Large Paintings

Les Gendarmes is a 30 x 40 oil painting I recently finished. Working on this complicated painting made me think about some of the differences in how one executes a large painting versus a small one. I have pushed myself to paint in various sizes. Certain compositions work better large such as this one. It would not have worked on anything much smaller as there is too much detail involved. Once I determine the size, I decide on the paint brush. Larger paintings require a larger brush. I used a one inch brush throughout the majority of this painting. A large painting can become overwhelming. To prepare myself mentally, I usually block out 3-5 days without much else that will distract me. I then focus on one area at a time. The statue was one of the last parts of this painting. It was so rewarding to paint. I could feel the anticipation build in me as other parts of the painting came together. Working on the same painting over a period of time transports me back to when I took the photo. I was on a Paris paint trip and remembered brisk weather, sounds of the horses and the relaxed atmosphere of this leisurely stroll along the Champs-Elysee's path. Large paintings also are best when loaded with varying amounts of paint. Thick paint in select parts and confident brush strokes are essential in the execution of a large painting. I am thrilled with the finished oil painting. I hope you agree.

Small Gems

I live a short distance from wine country in California. As a plein air painter, my world is full of opportunity. Being a full-time artist, I take advantage of the beauty close by and travel to Napa,  Sonoma, and Marin Counties often.  The pieces are usually too small to send to galleries. They adorn my home and studio. Below are some recent oil paintings I adore. Please email, brentjensen@me.com or call me if you are interested in one of these gems for your collection.

Corner of the Vineyard, 5 x 7

Vineyard Study, 5 x 10

Hillside Trees, 5 x 7

Marin Morning, 5 x 7

Off Highway 116, 6 x 8

Pissarro's People

I recently visited the Legion of Honor Fine Arts Museum in San Francisco. Pissarro's People is extraordinary exhibit of his paintings, many of which I had not seen in books or other museums before. Although Pissarro is known for his landscape pieces, this show contained many of his figurative works. Several of his black and white sketches were quite interesting and worth seeing as well. The exhibit runs through January 22, 2012. If you are in the San Francisco area, do take time to visit the Legion of Honor before the exhibit ends. If any of you saw the exhibit, I would enjoy hearing from you so we can compare our experiences and thoughts.

11,000 Youtube Views

I have 12 videos on Youtube under my brentjensenart account. They range from educational videos where I talk through a painting to themed videos (e.g. architecture). I didn't know what to expect when I uploaded my first video, but have been pleasantly surprised with the positive comments and emails I receive. My architectural video has over 11,000 views. This is rewarding to me and helps me know the time involved is worthwhile. I recently uploaded a new video called Amarante Bridge. It is a 24 x 36 oil painting from Portugal. I hope you enjoy watching it and learn a bit about my style of painting.

Painting in Documentary

Several years ago, I made a Route 66 paint trip. One of my oil paintings from the trip was a 16 x 20 of the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, NM. In front was a Volkswagen bus called The Croc. I was recently contacted by Charlie Pecoraro who is co-producer a documentary with David Torstenson. They are going to use my painting in their documentary called Circle the Wagen. I was more than happy to lend my painting image for their use.