A little moody forest scene. I painted this one a couple months back and decided it looked great in an extra frame I had! I was planning on taking it to my show but it looks like I have sold it this morning… I really should focus on retaining work for my exhibit that is just two weeks out! A bird in the hand? Poor bird.
As my June 9th solo show approaches I am gathering together works and documenting new paintings.
This painting, “Crashing”, is 20″x16″ acrylic/ open acrylic on aluminum panel. The panel is primed with gesso and treated much like any other hard surface used for painting.
This last week was a good week for me. I mailed off 8 paintings. Work sent to Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Missouri and Germany!
Selling work through my website and Instagram account (@bsostrom) is fun and satisfying. As an independent artist I am taking on all the promotional responsibility along with negotiating, packing and shipping. Ideally I would just like to spend my time painting but nothing is that simplistic and as an artist you have to hustle and scramble to make ends meet.
Thanks you for your support and interest!
This 20″x16″ painting on panel is called “Roaring”. This is a potential show image for my exhibit in Astoria, Oregon. The show is called “Transitions” and will be at the McVarish Gallery from June 9th through July 12th!
The gallery is very new, I believe my show is the fourth show in the space. I am very excited to head back to Astoria!
These four small paintings are acrylic on panel. I finally varnished and signed them so I can mail them to a buyer today!
Small paintings are enjoyable but I do miss the freedom of movement available on a larger surface. Generally it is good to switch up sizes and approach to keep the sense of discovery alive!
Another small painting with a large sense of scale. This acrylic/open acrylic painting on panel is 9″x7″.
I just finished this little acrylic painting. Simple and delicate with a little mystery… those are my frequent goals. I used to labor away with detail but now I am much more interested in gesture and mood.
This painting has done a bit of traveling and been in a couple shows. Large art is often exciting but difficult to pack around. I was planning on taking this painting to my upcoming exhibits but hung it in my house instead!
When I was a child there were two destinations, the Oregon coast and Wyoming. My Mom’s parents lived in Oregon, my Dad’s parents… you got it Wyoming!
I feel a real love and connection to both places. I am excited to have a show in Astoria, Oregon in June. So close to the coast you can see it from the Astoria Column. When you fill the gas tank at Safeway you hear sea lions barking and complaining about the fishermen. In July I will be going to the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming, the greatest place! Family will be at both destinations and I am excited about these adventures.
I now reside in Idaho, I seem to have split the difference between Oregon and Wyoming. I was thinking about these amazing places, the past and the unknowable future. What does today’s rambling blog have to do with this painting? Aside from the obvious coastal connection, everything.
This acrylic painting is one of three in a series. Yesterday I sold one of the set but the buyer agreed to let me bring it to the Astoria show, June 9th, which was great! I was not planning on another show so soon and had signed up for a bunch of commissions. I have too much to do but I am really thankful to have people interested in my work.
Instagram: @bsostrom
brian sostrom 