I've decided to start plein air painting on my lunch breaks. I have about 40 minutes to sketch in Forest Park, which has a lot to offer. The purpose is to quicken my decision making and practice good habits.
June 6, 2016
Building of a trout
Plein air painting at Channel Islands National Park
Last week I returned from a plein are painting trip to Channel Islands National Park, in California. It was my 30th park! It was a beautiful place to paint. A little windy, so I didn't even bring out my easel. I got some good paintings out of the trip which I will be posting soon!
For more info about Channel Islands National Park, visit:
Hot Springs National Park Artist In Residence!
I am extremely proud to announce that I have been selected as an official Artist in Residence at Hot Springs National Park for 2016! I am so incredibly honored to selected in the year of the National Park Service's centennial. This will combine my two biggest passions in life: painting and National Parks. I'll be staying at working in Hot Springs National Park for the last two weeks of August, so if you visit at that time, keep an eye out for my public programs!
To read more about the Artist in Residence programs that the National Park Service offers, please visit:
Art show
I was accepted to this art show! The opening is Friday, Jan 29th. Pretty excited to get some paintings out on the town!
Museum Selfie Day
I'm not one for selfies, but on Museum Selfie day I have to pay homage to the Museum which inspired my obsession with art as a child, The Saint Louis Art Museum. Without this museum I wouldn't be who I am today.
Untitled by Donald Judd, 1969, and Beta by Morris Lewis, 1960, with yours truly.
Wendy red star
This wool Apsaalooke dress from 2014 by Wendy Red Star is adorned with rows and rows of replica elk teeth. 100 years ago, they would have been real. The Apsaalooke (Crow) adorned these dresses with only the elk's "ivories", which were once tusks grown by prehistoric ancestors, now evolved into canines in modern elk. Each dress represents hundreds of each family's successful hunts, worn for special occasions. only about ten dresses made from all real elk teeth remain. It's one of my favorite pieces at Saint Louis Art Museum. I am so grateful my place of employment is also my favorite place.
National Park Foundation twitter
Exciting news for me....the National Park Foundation retweeted my painting of the Grand Canyon! This was the first plein air painting I did in a National Park. I found myself so inspired that I found a wal-mart and bought some cheap watercolors, brushes, and a $20 aluminum easel. The rest is history.
Follow the National Park Foundation on twitter here!
An old article I found...
While googling myself, I found a link to an article the The Columbia Tribune published about my work back in 2008. Enjoy!
http://archive.columbiatribune.com/2008/oct/20081026Ovat010.asp
Welcome
Welcome everyone, to my new website. I plan on using this space to compile information about my art and what inspires me. Check my blog for hikes, drawings, animals, gemstones, or whatever else catches my fancy. Enjoy!