6.08.2013

Beautiful JUNE

Usually, by this time of the year,  I have lots of plein air paintings to show for the previous 7 months; pieces that document the cold Colorado winter right into raging spring.  Instead - this year I dedicated months to preparing for the WILDLAND-WILDLIFE show in Colorado Springs which meant a specific focus on large work- ALL studio. For years I have complained about not getting enough studio time - Ha! Be careful what you wish for.  In the end, I managed to complete 8 new oversize paintings- and learned a lot; that's the upside. I got in touch with my cranky side as well.
Going OUT - is my tonic, my meditation, my inspiration - even if the work is crap - I gotta go out.
So, here it is already June; I feel like the fist half of the year has passed me by - but there is no better time to step out into the Colorado landscape, than summer - it is what we live for.
So this week, Sue McCullough and I went out to Zapata, an amazingly diverse area on the western slope of Mt. Blanca where aspens are in the first flush of green. We painted in a grove of Aspens surrounded by Cottonwoods and Spruce.

Later in the week, we met up at Sue's ranch along the Rio Grande river.  This is one of my favorite places to paint at any time of year because of the huge cottonwood trees, views of the river and mountain ranges off to the east - and the west. I took this photo looking west toward the San Juan Mountains at noon when big storm clouds were forming, but when we arrived several hours earlier the skies were clear and I chose to paint looking eastward into the sun toward the Sangre de Christos.  I love it in the morning when the mountain shapes are very flat - like they have been cut out of colored paper and placed on top of the sky. This piece still needs some edge work and a signature.




6.04.2013

WILD Times in Colorado Springs

I am very excited about this show that just went up at the Phantom Canyon Brewing Company, one of Colorado Springs' most distinctive event spaces/ brewery.
Myself and Tracy Miller, of the TracyMiller Gallery in Manitou have put together 24 over size pieces specifically for this show that will hang all of JUNE & JULY.
Colorado Springs is a new art market for me and having a chance to show so much work, and BIG work, is a great opportunity. 
So, if you are in the area check it out; good art, good food, good brew - at a first rate venue.
And a huge 'Thank You' to Tracy Miller, who lassoed me for this gig and to Abby Kreuser, of the Kreuser Gallery who curated the show.
Phantom Canyon Brewing Company is located at 2 E.Pikes Peak Ave., in Colorado Springs.

June 21st, I will also be in town to promote this show at the Manitou 3rd Friday ARTWalk:
Friday night, June 21, from 5 pm to 9pm - I will be painting a demo and hosting at the TracyMiller Gallery located at 16 Ruxton Ave., in Manitou Springs - just a short drive from downtown Colorado Springs.

Saturday morning, June 22, from 10 am to 3 pm, I will be back up at the Gallery to conduct a one day Painting Workshop. Look to the right,  under WORKSHOP for more info about that.

6.03.2013

WorkShop in Colorado Springs

Join me for a ONE DAY workshop:
Saturday, June 22 from 10 am to 3 pm, in Manitou Springs, at the Fare Bella Gallery, 14 Ruxton, in Manitou, just a short drive from downtown Colorado Springs.

The workshop will focus on design and color interpretation, and how to organize visual info to create better paintings.
This is a workshop to benefit students at all levels and is open to all mediums.
Workshop price is $75. for the day, and class size is limited to 8.
To reserve a spot - contact me through my website at  Coni Grant.com or call Tracy Miller at the TracyMiller Gallery - 719-650-0827.

Manitou is one of the oldest small town destinations in Colorado; known for art and home to the Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway that takes passengers to the top of Pikes Peak at 14, 115 feet.  Downtown Manitou is packed with charm, and just a short drive from Colorado Springs.
FareBella Gallery is right next to the TracyMiller Gallery where I show my work, and where I will be featured at the Manitou ARTwalk on Friday night, June 21st from 5 to 9 pm.