This painting is being shipped to a buyer in Florida. So many sales in Florida these days. I know have some friends moving to Florida, I am still in the snow country.
Just a note the title has nothing to do with pessimism. There is a town called Hope, Idaho… east of me where I often catch the moon rising. I don’t generally explain titles but this one, for once, wasn’t dour.
Final studio capture of this newly finished painting. Still working towards my solo show in June at the RiverSea Gallery in Astoria, Oregon. This one might be part of that exhibit…
As a painter I have the freedom to follow my whims wherever they ramble. I am pursuing some work that is a bit more fantastical with no specific plan. The day I started to make real progress on this piece I found out Mark Lanegan passed on. Sadly that is burned into my brain, maybe appropriately so.
I am taking some high resolution studio photos of recent work. This hopeful painting is willfully contrary to all the dark news. I wish I could focus on the gifts in life.
More nocturnal painting happening in the studio. Outside the wind is howling and everything is frozen. The moon is beautiful yet indifferent.
This one has shipped to its new home in Colorado. I am pretty selective regarding commissions I take, this was a fun one.
Latest painting, moon as inspiration. Nocturnal paintings are always interesting to work on. This one was inspired by my part of the world.
Update: this one was just sold, good news as I ordered more art supplies and frames yesterday.
Yesterday I received a phone call from Horizon Fine Art Gallery in Jackson, Wyoming. They let me know that this piece had sold. The owner was asking for more work… so grateful for the interest in my art! I am working as hard as I can on my upcoming solo show at RiverSea Gallery in Astoria. Oregon. That said making a living as an artist is tough, you have to sell work and reserve work for shows… not enough time for it all. I am glad it is still the dead of winter so I don’t feel as guilty caging myself in the studio nonstop.
A brand new painting in the studio. This one has a real presence in person, almost audible. Probably my favorite recent title as well…
Spending a little time focusing on the moon. With the short days of winter the moon has more time to shine.
brian sostrom 