Author: Chris Henry

This is a new painting that is the part of a series of new works named “Not Retro”. I was inspired by a sculpture artist I saw many years ago at an art festival. What I remembered the artist doing was using metal with rivets that reminded me of small sections of an airplane. He would then finish the work by painting color and a minimal design on the metal surface. Something about the feel of the work stayed with me, and as lead me to contextualize and create this new series. One of the new things I am doing is using letters to create abstract forms or designs. As with all my work, I want the viewer to question or think about what they are seeing, while inviting any interpretation or story that is evoked.

It’s almost that time again, where I open up my studio for Art Trails Open Studios. Mark your calendars, and come see my latest work. October 8, 9, 15 and 16, 2016.  

 

At my studio, the small air conditioner is working overtime during a hot summer in California. I’ve recently made space on my walls for a large commission and several  works that are in process for my gallery, an interior designer and Art Trails Open Studios coming up in October. When I have several projects going it’s important to be disciplined and not let too many things outside of the studio distract me. I think my calendar, and the ability to schedule things on my phone is possibly the best invention ever, and you thought it was the electric car.

Participants from last weeks Epoxy Resin workshop produced some cool work. If you interested in attending a workshop, scroll down to get more info.

Workshop Schedule thru December of 2016 – Full description below

Introductory Workshop / Sunday 1–4:30  Aug. 7^th, Aug. 21, Sept. 11, Sept. 18, October 23, Nov. 13, Dec. 4

All Day Saturday Workshop / Saturday 10–5
July 16, August 20, September 3

Introductory Painting & Mixed Media Workshop
This fun, concentrated workshop will have you exploring and practicing ideas and techniques used in creating mixed media abstract art. I will be sharing methods to approach composition, color and texture, while discussing intuition, and letting go. All paint and materials are provided. You may bring any water-soluble paints or favorite brushes you like to work with, but not needed.
All skill levels welcomed-No artistic experience necessary. All that is needed is a positive attitude and a willingness to play.
Hours: 1 – 4:30 pm
Cost for this workshop – 75.00 (15% discount for signing up for two or more workshops in advance.)

All Day Saturday Mixed Media Workshop
In this fun, exploratory workshop you’ll have all day to express your creativity as I share my approach to creating mixed media abstract art. All paint and materials provided.
You may bring any water-soluble paints or brushes you like to work with, but not needed.
This workshop has an option to bring something you are working on.
Note: If you want to bring large work, you’ll need to let me know the size to make sure there is enough room in the studio. Also if you want to work vertical, you will need to bring your own easel, and possibly larger brushes.
All skill levels welcomed-No artistic experience necessary.
All that is needed is a positive attitude and a willingness to play.
Hours: 10 – 4:30 pm
Light lunches provided with non-vegan and vegan options.
Cost for each workshop – 195.00 (15% discount for signing up for two or more workshops in advance.)                                                                                                    

Interested? Please reply by email – chenry@sonic.net or call (707) 478-8150 Space is limited.
Please sign up early to reserve a space.

 

 

I love seeing original art in person. Part of this is actually seeing up close the surface and texture of the work. When it comes to my own work, I’m out to create a visceral response. Emotion created through color, texture and design are what motivate me when painting in the studio. One can create work that is quiet and subtle, with muted colors, etc. or be larger or more expressive with strong vibrant colors, and more contrast. Part of my toolbox is using texture. I believe it creates interest, depth and mystery. Too much texture can overpower a work. These are things I think about.

Like many others, I was strongly impacted when I first saw one of Van Gogh’s self portraits in person at the Louvre. Many things have been said about this, yet one of the things I was left with was seeing and feeling his textural application of paint. Before that moment, I have and continue to be a texture junkie.

I have a contest for anyone that would like to attend a free workshop in my studio. What follows is a photo of a door written on with a poem from T.S. Eliot – Four Quartets: Little Gidding #5.

The first person to tell me where this door is located shall be able to attend an available 3.5 hour Introductory workshop. Here is a clue – it is located in Healdsburg, CA. Please leave a comment below or reply here if you know the answer.

My new workshop schedule is here.

Let me know what you think about texture and art by leaving a comment below.