This Weekend I'll be at Art at the Arb

                                                                                                                                     photo by Skeet Sirmons

If you want to experience live music and art in a beautiful setting then you need to be at the Bartlett Arboretum in Belle Plaine, KS this weekend for Art at the Arb. I enjoyed being a part of this event for the few years and I love every minute (except for the one wasp sting two years ago). Come and see me, buy a piece of art to add to your collection. I'll be around the stage area somewhere. 

Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy an afternoon of music as well. See you there! 

Study of John Singer Sargent's Portrait of Henry James

I haven't done a portrait for quite a while and so I decided to do a head study of one of my favorite John Singer Sargent portraits. There is a lot lacking in this little two hour 10 x 8 inch painting but overall I'm happy with what I gained from it. Enjoy. 

SOLD! Two Paintings: "Harmony" and "Classics"

"Classics" 8x10in Oil/Linen Panel 

"Harmony" 10x8in Oil/Linen Panel

I just received notice from the Online Gallery I am a member of Zatista.com that I sold two painting. These two paintings were purchased by an interior designer in New York who has purchased my work in the past. 

I'll miss these two paintings especially "Harmony", it's one of my favorites. 

Check out Zatista.com if you're interested in purchasing art online or you are an artist wanting to sell you work online. 

Blueberries and Spoon - 10x8in Oil/Panel

Blueberries and Spoon 10x8in Oil/Panel $260

It's been a while since I posted anything on my blog. It's not because I haven't had things going on, I definitely have been painting. 

This year my goal was to paint at least 52 paintings which is only one painting a week. That goal didn't seem too out of reach except that I'm several paintings behind already this year. I promise I will get caught up and get them posted on this blog. 

This is a painting that was inspired by Pinterest post I found. I don't find anything wrong with being inspired by other artist's or photographer's work, it happens all the time actually with most artists I would say. I of course don't believe in copying someone else's work and claiming it as my own. In any case I was please how this turned out.  

Great Fountain Pen for less than $25

If you want a great entry level fountain pen or just an all around good writer then order the Jinhao x450 and put a Goulet Pen Co. No. 6 nib (I prefer the extra fine) on it. This pen is going to remain in my everyday carry for a long time. 

The Jinhao pen I ordered on eBay for less than $5 (including shipping. Don't know how they can do that) It took a while for it to get here because it came from China. I then purchased a Goulet extra fine nib #6 from www.gouletpens.com for $15 plus shipping. What a bargain for a fantastic writer. 

Goulet Pen Company is one of my new favorite fountain pen and ink sites. Go check them out. 

  

Michael Shane Neal and Me

Skeet Sirmons with Michael Shane Neal in Shane's Studio

I had the great privilege and honor to spend Labor Day weekend in Nashville with Michael Shane Neal. I must tell you he is a true gentleman, honorable in every sense of the word and it was an incredible pleasure for me to spend time with him in his studio.

I, along with a dozen other artists, spent time learning about the business of art. There were so many takeaways from the weekend that had to prioritize them all once I made it home and reflected on the weekend. 

I may not have the honor of painting celebrities, congressman, judges or other dignitaries, as Shane has, but I do feel a little more prepared to do the painting I am called and blessed to do.

Thank you Shane for sharing your time and passing on your knowledge. it was a true blessing.    

Portrait of Past Master Robert Green

Robert Green 24"x18" Oil/Canvas

I had the honor and privilege to paint a portrait of a good friend of mine's father Mr. Robert Green. This is a Past Master Masonic portrait of Mr. Green as you can see by the emblem on his tie and the Past Master pin on his lapel. I painted this over a year ago and it was unveiled this past Sunday at a family reunion in Kiowa, KS. It's not entirely an original work of art because the resource material was a photograph taken by Mr. Green's daughter-in-law, Jaime Green. Jaime is a very gifted photo journalist with the Wichita Eagle. 

I was very please with the way it turned out and the family was please with the results as well.