December 1st, it seemed like the last day to hike up Gold Hill without snow. So I made the 6 mile round trip excursion this morning. It’s such a beautiful view and great exercise, sorry I didn’t make more hikes to the top this year. As I type this the snow is piling up outside. At this point it is on the ground for the season!
It was in the low 20’s during the hike. By the end I pulled my water bottle out of my jacket and it had frozen!
Shipping off some sold pieces. Both are acrylic paintings on 12”x12” cradled board.
I typically use the USPS For my smaller pieces. It is the most affordable method!
I painted this during our first legitimate snowfall on Tuesday. The painting didn’t actually keep me warm but I know it tried.
I only have a couple of these 12″x12″ boards left, I have really enjoyed working at this dimension. Trying to dig through old artworks and sand them down. Reuse existing materials, recycling is a lot of work!
For me inspiration is happiness, much desired but elusive. It is the fuel that powers motivation and makes for possibilities.
I force myself to start on a new work, make that first mark. If I surrender doubt, I get lost in the process of painting. Creativity is an adventure that generates its own form of inspiration.
In my life I have felt like a negative soul. Still it seems the act of creation is an act of optimism.
Enjoying these modest sized panels. I have been prepping a lot of large boards as well, mixing up the scale.
Mist, forest and water are some of the best components of the Northwest. There are moments of solitude in nature that have shaped me.
The Clark Fork River is a mighty river, it feeds Lake Pend Oreille.
Happy Halloween! I painted this last November it seems to have the right vibe for today.
While picking up my Vashon Island show I saw friends and family. I was fortunate to carve pumpkins with my sister’s family! That is me in the foreground.
I sold this after the show ended. I have discovered that Art Centers are a bad way to sell artwork. They can be a fun social event but for artists trying to make a living, I haven’t had any good experiences. Selling work through a small gallery is likely to be a better way to sell art. If you can sell work yourself no one is taking 50% of the sale!
Brian Sostrom ▫️Paintings▫️
For people not familiar with me and my work I made a grid. Six of these nine paintings were done in 2019. I have been painting my entire life but have been painting full time now for exactly one year. Thanks to those of you that have helped support my efforts!
