Posts tagged as:

art

First Touches of Fall | Plein air painting at the Minnesota River Valley

October 22, 2009

One of the great aspects of living in Minnesota is the drama of all four seasons.   It seems like seasons happen all at once here. It’s suddenly spring, or it’s suddenly winter. But in reality, when you finally take a moment to stop and look around, change happens very gradually, over a period of time. We [...]

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Mississippi River Rocks in Full Sun | plein air painting to last the whole winter

September 19, 2009

You know how you sometimes stop and think to yourself, “I’m going to have to remember this feeling?” I had one of those moments while I was out painting last Sunday.
I was down on the Saint Paul bank of the Mississippi River with my mother for another plein air painting outing.  The sky was blue [...]

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Sunflowers in the Garden | plein air painting in the University’s garden

Sunflowers in the Garden, oil on panel, by Jeffrey Smith September 12, 2009

Sunflowers in the Garden, 8×10″, oil on panel by Jeffrey Smith

Some subjects are just worth revisiting.
My Mother and  I took another painting trip back to our new favorite spot, the University of Minnesota Display and Trial Gardens.  I drive by the gardens on my way home from work some days, and I noticed that the sunflowers were [...]

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St. Croix River | outdoor painting just like the picture in the catalog.

St. Croix River, by Jeffrey Smith August 27, 2009

St. Croix River, 8×10″, oil on panel by Jeffrey Smith

 
When I was a kid, maybe around 15 years old  (not a little kid mind you,  but certainly younger than I am now),  I received a catalog of plein air painting gear.  One of the pictures in that catalog was of an outdoor painter set up with his [...]

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River Rocks | outdoor painting at the water’s edge.

River Rocks, plein air oil painting by Jeffrey Smith August 25, 2009

I know what you’re thinking, “Did he do a painting of a pile of rocks sticking out of the water?” And yes–yes, I did do a painting of a pile of rocks.  More specifically, a pile of rocks–maybe sandstone–in the St. Croix river.   If you  grab your atlas, or punch it in to Google Earth, [...]

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Mud Puddles | plein air painting after the rain

August 19, 2009

There is nothing better than a clear morning after a big rain storm.  I guess that’s not entirely true. I suppose there are better things, but a great morning is certainly right up there.

Last  Sunday I made my way back over to the Trial and Display Gardens on the grounds of the University of Minnesota.  [...]

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Plein Air Plan | 5 tips for better outdoor painting

June 27, 2009

I just finished a fantastic plein air painting workshop sponsored by The Atelier here in Minneapolis. The workshop was taught by plein air artist, Brian Stewart.   Go ahead.   Click on over to his site and take a look at his work; I can wait.  Welcome back.
I made a conscious effort that I was going to [...]

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Plein Air Sunflowers | backyard still life painting

Thumbnail image for Plein Air Sunflowers | backyard still life painting June 14, 2009

Plein Air Sunflowers
$250.00
Please click here to check out Jeffrey Smith Art on Etsy for purchase information.
I painted the above still life on a sunny Sunday in my back yard. I love the idea of taking a still life outside. The colors are so much more intense, and I think flowers look fantastic when they are [...]

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Peonies and Pewter Vase | Peony floral still life painting

Thumbnail image for Peonies and Pewter Vase | Peony floral still life painting May 17, 2009

Peonies and Pewter Vase
$200.00
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I think peonies are one of the greatest things about spring.  Every year, I look forward to painting these big, beautiful flowers.  The painting above is my first of the season.  I moved into a new house in February.  The cool thing, has been watching the gardens as plants are comingup.  You [...]

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Ranunculus and Apples| Still Life Painting on a Mission

May 14, 2009

I have been out exploring the world the last few weeks, armed only with my pochade box and paints.  Today, however, I returned to the studio to complete the above floral painting that will be part of a live auction to benefit a local school. 
This will mark my second year working with the organization.  Prior to last year’s event, [...]

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