Friday, December 28, 2012

Gift of Love

~ click on image to enlarge ~
Here's a view of this finished piece at my work station at home.  Reference photos to the left, and pastel sticks to the right.  Ah....Home Sweet Home!

I finished this work close to the end of November. The image is 20x16 ; pastels on Wallis paper mounted on archival foam board.  The father of the bride commissioned the work as a Christmas present for his daughter.  The vows of love were exchanged sometime this past Summer in Des Moines.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Thinking of Christmas!

- Click on image to enlarge -
These little jewels are small stretched canvases that I've been having fun creating oil images on.  Each canvas is roughly 3"x3" in size.  They will be sold with the supporting easel. 

I'll have these mini gems with me this weekend (Dec. 1st/2nd) at the Iron & Lace store in Bentonsport, IA.  It's the "Celebrating Christmas in the Villages" weekend.   Store hours in Bentonsport are 10am to 5pm both days.

Want to support the creative process?  Give a Unique "One of a Kind" gift that is joyful and created with love?  Send me an email if you're interested in purchasing one or a set of mini oil paintings.
Send to: ginlammert@yahoo.com   with  " Mini Oil Paintings" in the subject line.

Now, back to being Santa's helper I go.......Hi Ho! Hi Ho! Hi Ho!

.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

The Gift

Here is a photo of a working space the Printy's have created for me in the Iron & Lace Store in Bentonsport, IA.   Part of  Bill & Betty's oil lamp collection hangs in the window beside my easel.  There is a big picture window to the left of this view where I can see the Des Moines River and the old Iron Bridge that was converted from driving to walking only in 1985.

This is the last pastel created here for this season.  I've packed everything up and have moved items home to work during the week.  The stores in Bentonsport will be open weekends only for the months of November and December.

This past weekend was celebrated with having a Buckskinner Rendezvous along the Des Moines River.  People from our Tri-State area come and re-create the past by dressing/living as Mountain men and women of the late 1700's, early 1800's.

This painting depicts one of those ladies.  She was gifted with this fox fur and it's one of her most treasured belongings.
Here's the finished Pastel painting   "The Gift"  18.5"x13"

This painting is part of my "Two Iowa Counties" project.  I'll share more about this series of works later.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Snow? White?

Soft Pastel 10"x14"
This was a first attempt with working with a new paper designed for soft pastels....from Canson called "touch".  It has a slight "tooth" to the surface so I was able to layer a bit without spraying the surface with a fixative.

The vote is still out if I like the paper.  I've become quite fond of Wallis paper for pastel work.  So, I think it will take a few more tries before I've made up my mind if I use this substrate for commissioned works. 

I came across the photo I took a few seasons ago that I've used here as reference....ice over everything.  It was early morning and bitterly cold.  Just enough snow to cover the ground, but not deep enough to cover the corn stocks.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

2012 Iowa Nouveau Poster

24"x18"  Soft Pastel on Wallis paper

Here's this years poster design for Tassel Ridge Winery's 2012 Iowa Nouveau wine.  It will be released when the wine is available to the public in November.  The winery is located just off Highway 163 between Oskaloosa, IA and Pella, IA.  You can read more about the winery by going to http://www.tasselridge.com

I have to say....Thanks April for being my model.  She has beautiful naturally curly hair and is so full of life.

I really enjoy creating in the Art Nouveau style.  I'm thinking of making it my signature style....what do ya think?  send me an email with "Art Nouveau Vote" in the subject line.  ginlammert@yahoo.com

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Labor of Love

Size: 8.5 x 11.5    Soft Pastel on paper

Just finished this painting this morning.  The inspiration here was of the blacksmith, Bill Printy, giving a demonstration to a group of young admirers.  Here, he's making vein impressions on the grapevine leaf by hammering the chisel into the heated metal. 

Now I have 4 paintings completed that will be in the "2 Iowa Counties" book I'm creating.  The goal is to have at least 80 to 100 images to publish.  I'd better get back to work.  Loooong way to gooooo!

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Grape Cluster

Acrylic outdoor paint on metal surface.

The guy that commissioned this work had wondered into my studio in Bentonsport this Spring and asked if could paint the door to his barn.  He brought the door to me and here is the end result. 

I finished working on it here, behind the bank building at Bentonsport.  When the gentleman came to pick up his door....he seemed very pleased.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Calm Sunset

15"x19"  Soft Pastel on Wallis paper

Here's another "skyscape" I'm planning to take to the Mid Summer Art Faire in Quincy, IL June 22-24th.  I sold a skyscape last Saturday at the studio ...unframed.  Had it laying on the table, ready to take home to frame.  Now it's headed for Callifornia.

I love it when inspiration strikes someone and no matter what, they have to have a piece of original artwork.  Even better when it's something I've created.  I know then, it spoke to their heart and will inspire the viewer each time they look at it.

I can't think of a better compliment to an artist....unless it is a student that grows by leaps and bounds in their own creativity with having a start from something I've suggested.  Ego talking here...can't help it! Helpng others to enjoy the arts is who I am.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Evening Storm

12"x20" - soft pastel on wallis paper (mounted)

Here's another "skyscape" that I plan to take to Mid Summers Art Faire in Quincy, IL June 22-24th.  I'm planning to present several skyscape works, along with floral still life pastel paintings, during this show.  I'll have some of my giclee reproductions of earlier works too.  These will include the "Element" series and other favorite images.

So far, this will be the only outdoor show I attend this year.  To visit with me and purchase originals and prints, please stop by some Saturday at the Lammert Art Studio in Bentonsport, IA.   I have students works for sale and a few metal items created by Mika Sorak.

Now.....back to work. Commissioned paintings, new works for galleries, and plein air painting are filling up the daylight hours for me.  I manage to slip in a little bit of time to garden. I have to admit, I like staying busy!

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

View of Bridge over the Des Moines river

Click on image to enlarge
Oil - 6"x6"

A small group of us have started painting "Plein Air" on Friday and/or Sunday mornings in Bentonsport, IA.  This painting is the 2nd I've created during these paint outs.

There is endless subject matter in this quiet community and the experience of painting on location is sooooooooo energizing.  Each time spent at the easel in the garden has been uplifting with  an orchestra of birdsong and the sound of gentle movement of water from the river. 

For those wanting to share the experience, come join us on Friday and Sunday mornings, 8am to 10 am.  Artists are welcomed to set up anytime around the business district of Bentonsport.  The Rose Garden is located in the Riverside Park just across the main businesses along Hawk street.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Betty's Passion

Click on image to enlarge
17"x13" Soft Pastel on Wallis paper

This is the second image I've created from a series of photos I took of  Betty working one day.  She loves pottery ....it, along with gardening, are true passions of hers.  Betty and Bill Printy own the Iron & Lace Store in Bentonsport, IA.   Betty is always giving demonstrations on the wheel for small groups interested in the craft.  Amazingly enough, she's shy when having her picture taken doing it.

This painting was commissioned by Betty's oldest daughter and given to her daughter for her 21st birthday.  I'm ever grateful for being a part of such joyous gifts of love.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Late in the Day

23"x17"  Pastel on Wallis paper

Here's a sunset picture I took one evening last summer.  This is a typical gravel road in Davis County, IA.  I was awe struck by the beautiful colors in the sky.  Iowa sunsets can be so inspiring  and change so quickly.

I'll be painting several different versions of this scene. All created from time lapse photos.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Lace in Full Bloom

Click on image to enlarge
14"x18"  Soft Pastel on Wallis paper

Here's the first of many to come pastel paintings of Bentonsport, IA.  I've been taking a lot of pictures of the area .... capturing not only different weather conditions, but the unique seasons as well.  I'm excited to create....Create....CREATE!

Friday, April 20, 2012

Studio Grand Opening Celebration

Lammert Art Studio is located on the 2nd floor of the Greef General Store in Bentonsport, IA.  There is an entrance from the store during the Greef business hours and all other hours are by the side door that is located on the East side of the building.  This door opens directly to the stairwell. 

This is a view as you walk into the room.

 This is the "Inspiration" wall where  favorite quotes, notes, and established artists works are posted.  It will also be filled with students works.  There are a few already pinned in place.
On the easels are works by Marybeth Heikes.  She is a master watercolorist that has been featured in American Artist magazine as well as other publications.  She will be conducting a workshop Sat., June 2nd  - "Mixed Media Collage".

Workshop hours: 10 to 4pm  - cost $60.
If interested in attending, please contact me either by email ginlammert@yahoo.com
or phone: 641-208-5968

Saturday, April 21st, is considered the Grand Opening of the above studio. It will be open to the public from 10am to 7pm.   Classes have been held here since February and more are scheduled for the rest of 2012.  You may check out the schedule on my website http://www.ginlammert.com 


Sunday, February 26, 2012

First Pastel workshop in New Studio!






Click on image to enlarge...

This was the first One Day Pastel workshop held in the new studio in Bentonsport, Feb. 25th, 2012.  I think everyone had a good time....we laughed, shared stories and I was very impressed with everyone's progress for being 1st timers to this medium.  (3 out of the 5 had never worked with soft pastels before)

All the workshops I'm now hosting will be held here. (Upstairs of the Greef General Store in Bentonsport.  Side door entry)  Dates for workshops are listed on my website http://www.ginlammert.com    You can sign up by contacting me directly ginlammert@yahoo.com  or from the Villages Folk School site...  http://www.villagesfolkschool.com   
The next "Drawing" workshop is coming up...March 3rd.  "Pastel"...March 10th.

Wanting to give a unique Mother's Day gift?  Consider signing her and yourself up for the weekend workshop May 5th & 6th for Oil and Pastel.  Beginners welcomed along with those that already enjoy working in these mediums.  Class size is limited...up to 7 max.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Loving Parents

Click image to enlarge
23"x19"  Soft Pastel on Wallis paper

This work was commissioned by a local area bank to give to one of it's employees getting ready to retire after years of devoted service.  I was given seperate images and asked to combine them to make one painting.  Changes I also made were of the direction the two were looking. 

The longer I studied these two, the more I felt I personally new them.  Reserved with a sense of humor to soften the rough spots in life.  Just enough mischief to make life interesting...never dull - coupled with a strong work ethic.  Hmmm...I'm describing most Iowans I know! 



Sunday, January 22, 2012

In Memory of Suzi

Click on image to enlarge
Size: 17.5"x13.5"    Soft Pastel on Wallis paper

Here's a portrait of a beloved pet for a client of mine that lives in Colorado.  She saw my work in Bentonsport, IA and commissioned this piece from her own favorite snapshot photos.  The background was added to show location of trees in the rockies.  She was actually sitting in snow at the owners residence.  Playing in the snow was one of her favorite things to do.

Suzi's coat has rich accents of brown, deep rust, cobalt blue and grays mixed with the black.  A lot of the color doesn't show up well in this image......only best appreciated by viewing the original.  I've found most my pastels are like this.  I use a variety of hues to create the illusion of form in my works.  I feel this creates more drama in a painting ......an exploring adventure for the viewer.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Something New

I have EXCITING NEWS.......This is a picture of the business district in Bentonsport, IA.   I will have a new studio in the upstairs of the Greef General Store (largest building in this inage).

The space is filled with light from the South and East.  The studio space can be reached from the inside of the store or a private entrance on the East side.  This is creative space designated for art classes for all ages, workshops through the Villages Folk School   http://www.villagesfolkschool.com  and for other artists I know to hold demonstrations/workshops and display art.  There will be a sitting area for guests to relax in while a member of their family or friends are participating in a class.

I'm currently working on a schedule for  a variety of classes and special events.  There will be a Grand Opening celebration in March, weather permitting.  April at the latest.  All the businesses here are open April through October- 6 to 7 days a week and weekends only November/December.  Only exception to this is the Mason House B&B. I plan to keep the studio open year around as they do.

There will be a regular newsletter from my website announcing events that are happening at the studio. If you want this information, please sign up for the newsletter on my website. http://www.ginlammert.com   There's a link page to sign up.