Is my artwork any good?

Awaiting the Morning 

40 x 30

 I often wonder what would make people choose my artwork over someone else’s.  I don’t know the answer to that, but there are some things that I particularly like about my work.  I think it is unique in that, although somewhat abstract, the subject matter is identifiable.  As a result, the viewer is invited to find their own meaning without me forcing some hidden agenda.  In addition, I spend a lot of effort to make it look effortless.  There is a point where adding details might make a piece look overworked instead of more visually appealing.  It is a constant push and pull that I am continually working through.  As I’ve mentioned before, although I love the deep umber tones of bitumen, I use a lot of bright spray paint in especially the beginning stages of my pieces.  I think this adds depth to a painting without it being readily apparent.  Although I love to try new things, in some ways I keep coming back to the landscapes, birds and trees that constantly pull me as I navigate through life.

Thoughts on Yellowstone

Yellowstone Study #6

All of my life I heard about the beauty of Yellowstone National Park.  Although I had never been there, I had an idea of what it looked like and dreamed of visiting.  I was stunned in 1988 when the National Geographic released photos of the wildfires that burned about a third of the entire national park. The burned over landscape was very different than the forest I had envisioned.

I've only visited the park once, during May of 2008, when several feet of snow still covered the ground.  I was fascinated by the still obviously fractured and scarred landscape left by those fires years before.  I did a whole series of paintings inspired by that visit, attempting to celebrate the untamed beauty I saw.

With the major flooding in Yellowstone now, I'm sure there will be another dramatic change in the landscape.  In some ways it is sad and tragic, but isn't that part of the charm of a National Park?  Nature will do what it is going to do and we have saved a space to observe it.

I'm excited to release several of the images from my original study for prints later this week.  Stay tuned to Facebook and Instagram for the release date and a coupon code.

"Borghese Gardens at Night"

In 2000, I started a company that sometimes allows me to travel internationally.  For a pretty idyllic three months in 2018, I was able to bring my whole family along for a project in Rome, Italy.  There were a lot of really late nights of work, but I usually still found time to wander around with my son, on a bike, after coming home.  Most things were closed at that time, so we often found ourselves in the midst of the Villa Borghese Gardens, right as the sun set.  This is a sneak peak of one of the almost complete pieces inspired by those moments.  These paintings have me anxiously looking forward to a time when I can visit again.

On the road to the ranch

 Medicine Bow #98

Almost every summer since I've been married, we have traveled to my wife's family ranch for a reunion.  One place that I find myself always looking to see is the Medicine Bow Valley.  Have you ever noticed it? The story of the name goes something like this: Native Americans gathering in the area to collect wood for bows called anything excellent for the purpose for which it is intended "good medicine".  Since this location was particularly good for making bows, "good medicine bows" became a name for the whole region.  If you haven't been there, I highly recommend it- but if your vacation plans are keeping you closer to home, I hope you can enjoy my peek into the area.

Dad jokes- Have you heard the one about....?

Since June is the month to celebrate dad's, I thought I'd start this week's email with a "dad joke".  

Why can't a pirate spell "iris"?

**He only has one "i"

Good thing I'm an artist and not a comedian, right?  But while were are on the subject- I'm a little obsessed with irises right now.  I spend far too much time on several Facebook groups devoted to the spotting, celebration and trading of irises.  If you share that interest at all- I'd love to talk about is seeing as I've bored my family completely.  I'm told that being an artist seems to permeate every part of my life.  While some people might look at an iris and absently remark on it's beauty, I love to identify the little intricacies and variations in color among the identical bulbs that I grow.  Waiting for the papery coverings to part so the flower can emerge feels like Christmas to me.  The above photo is my favorite so far from this season, "Strawberry Frosting".  I've only attempted paintings flowers a couple of times, but definitely find inspiration in collecting and cultivating them.

Reflections

 Waiting (11 x 11)

Today my son is graduating from Davis High School.  It's kind of an interesting time of transition and reflection.  In that vein, I've been taking a look at my "artist statement".  Trying to discover why I paint is something I think about a lot but find almost impossible to understand.  There is an intrinsic element of failure in the pursuit.  Here is a portion of my attempt at articulating a statement.

Painting is an expression of my search for a connection with the seemingly alien world around me.  I am fascinated by the way living objects affect each other and are changed by the world around them: the spacing of birds roosting; the texture of feathers fluffed against the cold; the tortured growth of trees bent, or even broken by the wind; the way branches arch to make way for the traffic of a road.  My paintings reflect my personal mythology, the result of many hours, daily, of internal narrative.  I hope that others can find some personal meaning in my distraction.

Theft

I've heard that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, maybe theft could be seen as some sort of flattery as well?  My painting processes involve layering that often require extensive drying time.  I am often impatient with pauses- especially when I feel the work is progressing well.  On a warm, sunny day last month.  I took one of my larger pieces outside to speed the last drying so I could get a signature on this finished work.  Unfortunately, someone came along (maybe looking for scrap wood?) and took that painting.  At first I thought he didn't realize that it was a painting- but after watching the playback, he clearly looks at it before he lifts it over his head.  It's interesting how vulnerable theft can make you feel- even if you are an unintended victim.  I'm sure he has no idea how many hours I spent, not only on the actual painting, but envisioning it in my mind.  Although I was painting others in that series simultaneously (as I often do), the feeling of loss is still pretty intense.  Maybe if I can just convince myself of the flattery...

I'll share more of the video on FB and IG for anyone interested in some sleuthing.  How should you feel about his and how would you get past the self blame and other negative thoughts?

Do you have a hobby?

My "Meadow"

One of my favorite hobbies is creating spaces that inspire me.  At home, I have a flower bed that I have been told looks like a "bunch of weeds".  I like to call it my "meadow".  I do allow quite a few "volunteers" to thrive there amongst some other plants that I paid way too much for.  I love to spend cold, winter evenings in front of a fire, browsing mail order magazines for bulbs, etc.  I try to create flower beds that mimic nature, looking effortless, but have actually required quite a bit of planning.  I am not sure I am getting it quite right yet.

Although I rarely paint flowers (although I regularly think I might change that)- this method of layering, striving for an effortless appearance is a common theme in much of my work.

Do you have hobbies that inspire you?  I'd love to hear about them.

Have you visited Wetlands?

 Wetlands #14

While you might not have realized that June is National Wetlands Month, I hope you have had the opportunity to visit your local wetlands (did you know that there are wetlands in all 50 states ?) My love for these diverse habitats has grown as I've been able to spend time in Louisiana with my wife's extended family.  I love to hear her stories of playing on the banks of the bayou and finishing with her brothers.  I hope looking at my pieces inspires you to go on your own adventures.

What's Your Favorite Color?

 

Medicine Bow Sunrise #5

A collector recently asked my wife if I've always loved pink.  Since I remember arguing with my dad about not wanting to wear a pink shirt when I was young, I know that I haven't "always" loved pink- but nothing gets me more excited about painting than seeing fluorescent pink spray paint in the hardware store.  I love the challenge of using such stark colors as I try to capture subtle, natural themes.  I think it adds depth, even when it barely peeks through in the finished product.  Even if pink isn't your favorite color, I hope you can appreciate the way it's used in my work.

How did you spend your Spring Break?

 Leaning Palm

I recently spent a week in Hawaii with my family for Spring Break.  It was the first time I have re-visited the area since I lived there for two years as a child.  There is something healing about seeing your childhood through adult eyes.  I'm sure the sound of the ocean and the misty views of palm trees that I love to paint added to the overall feeling of renewal.  I hope that I've captured that in my "Palm" series.

Your Dad actually does this full time?

 

Bird in Bare Branches (36 x 47) (my first completed painting after art school)

My son was recently assigned to make a Power Point about his favorite professional artist for his school art class.  He chose me (which he explained was not just because I was his dad, but because he actually really likes the materials I use to paint).  After he gave his presentation, his teacher asked, "Your dad actually does this full time?"  This gave me a minute to reflect how this all began.  Although I graduated from the U of U with an emphasis in Painting and Drawing and Ceramics, my pursuit of forming a company to provide a stable income put my paintings on the back burner.  It wasn't until 2006, as I worked on a client's house, that I was encouraged to paint 3 pieces for their house.  I painted four, they bought three immediately and later came back for the fourth.  This gave me the confidence to pursue my real love.  It's been pretty gratifying to find that other people enjoy my artwork enough to allow me to do this full time.

Welcome Spring with a bunny!

 

Emmaline's Rabbit 12x12

For my daughter's 13th birthday, she requested a painting of a bunny.  I loved the process of trying to capture her love for bunnies (and all animals, for that matter- she definitely holds the record in our family for the most pets!)  We're starting to feel the first hints of Spring around here and I thought I'd release a limited number of prints of this bunny, for the first time, from my private collection (or maybe I should say from Emmaline's private collection?!)  I hope you'll love it as much as our family does,  In addition, I'm offering a 25% discount on this print, as well as my other rabbit print, "Bunny 2".  Use offer code: TREAT25 Happy Spring! Tyler

New Series of Smaller Works

I have working on a new series this month. They are much smaller than any of my previous works, 12" x12". They are based on my impression of Yellowstone NP, from the one time I have been there. We visited in April, I think. There were still several feet of snow on the ground all the lakes were completely frozen over, the sky was overcast overhead and totally clear on the horizon in every direction. The burned-over landscape from the '80s fires there seemed so strange with many of the fire damaged trees scraping at the gray sky. Everything was back-lit. This definitely reinforced the connection in my mind between this land and the of the pictures in the National Geographic magazine articles detailing those fires.

Newly Completed Works.

I have been able to spend a lot of time Painting in my studio over the last couple of months. Here are the works I completed in December.

'Totem' 36" X 60"

'Heirlooms' 36" X 48"

'Winter Sparrow' 46" X 80"

Fininshed Dallas Condo

A few photos of the condo in Dallas after completion. The first photos are of the wall in the master bedroom, a polished plaster finish with a subtle water-ripple pattern embedded.







Some of my painting were purchased my this client and are hanging in his new condo.

Carp for Dallas Powder Bathroom

In the powder bath of the previously mentioned Dallas condo we installed a polished plaster finish we embedded a carp with water pattern on the wall opposite the entrance.

This is the drawing for the embedded plaster

Working on getting the layout right.

The polished plaster with the embedded carp.

A detail of the embedded plaster. I always love the fine details of this finish. The walls are quite shinny, and with the dark background, very reflective.

Apartment Therapy

I didn't get mentioned, but there is a great picture of one my paintings here. I think it looks quite handsome as it has been hung in this showroom in North Carolina. Heather is obviously really talented, and I hope we get to work together at some point in the future.

photo directly from the link above to Apartment Therapy article.

Another SeattleHomes Mention

I just found this. Here a little image of one of my paintings at a new store in the Seattle area. You can't really see much of it, but it is this one blogged previously. It is 'Overexposed' 36'x 48'.

Dallas Condo

original concept sketch


These are images of the early stages of a larger scale graphic on the bedroom walls of a condo we are finishing in Dallas. The condo is very modern in style with some really great art already hanging. It is furnished with a minimal aesthetic, but we finished all the walls in a slightly burnished plaster to soften what sometimes becomes a bit of a n institutional look, without cluttering it up. We are constructing this installation in the master bedroom of multiple plaster colors, with a subtle striae pattern. The plaster in applied around the masking then sanded back down to reveal the detail then polished to soft sheen. I have some images of some walls I previously installed in offices in San Francisco, if any one is interested. Again, I have some frustration that much of the details that make this finish so great have eluded all photography thus far. The absolute best part of this finish is its Tactile properties; unbelievably smooth. I selected the wall in this location to particularly take advantage of this. passage through the bedroom to the bath and dressing area will bring the resident or any guests close enough that they will find themselves with their hands on it frequently.

display walls

We have been working on a couple of free standing walls for display at local carpet and rug retailer, Regency Royal. They have a truly amazing space, and products. If you are at all interested in design or decor, next time you are in Salt Lake City, you have to stop by there for at least a few minutes. You will be amazed.

The first two images are of a side of these walls we are finishing with an inlaid plaster. The first image is the vinyl masking. I kind of wish I had gone a little larger scale. with the pattern, and I have redrawn this pattern since, making the pattern more open (more of the background between the pattern) and changing the curves and points to make it a bit more dynamic.



This second image shows the filled stencil being removed. the khaki inlay color isn't as green as it looks in the photo. There area few more stages that level out the surface, hopefully it will be done by the time I get back from Dallas and I can get some pictures of the finished product.


This this image is a side completely covered with copper leaf that we chemically aged to a bright patina.


This is the other side of the patinated copper leaf wall above. This side has the same copper leaf applied over an olive green plaster, in a large scale oak leaf graphic, and finished with a similar patina. I really like how the plaster amsorbs someof the blacked copper creating a slightly darkened shadow around the copper.



We have been working on a couple of free standing walls for display at local carpet and rug retailer.

Some Exciting News...well, Maybe.

Looks like I will probably be involved in the remodel of a soon to be reoccupied (different resident) apartment in this building, here in Salt Lake City, UT. We have come up with what I think are some great ideas for this space, with a very generous budget, so I am quite excited. In working with this group in the past, however, often some of what I thought were the best ideas don't quite, "make it through committee," so to speak. Nothing is confirmed. I hope to know more by next Monday. I will let you know as soon as it is a sure thing, if they don't give me instructions otherwise, and I will post pictures as the project develops, if they let me take them.

Finished Holy Family Catholic Church

All done, I still think the colors are a little strong.
This is a close up that shows the sheen. We put a little burnish on the plaster.
the last image shows the patterning of the two colors, though the camera on my phone didn't like the light level much.
I should be getting some images from one of my employees soon that show all this much better.

Holy Family Catholic Church

Thursday, pretty much everything is moving forward. The polished yellow plaster is done. The dark red is just the paint for under the plaster the small area near the floor, behind the alter is the terracotta color all that red will be. That area is completed as well. Hopefully we will be all done today.

Day 2 or is is 3, I don't know. I haven't really been sleeping. I'm trying to finish a painting for a contest before the cut-off on Friday- oh tomorrow I guess - well that isn't going to happen...On site the trim is painted in a bright gold and the polished yellow plaster on those skirt
type areas is prey much done too.