Artful Painter

Latest Episodes:

Kyle Ma - Keeping an Open Mind Apr 26, 2020

Show notes

Kyle Ma is an extraordinary artist and a student of geology. His keen observation skills are honed by his geoscience training at the University of Texas in Austin, Texas. Whether he paints the figure, the landscape, or florals, his confident brush work and solid drawing skills expertly express his emotional response to what he sees. Kyle believes inspiration can truly be pulled from anything or anywhere.

In this inspiring conversation with Kyle, I was profoundly impressed with his humility. He has studied with some of the finest artists in the world. Though he would not personally admit this, he is easily their peer. Kyle candidly admits to feelings of inadequacy after taking workshops, wondering afterwards if he is even a good painter. Determined and disciplined, he doesn't let doubt stop him. He has a quiet confidence in his approach to painting. He thoughtfully considers the lessons he has learned, picks up his brush, and carefully considers each stroke before committing it to his canvas.

Whatever the subject is, he is passionate about painting it as he feels it. Whether he paints outdoors or inside, Kyle Ma is resolved to keeping an open mind.

Links

Kyle Ma Website https://www.kylemafineart.com/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kylekcma/

About the Artful Painter:

Website: https://theartfulpainter.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlOlsonArt

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artful.painter/

This page may contain affiliate links from which I earn a small commission. When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Jonathan McPhillips - Capturing the Presence of Man Apr 20, 2020

Show notes

Jonathan McPhillips' paintings shimmer with atmosphere and sparkle with light. Each painting he creates he views as a welcome problem to solve, a delightful puzzle to piece together, and a celebration of his surroundings. Working equally in the studio and on location, his work includes the harbors, beaches, vessels, and architecture of the coastal marine environment of New England including his home in Rhode Island. Chasing the ever changing light and air drives Jonathan to paint. The perception of atmosphere viewers sense in his paintings is the result of his impressionistic style, tempered by a touch of realism and draftsmanship. Whether he paints indoors or outdoors his method of painting is similar.

In this edition of the Artful Painter, Jonathan shares his multifaceted approach to painting. He relates how his early art education that focused on modern art influenced his work in a positive way. Jonathan encourages artists to take advantage of technology to promote their work. He candidly talks about working with galleries and that he views his relationship with galleries as a partnership. Jonathan teaches a number of workshops and explains his approach to teaching and how artists can best benefit from the experience. When faced with a myriad of choices in painting, Jonathan reveals he is drawn to scenes that show man's intervention in the landscape. Indeed, as you peer into Jonathan McPhillips' paintings, you see a story only partially shown, perhaps suggesting a mystery, and capturing the presence of man.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Jonathan McPhillips https://www.jonathanmcphillips.com

Olmsted Plein Air Invitational https://www.olmstedpleinair.com

Barkley L. Hendricks https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barkley_L._Hendricks

About the Artful Painter:

Website: https://theartfulpainter.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlOlsonArt

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artful.painter/

Nancy Tankersley - Geometry of Shapes Apr 18, 2020

Show notes

Nancy Tankersly approaches painting with experimentation and curiosity. The results are impressionistic paintings that are not so much about the subject as it is about shapes. Her fascination with shapes perhaps began when she excelled in geometry in school. She began her painting career as a portrait painter. However, Nancy's inquisitive and experimental nature compelled her to branch out. Today she finds beautiful shapes to paint in the landscape, figure, and still life. She uses non-traditional tools, supports, and technology to express her impressionistic style.

When Nancy and her husband moved to Easton, Maryland, several years ago, she founded her own gallery and co-founded Easton Plein Air – considered one the premier annual plein air events in the world. Today, Nancy enjoys the rhythm of teaching, working in her studio, painting outside.

Nancy is one of three judges invited to the 6th Annual Olmsted Plein Air Invitational - serving alongside Leslie Lobell and Chris Garvin. In this episode, she candidly talks about the judging process and offers helpful advice to artists who participate in competitions. Nancy talks about the importance of getting to know who you are as an artist. She explains that experimentation is the key to the growth of an artist - a quest she continues to this day. Nancy Tankersly's paintings expressively convey feeling, each securely anchored by the rich, beautiful poetry of the underlying geometry of shapes.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Nancy Tankersley https://www.nancytankersley.com

Plein Air Easton https://pleinaireaston.com

Olmsted Plein Air Invitational https://www.olmstedpleinair.com

About the Artful Painter:

Website: https://theartfulpainter.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlOlsonArt

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artful.painter/

Patrick Saunders - No Preconceptions Apr 12, 2020

Show notes

Patrick Saunders' paintings have won many awards and received much recognition. His studio works earned him membership in notable painting organizations, including becoming a signature member of Oil Painters of America. When Patrick began plein air painting in 2013, he won awards from numerous nationally recognized events and organizations. However, whether he paints indoors or outdoors, he does not want to be known by where he paints. He doesn't want to be known as a plein air painter nor as a studio painter. Rather, he considers himself simply as a painter drawn to many subjects.

The subject matter of his paintings include landscapes, cityscapes, animals and pets, and florals. Many of these subjects Patrick discovers along the thousands of miles he and his wife, photographer Kimberly Saunders, travel in their Airstream across the country. Patrick avoids the many sweeping vistas he travels through, preferring to capture the intimate details of life. As he and his wife travel, he searches out the colors, textures, and values of everyday life that are all too often taken for granted.

In this episode, Patrick talks about the challenge of overcoming preconceptions about how something should be painted. It requires keen observation of what is before us. Our belief that some subjects are more difficult to paint than others may also be the result of deeply rooted preconceptions. Careful observation, and the willingness to view art making as a series of little mistakes corrected and adjusted throughout our painting session helps us overcome our preconceived notions about painting. Patrick Saunders work clearly demonstrate that he diligently strives to paint with no preconceptions.

Mentioned in this episode:

Patrick Saunders website https://www.patricksaunders.com

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/patricksaundersfinearts/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/patricksaundersfinearts/

Twitter https://twitter.com/psaundersart

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/patricksaunders13

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/patricksaunders/

Kimberly Saunders website https://saundersfinearts.com

Plein Air Streaming website https://www.pleinairstreaming.com/index.html

Olmsted Plein Air Invitational https://www.olmstedpleinair.com

Mark Rothko https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Rothko

Helen Frankenthaler https://www.frankenthalerfoundation.org/artworks/paintings

Marcel duChamp https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcel_Duchamp

Max Beckman https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Beckmann

Norman Rockwell https://www.nrm.org Illustrator

Marshall Arisman https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marshall_Arisman

Bernie Fuchs https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernie_Fuchs

Mark English https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_English_(illustrator)

About the Artful Painter:

Website: https://theartfulpainter.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlOlsonArt

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artful.painter/

Matt Ryder - A Clear Vision Apr 10, 2020

Show notes

Matt Ryder is an award-winning British artist living and working in Dubai of the United Arab Emirates. Matt finds inspiration in the wild beauty of the natural world – whether it's land, sea, or sky. It's astonishing that there are still wild places left in the world that have not been painted. That's the unique situation Matt finds himself in where he lives in the Middle East. Matt takes advantage of the cooler seasons to paint outdoors among the majestic mountains where few people live. Inspired by John Singer Sargent's landscape paintings - The Moraine and Simplon Pass – Matt strives to capture the feel of the rugged, boulder-filled landscape before him. Braving desert heat, enduring "you shouldn't be here" looks from people in rare encounters, and bemused by camels curious about what he is doing – these are all in a day's plein air painting session with Matt Ryder.

Before these isolated landscapes change and are lost forever, Matt is on a mission to capture with oil paint the extraordinary, rugged beauty of these wild lands unseen by most of us. Matt Ryder is truly an enthusiastic painter, earnestly painting these wondrous and mysterious landscapes with a clear vision.

Mentioned in This Episode

Matt Ryder Website https://www.ryderscanvas.com

Matt Ryder Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mattryder/

Matt Ryder Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MattRyderwildlifeart/

Matt Ryder short film by filmmaker Joe Hawkins https://youtu.be/FlwMzXcyd9U

Rosemary & Co video featuring Matt Ryder https://youtu.be/1OpkVkeDqgg

Edge Pro Paintbook (Pochade Box) https://www.edgeprogear.com/paintbook

Manfrotto Carbon Fiber tripod Manfrotto MT190CXPRO4 4 Section Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs with Q90 Column (Black) (affiliate link) https://amzn.to/2RqTrba

Manfrotto 494 Aluminum Center Ball Head (affiliate link) https://amzn.to/3ebDnUG

Rosemary & Co Eclipse Range Brushes https://www.rosemaryandco.com/oil-brushes/eclipse-oils

Ivory Range Brushes https://www.rosemaryandco.com/oil-brushes/ivory-oils

Rembrandt Artist's Oil Colors King's Blue (affiliate link) https://amzn.to/2JXoI1k

Raymar Linen Panel (affiliate link) https://amzn.to/39YSZaL

Edgar Payne The Scenic Journey (affiliate link) https://amzn.to/2VhvHrb

Art in the Open - Europe's Largest Plein Air Painting Festival https://web-eur.cvent.com/event/2f0dd677-eb2e-4a40-afcd-6e94b067e142/summary

John Singer Sargent Simplon Pass https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.166471.html

John Singer Sargent The Moraine https://www.johnsingersargent.org/The-Moraine.html

Glenn Dean https://www.landscapesofthewest.com

Jeremy Lipking https://www.lipking.com

Scott Christensen https://christensenstudio.com/

Clyde Aspevig https://www.clydeaspevig.com

Matt Smith https://www.mattsmithstudio.com https://carlolson.tv/artful-painter/matt-smith-impressionistic-naturalism-2

Epidemic Sound (affiliate link) https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/kgue7d/

Debra Stamp https://www.debrastampart.com/About the Artful Painter

About the Artful Painter:

Website: https://theartfulpainter.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlOlsonArt

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artful.painter/

Michael Chamberlain - Forging His Own Way Apr 06, 2020

Show notes

Michael Chamberlain says that if Vincent Van Gogh were alive today, he would be a vlogger on YouTube. Van Gogh was a prolific letter writer to an audience of one - his brother Theo. However, as a vlogger on YouTube van Gogh's message would likely reach hundreds of thousands of fans. As a 21st century California-based impressionist, Michael inspires an audience on YouTube of well over 160,000 subscribers. In his videos, he tries to show the mistakes he makes. He candidly admits that none of the paintings in his videos are gallery ready. Upon returning to his home studio, he tenaciously works out whatever problems they may have until they are ready to hang in a gallery.

You know that old adage, "you can't teach an old dog new tricks?" Michael says it isn't true! He says an old dog has more time and experiences that can make us better students of painting. The key to learning is coming to grips with the rate of failure. Failure is a necessary part of the process. When first starting out learning to paint it's all too easy to believe in the myth of the genius. Michael admonishes that we can't allow ourselves to buy into the illusion that professional artists turn out one great painting after another. Indeed, there are many failures in between the good ones.

Michael says that the difference between a good painter and a great painter is the ability to say "I'm going to figure this out and I'm going to be tenacious about solving these problems." And that is exactly what he strives to do: Michael Chamberlain is tenaciously forging his own way.

Mentioned in this episode:

Michael Chamberlain: https://www.chamberlainpaintings.com/

Michael Chamberlain's YouTube Channel (chamberlainpaintings): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClTZKdjGPqdf7aeo29vPMoQ

Emma Chamberlain YouTube Channel (Michael's daughter): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC78cxCAcp7JfQPgKxYdyGrg

Gallery Representation:

STUDIO Gallery SF: https://www.studiogallerysf.com/mc16-gallery

Elliott Fouts Gallery: https://efgallery.com/artist-works.php?artistId=171219&artist=Michael%20Chamberlain&editionType=

Books:

Fill Your Oil Paintings with Light & Color by Kevin Macpherson (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/2xWCoao

Gruppe On Painting Direct Techniques In Oil by Emile A. Gruppe (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/34hYakF

Gruppe on Color: Using Expressive Color to Paint Nature by Emile A. Gruppe (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3aSEczC

Brushwork: A Guide to Expressive Brushwork for Oil Painting by Emile A. Gruppe (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/2RhE9Wb

Art Supplies:

4F Pumice: https://amzn.to/2JIFd1p

RayMar Wet Painting Carriers - 16" x 20" Carrier (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/2V2NXEG

About the Artful Painter:

Website: https://theartfulpainter.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlOlsonArt

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artful.painter/

George Van Hook - Truth and Honesty in Art Apr 01, 2020

Show notes

George Van Hook is a painter adept in both oil and watercolor. What he paints is a visual response to the subject before him – whether it's the landscape, a figure, or still life. The rich textures, harmonious colors, and design of Van Hook's paintings are the ultimate expression of two converging forces – the external beauty of the world around him and his deep internal emotional response to what he sees.

George Van Hook lives in Cambridge, New York – a beautiful nineteenth-century village in the Hudson Valley. His artistic journey began early in his life, and like Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, it took him through many formative experiences and places that influenced him to become the fine art artist he is today. In high school, he traveled throughout France and England working as a filmmaker. This experience exposed George to the wealth of museums in Europe and their priceless treasures of fine art. Seeing firsthand the breathtaking art in these museums nurtured within him a deep interest in not only art history but also in becoming a professional artist.

In this exuberant conversation, George Van Hook shares his fascinating take on art history, his philosophy of creating fine art, the rewards of working closely with artist friends who are dear to him, and the meaning of truth and honesty in art.

Mentioned in this episode:

George Van Hook: https://georgevanhookfineartist.com

NBC News report: Principal's door from Rockwell's iconic 'Shiner' preserved: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/principal-s-door-rockwell-s-iconic-shiner-preserved-n833231

The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris by David McCollough: https://amzn.to/39ukuZr

The Paynes - Edgar and Elsie by Rena Neumann Coen: https://amzn.to/3dJFVZR

About the Artful Painter:

Website: https://theartfulpainter.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlOlsonArt

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artful.painter/

Jim McVicker - A Way of Seeing Feb 18, 2020

Show notes

Jim McVicker imbues atmosphere and light into his paintings that stir the heart. Whether it's an expansive view of the Pacific coast near his home in Humboldt County, California, or an intimate interior still life set within his studio – his paintings are filled with a sense of solace and peace. Jim began painting full time in the mid-1970s. His early education as a painter began when working closely with artists Curtis Otto, James B. Moore, and George Van Hook. Painting nearly every day together, Jim assimilated what he observed, but developed his own voice. Though his primary joy is in painting representational art, Jim experimented heavily with abstract and non-objective painting for a few years. He says the lessons he learned from that period of experimentation positively influenced his approach to representational painting.

Jim values painting outdoors and in the studio. You could say he has two studios – the great outdoors and his home studio. In this episode, Jim encourages us to embrace painting direct from life and to allow ourselves to be taught by nature. Rather than rigorously follow tedious formulas and rules of design, Jim encourages us to trust our intuition as an artist. Jim's keen use of his artistic eye, mind, and heart have beautifully honed his way of seeing.

Mentioned in this episode:

Jim McVicker website: https://jimmcvickerpaints.com/

Jim McVicker on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRlfpZgtf3Ya9S_T0iGKvVQ

Video: Jim McVicker: A Way of Seeing: https://youtu.be/_Vpgg-Pa4p0

Theresa Oats: https://theresaoatspaintings.blogspot.com

Curtis Otto: https://www.northcoastjournal.com/humboldt/curtis-otto-was-a-painter/Content?oid=3398139

George Van Hook: https://georgevanhookfineartist.com

Morris Graves: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morris_Graves

How Much Water Can You Safely Add to Acrylic Paint? – Just Paint - Golden Artist Colors, Inc.: https://www.justpaint.org/how-much-water-can-you-safely-add-to-acrylic-paint/

A Craftsman's Legacy: Why Working with Our Hands Gives Us Meaning by Eric Gorges: https://amzn.to/2SCvYEW

About the Artful Painter:

Website: https://theartfulpainter.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlOlsonArt

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artful.painter/

Victoria Taylor-Gore - Quiet Surrealism Feb 11, 2020

Show notes

Victoria Taylor-Gore's surrealistic, luminous paintings are imaginary places at the boundary of twilight and dreams. Seemingly devoid of people, her paintings pull you into their quiet mystery. Her paintings fill your mind with questions: Who opened the motel room door? Who left the suitcase by the neatly made bed? Who is in the car whose lit headlamp spills light through the open door of the motel? Where is this lonely motel? Where did the people go? Have they just arrived? Or, are they getting ready to depart? It appears that the inhabitant of the room has just stepped out of sight. Or, have they? Then you realize that perhaps you are the inhabitant of that room. You've become a part of Victoria's painting and its mystery.

Victoria, who recently retired as the dean of liberal arts at Amarillo College, now devotes herself full-time to creating pastel and mixed-media paintings inspired by her love of film noir, the landscape of the high plains, and Route 66. Her use of exaggerated perspective creates a sense of unease and suspense. The open doors and windows invite movement between intimate interiors and dark, open exteriors – heightening your curiosity as to what lies either beyond or within. Her unique visual vocabulary is beautifully expressed in her evocative paintings of Quiet Surrealism.

I recently saw Victoria Taylor-Gore mentioned in Southwest Art magazine article. It was an exciting reminder of a conversation I had with her about ten years ago when I interviewed Victoria in a filmmaking and photography podcast I used to produce. At that time, a revolution in photography and video had appeared seemingly out of nowhere that allowed creators to produce high definition video of stunning cinematic quality with affordable digital DSLR cameras. It was an exciting development that encouraged creative experimentation. Victoria was an early adopter of this new video technology. She began experimenting with making videos using her collection of vintage toy cars, dollhouses, and figurines. Having seen her work, I invited her to be interviewed in that early podcast. In that first conversation, I learned that Victoria was inspired by film noir, surrealist artist Giorgio de Chirico, and filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock. Ten years later that inspiration continues to influence her art.

Mentioned in this episode:

Victoria Taylor-Gore website: https://www.victoriataylorgore.com

Victoria on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Victoria-Taylor-Gores-Page-342542963435/

Victoria on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vtg60/

Listener websites:

Frank Walsh: https://frankwalshoriginals.com

Sarah Skinner: https://sarahskinnerwildlifeart.wordpress.com

About the Artful Painter:

Website: https://theartfulpainter.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlOlsonArt

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artful.painter/

Skip Whitcomb - Purity of Vision Jan 30, 2020

Show notes

Skip Whitcomb says the subject of a painting is the painting, not the subject itself! He reasons that the viewer will never see the actual subject. Therefore, we must make that painting as captivating and poetic as possible. It's nothing more than paint on a canvas. This is what we attempt in its purest form. Skip states: "Once you internalize the language of painting, you never see the world the same way. It never leaves you. The veil of rational order is lifted and what hangs in the air are sensations of painted possibilities. On good days, some would call it poetry."

Skip Whitcomb resides in Colorado. He has received numerous awards for his landscape paintings in oil and pastel. At the 2017 Prix de West Show in Oklahoma City, for example, Skip was honored with the Donald Teague Memorial Award, for best work on paper. Skip is an active member of the Plein Air Painters of America. In fact, it was at PAPA event at the Booth Museum of Western Art that I first met Skip.

In this episode of the Artful Painter, Skip shares his Five Principles of painting that each artist must master. His love of nature and geology are integral to his art-making. He is not a painter simply passing through the landscape of the American West, he lingers at each location, intently observing. Skip says his time outdoor painting is his opportunity to harvest ideas and concepts. Often visiting the same locations, these timeless places become like old friends who continue to delight you as you discover new things about them. Skip seeks purity of vision in his work.

Mentioned in this episode:

Skip Whitcomb website: https://www.skipwhitcomb.com

Plein Air Painters of America: https://pleinairpaintersofamerica.com

About the Artful Painter:

Website: https://theartfulpainter.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlOlsonArt

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artful.painter/