It’s always inspiring when the colors of spring flowers put on their display. In this post I wanted to simply share some recent photos that I have taken. You can click on the image for a larger view.

This was taken here in my hometown of Midland. The mesquite tree had yet to leaf out. I liked that there was also a sprinkling of purple flowers among the yellow which is the complimentary color of yellow.

These vivid red cactus blooms are in a corner of our backyard along with some weeds. But a few have some pretty colored flowers as well.

Here was a field of Indian Paint Brush near Poteet, TX. Some of the morning fog was lifting and produced a soft light.

Another vivid field of Indian Paint Brush with some distant bluebonnets. There’s also some Agave plants along the distant fence line. Notice the remnant of the large Agave bloom to the right of the oak tree up against the sky. Very much light a century plant. Amazing how tall they can shoot up. We had one like that in our backyard.

And what would a Texas spring be without bluebonnets!

And some more bluebonnets!

There are several species of bluebonnets. This particular variety doesn’t have the noticeable white caps on top of the flowers. Still very pretty though.

Hope you enjoyed the photos.

Three new paintings are currently on eBay inspired by this years display. The auction ends Tuesday April 21, 2015 at 6 PM Pacific Time.

PART 3

In my previous two posts I shared my process of creating what I call a Custom Illusion Frame. In part 3  I will now show an oil painting demo of the painting which goes with the frame.

The first step begins with the drawing. Using thinned ultramarine blue paint I sketched the composition. Remember you can click on any image to enlarge it.

Once the composition was sketched I started with the center of interest. The first thing I painted was the tree trunk that was catching the evening sunlight. It was just about the most intense area as well as contrast so that in part influenced my decision to start there. After that I painted in the shadowed areas on either side of the tree trunk and then onto the tree foliage keeping in mind that the light is streaming in from the right. Since this is a late evening scene the paint mixtures for the tree foliage in the light are based on orange with lower intensities. If you’re not familiar with mixing color you can read about this on my website page of Learn How to Oil Paint. I cover some of the basics including color analysis.

Next I continue painting out from the center of interest placing my various color shapes side by side.

Working to the left I block in the darker tree followed by the orange hued trees behind it and the bluish negative shapes where you see the distant hill showing through the tree.

Next using various shades of yellow green I block in the sunlight areas of the grass and then blending that into cooler greens caused by a cast shadow from another tree in the foreground but out of view.

Then using a slightly darker value of the same bluish green grass I add some silhouette shapes of some prickly pear cactus. At this point I stopped.

Sorry to say in this next step I got so caught up in what I was doing I forgot to take some extra photos. But continuing from the previous step I then painted in the sky. I started at the horizon because I wanted to compare my color next to the distant hills plus I added another hill to give even more distance. I painted in the clouds using various purple shades for the shadows and a warm creamy white with touches of pink for the portion receiving sunlight. Finally came the blue portion of the sky painting up to the edges of the clouds. I then could use a soft brush to work the edges and blend some of the colors and worked some of the edges of the tress up against the sky.

Then I proceeded to painting in the bluebonnets. The base color was ultramarine blue and the tops were painted a lighter reddish purple due to the influence of the late evening sun. I then added a few of the white caps to some of the flowers. And to wrap it up I added some details to give the cactus more form.

And here’s the painting after I removed the painters tape and shrink wrap protecting my Custom Illusion Frame.

Wonderful Evening 11×16 image size with overall dimensions of 18×24

Part One

For an artist, custom framing is wonderful and can add to the beauty of ones art, but it can also add to the upfront expenses in a hurry. Additionally it adds to the weight when shipping to galleries or shows. So while being stuck at home for several days due to an ice storm I began wondering how could I make a painting ready for presentation with the look of a custom frame that I could use in conjunction with my larger sized “Byron” impressionist art works at minimal cost.

The solution is what I call a Custom Illusion Frame.

Below I will detail the process of making a Custom Illusion Frame which entails my using faux painting techniques which I enjoy doing on other surfaces, but never have time for, so this was a perfect time to put to use those underused skills.

First here is the finished piece minus the painting. I’ll demonstrate that another time so you can see the final result. You can click on the image for a larger view.

Here are some of the materials I assembled and some of which I already had on hand.

1.  18×24 ready made canvas with staple free edges
2.  8 foot length of moulding from Lowes Home Improvement for less than $5
3.  Artist Acrylic Gesso ( had that already )
4. Modeling Paste ( had that )
5. Sponge brushes
6. Two small bottles in a lighter and darker gold from Modern Masters paint which is great because it’s acrylic based. No messy fumes. Found this from a local paint supplier. Google it to find a resource near you. ( had that already as well )
7. Small decorative fleur de lis stencil which is a stylized lily or iris flower. (had this one also)
8. Three days of icy weather unable to leave the house and with nothing else to do. (got this one even though I didn’t want it)
9. Inexpensive Miter Box and Saw.
10. Elmer’s Glue (got it)
11. Blue Painters Tape in both a smaller and larger size.
12. Acrylic antiquing liquid which is a translucent paint found at my local Hobby Lobby store along with the other small plastic bottled acrylic paints. ( Had this one too )

Custom Illusion frame step 1

What you see above is my first abstract called blue tape on white background. Not really. I took my inexpensive wood moulding and cut two pieces at 45 degree angles measuring 18″ on the long side and another two 24″ pieces on the long side. If you measure wrong you’ll end up short. By the way, this was my first time to do this, but I remember the saying of measure twice cut once.

Next using Elmer’s glue I glued the wood frame directly on top of the canvas making sure the pieces were lined up properly. Short on clamps I used my collection of art books to weight the moulding down on the edge of the canvas so that I’d get a good bond.

The next day I was able to apply modeling paste to fill in the cracks where the moulding joins in the corners and the small gap where the moulding and canvas are glued together on the side. Then I measured two inches inward and all around and applied my two inch blue painters tape onto the canvas.

Custom Illusion Frame Step 2

Custom Illusion Frame Step 3

Using a sponge brush I applied acrylic Gesso to the wood moulding as well as on the canvas overlapping the painters tape and along the sides. For the area between the moulding and painters tape I applied the gesso rather thickly and smoothed it off with a palette knife. Now I let it dry. After drying I sanded the areas lightly to provide a smoother finish. I then vacuumed up the sanding dust.

Next using my darker shade of Modern Masters acrylic paint and a sponge brush I apply my first layer to the wood frame and on the canvas followed by subsequent layers until I had a nice opaque even finish.

Custom Illusion Frame Step 4

I then followed this up with painting the side edges of the canvas a solid black. To make that task easier I took two long screw eyes and put them into the back of the canvas and using a larger sheet of corrugated card board I marked where the screw eyes would be, punched a hole and inserted the screw eyes through them holding the canvas in place. This made it easier to paint the sides turning the cardboard instead of the canvas.

Custom Illusion Frame Step 5

Here’s another view of the painted sides.

Custom Illusion Frame detail side view.

For now I’ll take a break. Follow me next time in Part Two where I’ll show the next step of painting the fleur di lis design in the four corners.

Thanks for following along!

The title for my first blog post of 2015 may sound like a pitch announcing some new small paintings but it’s about a non art subject of when an aging parent and a child experience a role reversal and finding beauty in small things. I write the first draft and final post for this blog entry sitting in a hospital room watching over my Mother who was admitted the beginning of the new year. Without going into details as to her condition she’s reached a point in her life where she is totally dependent upon others to tend to her needs and has been so for some time. Sadly its a situation that is all too common of an experience for most of us at some point in our lives.

I can’t help but think back to a time where I have a vague memory of my Mother feeding me in a high chair, coaxing me to eat some new Gerber Baby food. I’m pretty sure I wanted cherries and not carrots. But she generally succeeded in getting me to eat. I also know she took care of me when I was sick and reassured me when I was afraid and that things were going to be OK. Now as I patiently feed her here in the hospital I can’t help but ponder how our roles of being a caregiver have reversed and much of what she did for me when I was young is now being given back in similar ways.

Some dear friends of ours stopped by at the hospital to visit and at one point I interrupted our conversation to provide my Mother with some water through a straw. As I turned back around almost all had tears in their eyes as it brings to mind memories of their own parents.

For those of us who have either experienced giving care to an aging parent or perhaps are already doing so, the process can be difficult for both parties. However, one trait of an artist is that they often go about finding beauty in small things endeavoring to see more than the obvious and at times like this it’s a beneficial trait in trying to remain positive in difficult circumstances, not just when it applies to art.

At one point my Mother opened her eyes and looking at me with eyes of recognition she gave a great big smile and started to laugh, but the expression of laughter turned to that of a cry. Perhaps she experienced an awareness towards her condition or other fear which she could not verbalize. I calmly reassured her that everything was OK and as for the rest of the family we are all in different places but that me and my wife were there. I also gave a simple explanation as to why she didn’t feel good, and all that hospital stuff was to help her feel better. The explanation seemed to soothe her and as they brought her lunch tray into the room I began the process of feeding her. She ate better than she had since arriving in the hospital. Yes, a measure of beauty in a small thing.

True, the obvious, may not always look good, but the small things such as being able to reassure her, bring a smile, bolster her will, even singing to her are small priceless moments. For me one of those priceless moments was yesterday when something made my Mother start sneezing one right after the other. First you have to understand that she has lost the ability of conveying understandable speech except for a word or two such as NO! However, she found another word to express her annoyance after about the 9th sneeze that was understandable.  It was a funny moment coming from a 72 pound frail woman.

Sure, there are sacrifices, I’m away from the easel and painting for a time, but parents too sacrificed for their children when they were in need. Also just as parents didn’t do everything right in taking care of us and in retrospect I realize I could have done some things better.  I recall reading an article years ago, that had the title: From the Cradle to the Grave, the Greatest Need is Love. Even without the article the title speaks volumes.

So, if you one day find yourself in the role of a caregiver whether to a greater or lesser degree, remember that as you go about giving your care, govern it with the principle of love and in the process you will see beyond the obvious and will see the beauty in small things. It’s a priceless reward.

In ways of practicality I found this article which considered the following three points:

In my previous post regarding my latest impressionist landscape paintings for eBay auction I mentioned the psychology of color. I thought it would be fun to list some of the positive traits associated with certain colors. So what color are you?

If your favorite color is RED you may have these positive traits:
You likely possess an optimistic outlook, as well as being confident and action oriented. The vitality and energy you emit can draw others to you. You also show an enthusiasm for life and you don’t fear pursuing your dreams.
If your favorite color is ORANGE you may have these positive traits:

Being a combination of red with its energy and yellow with its cheerfulness the color orange gives a measure of warmth and happiness. It also is an optimistic color which can uplift and rejuvenate a sagging spirit.
If your favorite color is YELLOW you likely have a happy disposition and people like to be with you because you’re fun to be with. It also resonates with cheerfulness and creativity. You are often the one to come up with new ideas as yellow also relates to the mind and you tend to be analytical.

If BLUE is your favorite color you likely possess the characteristics of reliability, trustworthiness, being genuine and sincere. You’re also friendly and approachable being sensitive to the needs of others making them feel welcome when with you. Another trait is being sentimental and a somewhat nostalgic loving things of the past.
If PURPLE or VIOLET is your favorite color it shows you are are sensitive and compassionate, and supporting of others and often putting the needs of others before your own. You have a peaceful and tranquil quality about you. You can also inspire others with your creative thinking and how you deal with adversity with a positive outlook. The color purple is also associated with royalty therefore it creates an impression of luxury and opulence.

And as an artist this is one of my favorite colors:
GREEN
This color is associated with growth and is the color of spring. It has a rejuvenating quality renewing and replenishing energy by being a haven from the stresses of our hectic lives restoring our sense of well being. Green is a relaxing color and is associated with nature where it’s found in abundance.
I love painting the landscape with all its varieties of green and employing other positive colors in my paintings which brings enrichment to one’s life through art. I hope you will be one of them!  My eBay auctions and commissions are a great way to acquire one of my paintings. Contact me today and I’d be happy to discuss it with you.

So what is you’re favorite color?

Here are my latest impressionist landscape paintings for eBay auction from my alter ego “Byron” ending on September14, 2014 6PM Pacific Time.

These two landscapes features a field of flowers. One red and one purple.

I was thinking about the psychology of color. Red is a stimulant and can increase enthusiasm and seems to provide a sense of protection from fears and anxiety. The color purple is red tempered with blue. Psychologically it can uplift as well as be calming to the mind and nerves. In the garden red has an energetic effect while purple has a calming effect.

You can feel the energy of the scarlet red blooms and the tranquil effect of the purple verbena covering the ground. Either choice is a great way to enhance a room.

These two impressionist landscape paintings for eBay auction start at only a penny with no reserve. It’s a great way to start an art collection! I should clarify that even though bidding starts at a penny, this is NOT A PENNY AUCTION. In other words no one is required to pay a fee in order to bid. I simply do not put a reserve price on the painting. A penny was as low as I could set the starting price. In this way I let the individual bidders drive the price. So you can bid freely without being charged to bid. So for example, if you were the first bidder and you placed a bid of $10 and no one else bids, then you won the painting for that price. But if someone else comes along and places a higher bid and you still want it, then you have to out bid them. Here’s an interesting article on how bidding works on eBay and how to win.

Here’s my profile with the current listings.

http://ebay.com/usr/hagermanart

The two paintings below successfully sold at my last eBay auction! Thank you to my wonderful collectors! The cactus flowers were photographed in my backyard. Those red flowers were so captivating, I knew they would be painted one day. The autumn painting is just one of the many views of the Guadalupe River in Texas which I’ve painted and photographed several times and from different spots, different angles and times of day all giving me a variety of moods to choose from. I especially liked the late afternoon light making the water shine!

I’m also happy to report that the previous set of paintings seen below all sold and one is on it’s way to Virginia. I’m very happy to have gained new collectors and followers on eBay and to have them among the Hagerman family of art collectors. They’re all a great group of people.

I hope you can become one of them as well. Be sure to check out my profile page which will give you access to my listings. Remember, all my auctions start at just a penny with no reserve!

http://ebay.com/usr/hagermanart

These are so much fun to paint and working with vividly rich color!

I mentioned in my artists statement and alluded to it in my blog title that when we experience the scenic outdoors, we feel drawn to it, nurtured by it, and we seek its solace whenever we can. Our senses become engaged. We feel alive, while savoring the slower pace in order to fully experience the beauty around us! It’s the outdoor landscape that fuels my art.
Recently I came across the American Hiking Society National Trails Day held the first weekend in June. Seems like there’s a day for everything! What I found interesting and wanted share here is their interactive map that showed all the hiking events being held in all the different states. I thought it might be a nice tool to scout out potential areas for gathering material for future paintings or doing some plein aire painting.
Living in Texas I clicked around on the map and found a state park I had not heard of near San Antonio called Government Canyon. So what does a person do when you don’t know about something? Google it like others do. What I learned was the Government Canyon State Natural Area has more than 40 miles of hiking and biking trails that range from remote rugged canyon lands to gently rolling grasslands.The rugged canyon description caught my attention. Although I won’t be visiting it the first weekend in June, it’s something I plan to do to see if it includes possible subjects for future paintings. It looks promising.

Maybe there’s something that will inspire you nearby where you live by checking out the website for the American Hiking Society National Trails Day.

Perhaps you too can get out and enjoy the beauty of the landscape and seek its solace and recharge. If you find a landscape that inspires you and you’d like a painting of it, check out my art work commissions page. It’s a super easy process to get a painting made just for you.

A wise king once said that “everyone should eat and drink and find enjoyment for all his hard work. It is the gift of God.” It goes hand in hand with the saying of enjoying the fruits of one’s labor.

I was able to experience that at the reception for my small works show at Folger Gallery. (see my previous post)

It was a pleasant intimate reception with several friends, family, collectors and others who enjoyed viewing my work. Several paintings sold at the reception and others afterwards.

I thank all those who attended and for Therese Folger Sitzman and those who assisted that evening in making the event a success. The gallery looked great!

Here’s one photo of three of my paintings displayed before guests started arriving showing one already sold indicated by the red dot next to the painting on top. One of my dear collectors was the first to arrive and purchased it and one other painting. A nice surprise upon my arrival to the show.

Three of twelve works by William Hagerman at Folger Gallery

Additionally, the refreshments and wine were just right for the evening as was the nice flower arrangement of orchids.

Thank you Therese for letting my wife and I take the flower arrangement afterwards. Here are a couple of photos after taking it home.

Orchid flower arrangement from Folger Gallery

Another view of the flower arrangement from Folger Gallery

Yes, it is nice to enjoy the fruits of one’s labor.