BlogbyShep

The Grisaille is Finished! Ready to start the finish work.

2012-01-27T16:29:00.002-06:00

At some point in the painting of each portrait, I usually fall in love with the painting. That happened with the painting of the lace on this blouse. Now the lace isn't finished, although the Grisaille stage of this painting is finished (with the small exception of the pearls), but I think the early work was some of my best work yet. I can't wait to get the work on the next stage.

I believe the reason I enjoyed the painting of the lace was the new inspiration I got from visiting the MFAH to see the "Dutch and Flemish Masterworks". I've always shied away from lace because it is very hard to do. The Dutch and Flemish painters did it better than almost anyone and it IS beautiful. Let's see how well I finish the lace this time.

I'll probably glaze the painting soon and start the final stages.

REMEMBER! This is a SURPRISE for the subjects husband! You can tell her how beautiful she is, but NOT him!.

What I've been up to...

2012-01-10T16:09:00.002-06:00

I've been painting a lot lately. The new year is always a fun time. It's a new year and it looks as if my resolution, if I made resolutions, was to paint more.

I usually don't show a painting in the middle of a stage like the painting of Venice, but I did this time. The painting is Venice very early in the morning, and very dark. I'm painting it as if it were daytime. I'll add in the night time with glazes.

Again, on the portrait, if you know the subject, don't tell her husband how pretty her painting is. It's a surprise and the dead color stage is coming along fine.

Finally, I'm really happy with "Purples Mountains Majesty", and I think I really got it right. When I tried to take the picture, I couldn't get the camera to focus. The camera was fooled and thought I was trying to take a picture of the sky. There was nothing to focus on so I had to use manual focus. What do you all think?

The "Arrivederci Venezia" drawing is finished.

2011-12-31T12:11:00.002-06:00

And I'm ready to start painting. Since this painting is of Venice I must paint it in the "Venetian Tradition". Now that it's drawn the painting will start with the Grisaille stage. I plan to use Cold Black, White, and one of the Italian "dirt" colors. I haven't decided which one Umber from Umbria or Sienna.

I like how the drawing went. This should be an interesting painting with all the fog and darkness. I'll probably have to do many glazes.

Follow along and lets see how it comes out.

"Arrivederci Venezia"

2011-12-28T21:59:00.003-06:00

It's almost a new year and I guess my resolution is to paint more, and to paint new and different things. I've had this picture for three years and never started it, but I came across this great frame in Michael's the other day and thought It might work.

We were in Venice for our 40th anniversary and Donna's 40th anniversary of her 20th birthday. We loved Venice and were on our way home. As I walked out of our B & B I looked down the street as Donna headed home and thought this is a place we have to come back to.

It was a foggy morning. I hope I can capture the feelings: Happiness at the best trip to our new favorite city. Sadness that all good things come to an end. Hopefulness that we'll be back again someday.

"Purple Mountains Majesty"

2011-12-27T14:49:00.004-06:00

Donna thought the "working" title was a little over the top. What do you all think?

I spent a little time over the Holiday's trying some new things and I really enjoyed it. This is a large painting, 32" x 28", from a picture I took a long time ago on a trip we took to Rebecca and Brent's home in Portland. I believe that's Mount Hood, and if I remember correctly I took the photo from a balcony at Hotel 50 in downtown Portland. I used a very long lens. It was early morning.

This is just the first coat. I plan some very funky glazes to try to capture the beauty of the morning sky. Wish me luck.

My entry in the Non Commissioned Portrait category

2011-12-14T21:02:00.003-06:00

I would guess that Non Commissioned Portrait will probably be the most entered category. Like I said in earlier posts I think I did some of my best work here, and again it would be a great honor to even be mentioned.

This is of course "Gondola's and Gelato" the painting of Donna I've been working on all year and just finished. I really don't expect to get any recognition, but I'm extremely happy with this painting. My hero, mentor, and friend, Geoffrey Laurence once told me that his goal in life is to create one great painting a year. Geoff, this is this years.

Like I said in my last post I like to fall in love with my paintings. That was not hard with this subject, but the painting and I had a small love hate spell. The background was so hard trying to paint it out of focus to keep the viewer's attention on Donna. The water was so strange. With most water you paint some blue and green and then slap a bunch of white on it to replicate the sunlight's reflections. With this water the light is coming from around the bend in the canal and is deep in the water giving you that great green/blue water. Hard to recreate. Then there's the sweater. It was loaned to Donna by our host in out B & B. It was a very cold and overcast day and we had been to Mirano. Sweaters and lace are so hard to paint and this one was off the hard scale.

I realized I got this painting right when I was painting Donna's right eye. It was so strange. You don't always know when your finished, but I'm painting and then I get this strange feeling that Donna was looking at me. It was if the portrait was alive. I stopped right there, and signed the painting.

I had to enter a nude!

2011-12-14T20:54:00.003-06:00

Many of you will remember "Mary Contrary". I finished her early this year and decided she might be a good fit for this contest. I like to fall in love with my paintings and Mary and I have had quite an affair. Mary lives in an unreal world (and my studio closet). Colors aren't what they should be and hair is sometimes too perfect, but spend time with her and you'll believe that skin should be Indian Yellow. It would be wonderful and amazing if the judges at the Portrait Society are as taken with her as her creator is.

Portrait Society of America entries!

2011-12-14T20:43:00.004-06:00

Today was the last day to enter paintings in the Portrait Society of America's Member Only portrait contest. Their are five categories that you can enter paintings in and I entered three. This painting "Forget Me Knot" was entered in the "Out of the Box" category. I entered this painting in this category because the size and close cropping make for some interesting comments by viewers. Comments as to who the people are (same or opposite sex), what they're doing, or even what body parts we're looking at. And the painting is relatively large, 34" x 34". The breast is about the size of your head. That made some old bitties uncomfortable.

As a new member I'm just happy to be in the contest. Any recognition at all will be just great.

"Gondola's and Gelato" is almost finished!

2011-12-06T16:50:00.004-06:00

I've been working on "Gondola's and Gelato" for a long time now, but for good reason's.

1. It's a painting of Donna and I really wanted to do this one right.

2. The photo was taken on such a great trip in such a beautiful place. It was our 40th Anniversary trip. Venice is one of the most wonderful places on Earth and we had a blast.

3. I plan to enter "Gondola's and Gelato" into the Portrait Society of America's Member's Only Art contest. I'll be competing against the greatest artists in America and probably have no chance of winning even a 4th Honorable Mention, but I wanted to see how it goes. I'll be interested to see if I even get a note.

All that's left is to let the painting dry, check it for mistakes, and finish with a coat of varnish.

By the way. Does anyone know what flavor of gelato Donna's eating. Hint. It's Rick Steves favorite flavor.

Two 5 x 7's for the Holiday Sale!

2011-11-27T20:10:00.003-06:00

Because of the season I call these paintings "Advent Flower" because of the purple color of the three Advent candles, and "Penitence Flower" after the forth candle which is pink.

These 5" x 7" paintings go on sale tomorrow at The Woodlands Art Gallery in Market Square, The Woodlands, Texas. $55 each.

A little flower painting

2011-11-13T08:14:00.002-06:00

With Christmas coming up, I figured it might be a good idea to do some small paintings that don't cost thousands of dollars. This is a little "blue sky vine" flower that grows in the courtyard between the main house and our casita. I took the picture Friday right before sunset and started the painting Saturday morning. The vine grows up a trellis my Uncle Jack helped me make out of a section of the old family cemetery in East Texas.

When finished the painting will be $55 and available at the Downtown Art Gallery in Brenham.

One more commission

2011-11-07T21:44:00.002-06:00

The greatest thing about painting portraits is the start. The closest thing I can give you, but not as great as, is the birth of your children. Each portrait is like a child, filled with promise, but you don't always now for sure where it's going. You change what you can and fix the things that aren't right, but they eventually take on a life of their own.

Conversely one of the hardest things to do is finish a portrait. You work like the dickens to make every thing perfect and most of the time things turn out great, but you eventually have to send them out into the world, just like your kids, and you hope they make everyone happy and the world a better place.

I was once at a demo and the artist said never fall in love with your paintings. What a crock. People always ask when will the painting be finished. The correct answer is the one attributed to many, but I always say Picasso, "When I'm through painting". I have a new answer. I'm finished when I fall in love with the painting.

This is my latest commission. It will be a small, very painterly, almost Impressionistic, portrait. It should be fun. I hope everyone who just signed up for the blog enjoy the new commissions as I work on them. This new painting is a Christmas present, so it will go fast. Enjoy! Shep

Meet "Different al"

2011-10-29T10:59:00.003-05:00

This is "Different al" and he's my new HyperRealistic/Abstract paintings. He's in a very early stage and as you can see I haven't even painted his "eye" yet. As with all my paintings, this is a very realistic painting, but I like to find the interesting and unusual perspective in real life and then blow it up, crop it, or shrink it to find the beauty that you normally wouldn't see.

Can anyone out there figure out what Al really is?

When Al is finished he'll be one of the three paintings I'll have in the Betz Art Gallery 12 x 12 Show. This is one of the most fun Art Shows you'll ever go to, and I hope everyone will save the date. The 12 x 12 Show will be November 12th, from 6:00 to 9:00, and will run for 3 weeks. The Betz Art Gallery is at 1208 W. Gray in the River Oaks section of Houston. I hope to see everyone there.

"Knot That!?" is Finished!

2011-10-13T15:43:00.002-05:00

"Knot That?!" is the next in my series of Extreme Realism Abstracts. I like to focus in on those areas that I find interesting, mysterious, and beautiful.

"Knot That!?" is a small painting being only 12" x 12", and is gallery wrapped Oil on Canvas.

Please, give me your comments.

"Reflections on a Piano" is finished!

2011-10-12T09:11:00.003-05:00

Is it a Still Life, is it a Floral, or is it Abstract? I don't really know for sure. I just know it was fun to do. I'm also happy I had Mr. Malone at Bryan Adams High School for drafting. He did a great job of teaching me perspective.

This is a fairly large painting, 24" x 18" and 29.5" x 23.5" in its' beautiful gold and black frame. I'll probably price it around $695. My plans are to show this painting Saturday at The Woodlands Market Street Art Show. Come by and see it LIVE.

That's That! is Finished!

2011-10-06T15:40:00.003-05:00

This was a fun painting to do. I did the original sketch working with the model from life and finished in the studio. I'm really happy with how this little painting turned out. I'm not sure of the price yet, but I do have big plans for "That's That!". It's a very small painting, so when you click on this painting you're pretty well looking at it full size. It is 10" x 10" and about 12 x 12 framed. I can't tell you the BIG Art show I have it saved for, because I haven't been juried into the show yet, but when and if I do, I'll let everyone know.

By the way, if you haven't "Liked" my new Facebook page "Portraits by Shep" yet, please do.

Thanks, Shep

"That's That" is getting close to finished!

2011-09-29T21:07:00.003-05:00

Everyone, please go back and check out "That's That" I posted a few weeks ago. That was the fresh work I did, from life, in the rough stage. Here's the same painting after some work in the studio.

This painting is 10" x 10", and will be about 12 x 12 when finished.

How do you all like it?

Shep

Demo Piece

2011-09-27T16:09:00.003-05:00

During the Demo I did last week at The Woodlands Art League meeting, I worked on this piece. I'm very close to having the first coat finished, just a little work left on the mum. When I'm finished with this Dead Color stage I'm going to try something new on the glaze. My plan is to glaze the mum and vase with my usual green, but do the rest with a black glaze. It's a piano and is not alive, so I think a dead glaze in black might work. Stay tuned.

Woodlands Art League Demo

2011-09-23T10:08:00.003-05:00

Last night was a blast! Thanks to Kim Abbati, the president of The Woodlands Art League, for inviting me to demo "Paint Like a Venetian". Everyone was great. We had a great crowd, and amazing audience participation. "I really had a good time" to quote Will.i.am and the song we danced to at the flash mob opening of the Woodlands Art League Gallery.

And welcome to all the new "blogbyshep" subscribers who signed up after last night. I try to use the blog to show what I'm doing, and why, how, where, and when I'm doing it. I hope you enjoy this trip we're on called ART!

Off to the Gallery!

2011-09-19T09:20:00.004-05:00

Framed and ready to go to the Downtown Art Gallery in Brenham. "Grand Tree" is 17.5" x 14.5" and is $199. "Peaches and Oranges" is 8" x 10" and is $100.

Trying to finish "Grand Tree"

2011-09-17T12:30:00.002-05:00

The plan is to put this painting in the Downtown Art Gallery in Brenham on Monday. I still have a lot of work to do and it's getting hot outside.

Plein aire techniques are new to me. How is the painting looking?

Let's get "Painterly"!

2011-09-07T21:38:00.003-05:00

It's time to use what I learned at the Clayton Beck workshop. I took Clayton's workshop to improve on "being painterly". My younger years were spent doing a lot of drafting. My preferred way to paint emphasizes exactness and I love that, but I've wanted to get more freedom in my painting. I feel as though I'm getting there with this painting. Clayton said to paint with the biggest brush possible to do a task. This small painting, less than one square foot, has been done so far with really big brushes. It is very close to being finished. It will be for sale in the fall at a big show in Houston. I'll let everyone know where, when, how much when the time arrives. Comments?

"Pill Box" is SOLD!

2011-09-07T16:46:00.003-05:00

I stretched "Pill Box" to 10" x 14" and touched up the background, the Cobalt blue vase, and the Tea Pot. I think it turned out great. It's Sold, but I still have the 8" x 10" painting of the cream colored Jar with the lid For Sale. If you like it, please drop me a comment.

I'm holding "Knot That" and the study that started that study for a show in November. Information on that will come in the weeks ahead.

Denise: With your OK I'll ship "Pill Box" when it dries...about a week.

I've got a new Knot!

2011-09-04T19:20:00.003-05:00

This is the next in what's becoming a fairly large group of what I call "Hyper Realistic Abstractions" They have been my best selling group of paintings. "Chicken Dinner", "Summer Moon", "Mary Contrary I & II", and the recent "Forget Me Knot" are some examples of what I've been doing.

I'm thinking of calling this one: "Knot That!" This is a 12" x 12" study to see if it will work in the large 34" x 34" format that I used with "Forget Me Knot".

Technically the painting is in the "Dead Color" stage. I drew it and painted it using only Cad Orange, Purple, and White. I do plan to glaze the painting with green, probably when I do The Woodlands Art League demo September 22nd. I'm not sure if I'll add a yellow to the mix or not. What do you all think?

On the subject of "Forget Me Knot". It is on display and for sale at Lampros Gallery in The Woodlands. Go by and see it...take it home.

2011-09-02T12:34:00.001-05:00

What a great week!

The life drawing study on the left was done Wednesday night in a 2+ hour session. My goal's were two fold: 1. To work on soft edges with a more free style. 2. To try the new colors Clayton introduced me to. Ivory Black. I like many artists stay away from black because it tends to not have much life to it. Cobalt Blue. A great color I will definitely be using in the future. And Terra Rosa. I used it exclusively as both a grisaille and as a final skin color . I am going to use it with Transparent Red Oxide and Yellow Ocre that I already use.

The still life was done Tuesday in a day long session. I plan to do some more work on this painting in hope that someone will fall in love with it and take it home. I really fell in love with painting still life's and plan to do many more in the future. Many thanks to Clayton Beck for his help. He is truly a fine artist and excellent teacher.

2011-08-29T22:09:00.002-05:00

Today was really a fun day. It was the first of 4 times I will get to work with Clayton Beck this week. Today and tomorrow will be dedicated to learning Clayton's Still Life techniques. This is the painting I did today. It is an 8" x 10" oil, already stretched, and I think it turned out well. I still have a little work I'd like to do on it before I will consider it finished. Then I'd think I'll sell it.

Only $100 for an original "Art by Shep" painting. First one to contact me gets it.

Thanks, Shep

"Forget Me Knot" is finished!

2011-07-30T22:19:00.002-05:00

I painted all day today and think I'm finished with "Forget Me Knot". I'll know tomorrow when it dries. In a few weeks I'll put a coat of Retouch Varnish on it for protection, and in a few month's I'll put a coat of Damar Varnish. How do you all like it?

The Grand Tree is coming along

2011-07-30T22:14:00.002-05:00

I kind of reversed the things I learned in Jerome, Arizona from Cody DeLong. Cody puts down the planes first, and I did it with glazes after the basic painting, composition, etc. I have too many years of my own way of painting to change overnight, but I think it's looking OK.

What do you all think?

Let's paint something small...like the GRAND CANYON!

2011-07-25T17:17:00.002-05:00

This is actually a small painting...17.5" x 14.5" of the most amazing thing on Earth, The Grand Canyon. This is my first attempt at using Cody DeLong's palette and some of the techniques I learned when I had the chance to work with him at his fabulous Jerome, AZ studio and Gallery.

There is still a lot of work to do: Finish the tree, glaze the background, and do the grasses in the foreground. I'm going to experiment using one of Cody's methods combined with mine to try something different with glazing. I hope it works. Let me know your thoughts.

Geoffrey Laurence in Santa Fe!

2011-07-01T23:06:00.003-05:00

I had the opportunity to visit my mentor, my teacher, my great friend Geoffrey Laurence in Santa Fe. Just look at the great work Geoff has hanging in his magnificent studio. I had a chance to view Geoff's new works, and I have to tell you they are among the most powerful paintings I've ever seen.

Thanks to Geoff for spending the time with me and Donna. He really is one of this worlds great treasures!

Painting in Jerome, Arizona!

2011-06-30T08:19:00.002-05:00

What a great opportunity! Two weeks ago, Donna and I went to Jerome, Arizona to learn from and paint with the great plein aire painter, Cody DeLong. Just look at the long list of awards Cody has won going down the right side of his beautiful Grand Canyon painting. Cody has a great wet on wet style that I was really looking forward to seeing him demonstrate for me. After his demo I had a chance to try some of his methods, and they are wonderful. I'm looking forward to trying out melding his style with my "Paint like a Venetian" method on some beautiful photos I took at The Grand Canyon.

I'll post the demo's we did very soon.

Isn't cody great!

You're invited to the LSAG Convention!

2011-05-20T14:12:00.002-05:00

This is the biggest event of the Art year in Texas, the Lone Star Art Guild's Annual Convention.

You're invited!

There will be 730 of the most beautiful paintings, created in the last two years in Texas, on display. To even be invited to be in this show a painting has to have won at one of the 20 local art leagues shows.

The FREE EXHIBIT will be Saturday, May 21st, from 2:00 to 3:30.

I will have four paintings in the show: "Denny's 5:00 AM" that won "Best of Show" at The Woodlands show, "Captain Bob" that won 3rd in the Professional Division at Kingwood, and "I Love Balloons" 1st Professional and "Angel Wings" "Best Floral at the Brenham Fine Arts League show.

I hope everyone gets a chance to come by and see me!

My First Demo!

2011-05-16T19:30:00.002-05:00

What a great time! The Brenham Fine Art League asked me to do the Demo at their monthly meeting. It was my first Demo and I really enjoyed it. You can see the painting of Donna in Venice (appropriate) in the mirror over my head.

I did "Paint Like a Venetian". I used elements of all the things I've learned about painting from all the great artists I've been lucky enough to work with, but I relied mainly on Tina Skajko and Geoff Laurence. I incorporated the 5 steps: Drawing, Grisaille, Dead Color, Final Coat, and Glazes.

This is something I'd really like to do a lot more of.

It's The Woodlands Waterway Art Fest week!

2011-04-06T20:04:00.002-05:00

Everyone is invited to The Woodlands Art Gallery Thursday night from 7:00 to 9:00 for the reception to introduce the 2nd Edition of the Woodlands Art League Poster. The poster is just great and features 54 artists from WAL. My painting "I Love Balloons", which won 1st place in the Professional Division in January at the Brenham Fine Art League show is one of the 54. The posters will be given to everyone who attends. Most of the artists will be there to sign the poster if you'd like.

Also, come to The Woodlands Waterway Art Fest Saturday. The WAL will again have their tent right in the middle of the Fest. From 10:00 until 1:00 Saturday there will be a portrait painting demonstration. A number of WAL artist's and myself will be there doing our best to complete a portrait in 3 hours! It will be fun. Come see us.

"Captain Bob" gets a 3rd in Kingwood!

2011-03-28T20:05:00.004-06:00

And I couldn't be happier. Really. Winning "Best Floral" in Brenham was wonderful, and "Best of Show" at The Woodlands Show was a great and wonderful surprise. So how is it that a 3rd makes me so happy?

First, "Captain Bob" was my only painting that didn't get an award at the Brenham Show, and it's one of my favorites of the recent portraits I've finished. So I was pleased when he got some praise.

Second, the quality of the competition was great. "Tarnished" Penny Murphy entered 10 beautiful paintings. Penny is a wonderful painter with a very unique style that is technically of a very high quality. Her paintings are beautiful to look at and are very commercial, so to loose to one of her best paintings is not a bad thing and the fact the judge liked my painting 3rd best in the Professional Division was a good thing. Because that judge was the great American Master of Portraiture, Glenn Bahm.

Mr. Bahm is truly a great American artist and it was just amazing to get the chance to spend so much of a Saturday afternoon talking to and learning from him. I'll always treasure the comprehensive critique he gave "Captain Bob" and will definitely use the knowledge he so freely gave.

Getting ready for the "Just Figures" Show

2011-03-15T19:55:00.002-06:00

The "Just Figures" group will have their show May 6th & 7th. I'm loving retirement. I could spend the whole day working on this painting.

This is BIG!

2011-03-09T21:02:00.003-06:00

My plan is to have this painting ready for the "Just Figures" Show in May. I'm getting to the point where I really like working big. This painting is currently in a "Dead Color" stage. Maybe not technically, because I'm using Orange, which has yellow in it. And with the "Dead Color" stage you're not supposed to use yellow. I'm also thinking of deviating from the standard by not glazing with green. I'm thinking of using blue.

How do you all like it so far?

Best of Show!

2011-03-09T08:47:00.002-06:00

My painting, "Denny's, 5:00 AM", won the Best of Show ribbon at the recent Woodlands Art League show. I was very humbled by the award. The Woodlands Art League is one of the largest art leagues with around 300 members. Among their members are some of my personal favorite artists such as the amazing Cheng Lian. I'm still trying to digest what it means to win this prize. I thank the WAL and their judge, Professor Carlos Landa.

You can see the painting at the WAL Gallery in Market Square in The Woodlands through March 19th.

Let's try another Abstract!

2011-03-04T11:36:00.002-06:00

I've had great success selling abstract paintings lately. This one is very large, 34" x 34", and I think I will do it in pastel pink's, purples, and blues.

I'm going to call it "Forget me Knot".

Give me your thoughts.

Thanks,

Shep

Back to painting.

2011-02-17T21:47:00.003-06:00

After a very sad week with Donna's Mom's passing I was able to get back to painting tonight.

I think this has kind of a Hopper quality to it. How do you all like it?

The Lampros show was a BIG Hit!

2011-02-17T09:46:00.003-06:00

The Artist Reception at Lampros Gallery was great. We had an amazing attendance. Here's just a few of the pictures from the show. Enjoy!

Here's your Invitation!

2011-01-31T09:01:00.002-06:00

I know that many of you are spread out all over the USA, but I wanted everyone to be part of the excitement of my first show. If you can come that would be great.

Three new Paintings for the BIG SHOW!

2011-01-23T17:00:00.004-06:00

Here's three new paintings I hope to have finished for my first show at Lampros Gallery in The Woodlands on February 13th, from 2:00 to 6:00.

The Wine Bottle and the scene of Lake Michigan are almost ready to glaze and then finish. The one of the young couple is just started. You'll have to come to the show if you want to be among the first to see these when they are finished.

Angel Wings wins "Best Floral" in Brenham

2011-01-15T20:41:00.003-06:00

The Brenham Fine Arts League had one of their best shows ever today, and I had one of my best also. The field, in the Professional division, was a great group with many wonderful artists and paintings. Here I am with the Judge, Nell Bednarz, and the BFAL President, Lou Beck.

I was very honored to win the Golda Johnson, Best Floral Award for "Angel Wings". This was my first attempt at painting a flower, but I can assure you it won't be my last.

I was maybe most proud of winning a Blue ribbon for "I Love Balloons". It is the little portrait just under the ladies chin in the bottom photo. It is a portrait of my Granddaughter Breanne.

"Free to be..." the portrait of my Granddaughter Evie in the bluebonnets, "The Word made Flesh", and "Summer Moon" won "Honorable Mention" awards.

"Free to be..." is finished!

2011-01-13T11:24:00.004-06:00

Is this a fun painting or what? Remember, I don't do bluebonnet paintings. This is a painting of a beautiful redheaded young lady in a field of bluebonnets. It also may have been the hardest painting to do that I've ever done. Bluebonnets are hard to paint and the artists who do lots of bluebonnet paintings have earned a new respect form me.

Pop Quiz! How do you paint a painting with a field of 100,000 bluebonnets?

You will be able to see "Free to be..." at my big show at Lampros Gallery in The Woodlands on Sunday, February 13th, from 2:00 to 6:00. The show is really coming together and invites will be sent soon. If you're getting this...you're invited!

Pop Quiz answer: One bluebonnet at a time.

One more almost finished!

2011-01-04T22:46:00.002-06:00

I love balloons! And I love my granddaughter Breanne. She's our little comedian and this is a good example of her sense of humor.

Here's an update of past blogs. I'm going to keep the name "Summer Moon" on "Summer Moon" I really had a ton of suggestions, but there was no consensus. Also "The Word made Flesh" was sold to the Lost and Found class at Montgomery United Methodist. Thanks to all.

Shep does a flower

2011-01-02T11:52:00.003-06:00

Who said I couldn't do a flower? I confess...it was me. Portraits have always been my first love, but with retirement coming up quickly it's time to try new things. So I'm doing my first floral painting...and I'm really loving it.

Again, I really don't have a clue as to what type flower this is. Someone thought it might be a Begonia. If it is this painting will be known a "Ruby Begonia". If it isn't, I don't have a clue.

Next I glaze with green, maybe SAP Green, and finish the painting in time for the big show in Brenham.

Two new paintings!!

2010-12-14T20:05:00.005-06:00

Every artist, it seems, at some point in time does a "Wine Bottle" painting or a "Floral" painting. And now it's my turn, and I'm doing both. Actually I've been wanting to do a Still Life and a Floral for a long time and just couldn't find the right things to do.

I really like the Still life group, and hope everyone else likes it also. It's 12" x 17". On the Floral, I've been taking pictures of flowers for years, but just could never decide on one to start with. I think I found the right on. I took the picture at Butchart Gardens in Victoria, B.C. Does anybody know what type flower it is? I don't.

The plan is to have both finished in time for the Show February 6th.

"John 1.14, And the Word became flesh" is Finished!

2010-12-12T08:16:00.007-06:00

And I really feel that it is one of my best works. Talk about inspiration. When our Associate pastor, Lindsay, asked me to do this it was an honor and a challenge. I think I got it right and hope you do also.

This painting will be the cover of our Church bulletin next week, December 19th, the 4th week of Advent.

As I promised, I am having an on-line silent auction of "John 1.14, And the Word became flesh", with me donating all the proceeds to Montgomery United Methodist.

The painting is 14" x 11", oil on canvas, and is framed. I will pay the shipping. Bidding will end Christmas day.

Let the bidding begin.

The Advent painting is close to finished!

2010-11-30T16:41:00.002-06:00

This painting will be on the cover of our Christmas Bulletin at Montgomery Methodist Church. I'm thinking of selling the painting through a silent auction and donating the proceeds back to the church. Would anyone out there be interested in making a bid?

Evie in Bluebonnets

2010-11-30T16:36:00.002-06:00

Bluebonnets take forever to paint! This may be my one, last and only painting of Bluebonnets. But I do like it. How do you like it?

An Advent portrait

2010-11-19T10:10:00.003-06:00

I got a very special call yesterday from our Associate Pastor, Lindsay Kirkpatrick. She said that she had an idea for a number of the artists in the church to do paintings for our bulletins during the Advent season. The Scripture for the Sunday she wanted me to do a painting is John 1-14, "And the Word became flesh". So now I have a chance to do the ultimate posthumous painting.

The problem quickly became what to do. We batted around the idea of maybe an updated manger scene but the more I thought about it the less I thought I could do an updated Gerber baby portrait...not authentic enough for me. I went to a website called "What did Jesus look like" and was confronted with what is obviously an accurate drawing of what Jesus probably looked like. It was not a pretty picture. I figured it would really be a challenge to our modern day view of Jesus as a blond Mormon looking hunk. Lindsay had suggested I make it modern day so I just googled "Jews", and I got a few million photos of modern day Jewish men. The above drawing is a mish mash of a number of them with a little of me thrown in.

On purpose I left out most of the portrait because how Jesus actually looks to everyone, from what I read last night, is really in the eye of the individual. I'll let everyone finish the face as they see Him. I could never paint as good as your individual imaginations. Hispanics, Africans, Asians, and everyone else see's Jesus through their own eyes and only a 5' 1", 110 pound, middle eastern Jew actually see's Jesus as he probably looked. I also did the face larger than life and uncomfortably close, because that's the way I see Jesus. I think he would be the type to get in my face...if I needed it.

How close did I come to your idea?

Here's what she looks like today.

2010-11-19T10:02:00.002-06:00

I've finished the first coat on the portrait. I'll be glazing this painting with a green glaze soon and then do the final work.

This has been a very rewarding painting. There is something very unique that happens when I start to finish a painting. There comes a point where the glazes start to work and the painting starts to get some volume to it...some depth. Then the painting starts to trick even my meager mind and I think I can look around the person in the painting to see what's behind them. The painting starts to come to life for me. And when the subject is not with us anymore it can be a very rewarding feeling.

A posthumous painting.

2010-11-19T09:51:00.004-06:00

This is one of my more challenging commissions. It's a posthumous painting. The subject has passed on. In this case the extra challenge is that there are few photos of the lady. The one I'm working from is the little 1.5" x 2" passport photo sitting to the left of the ladies head in the drawing.

Name this Painting!

2010-11-18T22:08:00.003-06:00

I didn't start out to do a "Name this Painting" with this painting, BUT (and isn't there always a big BUT?) my little suggestion has set off the most fun I've had in a long time with this blog. I've had 4 new suggestions for a title to this painting...so far...in addition to my idea for "Summer Moon". Here are the ideas I've been sent by e-mail, Facebook, in person, and by blog:

1. "Mother Earth"

2. "Down in the Valley"

3. "It's a New Moon"

4. "There's Gold in Them Thar Hills"

5. "Summer Moon"

Any more new ideas? And what do you all think of the new sky and the touch up on the moon?

It's a new moon!

2010-11-16T22:20:00.002-06:00

I thought I'd try something for fun tonight...maybe a little abstract. I have a hard time doing things abstract but a friend of mine does great abstract paintings that are taken from real life and are just skewed a little. This is a first coat and I'm not really sure where it might go, but I like the way it has started. I just love those summer moons that are bright orange and gold when they first come up, so I'm calling this one "Summer Moon". Do you all like that title or do you have a better one?

Working on Paintings for February's Show

2010-11-11T20:42:00.002-06:00

I've finished the first coat. When this dries I'll glaze the painting with Bohemian Green then paint the entire painting again.

I'd like to finish this painting for the Art Show in Brenham, Texas, in January. And then put it in my first show February 13th, at Lampross Gallery.

I think we're off to a good start. How do you all like her?

The "Twelve by Twelve" Show!

2010-11-08T20:00:00.003-06:00

Here we are Saturday night at the Betz Art Gallery in River Oaks for the 12' by 12" Show. This was the most amazing show. I have no idea how many "HUNDRED'S" of people were there, but as you can see, it was shoulder to shoulder. Betz invited 70 local and international artists to be in their show and it was a great honor to be included in the show. I had three paintings in the show: "Cold Shoulder", the grey lady, and "Mary Contrary II" the yellow lady on the blue background. This is the last time we'll all get to see Mary because she sold about 10 minutes after this photo was taken. I know she'll be happy in her new home and I hope she makes them very happy.

Studio in the Woods show!

2010-11-08T19:57:00.002-06:00

Here I am the morning after the big show at Studio in the woods. It was a great show. Everybody remembers the painting I did called "Worried".

Come to the Show and sales this weekend!

2010-11-04T18:28:00.003-06:00

Don't forget Studio in the Woods Sale Friday night 6:00 to 10:00, and Betz Art Gallery Sale Saturday night 6:00 to 9:00. All the info is on the flyers below. Here's one of the paintings I'm selling at the Betz "Twelve by Twelve" Show and Sale. Although this one is actually 10" by 8". Hope to see you there,

Shep

"Twelve by Twelve" Show

2010-10-27T18:31:00.003-05:00

Everyone is invited to come see my newest works in the greatest show in all of Houston...of small paintings. This show is so much fun. Every painting is 12" by 12" or smaller and I couldn't be happier with the three I'm showing. International and local artists will be at the reception at Betz Gallery, just east of the famous River Oaks shopping center. I hope to see everyone on Saturday, November 6th from 6:00 to 9:00. Shep

2010-10-25T19:31:00.003-05:00

You are all invited to the BIG end of year sale our artist group will have a week from Friday. There will be 19 of the finest artists in the area showing and selling their work. I will have at least five paintings for sale in the show representing many different stages of my art career. Some from my personal collection.

Also, for the first time I'm selling some my drawings. I found the study I made for "Cold Shoulder" and it actually blew me away. I'd forgotten how good that painting was...even before it became a painting. The second the model took her pose, I knew I had something.

Hope to see you there, Shep

Bob shepherd, "Coming and Going"

2010-10-07T18:02:00.003-05:00

This is Evie, my oldest granddaughter. She's in a beautiful field of bluebonnets. I have great hopes for this painting. I think it's just fun.

What do you all think of some of the paintings I'm working on for my first show? What's your favorite?

Bob Shepherd, "Coming and Going"

2010-10-07T17:59:00.002-05:00

This is Breanne, my most fun granddaughter. I've started on the balloons and ribbon and I'm really excited about this one.

Bob Shepherd, "Coming and Going"

2010-10-07T17:55:00.002-05:00

This is one of my favorite faces..."Captain Bob". His face will be in the show. All I've done so far is the sky. This was taken at Crater Lake, Oregon. I'm not painting the lake because YOU CAN'T. It's too blue, so I'll try to get the sky blue enough.

Bob Shepherd, "Coming and Going"

2010-10-07T17:48:00.003-05:00

I drew this a long time ago, but now it's time to paint her. I'm calling all these paintings "Coming and Going" because that's going to be the name of my first show. It's scheduled for, Sunday, February 13th, from 2:00 to 6:00. So save the date. The title comes from the fact I'll be coming into a new phase of my life and going from the old one...business to art. Also, the fact that most of my paintings are literally from the front or the back...portraits or nudes from the back. We thought this might be a good cover photo. I'm painting her from the front and the back.

Bob Shepherd, "Coming and Going"

2010-10-07T17:23:00.003-05:00

This is the second time I've done this pose. The first time was very large, 35" x 35", and this time very small, 12" x 12". Also, I'm having fun with the colors. This is in the very early stages.

And time to start a new one!

2010-09-16T18:36:00.003-05:00

I don't do Bluebonnet paintings, but this is a portrait of my granddaughter, Evie, doing her Taylor Swift dance moves...in Bluebonnets. This is the drawing and I'll start painting very soon.

Getting close!

2010-09-16T18:24:00.004-05:00

I'm getting close to finished on this commission. A little more on the eyes, including lashes. A little on the skin tone, especially on the forearm, and hair color, but basically this portrait is very close to finished.

How do you like her?

Bubbly as balloons!

2010-08-31T20:33:00.004-05:00

This is Breanne, she's the granddaughter with the most amazing personality. She is this bubbly...as balloons. When you're around Breanne you have to be in a good mood, and if you're not she'll put on a show for you.

How do you like her?

What flavor of gelatto is Donna eating?

2010-08-31T20:22:00.003-05:00

I bet you can't guess. No way. You can't do it.

Hint: We're in Venice and we ate where Rick Steves said the best gelatto in Italy was. And we're eating the best gelatto we had in our entire trip to Italy.

Any Guesses?

Also, I've started painting her face. This is the earliest stages of the portrait.

Since finishing the painting I put in Lampros, and almost finishing the commission, I've gotten a burst of painting energy.

Isn't this guy great looking?

2010-08-31T20:16:00.002-05:00

He was our guide when we toured around Crater Lake in south central Oregon. I told him I'd make him famous by painting him someday. I guess that day was tonight.

I've been drawing...a lot.

2010-08-31T20:01:00.003-05:00

I took this photo one morning driving across the long bridge that leads to and from Bentwater. I thought it had a certain abstract quality to it, the way all the vapor trails crossed in front of the sun. I'm thinking of putting it in a show this November.

It's poster size 28" x 22", and will include the frame.

"Cold Shoulder" at Lampros Gallery

2010-08-25T20:49:00.004-05:00

"Cold Shoulder" was a fun painting to do...cold...but fun. I painted it this winter. The studio we work at is barely heated and what little heat we have is focused on the model. She is a beautiful girl with the most most fair skin you can imagine. She had not been in the sun all winter and the lighting was perfect for the situation, bright but slightly blue grey. I tried to capture her beauty and the wonderful light plus the unique light and dark shadows from the northern exposure of the studio.

If you live in Houston or are coming to Houston the paintings can be seen at Lampros Gallery right off I-45 at the Rayford/Sawdust Road exit. Take a right at Nursery road as soon as you exit. It's one block west on the corner.

Don't these look good?

2010-08-21T16:33:00.003-05:00

A great Gallery like Lampros, with their beautiful lighting and all the unique artistic pieces they have for sale is the perfect place to show one of my favorite paintings, "Where are you?".

Lampros Gallery, The Woodlands, Texas

2010-08-21T16:19:00.002-05:00

This is "Mary Contrary", which I finished Thursday, hanging next to a beautiful Ron Dykes painting.

If you've never been to Lampros Gallery,you really need to check them out. They are at 26106 Oak Ridge Dr. just off I-45 . I obviously believe they show the best of local artists.

We will be having a show in November...details to follow!

Mary Contrary is Finished!

2010-08-20T10:15:00.003-05:00

And I'm very happy with how she turned out. Technically I'm happy because my goal was to make the wall 2 dimensional...flat, and "Mary" 3 D. I think I got that done. Artistically I was trying to create something that was very real looking but not exactly. My color palette was very limited, only Titanium White, Ultramarine Blue, Cad Yellow, Cad Orange, Alizarin Crimson, and the most important color...Indian Yellow. Emotionally I like the feelings this painting evokes. I know what feelings, place, and time I was going for, and I think I got there, but I'd like to know what you see. Tell me Mary's story.

Ready to Glaze!

2010-08-01T19:24:00.003-05:00

The entire canvas is now covered with paint and as soon as it dries (about a week) I can glaze the portrait. Colors are harsh at this stage, and even though we're getting some nice volume with the shoulder and arms, the painting is pretty two dimensional. The glaze will soften everything and push the things that belong in the background farther back.

The glaze is my favorite part of the painting process because it denotes the start of the finishing of the portrait. Sounds strange, doesn't it?

Working at the grindstone all day!

2010-07-24T20:24:00.002-05:00

Drawing with "Just Figures" all morning doing the sketch over my shoulder, and painted all day until just a few minutes ago. I'm beat. You know, it's a tough job but somebody has to do it. I wanted to post this photo so everybody could see the size of this painting. It's the same size as "Worried" and my plan is to make them the centerpieces in a Gallery show later this year or early next year. Thanks to everybody for the nice comments...and the funny ones.

"Mary Contrary"

2010-07-23T11:36:00.003-05:00

This painting is called "Mary Contrary" because she looks like a contrary Mary. Actually her hair is inspired by the silent movie star and Kristen Stewart's. Remember the hair is in a very early stage. I've glazed Mary with a combination of Green Earth colors and I've almost completed the background. Now it's time to take the figure from the "Dead color" stage to Life. I've never used this much yellow in a painting that was in the dead color stage, but it is a yellow painting. It's been a challenge. Anytime you bend or outright break the rules you face a challenge. This painting is 35" x 35" so she's lifesize.

Hair!

2010-07-20T08:27:00.004-05:00

No not the musical...the painting. I did the first coat on the hair. Next I'll do the white...the music, the dress, the bright clear light of the chandelier, and touch up the column's.

Then the painting really starts. I'll glaze the painting in green and repaint the entire thing. The green gives the painting it's depth and realism.

A long weekend of painting...

2010-07-06T08:49:00.003-05:00

...and we're getting close to having the first coat finished. The painting is starting to get some volume now. It's fun at this stage because the arms look like they grow out of a flat canvas. Next there's a lot of "white" to paint. The blue/grey white of the dress, the yellow white of the woodwork, and the blinding light of the chandelier. Then the hair and the glaze. Glazing is always my favorite part. It adds in the thing I really don't see well...green. As a color blind man I can't explain what I see. I see color. Beautiful color, in way's known only to me and God, but I "loose" green. When I paint with green it always looks strange, but when I glaze with green it gets real. I can't "see" green, but I can see when the greens's not right. Volume is easy for me to paint: balls, cones, three pears, or arms. But to make it come alive requires the green glaze. I love it because I get to see may paintings come alive when I glaze. How's she looking so far?

Painted the Piano

2010-07-03T12:05:00.003-05:00

I'm finally getting a chance to paint. It's summer, vacation's are over, business trips are taken, and I'm, lovin' it. Painting a piano, or anything shiny can be a blast. You really don't paint the object, you paint the things reflected in the object. The ceiling, the overhead lights, the floor, the window, and her grand dads arm. Fun!

Painting the background

2010-06-30T17:23:00.002-05:00

We're painting the background now. I'm in the "Dead Color" stage where I paint using mainly blues and reds. When this step is finished I'll glaze with green and then finish by adding yellow. I think this one is coming along well.

"Simply Believe" is finished!

2010-06-12T21:11:00.003-05:00

"Don't ya love it?" That's Zoe's favorite saying and I think it applies to her portrait. I do hope that many people do love it because I'd like to use it to raise money for Autism. Nothing is finalized yet but soon I hope we can send out info on how everyone can buy cards and prints with a portion of the proceeds going to Autism research.

"Don't ya love it?"

Back from the Indy 500 and painting again

2010-06-08T17:10:00.002-05:00

The drawing is complete on this new commission. I'm very happy with the start of her face. She has such peaches n cream skin I've decided to use very bright colors (Yellow, Orange, Ultramarine Blue) and Titanium White instead of Flake White. She's a bright bubbly young lady and I don't think muddy colors would work. What do you all think?

A new commission is sketched.

2010-05-04T22:07:00.002-05:00

I've just barely started this sketch, but I had to post it. I'm very happy with the start. This beautiful young lady is the grand daughter of one of one of my golfing buddies and neighborhood friends. She is obviously an aspiring pianist and was an absolute joy to work with. I still have a lot of drawing to do but can't wait to start applying the paint. I'll keep everyone updated.

Finally! I'm doing a portrait of Donna

2010-04-30T22:55:00.003-05:00

The last time I did a portrait of Donna it was for our engagement and the year was 1967. All I could afford was the paper it was printed on. I used men's hairspray to fix the pencil (and it hasn't yellowed yet) and shoe polish to stain the frame. It's still in my studio.

This photo was taken in Venice where we celebrated our 40th anniversary and the anniversary of Donna's 30th birthday.

She's eating rice gelato.

Zoe's Portrait has a name!

2010-04-26T21:58:00.004-05:00

"Just Believe"

It took me much longer to decide on a name than I expected. There were 15 suggestions that came in. I got some amazing suggestions. Some through the Blog, some through the internet, and some at parties. But in the and Donna and I just couldn't look at Zoe and not think..."Just Believe". I want to thank Serena Farmer for her thoughtful suggestion. It was perfect.

The portrait is coming along, as you can see. We are exploring our options for donations to Autism research. We've had some inquiries and suggestions of charities we could make donations to from the sale of Christmas cards or prints. As I get the painting closer to completion I'll let everyone know what we're going to do and how you might be able to help. Serena, thanks again. Shep

Time to name Zoe's portrait

2010-04-20T16:20:00.002-05:00

Everyone's been following Zoe's portrait and I'm very happy with how it's coming along. What should I call it? As everyone knows I'm thinking of making prints and Christmas cards. Zoe is doing great in her Autism study. How would everyone feel if I donated a portion of the profits to Autism in her name?

The Woodlands Waterway Art Demo!

2010-04-15T07:36:00.016-05:00

The Portrait Painting Demo went great! We got started late due to rain and only had 2 hours to paint. I did a sketch first, as always, but went straight to color due to the time restraints.

I didn't get completely finished, but got a good start.
Below is my portrait next to a couple other works. The one on the right is the work of the great Cheng Lian.

A new painting, AND come see my demo Saturday!

2010-04-08T20:44:00.004-05:00

This canvas is the same size as "Worried", 35" x 35", so it's really BIG! I'm thinking of trying some unreal colors for this painting...maybe yellows and blues, kind of cold, like marble.

Also come see me Saturday from 10:00 to 1:00 at the Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival. I'll be at The Woodlands Art League tent in the middle of the green doing a portrait demo. There will be some great artists with me including possibly the amazing Cheng Lian. Lian is one of the greatest painters I know and it will be a treat for everyone to see the process we go through to create our portraits. I'll be doing a demo of "the Venetian Tradition" method of painting. I'm bringing a toned canvas so that I'll have that step out of the way before I get there. The Venetian Tradition is a 5 step method, 500 years old, that usually takes weeks to months to complete and I'm going to try to finish a painting in 3 hours...so don't expect the Mona Lisa.

Zoe gets a red coat!

2010-03-30T20:35:00.006-06:00

Here's Zoe, 1st coat on the left.

With a Bohemian Green glaze and some Blue Black touch ups on the right.

Isn't she great!

My Granddaughter Zoe at Christmas

2010-03-25T21:44:00.002-06:00

I'm going to love doing this one. This is my granddaughter Zoe. I will do her in a sweet, soft pink with white. Her robe is red and the tree green. I know that this one will never be for sale, but I think it could be a great print. It is very small, only 8" x 8" and the prints could be any size. Do you all think this could be a sellable print? At what price and size?

I've started a new "knees & elbows" painting!

2010-03-25T21:38:00.002-06:00

I'm going to need help naming this one. The painting will be done in "primary" colors. She will be bright yellow sitting on bright red, blue, and black drapes with a bright yellow "Starsky & Hutch" swoop through the middle. It is 24" x 24", gallery wrap. I moved the back wall closer to the model. It will be a grayed yellow. What do you think?

"Chicken Dinner" at Lampros gallery

2010-03-25T21:32:00.003-06:00

Go See It! "Chicken Dinner, a thigh, a breast, & a wing" is currently at Frame Craft Lampros gallery. This is a wonderful gallery in The Woodlands. The painting is for sale at $300...cheap!

The "Just Figures" Show is a Success!

2010-03-14T18:42:00.003-06:00

Everyone had a great time at the Just Figures Show. The crowds were large and the quality of the work was wonderful. I still have one painting, "Chicken Dinner, a thigh, a breast, & a wing", at Framecraft, Lampross Gallery. The picks of the show are there for the month, so if you didn't get by the show you can still go by and see some of the best art in the show.

My next event will be the Woodlands Waterway Artwalk. Me and a number of artists from The Woodlands Art League will be doing a portrait painting demo on Saturday, April 10th, from 10:00 to 1:00. See you there.

You're Invited!

2010-03-04T17:22:00.003-06:00

The "Just Figures" Show & Sale is this weekend and you are invited. The photo above is of us setting up Tuesday night.

On Friday there will be a reception at Studio in the Woods, 26002 Budde Rd, from 7:00 to 10:00. Donna and I will be there. The Show continues Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6:00 at Studio in the Woods and also Unique Pieces on Budde Rd. and Frame Craft, Lampros Gallery at 26106 Oak Ridge Dr.

I have one painting at Lampros and 10 at Studio in the Woods. I'll be at Studio in the Woods from noon on Sunday. Come by and see me. Shep

"Just Figures" show starts Friday

2010-02-27T15:31:00.002-06:00

I'll be showing at least 11 paintings at the "Just Figures" Art Walk & Show next weekend. The show will be at three locations: The Studio in the Woods at 26002 Budde Rd., Frame Craft, Lampros Gallery at 26106 Oak Ridge Dr., and Unique Pieces at 25915 Budde Rd. In the photo we're checking in some of my paintings (the ones on the floor). The show starts Friday night from 7:00 to 10:00 and continues both Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6:00.

We're expecting almost 300 figurative art works from over 20 of the best artists in the area. The wonderful Liz Hill, the amazing Cheng Lian, the brilliant Mike Stratton, and intense Howie Doyle will all be showing their newest works. See you there. Shep

"Worried" is the BIG Winner!

2010-02-21T18:54:00.003-06:00

"Worried" won the H.L.P. Moore Memorial award as the best Oil Painting at the BFAL Show. It also won 1st Place in the Professional Division. It will be on display at the Downtown Art Gallery in Brenham for the next months. Go see it!