The Art of Peter Mathios

What's on the Easel

2010-05-15T23:01:00.000-07:00

Easel is a term that I'm using to describe what's in progress but I actually paint on a drafting table. I have a show coming up in Ellensburg, WA this May 21-23 and a show coming up in October (Wild Wings Fall Festival). Needless to say, I am working to finish several new paintings. Below are some (not all) of the ones I am currently working on with a few notes about each one....

This 18" x 24" painting is nearly complete and titled First Light - Pintail. When they are close to being finished, I take time and stare at each painting. Sometimes, after a bit of time, I'll get an idea to add something, or something will stick out that needs changing. But, I am happy with this one and do not foresee any changes. It will be going to the Fall Festival.

I am excited about this one! Those are the Grand Tetons in the background and it is a different angle of them. I'm not sure yet if I am going to incorporate wildlife inot the paintitng. If I do, whatever species it is will be secondary and much smaller in the landscape because the striking light in the aspens is the main subject. This painting is 18" x 32".

Here is 16" x 20" painting that is just started. If you can't tell what it is yet - those are a coastal rock formation that will have tons of lichens, mollusks, algae, etc on them in the near future. I am pretty sure that I am going to put loons in this one.

This painting has been in progress for a couple of years It is large at 24" x 36" but I have been feeling a need to get back to it. The distant shoreline needs to drop a bit lower to make it closer and a few more species may be added as well. It is a good example of a painting in the middle stages. There will be a lot more water detail as well.

See below for the detailed progress of this painting. Like the first painting (First Light - Pintails), I have been sitting on this one seeing if it might need a change or if an idea hits. This one has also been chosen for the Fall Festival.

Another older painting that I thought was finished, but an idea hit recently and it is being changed - a butterfly will grace this summer meadow - not sure what kind yet though. It is 8" x 10".

Another older painting that I haven't really exhibited anywhere. The background is being reworked to include a horizon line and some water detail. It will completely change the dynamic of this painting for the better. Something was missing and I couldn't put my finger on it for the longest time. Also, I love the color variation in the rocks. This one measures 16" x 20"

This painting was finished as a landscape a year ago, but will have a swooping Cooper's Hawk added, or possible a Harris' Hawk. I'll do sketches of both and whichever one it is, the bird will be backlit and small in the background echoing the directional lines of the Catalina Mountains. 9" x 12".

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Greater Scaup Painting

2010-05-04T16:08:00.001-07:00

A few posts down, there is a photo of hundreds of scaup on the Columbia River in the Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge. That day on the river was spectacular and I wanted to do a painting that captured a memorable morning. Waves of greater scaup would emerge from the fog and land just outside the decoys. After landing they would audibly mill around on the water before diving for their food. This painting depicts a flock of several species of ducks that are being joined by greater scaup. To start with, a gray background is painted in then the birds are sketched onto the board and each individual duck gets started.

More ducks have been added both in the water and coming in...

Alot has happened here.... Value has been added to the background and water; more ducks have been added and some females have been turned into males.

More species have been added as has fog. The species in the painting are three canvasbacks, one common goldeneye, one bufflehead, and lots of greater scaup (26, I think). If you look at the image above and the one below, you can see that one of the scaup has been changed into a goldeneye. The bird looked to small for the rest, so to add a bit of variety and interest, I made the duck larger and turned it into a goldeneye. Stay tuned to see the painting finished...

New Miniature Show

2010-04-29T08:35:00.000-07:00

The inaugural Nature in Miniature opens this weekend at the Fallbrook Art Center in Fallbrook, CA. The show will run in conjunction with Reflections in Nature and will feature 5 of my miniature originals including "Tundra Swan" pictured to the left. None of my paintings in the show are larger than 5" x 7" inches. More information is available at the link above.

The Progression of a Painting - Blue Jay 5" x 7" acrylic

2010-03-11T08:54:00.000-08:00

Below is the progression of a recent commissioned painting of a blue jay on a whitetail shed. In this first image, the shed is painted in with Titanium White and a touch of Raw Umber as is the bird. The bird hs a unique, transparent and ghostly look to it. The only parts painted on the bird so far are the white feathers so all of the blue and black are not there yet.

Here, the blue has been started. The entire painting was done with a Connoisseur #2 liner. The leaves in the background were painted in very loosely using Paynes Gray and Raw Umber for the dark areas. Then, they were covered with very watery washes of Burnt Siena and Orange.

Here the footless bird is nearly comleted and the only thing left to do is tighten the leaves, the antler and the bird then add some extra branches and leaves to help anchor the antler into the ground a bit more.

...more habitat added

...and, the finished product.

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Late Season Waterfowl

2010-02-04T21:35:00.000-08:00

The end of the waterfow season brought many opportunities to hunt and gather reference material for future paintings. Hunts included a local pond north of town that I have already painted several times, a diving duck hunt, a hunt on some open sheet water, and a trip to Sauvie Island. All are completely different types of habitat and attract different species of waterfowl. Here are a few highlights and many paintings will follow over the next weeks, months and even years...

A nice flock of northern pintail

Hundreds of greater scaup out on the Columbia R.

2010 Texas Stamp Paintings

2010-01-22T09:30:00.000-08:00

Here are my two most recent paintitngs. The wigeon can be seen in the blog post below in progress. It will be the 2010 Texas Migratory Gamebird Stamp. The Cedar Waxwings will be the 2010 Texas Nongame Stamp.

Both stamps and prints will be released within the next couple of months will be used to raise monies to acquire and/or enhance wildlife habitat in the state of Texas. Currently there is more information available about these paintings on my daily paintings blog. As the dates near for the release of the stamps and prints more information will be available as well.
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Wigeon Painting in Progress

2010-01-05T11:43:00.001-08:00

Here is a picture of my studio desk and the painting I am working on which consists of a pair of wigeon drakes standing among some marsh grasses. On my desk is also a pair of actual wigeon drakes that I was lucky enough to get while hunting this past weekend. These "in hand" specimens are allowing me to add incredible feather detail to my painting. It reminds me of the way John James Audubon used to paint for his field guides. He shot his birds first, which enabled him to closely observe the feathers and the anatomy of birds. There truly is no better reference than a bird in hand (better than two in the bush).

On the computer are wigeon photographs that I have taken and am also using for various parts of the painting, but they compare little to the actual birds. I will post the finished painting soon.
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Happy New Year

2009-12-30T10:14:00.000-08:00

I hope you have a safe and very Happy New Year!

My family and I traveled to the Lake Tahoe area for the Christmas Holiday and have returned after a wonderful vacation. Check back soon for the first blog post of 2010!
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Robert Paul Galleries

2009-12-14T14:53:00.000-08:00

I am very excited to announce that Robert Paul Galleries in Stowe, Vermont will be representing my artwork in the New England area. Stowe is a 200 year old ski town that thrives year around in a picturesque part of our country. Robert Paul Galleries, whose main emphasis is on realistic art, showcases both local Vermont artists as well as artists from around the world. Two of the paintings that will be exhibited in the gallery are pictured here. The first is Evening Waters that features a flyfisherman on a misty, evening trout stream. The second is Icy Ride featuring a pair of hooded mergansers cascading down a wintery tributary. These birds love fishing in open moving water when everything else is frozen. For more informationa and more paintings and prints that they will be carrying feel free to click on the website link above.
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Audubon Wild Arts Festival

2009-12-02T22:16:00.001-08:00

It's been a crazy couple of weeks with the Thanksgiving holiday and lots of family in town. And just before that was the Audubon Wild Arts Festival in which I set up a booth to exhibit my work. The show was a success and, hopefully, a sign of things to come as the crowds were large and people were purchasing artwork from everybody. Despite the rainy weather, there was an energy at the show that I haven't seen in a while and it was definitely a welcome sight. Here are a few pictures of my booth before the show started on Saturday morning.

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Collector's Covey

2009-11-19T19:38:00.000-08:00

This past Friday, the annual miniatures show took place at Collector's Covey in Dallas, Texas. Well known artists from around the country sent their work to this fantastic show and I was honored to be included for the second year in a row. If you click on the link above it will take you to the exhibition page where you can view all of the artwork they had in this year's show as well as from previous years' shows.

My two paintings are pictured here. The first features a flock of wood ducks peacefully cruising through a secluded backwater. The painting measures 6" x 17" and is titled Backwater Bounty. The second was one of my daily paintings titled Drake Pintails and it depicts a pair of male Northern Pintails resting in the cover of a wetland. At 5" x 5" it is truely a miniature original painting.

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New Print - Ending Rain

2009-11-13T19:13:00.000-08:00

The new print has arrived! Ending Rain is a giclee on canvas that measures 16" x 24". A giclee print is an elegant, state-of-the-art reproduction that gives a vibrant color rendition of the original painting. Giclees are produced one print at a time and depending on their size, the intricate process can take up to an hour or more. The result is always the same: a beautifully reproduced work of art with the look and feel of the original. For more information you can click on the above link.
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Teal Reflections - 2011 DU National Package Selection

2009-11-11T20:45:00.000-08:00

I was recently informed of some great news - the above painting, Teal Reflections, has been selected for the 2011 Ducks Unlimited National Art Package! The print will be distributed to Ducks Unlimited banquets and auctions throughout the country to help raise money for wetland habitat throughout North America. Ducks Unlimited invests millions of dollars annually into projects and land acquisitions to ensure that our children and their children have a place to enjoy the waterfowl that fill our skies each fall and winter. Each year artwork plays a vital role in their fundraising efforts and it is an incredible honor to be a part of it by being included in the national package.

The painting depicts a lone drake greenwing teal resting during the early evening hours. This shallow, marshy habitat is perfect for this smallest species of dabbling duck. Greenwing teal have always been a favorite of mine as much for their handsome plumage as for their exciting, twisting, turning flights.
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7th Place - Federal Duck Stamp Contest

2009-11-03T19:01:00.000-08:00

This wood duck is my entry into the recent 2009 Federal Duck Stamp Contest and it tied for 7th place. This is my highest finish ever and it was my highest point total ever. Winning the federal is one of the hardest things to do in the entire art world and, hopefully, I will get the chance to come out on top one day. Robert Bealle of Waldorf, MD won this year's competition with a beautiful painting of an American Wigeon. Fortunately, my painting placed high enough to travel with the top twenty on a national tour with the first stop being the Waterfowl Festival in Easton, MD.
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Yellowstone Trips

2009-11-01T20:06:00.000-08:00

In August and September I took two separate trips to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park as well as surrounding areas. I came away with tons of reference material of elk, grizzly bears, bison, pronghorns and numerous other animals. If you have never been, it is an incredible experience not only for the wildlife, but for the geological features as well.

One of the highlights from the first trip was seeing a grizzly bear up close. Normally, these cause huge traffic jams but it was right at first light and we had him all to ourselves for about 15 mins. as he lifted deadfall searching for insects as close as 20 yards at times. A car finally pulled up behind us as the bear sauntered off into the willows. The guy in the car looked intently to see what we were looking at but must not have seen him as he quickly drove off. He had no idea! I got some fantastic and unique photos that will inspire several paintings. I am trying to figure out how best to approach these shots to create a great painting that best captures the thrill of a grizzly bear encounter.

Above is a finished painting of the Lamar Valley titled Lamar Evening. I was trying to capture the essence of this valley where heards of bison, elk and pronghorn roam. Predators are attracted to the number of animals in this place as it harkens back to a day when there great herds of animals throughout our country. On this particular evening several flocks of Canada Geese lifted off the river and flew by.

Currently I have three paintings in the works from the trip - a coyote, a bull elk (the rut was in full swing in September) and a landscape of some aspens in front of the Tetons. I'll post them as soon as I finish them. Normally, I have posted the paintings as they have progressed, but each is far enough along now that I'll just wait until the finished product.

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The C Gallery

2009-10-23T22:25:00.001-07:00

The C Gallery of Los Alamos, CA has a miniatures show opening tomorrow night. I have three pieces in the show and fourth piece in the gallery. Picture here are two of them Long-Billed Curlew 5"x5" acrylic on board and Feeding Pintail 4"x4" acrylic on board.

I have family that lives in the area and will attend the show and the owner, Connie Rohde used to teach with my brother-in-law at Santa Ynez High School - small world! It will be great to get some artwork back into the area as the long standing Peppertree Art Show (see older posts) has closed it doors due to the sale of the Peppertree Ranch.
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Back from the Dormant

2009-10-22T09:32:00.000-07:00

This blog has been essentially dormant for the past 3 months and barely had a pulse for a couple of months before that. I plan on changing that as there is so much going on. I'll talk about what has happened for the first few posts though. My other blog - Daily Paintings by Peter Mathios - has been going strong if you would like to see recent completed works. In the meantime, stay tuned over the next couple of weeks as I share about two recent trips to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, shows, works in progress and anything related to art. Pictured is Last Light, 5"x5", acrylic on board.
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Road to Emmaus (painting in progress)

2009-06-13T11:02:00.000-07:00

This large 24" x 48" painting is a departure from what I normally do and is getting close to completion. It is for the church I attend and will be placed in the foyer in a cafe area they have named Emmaus. The story of Emmaus is when Jesus joins two disciples on the road to Emmaus, which is a desert town roughly 30 miles from Jerusalem. The disciples do not recognize the man as Jesus until later in the evening when they broke bread at one of their homes. Jesus then vanished and the disciples went to spread the good news.

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Ellensburg National

2009-05-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

This weekend I will be travelling to Ellensburg, WA to participate in the 37th annual Ellensburg National Western Art Show and Auction which features the following attractions:

- Talented new artists and nationally-acclaimed artists display and sell original art and prints
- Quick draws and artist demonstrations
- Auction includes original artwork and quick draw pieces
- Over 14,000 square feet of climate controlled show space
- Free parking
- Food vendors - Three Peaks Outfitters of Cle Elum, WA will be serving delicious cast iron cooking for all to enjoy. Stop by the encampment for a unique and filling meal. Beverages are being run by Young Life of Ellensburg.

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"Lessons" Available on Cabela's Website

2009-04-29T14:58:00.001-07:00

The print Lessons, which features one of those important moments in life that happen between a father and a son, is now available on the Cabela's website. It has been available in their stores for about a year, but now is available online as well. Artist Proofs of the print are available through my website - www.mathiosstudios.net.

Wigeon Study Revised

2009-04-23T08:11:00.001-07:00

This 8" x 10" study has been revised from the one that is a few entries below. A lead wigeon has been added closer to the viewer and a bird has also just landed in the water. Some of the reeds have been subtly modified as well to help the ducks stand out a bit more. This gives the painting added life while keeping the hunter's perspective. The study is for a larger commissioned painting for the St. Clair Flats Waterfowlers Incorporated conservation group.
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New Release - South Platte Sunrise artist proof prints

2009-04-22T10:36:00.001-07:00

Image Size (unframed): 15" x 20"
Throughout the past year, the regular edition prints of South Platte Sunrise were used to raise money for upland bird habitat at Pheasants Forever banquets throughout the country. Now the remaining prints from the Artist Proof edition are available. The edition size is 50 prints and only 22 of those remain. To see more available prints, click here.
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The Challenger - Update #4

2009-03-20T13:19:00.001-07:00

More habitat has been added in the front and more detail in the elk as well as sthe trees. It's still not finished and as I have mentioned on this blog before, some days it feels like a work all day and don't accomplish a thing. This usually happens when painting grasses. It is nice to scroll down and see that actual progress is being made though.
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Wigeon Study

2009-03-19T12:35:00.001-07:00

This is the study for a commissioned painting for the St. Clair Flats Waterfowlers Inc. conservation group. They are dedicated to conserving the habitat in the St. Clair Flats area, which is a renowned waterfowling hot spot in the country located on the Michigan/Canadian border. The painting depicts a cattail marsh (very common in the St. Clair Flats area) with a group of American wigeon coming in as seen from the hunter's perspective. Hunters and groups like the SCFWI are instrumental in wildlife conservation and there are hundreds of local conservation groups around the country that gross millions of dollars for habitat conservation each year.
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The Challenger - Update #3

2009-03-16T13:52:00.000-07:00

In this painting update more detail has been added to the background trees and the grasses. The elk haven't been touched since they were initially painted in except for blocking out some of the branches in the closest one's body. This is where the process of painting takes some time. I am now working on easing the dramatic pointed shape of the foreground shadow.
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Finished Commission

2009-03-15T14:12:00.000-07:00

Several times each year, I get commissioned to create a painting. Sometimes it is of a family pet, or a special scene of someone's children, but most of the time it's a painting of a favorite hunting spot with ducks coming in. Inspired by an earlier painting I did called The Next Five, this painting is exactly that and is a surprise gift for a surprise 40th birthday party. The painting features a flock of pintail coming into an Oklahoma wetland at daybreak. The focus of the painting was capturing the essence of the Oklahoma landscape. Early morning clouds offset the open skies where a flock of pintail have locked up their wings to sail in. The last of the Fall foliage clings to the trees as the marsh gets ready to surrender to winter.
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The Challenger - Update #1

2009-03-07T15:08:00.001-08:00

The second elk has been added as has some detail in the background grasses. There is going to be a lot of foreground detail and this painting is going to be a lot of work to get what I am foreseeing. I like the way the tension is developing between the two bull elk though. I may submit this image to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation for consideration to create a print to benefit wildlife conservation. They see many paintings from many artists, but it is always worth trying.

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The Challenger - Painting in Progress

2009-03-05T10:41:00.000-08:00

This painting has just been started and my goal is to post continued progress as it happens, giving you a glimpse into the process. The first steps were to lay in the basic placement of the meadow and the future shadows that will be in the grasses. I then blocked in the background trees. All of this has been done with a #10 round and a #12 flat. The first bull elk was laid in with a #2 round. There is going to be another bull coming in from the uppr left hand corner, which is what the front bull will be looking at.
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More Fun With the Camera

2009-02-10T17:16:00.000-08:00

I was recently in Central Oregon and got some fantastic pictures. The mule deer were everywhere - we counted 167 in one day! We also found an alfalfa field where hundreds of mallard and Canada geese came in, and kept coming in, to feed.

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Pancake Pear and Gambel's

2009-01-27T18:39:00.000-08:00

American Miniatures at Settler's West Galleries is fast approaching and here is one of my paintings that is going to be included in this year's show. It's called Pancake Pear and Gambel's and measures 10"x8". I am madly working on my second painting which is a desert landscape and I will post it when it is finished. The show is February 14th at the gallery in Tucson, AZ. This year I will be in attendance and am looking forward to seeing this spectacular event in person.

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New Camera

2009-01-19T12:38:00.000-08:00

For my birthday, my wife, her side of the family, and my siblings all chipped in and bought me a Nikon D60. This is an incredible upgrade from my last camera and has already shown that it can get better reference photos. I am looking forward to the effects it has on my work. Below are some examples....

American Wigeon

Northern Pintail and Cackling Canada Geese

Northern Shovelers

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Magazine Article

2009-01-08T07:47:00.000-08:00

Here's some exciting news. Ducks Unlimited has published an article in their January/February issue about my art and the International Artist of the Year honor. If you would like to read it, you can click here.

Snow Goose Painting in Progress

2008-12-20T18:39:00.000-08:00

About a week and a half ago I stopped by the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge on my way back from the Peppertree Art Show (which was an amazing end to one of the best shows in the country). Many species were numerous on the refuge including white-fronted geese and snow geese. This group of geese was one of many to come into the refuge while we were there. At times, tens of thousands would get up and swirl around like a massive tornado then set back down.

This painting is in progress. My goal is to give the geese a smooth, soft, realistic appearance. Other than that, you can get the idea of what it will look like.

Peppertree Art Show Grand Finale!

2008-12-04T09:19:00.000-08:00

Currently I am on the road heading to Santa Ynez for the final installment of the Peppertree Art Show. This 32-year old show is coming to an end of a long and prestigious run. At this last show they will have 100 artists, who have been involved with the Peppertree through the years, in attendance with each showing four of their best paintings. It should be quite an extravaganza and jam packed with Bob Eubanks hosting the festivities. The show, which is by invitation only, is this Saturday and Sunday at the Peppertree Ranch. To obtain an invitation you can visit their website or call (805) 688-6205.
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Fern Ridge Redhead

2008-11-23T22:03:00.000-08:00

This painting has been selected as the new 2009 Oregon Ducks Unlimited Sponsor print. A lone drake redhead rockets into the marsh at Fern Ridge Wildlife Area. I saw this scene during the Spring, which is why the drakes colors are so striking - it's breeding season. More information and the artist proof prints are available here.
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Preening Egret

2008-11-17T13:49:00.000-08:00

This cattle egret is in it's breeding plumage. Normally, it is a pure white bird, but the orange tinge and wispy feathering shows up during the Spring to help attract a mate. The dark background helps highlight the subtle color differences of this elegant bird.

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Bewick's Wren

2008-11-11T20:09:00.000-08:00

I saw this wren flitting and darting amongst a brush pile and thought he might look good against some reeds. The purpose of the reeds is not only to provide some natural habitat but to give the painting direction most of the movement follows the birds gaze. To see more information regarding this painting you can follow this link - Bewick's Wren.

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Mule Deer

2008-11-05T15:50:00.000-08:00

A group of alert mule deer stand under a juniper tree in the fading evening light as the last rays of sun brush across the landscape. This is high desert country and these deer are located in the saddle of a butte. They are naturally wary because of their main predator in the area - the mountain lion. Their large ears focus for any unusual sound that may mean they could be in trouble.

This painting is 12"x24" and is an acrylic on board.

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Show Preview

2008-10-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

As mentioned in the previous entry, I have a show opening Saturday at the Elsinore Gallery in Salem featuring my daily paintings. Brent Allen put in some serious hours prepping the 50+ miniatures to create the exhibition. Here's a preview:

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Nature in Miniature

2008-10-27T10:47:00.000-07:00

This Saturday is the opening of a unique and special show that will feature 50 miniature paintings ranging in size from 4"x4" to 5"x7" - basically the size of a postcard! There will also be limited edition prints and a few larger originals as well. Hope to see you there!
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Women's Outdoor Wire

2008-10-22T19:51:00.000-07:00

Today was the first installment of a new monthly column to be published in the Women's Outdoor Wire newsletter. The article was introductory and touched on the importance of observation and about painting what moves you. This is an exciting opportunity and future articles will touch on painting tips, inspiration behind certain paintings and really anything that has to do with wildlife art. Here is a link to the website for more information - click here.

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Local Show

2008-10-15T17:16:00.000-07:00

I have a show coming up at the Elsinore Gallery in downtown Salem, Oregon that will run through the month of November. The show will focus on my daily paintings, which are affordable miniature original paintings in the 4"x4" to 5"x7" range. There will be a reception from 3-5pm on Saturday, Nov. 1st. The exhibition will also feature a couple of larger originals as well as a selection of limited edition prints. The purpose of the show, however, is to showcase these unique originals. Below are some examples and if you would like to see more of my daily paintings, there is a special blog dedicated to them at this link - Daily Paintings Blog. There is also a subscription link on the blog where you can receive a new painting each time one is posted.

Pheasant 4"x4" Acrylic on Board

Water Buffalo 5"x5" Acrylic on Board

Winter Barn 5"x5" Acrylic on Board

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Back from Minnesota

2008-10-08T13:07:00.000-07:00

I just came back from Wild Wings' Fall Festibal in Minnesota and had a great time! One thing that is really enjoyable about the show is hanging out with the other artists. Many topics come up and it is great to be able see everybody. Below is the group that stayed over an extra night.

(pictured from left: Anthony Padgett, Stefan Savides, Chris Cummings, me, Valeria Yost, Lee Kromschroeder, John Wilson, Susan Bourdet, Dawn Simpson, and Shirley Clearly's hands)My Website

Wild Wings Fall Festival

2008-10-01T14:57:00.000-07:00

The Fall Festival is this weekend in Lake City, MN and I will be attending the two day event. I am looking forward to what is always a fantastic weekend that features original paintings by many of Wild Wings' artists, wildlife demonstrations, and great food! For more information you can follow this link - Fall Festival

Go Oregon State!!!

2008-09-27T21:24:00.000-07:00

This isn't really art related (at all), but my wife, Rachelle, and I had the chance to go to the Oregon State - USC football game on Thursday. We were expecting a USC blowout because they were ranked #1 in the country. However, the Beavers pulled off the impossible. The place was a madhouse. The only real way to describe the scene especially late in the 4th quarter was deafening pandemonium! It was incredibly fun to be there. FYI, the below photos were taken with a cell phone.

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Youth Pheasant Hunt 2008

2008-09-25T14:32:00.000-07:00

Our annual youth pheasant hunt took place last weekend and will again this weekend. It is a great time for the kids. Mine are too young to hunt but they enjoyed the hot chocolate and donuts and got to see their cousin Kameron get his imit of two birds in six minutes! I'm looking forward to this Sunday again.

Kameron taking a shot at his first bird...

The entire group that hunted with Kameron including Tom and his dog Maggie
All of us after the hunt.
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Daybreak - Wigeon

2008-09-24T11:57:00.000-07:00

These wigeon are coming into a pond that they use on a regular basis. Overnight it froze and although they will sometimes land on the ice, they usually head for open water. The coolness of the scene brings back memories of breaking ice while hunting so they do have a place to land.
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The Next Five

2008-09-23T14:54:00.000-07:00

This is a private, local pond that is seasonal, so it dries up during the summer months. However, it is near the Willamette River and attracts good numbers of ducks when it holds water. This painting depicts a fairly typical morning. The flight is usually pretty fast and furious around first light and slows as it gets later. One thing that I noticed with this piece is that when it is in darker light, the landscape looks like it is earlier in the morning. If the painting is in brighter lighting it looks later in the morning. So, if you look at it in natural light as the sun comes up, it gives the viewer the feeling of actually being there and witnessing the sunrise.
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Another in Progress

2008-09-19T09:30:00.001-07:00

Here's yet another painting that I've been working on. There is going to be a flurry of finished paintings soon - probably next week. There are even a few that haven't been posted here as 'in progress'. I've been painting like a madman - hahahaha!My Website

Painting in Progress - Mule Deer

2008-09-12T18:01:00.000-07:00

Below are a couple of photos showing the progression of a new painting that I am working on. (The eagle and rocks are getting a breather) You can see from the bottom picture, which is the older version, that another deer has been added and the large juniper tree has actully been broken into two trees. There are going to be lots of grasses and the streaking, low sunlight should become more apparent as the painting progresses even more.

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Eagle Rock continued....

2008-09-04T17:35:00.000-07:00

...more detail has been added and I am going to take it even further with the rock detail.
My Website

Eagle Rock (In Progress)

2008-09-03T17:14:00.000-07:00

With this painting I am focusing on the subtleties of the rock. There are so many colors and nooks and crannies. It has been fun to explore and although the eagle appears as the focus, the rocks have been fun to work on. I may get into the back feathers of the eagle in much the same way I am approaching the rocks - but I am a ways from getting to the detail of the bird. It is there more for perspective than anything right now.
My Website

Orcas

2008-08-29T09:54:00.001-07:00

A mother and calf orca search the lush and fertile Vancouver Island coastline. I saw these whales this past July and was awestruck by their beauty. Each time they surface they blow and the noise is incredible. With this painting I wanted to capture the feeling of the Northwest with the fog, clouds and abundant wildlife.
My Website

International Guild of Realism

2008-08-23T13:29:00.000-07:00

I recently found out that I have been accepted into the International Guild of Realism, a website that showcases realistic artists from around the world. This is very exciting news and I look forward to my relationship with the guild and to the upcoming exhbition opporunities.

My Website

Painting in Progress - Orcas

2008-08-21T17:47:00.000-07:00

A mother and calf search near shore for prey. I saw these whales while in BC in late July and it's my first orca painting. The pod I saw had about 10 whales in it and they were in the more open waters of the Queen Charlotte Strait. Here I have them near the shore with some classic Northwest weather. Stay tuned for more updates as I get into the details of the trees and rocks. There may even be a few gulls on the rocks.
My Website

Winter Wings

2008-08-19T15:03:00.000-07:00

This scene of Big Darby Creek was inspired by a photograph taken by Jerry Swanson who lives near the river in Ohio. What inspired me to create a painting from his photograph was the cool, winteriness of the image and the fact that the geese were flying low to water that also seemed to be gliding along. The painting is an acrylic on board and measures 20"x30" inches.
My Website

2008 Federal Duck Stamp Entry

2008-08-14T11:12:00.000-07:00

Here is my entry into this year's federal duck stamp contest. With this painting I was going for a more romantic lighting. The habitat is classic Willamette Valley and was inspired from a private pond where I have the opportunity to hunt.My Website

Federal Duck Stamp Time

2008-08-07T09:28:00.000-07:00

Every August, hundreds of artists from across the country create paintings for one of the most rigorous, yet rewarding, art competitions in the US - the Federal Duck Stamp Contest. I have been busy working on mine since July and it is getting closer to being to finished. Actually, the only thing left is the painstaking detail that is required to be competitive. Below are a few examples of my past entries. Some have done really well, and others have not. I should note that there are 5 species to choose from each year and each painting is 7"x10". Later this week I will post this year's entry.

Some Past Entries
this one didn't win the federal, but won another stamp competition later that year
1997 - one of my first entries
My Website

Fantastic New Reference Material

2008-08-05T19:30:00.001-07:00

I just got back from the annual fishing trip to British Columbia that I take with my Dad and a close family friend each year. This year the wildlife really seemed in abundance as a couple of pictures can attest. There will be two paintings for sure from this trip including one of some killer whales.

A bald eagle keeps an eye out from atop a sailboat.

A pod of orcas took over our fishing area. There were about ten whales and they put on quite a display!

A Port Hardy sunset. The Silver Fox, captained by Ian Anderson, was our home for five incredible days.

My Website

Commissioned Painting

2008-07-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

This painting was actually seen by Senator Frank Morse who has a place in British Columbia. A bear was trying to get to a moose calf while it's mother protected it. In brief, the gentleman approached in a boat and shouted. As he did so, both animals which were practically nose-to-nose, looked up right at him. The image was burned in his mind and now has become a painting that he will hang in his capitol office. For more information on commissioned paintings you can click the link below.

More Commissions

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

2008-07-19T16:10:00.000-07:00

The above 20"x30" painting has been in progress for quite some time and is proving to be a serious challenge. I think it is one of those paintings where a step forward in my abilities could be made. The thing about taking a step forward is that sometimes it takes two steps back and it's those steps where the real learning takes place. This painting has been like that. One day, I'll work on it and feel that great progress has been made and other days, I'll paint for hours and leave thinking that the painting is worse than it was before I started. The hard part, for me, has been blending the numerous branches and the mist to create depth and realism. The image above is the painting in it's current state - now it's back to work.
My website

PFDA

2008-07-09T15:39:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again! The Pacific Flyway Decoy Association's (PFDA) annual wildfowl art festival is going to take place on Saturday and Sunday at the Doubletree Hotel in Sacramento. The show features live woodcarving demonstrations, decoy competitions, and, yes, wildlife art! I will be at the show with about 35 miniature originals (including the one pictured), framed and unframed prints, and a couple of larger originals. The weekend is always fun and there are some amazing artists that attend. If you are in the area, drop by.

My Website

Tucson

2008-07-04T16:36:00.000-07:00

This past week I spent some time in Tucson and while there, gathered some reference to complete some desert scenes. The birdlife was incredible as was the weather. There was even an encounter with a live Arizona bark scorpion in the bathroom to make the desert experience complete! Future paintings will come from this trip, but for now here are a couple of photos.

My Website

Hooded Merganser

2008-06-25T20:37:00.000-07:00

This new 9"x12" painting is as much about the water as it is about the duck. While the hooded merganser is the main focal point of the painting, I really focused on the reflections creating a subtle swirl into the duck. Incidentally, his look assists with this directional movement. It's subtle, but it's there and it's intended. I think this helps add a bit of depth as well.
My Website

Oregon DU Competition

2008-06-21T10:43:00.000-07:00

These three images were submitted to the Oregon Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year competition, which is taking place today at the state convention in Hood River, OR. All are small originals and will compete with entries from other artists around the state. The winning entry will be reproduced as a limited edition print that will be a part of the DU Sponsor package. Monies raised from the package directly benefit wetland habitat, not only in Oregon, but throughout the country. I have been fortunate enough to use my art to help wildlife conservation for many years. If one of these entries is chosen I will post it on the blog.

My website

Misty Morning Mallards

2008-06-16T13:37:00.000-07:00

This 8"x10" painting of three mallard coming in at sunrise is along the lines of some of the more recent paintings I have been doing that are primarily a landscape with distant ducks as part of the scene. With this piece I was really going for the mood of the morning and to create the effect, a much simpler palette was used.
My Website

Hooded Merganser (In Progress)

2008-06-13T21:26:00.000-07:00

A painting I have been working on... it's seems to be more about the reflections in the water and the movement in the water that swirls in towards the striking merganser.
My Website

Greenwings

2008-06-09T15:18:00.000-07:00

Here is a painting of a low-flying flock of greenwing teal. These ducks commonly fly low and fast and can surprise you if you don't see them coming.
My Website

Ducks Unlimited National Convention

2008-06-02T14:47:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from the trip to Baltimore where I received the award for winning the 2009 International Artist of the Year... It was an incredible, inspiring experience and the people involved with Ducks Unlimited are so generous and giving. It is difficult to describe how grateful my wife and I are for the experiences that Wild Wings and Ducks Unlimited shared with us.

Myself and Rachelle at the sports party at Camden Yards with the incredible staff from Wild Wings - Sara, Michelle, Larry and his wife Roberta. They were so helpful and a lot of fun!

Rachelle and I at the Saturday evening banquet....

Receiving the award, a beautiful custom ring, from Don Young of Ducks Unlimited...

The fine people from Alaska DU - keep an eye open for the upcoming Alaska print Rainy Day Respite - Pintail.

My Website

Birds in Art

2008-05-28T08:45:00.000-07:00

The painting South Platte Sunrise has been selected for the upcoming Birds in Art exhibition at the Leigh Yawkee Woodson Art Museum. The opening festivities are planned for September 5th & 6th in Wausau, Wisconsin. This will be my fourth time exhibiting in this prestigious show. More information will be posted as the exhibition approaches.

www.mathiosstudios.net

Greenwings Update

2008-05-10T21:25:00.000-07:00

It has been a crazy month or so trying to balance commission work, print remarques, painting for two shows and traveling to Milwaukee. The above painting is for one of the shows. Some progress was made on the detail and the painting is getting closer to being finished. The ducks themselves need some work and keeping them looking like they are in the fog while subtly showing enough detail to define the species will be tricky. This painting is another in what is becoming a series of waterfowl paintings. Evening Sprig, South Platte Sunrise, and First Flight feel like the forefathers to this painting. I enjoy the landscape aspect with the ducks not being as prominent, but still showing that commitment to landing.
www.mathiosstudios.net

Greenwings (In Progress)

2008-05-09T17:21:00.000-07:00

This is a painting in progress of some greenwing teal coming in on a foggy morning...
www.mathiosstudios.net

Ending Rain

2008-05-06T13:17:00.000-07:00

After experimenting with this painting for the past couple of years, I have decided to leave it as a painting of ending rain. The patterns of the water are the painting and I didn't want to take away from that or change the focus in the piece. I have tightened up the water ringlets and finished it. The painting is about the peaceful play of water.

My Website

Misty Ridge Blacktail

2008-04-29T13:44:00.000-07:00

This is a ridgeline that my brother-in-law and I used to hunt regularly during archery season. When clouds would roll in off the Oregon Coast, the ridge would get socked in and everything seemed to get quieter. Although we never got a deer in this spot, it was our regular break spot after a somewhat steep hike. Although there would be deer sign everywhere, the coffee break would take priority. Unfortunately, this property was purchased and is no longer open to hunting and a paved road now leads to this ridge. This painting captures what it was.
www.mathiosstudios.net

Field & Stream Radio

2008-04-25T08:30:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to be on Field & Stream Radio on April 5th to discuss the International Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year award. Field & Stream Radio is the largest outdoor radio show in the world and reaches over 3 million listeners each week. It can also be heard on Armed Forces Radio. To hear the interview just click on Segment Two of the April 5th episode and I am the second guest.
www.mathiosstudios.net

Canada Goose Painting in Progress

2008-04-24T15:21:00.000-07:00

This is a larger painting that measures 20"x30" and is currently in progress. There is still a lot of work to do on the trees and water and in the foreground there will more trees with some snow on them. The inspiration for this painting came from a photograph that a friend of mine took. When I saw it, I had to create a painting from it.
www.mathiosstudios.net

Back from Milwaukee

2008-04-21T16:40:00.000-07:00

I'm back from Milwaukee, WI where I was signing the Ducks Unlimited prints at Classic Art Prints. Marie and her husband Guiseppi were fantastic hosts and treated artist George Lockwood and I to an authentic home cooked Sicilian meal that was absolutely amazing! I have started painting again after the trip and have progressed on the eagle some more. It is nearly finished. If you look back and forth between the last post and this one you can spot the subtle changes that have occured. And, I should say, that although subtle, they take a while as I am using small brushes and focusing on the detail.www.mathiosstudios.net

Painting in Progress - Bald Eagle

2008-04-04T18:39:00.000-07:00

This painting is of an island in a chain off the British Columbia coast known as the Deserters. Although not finished yet, you get a sense of what the finished product will look like. The feet in particular are far from finished as are some other parts of the painting, which measures 14"x18" and is being completed in acrylic.
www.mathiosstudios.net

Wood Duck Nesting Boxes

2008-04-02T07:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to tag along with Howard Meyer, a retired Oregon State professor, while he checked wood duck nesting boxes on and around his property south of Corvallis. All told, we checked around 20-25 nest boxes and we had some success. In one box was this female hooded merganser and in a couple of others were merganser eggs. The first wood duck eggs were also discovered in one box as the delicate whistles of the wood ducks could be heard out on the nearby water. It is a bit early for wood duck nesting, but Spring has begun in some ways!
www.mathiosstudios.net

Been Sick

2008-03-30T13:25:00.000-07:00

I have been sick for most of the past week with a temp of 104.5. Not fun. I should be back to painting tomorrow and posting a bit more frequently on this blog. If you haven't visited my daily paintings blog, have a look. There are a bunch of new paintings over there. Here's the link... My Daily Paintings Blog

Happy Easter

2008-03-22T10:28:00.000-07:00

Have a

Happy

Easter!!!

St. Patricks Day Show

2008-03-15T08:02:00.000-07:00

There is a short notice show this Monday at the Montgomery St. Building here in Albany. Five artists, live jazz, cocktails by the Calapooia Brewing Company and hor d'oevres catered by Wyatts will make up the evening. The event is taking place at 321 1st St. in downtown Albany from 4-8pm and should be alot of fun. If you are from the area, hopefully you can find the time to drop in!
http://www.mathiosstudios.net/

Salem Hospital

2008-03-05T12:26:00.000-08:00

The Salem Hospital is building a brand new addition and recently began collecting artwork to be included in the project. My painting "Sunrise Ensemble" has been selected to be a part of the permanent collection. The painting will also be reproduced in three glass parts as a decorative portion of the nurses station. The painting was selected, in part, because it depicts a familiar Willamette Valley scene - a flock of canada geese at sunrise.
www.mathiosstudios.net

Greenwing Teal

2008-02-27T21:19:00.000-08:00

This painting has been recently completed and can be compared to the photo in the recent blog entry below. This is a commissioned painting based upon an earlier original called Greenwing Reflections. In this piece, the teal is placed differently and has a slightly different posture - looking more into the scene than sideways. The low light was my initial attraction to create this painting as were the reflections of unseen habitat.
www.mathiosstudios.net

Winter Bug...

2008-02-26T09:43:00.000-08:00

I haven't been on this blog too much because I had some sort of stomach flu... not fun. I did manage to work in a daily painting and a newspaper interview, but have been pretty laid out. Fortunately, things began to look up last night as my condition improved and I can get back to painting again!
www.mathiosstudios.net

2009 Ducks Unlimited International Artist of the Year

2008-02-18T15:21:00.000-08:00

I received some fantastic news today that the painting Evening Sprig has won the competition. Thank you to everyone who voted!!
www.mathiosstudios.net

Current Studio Paintings on the Easel

2008-02-15T13:33:00.001-08:00

Below are some paintings that I have been working on. The first one is a commission that is based off of an earlier painting called Greenwing Reflections and is in a very early stage.
This next one is still in the works and has been so for nearly two years!! I have messed around with it by adding a coy just under the surface, but it didn't seem to work with the leaves in the water. A water skeeter has been suggested and I am going to see what that looks like. I am thinking that the design may be strong enough as is with all of the action from the water drops.I am excited about this painting, which was recently posted, because of the vultures in the tree and the story the painting tells.
www.mathiosstudios.net

Daily Paintings Update

2008-02-11T13:19:00.000-08:00

For a little over a month I have been completing postcard size (and smaller) paintings almost everyday. Over this time frame they have morphed somewhat from being studies to being a bit more complete. I have also started a blog - link here - that is updated each time one of these paintings is completed. One new feature on this blog is a box where, if interested, you can receive an email containing an image of a new painting each time one is posted. Below are some examples of my recent daily paintings.

http://www.mathiosstudios.net/

American Miniatures Tomorrow

2008-02-08T15:37:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow evening is the reception for American Miniatures at Settler's West Galleries in Tucson, AZ. This is a fantastic show with many of the top artists in the country participating including Howard Terpening, Bill Anton, and Tucker Smith. To see the incredible list of artists and to view their inspiring work you can click here: Settlers West. My painting Great Egret(pictured) along with Pintail Pair will be a part of the exhibition.

Clumber Spaniel

2008-02-06T13:50:00.000-08:00

This commissioned painting of a clumber spaniel took awhile! Measuring 24"x36", it provided many challenges and pushed me as an artist - mostly because of the white dog on white snow combination. By pushing the colors a bit, the dog is able to stand out.
www.mathiosstudios.net

2 Weeks Left

2008-02-04T11:52:00.000-08:00

There are two weeks left to vote online for the 2009 Ducks Unlimited International Artist of the Year competition. I have a painting up for the award (pictured) titled Evening Sprig. You can vote as often as you like at this link... www.ducks.org/2009ArtistVote

An African Painting (untitled and in progress)

2008-01-31T14:22:00.000-08:00

The opportunistic vultures await in the tree top... The idea comes from a photograph that my aunt took while on safari in Africa and the idea was too good to pass up. Although there will be alot of detail in the painting, the simlicity of the image adds to the power of the moment. This painting is currently in progress.

Barn Swallows

2008-01-29T07:40:00.000-08:00

This new 9"x12" studio painting depicts some barn swallows getting ready to fledge. They barely fit in their nest and are waiting for their mother to bring a meal. Soon they will be flying and catching their own insects. With the weather we've been having lately (snow, rain, and sleet) this painting brings memories of warm summer weather. Click here for more information.
www.mathiosstudios.net

Off to Lacey, WA

2008-01-25T16:31:00.000-08:00

The Cabela's Grand Opening of their Lacey, WA store is this weekend and I am a featured artist at the event along with Hayden Lamson and Dallen Lambsen. The hours I will be there are January 26th & 27th from 9-11am and 2-4pm. I hope to see you there!
www.mathiosstudios.net

Daily Painting Blog

2008-01-22T09:42:00.001-08:00

I have started a new blog that will be dedicated solely to the daily studies that I have been creating. You can see these paintings and bid on them at this link. The paintings are also listed on the 'originals' page of my website at this url: http://www.mathiosstudios.net/Original%20Painting%20a%20Day.html. This blog will continue to be the posting site for art news, studio paintings, daily musings and anything else related to my art.
www.mathiosstudios.net

"Grassy Reflections" 5x7 Acrylic on Board

2008-01-21T09:26:00.000-08:00

This painting is now available on my website at this link.

Railroad Crossing

2008-01-19T11:58:00.000-08:00

This painting is now available on my website at this link.

Sunrise (Sold)

2008-01-18T08:12:00.001-08:00

This is Day 4 of my A Painting a Day experiment. So far, these paintings have been a lot of fun to create and I will keep doing them and posting them on my website. I am not sure if I will continue the eBay selling after the first week. That will be determined after the seventh painting...

http://www.mathiosstudios.net/

Eagle in Flight

2008-01-17T08:45:00.001-08:00

Purchase this Painting

"Rustic Fencepost" (Sold)

2008-01-16T09:43:00.000-08:00

...painting number two of the a painting a day experiment...