The Paint On Tabletop Easel Got an Award!

I always look forward to Katherine Tyrrell's 'Making a Mark' Awards at the end of the year - art bloggers, world-wide, voted on their favorites for Best Picture of the Year on an Art Blog 2011, including Best Portraits/Figures, Best Landscape/Place, Best Still Life, Best Nature and more. Bravo to all who participated and congratulations to the artists.

This year Katherine's new award, the Art Innovation of the Year, highlights those artist bloggers who experiment and/or create and/or share innovations which help the practice of other artists. This year's award was shared between Ester Roi's Icarus Art Drawing Board and Brett's Paint On Tabletop Easel!! How cool is that? Nice way to end the year - thanks to the voters and Katherine, Brett and I appreciate the recognition.

Speaking of the Tabletop Easel, I currently have 1 that is brand-new and ready to ship in the New Year - please click here to purchase yours.

An added note..... we've really enjoyed our holiday time including a road trip to have Christmas with the family, something we couldn't do for years, being in retail. Zac and Joey had their first long drive, their first hotel stay and new experiences all around. It was great fun - we hope you had a wonderful time as well.

The painting starts again tomorrow, I've got a lot of catching up to do. I want to thank all of you who take the time to visit my blog and website and leave your encouraging comments and emails throughout the year. It really, really does mean a lot to me.

~ Happy New Year
and Paint On!

Have a Happy Holiday

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole."

~ Roger Caras

Wishing you and yours a beautiful holiday time.
~Karin, Brett, Zac & Joey

"Front Office"

16 x 16"
oil on masonite
sold

I had mentioned a few weeks ago I was painting a larger piece - most wouldn't consider 16" large, but in my world, it's double the width of my usual. A little daunting for me, as silly as that sounds. Add to that, the painting is a commissioned piece of sorts, for the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts in Alabama - for an upcoming event in February. Another painting of mine had caught the eye of the organizers of the event - it featured one of the museum's prized possessions, Edward Hopper's 'New York Office' - one of my personal favorites in their collection. What an honor for me. When I know more about the dates of the museum's event, I'll be sure to fill you in.

What I learned about painting larger....

It took a lot of time to be happy with the composition, in fact, I changed it six times. The fifth time, I sketched it out on the panel and immediately hated it. The larger it is, the more it matters. It seems to come easier for me on a smaller format or maybe I was stuck over-thinking the whole thing.

When I started putting the paint down, I found myself working slow and tight. Then Brett came into the room and took the small brush out of my hand and replaced it with a big one and told me to loosen up. After that subtle reminder, it flowed. Took me four days, but there was no wiping areas off, no corrections to the composition, and I really enjoyed those four days of work.

Painting smaller pieces is my thing - no doubt. The main reason, I don't have that kind of time. I want to wake up in the morning, figure out what I want to paint that day and get it done before I go to bed. I don't like thinking about what I should do or should change the next morning - I like the feeling of accomplishment at the end of a day. Makes for a good night's sleep.

Please click here for a larger view.

As for now - this is the first Christmas & New Year's Holiday, in 32 years, that I am no longer in retail. It is w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l. I loved my job as a picture framer, but holidays really were tough. Be nice to those folks behind the counter, a kind word or two goes a long way.

Cheers and Wishes for a Happy Holiday time ~

Brand New Easels Available

If you paint smaller works, treat yourself to a brand-new, custom-built Paint On Easel. My guy, Brett, has 1 Tabletop Easel ready - if you like to sit and paint like I do. Read about it, you'll love it, I promise. He also has 2 AlterEasels ready - if you prefer to use your stand-up easel, this fits comfortably onto the shelf. Read about it, lots of artists love it too.

The artist Pattie Wall just emailed me about how much she is pleased with her Tabletop Easel - here's a photo she sent of her paintings in the easel....

Read more about what she said here.

To purchase your Tabletop Easel now, please click here.

To purchase your AlterEasel now, please click here.

Thank you ~

"Walking the Walk"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

Part of my ongoing series ATL to NYC & Back - a morning walk to Central Park on the Upper East Side of the city.

100% of the sale of this painting was donated to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Home - a cancer hospice, here in Atlanta. The hospice depends of private donations to care for terminally ill patients - the Sisters cared for my dad 21 years ago. Thanks to all who participated in the auction, I am grateful.

More of the Hilton Head Gang

4 x 4"
oil on masonite

And a happy December to you. I've been working on a larger painting, I can't say much about it yet, when it's official I surely will. I put it away for the day, thought I'd warm up with another mugshot of our infamous Hilton Head Gang.

Our third gang member is Linda 'the Joker' Popple - Linda disarms her victims with humor and then shoots with reckless abandon. Yes, Linda thinks she is funny, but her crimes are very serious. Please approach her with with caution. Linda was last seen driving off Hilton Head Island wearing a teal sweatshirt and a blue baseball cap driving a red convertible sports car as she was laughing and shaking her camera at the wind. Authorities followed her until she left them in the dust....

For more information or clues to her whereabouts, check out her blog.

"Gatto"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

Adding to my ongoing series ATL to NYC & Back - another charming resident I met up with in Little Italy. Come to think of it, he's the only outdoor cat I saw during my stay in New York City.

San Francisco - the Perfect Gift Idea

I have a Black Friday promotion - picture yourself in San Francisco in the spring, painting with a group of artists in the early part of the day then roaming the city with your camera and capturing images that will inspire you to paint for months after you return home.




Join me at my upcoming workshop at the San Francisco Friends School, April 9-13, 2012 - there is 1 opening remaining and you can put yourself on a waiting list if you still need time to think about it. You'll find more information here - the workshop is arranged by the Sedona Arts Center - the director, Vince Fazio, can assist you with any questions and registration - his contact info can be found on the right hand column of this blog or register online.

San Francisco is an incredible city for an artist - filled with streetscapes and people watching spots - I am so excited about this location and the workshop, please consider joining me and others next spring.

"Happy Hour"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

Included in my ongoing series ATL to NYC & Back - a charming gentleman I spotted sitting in front of the Mulberry Street Bar, who invited us in for happy hour.


~ Happy Thanksgiving to All

AlterEasel Available

A quick shout out that 1 brand-new AlterEasel is available to purchase thru my eBay store.
For details and testimonials on the AlterEasel, click here.

To purchase yours, click here.

The Tabletop Easels are temporarily sold out, more will be available soon.

~ thank you

More of the Hilton Head Gang

4 x 4"
oil on masonite

"The second member of the Hilton Head Gang is Regula 'Babyface' Scheifele. Don't let her youthful appearance fool you..... she is as devious as the rest of the gang when it comes to shooting covertly and then leaving the scene of the crime.

After terrorizing the island shooting her way through beaches and galleries, she escaped to the back roads of North Carolina. She was last seen boarding a plane to Europe... her current whereabouts unknown."

~ Maria Hock, fellow member of the HHG

Check out Regula's blog for any clues as to her whereabouts.

"A Lull"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

There was a lull. I got back to painting and found the mess around me unsettling. So I did a long-overdue cleanup of my studio which lead to a long-overdue cleanup of my distribution center (formally my dining room) which lead to pulling out my winter clothes and cleaning them. Back to work.

This new painting is part of my ongoing series ATL to NYC & Back - a couple of waiters during a lull, spotted in Little Italy.

The Hilton Head Gang Mugshots

4 x 4"
oil on masonite

"On October 31st, 2011, disaster struck the tiny island of Hilton Head, South Carolina. Twenty-one notorious characters descended upon Hilton Head and went wild shooting everything in sight.

The purpose of this challenge is to reveal the identities of the Hilton Head Gang by painting their portraits. The first mug to be painted is the leader of this notorious gang - Karin 'Quickdraw' Jurick (that would be me). Karin can visit a beach and shoot everyone in sight before they even know she is there. Her covert activity is known worldwide."

~ Maria Hock, artist and member of the Hilton Head Gang

Those who joined me in my recent workshop will be participating weekly, please click here to see their paintings.

Hilton Head Workshop

I'm back from my recent workshop in Hilton Head - it has taken me a couple of days to get organized, look through some photos, get caught up on sleep. I'm usually drained after the week ends, in a good way. I just had the greatest time with 19 talented, eager and wonderfully fun painters, I hated to see it end.




Thanks to all those who joined me in Hilton Head, and to Vince Fazio, from the Sedona Arts Center, who organizes and assists me in my workshops. I loved the experience.

Half the time spent away from home was family time, Brett and I took Zac and Joey - their first road trip and first time at the beach.




They were beside themselves - they LOVED the wide open beach, the waves, the room to run amok.




They turned 7 months old while we were there - amazingly brave and well-behaved the whole time.

The evening before the workshop began, one of my students who lives on the island, hosted a get-together at her beautiful home - a chance to get to know each other, which was great for all of us. One of my demos was the outstanding view from her back patio.

5 x 7"
sold

The first day, I talked a lot and painted this demo, a very loose, colorful piece - a woman I spotted on the beach the first few days we had arrived.

8 x 10"
sold

The second day, my students painted from the same photo, with amazing results. The different interpretations of the water were very cool - here's a few of those done.





This is another one of my demos, I wanted to concentrate on the skin colors - another woman I spotted on the beach.

6 x 6"
sold

On our longer day in the studio, I painted a mugshot - then forced everyone, including Vince, to paint one. I did this in my New York workshop, I knew they'd learn something from it, I think they enjoyed it more than they thought they would. Amazing results, a very cool exercise. Here is my demo .....

4 x 4"
sold

Our last day together went way too fast, one more demo to include swirly water and more skin.

6 x 6"
sold

What a fantastic week I had - family time beforehand with the pups and time with our friends, Neil and Karen, the beach and sunshine, painting and I got to know some really great people - it doesn't get any better than that.

I would normally head to Charleston after the workshop, this time I opted out, but I was told both my paintings 'Outdoor Dining' and 'Checked Out' that were part of the Charleston Art Auction sold (yay!) and they now have nice homes to go to. An excellent way to end my week.

Please take time to check out the blogs I've listed on the right column, of those artists who have participated in my workshops. I'm very proud of all of them. I also want to mention - if you're interested in my future workshops, check the info on the right column, or call the Sedona Arts Center and ask to be notified when one is scheduled. The next adventure is in San Francisco next April, a perfect city to photograph and paint - there are 7 openings remaining at this time.

Time to get back to the paints - see you back here very soon.

Workshop & Beach Pups

You know.... I honestly plan to blog from workshops, but by the time I get back to my place, I'm pooped and put it off and before I know it, it's time to crash and do it again in the morning. I did want to check in mid-week and say I am having a really great time, enjoying every single minute with my 19 artists and I'm very proud of all of them.




In my off-time, Brett and I have long beach walks with Zac and Joey - their first trip away from home. They have been awesome. They own the beach. Tomorrow they'll be 7 months old and they romp, wrestle, run, tumble in the sand without a leash - it's just been amazing to watch them. It just doesn't get any better than this.

We have a longer studio day tomorrow, I'll be sure to get some photos up of the work we've all been doing, and post those when I return home.

Bye for now ~ Karin J

Opening at 16 Patton

I wanted to thank all those who came by the gallery last night, it was a pleasure meeting you - the opening was lively and fun, my good friends, Karen and Neil were there - Karen has beautiful work at the gallery as well. There's nothing better than seeing it all in person. Neil put up several photos of the event here as well.

I had a lucky night and so very grateful for those red dots - it's the finest compliment an artist can get. A big thanks to Douglas Hoover, an artist who took the time to come by for good conversation, my good friends, Juan and Dennis, and Danna, the owner of the gallery, you all make me very proud.

I've got a busy week, packing up the art stuff, taking some time to travel and photograph before my workshop starts - I hope to blog from the coast. See you soon.

Article on Lines & Colors Blog

Charley Parker's blog Lines & Colors is my favorite art blog, I read it every day. I can't tell you how much I've learned through his writings, not to mention the discoveries of contemporary artists I now follow religiously. Charley made me proud today, with a post about my new book Museum Hours. Thank you Charley - I greatly appreciate the mention of my New York Life paintings and the posting of my friend, Karen Hollingsworth's new work, who'll be showing tomorrow night at the same opening at 16 Patton, along with Suzy Shultz.

"Outdoor Dining"

9 x 12"
oil on masonite
sold

I'm packing up my art stuff for a workshop, I won't be painting until I start that up November 1st - I'm really looking forward to it. Lots to do to prepare. Also heading to Asheville on Saturday to attend the opening for a group show at 16 Patton - hope to see you there.

Before I go, I want to show you one of the paintings that will be included in this year's Charleston Art Auction - a scene from my visit last November - some diners I spotted on East Bay Street, outside of Pearlz Oyster Bar, on a cool, autumn evening.

Please click here for a larger view.

Happy Trails ~ I'll be sure to blog from the coast. It's Zac and Joey's first beach trip, so they'll be blogging too.

"Entrenched"

9 x 12"
oil on masonite
sold

This painting will also be included in the upcoming group show, opening this Saturday at the 16 Patton Gallery - it's one of my personal favorites. I just love the form of the woman's trench coat and thin legs, the brown tones with the mustard-golds, and I love the artworks surrounding her -
William Nicholson's 'Mauve Primulas on a Table', with William Orpen's 'Self Portrait' to the right, donning a trench coat himself. Observed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City.

Please click here for a larger view. To view my paintings included in the group show, please click here.

My New Book 'Museum Hours'

I've been working on this new book for a good while and it's finally finished and available on Blurb. Museum Hours features color images of 102 paintings (100 are full page and 2 are smaller included in the introduction). These are paintings I've done in the past several years, of my favorite subject to paint - art lovers and museum patrons. The book is 8 x 10" and available in soft-cover and hard-cover (image wrap) - I also included an index in the back of the book for those who like to know the featured artwork and what museum the scene is from. I wanted this to be just right, and I am so pleased with the entire book. I thank you for considering a purchase, it might be the perfect gift for someone you know.

Please click here to preview a portion of the book and to purchase your copy.

New York Dogs

New York Dogs, No. 1
5 x 5"
sold 

A big part of New York Life that delights me - the dogs. They brave the traffic, the noise, the crowds and soften the hard edges of the city.

New York Dogs, No. 2
5 x 5"
sold

New York Dogs, No. 3
5 x 5"
sold

New York Dogs, No. 4
5 x 5"
sold

These five darling dogs were some of those we met up with while walking around New York back in May. We lost our Petey to cancer this past February, and just the slightest eye contact or the feel of their fur convinced us we were missing that in our lives - and as soon as we returned home, we adopted Zac and Joey.

These four paintings will be included in my grouping titled New York Life - part of a group show opening next Saturday at the 16 Patton Gallery - please join us if you can.

"A Good Listener"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

Adding to my series ATL to NYC & Back - after we hopped off the Roosevelt Tramway, we headed to Little Italy for an early dinner - stepped out of the cab and met this handsome, little guy playing it cool. Those ears were too cute, I figured he was a good listener.

"Bag Lady"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

Part of my ongoing series ATL to NYC & Back - we took a very cool ride on the Roosevelt Island Tramway where you can get fabulous, elevated views of the city. Brett spotted this lady at a crosswalk, loaded down with shopping bags - a very fun composition of shapes, shadows and forms. My kinda scene.

Thank You Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs created what I call my 'power tools' - the Mac, the iPhone, the iPad, iWeb, iPhoto - all of these genius instruments and programs have profoundly changed my life. Thank you Steve. I am so grateful.

- photo by Art Streiber for Time

"Ledger"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

Put anyone near a window, with good light, and I'll want to paint them. From inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art - and adding to my series ATL to NYC & Back.

"Daisy Chain"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

Adding on to my series ATL to NYC & Back - a chain of school girls being led through the sculpture gallery in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I love this painting :)

"Misfortune" & a New Book

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

I got a little carried away with the details on this painting - the woman is viewing 'The Fortune Teller', by Georges de La Tour, one of my favorite works of art in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It amuses me - the gentleman in the center is unknowingly being pick-pocketed from behind as the crone is offering him his fortune. This piece will be included in my series ATL to NYC & Back.

I also have a new book titled 'a shore thing' - it is 7 x 7" and includes 48 color reproductions of paintings inspired from my visits to the beach. It might be a good thing to have around when winter is too much to bear. Please click here to purchase your own copy.

"Smooth Sailing"

8 x 12"
oil on masonite
sold

I was watching Curb Your Enthusiasm last night - Larry David was arguing with a couple of women, behind him, this (almost exact) view of the 'boat pond', blue skies, little, model sailboats and all. How cool is that.




This painting will be included in the upcoming group show at 16 Patton Gallery - my collection features New York Life.

Please click here for a larger view.

New York Life Book

I created a show book for my New York Life paintings - there are 14 included in an upcoming group show, the book includes an additional 13 images of pieces currently hanging in the 16 Patton Gallery. The size of the book is 8 x 10", full-color, available in soft-cover and hard-cover on Blurb. I'll have 12 signed copies available at the opening on October 22nd - I would love for you to come by.

My good friend, Karen Hollingsworth, has six, large paintings in the same group show - below is one of my all-time favorites of hers, titled 'Wisdom'.

36 x 36"
oil on canvas

~ Happy Autumn

"In The Pink"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

Adding to my series ATL to NYC & Back - a small study of two girls, seemingly sisters, both dressed alike in their pink. They were transfixed on Johannes Vermeer's 'Study of a Young Woman', in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

"Cheers"

9 x 12"
oil on masonite
sold

The morning after I finished this painting, I opened up the New York Times and saw an advertisement for 'Frans Hals in the Metropolitan Museum', featuring his painting 'Yonker Ramp and His Sweetheart' - the same as in my painting. That was cool - I love Frans Hals's work, it's dark and somewhat creepy.

This piece will be included in the upcoming group show at 16 Patton in Asheville, my collection is New York Life.

Please click here for a larger view.

"Listen Up"

6 x 6"

oil on masonite
sold

While I'm getting all these new paintings ready for the show in October, I'm keeping busy with the brush, loosening up with more of my series ATL to NYC & Back. Picking up where I left off..... one of my stops, after the workshop wrapped up early afternoon on Tuesday, was the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I have this love/hate for the museum - it's almost too big to take in but filled with the most inspiring works of art. I'm mostly drawn to American Art, but the stuffy portraits of the European privileged amuse me, especially this little painting in my painting - by Diego Velazquez - a portrait of 'The Infanta Maria Theresa, daughter of Philip IV of Spain'. The detail is remarkable, her hair adorned with butterflies and cocoons - an fascinating portrait of a young girl who led an interesting, complicated life.

"Beacon"

4 x 12"
oil on masonite
sold

During our stay in New York, Brett and I took a sunset cruise, giving us a mellow, colorful view of the city skyline and the Statue of Liberty at dusk, then up the East River as darkness set in - it was breathtaking the entire time. This painting is included in my grouping New York Life, part of an upcoming group show at the 16 Patton Gallery, opening October 22nd.

Please click here for a larger view.

"Away From His Desk"

9 x 12"
oil on masonite
sold

Included in the upcoming group show in October, at the 16 Patton Gallery in Asheville, is this new painting - a gentleman sitting in the warm sunshine with a National Geographic.

Please click here for a larger view.