Art of Brandi York

Oh, Portland....

2010-10-24T19:46:00.001-07:00

Portland, Oregon is a beautiful city. Unless you're trying to navigate through construction on one-way streets.

Finding my way to the downtown Art Media store for the demo yesterday morning was not so bad until I discovered two blocks before my destination was closed down.... Thank goodness I was running super early and had time to circle the area three times before finally getting onto the right street just to find out where to park.

Oh, Portland...

The demo at the Downtown Art Media was quiet. Several people interested in discovering what PanPastels were, but just quiet in general.

Then off like a shot to Beaverton....what should have taken 13 minutes (according to Google Maps) took closer to 40 while trying to find my way to the streets the map directed after re-routing from the parking structure. Inhaled some food and into the Beaverton Art Media where a number of people were waiting for me!

The day was overall very exciting, meeting new people and showing them a new-ish medium.

Coming up, there's a show opening at the Emerald Art Center November 2nd featuring students of Jerry Dame's workshops this past year. I'll have a portrait and a still-life on display. If you're in the Springfield area, check it out.

Also, shortly thereafter, it's time for the Tools of the Trade show at the UofO! One of my favorite events all year.

Contact me - Want to get more information on a piece, purchase a piece or inquire about a commission? Email me!

I'm alive, I swear!

2010-10-14T20:27:00.000-07:00

Been so busy! Tools of the Trade is coming up in just a few short weeks, next weekend (Oct 23rd) I will be in Portland at both Art Medias to demo PanPastels. New artwork and, FINALLY! brandiyork.com!

I'll be updating the website shortly with some new art. Go check it out!

Contact me - Want to get more information on a piece, purchase a piece or inquire about a commission? Email me!

Canvas Event at the Duck Store

2010-07-09T11:57:00.000-07:00

Next Thursday and Friday, July 15th and 16th, I'll be out front of the UofO's bookstore painting a very large canvas (48"x48" - hope it's not windy!) for their Canvas Event. I'll be out there with Sarkis Antikajian painting. Anyone is welcome and they'll have canvases available for anyone to paint on and take home. Check it out!

Contact me - Want to get more information on a piece, purchase a piece or inquire about a commission? Email me!

Colleen Howe Workshop, part 2

2010-06-20T12:13:00.001-07:00

Okay! As promised, pictures!

Colleen working with the watercolor underpainting of her demonstration piece.

The underpainting completed, pre-pastel application.

Colleen applying pastel over the dried watercolor.

Germaine, Donna, and Debbie out at Owens Rose Garden Friday morning.

Colleen helping Randye with her rocks. (It was rather cold Friday morning....especially if you're from Utah. ;) )

Random of Randoms - Stormtroopers, Darth Vader, Leia (behind the parking sign pole - you can kind of see the buns) and a Sand...person, whose names I forget. XD They walked past the gallery Saturday afternoon.

The piece I completed en plein air out at the Rose Garden.

The piece I completed inside the gallery on Saturday, since plein air rather sucks in the rain.

Contact me - Want to get more information on a piece, purchase a piece or inquire about a commission? Email me!

Workshop - Colleen Howe

2010-06-19T19:57:00.000-07:00

First of all - oh my god. Colleen Howe is AMAZING. Amazing artist, amazing teacher, amazing person.

I was lucky enough to get to facilitate a workshop she was teaching at the Emerald Art Center these last three days. The workshop was titled, "How to Structure a Successful Painting" but it also pushed me to really try something new - plein air. While it's something I've always wanted to try, I've always been terrified. How do you choose what to paint? How do you pick this flower over that tree? Colleen somehow had all the answers.

The first day of the workshop was spent learning the basics of design and composition -- something I had a vague idea in but really, when you're painting a face, generally speaking, there's isn't a ton of design to think on. However, when looking to nature, there is so much more to consider -- value, temperature, positioning of objects, so on and so forth. This is also where an artist can truly decide to make changes. As a portrait artist, I can make minor changes -- the color of the subject's shirt, or maybe the direction they're looking... In nature, you can completely relocate entire articles -- a flower that maybe would be in the upper right corner of a piece could be moved down and to the left to give it more presence in the piece. We also got into doing color studies -- another thing I've never really done as an artist before.

The second day we went out to Owens Rose Garden in Eugene. My god, is that place beautiful. Despite the constant noise of the 105 freeway being just feet away, the sheer beauty of the place is astounding. As soon as my camera battery finishes recharging, I will have some photos of the location as well as the work I did out there.

The third day (today) was spent back at the Art Center, thanks to the wonderful Oregon weather this year and the threat of rain (which did rear its ugly head around 12:30.) I was able to get us a number of flowers from TJ's this morning, so we had some subject matter. I chose a gerber daisy. Not my first choice of flower typically, but for some reason, it called out today. And boy oh boy did it. (Again, I'll have photos when the camera is back up and running.)

Also got some photos of the Stormtroopers and Darth Vader that walked in front of the gallery today. No idea....

And again, I have to express what an absolute sweetheart Colleen is. She gave me a 10-piece ultramarine set of Terry Ludwig pastels. Oh, how amazing those pastels are! I've never had the pleasure of using truly soft pastels (my collection primarily consists of NuPastels and Rembrandts). I still love my NuPastels and Rembrandts, but there is absolutely a special place in my heart for these Terry Ludwigs (especially since she gave us all little heart shaped pastels!)

I have also discovered the OMG WANT! of the moment - A Heilman Pastel Box. Colleen and one of the other students had them.....amazing, beautiful pieces of pastel storage.

Anyway, pictures to come soon. Hopefully tomorrow.

Contact me - Want to get more information on a piece, purchase a piece or inquire about a commission? Email me!

Now on Etsy!

2010-06-12T11:17:00.000-07:00

Hi all! As the title indicates, I've set up shop at Etsy.com! You can see what I've got to offer here.

As always, I'm taking commissions as well as slowly getting more goodies listed on Etsy.

See you soon!

Contact me - Want to get more information on a piece, purchase a piece or inquire about a commission? Email me!

Oh dear

2010-05-27T16:07:00.000-07:00

Oh boy....where does the time go?

I'm sorry I haven't updated this in a while. Been super busy -- Trader Joe's, University of Oregon's Creative Duck store, Divine Cupcake, Emerald Art Center, private commissions... The list just keeps going!

Commissions have slowed a bit, but things are still hoppin' - In July, I'll be out front of the University of Oregon's bookstore painting for two days (15th and 16th.) I'll also soon be offering a class at the Emerald Art Center on pastels and portraits (more details to come once they are finalized.)

To see some photos of the Stop In Studio I did on May 8th, check out this out!

Tonight I go back into Trader Joe's to install a new mural. Photos to come. Now, must sleep to prepare........

Contact me - Want to get more information on a piece, purchase a piece or inquire about a commission? Email me!

Still rolling on

2009-11-26T11:41:00.000-08:00

Things just keep on rolling. I'm working on a piece to submit for the Gallery at the Airport in Eugene. Meanwhile, at Trader Joe's, we're getting ready for the big Civil War game next week - UofO Ducks vs. OSU Beavers. Oldest rivalry in the nation. And to celebrate, we're going to be ordering TONS of red roses and I'm making a large sign that is the "Civil War for the Roses."

Apparently now, The Oregonian, a state-wide newspaper, will be coming out on Thursday, the day of the game, to do a report on everything we're doing.

Eep!

Add into that an email yesterday, asking if I would like to do a demo sometime this winter at the UofO Creative Duck (where the Tools of the Trade was held). I couldn't have said YES! faster. More details on that as I know them.

Needless to say, I'm bouncing off the walls.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Contact me - Want to get more information on a piece, purchase a piece or inquire about a commission? Email me!

Tools of the Trade, Day 2!

2009-11-20T04:39:00.001-08:00

Wow! What a couple of days! So many wonderful people and artists there, lots and lots of laughs and caffeine, but we made it through, and even got not only a little art done, but a LOT of art done!

"Little Megan"
20"x28" Pastel on Colorfix paper

"Come and Get Me"
20"x28" Pastel on Colorfix paper

"On a Hike"
28"x20" Pastel on Colorfix paper

"Freesia 1"
28"x20" Pastel on Colorfix paper

In case I haven't said it yet (but I know I have) I LOVE COLORFIX! These photos were not edited in any way for color adjustment - that's just how brightly the color pops from the way the paper grabs onto the pastels. And hopefully I've turned some other artists onto it as well.

Some other pictures of other artists at the show...

Erika, who also works for the Creative Duck (where the event was held), has an amazing hand for Illuminated Manuscripts.

Ursula Stocke does beautiful oils with bright, vivid colors. Check out her other stuff too!

Dan Chen (doing the amazing sculpture) and Do Mi Stauber (who does beautiful, detailed colored pencil drawings).

And a few shots of where I was working (and me working.)

Contact me - Want to get more information on a piece, purchase a piece or inquire about a commission? Email me!

New Website

2009-11-18T20:13:00.000-08:00

Well, here's a little something I've been futzing with for about the last week - http://www.wix.com/BrandiYork/Art-of-Brandi-York - A gallery and portfolio site. Don't worry - this will still be around. But that one is a bit more official and everything in one place.

Today was the first day of the Tools of the Trade and MAN! I am BEAT! But it was so amazing and so much fun. Everyone there is just a kick to be around and the energy of all of the artists and art lovers makes me wish this happened more than once a year.

Tomorrow, I'll be posting photos from the show. Stay tuned!

Contact me - Want to get more information on a piece, purchase a piece or inquire about a commission? Email me!

Grady

2009-11-13T20:48:00.000-08:00

A quick sketch of an amazing photo of my brother, taken by Kate Noelle.

I'll hopefully be doing a more refined pastel of this later.

Title: Sketch of Grady
Date: Nov. 13, 2009
Size: 9x12
Medium: Graphite
Availability: NA

Contact me - Want to get more information on a piece, purchase a piece or inquire about a commission? Email me!

Tools of the Trade

2009-11-10T19:05:00.000-08:00

Well, it's almost here. Tools of the Trade is in a week. I've finally about narrowed down what I'm going to be drawing there...mostly. :D If you're in the Eugene area, stop on by. You'll be amazed at this show if you've never been. Having gone in years past, I'm incredibly honored that they've asked me to be one of the demoing artists this year. Let's say I'm just a *little* nervous.

History of Eugene murals - finally completed

2009-10-06T18:29:00.000-07:00

Well, the last of the History of Eugene pieces went up at the Trader Joe's in Eugene this last week. Number six depicted the Olympic Track and Field Trials held at Hayward Field, July, 2008.

Title: Track and Field Trials, 2008
Size: 48x72
Medium: Pastel on panel

Contact me - Want to get more information on a piece, purchase a piece or inquire about a commission? Email me!

Mayor's Art Show piece - finished and detail

2009-09-20T13:12:00.000-07:00

Title: Danni
Date: Sept 20, 2009
Size: 20x28
Medium: Pastel on Colorfix paper
Availability: Not yet available

Contact me - Want to get more information on a piece, purchase a piece or inquire about a commission? Email me!

Mayor's Art Show piece - work in progress 2

2009-09-18T21:30:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are - day two of work, about another 3 hours on it; it's slowly starting to meld into the shape I'm looking for. Thank gods for the husband who has an eye for what's wrong. :D

Anyhow, here we are - work in progress number 2. Enjoy!

Contact me - Want to get more information on a piece, purchase a piece or inquire about a commission? Email me!

Mayor's Art Show piece - work in progress 1

2009-09-17T21:23:00.001-07:00

Two posts in one day.... I think this is some sort of a record...

Anyhow, as promised, work in progress shots of the piece I'm doing for the Springfield Mayor's Art Show in October. The piece is 20"x28" (roughly - art paper never seems to be evenly sized) on Colorfix paper.

The reference image - a photo of a dear friend who was sweet enough to do some modeling for me.

Because of the truly bizarre and yet intriguing angle of the photo, I had to graph the image to accurately transfer it. Not something I usually do (or particularly like doing) but I felt it was a necessary evil to get it quickly and accurately enlarged to the page.

Here we are about an hour after graphing. Mostly laid in the background, starting a bit of detailing here and there. It's going along quite well so far, I think, and I'm reminded just how much I LOVE Colorfix paper. It's a bit pricey but worth every penny.

More to come!

Contact me - Want to get more information on a piece, purchase a piece or inquire about a commission? Email me!

Upcoming show

2009-09-17T16:08:00.000-07:00

I got a very interesting and exciting phone call today while working at Trader Joe's. The University of Oregon has their annual Tools of the Trade show in November (this year, the 18th and 19th). I've attended the last two years as much as I could to see the various product demos and pick up some tips from the artists demoing.

This year, they have asked me to demo pastels.

I'm incredibly excited about this prospect. Just to get to spend two days talking art with people and drawing... And I'm also terrified.... What am I going to draw?!

Meanwhile, I have a piece in the pre-work stages that will be entered into the Springfield Mayor's Art Show. I will post progress photos of that once I am able to start it.

Contact me - Want to get more information on a piece, purchase a piece or inquire about a commission? Email me!

Continuing on...

2009-09-14T22:12:00.000-07:00

Number 5 in the series of History of Eugene for Trader Joe's.

Title: Filming of 'Animal House', 1977
Size: 48x72
Medium: Pastel on panel

Contact me - Want to get more information on a piece, purchase a piece or inquire about a commission? Email me!

Been a while

2009-09-07T22:18:00.000-07:00

Work has kept me busy, but as I sit relaxing in San Francisco, I finally find some time to post a few of the pieces I've been working on for Trader Joe's in Eugene. Currently, 5 of 6 are finished. But for the moment, here are 3 of them.

Title: Eugene Fire Department, 1913
Size: 48x72
Medium: Pastel on panel

Title: Willamette Street, 1940
Size: 48x72
Medium: Pastel on panel

Title: Willamette Street, c.1960
Size: 48x72
Medium: Pastel on panel

Contact me - Want to get more information on a piece, purchase a piece or inquire about a commission? Email me!

World of Warcraft Portrait commissions open

2009-07-12T20:47:00.000-07:00

Commissions are now open for World of Warcraft character portraits!

Below are examples of mediums available, all using my human warlock Adrazel as an example.

Mediums, sizes and prices -

Pencil 8.5"x11" $40

Marker (greyscale) 4.5"x7" $20; 9"x12" $40

Pastel 9"x12" $40

*All prices are for bust shots only. Full body piece prices will be discussed (based on complexity of armor)*

What will I need from you? A couple good screenshots of your character (different angles are preferred) and if there is anyone that you picture you character looking like. (Actors, singers, your grandmother...if that's the case, please supply photos. :D)

Please feel free to email me if you have any questions or comments or want to order a commission!

Contact me - Want to get more information on a piece, purchase a piece or inquire about a commission? Email me!

July 2, 2009

2009-07-02T15:08:00.000-07:00

Today's daily offering is a completed painting, plus a work in progress of yet another painting. Enjoy! And as always, if you have any questions, please feel free to email me or post a comment.

Title: Rose 1
Date: July 2, 2009
Size: 24"x30"
Medium: Oil on canvas
Availability: For Sale - $600

Title: Untitled work in progress
Date: July 2, 2009
Size: 16"x20"
Medium: Oil on canvas
Availability: Not yet available

Contact me - Want to get more information on a piece, purchase a piece or inquire about a commission? Email me!

Where have I been?

2009-06-29T13:35:00.000-07:00

Well, I had to slack off a bit for a while. My inlaws were in town, and much to my great pleasure, they helped get my studio in tip-top shape. So I thought I would share some of the fantastic changes!

New light!!!!

Check out all of the storage!

And of course - it's Mouse approved.

Work in Progress - June 16, 2009

2009-06-16T06:30:00.001-07:00

I thought I would share an oil painting I've been working on the past few days. Inspired by a rose in the garden that screamed to be painted.

I will post further progress as I draw closer (ha, no pun intended) to finishing the piece.

Daily Offering for June 15, 2009

2009-06-15T18:10:00.000-07:00

Title: Mistress of the Blade
Date: June 15, 2009
Size: 4.5"x7"
Medium: Copic Marker
Availability: For Sale - $30

Daily Offering for June 14, 2009

2009-06-14T15:54:00.000-07:00

Title: Elven Rogue
Date: June 14, 2009
Size: 4.5"x7"
Medium: Copic Marker
Availability: For Sale - $30

Daily Offering for June 13, 2009

2009-06-14T15:41:00.000-07:00

So yes, I know it's the 14th, but the piece was done and supposed to be posted yesterday. So, today is a double dosing of Daily Offerings.

Title: The Hunters
Date: June 13, 2009
Size: 4.5"x7"
Medium: Copic Marker
Availability: For Sale - $30

Daily Offering for June 12, 2009

2009-06-12T19:08:00.000-07:00

The first Daily Offering.

Title: Take Flight
Date: June 12, 2009
Size: 4.5"x7"
Medium: Copic Marker
Availability: For Sale - $30

2009-06-12T18:28:00.001-07:00

Well, here we are. I'm just getting my feet a bit wet here, but it's not as though I've never blogged before. *grin*

Ideally, this will be where I post daily small pieces of art and on occasion, larger pieces, both finished and in progress. So, with that in mind, away I go!