This painting is part of my “Transitions” show currently on exhibit at McVarish Gallery in Astoria, Oregon.
The atmosphere of this particular painting is really delicate. The shoreline a haunted edge barely existing along the expansive water. I am always striving to capture the sense of beauty I see with subtle mark making and simple gestures. It is such a difficult thing to do but when it works it feels like magic!
This painting was a commission I recently completed. The painting is 48″x26″, with a large frame it was too big to send through the United States Postal Service, live and learn in theory.
I sold this painting last fall. I had painted it on an especially sad day. I embraced the sorrow I felt during another dark milepost and made something worthwhile. I have always liked moody imagery and this one was a standout.
I have a soft spot in my heart for this particular painting. It encapsulates a lot of the elements I strive for in my work. I liked this painting so much that I was abnormally fearful of dropping it or damaging it in some unknown way! Kind of funny considering I destroy work all of the time, it is part of the process of creation for me. As a result I am less sentimental about work… but apparently not always!
I have been working hard on a large commission since returning from my solo show in Astoria. I believe I will have it wrapped up this weekend! I am then framing it and shipping it off to wine country in California. I will post a finished photo before I package it up.
Another painting from the show I am having in Astoria, Oregon at the McVarish Gallery. The exhibition runs until July 12th so if you are in the area, give it a look!
This is a very recent open acrylic painting. The edges of day and night are always inspiring and contemplative. The mood can be tranquil but there is also the reminder of our time passing.
I know it’s silly but what the heck! These acrylic paintings now reside in Hong Kong, I have sent a surprising amount of work to different folks there… I should be getting better at geography. My art has seen much more of the world than I have… though I have done some traveling!
I don’t know if it matters when deadlines are. For me I seem compelled to work right to the edge no matter if necessary or not. Next weekend is the opening of my show in Astoria, Oregon. The show is called “Transitions” at the McVarish Gallery. So I suppose it is appropriate that one of the final paintings for the show shares part of the show title.
I love clouds, of course they are best when they don’t obscure all of the blue! This painting is the second one inspired by the transitions of season. Snow rapidly disappearing from the mountains, so fast it caused substantial flooding in North Idaho. The diminishing snow adds so much character to the faded mountains, particularly when the sky is filled with clouds and mist. It creates a kind of ghostly magical quality that is so subtle but so inspiring.
brian sostrom 