"Refuge"

8 x 5"
oil on masonite
sold

I'm joining in on another themed group show - coming up at 16 Patton in October - titled 'Landscapes: Of Hope & Glory'. I may not have done very many landscapes in the past four years of painting, but I am anxious to, and here is my first of several.

I found myself staying tight with the brush strokes - because it is a smaller format and it felt like every little stroke of color or glimmer of light mattered. This peaceful refuge is on the outskirts of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

Please click here for a larger view.

"X"

9 x 12"
oil on masonite
sold

I think I needed to see warm, autumn colors - I'm sooooo ready for fall. John Singer Sargent's painting 'Madame X' was my top choice, one of my personal favorites, a work of art that takes my breath away. This portrait of Virginia Amelie Avegno Gautreau hangs in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, a must-see. Sargent had to endure the scandalous response to this painting, even from the sitter's mother, who insisted the portrait not be exhibited in the Paris Salon. He did alter the shoulder straps, lessening the amount of flesh to please the masses.

In the flesh (pardon the pun), the skin is masterful, as Sargent accentuates the lavender-powdered, pale tones against the black and rich, warm surroundings. Perfection.

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"Group Hug"

7 x 7"
oil on masonite
sold

A few of us in the Daily Paintworks group painted tomatoes today. I enjoyed it very much - a change of pace, subject matter... always a good thing. And using oils for what they are meant for - free-flowing color and brush strokes.

"Boogie On"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

A scene from the beach, somewhat abstract surrounding the woman on the bicycle - I enjoy that about this new piece.

"Under The Rainbow"

9 x 9"
oil on masonite
sold

All's right under the rainbow umbrella - from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

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"Walk With Me"

8 x 10"
oil on masonite
sold

Today is a special day - my mom's birthday and the day my dad passed away. I like to think they're walking hand in hand on some beach in paradise. They were a great example of how to love - they were kind to each other.... best of friends. They were an enduring love through thick and thin. I miss 'em.This new painting will be auctioned with 100% of the winning bid donated to the Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Home, here in Atlanta. They took great care of my dad and I'm forever grateful. In addition, I will personally match the amount - so please, consider a bid - and I thank you.

"Walk Through"

12 x 12"
oil on masonite
sold

I went away. Just for a couple of days, unplanned, but needed. I reached a point of (slight) burn out. My Jack has had good days and awful days and I felt overwhelmed, as we do when we take care of ailing loved ones. I needed a break - yet I anguished over leaving even just for an afternoon. But it gets to the point where you can't function and I don't have time for that.

So..... I took a nice, easy roadtrip to the South Carolina coast, enough time to visit the gallery I've got new paintings in, meet the nice people who take care of my work. I got a little time in on the beach, of course taking pictures of tons of people - then watched a nearly-full moon rise over the ocean. Pure bliss. Unplanned and just what I needed.

If you're saying to yourself another painting of Paris Street, Rainy Day, just know - I cannot get enough of this masterpiece. The couple up front, seemingly walking right through the frame onto the floor of the museum - it is the biggest draw in the Art Institute - capturing people's awe all day long.

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"Beefy"

5 x 5"
oil on masonite
sold

Another fascinating creature - spotted in the countryside of south Georgia. My first cow.

"Fred"

5 x 5"
oil on masonite
sold

My occasional pond visitor, who I named Fred. My first frog (painted that is).

"Georgia Girl"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

A cute, young lady eagerly waiting for a summer parade - from south Georgia.

"Pool Man"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

Great color and great scenery at the pool.

"Beside Herself"

8 x 10"
oil on masonite
sold

If I ever make it to the big time - I'll have 17 air conditioners in my studio, all blowing directly on me. And a swimming pool. It is hot.

This moment taken from the Art Institute of Chicago, a woman standing beside her likeness in Modigliani's 'Woman with a Necklace'.

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"Hallelujah"

16 x 5"

oil on masonite
sold

I've wanted to do this painting for a long time - a hallelujah chorus singing in the park, in Washington, DC. Very fun to paint, although it took a while to complete.

Please click here for a larger view.

All's Well

I've been working on a painting that I knew would be tough - that'll be ready to show you in a day or so....... but I did want to chime in and say that the Blogger robots redeemed themselves, evidently working overtime last night and restored about 400,000 blogs. whew. All's well today.

This is my handsome Jack - he's doing fairly well himself, giving us the time we so very need to love and spoil him. He's my studio companion and a constant reminder that we take what we can get and cherish every minute.

Enjoy the weekend -

"Tuters"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

Sometimes I just want to see a setting in miniature form - playing with multiple daubs of paint and not worrying so much about details. I think the color and light make it work and up close, there are nice sweet spots to enjoy.

A scene from the Art Institute of Chicago - I like to call it 'The Tute'.

"Shop Girl"

8 x 8"
oil on masonite
sold

This new painting was a nice change of pace for me. Using a white surface, I washed a mixture of asphaltum, burnt sienna and olive green over the board - removed the color with thinner where I wanted light and added thicker paint with a tad of black for the darker areas. In the end, I added a smidgeon of indian red in the woman's skin - a subtle touch similar to a tinted photograph. I think everyone out there who paints with oils should try this occasionally. It's a great exercise.

The scene was taken from Phipps Plaza in Atlanta.

A Possible Future Workshop

I'm thinking about holding a 5-day workshop in mid-October to late-October, the location would possibly be Savannah, Georgia - although I'm still doing my homework. I'd like for the event to be held in a hotel, with sleeping accommodations included, as well as a nearby airport, easy parking, easy to find meals, etc.

My early plans are:
- The workshop would concentrate on painting small pieces - with oils - and with an individual's choice of working from life or photos.
- Each day would begin with breakfast together, followed by several hours of discussions about painting, blogging, eBay, the business of selling, working with galleries, etc.
- That would be followed by a demo and several hours of all the students painting.
- A late lunch break, then more painting, followed by more discussions.
- I'd like to carve out some time to walk around the city and take photos - perhaps on the 3rd day we could all venture out to Tybee Island for a walk on the beach and more photos. There is a possibility of using one morning or afternoon during the week for plein air painting in one of the city parks, which I've never done, but would love to try.

Here's what I'm asking today - if you strongly believe you would participate, please email me and I will start working on a budget - and get back to you with the total cost of the workshop & accommodations. If I can come up with a minimum of 18 committed students (22 max) - it's a go.

Email me at kjurick@mac.com. Thank you.

Updated info: Nothing is going to happen in October - most likely my plans will shift to March or April. If you'd like me to keep you on a list, having an interest in future workshops, email me with 'workshop' as the subject. Please keep in mind, students would have to be experienced in painting with oils.

"Trolley Tour"

24 x 7"
oil on masonite
sold

I was asked to do a painting for an upcoming art auction, a pretty big event - and I want to make a splash - it's my first piece shown to a large audience of this type. So I've been working on this for 3 days - unheard of for me.

The event I'm speaking of is the Charleston Art Auction, held on November 8th - my work will be represented by the Morris & Whiteside Gallery. Bids can be placed before the event as well as during the live auction. If you are interested in placing a bid on this painting, please contact the gallery directly - an email link and phone number are provided here for your convenience, as well as a larger view of the painting.

"Mother Superior"

12 x 12"
oil on masonite
sold

My good friends were in the Musee d'Orsay in Paris and captured these three young women looking at James Whistler's 'Arrangement in Grey & Black: The Artist's Mother' - most of us know it as 'Whistler's Mother'. I usually paint the figures head to toe - I do love the zoomed in view on this image with the different postures and clothing. Very fun to paint.

Please click here for a larger view.

American Artist Self Portrait Competition

Back in February, I entered my painting in American Artist Magazine's Self-Portrait Competition - and I got word yesterday, from the managing editor that I was chosen as a finalist. The article and the winning entries will be published in the October issue. How cool is that?

Update ~ I did not make the final cut after all, but looking at the work that did, I can only be extremely proud that I was considered in the final round.

"Jam Session"

12 x 7"
oil on masonite

Well I figured if I could tackle the Georgetown scene in Seattle, I could take on 6th Avenue in New York City. I've learned to just do it. If it fails, it fails. I wipe it off and try again. This painting will be included in the upcoming group show titled Cityscapes & Nightscapes at 16 Patton in Asheville.

Please click here for a larger view and purchase information.

A note about Jack...... he's had a couple of really good days and we're all loving every minute of it. Thanks for sending the positive vibes our way.

"So In Love"

9 x 12"
oil on masonite
sold

I had read this comment, about Marc Chagall's painting 'Birthday' - and it kinda stuck with me. It's one person's interpretation and I fell for it hook, line and sinker. Well that painting came to mind this morning and I ended up getting lost in it for the day. I needed to paint something sweet. And again, thank you all for your warm wishes. It means a lot to me.

The quote I'm speaking of :
"When I see this picture I can imagine a couple that have been separated for long time because of his death. Now on her birthday he comes to give her flowers and pick her up and take her away to heaven, so they can be together again.

They used to live together in this house, but when he passed away, her life never was the same, because she missed a lot. She was sad living as a widow, she always wore black clothes, and was alone. For her birthday she wants to die to be with her husband again. And he came as a ghost.

The painter probably, with this dark colors, wants to express the sadness about missing somebody beloved, like a husband. And the red carpet gives the loving touch, because this color is known worldwide as a color of love."

Please click here for a larger view.

To my friends out there.

If you've followed my posts for a while, you know I have two dogs, Jack & Petey. We adopted them 9 years ago from the pound - they've been the best companions for years. Jack is our hound, who had knee surgery about a year and a half ago. He was a trooper - and after about 6 months, he was running like a champ. Petey had a cancer scare a few months back and is doing really well, seemingly free of disease.

Out of the blue, Jack had a seizure on Monday. A small one, but he'd been showing signs of a personality change for a week or so, with a vet appointment in the future to check him out. But we didn't expect this. Our beloved Jack has cancer. He's home and resting and we're cherishing every minute left with him.

For now, my pals are sleeping next to me while I paint. Keep us in your thoughts.

"Meep Meep"

8 x 8"
oil on masonite
sold

The horn of the Vespa and the sunny streets of Asheville - at the corner of College & Haywood Streets. This painting will be included in the upcoming show at 16 Patton.

Please click here for a larger view.

"Georgetown Rooftops"

9 x 12"
oil on masonite
sold

For the next couple of weeks, I'll be working on paintings for a group show at 16 Patton, in Asheville - titled 'Escapes: Day to Night'. I love/hate painting landscapes and nightscapes.
I start each piece with great hopes of creating something different than the usual, then an hour into it, I lose my confidence. Invariably I start tightening up, then I wipe it off and start again.

This is the first finished painting - the industrial neighborhood of Seattle, what I think is Georgetown, if I remember correctly. I was dazzled by it. After driving around the area, I got a higher perspective - around the time the sun was setting, which made for glistening light and a smoky atmosphere.

Please click here for a larger view.