A "Journal of Paintings" by Jon Conkey,
Themeworks was a "one-year-long" record of my progress in the art of "oil painting", and an attempt to paint 365 paintings in one year. Changing the monthly theme allowed me to focus on subjects I may not have otherwise painted. As an artist, I was looking for discovery and breakthroughs in my works through this daily practice. Themeworks is finished, my new blog is http://studioasturias.blogspot.com, accessed from my profile page.
The moon is very special to me, I'm always stuck trying to figure out how to capture what I see, everything changes so quickly; clouds blow by, and the moon sinks, all with very little patience. Oil 10.00" x 15.00", to purchase email jon@jonconkey.com . JLC
I have been trying to figure out a way to capture foliage more quickly and still make them seem believeable. Cornfields have a "presence" when you are near them, these stocks were over 8' high, very dense, and rustled in the air as though they were talking. Oil on Linen 7.50" x 13.50". To purchase email jon@jonconkey.com. JLC
The focused intent of this officer made me want to paint this image instead of a landscape today. Oil 6.00" x 7.00". Email jon@jonconkey.com for purchase info.
These trees grow near creek beds, the smooth bark of this tree has beautiful grey coloredtones that change with the seasons. Oil on primed Arches 6.00" x 8.00". JLC
This spot is right off the Highway near Pilar, NM. I tried to paint it once; failed miserably! Took a tip from William Wray, sanded the image down, and re-painted it; now I can sleep at night. Oil on linen 8.50" x 12.00". JLC
Gustave Dore spent 30 years of his life illustrating three great works; Don Quixote, Dante's Divine Comedy, and The Bible. This image is the highest heaven, the seat of God, as he imagined it from Dante's Divine Comedy. I used to stare at this image when I was young, wondering if he actually saw this as a vision for real; it has such great depth and vision. JLC
A little "plein air" piece by my studio, the sky was causing the pine needles to glisten in the light, I tried to capture this by leaving negative area between the trees. Oil 5.25" x 8.00". JLC
This is a favorite surf spot I used to surf at. Nearby restaurant lights shined across the beach, lit up the waves, making them easy to see and catch at night. This is at twilght with a cresent moon way off in the distance. Oil on Linen 8.00" x 12.00". JLC
Horses and riding events have always interested me, this practice run shows the form of the rider nicely; how the rider makes an "air-foil" for wind resistance by drafting off the head. Oil 8.00" x 11.00". JLC
This is a watercolor study of Fisherman's Cove, Laguna Beach, a short, rocky climb in between tides puts one in this special spot. Watercolor on Arches 7.50" x 11.00". JLC
This beach is a favorite skimboard spot in Laguna Beach, the tower has a spiral staircase inside of it, and has been a landmark at least since the 70's, it is one of many interesting places in this town to see; but require local knowledge to find. Oil on Linen 7.00" x 16.00". JLC
Today Lisa Haneberg, creator of "Chili Pepper High", a blog dedicated to the uniqueness of New Mexico, posted a small interview of me, profiling the reasons I started, and what success I have had with "Themeworks". This blog is about 1/2 way through my projected goal of 365 paintings in one year.
This painting is of an upper meadow facing "The Saddle", the mountain in the background. Oil on panel9.75" x 11.75". JLC
Today I wanted to try another portrait, as though I haven't already done enough of them. They still remain my favorite type of painting. Oil on masonite. JLC
October's theme will be "long-view landscapes", I have a tendency to avoid big vistas due to the overwhelming information to take in...if they start to get to me, I will occasionally put up a portrait. Northern California has many miles of beautiful rugged coastlines to paint. Oil on masonite 10" x 15". JLC