The Oil Painters of America held a competition in Colorado last month. I decided I wanted to paint Fish Creek Falls for my entry. I had never painted a waterfall and wasn’t sure how to go about it. But I knew I had to be higher than the falls if I was going to paintContinue reading “Climb the mountain, enjoy the view”
Author Archives: mickey150
Self Portrait
Some artists have a love/hate relationship with self portraits and I am one of them. Looking in the mirror requires forgiveness of self and reconciliation with the aging woman I see there. I explore the lines that gravity has drawn as a history of my experiences, along with marks left by joy, love for life,Continue reading “Self Portrait”
Let’s figure it out!
During February I will host a figure drawing session in my Mainframe Studio 273 for anyone interested in drawing or painting from the live model. If you want an opportunity to work from life for the first time, or simply to refresh your drawing skills, here is a great opportunity. The cost is $195 forContinue reading “Let’s figure it out!”
Collaboration can be fun!
Mainframe is hosting the monthly First Friday Open House on November 7 and you are invited! The theme for this month is “Dualities” celebrating the collaboration between artists who use different media from one another. There will be food, drink, music and lots of beautiful and innovative art, so come join us! MyContinue reading “Collaboration can be fun!”
Dog Gone It Michelangelo!
My friend wrote a book about the dogs she has known and loved and their impact as part of human families. She asked me to illustrate it. Although I’ve done human portraits, I have not done many pet portraits. I decided to try my hand at showing the essence of a dog, the same wayContinue reading “Dog Gone It Michelangelo!”
Adventure!
“Life is a great adventure!” says my 82 year old friend B. She is well-travelled, yet one of B’s greatest joys is a small courtyard outside her back door. She tells of the wonderful flowers in bloom there, her chats with people walking by, the robin that nests in her overgrown chocolate vines. She quotesContinue reading “Adventure!”
Season It!
During the cold dark winter I find its important to avoid boredom by shaking up my routine. Its the same idea as putting various spices on a dish in order to keep the flavors fresh. So this past winter I held a class for anyone wanting to learn to paint the costumed figure. It keptContinue reading “Season It!”
Teaching is Learning
This year I became an art teacher almost by accident. In another life I taught difficult subjects to groups of 100 or more, so I didn’t think it would be all that difficult to teach someone to draw. To my surprise it was more work – and more reward – than I expected. Continue reading “Teaching is Learning”
Batter Up!
My dad was a career baseball player, and I am grateful for many of the life lessons he taught me. Some of those lessons enhance my pursuit of art. He was an original, authentic, and funny guy who understood the importance of thinking for yourself but not taking yourself too seriously. I think that’s aContinue reading “Batter Up!”
Beginning
Happy New Year! I find that each new year seems fresh, like new-fallen snow. It’s like a new canvas, at once blank and beckoning. There are so many paths to take through the January snow and I am eager to put down my tracks. But it’s easy to get lost in the opportunities. So IContinue reading “Beginning”
Mickey Carlson Fine Art 