A Conversation, art and otherwise

Welcome to the art blog of Mike Menius, Northern CA plein air painter. Please join the ongoing conversation about art, the studio projects, etc.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

photo of studio, ARTrails 2012


Open studio weekends, ARTrails 2012

My studio will be open to the public (everyone invited!) for the annual open studio weekends, Saturday and Sunday, October 13 - 14, and 20 - 21.  

This is the official ARTrails 2012 program.  Artists all over Sonoma County clean up the clutter in their studios and display the creative works of the past year.  

A catalog is published each year, featuring all the artists.  Visitors study the catalog and plan a "trail" of visiting the artists who interest them.  

Grandparents and parents frequently bring the little ones, who get a kick out of seeing art, in all mediums.  

Oh, yes, many visitors also visit nearby wineries, as part of the day.  This is wine country, after all!

Friday, August 10, 2012

image: "Urban Landscape"


"Urban Landscape"

Here is a professionally done photo of a recent painting, "Urban Landscape," 36"H x 24"W.  oil on wood panel.  The idea was to combine a serene aerial view of the city, with the hustle and bustle of a skyscraper environment.  The city could be anywhere.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Image: Revised abstract, umber-burnt sienna


Revised abstract, umber-burnt sienna

This is an earlier abstract, based around umber and burnt sienna, as the under painting.  After a while, it looked too somber, so I decided to lighten the mood.  Oil on wood panel.  12"H x 16"W.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

image: Urban Landscape comes alive


Urban Landscape comes alive, 31 May, 2012

The painting is showing its vitality, as more of the strong colors are filled in.  The underlying structure is ethereal; the coloration is strongly grounded.  Much more to go!

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

image: "Mingle" abstract


"Mingle" abstract

This is a recent colored pencil piece, an abstract based around non-geometric figures which overlap and relate to each other.  Once the figures were in place, it was such fun to add colors, exploring the mingling of these figures. Dimensions are 9" x 11."  Colored pencil on paper.  Completed in two days.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

PIANO, first stage (image)

PIANO, first stage

This colored pencil piece features a piano.  The reds will deepen into rich browns.  There will be bright red cherries, cascading down onto the key board.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Vertical abstract landscape, image

vertical abstract landscape

This painting began with a few brush strokes across the panel board, using earth tones.  It evolved and evolved, into a brightly colored abstract that has vague landscape elements.  Part of the painting looks like it's in the air; part looks like it's on the ground; it keeps changing all over the composition.

Native American abstract, image

Native American abstract

This painting was originally inspired by a trip to Oregon, then it grew into this Native American abstract theme.  It uses earth tones, with the patterns used by Native Americans in their craft work.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

painting walls

I'm taking a break from the easel and am painting the walls of the studio: walls, ceilings, wood trim, over hanging light fixtures, etc.  Sooo many surfaces to cover!  The color is a light tan, which will keep the space open and bright, but will provide a warmer background for displaying paintings around the gallery/studio.  Many hours, and several gallons of paint, still to go.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Blue Abstract, image

Blue abstract, work in progress

This abstract, based around colors of blue, is evolving into some sort of space environment.  Whether it is indoors or outdoors is unclear.  That's the ambiguity.

Monday, January 23, 2012

"Lofty Horizons" image

"Lofty Horizons"

The underlying peach abstract has now evolved into this form, with identifiable images and more colors & shapes.  I'm never sure where this comes from; it just emerges.