Travel Art and Two Limited Prints
A few weeks ago, I had the humbling opportunity to judge a local portrait competition for the MidAmerica Pastel Society. It was my first time in such a role, and I naively assumed it would be a simple task.
However, comparing works with such varied approaches and styles proved surprisingly challenging. Some pieces didn't resonate with me initially, while others captivated me instantly. But before announcing my selections, each artist had the chance to talk about their work, discussing the subjects, materials, and techniques used.
As the presentations unfolded, something interesting happened: my initial impressions began to shift. Hearing the stories behind each portrait, the people captured, and the artistic decisions behind them, I found myself appreciating even the work I'd initially overlooked. The presentations weren't directed towards me as the judge, but hearing the story of their process, the subject they chose and the way the talked about their art changed the way I viewed the quality of the work significantly.
This experience was a powerful reminder that art transcends its visual presentation. While each piece itself tells a story, understanding the motivation and intention behind it breathes additional value and fosters deeper appreciation. When I seek out art history I find the same thing is true. Even artists like Caravaggio or Monet, who's personalities sound a bit difficult to be around, I appreciate and value their work more when I learn about their lives and the context surrounding each painting.
Social Media sites like Instagram and Facebook are not designed for long-form conversation or deeper discussion surrounding anything. I think this is particularly true with art. Even though these platforms are visual in nature, the story and context is removed from the equation when the viewer spends seconds with each post.
I can't convince anyone to like the art that I create, but for those that are interested I hope these newsletters will provide a better opportunity to slow down and understand the story behind the work.
Passport Show
This past Friday, I had the pleasure of attending the opening of the "Passport" show with Kelly at the 80 Sante Fe Art Gallery where I have two paintings. It was a fun experience to connect with fellow local artists and observe their diverse interpretations of the travel theme. The theme for the show perfectly coincided with a couple of pieces I was already developing, allowing me to showcase these explorations.
These two oil paintings are set in foreign countries, but the themes I wanted to explore aren't actually focused on the travel component. Like most people, I have accumulated thousands of photos over the years on various hard drives and clouds and have started using them sometimes as reference photos for my paintings. There were many good options to choose from, but the two that I used for these paintings stood out due to the associated memories that I have from taking them.
Tokyo Harae:
In 2016 Kelly and I took a trip to Japan which remains one of my favorite places that I have visited. During our trip there we went to many of the temples and gardens around Tokyo and Kyoto and the garden and landscape were all so beautifully maintained and peaceful. One of the things that stood out to me was the way the workers performed their tasks quietly and respectfully using hand tools instead of the loud blowers, trucks and saws that I would expect to see. Of all of the workers, the way that the walkways were swept and raked with meticulous attention and respect for the task captivated me. It's a meditation on the unseen beauty that lies within dedication to everyday routines, reminding us that even the humblest acts can be infused with intention and grace.
The title, "Tokyo Harae," references the Shinto concept of purification rituals. Just as the worker in the painting meticulously cleanses the walkway, harae rituals aim to remove impurities and create a space fit for encountering the kami (spirits). This unseen act of dedication resonates with the worker's quiet reverence, reminding us that even the most ordinary tasks can hold spiritual significance.
Bougainvillea Blooms in Saint-Raphaël:
This painting captures a side street on the outskirts of Saint-Raphaël, France. Unlike other photos I took that captured the town's picturesque charm, this unassuming street resonated most with me. Tucked away from the tourist trail, the cascading bougainvillea spilling across the narrow street wouldn't have been grown to attract crowds. Yet, the care taken to cultivate this beauty speaks volumes about quiet intentionality. It's a reminder that the potential to transform even the overlooked aspects of life often lies in acts of quiet dedication.
There were many fun, new elements that challenged me on this piece. I particularly liked the challenge of capturing the light that passes through the vines and trying to capture some of the textures of the stone and the flowers.
Limited Prints
Both of these original pieces are available through Gallery 80 Sante Fe in Overland Park for a couple more weeks. I am offering both as limited prints as well.
Click the links below if you would like to order a print of either painting. I will accept orders through July 12th and will ship the prints on the week of July 15th. They are high-quality Giclee art prints. Contact me for pricing if you need a size or shipping destination other than what is listed below.
Prints are $35 each including shipping within the United States.
Link to Order Tokyo Harae (9" x 12")
Link to Order Bougainvillea Blooms in Saint-Raphaël (8" x 10")
What's Next?
I enjoyed working on these and am increasingly drawn to capturing narratives hidden within everyday moments. These seemingly ordinary scenes often hold a wealth of stories waiting to be discovered. Ultimately the benefit of seeking artistic inspiration during travel is that we have an easier time noticing beauty in new places as opposed to the places we see every day.
I have a few more paintings I have finished recently that explore similar themes. A few are from a recent trip to North Carolina and some are scenes from around Kansas City. There are a couple portraits I have been working on as well that I will share soon. With all of these I want to continue to try to capture everyday moments that we can easily overlook and to celebrate the beauty that surrounds us.
I hope you enjoy this glimpse into my artistic journey. Stay tuned for future updates and explorations!