Dealing with people

Having to interact with humanity is one of the more difficult things an artist has to deal with. You would think this would not be the case, but that circuit in the brain that makes a true artist also takes away the easy affability and gregariousness you see in other people.

Take the time to read up on some art history, go back as far as the old masters, Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rubens. Move forward through the ages to Monet, Van Gogh, and Manet. Every single one of them seemed to prefer their own company to that of others. In a phrase, they were what some call geeks. In actuality they all, as does nearly every"talented" artist today exhibited some level of autism, likely in the Asperger spectrum.

This is not a condemnation by any means, merely an observation, as I often see the same sort of personality twist from the norm in myself. This is why those artists who develop enough of a following to where their works enable them to make a living often obtain the services of a manager. The manager deals with the people, allowing the artist to continue on doing what they do best.

Landscapes

My Great Grandfather, Irving Reuben Bacon was one of the known impressionist painters of the late 19th and early 20th century. His patron was Henry Ford and he painted several works that are in museums. His best known work is Conquest of the Prairie.

Notice the incredible depth of field? That is the work of a master. And, because it is in the genes... I have several landscapes of my own planned, and one in the works.

I'm painting it onto a gallery canvas, one where the edges are also painted, sized 24" high by 48" long. Doing something like this takes time, but the end result ought to be rather nice.

If you look at the far right hand corner of the canvas, you will see where I have begun to add details to the clouds. Paintings like this are done in layers, building up the colors and the depth of field as you go.

Pet Portraits

I am very, very good at painting a picture of somebody's beloved cat, dog, horse, bird, or even gerbil. Perhaps it is the half century of practice. I still have those bird paintings I did as a high school student for my parents' kitchen cupboards. My mother had the cupboard doors cut up and each image framed for me after my dad passed away.

Just yesterday a young lady, Meagan, picked up a portrait I painted of her cat, Cleopatra. I got a hug. Now, that is appreciation.

Painting a pet is not the same as painting a person. The artist has to be able to see the personality in the photo, and yes, I do mean photo. You try to get a Siamese to still still long enough to sketch a pose.

I think it is that appreciation that keeps doing these so enjoyable. Seeing the expression of the owner as they look on the painting versus the image they were emailed, is something you never forget.

I do take commissions and I will ship, but be aware, it can cost more to ship a canvas that it did to commission the painting. Packing an oil painting so it arrives unmolested is nowhere near cheap. But if you live in Topeka or near there, that isn't an issue.

The email address is on the brochure