An older piece from a few years back. This one has that elusive magic that drives me forward. Making a living as an artist is a difficult task. More than simply earning enough to pay the bills. For me it is a calling and the core of this one and only life. I know most people don’t really understand that, even close friends.
I have been growing hops for over 5 years now. These are Cascade Hops. I like the hoppy fragrance and enjoy the way they mark the seasons. It is spring when the vines finally start to bust out of the ground. Sadly the conclusion to summer when the hops are ripe.
I have not grown them for any practical reason just a decoration. This year a brewery in town, MickDuff’s Brewery, is collecting hops from private growers for a special brew. So I harvested 4 lbs of hops and delivered them to the brewery. I now have a $20 gift card for MickDuff’s… so professional farmer?
This painting was just sold. It is off to its new home in Florida! Video below showing the framing process for a floater frame.
Truth.
I felt like adding something light after yesterday’s obituary. Nature brings me so much joy… so much better than my phone.
I was so shocked to hear that a friend of mine passed away. He always reached out and made the effort that friendship requires. We commiserated over the death of Mark Lanegan (one of my favorite musicians) earlier this year. He so generously “liked” so many of my Facebook art posts that he was awarded a “top fan” badge… he said it made him feel like Kathy Bates from the movie “Misery”, I told him I appreciated it. He messaged me in May to wish me a happy birthday. I did not know that would be the last time I would talk to him.
Today I learned from one of my buddies that Jason Briggs had died. I went to his FB account and was horrified to learn he passed away on June 13th. It is painfully obvious that he was a much better friend to me than I ever was to him. So many people posted about his kindness and generosity on his FB page. I am glad so many people cared about him, I hope he felt that love in his life.
This painting was sold through RiverSea Gallery in Astoria, Oregon. I often don’t know about sales until a check shows up in my mailbox. It is always a pleasant surprise to receive a check rather than the usual “endless parade” of bills.
A new painting in my studio today. Freshly signed and varnished! I will frame it soon and then decide which gallery to send it to.
I was happy to hear from a collector in Florida, she just purchased this painting. It was a studio favorite, really captures my favorite summer vibes on Lake Pend Oreille here in North Idaho. I recently shipped it to Moment Gallery in Asheville, North Carolina. They made the sale, I am so grateful to the galleries that represent me. Sales are getting tougher these days, and I am a terrible salesperson!
This is a new painting in my studio, photographed today. I love the long days of summer. I should be enjoying every moment outdoors but the studio calls… I always answer.
I was happy to hear that this gorgeous painting was sold through Horizon Fine Art Gallery in Jackson, Wyoming! This is a gallery I have worked with for many years, looking forward to sending them more pieces in the near future.
brian sostrom 