Category Archives: Uncategorized

Windberg Style Bluebonnet Painting

Windberg Style Bluebonnet Painting

In this prior blog post https://hagermanart.com/blog/dalhart-windberg-a-recollection/ I wrote  about famed Texas Artist Dalhart Windberg and how he had an early influence on my art. Early on I tried to emulate his style, before embarking on my own way of painting.

After 30 plus years, I decided to try out the technique he employed once again in this Windberg Style Bluebonnet Painting.

It’s not as flawless in it’s smoothness as Windberg’s but then again, he had many years to hone his skills in applying this smooth brush style of painting. Currently this painting is available via my eBay auction. The painting is 8×10 and painted on a prepared cradled panel.

If you’re not familiar With Dalhart Windberg’ his work, here is an example. It was fun to do and I may just have to try this technique once again!

Dalhart Windberg: A Recollection

Dalhart Windberg: A Recollection

The following is a recollection of the early influence that artist Dalhart Windberg  had on my art.

I was around 8 years old when I first became aware of famed Texas artist Dalhart Windberg during the mid 1970’s. My aunt who was quite talented and painted as a hobby and my uncle, collected Windberg prints. During a family visit, my aunt was showing my mother their print collection and I wanted to see it too. Even at this young age my interest in art was already quite high. My eyes became glued to the works as my aunt carefully unveiled each print. Windberg’s atmospheric qualities and little hidden details so characteristic of his work captivated my attention. This was probably my first real experience in seeing another persons art and I wanted to paint like that I thought to myself. The image below was one of the prints.

Dalhart Windberg Contentment 1970's era painting

Dalhart Windberg’s “Contentment”

My Introduction to Oil Paints

My aunt must have taken notice of my interest in painting and a couple of years later bought me a starter set of oil paints as a gift. The first attempts were clumsy to say the least and I didn’t pursue it much until a couple of years later when a family friend and artist C. L. Curry began teaching lessons.  Thankfully my parents agreed to the lessons and at the age of 12 I regularly attended the weekly 3 hour class. Soon the clumsiness that I first experienced with oil paints had passed.

Meeting Windberg

Soon after this time at the age of 13, Dalhart was having a print signing in Houston, TX where we were living and was also showing a few original works. My father took me to see him. There was a long line to wait for him to autograph my copy of his first biography book “In The Path of the Masters” printed in 1978. Dalhart Windberg In the Path of the Masters bookWhile standing in line I overheard the conversation of a couple standing in front of me. One gentleman was describing one particular work of Windberg to the other about a night scene that he liked, but couldn’t remember the title. I spoke up and said: “Nocturnal Harmony!” The man turned to look at me with a very surprised look on his face. “That’s it!” he said in a voice of disbelief. I don’t think he expected a skinny little 13 year old to know that. But, I did. I liked that painting too.

Dalhart Windberg Nocturnal Harmony

Nocturnal Harmony

Soon I was standing in front of the artist whose work I first admired several years before. He signed my book and then I viewed for the first time some of his original paintings. They were even more beautiful in person. There was still a long line of people waiting to see the artist and have their prints and books autographed, so I had to move along. I could have stared at those painting for a long time.

Another Meeting

In 1984 another opportunity to meet the artist was in Midland, TX. He was having a showing of works at a local bank with artists Mark Pettit and Daryl Trott.The Windberg Technique of Oil Painting book I had purchased his first instruction book on his painting technique and wanted him to sign it. I took my aunt along who also had a copy. This time I got to spend quite a bit of time talking with him and even got to show an example of one of my paintings. It surprised my aunt who had never seen me talk so much as my inclination is to be rather reserved and quiet. But, when it comes to talking art, I can chatter with the best of them. The encounter ended with Dalhart giving me his business card and the invitation to contact him.

Visiting Windberg at His Home

About a year later, I mailed some photos of recent work to hopefully get a critique or some advice. I followed up with a phone call to see if he got the photos. He received them, but he told me it was hard to tell much from the photos and was there anyway for me to bring some of my paintings to his home so he could look at them….nope, not a chance, couldn’t possibly do that…yea right, I was already packing my bags.

I drove several hundred miles to his home in Austin, TX where he lived at the time. By now I had my driving license. Dalhart took me to dinner at nearby cafe where we ate and talked art. I was shown great hospitality from him and his wife Evelyn. I spent the night in the guest room and the next day was able to watch him paint in his studio. A funny moment was when while watching him paint, I noticed that some elements with a similar shape in the painting lined up in a row. I spoke up and pointed it out. Thankfully, I wasn’t thrown out onto the street. No, he was very gracious and admitted that I was right. He then corrected the area. Later, he told me; “I can’t teach you to paint. You already know how to do that. But, I can teach you how to get a more professional look to your paints.” Thus he shared from his experience some of the technical aspects of painting with me. What a privilege.

For a considerable time after that I tried to follow his technique from reading his instruction book. Then in 1987 I was invited to spend a day or two in Fredericksburg, TX where Dalhart was teaching a workshop. Again, I accepted the invitation and took along one of my paintings. By this time my work was receiving comments from others that they looked like Windberg’s! Dalhart even showed the painting I brought as an example to some of the other students in his workshop. One of those students later took a few art lessons from me!

But, as time went on and as appreciation for other art styles and my artistic knowledge about various techniques grew, I now had the desire to find my own look and style. I’m happy to say I feel I have, but I’m still ever grateful to the advice and experience of Dalhart Windberg who became one of several early influences on my art. All receive a heartfelt thanks for sharing their time and expertise.

Painting a Mural

Painting a Mural

Of late, I’ve received several different projects that were out of the ordinary, one is painting a mural for the Haystacks restaurant in Sulphur Springs, TX. The subject matter isn’t different as it consists of a Texas landscape, but it’s in a panoramic format of a little over 18 foot in length by about 4 and half foot high.

New Materials to Try Out!

To paint  the mural, I’ve abandoned oil paints for mural paint and fluid acrylics. The combination seems to be working out well. I started with a small sketch that I gridded off and then mostly free handed the sketch with a large graphite pencil, followed by washes of Burnt Umber Acrylic to establish the scene. Afterwards the work begins of adding color.

Here’s a little short video. I’ll post more on painting a mural.

Oil Landscape Painting Demonstration

In this short oil landscape painting demonstration, I hope to highlight a general procedure that I use in all my work whether it’s highly detailed or more painterly.

oil landscape painting demonstration by William HagermanThe first step is to sketch my scene onto canvas using thinned down ultramarine blue and a small brush. The ultramarine blue color is easy to wipe off and over paint without it showing through. My first marks of color is generally going to be my darkest mass area. In this case the large tree.

 

 

oil painting landscape demonstrationGenerally I will paint the areas directly adjacent to the big tree to compare my values, but I departed from this by going to the next largest mass putting in the water. Notice how the color becomes lighter in the back and darker towards the front. The lighter blue color in the back has some Phthalo Blue and white with increasing Ultramrine towards the front and with the addition of Permanent Rose for more of a deep violet cast.

Oil painting landscape demo by William HagermanNow colors of the land are put in. Again notice how the color intensity diminishes off into the distance to create depth. This is called atmospheric perspective.

Now the colors can be compared to the darks in the larger tree.

 

 

oil painting landscape demonstration by William HagermanNow the sky is started. In this case the color was first applied nearest the horizon with a pinkish cast. The sky color Phthalo blue and Ultraoil landscape painting demo block in stage by William Hagermanmarine. More Ultramarine at top and more Phthalo blue and white. Over all value is also lighter than the water, as water has a tendency to reflect the sky darker and it’s influenced by the depth of the water and what lies underneath.

 

With the sky completed, it’s time to let the painting dry. Once dry details and refinements are added to all areas.

 

 

 

landscape oil painting blue lake by William Byron Hagerman It becomes a matter of personal decision on how much or how little detail you desire, whether you want it more impressionistic or more detailed. Under my Byron Signature I opt somewhere in between, depending on my mood.

To learn more about painting, contact me regarding my Zoom art classes. This allows you to take a class wherever you are!

Here’s a brief video with a bit of up close views.

Thanks for stopping by and viewing my brief oil landscape painting demonstration. All my best.

William

PS. This painting as of 6/25/2021 is available via my eBay auction. Direct link to auction page. Be sure to first sign into your eBay account to bid!

Anniversary Gift Ideas and Special Occasions

Sometimes we need a little help with anniversary gift ideas and special occasions. True, there are certain traditions for some anniversary gifts, but where’s the surprise in that? As you walk through life, you will encounter milestones that you wish to remember. And for some of those times a keepsake, memento or special gift goes hand in hand to express love, thankfulness and appreciation. Perhaps all at the same time. Here are some examples that include my artwork!

Anniversary Gift Ideas and Special Occasions: Flowers (painted ones)

Figuring out what type of gift to give, can sometimes be a challenge. Flowers of course are popular, but sadly they don’t last very long. What about a painting of flowers? Those can last a lifetime and beyond! And they never wilt.

This topic of Anniversary gift ideas and special occasion came about  since this month included an anniversary for me! As a gift for my wife, I  painted some roses that were blooming from a couple of bushes in large planters that she recently purchased. Here’s the painting titled Rita’s Roses. 7″x5″

Still life oil painting roses, rose painting by William Byron Hagerman

So, do you have an anniversary or special occasion in which you need some flowers? How about some preserved in a painting!  You can commission me to paint a little gem of a painting! Then, perhaps add to the gift with a bouquet of the same flowers along with the painting!! Now there’s a nice presentation!

Sorry, I don’t provide the real flowers. You’ll need a florist for that. 🙂

 

 

Recently some dear friends of ours celebrated their 45th anniversary.

When someone has reached that milestone you can pretty much guarantee that bunches of family photos have been collected. Those memories captured in an old photo can’t help but make you feel a little nostalgic. How about capturing that nostalgia in some artwork?

Art Capturing Nostalgic Moments

The couple mentioned above with the 45th anniversary commissioned a couple of 9×12 pencil drawings from old photographs. Not always the easiest to work from, but it was still fun to do.

For the wife was a picture of her Dad back in the day at work next to his Texaco gasoline delivery truck!

pencil drawing of old Texaco delivery truck by William Hagerman artist

This certainly isn’t a landscape, so it was a departure in subject matter, but also medium. It’s been quite some time since having worked with graphite pencil.

For the husband, he wanted a picture of his wife from her childhood days. After seeing the drawing his wife commented that it captured the carefree relaxed feeling she had.

pencil drawing of a little girl standing by artist William Hagerman a commissioned artwork for a wedding anniversary gift So do you have a favorite old photo, or not so old one that you would like to have turned into a piece of artwork?

Then contact me and we can talk!

Yes, I’m known for my landscape paintings, but I can do other other types of subject matter and drop my brush and pick up a pencil. Here’s a little more on commissioned art work.

Doing pencil work reminded me of my high school days.

Here’s a nostalgic flash back in this 2016 post.

Pets and Colorful Critters

Speaking of doing other subject matter. What do you think about this guy? Colorful isn’t he!?

colorful rooster oil painting by William Byron Hagerman artist

This was another commissioned artwork from my sister-in-law. It was one of her roosters. She texted me several photos for reference and this was the result. Her text messaged response: “Omygoodness! That’s awesome!! Thank you!!!”

Sometimes, we want to capture a moment in time while we still can. This rooster I believe has been around for a long time. Don’t know how long they live, so this painting was about capturing a memory, before it actually becomes one! The painting size is 8″x10″.

So if you’re looking for an anniversary gift or special occasion why not try giving a lasting gift of artwork? Even if it’s just for yourself. That’s OK too.  Contact me today before you’re next anniversary or special day for a custom painting or drawing! Would love to collaborate with you.

 

Art Gifts and Prints

More new art products!

Art Gifts and Prints

Do you wish to find a gift featuring great looking landscape art? I have a new category of products on my Shop Page that features art gifts and prints fulfilled by Fine Art America featuring my Byron Signature Work.

There’s a good selection to choose from with more art to come. Here are just a few of the items on which my art can be printed on, including phone cases, coffee mugs, framed prints, stationary, greeting cards and even throw pillows with my art!

It’s a great way to have art on more than just your walls. Check out all the selections!  Also will soon be adding to the selection some of my photography!

art gifts and prints by artist William Byron Hagerman featuring landscape oil paintings

Painting vs Photos

Painting vs Photos

In this post, I’d like to share the difference between photographic resources and painting from such. As an artist the photo can be an invaluable resource in recording information. However, it never sees what your own eye sees and to paint exactly what is seen in a photo can diminish the impact of what could otherwise be a wonderful painting. The light and dark values and colors in a photo are not true. The following will illustrate.

Autumn is a wonderful time for gathering photo material. I just wished it lasted longer. However, in the photos below you will see my own photos of 3 scenes that became paintings.

Photos provide the necessary information, but you have to learn to use your artistic eyes to make it into a painting.

This scene had potential. The country road and the trees were pleasing, but it lacked enough color.

Autumn Country Road photograph by William Hagerman

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s the painting based on the photo above. It’s called Return of Autumn, an 18×24 $3500.00 under by William Hagerman Signature work. (it’s for sale via eBay.)

Return of Autumn 18x24 original realistic landscape painting autumn trees and road by William Hagerman

Return of Autumn 18×24 oil by William Hagerman $3500 copyright 2020

So what do you think in this Painting vs Photo?  A painting allows for artistic expression and provide more color than any photo.

Autumn landscape photo by William HagermanIn this example I was drawn to the color of the tree and the effect of light and shadow.

However, the scene needed to be tweaked. Just because something is in a photo, doesn’t mean you have to include it. Think about your composition. So what do you think in the painting vs photo?

 

Impressionist Autumn oil painting by William "Byron" Hagerman

Autumn Light and Shadow 8×10 Byron Signature oil painting copyright 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Autumn landscape photo by William HagermanAnd finally another recent photograph. I liked the cluster of trees and the slight slope of the land on the right. Again, there’s potential, but it needed more.

In the painting below the coloration in the trees were enhanced and more vegetation in the grasses were added for interest.

So, what do you like best; photo or painting? Hopefully this comparison will help you realize that photos are only good for reference, not to copy verbatim. Choose the best parts of your photos and make it your own. Hope you liked this little Painting vs Photos usage tip.

impressionist autumn landscape oil painting by Byron

By the way these paintings are currently on eBay as either an auction or fixed price. You can access all via my user profile.

Thank you and take care!

Painting Better Landscapes

Painting Better Landscapes. Now there’s a topic I’ve always been interested in and if you’re here reading this, perhaps you are too.

Early on in my art development I was always on the search for books to help with painting better landscapes and the art of oil painting in general. However, when faced with so many choices a statement made thousands of years ago by a wise king came to mind, who said: “To the making of many books there is no end, and much devotion to them is wearisome to the flesh.”  Agreed.

As time passed, some of those collected art books ended up in garage sales. Others have survived having been deemed worthy of keeping. So I’m sharing one in particular that has survived all these years and one that I still refer to from time to time. The book can still be found on Amazon.

The title is: Painting Better Landscapes: Specific Ways to Improve Your Oils written by Margaret Kessler. You can see it on Amazon here. This is not an affiliate link. Simply sharing where you can find it.  The image shown is the back of the book and highlights some of the contents it contains. Hope you benefit from this same book as I have. There’s a few more and perhaps those will be shared in another post.

Do you have a favorite art book on landscape paintings? Please share by commenting. 🙂

 

New eBay artwork auction

Well, I’ve started running out the gate for 2020 and have 5 new eBay artwork auction pieces that need a new home!

You can access the auction pieces from my profile page or here.

Here’s a preview of theses gems! I also do commission pieces!

Cool Tones
« of 5 »

2019 Year in Review

It’s hard to believe that the year 2020 is now here. So here’s my 2019 year in review.

The biggest change was moving from West Texas to North East Texas and being without a studio for a time. Although I now have a dedicated space it’s still unfinished. Some art stuff is still boxed up. At least the basic necessities to paint are out, which goes to show you don’t always have to have the perfect paint set up to work. It just needs to be functional.

Looking back 2019 was the year for my Byron Signature work doing small 8×10’s. Well, looking back I did 52 of them! I think only one from 2019 is still up for auction on eBay along with 4 new Byron works. You can see what’s available on my profile.

I thought you might enjoy seeing all 52 artworks in this 2019 year in review of these little gems.