Art of Andrew Daniel

"Reading a Book on Sargent" by Andrew Daniel

2012-01-31T11:06:00.000-08:00

"Reading a Book on Sargent" 9" x 12" (23cm x 30cm)

oil on canvas by Andrew Daniel

I've been trying to push myself to paint the environment as well as the model at the weekly figure painting sessions. This is something that I have been thinking about a lot and recently wrote about on my other blog.

On this day, one of the other people in the group, Fran Kuta, brought this lovely pink Kimono, it reminded me of some of the orientalism that was commonly painted in the late 1800's.

This piece was painted in oil on canvas. It measures . I have signed it on the front and back.

"Loleta View" oil painting by Andrew Daniel

2012-01-24T17:39:00.000-08:00

"Loleta View" oil painting on wood panel

6" x 10" (15cm x 25cm) by Andrew Daniel

available in my online shop

It's not hard to find a beautiful vantage point to paint from in Loleta California. The landscape is so expansive and the colors of the fields and mountains so harmonious, the problem is often, how do I choose what beauty to fit in and what to leave out! By focusing on these foreground trees, this painting has a sense of depth in that the distant farm buildings show up as tiny dots comparatively.

The Red Barn painting by Andrew Daniel

2012-01-18T00:18:00.001-08:00

"The Red Barn" 6" x 10"(15cm x 25cm)

oil on wood panel by Andrew Daniel

Available in my online shop.

This barn is about a mile from my house. I walk by it often, when I am taking my dog out for exercise in the bottoms.

"Fall Colors on the Mad River" by Andrew Daniel

2012-01-10T00:03:00.000-08:00

"Fall Colors on the Mad River" by Andrew Daniel

oil painting on wood panel 8" x 10" (20cm x 25cm)

available through my online shop

This was the first of two paintings that I made alongside John Crater out in Blue Lake last month. We were making great progress, until the North Wind picked up and forced us to retreat to a new vantage behind the shelter of trees. I liked this piece, because I was up high on a bank looking down on the river, the fall colors were really, played off of the blue river. It was so cold that day, I thought I might be done painting landscapes for the winter. Turns out, since then I have been out about 20 times and not seen a wind nearly as frigid....

Mary's Peak oil painting by Andrew Daniel

2012-01-03T13:30:00.000-08:00

"Mary's Peak" oil on wood panel 9" x 12" (23cm x 30cm)

by Andrew Daniel

Available in my online Shop.

When I was visiting my Sister in law's family in Oregon last year. Her husband Bob Daley took me out into the farmland near Corvalis to do some landscape painting. We stopped by the side of the road and painted a view of Mary's peak on a sunny winter day.

"Pink Roses" oil on canvas board 11" x 14" (28cm x 36cm)

by Andrew Daniel

in the collection of Dennis Daniel and Sydney Wilde-Daniel

I was thinking about Pierre Bonnard with this one. He is one of my favorite painters! The way he scatters his brush strokes creates movement and looseness that looks almost ethereal! Here is a link to his paintings.

Portrait of Randy and a landscape of the Mad by Andrew Daniel

2011-12-27T12:39:00.000-08:00

"Portrait of Randy Stadler Solving a Sudoku"

Oil on Canvas 12" x 9" by Andrew Daniel

In the collection of Randy Stadler

This is a portrait I created, of my Brother in Law Randy Stadler. He posed twice during Christmas vacation over the course of two evenings after our daughters had gone to sleep. He is a master of the Sudoku, as well as a fan of the greatest Beatle ever, John Lennon, as evidenced by his t-shirt.

There were so many challenges in this piece that were new to me. The t-shirt portrait, the reflected scene in the window, the face turned away from the viewer and the glasses. I just kept putting paint down and hoping for the best. As a teacher friend of mine Josh Arbaugh is fond of saying.... "It's time to step out of the comfort zone, and into the learning zone!"

"Mad River in Blue Lake, CA"

Oil on Baltic Birch Panel 8" x 10" by Andrew Daniel

This painting is available in my online shop.

John Crater and I tried to escape the coastal fog by heading into Blue Lake for some paintings of the Mad River. Instead of the fog, we were accompanied by a frigid North Wind. John loaned me his fingerless gloves and we joked of getting hypothermia! That day the fall earth tones were uniformly muted. It was a challenge make the space believable and the canvas interesting for me. But no day spent outside painting is a wasted day!

Abby and Farm House Two Paintings by Andrew Daniel

2011-12-20T12:02:00.000-08:00

"Abby with Roses" by Andrew Daniel

20" x 16"(50cm x 40cm) oil on canvas board

Not For Sale

My daughter Abby is always playing in our garden picking roses, from this bush and scattering the petals all around the porch or bringing them in and putting them in little glass bottles. I thought it would be fun to create a piece that would help me remember her at this age.

"Farm House in the Arcata Bottoms" by Andrew Daniel

5" x 7"(13cm x 18cm) oil on wood

When I started this small painting, I was interested in all of the lines coming together at right angles from the telephone poles, roads, and fences. Also I liked the color in the morning sky!

The bottom piece is available in my online shop.

Both Pieces are on Display at Los Bagels in Eureka until the end of January.

"On Top of the Dune" by Jim McVicker

2011-12-18T14:40:00.000-08:00

"On Top of the Dune" by Jim McVicker

approx. 9" x 12" (30cm x 40cm) oil on wood panel

This painting by Jim McVicker is a depiction of Rick Tulley (seated) and myself (standing). Jim painted it in about an hour as we worked on our landscapes yesterday morning. I think we look especially heroic being painted up on high in this manner!

Over the last two weeks I have been able to meet up several times with Jim, as well as Rick and John Crater to do some landscape painting from the Manila Dunes, looking back at Arcata. It has been a great pleasure getting to spend so much time with these guys, making art is so often a solitary endeavor.

Jim McVicker has long been one of my favorite landscape painters. Over the last few years, as I have been trying to learn Plein Air painting, I have studied his works often to see how he solves some of the many issues that come up. I have especially admired how he handles the atmosphere that is always present in our coastal region. Another thing he manages to do, is use colors that appear to be saturated and vibrant, but also nuanced and realistic to the time of day.

Painting next to him has been inspiring and humbling, he has shown me a wider vocabulary of mark making and color then I think I was directly aware of. I joked with him that I whenever I didn't know the answer to a particular problem, I could just use his painting as a "cheat sheet" to find a good answer. Needless to say, I have learned about a years worth of painting lessons in the past two weeks!

Here are some links to his website and blog. I especially recommend that you check out the movie on his website that documents his painting process.

http://www.jimmcvickerpaints.com/

http://mcvickerpaintings.blogspot.com/

His work is also available at George Stern Fine Arts

http://store.sternfinearts.com/jimmcvicker.html

Two Portraits of Chelsea by Andrew Daniel

2011-12-12T23:41:00.001-08:00

"Chelsea in Red" oil on canvas 9" x 12"

This was the first painting I made of Chelsea at a figure group. It was a lot of fun painting her red dress. I rarely do figurative portraits, but I had just gotten some small brushes I wanted to play with and the dress she showed up in was quite special. So I had to give it a try!

"Chelsea" oil on wood panel 10" x 8"

This is the second of two portraits I created at a figure group that was meeting Fran Kuta's studio. I was playing around with saturating the colors to create bold form and strong shadows. It was really fun to paint in with these thick brush strokes and I was surprised by the result!

You can find these as well as others in my online shop.

Roadside Turnout Kneeland painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-12-05T22:10:00.001-08:00

Last month I headed up Kneeland Road in hopes that I might get a view of Humboldt Bay. This was the first spot I found where the crowded trees let up enough to see anything.

This piece is featured in my solo show at Los Bagels restaurant in Eureka, CA.

It is an original oil painting on plywood, measuring 8" x 10" (20cm x 25cm).

You can find this and other paintings in my online store.

View of Trinidad California From the South painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-11-29T12:24:00.001-08:00

This is one of the places that John Crater took me too a few weeks ago during that spell of warm weather we had in October. I Thought I would try a larger painting, because the scene I wanted to capture was so huge. It was a lot of fun painting large after all of those small ones I had been doing.

This is an original oil painting on Baltic Birch Plywood. It is signed by me, Andrew Daniel. The panel measures 12" x 20" (304cm x 508cm).

This painting is available in my online shop.

Allen Pond with Fog at the Arcata Marsh painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-11-15T12:51:00.001-08:00

I've been fascinated by the morning for lately. It gives me the opportunity to paint multiple color schemes in the same painting. Muted grays and whites in the background and vibrant greens in the fore. The marsh is a great spot to explore these ideas.

This painting measures 5" x 7"(13cm x 18cm) and is painted in oil paint on a piece of Baltic Birch wood panel that measures 1/2" deep. It has a simple homemade slat wood frame.

This item is available in my online store.

Field with Fences in the Arcata Bottoms painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-11-07T19:31:00.000-08:00

I was driving through the Arcata Bottoms last week when I became attracted to the bright green of the grasses in the cattle fields. While composing the image, the repeating rhythm of the fences jumped out at me. So I thought it might be worth experimenting with them.

This painting measures 5" x 7"(13cm x 18cm) and is painted in oil paint on a piece of Baltic Birch wood panel that measures 1/2" deep. It has a simple homemade slat wood frame.

It is available here in my online shop.

Afternoon Light in the Arcata Bottoms painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-11-01T19:12:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday, I ran out to catch the afternoon light on the fields by my house. I rarely get to paint at this time of day just as the sun is getting ready to set. The colors are so intense and warm it was so exciting!

This painting measures 5" x 7"(13cm x 18cm) and is painted in oil paint on a piece of Baltic Birch wood panel that measures 1/2" deep. It has a simple homemade slat wood frame.

You can find it for sale in my online shop.

Assorted Small Landscapes by Andrew Daniel

2011-10-25T00:28:00.000-07:00

Blue Victorian in Arcata Bottoms

Lately I have been hooked on landscape painting! Especially making these small paintings (5" x 7" - 13cm x 18cm). There is something about seeing the whole painting all at once that simplifies the process for me. Plus it is really fun to line them up at the end of the day and look at them together.

Bank of the Van Dusen

I have been spending time after work scouting the Fortuna area for painting spots. I stood under the 101 bridge that spans the Van Dusen River to paint this view. The overcast day inspired a composition in greys.

Barn with out Buildings

Here is another spot I found in Fortuna, across the street from the hospital is a large field with a collection of old buildings.

Morning Light in the Arcata Bottoms

Stopped to paint this scene before an appointment last week. At first the sky was overcast but just as I finished composing the sun came out!

These are all available in my online shop.

Roses and Leaves painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-10-18T11:33:00.000-07:00

I met with John Crater at his studio on a rainy day last week. We decided to set up a still life instead of going out to paint the landscape. We were looking at a Richard Schmid painting on his computer screen as we worked for ideas. I focused on using more variety in my brush work as I know Schmid does. I was also trying to paint really thin for mu initial layer so that I could come in thicker on the next layers with out it getting hard to control. I think the painting feels more alive then my typical ones because of these approaches.

This is an original oil painting on Baltic Birch Panel . It measures 8" x 10" (20cm x 25cm), signed by the artist.

Alice Reading A Book painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-10-11T20:17:00.001-07:00

My wife gets such an intense look of concentration when she is reading. She hates it when I paint the furrow in her brow! I felt compelled though because of the general intensity of the pose!

I tried really opening up as I painted the piece, imagining I was drawing with the brush. Trying not to edit my impulses and create some immediacy.

This is an original oil painting on canvas panel. It measures 10" x 8" (25cm x 20cm), signed by the artist. It is for sale in my Online Shop.

Bella with Roses oil painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-10-04T10:18:00.001-07:00

Bella with Roses oil on wood

by Andrew Daniel 20" x 16"(51cm x 41cm)

My wife keeps taking the paintings I do of my daughter, so I decided to paint pictures of her friends instead. One theme that I have enjoyed when looking at historical paintings has been children in nature. More daughter's friend Bella graciously agreed to pose for me in our front yard by the roses.

Marsh View oil painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-10-04T09:43:00.000-07:00

"Marsh View" oil painting

by Andrew Daniel 9" x 12"(23cm x 30cm)

Over several years, I have be revisiting the Arcata Marsh to paint landscapes. It has been a way get to know it's more subtle qualities. In this piece I has admiring the reflection of the trees and clouds as I painted.

Pink and Orange Azaleas oil painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-09-27T15:30:00.001-07:00

Pink and Orange Azaleas

oil on canvas by Andrew Daniel

9" x 12" (23cm x 30cm)

I was attracted to the combination f orange and pink in these azaleas. Thought I'd give it a go...

Find this piece and others in online shop.

Reflections of Lake Flora oil painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-09-20T13:01:00.001-07:00

Reflections of Lake Flora

9" x 12" (23cm x 30cm)

This is the second painting I completed on my backpacking trip in the Sierra's, near Donner Pass. For this piece I woke up each morning and watched the sunrise. As soon as it rose high enough to hit the rocky cliffs on the far side of lake Flora, I began painting, with hopes of capturing the rich peach colored hues of the rocks awash in morning light.

I would begin each painting with just the sounds of nature, as I worked the fire circle would fill with the noise of breakfast preparation by my camp-mates.

Lone Pine Donner Pass oil painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-09-15T16:40:00.000-07:00

Lone Pine Donner Pass oil painting by Andrew Daniel

9" x 12" (23cm x 30cm)

Just returned from a backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevadas! We were able to take in the suns rays next to a lovely little Alpine lake. I painted a lot while I was there, when I wasn't painting I was thinking about it; wishing that I had brought more canvases then three. Too worried about the weight when I initially packed. The colors of these rocks fascinated me. With every change in the weather or the suns angle they shifted personality. The same rocks would change from peach to white to green to purple over the course of the trip.

I'm currently designing a backpackers wheel barrow in my head so that I can someday haul enough gear to match my inspiration. An air mattress would be a welcome addition too!

This piece came together so fluidly. I have been trying to convince myself to loosen up for sometime now. In this piece it felt like that was finally happening! I've been reminding myself to trust in my knowledge base the trees and rocks will tell there own story if given half the chance. They don't need to be completely spelled out....

This is an original oil painting on canvas. It is signed by me, Andrew Daniel. Available for purchase in my online store.

Hauser Marsh Arcata Wildlife Sanctuary oil painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-09-06T14:58:00.001-07:00

On this day the afternoon winds were coming hard off of the ocean. I had to hold my easel with one hand to keep it from tipping over, with my other hand I struggled to mix paint, keep my hat on, stop the panel from flying off the easel and make wild attempts at capturing the scene. I've always enjoyed looking at the painting, because of the process that went into it. I was so busy coping with the elements that the painting has a bare bones immediacy to it. There was no time to over think things!

This is an oil painting on Baltic Birch panel signed by me, Andrew Daniel. The canvas measures 9" x 12" (23cm x 30cm).To purchase this piece, please check out my online shop.

"Daises" two oil painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-08-29T21:23:00.000-07:00

I was asked recently to paint daises for one of my wife's friends/co-workers. I made two interpretations to try exploring the idea a bit. The top version, used some of the bold color sensibilities that I used to employ when was painting from my imagination.

You can find it for sale in my Etsy Shop.

The bottom version, has a more straight forward approach to color and rendering. This one turned out to be what she was looking for.

Each painting oil on canvas by Andrew Daniel, measuring 9" x 12" (23cm x 30cm).

"Azalea Preserve" oil painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-08-23T13:26:00.001-07:00

I worked on the initial layer of this painting out at the Mckinleyville Azalea Preserve with my friend Rick Tulley. When I got it home; as is often the case, I wasn't quite happy with the colors an composition that I had achieved outside.It seems like the way I see things in my minds eye is a bit larger then life, compared to what is there on the canvas when I return. So this time I decided to make some large changes to it and repaint over the top from memory. I guess this changes the emphasis of the end product. Instead of having the immediacy of a canvas painted directly from the subject, the viewer sees the vision and imagination of the the artist's response.

This painting is an oil painting on masonite panel. It measures 11" x 14" (28cm x 36cm). I have signed it on the front and back.If you would like to purchase it you can find it in my Etsy Shop.

Red Roses oil painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-08-16T12:08:00.000-07:00

"Red Roses" oil painting on canvas by Andrew Daniel
12" x 9" (30cm x 23cm)

When I was initially getting excited about painting as a teenager, I used to go to museums with my father in Washington D.C. and New York. I would spend time in front of the Jackson Pollacks and stare into the webs of dripped paint. I liked the depth they created and the open composition that spread across the canvas. I would fantasize about creating paintings some day that had that same effect but with recognizable subjects to look at throughout the piece.

This is one of the ideas I now revisit often as a painter. I enjoy looking deep into bushes and seeing the alien world that is created when all the branches take up the whole field of vision. Someday I might try another large panel piece along these lines, where the flowers and branches take up the viewers whole field of vision. This painting, "Red Roses" is another exploration on the theme as I try to figure out how to make the flowers more interesting through use of brush work line and contrast.

To purchase this piece or others, follow this link to my Etsy Shop.

"Beets" oil painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-08-02T15:00:00.000-07:00

"Beets" oil painting by Andrew Daniel
14" x 8" (35cm x 20cm)

I painted these beets because I liked the rich colors and the strong curves. As I worked and reworked the painting I learned a lot about thick wet on wet paint application. It was exciting to see the image emerge from so many smudges of thick paint blending together!

Check out my Etsy Shop to purchase this piece.

Trinidad Fog painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-07-26T14:39:00.000-07:00

Trinidad Fog oil painting on wood by Andrew Daniel
5" x 7"(13cm x 18cm)

Spent an afternoon in Trinidad Harbor watching the fishermen come in after their day on the ocean. It was quite peaceful and entertaining. I haven't attempted many boat paintings or seascapes in general. Everything is so gray that even a little earth tone hue on the rocks stands out.

This painting is available in my Etsy Shop.

Pink Azaleas oil painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-07-19T13:40:00.000-07:00

Pink Azaleas oil painting by Andrew Daniel
8" by 11" (20cm x 28cm)

My buddy Rick Tulley invited me up to the McKinleyville Azalea Reserve a couple weeks back. It was the first hot day of summer and we spent it standing in a field and taking in the beauty, as we chatted and painted pictures!

If you are interested in purchasing this piece, please check out my Etsy Shop.

"White Rhody" painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-07-10T09:46:00.001-07:00

"White Rhody" by Andrew Daniel
12" x 9" oil on canvas

I'm on an out of town trip to see my folks in Chico,CA. Thought I would share a painting that I recently sold at the Garden Gate in Arcata. My work will be up there for the rest of July and through August as well. There will be a second arts Arcata Opening on August 12 from 6p - 9p.

I was really attracted to the large physicality of these Rhododendron blossoms. I thought they would be perfect as a pink and gray motif.

Portrait of a Young Buck oil painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-07-05T11:41:00.001-07:00

Portrait of a Young Buck oil painting by Andrew Daniel
6" x 5.75" (15cm x 14.6cm)

When I don't have a lot of time to paint, I sometimes just grab a small birch panel and spend some time looking at something. Recently I have been enjoying looking at deer, they are so delicate and gentle, .... quiet.

For purchase information on this and many other paintings, please check out my Etsy Shop.

"Head of a Ram" painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-06-28T10:02:00.000-07:00

"Head of a Ram" oil on Baltic Birch Panel by Andrew Daniel
6" x 5.5" (15cm x 14cm)

I had a little time to paint the other day, but little for inspiration where I was. Finally I found an image in a hunting magazine that somebody left behind. What a great challenge to paint such a majestic animal. The fur had so many subtle earth tone hues.

To purchase this piece or others check out my Etsy Shop.

Arcata Field Intermittent Rain painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-06-21T10:45:00.000-07:00

Arcata Field Intermittent Rain oil painting by Andrew Daniel
5" x 7"(13cm x 18cm)

I sat is my car during a rainy day and looked out on this field with sheep grazing on the wet grass.

Find this painting and others in my Etsy Shop.

Pears and Cheese painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-06-14T00:10:00.001-07:00

Pears and Cheese oil painting by Andrew Daniel
9" x12" (23cm x 30cm)

Red green and blue, it's so fun to coordinate the colors in a still life! Regretably I spent too long painting this one and I couldn't eat the cheese. The pears were good though!

If you are interested in purchasing this piece please visit my Etsy Shop.

Cows In Field painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-06-11T08:56:00.000-07:00

Cows in Field (Arcata Bottoms)
5" x 7" 13cm x 18cm oil painting by Andrew Daniel

These beautiful brown cows posed for me on a cloudy day a while back.

If you are interested in purchasing this work or seeing my current pieces stop by during the NORTH COAST OPEN STUDIOS TOUR today or tomorrow between 11:oo and 5:00. My address is 1885 Zehndner Ave. Arcata, CA. Many other artists are participating, here is a link to the directory!

Tango Dancers oil painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-06-07T01:00:00.001-07:00

Tango Dancers oil painting by Andrew Daniel
10" x 8"(25cm x 20cm)

This was the second dancing painting I created, painting the whole figure is something I rarely do. It was fun painting shoes, who would have thought?!

Thanks to everyone who made it out to my studio over the weekend, if you didn't get a chance, I will be open for North Coast Open Studios next weekend as well.

If you would like to purchase this piece follow this link to my Etsy Shop.

Tango a painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-05-31T10:49:00.001-07:00

Tango oil painting by Andrew Daniel
10" x 8"(25cm x 20cm)

Loved the warm colors and the mood in this pose.

If you are interested in purchasing this painting you can find more information in my Etsy Shop.

This weekend and next I will be participating in North Coast Open Studios. Please feel free to drop in!

View of Loleta California painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-05-24T09:45:00.000-07:00

View of Loleta oil painting by Andrew Daniel
12" x 11.5" (30cm x 29cm)

I was able to stop along the roadside on my way home from work and take in this lovely scene with the morning sun breaking through the clouds. I returned the following week to put another layer on. It was an interesting challenge painting with so many greens. I really had to work to differentiate the different leaf types.

For more information or to purchase please check out my Etsy Shop.

View of Humboldt Bay and Arcata Bottoms by Andrew Daniel

2011-05-17T12:20:00.000-07:00

View of Humboldt Bay and Arcata Bottoms by Andrew Daniel
Oil on Canvas 9" x 12" (23cm x 30cm)

When I started this painting I was attracted to the curve of the land formations as well as the oranges and yellows offset by the blue of the water.

More information is available in my Etsy Shop.

Mother's Day Gift for Alice painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-05-10T15:02:00.000-07:00

Abby with Ornamental Peas
Oil on Canvas 14" x 11"

I made this portrait of our daughter for a Mother's Day gift. Thought I would share it with you all...

Ornamental Peas painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-05-03T11:25:00.000-07:00

"Ornamental Peas" oil on canvas by Andrew Daniel
14" x 11" (36cm x 28cm).

Seeing all of these pea flowers flowing together in space reminds me of butterflies.

For more information or to purchase have a look at my Etsy Shop.

White Roses painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-04-26T09:09:00.001-07:00

White Roses oil on canvas by Andrew Daniel
11" x 14" (28cm x 36cm)

There was such a rich interplay of shapes in this bush. Along with the red stems, I had to give it a go!
To find out more about his piece or to purchase, have a look at my Etsy Shop.

White Rhododendrons painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-04-19T11:56:00.000-07:00

White Rhododendrons by Andrew Daniel
oil on canvas 9" x 12" (23cm x 30cm)

I love to get up close to flower bushes and take paint from an insects view. It's like another world!

Here is a link to it in my Etsy Shop.

Christmas Cactus in Bloom painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-04-12T09:38:00.000-07:00

As the rain falls, I have seek out nature indoors to contemplate. This Christmas Cactus volunteered it's bloom before any other flowers had as sign of spring to come perhaps. The structure of the petals were so delicate. The white and pink flower in the sun coming through the window was joyful.

The piece is painted in oils on a 5"x7"(13cm x 18cm) piece of Baltic Birch plywood.

You can find it here.

Flooded Field and Old Simpson Mill painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-04-05T09:50:00.001-07:00

Flooded Field and Old Simpson Mill

Oil on Canvas Board 8"x10"(20cm x 25cm)

With the constant rain, large ponds have been forming in the cattle pastures near my house. These are really exciting for me, because now I can have two skies in my painting the actual and the reflected, with pasture grass poking through the surface of the water.

For more information check out my Etsy Shop.

Pulp Mill on Humboldt Bay painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-03-29T08:24:00.001-07:00

Pulp Mill on Humboldt Bay by Andrew Daniel
oil on wood 5" x 7"(13cm x 18cm)

It seems like, whenever I go to the Arcata Marsh to paint, my first compulsion is to look out across the bay to the pulp mill and the bridges. The forms seem as if they were shaped out of fog. Some day I will do a larger piece. Here is a study I made of the scene.

For more information, check out my Etsy Shop.

Allen Marsh painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-03-22T08:27:00.000-07:00

Allen Marsh oil painting on wood 5"x7"(13cm x 18cm)
By Andrew Daniel

I had just a short bit of time to finish this little piece. It was surprising how much could come through in the rush. Painting quickly often works out well for me, but it is difficult, because there is always a temptation to over refine things and get meticulous. This is one of the first times that I tried to get the distant houses in the background. It's a fine line to walk, not putting in too much detail back there...

If you would like to find out more about this piece or others, check out my Etsy Shop.

Pink Rose Buds paintings Andrew Daniel

2011-03-15T15:39:00.000-07:00

Pink Rose Buds 5" x 7"(13cm x 18cm)

I was interested in this cluster of pink rose buds. The stems had great curves.

Find out more information about this piece in my Etsy Shop.

Farm with Mustard Field paintings by Andrew Daniel

2011-03-02T12:03:00.000-08:00

Farm with Mustard Flowers
Oil in Wood 8" x 8" (20cm x 20cm)

Field of Mustard Flowers
Oil on Wood 5" x7" (13cm x 18cm)

I have been interested in this mustard field every year as I walk by it. This year I was able to get out and paint it a couple of times. I hope to get out there more and maybe do a larger piece. I tend to be attracted to yellows, I guess....

For more information on these two pieces, check out my Etsy Shop.

French Broom Painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-02-22T12:38:00.000-08:00

Often, when I am going for hikes, I bring my camera to take pictures of the plants. This scotch broom was found along the dune trails behind Mad River Beach. I've painted a larger version from the photo, but this time I thought it would be fun to zoom in on a few flowers. There are so many great shapes in a flower bush if you look closely!

For more info or to purchase check out my Etsy Shop.

Yellow Bush Lupin painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-02-15T15:17:00.000-08:00

Yellow Bush Lupin by Andrew Daniel 7" x 5" (17cm x 13cm) oil on wood

I came across this Yellow Bush Lupin on a walk in the dune forest behind Mad River Beach near Arcata in Northern California. I like the stacked up yellows flower petals that this species displays.

If you haven't explored this area you might enjoy it. The bushes and trees there have been shaped by the harsh winds.

Find this piece and others in my Etsy Shop.

Gearheart Pond painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-02-01T15:18:00.000-08:00

Gearheart Pond by Andrew Daniel 7" x 12" (18cm x 30cm)

Gearheart Pond is one of my favorite places to paint, because of the oval shaped islands with reeds and the distant vista in the background. Every time I paint it feels fresh and inspiring to me, even though it's so familiar to my brush.

For more information about this piece as well as cards and prints, check out my Etsy Shop.

Log Pond At Arcata Marsh by Andrew Daniel

2011-01-25T19:51:00.000-08:00

Log Pond At Arcata Marsh by Andrew Daniel

Log Pond At Arcata Marsh by Andrew Daniel 8"x10" (20cm x 25cm)

I have been really enjoying the muted colors at the Arcata Marsh lately. They are really challenging to paint because the colors tend to run together. I revisited this view twice to complete this painting. After scraping off the first attempt I I tried again the next day painting over the ghost image that was left on the panel. In order to make the scene work, I had to adopt a different painting technique, in which I layer contrasting colors over each other to get the atmospheric qualities of the bushes; first painting the shadow tones of the bush then layering over the wet paint with the light tones.

If you are interested in purchasing this piece or other items, please visit my Etsy Shop.

Eel River View painting by Andrew Daniel

2011-01-18T19:14:00.000-08:00

Eel River View by Andrew Daniel 7" x 12" (12cm x 31cm)

I've picked up a job in Fortuna, Ca three nights a week. It has been really lovely to see so much of the regions landscape during my commute.

Sometimes, on my way back from work in the morning, I stop to make a painting. The region around Fernbridge and Ferndale have been really speaking to me, with the open spaces and the green fields.

If anybody has recommendations for landscape painting spots, I would love to hear them. I especially like rivers and wetlands, because of the reflected sky colors...

If you are interested in purchasing this piece or others please check out my Etsy Shop.

Truckee Snowscape by Andrew Daniel

2010-12-28T16:36:00.000-08:00

Truckee Snowscape 7" x 12" (12cm x 31cm)

Every Christmas I have been traveling out to Truckee California to see family and fantasizing about painting the landscape. The snow and the muted winter colors are compelling to me. This year I actually got out and gave it a shot!

Find out more about this piece in my Etsy Shop.

Pomegranate and Mandarine by Andrew Daniel

2010-12-21T12:28:00.000-08:00

Pomegranate and Mandarine by Andrew Daniel
5" x 7" (13cm x 18cm)

Well I have been admiring the rich crimsons that I've seen in pomegranates as well as the vibrant oranges in mandarines, so I thought I would make a small painting of them.

For more information or to purchase this piece, please visit my Etsy Shop.

Portrait of an Aristocrat by Andrew Daniel

2010-11-30T13:42:00.001-08:00

I got to paint this debonair fellow at Frances Kuta's studio. He had strong facial structure, dynamic hair, and a dashing suit!

For information or purchase check out my Etsy Shop.

Common European Black Bird by Andrew Daniel

2010-11-24T11:57:00.000-08:00

This is another little guy that I just had to paint after finding the photo on the 4freephotos website। I really liked how the Black Bird was blending into the background. It turned out to be quite a challenge to paint for this reason. There were so many neat shades of brown and gray in the plumage and in the ground cover!

For more information or to purchase, please check out my Etsy Shop.

Pears and Cheese by Andrew Daniel

2010-11-18T22:59:00.000-08:00

Pears and Cheese 9" x 12"

This painting will be featured along with 4 others in the First Street Gallery Holiday Invitational during December. The show features 20 local artists. In the next room over will be solo shows for Jim McVicker and Steve Porter as well.

The opening reception is Saturday December 4th from 6:0-0pm - 9:00pm.

Rooster Head by Andrew Daniel

2010-11-16T01:41:00.001-08:00

I've been watching Rachel Schlueter create really fun lyrical paintings from photos of animals and it has gotten me a bit inspired. I found this photo of a roosters head from the creative commons website 4freephotos and it moved me to act!

It was such a treasure hunt discovering all of the colors in the birds plumage. It can get addictive painting from photos. My next step I guess would be to go out and take some photos of my own...

For more information on this piece or to purchase check out my Etsy Shop.

Bartlett Pear on Plate by Andrew Daniel

2010-11-10T08:32:00.000-08:00

Painting pears is fascinating to me, because they have such great color variances and the shape is so sensual. I wanted to see what painting on a rough surface would do to my painting style. It was fun to let the aesthetic be rougher around the edges.

If you are interested in purchasing this piece there is more information in my Etsy Shop.

Bartlett Pear On Powder Blue by Andrew Daniel

2010-11-02T12:19:00.001-07:00

I thought it would be fun to make up some colored surfaces to place still life objects on. So, I painted some pieces of card board with Alice's left over paint samples. It was really nice to set this yellow and green Bartlett Pear on a powder blue background. You know what else was nice is how patiently that pear sat there and waited for me to finish the painting. It didn't ask for breaks or scratch it's nose. I could really get into painting still life!

If this painting is interesting to you can find it listed in my Etsy Shop.

Bird and Fiddleheads by Andrew Daniel

2010-10-26T22:49:00.000-07:00

When I lived in Maine it was a seasonal practice to go collecting "Fiddleheads" which were young ferns that had not yet uncoiled and were still tender for saute cooking. I thought of putting them in the back of this little watercolor painting as a little way to remind me of my roots.

I think the bird is a Wren, but I would love to hear from you if you have a better guess.

If you are interested in purchasing this piece or finding out more about it, please take a look at my Etsy Shop.

"White Crowned Sparrow" by Andrew Daniel

2010-10-12T22:06:00.000-07:00

This a a painting I made from a great photo my friend Sean McAlpine took. We used to go for lots of hikes with out cameras, when he lived up here. I wanted to make a painting from one of his photos as a way to remember our time together. He has an extensive photographic portfolio on his website.

If you are interested in purchasing this painting or other cards and prints, come visit me on Etsy!

Pink Rhododendrons by Andrew Daniel

2010-10-05T03:01:00.000-07:00

Every year as the flowers start to bloom, I end up painting them, because I love the color and compositional opportunities that they bring. I also really enjoy the process of wandering around my community looking for inspiration! I'm particularly happy with this canvas because of the movement in the brush stoke, there is a certain raw kinetic energy to it.

IF you are interested in purchasing this painting or other cards and prints please take a look at my Etsy Shop.

Art Opening Tonight

2010-10-02T16:23:00.000-07:00

Join me tonight at the Rug Gallery for my Arts Alive opening!
My friend Linnea Tobias as well as Sasha Pepper will also be showing their work.
The opening is form 6:00pm to 9:00pm.
Here's the address:
Humboldt Carpet Showroom
In the Art Center Building
Old Town Eureka
205 G Street

Saint George Seascape Painting Andrew Daniel

2010-09-27T23:16:00.001-07:00

I got to spend a lovely morning on the coast of California, just North of Crescent City this summer. I was up there camping with the family on the Trinity River and it was possible for me to slip away and take in the cliffs at Saint George. I was really enjoying the yellow wheat color of the cliffs, so I decided to stop and stare into the distance for a few hours....

Click here if you would like to bid on this painting.

Impressionst ARCATA BULB FARM Painting Andrew Daniel

2010-09-21T20:25:00.000-07:00

I made this painting sitting in my car along the roadside next to the Sun Valley Floral Farm in Arcata, California. I often return to the larger Arcata Bottoms area to paint, because the landscape is wide and open and the color hues are so subtle. Ahh, I wish I had time today to get out there!

If you wold like to bid on this painting click here.

Papaya and Lime by Andrew Daniel

2010-09-21T20:23:00.000-07:00

I painted this piece at Frances Kuta's studio in Eureka, CA. She did a nice job of setting up the still life. I don't often see orange and green combined in plien air painting. It makes for a vibrant combination! There is something happening with the brushwork that inspires me to paint more still life pieces.

If you are interested in bidding on this piece, just follow this link.

"LOTUS FLOWER" by Andrew Daniel

2010-09-14T22:21:00.000-07:00

This is a painting that was done at the Fieldbrook Winery in Fieldbrook, California. They have a lovely landscaped property there where I met with Michelle Murphy-Ferguson for an sunny afternoon this summer. If you would like to bid on this painting you can do so by Clicking Here.

I will be offering one painting a week on the Lost Coast Daily Painters blog, where you can find other local works on tap!

Portfolio of paintings from life.

2010-08-18T08:31:00.000-07:00

Painting Irises - My Second Video of painting.

2010-05-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

This is my second video, I'm learning a lot, sorry for the lighting and focus problems..... Please let me know what you think! Any suggestions?

I'm trying to use a loose spontaneous brushstroke in this painting. I was watching a painting video by Richard Schmid and I noticed that he holds his brush in many different ways, to vary the mark.. I am also focusing Using strong contrasts in color and value to make the painting pop!

It's hard to paint irises without thinking of Van Gogh, I guess he has kinda branded the bread.

I'm having fun, so subscribe to this channel and you can watch me develop.
THANKS FOR WATCHING!

Music provided by DoKashiteru the track is Stop What You Do!
2010 - Licensed under
Creative Commons
Attribution Noncommercial (3.0)
http://ccmixter.org/files/DoKashiteru...

2010-05-08T08:41:00.000-07:00

This is my first attempt to make a video of me painting. It is a speed painting, so you can watch an hours worth of painting in 3 minutes. This was going to be an oil portrait study, painted plein air. Then I got a call from work that I had to go in and take care of some stuff. I want to get to the point where I do portraits regularly. Right now I paint one about once a week with a group at Frances Kuta's studio in Eureka, CA.

Eastern Bluebird Watercolor

2008-12-29T10:23:00.000-08:00

I painted this from a photo by the photography team of Maslowski Wildlife Productions.

I found the picture in a calendar for the Children's Cancer Society I had kicking around. It was a gift for my wife's mother Pam. I was quite lucky to have such a great photo to work from!

I'm quite excited about the picture, because it feels like one of my first truly successful watercolors. I have the colors blending in the background washes and there is a nice transition from the blurry background to the crisp foreground. I'm quite excited to try the watercolors out for illustration now!

Working With Wet Blends in Watercolor

2008-12-21T00:59:00.000-08:00

Quail

In this painting I was focused on learning how to do color blends with watercolor. If the paper is wet when the paint is applied it is possible to get the colors to mix on the page. Working on wet paper is also a good way to make the edges of the brushstroke less crisp.

I figure if I keep using the watercolors regularly I will be able to find a happy spot with them. In this piece I am interested in the way the colors are more blended instead of being sectioned off like a coloring book. On the other hand, the more I paint in this fashion, the harder it gets to put bold lines over the top. It feels like dark lines can simplify the subtleties of the under-painting.

It will work itself out as I keep using the watercolor, I'm sure. My goal is to develop an illustrative style that feels like a continuation of my acrylic paintings, but can comfortably encompass the needs that illustration dictates.

Copied a Couple of Children from a Bruegel Painting

2008-12-18T09:19:00.000-08:00

Copied From Pieter Bruegel's "The Numbering fo the People at Bethlehem"
Using a 100 F drawing pencil, water colors, and Black Prismacolor

I have been having a great time looking through the art of Pieter Bruegel. He was known as the painter of peasants. He used to dress as a peasant and attend weddings so that he could get ideas for his genre paintings. Each image shows so many activities that were common to small 16th century villages in Italy.

My intent is to write and illustrate a children's story. Often when I think of what kind of people I want to put into the story, I think of painting peasants, depicting a life style that is humble and close to the earth.

One of the great things about Bruegel is that he simplifies the people, so they almost feel like caricatures. The facial expressions are really fun too! He likes to paint people with dramatic looks on their faces. Finally, I am noticing that he will fit many different stories into one image. So that the eye can wander around and see many things. It's like he compacts all of the interesting things you might see during a day at the town square and you get to see them al at once!

Copycat Figure Drawings and People from Photos

2008-12-16T22:57:00.000-08:00

I have spent yesterday and today drawing people with my free time. The top three were taken from photos. Right now I am interested in getting the a sense of the persons clothing and proportions. I am beginning to be interested in adding props and environment. What I want to do eventually is write and illustrate my own story book. (This is something I have been wanting to do for years, so I am excited to be finally working on the problems and insecurities that come with the task.)

Meanwhile I have decided that I need to spend a lot more time drawing to get my "chops" back.
I kinda stopped drawing regularly for a while there. The thing I am struggling with the most right now is getting the shading to look natural with the pen. I realized that, I need to be doing the drawings with combined watercolor, pencil, & pen technique consistently. By switching to just light pencil drawing and pen, I have been wanting more from the pen then what it can give.....

Copies from Kirill Chelushkin & Marinus Van Reymerswaele

I had the epiphany, that I should be looking at other artist's figures to help understand haw to accomplish this illustration project. It is so fun drawing copies of other artist's work. I learn so much! There are a lot of subtleties that I don't catch onto until I've actively tried to recreate the image. I am going to do a lot more! My next few should be from the artist Pieter Bruegel the Elder. I am so excited about the way he depicts people. He kinda sumplifies them to the point of caricature, but the faces are quite endearing!

These images are taken from two different artist's. The boy in the top hat is from an illustrator named Kirill Chelushkin. I just discovered him/her ( I can't tell from the name), and I will be taking a much closer look at the portfolio I gave a link too. The top hat image is very similar to the one that shows up right away, but I was actually looking at a different version. (with hair)

The bottom two are images by Marinus Van Reymerswaele. He was a contemporary of Bruegel's...

Learning new techniques with watercolor. ink, and Photoshop

2008-12-06T08:52:00.000-08:00

This mouse was drawn with a #2 pencil, a gray Prismacolor Pencil, water color, and a Micron#5 pen.

It was then taken into Photoshop to ad color and shading.

The are a bunch of great tutorials on Youtube that I have been looking at for ideas. I am working on developing an illustrative style for a story that I'm writing..... I will post more later.

Opening tonight Dec. 6th at the Accident Gallery

2008-12-06T05:15:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone. Come visit with me at my opening tonight in Eureka at the Accident Gallery. Saturday 12-6-08. 210 G Street in Old Town. From 6p - 9p.

There is lot's of new work in the show, including many new watercolors.

See 'yah there!

Just Returned From a Backpacking Trip

2008-09-02T15:56:00.001-07:00

I just made this watercolor when I was hiking up near Tioga Pass (Yosemite) with my family. It was a beautiful time!

New Paintings at Plaza Design

2008-02-28T08:49:00.000-08:00

"Pear Tree" acrylic on canvas '2008

Hey folks,
Come join me in Eureka, CA at Plaza Design, on F and 5th Streets.

There will be an opening on Saturday March 1st, during Arts Alive!

What's on my eisel these days.

2008-01-02T01:03:00.000-08:00

"Cranes"

I've been playing around with making environments with birds recently. I thought it would be fun to share one I recently finished.

Here is an earlier process photo, if you are into that thing....

Here is another painting that is related in subject matter.

"Birds and Pomagranets"

Paper Mache Christmas Presents

2007-12-20T23:06:00.000-08:00

I had a lot f fun making paper mache animals for Christmas presents this year! I love looking at these guys almost more then my paintings.

The second pcture is just some other paper mache that I had around the house from a couple years ago.

Illustration Friday - Theme : Open

2007-10-05T10:06:00.000-07:00

Spiral Flower Mandala
Find it in my Etsy shop!

This is an image that I have always associated with opening energy from the heart! I thought it would be good for posting on the IllustrationFriday site. If you haven't seen this site before, they send out a theme every week and illustrators post an image related to the theme. I'm going to try and participate as much as time permits with this weekly process. I have been looking for ways to dialog with illustrators, maybe I can learn a two or thing!

New Print - Radiant Forest

2007-04-28T10:26:00.000-07:00

Radiant Forest 8" x 10"

I finally made a print of this painting! It is my absolute favorite accomplishment to date! You can find it in my online shop.

It has been really fun, taking walks in my paintings lately. I have been trying to create worlds where the viewer can go on a bit of a mental trip for a bit as they wander around the piece. MMMM color! color! color!

Here's the Statement I wrote for the show it was in at Plaza Design in Arcata.

Artist’s Statement: March 9th, 2007

Magic:

For the longest time, since I was a youngster, I have been fascinated with magic. I don’t mean the kind of slight of hand stuff that “magicians” do. I mean the real stuff … “MAGIC!” The kind that comes from making a wish. The kind that dreams are submerged in. The kind that happens when you love someone and the whole world glows!

Somewhere along the way I learned the difference between story magic and spiritual magic. The stories are a way to talk about things that we already intuitively know. It is through story magic that we learn how to know and long for spiritual magic.

I learned that spiritual magic comes from focus and discipline; faith and inspiration. Along the way I met many people on many different paths. I read the insightful writings of others. I learned to cultivate my own intuitive magic.

As an artist, I’m finding that the best way for me to talk about magic is to return to the sentiment of my youth. The children that I work with and raise show me the space that can be created, when intuition makes the rules for play; when love is held right out on your chest for all to see!

New Card - Three Flowers

2007-03-24T23:35:00.000-07:00

Three Flowers
Greeting Card
$3.50 in my shop

I just made a new card out of my 3 Flowers and Worms painting. I didn't want to take the worms out, but the card was getting too stretchy when I tried to fit it into the Greeting card format. This image is like everlasting spring time!

If you are intersted in doing a wholesale order; Just let me know.

Two New Paintings for Plaza Design

2007-03-02T13:41:00.000-08:00

Gardener's Paradise

Flowers in the Sunlight

Two new Paintings for my Plaza Design Show in Arcata, CA

Opening Friday, March 10th. 6-9pm

First Painting Finished since I started Greeting Card Biz!

2007-02-24T18:36:00.000-08:00

Two Birds in a Bush - Acrylic on Wood 22" x 26"

This is my latest painting! It has been 5 and a half months since I have finished a painting. Well, I finished off two paintings a couple of months ago, but they had been started before I started the card business so they really didn't need much...

I like this piece, because I don't often allow myself to be illustrative like this. I've been teaching myself to do this over the last few years.

My artistic lineage is pretty closely aligned with the old prejudices of Abstract Expressionism. In College, "illustrative" was considered an insulting term. It has been a long journey of getting over the my inhibitions and embracing the depiction of such care free subject matter as birds and flowers. I still balk at painting cats and dogs though.

Ah, well maybe someday!

Algeometric Tide PRINT - A Fun New Abstraction

2007-02-11T22:40:00.000-08:00

I'm kinda' excited about this new print, I came across the image as I was organizing pictures to show to Robert Kaufman Fabrics. I like all of the pink in this one. In this picture I was playing with the idea of repeating shapes and layering the paint in an organic fashion. I also like to depict floating organisms and movement. Just imagine a stream bed with pink water and you are there!

I also love to think about microscope imagery. Cells look so mysterious to me. If you find that stuff interesting you might want to check out a UK artist named Terry Winters. There are some great examples of his prints here.

Warmth of the Suns Rays PRINT

2007-02-11T19:42:00.000-08:00

This is a new print that I have made. It has been a card for quite a while, and someone recently requested it as a print. The colors seem to print perfectly. I was trying to create an organic paint quality in this piece and that quality seems to work really well with printing. If you want to see one of my favorite painters who probably inspired me to try out the organic look; check out Leslie Price. He was my painting instructor at Humboldt State University.

I was trying to depict radiating energy in this paintig; like sunlight or happiness, or love.

You can find this print and many others in the S hop.

Two Dancers - a new card.

2007-02-11T11:31:00.000-08:00

This is my latest Valentine's Day card design. It is a a drawing that I colorized in photoshop. I don't often make images from drawings like this. You can find it in my Shop.

It's really fun to work with line like this! I'm also very happy to be making a figurative images too. Even if it is a simple image, it is a start. I used to work with figure regularly back when I was in school at Humboldt State University. Here is the link to my figurative art page on my main site, in case you are interested. I did work on some more ambitious narrative paintings back then. But I haven't ever gotten around to getting digital photos. Sorry.

It is an interesting challenge to depict love. It has been done so much that one truly finds themselves picking through a mine feild of cliches. However, I do think it is worth the risks. What other subject is more relevant to us?