"Outside the Brewpub," oil on canvas, 18x24, private collection |
The Studio Journal
A site for rumblings and ruminations about traditional oil painting, art, aesthetics, and the wider world of art. And for posting examples of my current and past work too. If you have an interest purchasing a work, or want to commission a portrait, or if you just want to talk about art, drop me an email at ghoff1946@gmail.com. All writing and original art on this site is copyright Gary L. Hoff, all rights reserved. All other images are copyright their respective owners.
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Brewpub
Friday, November 15, 2024
Last Saturday
In spite of the advanced autumn season, we've yet to have a frost here. Further, at least some of the trees are still bearing colorful if subdued foliage. But last Saturday the sketch group was chased indoors by rain. It's surprising it wasn't snow, but the weather has been warmer.
We went to a local architectural salvage place. Four floors of architectural material salvaged from demolitions and the like, plus vintage furniture, signs, and so on. They have a coffee bar, it's warm, pleasant, and provide ample indoor material.
"Saturday Interior," wc/ink on paper, 8x10 |
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Window Plant
Friday, November 08, 2024
Winter Bottles
"Winter Bottles," oil on panel, 8x10 |
Tuesday, November 05, 2024
Shaker
"Alone," oil on panel, 6x8. Private collection |
This work was one of the most successful of that big body of still life. First I laid on and wiped off a thin raw umber wash. Mindful of the value provided by the wash, I laid in a minimal outline plus the very darkest darks on the cap and rim. On the glass of the shaker I laid on flake white from the tube in three places, then in darker tints to show surfaces. The painting was finished off with the white reflections below the glass of the shaker.
Friday, November 01, 2024
Golden Autumn
Here in the upper midwest, autumn color seems to arrive in a rush. We've looked fruitlessly for color for about two weeks but foliage seemed to change colors in small pockets. Here and there a tree has suddenly glowed crimson or rust but the majority of the trees around the city remained green in all of its endless variety. But then suddenly, masses of leave and entire trees burst into color, all green bled away in favor of scarlets and rusts, dark cool reds and bright oranges.
"10-26-24," wc/ink on paper, about 10x3.5 |
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Saturday
Our weather has been temperate--warm actually--but dry. The fall colors are near or just beyond their peak. Here and there an oak or maple flames red-orange, or bright orange while other trees show us cool and dark reds. But much of our Iowa landscape glows in shades of yellow.
"Greenwood Park," wc/ink on paper, ~8x10 |