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.
Some of the most dramatic colors at sunset occur in the opposite direction of the descending sun. A wild punch of color illuminates the mountains to the east. I ran through the snow to film this and the color was intense and fading fast. Summer is gorgeous but that low winter light is magic.
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.
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.
I am a fan of visual transitions. The moment the sun slips away and the moon becomes the light. Long before the stars it hangs like a ghost.
brian sostrom 