New Masters Gallery - Carmel, California

I have had gallery representation at the same three galleries since 2005 and have by choice been slow to add galleries. One dream was to be in New Masters Gallery in Carmel, California. Well, I reached out to them recently and they accepted me as their newest artist. I sent them four oil paintings and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship.

An Artist's Benefit

Vacation Promenade, 20  x 16

One benefit of being a full time artist is hanging recently completed oil paintings in my home for a period of time before going off to a gallery or someone's permanent home. I love the luxury of seeing my work in my living room or family room as I walk through the house. This allows me to see subtle edits that can be made and to experience the pure joy of my work. The downside is that sometimes I fall so in love with a piece that it becomes almost unbearable to part with it. Vacation Promenade brings back wonderful memories of my European paint trips. I believe I succeeded in capturing the activity of this street in Rouen, France. The shadows work well and the marbling effect unifies the painting nicely. I haven't had many blog comments lately (but then I haven't made too many posts either). Anyway, I would love to hear what you think of this piece. For you artists, do you also hang your own work in your home before sending them on to a gallery or buyer?

Plein Air Workshop - Nov. 3-5, 2011 - Napa, Sonoma, St. Helena, CA

I intentionally keep the workshop small to assure individual attention. This time of year, the vineyards are turning colors and the painting scenes are plentiful. We will paint in St. Helena, Sonoma and Napa. Comments from past workshop attendees include:

“Brent is a natural-born teacher with the ability to impart knowledge and encouragement and take people where they are in their development and advance them to the next level.  He gave me a tremendous start, and since that time he has been more than willing to critique my work.”
“It’s the best workshop I’ve taken.”
“What I liked most about your workshop was your attention to addressing student weaknesses and your ability to help participants meet their goals.”
Future students can expect to be inspired by a friendly and open teacher. If you want to loosen your work, Brent’s the man.”
“Your excitement and enthusiasm to interpret subject matter is a tremendous boost to the process.”
Of the half dozen or so workshops taken, you stand out in one to one which is most important.”
“I would tell future workshop attendees they can expect personal attention geared to their level – and in my case, edge work and color enhancement.”
“The variety of locations was terrific.”

Download the two-page brochure on my About Me page of www.jensenstudio.com.

Completed Plein Air Workshop

Congratulations to my workshop attendees who worked diligently the last three days at my plein air workshop. The weather at all three locations, Mare Island, Sonoma and Napa, was perfect. I scouted beautiful locations and intentionally kept the group small to provide individual attention to each student. This workshop reaffirmed my love of teaching. I've decided that if there is enough interest, I will hold another Plein Air Workshop on November 3-5, 2011.  Click here for brochure link.

Napa Valley Art Festival Demonstration

Brent Jensen during art demonstration at the Napa Valley Art Festival. A great group assembled and had wonderful questions throughout the demonstration.

I painted this Fairfield scene of sunflowers and beehives. Choosing the correct scene for a demonstration is a balance between what can be achieved during the time allotted and what will hold interest.  The one red beehive box was perfect although I explained the placement would be enhanced if it were in moved from where it was in the photo. Artistic license is often underutilized and can make a large impact in a painting. I will finish the painting later this week so look on the Fresh Paint page of my website if you are interested in seeing the final product.

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

Well, I'm happy with my 24 x 30 plein air painting, Dismantling The Lincoln. After my last blog entry, I continued to work on it at the dry dock on Mare Island. Hope you like the finished piece.

However, while I was still working on it, I returned and found they had taken off the front of the ship as you can see from the photo. It's a good thing I always take a photo of my scenes when I begin a painting.

Mare Island

I've lived on Mare Island for three years and painted scenes on occasion. However, over the past weeks, I've explored the Industrial area where they are dismantling decommissioned ships.  I also am painting the largest plein air piece I've attempted, a 24 x 30, down by the docks. It has taken a few trips and I'm only half way through. It's a great experience. Here on Mare Island, we have the industrial docks, a marina, golf course, church, and historic buildings.

 Sunday afternoon was my second trip to this scene. First experience plein air painting a 24 x 30.

 This 5 x 8 scene is within walking distance of my home at the dry docks.

Mare Island Bow, a 6 x 8, was a blast to paint one afternoon. I'm feeling blessed to live on an island with so many compositions to paint.

Napa Valley Art Festival - August 20

http://www.NapaValleyArtFestival.com

Hope to see you at the festival.

Brent