW LIFE by Sea Dean

NEW LIFE by Sea Dean- 15" x 10"

COZY PENTHOUSE by Sea Dean - 6" x 4"

NEW LIFE
by Sea Dean
15" x 10" on Canvas
Linen, Bronze and Gold Frame
COMMISSION

View my online Gallery of originals here DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here
Art Cards $5 and Art Postcards $3 here

This painting sold to a favourite patron who saw an OSWOA (original small work of art) in a show and wanted a larger version. She had just discovered a Robin's nest in a bush near her home and the birds were hatched, so having missed the egg stage, an empty nest was perfect for her.

It seems like it should be easy to copy your own painting, but there are always challenges with commissions. You never really know which part of the painting inspired the patron, or exactly what they like, so duplication must be quite accurate in colour and composition.

First I went back to my original inspiration photo, which prompted me to add more lower structure to the nest. I then studied the original painting so I could feel the mood observe the changes I had introduced to add interest. In this painting, the juxtabposition of complimentary colours was very important, and the dark limbs of the tree created the structure, all pointing towards the nest as center of focus.

The substrate made quite a difference to the texture of the painting because the original was on Strathmore Windpower, a thick, smooth, water colour paper and the commission was on gessoed canvas. The former gives a softer effect and the latter, greater texture.

The original painting, COZY PENTHOUSE, (smaller image) was matted and framed, so I gave the client the option of either choice. I had a rather nice bronze and linen frame on hand and she quite rightly selected it. Somehow a professional frame adds presence to a natural painting like this and honours the ingenuity and focus of the little bird that built it.

COMMISSIONS
It's easy to commission a painting, but I do like to ask for at least a month lead time if it is for a special occasion, so I don't feel I have to rush. I paint from your own images or, if you prefer, I schedule a session and work from my photos.

I like natural subjects ... your favourite ocean or landscape view, a portrait of your pet or a new graduate, but I'm also available for home owners and designers to create large and unique works of art to co-ordinate with the decor. Commissions range from 60 cents to 90 cents per square inch depending on size and out of pocket expense.

The best way to contact me is through the Daily Paintworks email link. All you have to do is click.

DESIGNER NEST - Art Print Postcard

DESIGNER NEST is a framed 5" x 7" mixed media painting on canvas panel. It has applique natural feathers and fleece wool. It is part of my popular nest series and the original can be purchased here.

DESIGNER NEST is also available as the postcard above, which fits a standard 4" x 6" frame. To purchase for only $3 plus shipping, click here

DIMENSIONS
OSWOA Art Postcard - 4" x 6" (100mm x 152mm) 

Small Tote - 14" x 14" x 3" (35.6 x 35.6 x 7.6 cm) - special order
Deluxe Canvas Tote - 19" x 15" x 6" (48.3 x 38.1 x 15.2 cm) - special order
Deluxe 2 Tone Tote - 19" x 15" x 6" (48.3 x 38.1 x 15.2 cm) - special order

Not yet available with Designer Nest mage
ACEO - 2.5" x 3.5" (63mm x 88mm)
Vista Art Postcard - 4.25" x 5.5" (139mm x 107mm)
Art Print Magnet - 2" x 2.5" (49mm x 87mm)   

More prints to be revealed soon, but if you're in a hurry, hop along to my shop by clicking here and see the new spring designs.

A NEST FOR TWO 3D - Art for the Ages Intergenerational Exhibition - CHEEKY GUEST AUCTION $29

 

A NEST FOR TWO 3D
By Sea Dean and Spencer Arguedas
9" x 6" x 6"
Metallic Mixed Media
(non organic matter)
$95
The sculpture can be purchased by contacting me or at the Lake Country Art Gallery

View my online Gallery of originals here DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here
Art Cards $5 and Art Postcards $3 here

Now showing at Lake Country Art Gallery
ART THROUGH THE AGES Inter-generational Exhibition
10356A Bottom Wood Lake Rd, Lake Country, BC Canada

8 April - 16 May 2015

Wed 8am - 6pm

Thurs and Fri 10 - 4pm

Sat and Sun 11 - 3pm

Created for the Lake Country Art Gallery Inter-generational Exhibition. The submission calls for a collaboration between at least two people from different generations, so for this I used a video made by my nephew Spencer, of a nest in the eaves of his home.

While I was creating and mounting A NEST FOR ONE 3D I couldn't decide between two bases so I made another nest to fit the second base. A NEST FOR ONE 3D now has a modern looking base which can hang on the wall or stand on a shelf. A NEST FOR TWO 3D has a more delicate looking base with leaves and branches. Stand this on a table, window sill or shelf to compliment your decor.

It's hard to choose which I like best.

As Daily Paintworks doesn't allow 3D Art my feature painting there today is CHEEKY GUEST. It is on auction starting at $29 as a thank you to my avid followers. Click here to view and bid.


Ref
5043 A Nest for Two 3D
1009 Cheeky Guest 

A NEST FOR ONE 3D - Art through the Ages Inter-generational Exhibition

A NEST FOR ONE 3D
By Sea Dean and Spencer Arguedas
13" x 7" x 7"
Metal Mixed Media
(non organic matter)
$125
Purchase by contacting me or Lake Country Art Gallery

View my online Gallery of originals here DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here
Art Cards $5 and Art Postcards $3 here

Now showing at Lake Country Art Gallery
ART THROUGH THE AGES Inter-generational Exhibition
10356A Bottom Wood Lake Road, Lake Country, B.C. Canada

8 April - 16 May 2015

Wed 8am - 6pm

Thurs and Fri 10 - 4pm

Sat and Sun 11 - 3pm

Created for the Lake Country Art Gallery Inter-generational Exhibition. The submission calls for a collaboration between at least two people from different generations, so for this I used a video made by my nephew Spencer, of a nest in the eaves of his home.

The base is re-purposed and can either hang on the wall or stand freely. I blended the nest into the stand by texturizing with bronze paint to echo leaves and branches.

It's been a long time since I opened my metalwork tool box and it was thrilling to take out my round nosed pliers and snips. This was so much fun to create and I'm very proud of it. Although I've focused on acrylic painting for the last few years, I specialized in metalwork and jewellery design at Art School. I also have a history of 3D creations from Jewellery to hand built pottery, fashion design, home decor and all kinds of crafts.

As 3D Art is not allowed on Daily Paintworks, my painting SPRING VISITOR (above) is the feature painting there today. It is painted on Strathmore Windpower, block mounted. click here for details.


Ref 5043 A Nest for One 3D

A NEST FOR TWO - Art through the Ages Intergenerational Exhibition

A NEST FOR TWO
By Sea Dean
12" x 12" Deep Wrap Canvas
$120

View my online Gallery of originals here DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here
Art Cards $5 and Art Postcards $3 here

Now showing at ART THROUGH THE AGES Inter-generational Exhibition
Lake Country Art Gallery
10356A Bottom Wood Lake Road, Lake Country, B.C. Canada
8 April - 16 May 2015

Wed 8am - 6pm

Thurs and Fri 10 - 4pm

Sat and Sun 11 - 3pm

My nephew Spencer, sent me a video of a nest in the eves of his house. I immediately thought it would be a great idea to paint and submit it for the inter-generational exhibition. It looks so perfectly cosy for those lucky birdies.

There is a great deal of texture and unexpected colour in this work. I was very pleased when it was finished and I'm sure Spencer will love it too.

The painting is now hanging in the Lake Country Art Gallery ART THROUGH THE AGES inter-generational exhibition which opens Wednesday 8th April for approximately 5 weeks. The gallery is on Bottom Wood Lake Road in Lake Country, B.C. Canada.


Ref 15041 A Nest For Two

NEW MENTOR BRIAN RUTENBERG - Cosy Penthouse Framed

COSY PENTHOUSE
By Sea Dean
4" x 6" 140 lb Strathmore
Frame and Double Mat included approximately 10" x 8"

To view my online Gallery of originals please visit Daily Paintworks
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here


BRIAN RUTENBERG STUDIO VISIT 43
ON HEALTH AND PRESENCE

I love abstract painting and as any artist that has tried knows, it's far more difficult than one would assume on first glance. Obviously Brian is a full time artists with a large studio, creates beautiful paintings and has been involved in hundreds of exhibitions. I have taken him on as a mentor for the next step in my journey. His videos are full of ideas not limited to, but related to the life of a professional artist and I very much enjoy them as well as loving his work.

I'm excited to see where this may take me.

I was introduced to Brian Rutenberg by blogger KAETHE BEALER see her blog here


Ref  3081

PAINTINGS OF THE U100 SHOW - DELICATE NEST ACEO

DELICATE NEST ACEO
2.5" x 3.5" ACEO
White Frame - Ready to hang or stand

View my online Gallery of originals please visit DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here
Bid on my exclusive limited time SILENT AUCTIONS here

This painting is on display at the Lake Country Art Gallery Under $100 show. This year I'm giving my internet patrons the opportunity to purchase paintings that are in the show. Purchase by contacting me. I will check to make sure it is still available and send you an invoice via Paypal. 

As this is a fast moving show, you will have 24 hours to pay or the painting goes back on the wall.  I honour the commission until the end of the exhibition whether sold online or through the gallery. 

This painting is now sold. However, I am always happy to create a similar painting for you in any size. Contact me through comments.

Thank you for your patronage.

PAINTINGS OF THE U100 SHOW - DESIGNER NEST

DESIGNER NEST
5" x 7" Panel
Black Frame - Ready to hang

View my online Gallery of originals please visit DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here
Bid on my exclusive limited time SILENT AUCTIONS here

This painting is on display at the Lake Country Art Gallery Under $100 show. This year I'm giving my internet patrons the opportunity to purchase paintings which are in the show. This may be purchased by contacting me. I will check with the gallery to make sure it is still available and send an invoice via Paypal. As this is a fast moving show, you will have 24 hours to pay or the painting goes back on the wall. Whether sold online or through the gallery, I honour their commission until the end of the exhibition.

Thank you for your patronage.

LITTLE NEST ACEO or ATC

LITTLE NEST ACEO
PROFESSIONAL ACRYLIC ACEO ORIGINAL 
PAINTING BY SEA DEAN
2.5" x 3.5" on canvas card

To view my Gallery or purchase this painting please visit Daily Paintworks. Larger originals or prints may be available by contacting me.

I enjoy painting nests of all sizes. The one above is a miniature collectable ACEO. I also have a similar but larger painting available below.


GONE CUCKOO
PROFESSIONAL ACRYLIC ORIGINAL 
PAINTING BY SEA DEAN
8" x 10" on Gallery Wrap Canvas

This painting doesn't require a frame because I have painted the 5/8" canvas edge with mahogany coloured acrylic paint. 

Cat # 14064 Little Nest ACEO
Cat # 12072 Gone Cuckoo

GONE CUCKOO 8" x 10" by Sea Dean

H

IN DAYLIGHT

WITH FULL SPECTRUM BULB AT NIGHT

GONE CUCKOO

8" x 10"on Gallery Wrap Canvas
PAINTING BY SEA DEAN

To view my Gallery or purchase this painting please visit Daily Paintworks. Larger originals or prints may be available by contacting me.

I don't know what it is about nests, but they fascinate me. They are such a huge subject, not in size but in regards to discovery, as many small boy can atest to.

Birds of all sizes create nests and they are all works of art. Each species works with a different plan, passed from parent to chick over the ages. Some birds just pull a few sticks together and others construct palaces, renovate and decorate over many years, like any proud home owner.

Then there is the mystery of creation itself. Every creature has a drive to procreate, but how does that work with birds? Unlike humans, a chick gestates outside the body of the parent, protected by a hard smooth shell. That shell forms an egg which has a sensual, slightly uneven shape which is both simple and challenging to paint. I could go on observing forever, but instead, I will continue to explore this fascinating subject matter in paint. 

I started painting GONE CUCKOO in 2012, but I was interrupted and today I felt drawn to finish. That makes this a rare collector item which is mentioned in my 2012 catalog, yet has a 2014 signature. The very last strokes I made here were the young, sprouting leaves around the nest which indicate new life: I think these little brush strokes complete the painting perfectly.


Cat # 12072 Gone Cuckoo