NEW WORK - Into The Light II

Yup, I finally got back in the studio and this painting was born. I love abstract because they really have a life of their own. This started with a desire for lime green and sort of grew from there. Its hard for me to declare an abstract done, but I’ve already posted it for sale on Artfinder so just a few small tweaks allowed.

INTO THE LIGHT II by Sea Dean 30” x 30”

Detail

Detail

SUNNY - DAY 26 - 30 in 30

This did have a base of a digital image, but it has many layers of Markup on top, so you probably don’t see any of the original. Red can be overwhelming in quantity, but yellow is always a good choice for monumental art. I can quite see me using this as a study for a large painting.

Below are the original image and a black and white version.

FOR SHEILA - Day 9 - 30 in 30 Challenge

I just had to stop the car and capture these sunflowers. Can’t look at a sunflower without thinking of Sheila Delgado of course. This is for you my friend.

Feel free to use this image for inspiration everyone, all I request is that you send me an image to show on my blog. Such happy flowers.

The Simple Life Shines

I’m pleased to announce that Artfinder has selected THE SIMPLE LIFE for an editorial collection. INSPIRED BY THE GREATS. I’m very proud that my work stands out from thousands of other works from artists around the world. It is a painting that was challenging to create and do justice to Mark Rothko who inspired me. It is one of my personal favorites from the recent solo exhibition 150 YEARS OF ABSTRACT. It can be purchased via Artfinder here. And the collection can be viewed here.

It is strange that I had just selected this painting for a totally unrelated advertising campaign. Big brother is watching! Today I’m selecting more ‘Paint a Masterpiece’ works for my Artfinder gallery.

Butterfly Effect

BUTTERFLY EFFECT by Sea Dean 20” x 20” $395

This painting has changed slightly, removing the more 3D butterflies and replacing with collage. Its very textural and delicate at the same time. A sunny piece for a dark corner. This is one piece that looks stunning under a spotlight.

Currently hanging in my Solo Exhibition 150 Years of Abstract

On show at Lake Country Coffee House until May 18th
The Coffee House has new owners and extended hours, so head out on the rail trail and take a detour to this great venue for a latte and lunch.

Bottom Wood Lake Road, Lake Country, BC, Canada
behind Lake Country Art Gallery, which currently has a wonderful pet portrait exhibition

Into the light - Final Version

This is the final version of “Into the Light”, a commanding certerpiece to my upcoming solo exhibition. I had excellent feedback from two internet artist friends whose work I admire greatly, Marion Hedger (www.artbymarion.uk) and Sheila Delgado (www.sheiladelgado.com): The resulting painting is something I am proud to sign my name to.

The adjustments were very minor. First I eliminated dots and lines which had strayed too close to the edge, leading the eye away from the center of interest. The most important eliminations were some bright green lines above the figure, and one suggesting a face which was too bold and distracting. Another important elimination was the bright corner bottom left which has just been blended with the rest of the red area.

Of course I could keep adjusting forever, but that would I overwork and result in a watered down version lacking pizzaz. Not me at all.

Into the Light will be on show with all my other latest works, from April 20th at Lake Country Coffee House on Bottom Wood Lake Road, Lake Country, BC, Canada.

Into the Light

About a year ago I decided I wanted to create a series of large paintings for my upcoming solo, but life got in the way and now I have two weeks to pull something together. Hopefully if I manage to create enough larger paintings I will be able to add a few surprise 3D pieces.

I started planning this morning and was determined to get the best part of at least one painting done. Square compositions are always a challenge, but I stuck to my original thought and only strayed for the last layer. There are a few minor corrections to make, but overall Im pleased with the result.

This is the third largest one piece painting I’ve created to date at 36” square, which in itself was a challenge and I ended up sitting on cushions on the floor with a large tarp underneath. I rotated to complete each side but kept reaffirming that I keep the composition off center, each corner different, variety in focal size and use of different tools to apply the paint. I would love to place a big splash of gold leaf across the painting, but I’m holding back because I dont think it needs it.

The name came to me at the end and then the sun came through the clouds that had hung over the lake all day, as if to affirm my choice.

Here and There

HERE AND THERE is another painting currently on show in the “Going to the Dogs” exhibition at Lake Country Art Gallery. The one finger ipad drawing is collaged on a backing of soft silver embellished with acrylic paint. Its always a challenge to create an image which has special effects, but the original is so much more impressive.

Here and there, 16” x 20” collage mixed media on silver paper $295
As it is currently on exhibition, please reserve by contacting me through this blog.

ADVENT GIFT - Inner Peace

Available ay artfinder.com/sea-dean

I used to live 20 mins out of town in a fruit growing/farming area with few facilities, but over 40 years it grew into a busy town. A few years ago I moved into the nearest city, which used to be a minor tourist destination and has turned into a metropolis. Make the mistake of driving the hiway between 2pm and 6pm and add an extra half hour to the trip. It’s one of the fastest growing areas in western Canada and city planning is stressing to keep up. Life is hectic.

In my life I have my Art business, my private business, caring for my mother, my health issues, her health issues, preparing for retirement, renovating two condos and trying to have a social life. It’s crazy! At a time when I should be slowing down and smelling the roses, it is speeding up and full of mental and physical polution. Ahhhhhhrgggggg!

Recently I heard the saying “Don’t let it rent space in your brain”

Isn’t that lovely. Just uttering the words takes me down a notch or two. I used to be a big believer in affirmations, a la Louise Hay, but I’ve come to realise that dealing with modern life is not about cancelling it out, or stomping it down, it’s about honoring each moment and processing as it occurs. I think this may be more of a Buddhist viewpoint than a Metaphysical one.

Being in the moment allows a person to adjust as life comes at you. Sometimes traffic is crazy, the baby is throwing up in the back seat, the dog is barking at nothing, the cell phone is ringing and its all about Triage. Triage is a hospital term referring to taking patients in order of urgency. So, you signal and creep into the exit lane, pull into a parking lot, baby is messy but OK, dog gets a pat, phone gets answered or turned off and suddenly peace ensues. BREATHE! BREATHE deeply again, open the window and BREATHE some more, give yourself an inner hug, smille and gain some inner peace before you clean up the mess. Treat yourself as the most important part of your life, which you are! You are the conductor in the orchestra and without YOU it will all come to a horrible and unharmonious end.

So your advent gift today is Inner Peace. Practise it every moment of each day, reject the static urgency of life and allow a sense of calm in. BREATHE. Practise often and it will become habit.

VAN GOGHS SUNFLOWERS

VAN GOGH SUNFLOWERS

It’s Thanksgiving in Canada and I need a rest, so I’m taking a bit of a break to give thanks for a busy artistic year.. I thought I would leave you with some fascinating reading about Van Gogh and his famous Sunflowers. I stumbled across the article above (link) while researching for a new painting series. Wonderful information on the most famous series of paintings in the world.

Van Gogh is so well known for his sunflowers that few people realize that he painted other flowers. I've pinned some on my Pinterest board “Sea Deans Roses and Other Flowers”, just follow the Pinterest links on the left side of my blog.

And while we're on the subject of Van Gogh, Kelly Santini gave this link to Van Goghs Letters on her blog, which makes fascinating reading.

COTTONWOODS AT NIGHT One Finger Drawing

COTTONWOODS AT NIGHT

Mixed Media on 8” x 10” Powlonia Cradle

Click to purchase unembellished art card $5 plus postage

I never like contrived art, so I’m working on adding interest to my drawings without going overboard. I often finish a one Finger Drawing but think it needs more at the center of interest. Being an animal lover my thoughts turn to birds, bears, squirrels etc, but one finger drawing requires simple form. This deer just naturally popped into place and it seems to work. what do you think?

Now I’m embellishing the prints of these iPad works, the real fun begins when I have mounted them and put the final finishes. I never really know what I will do with the paint and brushstroke coating, but I suspect that there will be some midnight blue and irridescent moonlight involved.

Sunset Swim - One Finger Drawing by Sea Dean - 30/30

SUNSET SWIM
One Finger Drawings by Sea Dean
6" x 8" Canvas Print ready to mount
$59 + shipping

Two versions of this one.

My Editions are available in a variety of sizes and surfaces
Contact Here

I'm one of the artists taking part in the Leslie Saeta 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. This is the ninth time Leslie has held this event and I've taken part in each one. This is # thirty of the thirty iPad drawings I plan to complete by September 30th.

I'm pleased to be part of the challenge once again and look forward to adding 30 new drawings to my Limited Edition Collection.

See all the Challenge Artists Work here

I'm at #6

30 PAINTINGS IN 30 DAYS - TWENTY TWO - SUNLIGHT

SUNLIGHT
IPAD DRAWING
8" x 10" Limited Edition Print
$39 unmounted
$69 mounted on Birch Cradle

You can choose whether to purchase the limited edition print ready to frame or the premium edition which is mounted on an 8" x 10" Birch Cradle.

This type of random drawing is much harder than it looks. Human tendency is to create balance and random needs to be slightly off balance to be interesting. Too unbalanced and it is uncomfortable to live with. The structure is also highly deceptive with hidden techniques and signatures that cannot be duplicated.

This drawing serves as my 22nd entry into the 30 in 30 challenge. Follow my blog so you don't miss any.

Posted as # 3

FAMOUS ARTIST BIRTHDAY - JACK VETTRIANO

THE SINGING BUTLER by Jack Vettriano

JACK VETTRIANO

Jack Vettriano OBE (born 17 November 1951 in Scotland as Jack Hoggan). His 1992 painting, The Singing Butler, is the best selling Art Print in the UK. The original painting sold at auction for £744,800, in 2004, a record at the time for any Scottish painting and in fact for any painting ever sold in Scotland. Click on the links for information about this famous work and the fascinating artist that created it.

If you aren't familiar with this painting where have you been?

I own a print of "The Singing Butler" and it hung in my home for many years. I found it endlessly fascinating, from the dappled treatment of the wet sand, to the grey skies, to questions about the couple, their servants and how the artist came up with the idea. It is probably instrumental in me returning to painting after many years working with different media.

Jack Vettriano paints slightly nostalgic works that depict fairly generic people, often with a sexual overtone. His early work while he was finding his feet as an artist and struggling for income, was much less raunchy.

Here is my analysis, of "The Singing Butler" taking into account what I have discovered about creating work that sells. Firstly, I note that all the subjects are facing away from the viewer: This creates interest and curiosity. The unusual light and the beautiful sand are enhanced by the darkened sky which heightens the honey tones in the sand and hints at this taking place just before or after a storm. Servants! Ah yes wouldn't everyone love to have a couple of loyal and attentive servants to shelter their employers from the rain and mop their brow? There is something about paintings with umbrellas; perhaps a suggestion of protection from the raging world? Then there is dancing ... women love to dance and dream of having a partner to whisk her around the dance floor or any location, even a beach! Beaches are a winning formula for many artists even for me in my land locked desert region. Take a moment to reflect on the composition with its straight lines and triangles, which always lead focus back to the dancing couple, yet create a sense of peace and dynamism which keep the eye moving. Lastly the chosen colours fit well in most homes, mainly grey, black and white with naples yellow for warmth (and to match the Magnolia walls) and that all important touch of red without which the painting would be quite boring. I've blogged before about the importance of adding red to the focal point. All in all it's a master work and it's no wonder it has become so famous and made Jack Vettriano a star.

IPAD DRAWINGS - Oceans Series - Here Comes the Sun

HERE COMES THE SUN
Oceans Series by Sea Dean
Copyrighted iPad drawing
Available as a one time use download or limited edition print

I've been playing with my ipad again. Well, not exactly playing, I've been working on a submission which calls for new media.

I've not only been experimenting with the draw app. Below is a tonal image taken from the above drawing which I created in the ipad "Photo" app. and then cropped slightly.

FEATURE ARTIST - OKANAGAN LOOKOUT ACEO

OKANAGAN LOOKOUT ACEO
by Sea Dean
2.5" x 3.5" Acid Free Bristol



This collector miniature can be purchased on Daily Paintworks in an archival bag with no mat or frame. Centered in a soft white 8" x 10" mat is $15 extra including shipping. Mounted in a miniature 4" x 5" frame is $25 extra.

FAMOUS ARTISTS BIRTHDAY - JEAN-FRANCOIS MILLET - ROMANTIC REALIST

THE GLEANERS by Jean-Francois Millet - An iconic work that inspired famous artists. 

Jean-Francois Millet was famous in the era before the Impressionists took France by storm. He developed a style and subject matter that appealed to the emerging middle class of hard working entrepreneurs that were common in the 19th century. They appreciated the work ethic of the peasants, but they also yearned for the clean air and sunlight which was largely absent in their city bound lives.

Millets work was greatly admired by Camille Pissarro, one of the fathers of Impressionism and he became inspired to visit the hinterland of France and paint plein air. He in turn inspired many of the younger Impressionists and the Post Impressionists to come.

Vincent Van Gogh the master Post Impressionist, copied the composition and subject matter of many of Millets paintings, infusing them with his own inimitable style. He became obsessed with several of Millets works, such as "The Sower"
 

Millets sense of light and simplicity still inspires artists today. It's not the industrial mania that we are trying to escape, but the suffocating and insistent presence of technology, but it ammounts to the same desire to return to the simple life.

MIllet was born 4 October 1814 near Gruchy, Cherbourg, France. He was a Romantic Realist focused on depicting the working life of peasant farmers. His treatment of light and movement fool the viewer into believing they are rapid renditions of life, but in fact they were carefully composed and painted meticulously in his studio.

MIllet died 20 January 1875 at Barbicon, France.

SUNDOWN

SUNDOWN
by Sea Dean
10" x 12" Deep Wrap Canvas
Available at Artfinder

I love the sunsets of summer and this is no exception. There are layers of purple, violet, red, maroon, hot pink and yellow with tiny glints of reflected light in the water. It was inspired by a photo I took at 30,000 feet over Georgia Strait in British Columbia.

TOPIARY

TOPIARY
6" x 4"
Mounted in an 8" x 10" Soft White Mat
SOLD

I thought my readers may enjoy seeing which of my paintings have recently sold. I've always loved this painting for it's brushwork and the gorgeous combination of spring like colors. It comes as no surprise then that it sold in the spring.

I had the rare opportunity of being in the gallery when the piece sold. The gallery owner had cleverly placed some of my matted small works on the counter facing the door. I was just finishing up a change out and chatting with Cathy, the owner, and a customer breezed in. She was a regular customer and had some framing to pick up. This little painting immediately caught her attention and she bought it on the spot for a friend.

The customer said she has a box for gifts and when she sees something appropriate for a friend she buys it and keeps it until a special occasion. A lovely idea and so much better than dashing out the day before a birthday and trying to find something appropriate.

RED ROSE - BLUE ROSE - YELLOW ROSE - PRIMARY ROSES

PRIMARY ROSES
3 paintings 4" x 4" on panel
Mounted on 4" x 12" Deep wrap canvas

Regular  Price $145
Limited Time Studio Reno Sale $100

Each of these Mini Paintings is spectacular but when shown together it is a work of art like no other. The Roses are in primary colours with complementary colored backgrounds. The petals are outlines with copper iridescent acrylic. The paintings are mounted with velcro, so can be displayed separately on the wall or on little easels.