Apple in Last Light (+ poet Joy Harjo)

It was announced today that Joy Harjo was named the first Native American U.S. Poet Laureate. Harjo is a poet, writer, musician, member of the Muscogee Creek Nation, and her work often draws on Native American stories, languages, and myths. If you're not familiar, two poems by Harjo that I particularly enjoy are "Redbird Love" and "Remember."

If you enjoy this painting, you may also like to see a bunch of my paintings of apples or paintings completed in last light.

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Thanks in advance,

Bosc Pear in Last Light (+ my upcoming Workshops)

Upcoming Workshops

I have two workshops coming up in 2017. Space is limited. Each workshop will include a still life demonstration by me, as I explain my thought process, as well individualized critiques. Hope to see you there.

July 25-27, 2017 - 2 spots left
3-Day workshop: Explore “A Painting a Day” and Alla Prima Oil Painting
Tuesday-Thursday, 10-4pm
Limited to 12 students
Falmouth Art Center, Falmouth (Cape Cod), MA
LEARN MORE

October 14-15, 2017 - registration just opened
1.5-Day workshop: Explore “A Painting a Day” and Alla Prima Oil Painting
Saturday, 10-4pm
Sunday, 9-12pm
Limited to 12 students
John F. Peto Museum, Island Heights, NJ
LEARN MORE

If you enjoy this painting, you may also like to see a my other "last light" paintings or a bunch of my paintings of pears.

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Best,

Pomegranate in Last Light (+ Steve Reich at 80: Still Plugged In, Still Plugging Away)

If you're interested, "Steve Reich at 80: Still Plugged In, Still Plugging Away" is a nice article about the composer Steve Reich and his relationship to technology. Here's an excerpt:

"'There’s no free lunch,' he said, musing on the trade-offs we make with technology. 'Whatever you gain, you have to realize that it's at some cost. And if you're not aware of that, then you are, in a sense, living in what we used to call a fool's paradise.'

Asked about ubiquity of technology today — a time when some even pay good money for someone to take their iPhones away — Mr. Reich responded, 'Well, that's the beauty of the Sabbath.' As an observant Jew, he unplugs every seventh day to take a break himself.

In 2016, when countless secular Americans are finding a need for 'unplugged retreats,' Mr. Reich still seems to have his finger on the pulse of the times...." [Keep reading]

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Best,

Antique Wire-rimmed Glasses No. 3 (+ Skyspace)

This is my third time painting these awesome antique wire-rimmed glasses that I found at a market in Woodstock, NY; if you look closely there's a self portrait of sorts in the reflection (here are a bunch of other reflection self portraits, too).

If you haven't seen it, the Chestnut Hill Skyspace is now open again and allows visitors to enjoy the tranquility of sunrise and sunset below James Turrell’s mesmerizing lights. It is open every Sunday at sunset, every First Friday at sunset, and every First Sunday 50 minutes before sunrise (a completely different piece, and very much worth getting up early for).

To purchase my work, view my Current Auctions and All Available Paintings.

Lady Apple in Last Light

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Best,

Pomegranate in Last Light No. 2 (+ inspiring you inspires me)

In my 8 year blog post the other day, I wrote a bit about how much my daily paintings are personal to me, my painting practice is a mindfulness meditation, and through my work, I share with you the awe and wonder I feel about beauty that is in our daily lives. It inspires me when my paintings awaken a similar sense of awe and wonder in you, and I wanted to share a note and photo that I just got from a fan and collector of my work:

"Abbey -- this beauty [pictured right] I received yesterday in my CSA basket instantly made me think about you. I hope you are well, healthy and happy!"

I often get emails and comments like that and I always love getting them. Thank you.

To purchase my work, view my Current Auctions and All Available Paintings.

Best,

Three Asian Pears in Late Afternoon Light (+ studio photos)

Click to view auction

As promised, I have some photos of my new studio to share with you. I'll post a few at a time in my Studio | World album.

The first few photos show the entryway. Hanging there is trio of original works: a little ink on paper painting of mine, a seascape of mine, and an original hand-printed and hand-signed letterpress print by Seth Godin.

Seth's print includes an epigram from his book, The Icarus Deception, that I read every time I walk into my studio. The first line is "You are not your career" and the last line is "fly closer to the sun." I posted a detail shot of the whole thing so you can read it, if you're interested.

All my new studio photos can be found here. Hope you enjoy, and I'll add more soon.

If you'd like to purchase my work, you can view my Current Painting Auctions and then view All Available Paintings.

All my best,

Pomegranate in Last Light

Click to view auction

In my new studio (photos coming soon), it's new for me to have natural north light and woods outside my windows. As I am adjusting, I am seeing the potential for deep exploration with the north light. I'm not sure what this means just yet, but I do know that the low light in the late afternoon & last light reminds me of some of my favorite paintings by Rembrandt.

Speaking of which, I was planning to spend time tomorrow with the Old Masters at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and then meet up with the folks at Vasari. I came down with a head cold yesterday, so it will happen next month instead. Thank you for your awesome email inquiries about my upcoming visit, and I will be sure to post about my adventures -- I'm fortunate to live so close to NYC.

Ending Soon - ends tonight at 9:30 PM EST

Click to view auction

Best,


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Red Grapes in the Last Afternoon Light (+ How High Will You Fly?)

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The story of Icarus came up in my life recently, and I couldn't help but think of this and this. I would encourage you to take a moment today to consider the type of thinking about art and artists that Seth brings up (hint: How High Will You Fly?). If you have any down-time today, I'd also recommend that you check out Fly Closer to The Sun and this book. It's all well worth it.

Update on my Contest for FREE Private Painting Mentoring session ($450 value):
All the applications are so amazing; I am having an incredibly difficult time choosing the winner. Thank you for your patience.

Ending Soon
The auction for Avocado Half ends soon at 12:45 PM EDT. View Auction

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Happy Monday,

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Here's how this painting would look framed: