Happy Holidays!

Bristol Bridge 16x20"

  Happy Holidays! I have a few big things planned for next year and I can't wait to attempt them and share them... stay tuned...

Quote: "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!" author unknown

Russian Influence

 This piece "Russian Influence" 8x10" is from my recent trip to P Town, Cape Cod as part of the Creative Convergence yearly gathering of the brushes.. This scene was one that struck me one morning while the group was figuring out where to go paint for the day. The book on the table is "Russian Impressionists" brought on the trip by Artist Rick Casali for us all to drool over. Check out his great work by clicking on his name.

Another member of the group and one of my favorite painters Logan Hagege is having a holiday sale on some great small works. I can tell you from having some of his work in my house there is something else in it... i think the word is soul. again, click his name to see more.

Quote: "Great art is the outward expression of an inner life in the artist." Edward Hopper

Mini Series #8, #9 and #10 the Grand Season Finale..

 
 

  Here are the final three pieces in the Mini Series, #8 A study from "The Daughters" #9 "Nude Egyptian Girl" and the grande finale #10 "Spanish Dancer"  All of this series starts ending tomorrow on ebay so I thought I would put them all out so if you were trying to decide which one, they would all be available to view. Thanks for stopping by, Dan

Mini Series #7, Study of a Study...

 Here is a 5"x5" study of a study.. John Singer Sargent's "Study for "The Prophets" a mural in the Boston area.  As I search scour thru all the images I can find of JSS's work for this self imposed project, I am deepening my appreciation. Let me ramble for sec.  Most are in awe of just his ability to trick the eye into a reality like viewing experience. I say that is only a truley great accomplishment because of the poetry of his lively brushwork. Proof that reality is not the end all be all, in fact it is absolutely nothing without the poetry. Let me know what you think?

  Usually when I ask for opinions I get zero comments.. Lets make a New Years resolution together??  I ask for your opinion and you give it... OK?  Now go check out the auction, these look way better in person. 

Mini Series #6, Madame X

     Madame X, no relation to Malcolm. :)-)   was the painting that was not commissioned to Sargent but was his choice. This piece supposedly sealed the doom of his future as a portrait painter, well in France at least. Bad choice? I don't think so. In my opinion these choices and the stories like it, create an artist's legend.

Mini Series #5, The Master's Master

    Here is a 5"x7" study of the portrait John Singer Sargent painted of his teacher, Carolus Duran. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say he was probably a pretty good teacher..... 

Quote: "Color is an inborn gift, but appreciation of value is merely training of the eye, which everyone ought to be able to acquire" J.S. Sargent

Mini Series, Vernon Lee....

 Here is number four in the "mini series" after Sargents  "Vernon Lee" now am I alone in thinking this was a lady til the name was read??? either way one of my personal favs.

"Vernon Lee" 5"x5" on Gessobord

Click here to bid

Mini Series, Lord Ribblesdale.... a Peacocking Playa..

  I have always thought this guy was the epitome of Sargent.... Straight swagger... there was so much in his brush he liberally applied it to the stance and overall look of his sitters. I wish he were able to paint my portrait,  especially after the holidays...

Some of the questions i have received about this series have focused on when they would ship... They will all be shipped in time for Christmas. The first one is a ten day auction and they will get progressively shorter towards the end of the series. Also they are all oil on Gessobords by Ampersand. Thank you to all who are watching and interested.

Quote: "I do not judge, I only chronicle" JS Sargent


Click here to bid

The Lady.....

  Here is number two in the "Mini Series" Thee Lady Agnew. I know I'm not alone when I say the original piece is probably one of the hottest portraits ever painted.
  I hope I did some justice to the stunning beauty that Sargent painted, even just 1%.


Quote: "Mine is the horny hand of toil" JS Sargent

Hey I didn't say it...




Click here to bid 

Made for TV Mini Series, Studies of Sargent

 OK, I have been waiting for quite a while to have the time to be able to do this...

  

Over the next week or so I will be doing approximately ten  5x7" or 5x5" studies of some of my favorite John Singer Sargent pieces. If you are a regular reader of this blog you know I have talked about JSSs' influence and pure image making genius more then once. So attempting this should be a chance for me to learn from one of the only painters in my humble opinion to deserve the moniker "Master".  

These minis will be for sale on Ebay starting very low with an optional low buy it now price. I don't plan on regularly selling directly but these "mini series" could be fun and not everyone is looking for large pieces. thanks for stopping by. 

click here to bid

Quote: "I don't dig beneath the surface for things that don't appear before my own eyes"  J.S. Sargent

Firewood, a Winters Worth

Firewood, a winters worth 20x24

Quote: " I put my heart and my soul into my work, and have lost my mind in the process" Vincent Van Gogh

Silver and Gold

Silver & Gold 11x14

Here is a figure piece from earlier this year titled "Silver and Gold" 11x14. I really like the connection that's made when painting a figure. It seems that every shape and line when represented honestly convey the models mood, attitude, comfort or in this piece possibly discomfort. Standing, holding a pose for hours can cause you to tense up in order not to slouch or shift too far from the starting pose. Frequent breaks are needed for sure. I admire anyone who has the ability to do this job, and the guts to boot! I think this piece shows that tension in the pose.

Quote: "I tell you, the more i think, the more i feel there is nothing more artistic then to love people." Vincent Van Gogh

A Little Goes a Long Way



A little goes a long way 11x14


So this year it seems that Veterans day is getting some extra well deserved attention. I'm not sure if it's because more and more people are having to deal with life without a service member, temporarily or permanently. I would love to write my opinion of the war and the big question of why but i will save that for another day..

I would like to Say thank you to the veterans, especially the ones in my family. Thank you!

This piece "A Little Goes a Long Way" 11x14 is about pride. Does anyone remember right after 9/11 how close we all seemed? Every car had a flag sticker on it? Well when I saw this little flag on the red house at my local paintn spot, it reminded me of those times.

This piece is part of the current show at Tidemark Gallery in Waldoboro.

Bettah Phodo!

Local Color 12x12

This post is just to provide a better photo of the piece "Local Color"(12"x12") This piece is available thru my studio. Email for pricing.

Firey

Firey 12x12

This piece "Firey" (12x12") is part of the current show at Tidemark gallery. It's one of those pieces that i have kept hanging on the studio wall for myself. I have received great feedback on this piece and the rest of the show, I wish I could have it all online to show you......I will try to post a bunch of the pieces here before its down. If you find yourself interested in a piece please feel free to contact me or Tidemark gallery of Waldoboro ME and you will be helped.

Ps there were approx 20 small works (6x8 or smaller) included in this show. I priced them low to say thank you to the people and Tidemark gallery.( Thank you Tidemark for a great opening also!!) There are still some left so get down there before its over.

Pirate Portraits, AArrrgggg you ready for the Tidemark gallery show?

Pirate Portrait 11x14

i hope everyone had a great Halloween and is not too sick from all the candy. We didn't get one knock at the door with trick or treaters. Maybe its because we live on a high speed road and really only have one neighbor. Anyway, i was getting really frustrated with not being able to post so i kept messing with the broken computer today. A couple swings of the hammer and it stayed on for a good half hour. Enough time for me to upload and edit some photos.

So here is one of my contributions to what has become known as "Pirate Portraits". Painted in P Town, these were very informal, sit in the middle of a room, everyone surrounds you and the paint starts flying. The best spots to stand were somewhere near the two or three lights in the room, sometimes on these portraits i had to turn on my nocturne painting nite light. Really hardcore stuff. I think i got this guy down on this piece. Maybe.
Well im hoping to post more soon. If the computer holds out.. Sorry no quotes, I'll get back to it soon. Peace..


Oh yeah, don't forget the Tidemark show Saturday November 6 ! I have put together some of my absolute favorite pieces. 34 all together, there is even a portrait study in there after Sargent! Goodtimes..

Bad News...

I wont be able to post for a little while... Well not with photos at least. My computer has bit the shed... til I can post again please rest assured i will be painting up a storm and have plenty to show you hopefully soon. Also I will be having a showing of my work at the Tidemark Gallery in Waldoboro ME. This is really a group show but I will have approx 25 pieces to share. The opening if you are in the area or want to be is Nov 6th, i think around 5pm. Also if anyone wants to swap some sort of modern I Mac computer for some art work, let me know. Dan

Creative Convergence 2010 Wet Paint Sale

I just recently returned from this years Creative Convergence trip in Province Town Massachusetts. These two pieces plus one more not shown will be available starting tomorrow at Addison Art Gallery in Orleans MA. The top one is titled "Local Color" (12"x12") and definitely shows the influence of Henry Henche and the local Cape Cod School of Art.       The second is titled "Green Harmony" (8"x10") and is of one of the iconic rock structures that line the beach in P Town. Both were photographed in slight rush with out being able to re shoot.. sorry for the fuzzyness..

I will (hopefully) be at the opening reception Saturday night from 5:30-7:30.  



Choncho's Nap & Creative Convergence... Doing the trip.

 Here is a 6"x8" of my cat Choncho taking one of his daily naps. I feel like taking a nap myself. It has been a long summer (a good one) and I am ready for the slow down that happens here in Maine just about now.
  Maybe the muted color harmony is a result of the way I was feeling watching and painting my little buddy taking a nap..?. I dont know. Either way its a peacefull piece for me.


I am currently in P Town on the Creative Convergence trip. There will be a wet paint show on Saturday at Addison gallery in Orleans MA from 5:30-7:30. See ya there.

Monhegan Legacy

  Here is a 20"x24" titled "Legacy". This piece along with a couple others are the result of taking some of my plein air pieces and living with them for a while, digesting whats going on. Hopefully learning from it then cleaning up the composition with a studio piece.

  I am seeing the benefits of this practice in my plein air regularly but in a different way then you might think. Instead of seeing problems before they happen I think I am noticing them quicker as they are arising and starting  fresh on a new piece, with the composition change on the front of my mind. The 30x40 "Fishermans Memorial"  from a couple posts ago is an example of this practice that I am particularly proud of. I would love to hear your thoughts. Is this something you practice or would consider trying? Thanks for stopping by. Dan

Quote "It's all in how you arrange the thing... the careful balance of the design is the motion." (Andrew Wyeth)

Lady in Waiting

    Here is another piece including local lobster boat "Russ Ann". I really enjoy this boat, the colors (especially in the sun) the proud stance it takes on the stands and I imagine in the water she is the perfect balance of handling and stability. I cant wait to see her covered in snow.. 
 Speaking of snow, I just purchased a Subaru Forester (well the bank did, but they have my signature :)  )  and look forward to being able to really get out and paint in the harsh Winter weather. So if you have been on the fence about buying one of my pieces, now would be a great time. Subaru cars are not cheap but are pretty much a necessity to live and work here.


Quote: "I get letters from people about my work. The thing that pleases me most is that my work touches their feelings. In fact, they don't talk about the paintings. They end up telling me the story of their life or how their father died. " (Andrew Wyeth)

Country Road

 Here is a 16x20 I painted in South Bristol during the recent heatwave we had here in the N East. When coming home to have a small break i would see my thermometer consistently above 115 in the sun, highest was 119. I know those are not the "real" temps but when you work in the sun they are !
 This piece is available at Coco Vivo Fine Art right around the corner in Boothbay. I just had my first opening with Coco Vivo, and had a great time. A big THANK YOU to everyone there for welcoming me and making me feel at home.

Quote:  "The painter must enclose himself within his work ; he must respond not with words; but with paintings." Cezanne

Fishermans Memorial on Monhegan Island

Here is a 30"x40" piece I painted recently of the Fishermans Memorial on Monhegan Island. Right about now the waves at this location are pretty good for painting and can be heard all the way on the other side of the island. About one mile away. At this time last year, while I was there, a workshop group was set up in this area painting. My guess is the students trusted their teacher to know better then the warnings of the locals and common sense... Well an extra large "rogue" wave came up and over this memorial, almost washing the class away.. One person had their entire Open Box M setup washed out to sea, they found the stainless steel brushwasher later and it was completely pitted and rusted from 45 mins in the ocean.. 

  The photo is a pretty big let down...sorry.

 Quote: "The best art amazes us because of what the artist left out, not because of what he or she put in. If everything is included, why not photograph the subject instead? " Sergei Bongart

Life from Paint @ Coco Vivo Friday Sept 3rd

   Here are a couple more pieces that will be part of my show at Coco Vivo in Boothbay ME. the top one is of of one of my favorite local ladies,the Russ Ann. I have driven by this boat for about 4 years an finally stopped to paint it. I am not sure what happened to the image, maybe blogger messes with it..?. Either way travel down east to see this and about 10 other new pieces in person cause photos don't cut it. Especially when I'm holding he camera.
 The second piece is a 18x24 of Atlantic Avenue in Boothbay. When it was painted I was surrounded by a church, a memorial statue, boats, a beautiful harbor with working fishing docks but i couldnt fight it, I was attracted to the dynamic movement of the quiet street, which is usually loaded with people this time of year. I can't even picture people in this scene, it would get too busy with this composition.

 The opening is this Friday (tomorrow Sept 3rd. I will be there unless we get hit by a hurricane.........?

Quote "Instead of trying to reproduce exactly what I see before me, I make more arbitrary use of color to express myself more forcefully."

(Letter to Theo van Gogh, 11 August 1888)

Good Morning

  Hi or should I say good morning? This piece titled "Good Morning" 20"x16" will be part of a showing of my work scheduled for this coming Friday Sept 3rd. at Coco Vivo Fine Art in Boothbay Maine. (see link above)
 While I was painting this the woman that owned the house, the fence and the Sunflowers came out and was so happy that I was painting there she went in and brought me out the juiciest peach you have ever had.. So I decided she had to make a couple brush strokes, she did, did well and I think was somehow happier then I was with the peach..

Quote: "Morisot seems to paint with her nerves on edge, providing a few scanty traces to create complete, disquieting evocations." Octave Mirbeau

"Paint the Town" Waldoboro Today

  Well it's  about 4:30 am as I write this, proof that someone can be somewhat coherent at this ridiculous hour.. Here is a piece I did recently in Waldoboro and may submit for the benefit auction this evening at the towns "Paint the Town" event. If you are in the area or have access to one of those jets ( you know the fast ones that whistle) swing in and check it out. I always have a great time catching up with other painters and meeting with collectors.

Quote "I know for sure that I have an instinct for color, and that it will come to me more and more, that painting is in the very marrow of my bones."


(Letter to Theo van Gogh, 3 September 1882)

Two More 20x24s

       Here are two of the four recent additions to the pieces on display at Camden Falls Gallery in Camden Maine. To see the other two you are just gonna have to drive over and see'em.

Waitin Ta Go

 

 I'm thinking of  doing a demo vid for the blog and would love some feedback on interest.. I promise I will not stare into the camera and drop the "Blue Steel" look on you.........    @ _@    

 :)-)

Quote: " Photography has greatly disturbed the imagination, because one has seen things devoid of  feeling.  When I wanted to get rid of  all influences which prevented me from seeing nature from my own personal view, I copied photographs." Henri Matisse

On a Positive Note

This painting was from a recent trip over to Waldoboro and will be available at the "Paint the Town" auction August 21st. When I was just finishing with this piece a woman approached me, asked if I was Daniel Corey, (I said yes) she then introduced herself offering her hand. I politely showed her my paint covered hands, instead she told me when and where her parents met me and that they were big fans.... Nothing prepares you for such a compliment.. Thank you.

 "In both figure and landscape....I want to get to the point where people say of my work: that man feels deeply, that man feels keenly" Mr Van Gogh

Week of Insults...

 

 What a week its been.... I recently returned from a short (mostly business) trip to Cape Cod where I met with a gallery owner about possibly being represented. Long story short the words used to describe the piece above was " a generic still life ".... I know " criticism is part of the job" or "it happens" but I really feel like this piece has the qualities (good and bad) that fully represent what I am about.......I'm hoping that's not too "generic" ... 
  To round out my week of insults when I went to pick up a piece from a local plein air show I found it on a table with 5 or 6 other paintings stacked on top of it... now normally this would be NO problem BUT these 5 o 6 pieces were stacked on top of the FABRIC support that the painting was on....... so it was pretty stretched out... I also stopped by a different  "local show" to see how the show looked hung and found one of my piece hanging in the bathroom......yes it smelled like bathroom spray....nuff said.

Quote:  "I believe that the personality of the artist develops and asserts itself through the struggles it has to go through when pitted against other personalities." Henri Matisse

Pemaquid Pump House

  This piece "Pemaquid Pump House" 14"x18" is available thru Coco Vivo Fine Art in Boothbay Harbor Maine.
 (see link near blog title)

Lupine Gallery, Monhegan Island

   After my recent trip to Monhegan Island (mentioned a post or three ago)  I am elated to announce that my work will be showing at Thee Lupine Gallery on Monhegan Island. I am honored to hang on the same walls as some of my heroes in painting... what else can I say?...

Quote:   An artist is not paid for his labour but for his vision" James McNeill Whistler

International Stance

 This piece "International Stance" 16x20 is available at Camden Falls Gallery in Camden Maine.  camdenfallsgallery.com

Sunny Side Up

   So this weekend I ventured back to Monhegan Island for first time since my residence there last year. When I first arrived I was greeted by so many friendly faces and warm welcome backs. Thank you Monheganites!

 This year M.A.R.C (Monhegan Island Residency Corp) is doing an anniversary show including all the past recipients of the residency award (including me) . It should be one great show and I hope my favs are part of it! Google em for more info! see ya there.

Quote:   "It's on the strength of observation and reflection that one finds a way. So we must dig and delve unceasingly." Claude Monet

Quote II : "I'll look in a sorry state when I get home; my clothes have faded in the sun."  Claude Monet

Poverty Farms

 "Poverty Farms" 24x36" available at Coco Vivo Gallery.    http://www.cocovivofineart.com/

Chocolate Milk

This week I have decided to revamp the look of the site/blog would be cool to hear some opinions on it.

 The piece shown here "Chocolate Milk"  is an 8"x8" oil, available at Coco Vivo Fine Art right here locally in Boothbay Maine through their gallery in Charleston South Carolina.

Quote: "I paint with the stubbornness I need for living, and I've found that all painters who love their art do the same." Suzanne Valadon

Showing at Botanical Garden

This piece is from the recent paint out at the Botanical Gardens here in Boothbay Maine. "Portrait of Delphinium"(20x16") will be on display July 18th-25th at the Botanical Gardens with an artists reception July 19th 5-7pm. Hope to see you there.

This week I am also announcing my summer/fall Plein Air Class. This will be a twice weekly class that you can sign up for multiple classes for a discount or if your around only for a week or two you can drop in for a modest price. This will be Tuesday and Thursday mornings in the Bristol and Boothbay area. for more info feel free to email me. (I will not answer pricing questions on the blog) Coming soon will be a site/blog dedicated to the class, its locations and the weekly happenings. It will be a blast!

Quote: "What moves men of genius, or rather what inspires their work, is not new ideas but their obsession with the idea that what has aready been said is still not enough." Eugene Delacroix.

That has to be one of the best quotes I have come across.

The Cream Machine

Here is a 16x20 of my latest muse.. the Tractor... They are all over Maine and seems like when you think you have spotted the oldest working one or the strangest colored you bump into one that is a step above the others.. I personally am looking for the craziest ratio of front tire to rear tire size. Before I considered painting them I vaguely remember seeing one with at least 6 foot rear tires... I will find you!

Quote:"I paint forms as I think them, not as I see them."Picasso.

The more I paint the more Picasso makes sense.. Has anybody else made this discovery about Picasso or any other Artist? This could be good conversation..?.

Slippery Slope

This week has been a little hectic with delivering all my latest work to galleries:

Camden Falls in Camden( www.camdenfallsgallery.com ) and

CoCo VivO in Boothbay Harbor( http://www.cocovivofineart.com/ )

Also today I attended the Plein Air Paint out at the Botanical Gardens in Boothbay (a couple miles from Coco Vivo gallery) This paint out is a two day event, July 3rd & 4th. There will be a reception on July 17th for selected displayed works. I will not be there on the 4th to paint. Sorry. Beach day!

This painting "Farmers Lunch break" (14x18) is one of my favorites of recent. I think it is the simplicity that appeals to me. What do you think? This piece is at Camden Falls Gallery.

Quote: John Sloan in Gist of Art, 1939
"Though a living cannot be made at art, art makes life worth living. It makes living, living. It makes starving, living. It makes worry, it makes trouble, it makes a life that would be barren of everything -- living. It brings life to life." *Sloan

Tug of Workhorse

This piece is a 30x40 that I did recently. Seeing these two work horses back to back was almost too good to be true.

If you are a regular reader/viewer of my blog please take to time on this post to say hi or comment (positive or negative) and let me know you were here and what you think. Thanks for looking, Dan

Quote "Shadow is a color as light is, but less brilliant; light and shadow are only the relation of two tones." Paul Cezanne

Check is in the Mail....

This week has been a good one so far. I got to paint with my buddy Colin, I have only erased a couple paintings (that's usually a much higher number by any Wednesday) and I have some sweet frames on order. Hopefully! gallery season will start for me once they arrive. Then I can release some photos of pieces that have been kept top secret for no actual reason.... :))

Quote:"Above all keep your colours fresh!"Edouard Manet (1832--83).

Liberty Farms

Hi all, I want to start off this post with a big Happy Fathers Day to all the men (or women in some situations) who have been there through thick and thin. Thanks Tom!

I figured whats a better icon of Fathers Day than a sweet John Deere tractor/mower.... I cant think of one... This painting is a 20x24 (yes another one) and was painteda few weeks ago at Liberty Farms near the Edgecomb/Boothbay line. They have the best fresh eggs in Maine that I have tasted. The second painting is from the same day. It is of a painter named Pat and she was sitting pretty still and the light was right so i sketched this 8x10 with the quickness.

Anyway the photos were pretty rushed as there is much to do today (including some painting I hope) so don't give me @$%# about em. Later on today my wife and I are going to a small get together to watch Brasil win in the World Cup. Go Brasil! (and USA also! but lets be honest... not yet...)

Quote: "I surrendered to a world of my imagination, re-enacting all those wonderful tales my father would read aloud to me. I became a very active reader, especially history and Shakespeare." (Andrew Wyeth)

P Town and Uncle Smokey

So this past week (OK two) have been pretty busy. I had a friend/Artist (Kyle Martin) from Wisconsin come up to Maine for some painting. We had a blast. You can see more of his great work by clicking on his name on the right hand side of the screen.

Then I shot down to P Town to get in some painting with Paul Shulenburg, Marc Hansen, Peter Kalill, Frank Gardener, Jeff Bonasia, Logan Hagege and Jerome Greene. Jerome is the subject of this portrait. I painted "Uncle Smokey"(12x10) while we were all on the beach, in the heart of P Town. The other piece "Lost Cause" is a 20x24 I started this particular day with.

Quote: "An artist must recognize, when he is reasoning, that his picture is an artifice; but when he is painting, he should feel that he has copied nature. And even when he departs from nature, he must do it with the conviction that it is only to interpret her more fully." Matisse in his Notes of a Painter, 1908.

Reception

Busy busy busy lately framing and painting.... This is a painting that has been on my mind for a couple years... So I finally stopped a few weeks ago and got it done. If anyone can tell me where this is you will receive 10 pts. These points are good for absolutely nothing BUT...... they are yours to keep.....

Van Gogh on Learning to Paint: "As soon as I have more power over my brush, I shall work even harder than I do now ... it will not be long before you need not send me money any more." (Letter to Theo van Gogh, 21 January 1882)