Ken Marsden Art

2012-02-10T08:52:00.000-08:00

"Landscape 21012"

...another painting inspired by my friend Joe Lopez.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2012-02-05T11:08:00.000-08:00

"Bench Street, Galena, Illinois"

Galena still draws me like a magnet. I grew up there and still do many paintings of the town and area. Its Civil War history, architecture and beauty make it a unique tourist attraction. I'm hoping that this summer I will again have gallery representation in that wonderful little town.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2012-01-22T14:15:00.000-08:00

"Road to Town-2"
Yes, you probably have looked at the scene before but not this painting. It is another one of my redos.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2012-01-14T06:37:00.000-08:00

"Alone"
I did the first version of this shortly after my wife Polly died. Whether or not that influenced the title I do not know. Quite a number of people have thought and said the figure looked to be me. It was not. The scene was taken from two old timers loading their boat at Peshtigo Harbor near where I live in Wisconsin. In the studio I decided to eliminate one figure and just have the solitary old guy at his boat. I think that is where the title came from. I had numerous requests for Tiles and printed reproductions but the digital image I had on file was too poor quality to reproduce so I have done it over-better I think.
Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2012-01-02T08:45:00.000-08:00

"Rodeo Gal #2"

I haven't been to a Rodeo in quite a few years. They are fun, even for folks like me who don't know much about the technical aspects. This painting was done from a photograph I took at a rodeo in Iron River, Michigan.

The "blooms" in the watercolor background were deliberate and I think go well with the style and mood of the painting.

My friend and artist Jan Bernson has asked me to teach or demo one of her classes in Gladstone, Michigan. I think I might incorporate the use of deliberate "mistakes" in that class.

Thanks for looking!
Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2011-12-29T07:22:00.000-08:00

"Trout Hole 10"

The footing can be a little dangerous but these are the spots the trout like.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2011-12-20T08:21:00.000-08:00

"Peshtigo River in Winter"

Needs work, huh?

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2011-12-12T13:52:00.000-08:00

View from my backyard. December 12, 2011.

Ken Marsden

Ken Marsden Art

2011-11-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hi! I don't usually write much in my blogs. Usually I just present a painting and perhaps a few words about that painting. Yesterday I responded to a friend's email and in the course of writing that response I got into the subject of using my brain, or more to the point, not using my brain.

In thinking about how little I use my brain I realized that I have been quite lazy about using it. Maybe it is a function of me not being too smart. But, I suppose rationalizing, I decided that perhaps the reason I am so content is because I use my brain so little. I mean I know a lot of folks who seem to worry about so many things and that makes them very anxious.

I decided that there is an additionaal benefit. Like a very old car with extremely low mileage I am hoping my brain has a lot left. Unfortuately I think the fenders and other body parts have rusted out and are falling off. But there I go thinking. I have to cut that out and save the wear and tear. I'll just stick to painting.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2011-11-08T06:39:00.000-08:00

Floral 11052011

I usually do my own framing but several years ago I purchased a mat and frame in an art gallery because it was so well done. Apparently the dealer had it left over for reasons unknown to me. It was in perfect condition and tripple matted in a striking manner. The inner liner was pink. This sat around in my studio for several years and I finnaly decided to paint something that would match well with the beautiful mat.

That is how this painting came to be.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2011-11-01T17:54:00.000-07:00

"Cosmos"

This seems to me to be a most unusual autumn. We have yet to have had a hard frost and here it is November. Flowers are still trying to look their best. A few Cosmos which we admired all summer are still "hanging in there." It prompted me to do this small painting. As an added incentive, I need some small pieces for an upcoming show November 12th in Marquette, MI.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2011-10-16T07:40:00.000-07:00

Hemingwy Home

Winter is not far off and I was thinking about past winter-time travels. Years ago, before they priced me out of our trips to the Florida Keys, my wife and I used to love to visit the Hemingway home in Key West. It is one of the few places where I always got a real feeling of being where history occured, in this case where he wrote many of the stories I so enjoyed.

The painting here is severly cropped but it is the best I could do right now. Like my travel, this painting is from years ago.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2011-10-13T13:30:00.000-07:00

"Marsden's Little Nell"

I came across this painting that I did of Nell in 1978. She was the greatest dog we ever had in our family. Her hunting feats were legendary but at the same time she was wonderful around the house. She died in 1985 and I still miss her.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2011-09-19T10:09:00.000-07:00

"Upper Peninsula, Michigan" I'm still not satisfied with the composition and welcome comments.

Ken

2011-09-17T08:45:00.000-07:00

"Bond Falls"

Yes! I posted this painting before. After showing it to fellow artist Suzy Decker I decided to follow her advice and soften the top of the waterfall. She was correct. It improved the painting.

Suzy is an excellent artist. She also has work in the East Ludington Gallery in Escanaba, MI.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2011-09-09T10:24:00.000-07:00

"Bond Falls"
One of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan's most magnificent waterfalls. I did take a few liberties with the composition.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2011-09-04T07:32:00.000-07:00

"Hollyhocks"

Ken Marsden

Ken Marsden Art

2011-08-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

My latest little book is "Camping for Old People". I still haven't figgured out how to add my books to my web site www.kenmarsden .com so in the meantime anyone who might want a copy can just contact me. The price is $6.25 plus H&S of $1.00.

Ken Marsden Art

2011-08-16T09:43:00.000-07:00

I recently wrote and illustrated a little book (20 pages), "Conversations with a Cat." I just added a new page to my web site, www.kenmarsden.com to include books...nothing serious, just fun things prompted by happy life experiences. The next one to be published shortly is about hints for old people who decide to take up camping.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2011-08-14T06:23:00.000-07:00

"Stonnington"
I took a few liberties with this scene at the old lighthouse in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Now I wish I had put a few seagulls in the painting as I had done in a previous work at this location. Usually I work out the composition in my head before painting and if I had done that seagulls would have been included.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2011-08-13T19:52:00.000-07:00

"Geese" I used this same basic composition in a previous painting but painted this one in a little different manner...hope you like it.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2011-08-12T06:07:00.000-07:00

"Ephemerella dorothea" I was honored to have this painting selected to be on the cover of Ministry Health's summer issue of Health Connection. It is on ministryhealth.org/Summer2011. The title confuses some. It is the name of the Mayfly in the picture, commonly called the Green Drake.

Ken Marsden Art

2011-05-12T06:17:00.000-07:00

"Floral 5/11/11"

I don't paint many florals, especially cut flowers in a vase, but I just had the urge to do this one.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2011-05-04T06:08:00.000-07:00

"Early Instruction"

We live on the Bay of Green Bay here in Wisconsin and every year we are able to watch several families of geese raise their young. It is rather amazing to see the progression of the lessons taught and learned. Of course the little pond I depicted here is not the Bay of Green Bay.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2011-05-01T14:24:00.001-07:00

"Brule River" Trout season is almost here and that means it is time to get the gear ready - like I haven't been doing that all winter. I think my fishing tackle gets more wear from me arranging and rearranging it all winter than it gets from actual fishing.
This is a favorite spot-both for fishing and for camping.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2011-04-28T09:29:00.001-07:00

"Geese"

I decided to use my source material for a former painting titled "Late Supper" and change the composition a little...hope you like it.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2011-04-23T10:21:00.001-07:00

I just did this painting but my resource material was gathered over twenty years ago. Sometimes it takes me awhile to get around to doing a painting- though I must confess I did other versions of this scene some years ago.

At the present time, the original as well as reproductions are available from www.fineart america.com or link through my website.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2011-04-20T14:26:00.000-07:00

...just a reminder for those folks nearby, April 21, is "Third Thursday" at East Ludington Gallery in Escanaba, MI. From 4:30 to 6:00 the artists of the gallery gather for snacks, beverages and great conversation. You are invited and can enjoy a special discount as well as be treated to a demonstration by Kay Eaton. I hope to see you there.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2011-03-02T14:48:00.001-08:00

"Summer Road"

Some may remember my painting "Road to Town" which was a winter scene. I decided to use the same basic composition and do it as a summer scene.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2011-02-05T07:20:00.000-08:00

"Weborg's Dock"

...yet another scan of a past painting. This one was of a commercial fishing operation in Door County, Wisconsin.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2011-02-03T11:17:00.000-08:00

"Time"

This was my High School in Galena, Illinois. I think it has been turned into condominiums now. What a landmark!

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2011-02-02T06:41:00.000-08:00

"Green Island"

There is a proposed 90 million dollar resort going onto this little Island just 5 miles out from my backyard. The lighthouse has long since disappeared but when I painted this circa 1970 it was uninhabited, visited only by local boats for picnics, etc.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2011-02-01T07:11:00.000-08:00

Untitled

...yet another scan from a book of paintings I did years ago. I think I had a title but must have forgotten to record it.

Ken

2011-01-31T09:41:00.000-08:00

"Galena"

My home town of Galena, Illinois still fascinates me. This is something I scanned from a book of watercolor paintings I did many years ago. The colors didn't come out quite right but close enough.

Ken Marsden Art

2011-01-28T10:27:00.002-08:00

"In the Net"

11" X 8"

watercolor

Ken Marsden Art

2011-01-16T08:52:00.000-08:00

"Winter" If this looks familiar it's because I have done this scene before. Of course every watercolor is different.

Ken

2010-12-09T11:06:00.002-08:00

"Millbrig"

During my wanderings looking for painting subjects I keep my eyes open for cows in a stream. Lately I haven't seen anything that inspired me to paint so yesterday I took some old photos I had of cows in pastures and made up a composition and created my own steam. I named it after a stream near my old home town of Galena, Illinois because my uncle years ago had a cottage there. We used to have family picnics that always included swiming or wading. Usually it was necessary to share the stream with cows.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2010-12-05T06:41:00.000-08:00

"Morning Mist"

I love to capture the moood of a time and place.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2010-11-05T07:08:00.000-07:00

"Miss Kitty"

Miss Kitty adopted us seven years ago. I finally got around to painting her.

I recently joined the Northeast chapter of Wisconsin Visual Artists. It seems to be a good group and I am happy about that after several disappointments with other art organizations. Another good one is East Ludington Gallery, the coop gallery in Escanaba, MI. I will be working there tomorrow from 3:00 to closing to help out with an Art Walk promotion. East Ludington Gallery is a fun place and has a number of good artists as members. One of my favorite events is "Third Thursday" which as the name tells you is held the third Thursday each month. Information about that and the other events and promotions at the gallery can be found in their newsletter. To get on that mail list (e-mail) contact Kay Eaton through her web site. Kay is one of the fine artists at ELG.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2010-11-03T08:36:00.001-07:00

"Baby Robin"
I need a title for this. Any input is welcome.
Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2010-10-09T17:57:00.001-07:00

"Netted"

I Put on my waders, fly fishing vest and posed for this in our back lawn. My wife Shirley took a couple of quick photos. The neighbors must have thought I'd completely lost it seeing me dipping into the grass lawn wth my net.

Actually I seldom use the net while fishing because I release the trout that I catch. Only rarely do they end up in the frying pan.

Trout season is over for this year so I will be doing more painting.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2010-10-06T08:19:00.001-07:00

"Grass"

I just have to get better at photography and Photoshop. My painting is much better than this. Oh Well! I don't think this one is going to be entered into any competion. It is just a batch of grass and weeds along side the backroad we were travelling near Galena, IL...a real painting challenge. I guess it was a challenge for the automatic setting on the camera also. In real life the grass was almost glowing and was contrasted against shadows so dark they were almost black. Over hanging shrubs were yet another tone.

Like so many artists, I spend hours looking for a great subject to paint while often there is one right where we are if we would only look.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2010-09-25T07:47:00.001-07:00

"Still Standing"

Last weekend we visited Galena, IL. In nearby Council Hill we stopped at Council Hill Station and I took lots of pictures-no time allowed for sketching-and this painting is a result. As I often do I modified the scene considerably-night rather than afternoon-added pumpkins for a touch of color-and placed it on a hill-otherwise a fairly accurate portrayal of a fascinating structure.

Ken

P.S. I have to once again put in a plug for The Grandview Guest House in Galena. You must stay there!

Ken Marsden Art

2010-09-15T06:03:00.000-07:00

"Fishing the Falls"

I love trout fishing! Not only is it great fun but, it also takes me to beautiful places. Marinette, Wisconsin, where I live, has many waterfalls. Trout love them too.

I find waterfalls a challenge to capture using watercolors. I keep experimenting with techniques. I thought this one turned out ok. What do you think?

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2010-09-08T12:39:00.001-07:00

"Headed In"

The boats have gotten up-dated and commercial fishing in the Bay of Green Bay isn't what it used to be but ...

Ken Marsden Art

2010-09-06T12:50:00.000-07:00

"Menominee Lighthouse"

The Menominee River separates the Upper Peninsula of Michigan from Wisconsin. This view is from Marinette Wisconsin.

I still haven't gotten over my love affair with Indian Yellow and the various yellows in my box of watercolor paints.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2010-09-06T12:42:00.000-07:00

Ken Marsden Art

2010-08-30T18:58:00.001-07:00

"Fisherman"

Painting and fishing, I love 'em both.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2010-08-28T05:07:00.000-07:00

"Brule River"
After nearly a week of camping on the Brule River I was once again inspired by Joe Lopez's photography and this will give a watercolor impression of the area.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2010-08-15T09:08:00.001-07:00

"Joe's Deer "
For years I have been fascinated by encaustic paintings. However, I don't enjoy the laborious effort involved in the process of melting wax, etc. so I have experimented with simulation. This one is watercolor on gessoed Masonite board. The original isn't quite so washed out but this is the best my copier could produce.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2010-08-12T05:50:00.000-07:00

"Opposite Points of View"

While painting I thought about many things including about how slow I was proceeding with the piece I was working on. Years ago I thought if I got good at watercolor I could paint "Wham-Bam" and produce a great painting like they portray in the movies. I still try that sometimes but have found that I now paint liesurley, enjoying what I'm doing and letting my mind roam. There is no extra charge. The act of painting seems to stimulate thought.

I used to refer to my grandmother when making a point as my old German grandmother. Today I realized I should drop the "old". She was wise and old had little to do with it. One of her oft mentioned sayings (not original with her of course) was "all things in moderation". Mind wander led me to apply this to recent conversations with fellow artists. Some place great emphasis on formal training. Others deny that has importance and may be a hindrance.

As usual, I believe my grandmother was correct. Why get too heated about such an issue? Sound training, be it formal, academic or self study provides the foundation for good work. At some point though, the artist must throw away all rules and let inner feelings and knowlege that has been made into one's own take over. Only then can originality surface and a unique style emerge.

What do you think?

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2010-07-31T08:21:00.000-07:00

Shirley says my cartoons always make fun of her. This one poked fun at me. Shirley thinks I am accident prone.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2010-07-20T06:56:00.001-07:00

One day while camping in Texas an RV pulled into the site with a couple that were nudists. When they heard I was an artist she couldn't wait to show me her sketches. As usual I had to create a cartoon for my daily journal. More about this in my next Blog.

Ken

PS. She was clothed.

Ken Marsden Art

2010-07-19T15:31:00.000-07:00

Here is another cartoon from my travel trailer days

Ken Marsden Art

2010-07-19T06:35:00.001-07:00

We don't travel south to spend the winters anymore but when we did I kept a cartoon journal of daily events. This is one I did in Goliad State Park, Texas.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2010-07-19T05:48:00.001-07:00

My memory is short. I guess that is another way of saying it's bad. I don't remember if I put this painting up before. It is of an Indian ranch in Taos New Mexico. A former student of Ansel Adams looked at it and said paint the building red. Apparently he insisted on doing color photography even though his mentor preffered black and white and was told "if you insist on color put red in your photos". I thought that was a good critique of my painting but I left it the way I saw the scene.

Thanks for looking!

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2010-06-24T07:40:00.000-07:00

This is a watercolor from "The Prayer" by William - Adophe Bouguereau.

Thanks for looking!

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2010-06-09T10:38:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 17 will be an eventful day at East Ludington Gallery, Escanaba, MI. One of the Bus Tour groups that visit the gallery is scheduled for that day. They are always fun and I enjoy talking with folks from all over the country. Sometimes there are people from other countries. This group is World Wide Country Tours.

Thursday, 4:30 to 6:00 is our monthly "Third Thursday" event. If you are in the area you should come and enjoy a fun time with lots of interesting conversation.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2010-06-08T16:08:00.000-07:00

"Cone Flowers"

Ken Marsden Art

2010-06-06T06:50:00.000-07:00

"Krenger's Farm" Here is a 4" X 6" miniature. Now I'm off to go trout fishing!
Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2010-06-05T06:08:00.001-07:00

"The Walk Home" ...yet another miniature. Trout season takes me into some beautiful places. I like to fish the more remote spots so the hike in and out provides scenes for paintings.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2010-06-04T09:08:00.000-07:00

...a miniature of another of my fishing spots. This one is going to East Ludington Gallery in Escanaba, MI. Last Sunday I had the pleasure of attending the annual bash at The Paint Box Gallery in Ephraim, WI, where a number of my miniatures are offered along with larger paintings. If you haven't visited these exceptional galleries I highly recommend you consider doing so.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2010-04-28T06:28:00.000-07:00

Hello! To those, if any, that try to follow my blog, I have been having internet woes. Everything now seems back in working order so I hope to do better about keeping up with new postings.

Recently the Co-op gallery that I'm in at Escanaba MI moved to its new location on Ludington street. It is really nice and I hope those in this area will stop by. There is an additional incentive if you do so on the third Thursday any month. At those events between 4:30 and 6:30 we have a lot going on, including prizes, usually entertainment and best of all, interesting conversation. Many of the ELG artists are there to meet with you.

My 28 painting exhibit in the lobby of the State Administrative Building, Madison, WI, sponsored by theWisconsin Arts Board, ends this Friday so anyone in the area please hurry over to see it.

Thanks!
Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2010-04-07T11:20:00.001-07:00

"Wisconsin Soybean Field -2"

The Paint Box Gallery in Ephraim, WI, in Door County requested "miniature" paintings for the annual May exhibit. I usually don't paint that small but have been doing a few for submission. Here is the first one.

Ken Marsden Art

2010-04-05T05:42:00.001-07:00

"He's On!"
In Spring a young man's fancy turns to baseball - or fishing. Well I guess it's the same for old men too. I've not been tending to my blog but I have been painting and I guess my thoughts have at least in part been on the upcoming trout season. This painting is the result.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2010-03-10T07:22:00.000-08:00

Last week 28 of my watercolor paintings were hung in the lobby of the State Administration Building, 101 E. Wilson St. in Madison Wisconsin, thanks to the Wisconsin Arts Board. A special thanks to Jeri Krohn of that organization for all of her assistance. The Wisconsin Arts Board is a state agency. You can learn more by visiting them on line. The paintings will be on exhibit thru April 30, 2010.

A number of my paintings can also be seen at www.portalwisconsin.org. The site is a project of the Cultural Coalition of Wisconsin, which is made up of seven statewide partners - Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters,Wisconsin Arts Board, Wisconsin Historical Society, Wisconsin Humanities Council, Wisconsin Public Radio, Wisconsin Public Television and University of Wiconsin Extension-Continuing Education.

If you are in the Madison, Wisconsin area please swing by and take a look at the exhibit. Access and parking are quite easy.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2010-02-28T12:57:00.001-08:00

"Cana Island Lighthouse "

I noticed that I forgot the railing on the previous Blog so here is the finished painting.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2010-02-26T10:10:00.001-08:00

"Cana Island Lighthouse"

Our local art organization hangs paintings in city hall seasonally. This is one of mine that will be going in next Monday for the spring season.

It has been quite a busy time. Yesterday I drove to Madison Wisconsin with a load of paintings that will be hung at the Wisconsin Arts Board Admin Building March 8. Last week I was in Escanaba meeting with coop gallery members trying to find a new location. After 29 years our landlord is closing the building we were in. Yikes!

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2010-02-22T12:36:00.001-08:00

"Perch"

Here is the second fish in my new series

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2010-02-21T19:18:00.000-08:00

"BLUEGILL" The economy is impacting art sales but my affordable ceramic and marble tiles continue to sell well...so I decided to create more of them. Next will be a series of fish paintings. Here is the first one.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2010-02-14T09:55:00.001-08:00

"Hard Life-10" I must have painted this scene 10 times but I didn't count.

Today, sitting in church(before the service started) my mind was triggered by the individual pieces of glass in a stained glass window. I don't know the connection but I next thought about painting a maple leaf in autumn colors. I realized it would be impossible to get it exact. Later as the service progressed and the pastor preached it occurred to me that we can accept what we do not understand. Somehow this all got connected after I got home and embarked on some art project. So--I can accept absract art 'though I do not understand it. What gets me is the number of people who look at an abstract piece and proclaim they do understand it .

Perhaps it's a matter of intellect. I never claimed to be at the top of that list. So, I go on painting cows, etc., which I continue to portray in a manner not quite exact but far from what anyone would call abstract.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2010-02-09T18:47:00.001-08:00

"Cheating"

Years ago My family played a card game called Euchre quite regularly, often at my cousin Bob's house. His sister Helen only lived a few doors away and always was Bob's Euchre partner. They were notorious cheaters. They both passed away some years ago but my memories of those card games and the fun we had lives on. Here is a painting of Bob sneaking a glance at my partner's cards. You had better hold the cards close to your chest.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2010-02-05T11:31:00.001-08:00

"Texas"

Well, we're back from our very short trip to Texas. The wind was too strong to permit fishing on Lake Fork but I did come away with a commission to paint this bull. The owner raises stock for rodeo events.

I am always nervous about commissions for owners who are expert in an animal breed. They always know so much about the anatomy that it is easy for an artist to get something not quite right. Wish me luck.

Another thing, painting all black animals is difficult. In order to avoid ending with a black blob the artist must resort to trickery and introduce browns, blues, etc. that may not actually be present. Just plain lightened highlights don't seem to work. Oh well! All painting is a form of trickery anyway. Let me know what you think.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2010-01-08T06:30:00.001-08:00

"Soybean Field"

My fascination with Indian Yellow continues. If I could figure out how to do a winter scene in Indian Yellow I probably would do so.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2010-01-03T07:20:00.000-08:00

"Grandma's Birds"

I did this subject a day after my wife Polly died in 1997. It showed more emotion and was done in quite a different color scheme. Later I decided to do it in just a little bit more precise manner and to give it a new title.

I have been preparing digital images for an upcoming show and decided to include this painting but had no digital record of it. It is a thankless job to remove a painting from the framing but a necessary task to take a photo. I think it was worth the effort.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2009-12-31T13:13:00.000-08:00

"Chickadee" My wife has been asking me to paint another chickadee for years. A wonderful man, Joe Lopez, who lives rather remotely in the woods up north takes incredible wildlife photos. He gave me permission to paint from several of his pictures. When I saw his chickadee photo I knew I had to do it in watercolor. I simplified the branches a little so the bird would be more dominant. I think I'm going to do this one many times.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2009-12-29T15:59:00.001-08:00

"Jim Goodbread's Dogs"

I'm back to work after taking some time to enjoy Christmas. This is my latest.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2009-12-21T18:48:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

I probably will get pretty busy the next few days so thought I'd better get my greetings out now while I have the time. Thanks to all who check in on my Blog. I'd love to hear from all of you. Have a Happy New Year!

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2009-12-18T10:51:00.001-08:00

...seen this before? Of course, in an earlier blog, but in a different season. One of my habits is to revisit scenes previously painted and to do them again in a different coloration or season. I have painted this old barn numerous times. I can't say that I have a favorite. Do you?

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2009-12-15T13:49:00.000-08:00

I recently wrote about painting while working my assigned days at East Ludington Gallery, a Co-op gallery in Escanaba, MI. I did this painting yesterday while working at the gallery. A friend ordered a painting to be given as a Christmas present. He wanted a barn and cows to be included. I still have to mat and frame it so it may not get to Florida by Christmas.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2009-12-14T04:25:00.000-08:00

It is early on a Monday morning and I have a few things to do before heading north to Escanaba, Michigan. It is my turn to work in the East Ludington Gallery. I look forward to my work days (I only work a couple of days per month) because I spend most of the time painting, pleasantly interupted from time to time by shoppers. Most stop and watch as I paint and enter into interesting conversation. Sometimes someone will come into the gallery seeking information. One lady came in and asked me where she could buy a bra. I wondered why she thought I'd know the answer to that. Any way, the days at the gallery are almost always interesting.

Last Saturday was especially interesting. We had several bus tours stop. The group on the Home Spun Tours bus was especially fun. What a lively gang! If you aren't familiar with Bill Richards' Home Spun Tours check them out at www.homespuntours.com.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2009-12-04T12:38:00.001-08:00

Every year, while gazing at our Christmas tree, I'm inspired to try to capture it in a watercolor. This year, as always, I failed miserably. Still it is an enjoyable experience. I don't know about you but I never have bad thoughts while gazing at the Christmas tree. Almost always my mind goes back to memories of long ago. They are always pleasant thoughts.

This year I was inspired to try it in an abstract manner. That's about as abstract as it gets for me. The inspiration came from two wonderful artists I met at a recent local art event. Mary Derusha and Glenda Banta both paint in an abstract style and looking at their paintings led me to once again give it a try.

...hope you enjoy it.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2009-11-26T08:06:00.001-08:00

...not a painting but a digital photo from my backyard. This is a small group of Tundra Swans that have been hanging around longer than usual this year. Usually there are jus a few but this year there were hundreds. They stay a short while on their way to where ever it is they winter.

I don't have a significant telephoto lens but I'm going to try to do a painting from what I have to work with. I suppose if I were more dedicated (and younger) I'd build a blind to conceal myself down on waters edge and get some better photos.

Oh well! I'll put the finished painting on this blog if it turns out OK.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2009-11-24T05:27:00.001-08:00

"Three Sisters" I have been trying extra hard to simplify my paintings. When I show this painting to visitors to our home and then ask them to look across to the woods in front of the house they cant even find the three trees that inspired this painting.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2009-11-22T07:31:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all that attended our Open House event at East Ludington Gallery this weekend! I trust that those more distant will check out my new web site, www.kenmarsden.com.

Thanks!

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2009-11-21T04:02:00.001-08:00

"Failing Light"

I watched an artist on TV paint a rose. During the chit chat that goes along with those TV demonstrations the artist commented that "you don't have to paint exactly what is there. Try to paint the most beautiful rose there ever was." I tend to paint florals (and other subjects) that aren't necessarily the "prettiest." Just like with people, the ones that show the wear and tear of life are usually more interesting. I also usually don't paint flowers stuffed into a vase but there have been exceptions. The idea of painting them alive and free to bob in the wind is more appealing.

P.S. Take a look at my redo of www.kenmarsden.com

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2009-11-20T03:59:00.001-08:00

"Opposite Points of View"

I think many artists enjoy the act of painting or sculpting or whatever it is they do to create. Afterwards we may feel good when we receive a compliment or recognition of our work but to me it is a different feeling than the one I get while actually doing the work. Too much of the one can cause me trouble, to get a swelled head which interferes with the next painting.

Recently I received compliments from the owners of paintings I did over 25 years ago. Perhaps because of the separation in time it gave me a good feeling without messing with my thoughts about my current work. It felt good to know people were getting pleasure from something I painted many years ago.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2009-11-18T12:03:00.001-08:00

I just finished a portrait of my neighbor and her daughter...thought I'd share it.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2009-11-17T05:44:00.001-08:00

"Mates"

My studio overlooks the water here on the Bay of Green Bay. I can hear the shotguns booming away steadily throughout the day. Yet the ducks, geese and seagulls still hug our shoreline. Lately we have been blessed with a flock of Tundra Swans. They swim so effortlessly back and forth just a few yards from shore, stopping occasionally to tip over and feed, with their rear ends pointing skyward. Meanwhile, closer to the studio, Chicadees keep chattering as they make their constant back and forth trips to our many feeders. Years ago we had a notion to sell this place. Now I wonder what could I have been thinking?

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2009-11-16T08:38:00.001-08:00

...another image forgotten and then found during my recent attempts to straighten up my studio. Alexys and Alyssa Christian (Grandaughters) posed for this. A librarian commissioned the painting and gave me considerable freedom in choice of composition. That is always appreciated. I shudder when a patron says "I know exactly what I want."

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2009-11-15T11:13:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to straighten up my work area which is a mess. I came across things I had forgotten. One of those things was a print of a painting I had done sometime ago. The painting had been triggered by finding an old family photo. It was not a good painting. My excuse is that I did it while recovering from a viral infection and was being affected by the medication used to treat me. As an aside, I ask, why do they say you are being treated when you are ill? It is no treat! The medication made me shaky, but I forged ahead, undaunted by lack of success. It was a "bad" painting but there was something about it that I liked. Memories are like that. They often contain something we like but often a whole lot we don't.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2009-11-13T10:24:00.000-08:00

...just another reminder about the Christmas Open House at East Ludington Gallery, 619 Ludington St., Escanaba, MI on November 20 and 21. All items in the gallery will be discounted 10%. I will be offering an additional 30% on selected Paintings. Other artists will be offering various additional discounts on their items.

...hope to see you there!

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2009-11-12T06:08:00.001-08:00

Opposite Points of View

Yesterday I was asked if I enjoy modern art. I never know exactly how to answer that question. I suppose to give a meaningful answer a person would need to define what they mean by "modern art". Too much of it seems to me to be an attempt to present a message when the artist has nothing to say or if they do have something to say, don't have the tools or talent to express it. I paint for the joy of painting and sort of as a by product hope someone will get a moment of pleasure from the painting. When I look at a modern painting and it gives me a moment of pleasure that's great. But I don't need to be reminded how corupt the world is or whatever else is bothering the artist.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2009-11-11T04:26:00.001-08:00

I included this image in a past blog but repeat it here because it fit the thoughts rumbling around in my mind. I always liked this painting because it conveyed a mood and scene without really going into any detail. Actually the cows depicted if looked at individually and up close aren't even identifiable as cows. I try to get that idea across to students who come to me for help with watercolor painting. So many do what I call kid's coloring book paintings. They draw a scene and then fill it in the way we did as kids. Careful! Don't go outside the lines! Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2009-11-07T17:59:00.000-08:00

In my blog two days ago I complained about the weather. Today East Ludington Gallery in Escanaba, MI participated in an Art Walk. The weather was beautiful and we had a great turnout. Perhaps I should complain about the weather more often.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2009-11-05T08:35:00.000-08:00

We have had a crappy autumn. Usually October is really nice. Not so this year. I can still heat my tiny studio with its small propane heater but when I do, as I did this morning, I just don't seem to be inspired to paint. My solution was to force myself to do some framing projects. Somehow that got the painting mood started and I began routing through CD's of earlier paintings. I think the painting shown here was done perhaps 30 years ago. It was titled simply "Shade".

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2009-11-04T03:40:00.000-08:00

Opposite Points of View

I have always had mixed thoughts about having reproductions of my paintings. I know others have written extensively about the subject but it hasn't helped clear my mind. Generally I have avoided it but occasionally have some done in a much smaller size than the original. Somehow that seems OK. Yesterday I had Graphic Impressions, Wausaukeee, WI make some that will be used for display at City Hall in Menominee, MI. On short notice they wanted paintings of "Winter" and although I have done many, the originals have been sold or are out in galleries so I opted to show reproductions. I seem OK with that. Do other artists struggle with those decisions?

Ken Marsden Art

2009-11-02T03:59:00.000-08:00

The East Ludington Gallery in Escanaba, MI is celebrating "TwelveWeeks" of Christmas. In addition, this Saturday, November 7, there is an "Art Walk" which will include ELG. Then, on November 20 and 21 the gallery will hold its annual Christmas Open House. ELG's Christmas Open House events are always a fun time with a variety of discounts on Fine Art and gift items covering a wide range of prices. If you are within driving distance please stop by. Actually, since the gallery is open six days a week, any day is fun at ELG.

Here is a recent painting of a Wisconsin farm that will be hanging in the gallery as soon as I finish framing it.

...see ya there!

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

2009-11-01T08:12:00.001-08:00

Last night we attended the unveiling of Kay Eaton's oil portrait of congressman Bart Stupak. Kay did a very nice job. The conressman and wife were of course there and host Nancy Douglass had arranged for some delicious treats. The event was held at the library in Menominee, MI. The library overlooks the marina and the lighthouse at the mouth of the Menominee River. That prompts me to include this recent painting which will be converted into six inch tiles to be sold at local galleries. It perhaps might be a bit more "Edgy" than my normal style.

Ken Marsden Art

2009-10-31T07:59:00.001-07:00

This is the stone carving done by Night Bird. We purchased it at the Indian Pueblo near Taos, New Mexico.