A Break from Painting

Painting is a singular pleasure, one of my favorite activities. With a heavy schedule of exhibits and projects I have lined-up for the next few months I am painting a lot, almost 40 hours a week. There are times when I need a break from the long hours of canvas, oils and brushes, but want to continue working in the studio. Fortunanly I have enough space in my studio that I can work on more than one media, or project at a time. I have two plein air painting easels, I have a small one that I use for a drawing/sketching box that doubles as an easel. It works great and holds drawing supplies such as pencils, color pencils, pastels, conte' crayons, watercolors and a great assortment of rendering supplies at my fingertips. I set-up the easel at the back of my studio, in front of a sculpture pedestal and a large shelving unit laden with art books. This provides an opportunity to work on drawing quickly without taking valuable table space that are normally utilized for teaching classes or laying out papers, stretching canvas and other activities. In the above photo you can see a terra cotta bust that I made a couple of years ago on the pedestal. This was a great subject for a quick charcoal sketch. Drawings and sketches in charcoal are a lot of fun and it was good to return to the media with it's lovely chiascuro effects. I think I'll continue working on more charcoals and take a break from painting when my arms and shoulders become tired from many hours at the easel.

Continuing the Portrait of American Veterans Project

Pictured above and below is my 18th veteran to paint. This is Bert Notheison, I visited his home last week to start on his portrait. Bert and his wife Arlene were so happy to see me and thrilled about Bert's part in the PAVP. Bert's stories are many and fascinating, from his time as a pilot in the US Army Air Corp with the 460th Bomb Group during WWII. I'll post his portrait when it is completed.
As the Portraits of American Veterans Project continues, almost 2 years in process, I have reached a marvelous place. Each portrait has come to represent a singular place and time for each individual, yet occupies a shared place within the whole. I think and most certainly feel, that there will be a complete body of work, and a substantial exhibition by the time I paint the 24th portrait. I began the first portrait of Adam Navarro-Lowery in August 2009. this was the start of a journey that has become incredible in it's scope and depth. I am eternally grateful for all of the generous support of family and friends to keep me working in my studio 5-6 days a week in front of the easel, to complete every detail in each portrait.

In early March I applied to Fractured Atlas fiscal sponsorship for financial assistance in developing Portraits of American Veterans Project into a traveling exhibit. Last week I received the good news that my proposal was approved, so now it's time to look towards the horizon and complete the last of the portraits, and put "the show on the road". Continue following my posts and I'll keep you up to date on how things are progressing.

Etheral Fauna the Artist's Muse to Open at Carthage College Thursday April 7

I'm showing with a group of Chicago artists in a show titled "Ethereal Fauna: the Artist's Muse" the opening reception will be this Thursday at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Painting the Figure From Life in Under 4 Hours

This past Sunday I spent the entire day in the beautiful Sage Gallery with 12 other artists painting a model from life. We started around 10:30 with this lovely ballet pose and wrapped up the day at 4:00. There's nothing more engaging to me than the moments when I am completely absorbed in the painting or drawing process. I loved the color and light enveloping the model and the composition was just right. I will add a few final touches in the studio, but this is a completed oil on 40"x 30" hand stretched canvas painting. I like the freshness and clean look of this piece. Now it's time to get back to the studio and schedule the next veterans for the 18th portrait for my "Portraits of American Veterans Project".

Al Weber the First Marine Veteran I've Painted

Al stopped by my studio a few weeks ago to see the progress on his portrait. I was so happy to see him that I just had to get a picture of him with his portrait. Al is very quiet about his commendations received during his two tours of duty in Vietnam with the 1st Recon Battalion Charlie Company. My Dad was the First Sergeant of 1st Recon Battalion Bravo Company during his first tour of duty in 1965-66.... Enough said.

Keep checking my blog and I'll post the painting of Al with all of his 7 medals placed on the left of the painting. I am honored to paint Al's portrait and represent the commendations that he no longer has, but will be present on his completed portrait.

Portrait Painting Demonstartion at the Northland Area Art League

March Meeting…Jeanine Hill-Soldner

Join artist Jeanine Hill-Soldner as she demonstrates her unique portrait painting technique, where the likeness of the individual is captured from life in one sitting. Jeanine will work from a live model in oils, while discussing her choice of colors, mediums and the placement of the individual models features on canvas. Ms. Hill-Soldner holds a Masters of Art in Art Ed. and began painting lessons at age 15 in an artists’ studio. She has received many awards and more than 100 juried exhibits in museums and galleries around the US, with many press articles and an Artist Profile featured on PBS nationwide. Her studio is located in the lower level of the Lakeside Legacy Arts Park in Crystal Lake where she paints every day and teaches classes and workshops. Her contact info www.soldnerfineart.com jeanine@soldnerfineart.com 224-522-4068

Portrait Painting Demo from Live Model

I love painting from life with a real person posing or just being still for a short time. My process and technique are my own. Over time and many years of focused attention in my studio in front of the easel, with brush in hand and palette nearby, my unique process has been evolving as an artist. I don't think there is an easy way to arrive at your own mark, your style that sets you apart from others. I have consistently kept my focus and have not been shy of the hard work and dedication that is required to continually move forward. It's a wonderful life to have a studio where I am able to continue working and inviting people to pose for me and experience the wonders of portraiture.
My son Alex kindly posed for this painting in oils. The gallery is located in the Dole Mansion the building that houses my studio, Soldner Fine Art Studio. The art on the gallery is by artists and teachers , Amber Larsen and Johanna Gullick. My paintings and drawings can be seen on the walls in the background behind me, and to my right. If you're visiting Crystal Lake please take time to stop by the Lakeside Legacy Arts Park, come by my studio and I'll show you the galleries and Dole Mansion.