ASMA News and Journal (Fall 2017) - Front Cover and Feature Article

Brent Jensen was featured on the front cover and in a five-page article in the Fall 2017 issue of ASMA News and Journal, a publication of The American Society of Marine Artists. I appreciate the seriousness of this publication with footnotes and was informed that each issue is cataloged in the Library of Congress.  It details my genealogy back to Nantucket and my artist path and philosophy in a way that has not previously been presented to the public.

Art Contest

I came across a free art contest God, Man & Nature. The purpose is to show how God communicates to mankind through nature. Grand prize is $2,000. If interested, please click the link for details about the contest and how to enter. 

Three Person Exhibition - Tirage Fine Art

September 9, 2017 from 5-7 pm is the opening reception for a Three Person Exhibition at Tirage Fine Art in Pasadena, California. I will have 15 new oil paintings in this show. Many new compositions are of local Pasadena scenes. Others pieces are favorite European scenes. I hope to see you at the reception. The exhibition will be up the month of September.

Pasadena City Hall (16 x 20)

2017 Western Regional Exhibition of Oil Painters of America

Sunset Sailing, 18 x 24, was selected for inclusion in the 2017 Western Regional Exhibition of Oil Painters of America. The show runs from November 10 to December 9, 2017.

American Impressionist Society 18th Annual National Juried Exhibition

Portrait of the Artist is an 18 x 24 oil painting that was selected to be part of the American Impressionist Society 18th Annual National Juried Exhibition. The event takes place from September 28th - October 29th, 2017 at Montgomery-Lee Fine Art in Park City, Utah. This entry marks the 5th consecutive year that one of my oil paintings has been accepted into the exhibition. This composition is from a scene I came upon at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair and Victorian Holiday Party.

Thin Line Tips

The email made my day. Someone taking their first art class in part because they are inspired by my paintings. He was struggling with how to create thin lines. He wondered if I used a pallet knife or super thin brush. I responded to his email and decided to share this tip as a blog post as well.

Rockport was the painting he mentioned.

The close up shows the moored ropes.

The tip is to paint the rope, then go back over the area with darker paint, thereby leaving only the thin line you desire.

ASMA Signature Member Article

The American Society of Marine Artists (ASMA) included an article in their Winter 2017 publication on me as a new signature member. Big thanks to ASMA for sharing this spotlight on my work. I hope you enjoy reading the article.

Contemporary Masters of Marine Painting

The Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art of the Midland Center for the Arts in Midland, Missouri has an invitational exhibit called Contemporary Masters of Marine Painting. This museum show is from January 14 to April 2, 2017. I will have three paintings exhibited including Buck’s Harbor, Maine, a 24 x 30 oil painting.

San Francisco Paint Out – February 11

The Balclutha is a three-masted, steel-hulled, square-rigged ship built in 1886 to carry a variety of cargo all over the world. It is now part of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. On Saturday, February 11 starting at 10 a.m., The American Society of Marine Artists (ASMA) is hosting a paint out to paint the Balclutha from the Aquatic Park near Fisherman’s Wharf. The day will include a guided tour of the ship at 2:15 pm.  You don’t have to be an ASMA member to attend this paint out. To be added to the interest list, contact Brent Jensen at brentjensen@me.com or 415-307-7779.

Portrait of Mom

 
My mother-in-law, Shirley Morris, passed away and the family had a Celebration of Life service last Saturday. To honor the amazing person she was, I painted her portrait. The painting was displayed at the book sign-in table and after the service, I went to my father-in-law's home and hung the painting across from her favorite chair.

AIS 17th Annual National Juried Exhibition – Florence Plaza

September 29 through October 30, 2016 are the dates for the American Impressionist Society 17th Annual National Juried Exhibition. The exhibition will be held at the Howard/Mandville Gallery in Kirkland, Washington.

Florence Plaza, a 24 x 20 oil painting of mine was accepted into this prestigious show. I will be attending the opening reception on September 29 from 5-8 p.m. and hope to see you then.

Florence Plaza, 24 x 20 oil painting

Solo Exhibition at Christian Daniels Gallery

Please join me at the June 3, 2016 opening reception from 6-8 p.m. at Christian Daniels Gallery in San Francisco. This solo exhibition will include 24 oil paintings from scenes of the Bay area and Europe. If you are unable to attend the opening reception, you can visit the gallery through July 16 to see the art work in person.

Mission District Churches, 12 x 24 oil painting.

Carneros Ranch - Mahoney Vineyards Wine Labels

The Mahoney Vineyards in Napa California used my 8 x 10 oil painting titled Petaluma Sheep for two of their wines. The Carneros Ranch 2014 Chardonnay and the 2013 Pinot Noir both have this image on their wine labels. I visited with the owner, Francis Mahoney recently enjoying a beautiful Napa day. It’s always an honor to have one of my paintings be chosen for a wine label.

Mahoney Vineyards

- See more at: http://brentjensenart.com/carneros-ranch-wine-labels/#sthash.7b5azfbz.dpuf

Art Workshop Recap Kevin MacPherson

Last week was spent at Kevin MacPherson's workshop at his home in Taos, New Mexico. It was a successful experience on many levels. First, Kevin and Wanda are warm hosts in their beautiful home. The inviting grounds are perfect for finding inspiring compositions. His large art studio made for an excellent environment for watching art demonstrations, critiques and conveying educational information. Their home is a mini-art museum so it was a privilege to linger over their art collection. Kevin is generous with his time and provides constructive feedback to push each student to the next level. The class spent time at Walt Gonske's garden as well and it was wonderful to be exposed to another excellent artist during this workshop. I came away feeling empowered and with additional insights about myself as an artist. Below are three of the plein air paintings completed during this workshop.

Walt's Garden, 14 x 11 plein air oil painting

Taos Hollyhocks, 12 x 16, plein air oil painting

Why Do You Attend Art Workshops?

On June 22, Kevin MacPherson starts his 4-day workshop in Taos, New Mexico. I will have the privilege of being a student in his class. As I prepare, I thought of 5 reasons taking workshops from artists you respect is good for any artist.

1. Life-learning is key to continual success and progress in one's chosen profession. 
2. It's easy for an artist with a bit of a solitary existence to not push oneself. A scheduled workshop creates a space for you to be vulnerable, face fears, and take a risk.
3.  Personal style is important for an artist, but if you paint the same way year after year, a workshop can be the catalyst for a breakthrough.
4. Investing in yourself reconfirms your commitment to who you are as an artist. 
5. Networking with an expert in your field as well as other students creates space for friendships and camaraderie that lasts long after the workshop ends.

What has been your experience attending workshops? What other benefits do you receive?

Tuscany Hillside Vineyard, 24 x 18

from my recent Italy trip

Mentor Made My Day

I take time to like and comment on social media with other artists' paintings. I believe it is important to engage in this manner and it's good karma. This week I posted a new studio painting from Camden, Maine. My mentor, C.W. Mundy said this about my painting, " Hey man Killer piece! Looks like the old pros! The definition of this is "High Art"! Nice color and paint manipulation!" When someone I admire so deeply for their expertise makes a comment like this, it reaffirms I'm on the right track with my career and chosen profession.

Stormy Clouds Over Camden, 20 x 24 oil painting

Christian Daniels Gallery in San Francisco

The Christian Daniels Gallery is an American contemporary realism gallery centrally located in the Nob Hill district of San Francisco. They focus on a select group of artists as they advance their careers through gallery representation and exhibition. I’m proud to now be represented by Christian Daniels Gallery.

Santa's Helper

While thinking about holiday cards, I decided to create my own with an original oil painting. Thanks to Shutterfly, it came together nicely. I found the stuffed Santa's Helper toy at the local Michael's and added a few ornaments from the Christmas tree. I hope this 16 x 16 oil painting puts a smile on your face the way it did while I was painting it.

Santa's Helper

AIS - 15th Annual National Juried Exhibition is Here