World of Art Showcase, Las Vegas

 I was lucky to be invited to the show, one of the most prestigious representational art show, and be right next to Daniel Greene, master of masters, during the show. We talked a lot about art and philosophy of the modern representational art. Few years ago, I bought his instructional DVD, oil portrait, and learned a lot from his technique about oil portrait. I didn't take his classes, but when I saw him at the show, I felt like I was seeing my art teacher. Everybody knows he is one of the top artists, but he is humble and gentle. I was happy with his compliment for my paintings.

 Another master artist, Max Ginsburg. Some years ago, I saw his demonstration when I was in New York. He was displaying his fine art paintings as well as illustration originals at the show. He insisted that the artist should put some meanings in their artworks. He tries to tell with his art what he has in his mind about the dark sides of our society .
I saw his demonstration of oil portraits at the show. He didn't use mahl stick when he was finalizing some detailed parts. As I asked him why he doesn't use it, he said that he doesn't try to use the tools as whenever he doesn't need them. I didn't agree with his opinion about the tools because the mahl stick is very important tool for me while painting detailed parts. While the show going on, he kept me laughing with his good sense of humor.

 The convention center where the art show was held. Nelson Shanks booth is seen.

 My wife, Helena, was taking a rest for a while at the convention center lobby.

 At the scenic view right before entering Las Vegas.

Oil Painters of America Plein air trip

Today was so cloudy that I could see dramatic lights, but I didn't need to be pressed by fast light change.
Every artist did a great job. Some artists look very familiar with me. Maybe there were famous artists.
The OPA chairman, Neil Patterson, was painting next to me, but I didn't recognize who he was before we talked.
One more thing I was excited about was meeting John Michael Carter, the OPA director, who I really like and Lori Woodward, a famous Fine Art View writer. Every artists were friendly and nice to each other.
I saw very lovely puppies, two English Springer Spaniels. One puppy kept coming to me as if he knew I really like them.

OPA chairman, Neil Patterson and me

Michael John Carter, OPA director and me

Fire fighter, Mic

When I was in New York, I was not happy when it rained, but here in New Mexico, rain is one of the most important resources for everybody including animals and natures because New Mexico is too dry before the Monsoon seasons come.

Few weeks ago, I took a trip with my wife and my son, Calvin, to Jemez mountain to paint and take photos. I saw that a lot of the mountain was covered with black charcoal caused by wildfire. In New Mexico, camp fire and using fire related equipment has been banned in the mountain because of potential fire hazards.

The model, Mic, a fire fighter, came to Santa Fe from Montana to help New Mexican fire fighters.

He likes art, especially Southwest arts because his girlfriend paints landscapes.

I painted him for a little over two hours. He looks unique and is a quiet young gentle man.

I spent most of time to see the reflected colors on the shadow sides with reddish background.

It is always exciting and a challenge to paint from life.

Pink Adobe Santa Fe

Pink Adobe, restaurant and bar, is located one block away from my studio. Every morning and evening, I pass by the restaurant, always crowded with tourists for dinner and wine. I don't know how beautiful it is whenever I see. I painted the winter scenery last winter covered in snow. Now it is arched with green leaves at the entrance. I was painting in the street across the restaurant with my dog, Leo and the receptionist ladies were so nice to provide Leo with water and made me happy with nice comments of my painting.

Sculptor,Windy

Harvey portrait 2

Alla Prima oil portrait workshop