Just Off the Easel June 7, 2013

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What does this small 12×9 autumn landscape of a cypress tree along the Guadalupe River have in common with my favorite sandwich?

Guadalupe Cypress 12x9 oil by William Hagerman copyright 2013

Well, a really neat couple (Bart and Sharla) contacted me about doing a small oil painting for them and this was the result. However, while visiting with them I learned that Bart was the original owner of a restaurant in Midland, TX called Murray’s Deli and was the creator of the “Turkado” which is my favorite sandwich. It includes several layers of thinly sliced turkey with avocado, bacon, mayo and sprouts. It’s delish! If you’re ever in Midland, TX try it out for lunch. Then after having lunch walk just two doors down over to Folger Gallery to see what I have in the gallery! Located in the Imperial Shopping Center 3211 W. Wadley Ave in Midland, TX.

Small Paintings: Longhorns

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Soon after making available my small 5×7 paintings at a very reasonable  price, I was contacted for a request to do two paintings of longhorn cows. I photographed these two Texas longhorns grazing among the bluebonnets along a country road several years ago. Although these two paintings could have been kept together as a set, it turns out one was to be a wedding anniversary gift and the other was for a friend of my client.

small longhorn painting by William Hagerman copyright 2013

small longhorn painting by William Hagerman copyright 2013

After receiving the paintings they had them framed and I was emailed a picture to see what they looked like. If I didn’t know better, they look like larger paintings! Thanks Richard and Marcella!

framed small longhorn paintings by William Hagerman copyright 2013

Just Off the Easel May 31, 2013

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When I saw the scene for my latest painting titled: “A Cheerful Day in Gray” I knew it was going to be painted. The location was in Canada. Although it was early spring a cold snap hit and actually the "A Cheerful Day in Gray" 24x30 oil painting of a barn and silo by William Hagerman. Copyright May 2013day I photographed this it was lightly snowing. However, I decided to warm it up a bit by leaving out the snow and make the air a heavy moisture laden morning. Even though this painting is a study of grays, it’s not somber. I found it to be cheerful, what with the lush green grass. Something not seen in the currently very dry area of where I live. I did add the cow and free rangers to add life to the scene.

 

The sky shows a slight lightening, hinting at the promise of clearing skies and a beautiful day to come! The painting is available at Folger Gallery, Midland, TX (432) 697-3778 (this painting has sold)

An overview of different stages of this paintings development can be seen in the section: Art Tips: When the wrong end of the brush is right.

What other moods or feelings does this painting evoke in you? I’d love to hear your comments.

Art Tips: When the Wrong End of the Brush is Right

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When the wrong end of the brush is right.

I saw this old barn in Canada and I’m assuming it’s an old dairy farm barn. At least it reminds me of one. I was attracted to the look of the barn and its texture. If you read down you’ll see how I achieved the look of the wood on the barn. Be sure to click on any of the images for a larger view!

First I started with the door opening of the barn and worked out from there.

barn and silo painting in progress by William Hagerman. Image copyright 2013 all rights reserved

Simple enough. However, when it was time to start on the side of the barn, I wondered how to achieve the texture of the grayish black wood on the barn. To get the look I wanted, I first applied a thin mixture of a blackish gray tone to the white canvas. I then over-painted it with a heavier paint application. This is where the wrong end of the brush was right! With a T-square resting on the top edge of my canvas I placed the “wrong” end of the brush, (end of the wooden handle) next to the T-square and scored vertical lines into the wet paint which resulted in it removing the paint and exposing the lighter tone underneath. I then softened the effect with the “right” end of the brush.

Using this simple “trick” I was able to effectively capture the look and texture of the old barn!

The following images reflect the painting’s progress.

barn and silo2 painting in progress by William Hagerman. Image copyright 2013 all rights reserved

barn and silo3 painting in progress by William Hagerman. Image copyright 2013 all rights reserved

barn and silo4 painting in progress by William Hagerman. Image copyright 2013 all rights reserved

After this stage I begin to work back into the distance adding detail as well as in the foreground.

Barn and Silo 5

From here I paint in the chickens and continue with my detail work in the foreground adding more grasses.

Barn and Silo 6

Finally I make adjustments in the sky and finishing details.

"A Cheerful Day in Gray" 24x30 oil painting of a barn and silo by William Hagerman. Copyright May 2013

 

 

How to Enjoy an Art Museum or Gallery Visit

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The number one way of enjoying an art museum or gallery is actually going to one. Another way is to take some art classes before going. Why?

When you go to a museum or art gallery, how do you look at the art work? Do you see just a painted image or are you able to see beyond the image? Are you able to discern the techniques involved and how they were applied?

This brings me to the idea of how an art class can help you gain a heightened awareness when looking at artwork thus increasing your enjoyment of it. With an art class you learn about painting techniques, composition and mixing colors to name a few. Thus when you look at art work you will likely discern some of the techniques that the artist employed. Did the artist use transparent glazes, impasto, unique brush or palette knife work or a pleasing color scheme? When you know or understand some of these artistic techniques, you will never look at art the same way again. You’ll be able to see beyond the image and understand a little about the creative process.

In addition to or in lieu of taking an art class, check out some books on painting techniques or if your community has an art club. Often these clubs host artists who give painting demonstrations and many are free! If you like you can also visit my learn to oil paint page which will also give you some ideas.