Ken Marsden Art

"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

"Jim Goodbread's Dogs"

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

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

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

...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

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

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

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

...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

"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

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

"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

"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

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

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

"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

...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

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

...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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ken Marsden Art

Earlier this year I wrote about our trip to Taos, New Mexico. Like all good tourists we visited the Indian Pueblo community near by. I purchased a stylized stone carving of a bear done by Night Bird. He allowed me to take his photograph and I used it to do a portrait in watercolor. Here is Night Bird.

Ken Marsden Art

For those readers living near by, I will be at East Ludington Gallery, Escanaba, MI on November 9 and 10. That same gallery will be having a Christmas Open House on November 20 and 21. Those not currently receiving the E newsletter from East Ludington gallery can send their email address to me and I will get you added to the mail list. The newsletter is the best way to stay informed about discounts and gallery festivities.
Ken

Ken Marsden Art

Sometimes in order to get to one of the trout streams I have to trudge through fields or swamps or... Sometimes the scenery is spectacular and sometimes it's just a nice day. This painting resulted from one such outing. The scene is a meadow with an old abandoned saw mill , now buried in a woods. I don't remember how the trout behaved that day but I do remember the weather was enjoyable.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

I've been terrible about tending to my Bolg for sometime and realize that after telling about the gallery in Minocqua, WI I didn't add later that they also opened a gallery downstairs and it is named "Main StreetGallery." I have had some sales there so I hope they continue to do well and that area readers will stop by this fine gallery. Trout season ended this past week so perhaps my painting hours will increase. I have one new student and she shows great promise. There, that covers May to October all in one jumbled mess. I hope my future blogs are better written and they may even contain a new painting or two. Thanks for bearing with me!

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

"The Loner" I seem to be in my Indian Yellow period. It does sort of fit the Autumn season we are in.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

This is quite a change for me. "Cornglow"

Ken Marsden Art

Hello again!

On our trip back from Taos we stopped by Galena and stayed at the Grandview- the nicest of Galena's many fine B&B's. Take a look!

Ken Marsden Art

Its been awhile. I just got back from a short trip to Taos, NM. I can understand why artists have flocked there, the light is intense and the surrounding country side is beautiful. I even got in one day of mountain trout fishing with my favorite 4wt. fly rod.

I didn't like the hectic nature of the traffic in the shopping area but there were some nice galleries. I talked with several gallery owners and a very workable, nice gallery space runs about $1,700 / month. Volume and pricing seem to make it work. One gallery wanted $200 / month for a relatively small wall space. He had 5 current artists and 5 more waiting. If I was young I'd be tempted to buy a place there- but then I'd want the wall space for my own art.

A lot of the art is "Edgy" and modern but I saw some with which I could relate. Perhaps the best part was visiting the surrounding areas, especially the Pueblo nearby. I shot pictures to serve as inspiration for "back home paintings." Some of the shots were of the more interesting Native Americans who agreed to the photo- not all do.

I haven't been putting many paintings on the blog or web site because I have it on good source that they are being stolen faster than I can paint them so I guess I'll rely on gallery sales pretty much from now on.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

Up Town Gallery in Minocqua, WI is a new gallery and I am pleased to have my work included there since the closing of The Main Street Gallery. The new gallery is in the Gaslight Square Building where you will also find some other neat high-end shops. Give it a look!

I mentioned the "Show" at The Paint Box Gallery in Ephraim, Door County, WI in my last blog. The show is of miniature work, a long standing tradition in that gallery. I had not painted in such small sizes (limited to 25 sq. inches) before but after doing some especially for that event I got to liking the idea and added "Minis" to my work for sale at East Ludington Gallery, Escanaba, MI. I am hopeful that folks will like the "Minis" as much as my larger works. They will definitely find them much more affordable.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

What a long winter! But here are some things coming up: For those local folks I will be at East Ludington Gallery in Escanaba MI on February 27 and 28. As usual, anyone interested can stop by and participate in informal watercolor demonstration and instruction. It's always free you know and the only disclaimer is that there will hopefully be interuptions while I take care of customers.

Speaking of East Ludington Gallery, I have been quite active this year on their Marketing Committee working with the very talented Kay Eaton. She is responsible for the nice Newsletter which you can find out about by visiting www.eastludingtongallery.com and that can also link you to her blog.

Coming up in May is the annual do at The Paint Box Gallery in Ephraim, WI. I think this is a "by invitation" but not sure about that but contact Carol at 920 854 4435 and tell her Ken Marsden sent you.

Ken Marsden Art

Here is yet another winter scene.
Ken

Ken Marsden Art

I have had a propensity in the past to paint summer scenes during the winter and vice versa. This winter I seem inspired to paint the winter around me. Here is a new one.
Ken

Ken Marsden Art

In my last blog I mentioned my acceptance to exhibit at the Wisconsin Arts Board in Madison Wisconsin. I have since been notified that a number of my paintings have been posted to www.portalwisconsin.org. For a period you can see them under recent artists or by searching the site using my name.

Ken

Ken Marsden Art

I apologize for the gap in my Blog entries but here is an announcement: I have been notified by the Wisconsin Arts Board that I have been selected to exhibit utilizing 55 linear feet of wall space at their Madison building. The exhibit will not be until 2010 but I need every bit of that time to assemble a collection of my very best paintings.

As for the gap in blog entries, one of the main reasons has been computer difficulties which have taxed both brain and energy. A new motherboard installation seemed like the way to go but now I realize for the small difference in cost I should have gone to Wal Mart and purchased a new computer. Fortunately all digital images survived. Now that the Christmas and New Years holidays are past I can get back to some serious (well not too serious) painting and I hope you will come to this site frequently as I promise to do better - a New Years Resolution? I will try!

Ken