Piece Talks

Alice's and More

2011-10-28T09:03:00.000-07:00

I finished Alice's Restaurant as well as the woman reading that I posted a couple weeks ago.

Alice's Restaurant

2011-10-14T07:03:00.000-07:00

I had a request to paint this local landmark. Here is the WIP.

Scooter Beach

2011-09-27T04:29:00.000-07:00

Scooter Beach is done. As is typical, I am ready for the next project. But I think this is a successful piece . I hope my commissioner is pleased!

Scooter Beach

2011-09-19T09:03:00.000-07:00

This is a commission for a friend who spent time in Greece. The scooter has become the focus of the image but the subject hopefully still reads as a beautiful day on a Greek island. I had two umbrellas initially but, after some discussion with my studio visitor, I took it out. A new problem has come up: it looks like a red umbrella is riding the scooter. that will have to change. The shadows on the chairs are going to be shifted around as well. It's rather close to finished.

Woman Reading

2011-09-13T17:55:00.000-07:00

Christina is sitting for this one. I wanted to get up close but make her anonymous too. Not sure what it will be about in the end but for now, I am prevented from making a portrait of things.
Seeing the two WIPs together is very helpful. The gesture in the first one is more defined. I'll have to go back in and fix that. I also took the picture with a laptop so it is a mirror image. Another interesting learning tool!

New Work in Progress

2011-09-12T21:08:00.000-07:00

Irresponsible to throw these all up together, I know; but this is what I've got..

Gondolier

2011-08-13T23:26:00.000-07:00

One more gondolier; I had him sitting around waiting to be finished and I finally finished him when I moved into the new studio.

Stairway in Paris

2011-08-13T23:13:00.000-07:00

The poppies have progressed and a couple of other pieces are under way now. One is an experiment in color. My reference is a black and white photo. My hope is to create a believable setting with a full pallet. BTW, the date on the image is all wrong.

California Poppies WIP

2011-07-17T00:02:00.000-07:00

Here is a 12" x 12" canvas on which I am learning the shape and form of the California poppy.

New Studio

2011-07-12T04:40:00.001-07:00

Last September, I moved my studio into my apartment where I would subsequently neglect my vocation for many months to come. In June, I found a new studio that I love! I'm settled in and have been working. Unfinished paintings that were growing stale have been finished and I have a lengthy to do list that I'm quite optimistic about. I hope to have a good run in the new space!

Again with the Bicycle

2010-07-28T08:59:00.000-07:00

I am looking for something to make it pop in this final stage...

Building Bridges

2010-07-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

I have some cool references for the GG Bridge so I am doing a mini series in the style of Wayne Thibaud.
I call the style "thibeaudacious" and am thinking of calling the series 'Bodacious Bridge". This could be too hoaky.

Wheels

2010-07-20T07:49:00.000-07:00

I'm painting bicycles in hopes of exhibiting them in September when the theme for Campbell's First Friday art walk will be "Cycle-mania", (or some such thing). Plus, I am in love with my bicycle. This painting is pleasant so far but not anything beyond that yet. Pleasant just may be its destiny, but I'd like to make it something more. We'll see.

This Painting Needs a Title

2010-07-20T07:28:00.000-07:00

I am just a few strokes away from signing this piece. I need a title, something more charming than, Back view of Woman with Guitar Morphing out of Her Back with Cigar. I am pleased with the transition from flesh to wood on the left . I had a distinct edge on the guitar until an observer commented that he would make the transition softer. So I did and I like it very much. I've taken many suggestions for this piece and they have all been useful.
Anyhow, the fabric and the cushion in the background are on the final punch list. The requirements for the fabric are lose and expressive.

Bicycle Painting!!!

2010-07-11T20:30:00.000-07:00

Jerry Rice and My Painting

2010-06-30T00:29:00.000-07:00

Emerging Guitar

2010-06-29T07:37:00.000-07:00

Rendering the guitar as it coexists with the figure was less challenging than I thought it would be. Next, I'll focus on creating a graceful, delicate hand. Currently, our subject suffers from a seinfeldian manhandedness. I also want to readdress that chalky white-ish blob on the right that was meant to suggest the surface of an upholstered bench.

Enjoying the Process

2010-06-23T08:28:00.000-07:00

Though I left my camera at home yesterday and I have no image to share, I wanted to note that I am enjoying painting more than I have in years. It is a good feeling. Oh heck, I'll show you my studio again...this is the dusk view.

Le violin d'Ingres

2010-06-18T14:33:00.000-07:00

I rendered the face on this more than might have been necessary and then scraped away the mouth and chin. My next session with her will hopefully resolve that issue and resolve the hand too. (See Nov. 2009 post called, "New piece inspired by Man Ray")

Fountain Slideshow

2010-06-18T12:44:00.000-07:00

I love putting together slideshows because I can see the progression of my work. Plus I like to pick the music.

Totally Really Almost Done

2010-06-13T11:16:00.000-07:00

Instead of thinking about the past deadline, I have been enjoying the process of painting. I don't paint long but I do a little bit several times a week.
Attached is an outside shot of the new space. 409R E. Campbell Ave. Campbell , CA 95008

Getting used to the new studio

2010-06-08T21:47:00.000-07:00

I have been working in a new space for a couple of weeks and it's going well and this piece still evolves.

Really Almost Done

2010-05-31T10:59:00.000-07:00

So the 28th has come and gone, but still I have my eye on the prize. I worked in a new space last weekend and being there made me think that it might be time to set up residence. I was fantasizing about it all week. When I went in on friday to paint, the proprietor had the space in a state of "flux". So, no painting. LSS... As odd as it might seem, this was my cue to move in. Stay tuned.

Almost Done

2010-05-20T22:22:00.000-07:00

I have had this damn thing in the studio for ever and I have mostly ignored it. However, I put some work into it this week and have a firm deadline of May 28.

Portrait of Guilt

2010-05-11T23:42:00.000-07:00

A while ago I was asked to do a portrait for a movie prop. The portrait was that of a dead woman who haunted her son through his guilt. The portrait was to hang above the mantle and intimidate like a matriarchal ogre. I think I was able to capture the fierce powers of intimidation that this character possessed.

Portrait for Sarah

2010-05-11T22:53:00.000-07:00

Overhead Flowerbox

2010-02-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

Bridge of Sighs

2010-02-27T19:58:00.000-08:00

Boat and Wall

2010-02-25T19:58:00.000-08:00

St. Marc's Square

2010-02-21T13:35:00.000-08:00

Sunset Bridge

2010-02-20T22:58:00.000-08:00

Vaporetto Stop

2010-02-18T21:41:00.000-08:00

Watery Doorway

2010-02-17T09:29:00.000-08:00

Lion and Lamp WIP

2010-02-15T16:56:00.000-08:00

3 Stages of Straw Hat

2010-02-15T13:48:00.000-08:00

Sunset Bridge

2010-02-15T13:39:00.001-08:00

St Marc's Square

2010-02-15T13:38:00.000-08:00

Flower Window

2010-02-13T22:03:00.002-08:00

Watery Doorway

2010-02-13T22:03:00.000-08:00

Water Taxi Stop

2010-02-13T22:02:00.000-08:00

Sunny Doorway

2010-02-13T15:52:00.000-08:00

Straw Hat

2010-02-13T15:51:00.000-08:00

Boat by the Wall

2010-02-13T15:49:00.001-08:00

Bridge (of Sighs)

2010-02-13T15:48:00.001-08:00

The Lion and the Lamp

2010-02-13T15:47:00.001-08:00

Venezia Revisited Step 2

2010-02-13T15:46:00.000-08:00

Today I quickly composed 5 sketches.

Venezia Revisited

2010-02-13T15:42:00.000-08:00

In order to make more work for myself, I decided to change the direction of the Italy series. This occurred to me as I was bored with the most recent piece in the group. It was just nice and maybe even nice enough. However, it was the same style, the same content and the same format as the older paintings. And I was bored.
So, In order to revisit Venice properly, I want to approach it with a different perspective. The show is to be a then-and-now type affair. It was shaping up to be a then-and-more-then type thing. Here is the plan; I am changing the format and the process; 10 x10 canvases and quick, timed painting sessions (this should influence the style, which is hard to dictate because of the default style). I am also using my references in a different way too--croppier. (!)

I toned all of my canvases first.

Making Room

2010-02-07T22:48:00.000-08:00

In an effort to make room in the studio, I worked on the biggest painting. But I didn't finish it so tomorrow is another day of being crowded and time is growing short for the Italian paintings to wrap up.

Anyhow, I worked on the Jacaranda trees.

Creeping Along

2010-02-06T23:31:00.000-08:00

Though I feel like I am not making great strides, I am making little chunks of progress. Today I worked on Joyride and Alice.

Working Toward the March Show

2010-02-02T22:51:00.000-08:00

I am calling this one Joy Ride. Our Gondolier has no passengers; they messed with my plans to feature the boatman. Today I concerned myself with the architecture in the background; I worried about over-rendering and rendering badly (to me, both drawing issues). As I worked, I saw that what looks ornate can be a simple pattern. In addressing the architecture and the background, I also want to stay lose so I can feature Mr. Studley in the foreground there.

For Janel

2010-01-26T10:28:00.000-08:00

More Alice

2010-01-20T09:11:00.000-08:00

Ok, I spent a little more time on Alice last night truing to render her clothing and also the bucket by her side.

Top Five on the To Do List

2010-01-17T22:30:00.000-08:00

I have five paintings started right now. Aside from needing to give them proper titles, I want to finish them before February 15 or so. They are as follows:
1. the fountain
2. the guitar back
3. Alice
4. cafe girl
5. the new italy piece

Attached is also Cafe Girl's most recent incarnation.

Alice

2010-01-17T22:18:00.000-08:00

Today I worked a little more on Alice. I'm needing references for her slip and pantaloons. She could be done quite soon. I also started a new painting for the Italian series. The focal point in this one will be the gondolier-in spite of the fact that there are figures in front of him. We'll see how that goes. I promised to get the whole painting laid out thinly before I work any one area up too much.

Alice WIP

2009-12-28T22:51:00.000-08:00

Alice is playing cards with Two, Five and Seven. The Roses that they were painting red have been cleaned up and they are thriving as white roses.

Fountain Project

2009-12-26T14:20:00.001-08:00

New Piece inspired by Man Ray

2009-11-11T23:36:00.000-08:00

Cafe Girl

2009-10-24T16:46:00.000-07:00

This is what I'm working on now. It's been along time since I've made a straightforward painting.

Portrait Prop Final Stage

2009-02-02T23:08:00.000-08:00

At this point, I have two goals: make that red shape a rose and pay attention to how her right arm comes around her body to hold her left hand (and paint accordingly).

Portrait Prop

2009-01-31T13:37:00.000-08:00

My friend is helping make a movie in which a portrait of the matriarch of the family is a necessary prop. This is a quick project as the due date is this week. I hope to work, from this point forward, a la prima. I have included W.I.P.s thus far.

Decorative Art

2009-01-10T22:03:00.000-08:00

It's been so long since I've spent any significant chunk of time in the studio, that I thought I'd do something to get me back in there. So, I bought new towels. Then, I started a panting to match them. I really needed the towels.

Cassandra's girls

2008-11-20T00:05:00.000-08:00

Finally! Something to blog about. I just finished a commissioned piece for my friend Cassandra. This is chalk pastel and chalk pastel pencil on toned paper. She plans on making it her Christmas card. Cool!

Community Project

2008-09-22T22:55:00.000-07:00

This weekend our neighborhood had an arts event that included interactive mural painting. For my contribution, I designed a paint-by-number mural. I have a few progress photos.

Portrait study

2008-07-29T23:31:00.000-07:00

I got Janel to sit still for me for a little study. I wanted a portrait fix.

Neighborhood Rotary

2008-05-26T10:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we were in the Shasta neighborhood in SJ. It took some looking before I was able to settle on this composition.

Beach Paintings

2008-05-26T09:35:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we painted at the beach; one painting in the morning and one in the late afternoon. The bottom painting is the early one. I think the top image could have done without the umbrellas. I'm a sucker for bright colors. This painting is definitely a good learning piece. I would like to do three more versions of this same composition.

Back to the City

2008-05-26T09:25:00.000-07:00

The next week we painted in DTSJ at St Joseph's Cathedral. The grays in the shadow of this building offered a special challenge. We spent two Sundays there. The work posted here is the second week's work. The first week's piece is hanging in the kitchen of my friend, Janel.

Artist in the Field

2008-05-26T08:46:00.000-07:00

After spending two weeks (last month) outside of trials pub with unsatisfactory results, my painting pal, Dave, introduced me to his favorite spot in Woodside. There I found some satisfaction. I'm at a bit of a loss when it comes to pure landscape. So, I incorporated a figure. It is a successful composition in spite of how very green it is.

Trials Pub

2008-03-30T22:26:00.000-07:00

This is the facade of Trials. The sub straight is an old painting that is almost entirely deep blue. So, this painting seems dark and will lighten as it progresses. This was today's my plein air work. Next week, I'll come back to it. Two seems to be the right number Sundays to familiarize myself with a new subject.

A little more

2008-03-30T22:07:00.000-07:00

What can I say, I'm eking out this painting stroke by stroke.

At it again

2008-03-25T23:54:00.000-07:00

This piece is a new piece even though it looks like the one I've been working on. The previous incarnation is crap because the foundation was so substandard. That is a lesson learned. There is little more than a month left 'til the Saratoga Rotary Art Show. The countdown begins.

California Theatre

2008-03-25T23:34:00.000-07:00

Easter Sunday's work on the California Theater.

The Califronia Theatre

2008-03-16T15:09:00.000-07:00

So, week three of painting outside has proven a little less satisfying than week two, but I like this challenge. We decided last week that we would take a brush at the California theatre.
Next week, I'll be back for more because there is potential for this painting.

Plein Air Sundays

2008-03-09T22:24:00.000-07:00

For two Sundays in a row, I've painted outdoors. I am very excited about the warm weather and the work that will come from the next few months of Sundays. It's been a long time since I've painted outside. I've never done it consistently over an extended period of time, so this is new-ish. I even got a sunburn today! (Next week,I'll wear sunblock.)The bottom image is week one's product. The top image is week two's. I spent more time on week two's piece. I think there was significant improvement from last week's work to today's work. That is exciting. Plus, I'm transfixed by this fountain!

Big Red Shiny II

2008-02-21T22:28:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, was fun: I began a painting, finished a painting and went to a great opening at the Art Ark. My friend and neighbor, Val, had an idea for an entry for me to create for the Big Red Shiny II Show. So I did. It was fast and there was instant gratification (not to mention I won the a prize for the sexiest piece in the show.

Click on Eileen Graham Fine Art at the bottom of this page to see my website.

The following Sunday...

2008-02-21T22:25:00.000-08:00

...I scraped a bunch of paint off of that piece- mostly the red-orange that Al Preciado had put on it. But the sharing was fun.

Playing around on First Friday

2008-02-21T22:07:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since I was in the studio in a serious capacity. However! There has been some fun in the art-making camp. Last month's first Friday events included a bit of a paint-in. Around 20 artists set up studio in Works San Jose for the evening. I let some folks help me at the canvas.

A few marks

2008-01-21T13:29:00.000-08:00

I put a few more marks on this piece. I have plans to make this piece thick. It is thin right now, but it will be thick. I've been spending time at the computer, organizing my image files. It's no excuse but that's what I'm offering.

Starting from scratch

2008-01-08T23:04:00.000-08:00

Today I felt like I was learning to paint all over again. I was putting colors and shapes on the canvas with little sense of familiarity.
I'm not through with Italy yet.

That Vargas Girl

2007-12-20T11:08:00.000-08:00

Remember when I started this portrait commission? Me either. I am back in the studio and have actually put some paint to canvas. This piece had a holiday deadline but it was extended. Because I'm leaving this weekend, I think I may just wrap it up ASAP.

The Closing Reception of "2 from the Ark"

2007-12-20T10:55:00.000-08:00

This was a lovely event. My favorite people were there to support me and I always appreciate that! For this event I made small prints of my work and was happy to see folks buy some. My goals for this spring involve selling prints of new work and old on the fair circuit. In the month that I have been absent from this here blog, I've been goofing off and brainstorming about what comes next. I have exciting plans for the spring.

Side work

2007-12-20T10:49:00.000-08:00

I did a little side work last week. the company that built my apartment complex was in need of a back drop for it's holiday party. So, I painted a 23'x 8'wall -they supplied the design.

Showing the new work

2007-11-10T14:30:00.000-08:00

Well, I have not written in a week because I've been preoccupied with hanging the new work and finishing up lose ends. Tomorrow is the opening reception for the show entitled "2 from the Ark" I'm sharing a fantastic gallery space with Lucy Liew, my fellow artist and task master. I am going to continue with the same Italian theme in coming weeks just to have a little more work. Like I said originally, I wanted ten new pieces to complete the series. One of the 8 that I did complete is no longer with the group so at least three more Italian pieces will be on the docket. I'm including my latest self portrait.
The details of the exhibit are on my site http://www.eileengraham.com
1035 S. Sixth Street San Jose, CA 95112
Sunday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Blast off?

2007-11-02T17:57:00.000-07:00

I have two images of a resting gondolier. It is so different than it's beginnings. Still needs work. It's the last piece besides my self portrait which I'll post next time

T-minus Seven

2007-10-25T21:57:00.000-07:00

Oh, the time does fly! I have been so busy that I've neglected to post each painting session. A note about the time line: I have set Nov. 1 as my deadline date but the exhibit for the new work gets hung on the 5th and opens on the 11th. I have a few extra days to work. I finished my gondola couple, began a self portrait and another gondolier based on the same reference for the gondolier that I began back in August. I did this because the original sold (yeah!) and may not show up for the exhibit. Another note: The goal was 10 new pieces. I have 7 pieces in my studio and one out in the world. I may start a ninth before the exhibit. As it stands, there will be 8 new completed paintings. Not bad.

T-minus Fourteen?

2007-10-16T13:38:00.000-07:00

So, I've put a little more work into my boat couple though it is not finished. Here it is.

An affair of the boat

2007-10-13T14:37:00.000-07:00

This painting has evolved into something that I really dig. The architecture in the background has been replaced with space. The implied narrative here is powerful for me.

T-minus 18!!??

2007-10-13T14:34:00.000-07:00

Making progress. I'm excited about the pair of gondoli(?)

More boats

2007-10-09T22:59:00.000-07:00

I'm continuing the Venice theme. It's another opportunity to work on my water craft (that was for SJQ). This painting has some boat personification in it.
I started it on Sunday. I drew it in and put in the water. Today, I put in the background architecture. I started working on the boats and pillars in the same way as I did The Three Gondoliers, by painting only adjacent colors. I am working quickly on this one. So, we'll see if I can finish by Thursday.

T-minus 24

2007-10-06T14:50:00.000-07:00

I have moved my studio indefinitely to a common space where Lucy (the artist with whom I will be exhibiting) and I will be painting side by side. This past week was pretty productive. I think this is an even better working environment than I had before. Maybe it will show in my work. Here are the results so far...btw, the canal is officially complete.

Things take time

2007-10-03T22:22:00.000-07:00

Still working on the canal. It is taking more time than I thought but I'm getting into the details. gladly, it will be finished soon.

Things take time

2007-09-28T17:19:00.000-07:00

The more I panic about my deadline, the more my skills wane. So, I tell myself that things take time and a slow, deliberate pace is what I need now. This is the canal piece near it's finish.

Still 36 to go

2007-09-25T23:19:00.000-07:00

Here are today's efforts.

T-Minus 36

2007-09-25T12:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I finished (but will probably paint more on it later) the Three Gondoliers. I have yet to form an opinion on it. There must be something awry. The color is an issue maybe. The image I have posted is a little hotter than the original. Still, there is something going on that I don't get yet. Today, I will see about that canal piece. It's been neglected long enough. 5 weeks left. Oh, dear.

T-38

2007-09-23T23:11:00.000-07:00

New piece today. It's a mood thing. I did a watercolor of the window in the Hotel Paris in Florence. I'm working from the watercolor and a photo. I put too many layers of gesso on this canvas. There is nothing grabbing the paint off my brushes. I am really having to force the medium onto the canvas. I'll make sure my next canvas has more texture. The last piece had too much tooth and I found it sucking up my all the paint. So, the Hotel Paris painting is very glowy. And I want it to get glowier. I've done a few glazes instead of putting opaque paint down. Hopefully I can save the special glowy part and layer up the shadows for the effect I want. Tomorrow, I readdress the canal, the 3 gondoliers and the hotel window. Should be fun!

T- Minus 40

2007-09-21T16:42:00.000-07:00

I continued to work on putting color down, then reacting to it, then placing the next color, etc. At some point the whole canvas surface became adjacent to the last color applied so I shifted my style to what I am going to refer to as The Plow. Now I have a piece on the brink of completion. So, I think I'll use these two systems on the next piece. I think it's about the starting point. The starting point will be the most complex, the most interesting and the most difficult part of the painting. And essentially, it's the fun stuff that I want to dive into anyway(faces, hands, feet, brilliant colors-whatever). After that, I can engage The Plow. I will return to this piece I'm sharing today with a low-impact approach so I can finish with a little finesse. We'll see. I might be making this all up.

T-Minus 42

2007-09-19T22:37:00.000-07:00

This painting is moving along but my goal of ten is looming large. This is only number four. Anyhow, the work continues...

The Three Gondoliers Revisited

2007-09-18T21:56:00.000-07:00

Today, I redrew the figures larger and off center. That seemed like the right thing to do. So, after I scummbled in some stuff and darkened the pants all around, I wanted to do something fun. So I put some color in the middle man's face. I am going to paint the rest of this painting in the following way: I'll put down paint adjacent to the color that I last applied for the rest of the canvas. It is going to be an exercise in color relationships on a neighborly scale. Everything will spiral out from my middle man's face- or maybe not spiral-but spread in any direction-just no skipping around.

The Three Gondoliers

2007-09-18T21:53:00.000-07:00

Ok, I drew in the figures on this painting and let it sit for a few days because I knew it was wrong but could not make myself do anything about it.

T-minus 48

2007-09-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

November 1 is my deadline for 10 new paintings. I essentially have 3. This makes me officially behind. I've been struggling with the canal piece and today will draw in a new composition-probably gondoliers. No more time to work on commissions until after my Nov. deadline is met.