Leonardo and Rembrandt Stunned

View a larger image. Nobska in the Fog, 16" x 24" - oil/canvas
View a satellite map of the location.

Excerpt from this posting:

"...Go ahead: picture Leonardo and Da Vinci sitting in the corner of your studio unblinking. The art world's version of shock and awe...."

This journal entry is now available as part of a compilation in ebook form:

Specifications:
Epub and PDF formats
102 Entries
26,700+ Words
95 Full-Color Illustrations (Oil paintings by the author.)
2006 - 2010

More information here.

Edward Hopper

Excerpt from this posting:

"...Hopper puts black where he means vague. The variations in surface between lost areas and visible texture, between brushed thin paint and scumbled opaque paint is just enough to make the canvas push into three-dimensional life ahead of it's two-dimensional facsimile..."

This journal entry is now available as part of a compilation in ebook form:

Specifications:
Epub and PDF formats
102 Entries
26,700+ Words
95 Full-Color Illustrations (Oil paintings by the author.)
2006 - 2010

More information here.

Taking the Fork in the Road

Excerpt from this posting:

"...I'm in Paris and he's never left the farm. I had been spending time on the periphery dazzled by the bright lights and I come back and he's just sitting under the tree with Ferdinand smelling the flowers..."

This journal entry is now available as part of a compilation in ebook form:

Specifications:
Epub and PDF formats
102 Entries
26,700+ Words
95 Full-Color Illustrations (Oil paintings by the author.)
2006 - 2010

More information here.

Oh Sienna

If J. Peterman sold paint pigments:

Excerpt from this posting:

"...The ancients called it Italian earth. The blessed dirt from Siena’s hills, full of iron and a spot of manganese, is roasted red and hand mulled with drops each of Tuscan sweat and oil of flax. Unintentionally beautiful, it’s the painter’s mortar..."

This journal entry is now available as part of a compilation in ebook form:

Specifications:
Epub and PDF formats
102 Entries
26,700+ Words
95 Full-Color Illustrations (Oil paintings by the author.)
2006 - 2010

More information here.

-Doug Rugh

Phtalo Blue and Impuissance

If J. Peterman started selling paint pigments:

I've watched as you grabbed at strange blues from the bottom of your paint box. I've seen you stab at ultramarine and cobalt on the palette, too. Couldn't find it there either because, let's face it, we all have a need for more. At the risk of being brash, then, let me offer you an insight: start from a position of confidence and leave humility for the acceptance speech.

That's right, you aren't worthy--but nab it anyway. Pure unadulterated blue. (Granted, as crisp as chemistry will allow.) Azure with a glance of turquoise, saturated and potent. Translucent, it is ether with a tint that is altitudinous. You've seen weak succumb to it, hear now of the mighty who neutralize it. This could be your blue. A shade in search of a master. Don't shrink from its power. Harness it!

Watch and learn from phtalo and give up the blues. The dingy ones, that is.

Phtalo Blue. One shade and you're ready: $165
-Doug Rugh