The Cazsh Life

Mom asleep in hospital

2009-09-08T13:04:00.001-07:00

Mom asleep in hospital P4162243crop
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

It's a rare opportunity I have to paint a portrait of my mother. Recently she was in the hospital and I spent many hours musing on her strength and frailty. I was fortunate to feel free to do this watercolor because my mother is an artist and has always encouraged this passion of mine. I was not afraid to show her this portrait, which come might interpret as less than flattering. Still, I am sure it will always be one of my favorites of her.

Carmel Beach

2009-07-24T07:29:00.001-07:00

carmel beach
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

Although this was only 30 minutes on the breezy Carmel beach, I know I will remember this day for years to come. That is one thing I love about a successful plein air painting, that it captures the feeling, light and burns it into my memory. I love the trees of Carmel and the way you can so quickly leave the cars and houses and shops behind.

Sketchcrawl in SF chinatown

2009-05-18T07:35:00.001-07:00

Dragon Gate to chinatown
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

The Dragon Gate to Chinatown, San Francisco. We sat at the Starbucks on on the corner. The Starbucks was convenient but I was sorry that it replaced a small, affordable family hotel. I don't usually spend so much time on one piece during sketchcrawl but I had recently sprained my ankle so I was glad to sit in one place for a while.

Tulips

2009-01-22T11:40:00.001-08:00

Tulips P1202191
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

Spring is coming! I started this oil because of the incredible color and freshness of the tulips. I didn't expect to leave it feeling so much like a watercolor, but there was a certain freshness with the "stained" background. I consider this more of a study in this technique. As always, I think I might go back and do more to this someday. I probably think that about all the paintings I have that have not yet sold.

Tea Garden temples

2009-01-12T19:47:00.001-08:00

Tea Garden temples P1112151x
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

Saturday was the first sketch crawl of the year, although it was actually Sketch Crawl #21. The San Francisco folks gathered in Golden Gate Park and met at the end of the day at the DeYoung Museum. I started at 11:30 and ended at 4pm. I did 5 drawings for the day and spent the most time on this one. I actually added some of the washes later when I got home.

This is a drawing I did in the Japanese Tea Garden. It was the only ink drawing that I added color. Learn more about sketch crawl at the Flickr sketch crawl Pool or www.sketchcrawl.com

Saturday morning Reading Market PA302121x

2008-11-29T09:25:00.001-08:00

saturday morning Reading Market PA302121x
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

One of my favorites places: Reading Market in Philadelphia. I could stay here all day, eating, shopping, drawing, and people-watching. This is an ink wash drawing in my journal.

Mural - day 5 unfinished Tuscan scene

2008-08-26T10:50:00.001-07:00

Saturday - day 5 unfinished P8092029
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

I have posted some progress shots of a mural I have been working on. It is not finished but you can see 5 day's worth of work. this is an outdoor mural painted on rough concrete (in Acrylic) . For the series of progress shots from Day 1, please click through to my Flickr account. I also have a mural set that includes this mural in California and one I did in Texas.

101 Construction in progress

2008-06-12T15:38:00.001-07:00

101 construction close up P4051907
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

Perhaps not a "pretty scene" as many landscapes are, but definitely plein air. Interesting that someone who stopped by my easel offered to buy this on the spot

Toronto Trip - Sleeping at JFK

2008-05-22T06:33:00.001-07:00

Sleeping at JFK P5151966
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

It seems that whenever I take a trip I think I will have time to paint. Hoever the only "extra" time I ever get is in the airport. Still I am glad that I have so many "models" at the gates. I love the juxtapositions of people forced into close quarters. Everyone wants to ignore each other so no one seems to mind as I draw them.

My Church by the lake

2008-05-21T17:08:00.001-07:00

Church by the lake P5171950
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

whenever I think I don't have enough time to paint, I remind myself that I can at least do a little water color sketch within an hour. it may not be great art but it is practice and relaxing. this is just a small thing in my Fabriano journal

Flying Rodin

2008-04-25T06:58:00.001-07:00

Flying P4191926
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

I've been doing some plein air lately, but nothing finished. Perhaps I should post some more "in progress". However, last Saturday I took a trip to Stanford's Cantor Museum (FREE) and one of the most amazing collections of Rodin outside of Paris. the sculpture garden is unreal. It was quite windy the day I was there or I would have spent the whole day there.

jane tree blossoms

2008-02-18T18:29:00.001-08:00

jane tree blossom P2171941
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

the awesome tree is in full bloom right now. It is all pods and blossoms, but no leaves. This is a small oil plein air painting that attempts to capture the luminescent beauty of the amazing color and blossoms

The red bench

2008-02-15T07:39:00.001-08:00

The red bench
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

Another plein air painting. Rarely do I radically alter what I "see" in front of me, but this time the bench just screamed out to be red (and not the dark green that it actually is). Also, I rarely include a trash can in a landscape. But, after all, it's a city scene.

This is acrylic on archival board. acrylic has its own challenges when working outdoors. It dries so fast - permanently. this can be handy, but watch out for your brushes!

Scene: Lake Merritt park, Oakland, California.

New Mexico panorama

2008-02-10T06:50:00.001-08:00

New Mexico view P2091895x
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

This is one of the largest plein air paintings I have ever done. of course I had my uncle driving me in his pickup so I didn't have to worry about lugging this 18x24 piece of hard board too far. I propped it up on the top of his tool box in the bed of the truck. It was a very cold day but the view and the sun was so spectacular that no one seemed to mind.

the scene is just outside Las Cruces in southern New Mexico.

This is painted with thin acrylic washes and only a few dabs of thick paint at the bottom. in the sunny air, the washes dried very fast and some even froze a little befor drying. it was a magical day that hooked me on plein air painting forever.

The miniskirt

2008-02-04T11:07:00.001-08:00

miniskirt P2021913
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

we had another figure drawing marathon yesterday. These marathon days are so much fun. I can't explain it. I only wish that I could have done it all day.

This ink wash drawing is from the last marathon in November. Most of the figure drawings are nude, although this one isn't. Costumes are fun sometimes. Later this week I'll be positing some from yesterday.

If you want more info about figure drawing groups, the history of it in the bay area, how to start your own, and more! check out Peter Steinhart's book - The Undressed Art: Why We Draw

http://www.amazon.com/Undressed-Art-Why-We-Draw/dp/1400041848

Grand Lake theater drawing

2008-01-28T21:31:00.001-08:00

Grand Lake theater P1201914
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

Our beloved neighborhood theater opened in 1926 (as a silent movie theater before the days of "talkies"). It is still the cornerstone of the neighborhood and I love seeing it every day. This is a simple ink wash drawing / painting with white pastel highlights. I wanted to evoke a timeless feeling as I hope the theater will last at least another hundred years.

Morro rock and pickup

2008-01-24T21:13:00.001-08:00

Morro rock and pickup P1201916
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

Here's a drawing from the sketchcrawl in May 2007. I wasn't in San Francisco to meet with the group, but the great thing about sketchcrawls is that you can do it from anywhere. Artists can post their work to Flickr where we can all see pictures done the same day, from all over the world. Sometimes there is a theme, sometimes not. I was in Morro Bay for this sketchcrawl. I did this ink wash painting/drawing from the parking lot near the prominent Morro Rock. It is always frustrating to me how these picturesque "attractions" always have these ugly parking lots crowding them, but that's life, and in this case the contrast made a better piece I think.

Sketch Crawl 17- San Francisco

2008-01-21T11:25:00.001-08:00

Transamerica and Coppola buildings P1201904
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

We met at Portsmouth Park in Chinatown but by the end of the day I had worked my way to a sidewalk cafe bordering Little Italy with a view of the Transamerica and Coppola buildings. this was my last and most ambitious piece of the day -- the only one that I broke out the watercolors for. I love these two buildings, both with their distinctive wedge shapes. They were perfect for the soft and hard treatment of pen and watercolor. it was a gorgeous and fun day. Dont miss the next sketchcrawl! you can do it from where ever you are - http://www.sketchcrawl.com

Asparagus bunch

2008-01-16T20:09:00.001-08:00

asparagus
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

This is one of a series of 4 oil paintings I did which were inspired by the beautiful summer produce in California. I wanted to keep these simple and focus the color and brush strokes on the inner glow and richness that seemed to come from within the asparagus.

Chorneau: IN THE WEEDS

2008-01-10T07:23:00.001-08:00

IN THE WEEDS oilandwaxonpaper 40x30 2003
Originally uploaded by rchorneau.

I found another great artist on Flickr. there are so many that are so inspiring and it is so great to find and connect with them via the internet. Check out Raymond's work. It's magical. He lives in NC. I love his textures and colors. His figures are primal and dreamlike. Click the picture to go to his flickr images.

Comma cafe in the afternoon

2008-01-08T16:26:00.001-08:00

comma cafe
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

I always sketch when I travel but I don't always keep my journals in order so it is often hard for me to "recreate" a trip chronologically.

I also don't always get a comfortable spot like at this Coffee Shop in Carson City, NV. I love trying to capture the people and the action in a scene like this, while not making it too confusing. I usually start with the subject that I think will move first or is most interesting. In this case I started with the man and his dog at the counter.

Christmas Night

2008-01-05T21:27:00.001-08:00

tommy watching TV ver4
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

That quiet time when all families turn from tree to TV and you wish you had given Dad the wireless headphones to watch the football game. I love Flickr. It's amazing how you can get instant feedback from some of the best artists in the world. Not only do they appreciate your work but they help you improve it. First I did an ink sketch and then shaded it with photoshop. I posted several versions and got some great feedback about my technique. Thanks R8r! check out my Flickr site to see the various versions of this drawing. Next I will do a color version. Happy New Year everyone!

sleigh

2007-12-23T16:22:00.001-08:00

sleigh 41050
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

I am in Canada for Christmas and the lights are wonderful at night especially in the snow. several parks have very complex light displays so I thought I would have fun with some night exposures. Who knew I would catch Santa in the process! Ho Ho Ho everyone!

on her side

2007-12-15T07:10:00.001-08:00

Our weekly figure drawing group has dissolved. It's a victim to rising rents in the area. The artist who hosted it had to move and now I am in search of a new group that is easy to get to by public transit. Life and its changes, like the wash on the paper you never know what it is going to do. You adapt and hope that it turns out to be something beautiful and good.

Embarcadero fog

2007-12-12T07:39:00.001-08:00

Embarcadero fog 120507_1445a.jpg
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

This was a spellbinding scene as the fog rolled in on Market street at the Ferry Building. I took this with my cell phone and hope that one day it will become a large painting. sometimes the magic happens and we have to be there to experience it and then try to share it. the challenge: how to keep the feel of being captured in the motion of the fog and moving light. yet, it is the Muni bus wires that are the real star here and capture my eye.

Mystery

2007-12-11T19:01:00.001-08:00

eyes
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

this is one of those little drawing that seems to connect with people. I did it more as a doodle but when I showed it to some people, many people seemed to think it looked like someone they know. Ithink I can turn this into a painting. it just shows you that you never know what will surface when you doodle. like magic. like an old friend calling out to you over the years.

Washington Street - - Oakland

2007-09-10T10:19:00.001-07:00

Washington Street CR12
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

Another scene, near a Oakland different farmer's market. I love scenes of people in their communities. The canopies and tents of the farmers market can be seen in the background. This is not a tourist area so most of the people are regulars, some eating alone, and some visiting with friends. I will do a color study of this and post it later (in preparation for a painting)

Jack London Square Market

2007-09-01T08:05:00.001-07:00

Jack London Square Market
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

I love our farmer's market. It has so much energy, good food and it's year 'round. But all of that is so hard to capture in a painting or drawing. the light on the vegetables is lovely, but fleeting. the canopies over the stands aren't really that pretty. everyone loves to go to the market, especially for all the activity, the movement. how does one convey that in a drawing or a painting? maybe it's just a scene that can never be expressed in a painting.

Alaskan double exposure

2007-08-28T08:11:00.001-07:00

Alaskan double exposure
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

I don't do much art photography any more, but I am just back from Alaska and I thoguht I would share this. This is a double-exposure in the camera (slide film).

I shot film so I would think about what I wanted to be special, but there is a lot of serrendipity in this shot as well..

I also did some plein air water color painting (but not as much as I had hoped) and met a fellow artist ocatching a fish on the banks of the Kenai river. All in all my alaska trip was very inspiring and I am so pleased with how this surreal image came out.

Cool video women in art

2007-05-26T08:44:00.000-07:00

On Youtube. I can watch it over and over again
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUDIoN-_Hxs

my imagekind gallery

2007-05-24T21:41:00.001-07:00

my imagekind gallery
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

John sits back

2007-05-22T09:27:00.001-07:00

john sits back
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

this is the drawing that started me painting "The Meeting" series. I have only done a study of it and not the finished painting because I am not happy with the study. Part of my struggle with the studies and paintings is to keep a "painterly version" of that drawing essence without overworking. it's funny that the people who have seen the painted study like it but I think it is too solid and stiff. more work to do.

The other half

2007-05-04T19:47:00.001-07:00

legs under
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

this is the other half of most of the drawwings I do.

My Book "Life Lines: Drawing from Life"

2007-05-01T08:29:00.001-07:00

Life Lines: Drawing from Life
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

Here is my book of drawings and sketches recently published through Lulu.com. Lulu was very fast. it arrived about a week after final uploading of all the copy and covers.

Drawings include those from my "meeting series", local scenes around San Francisco, as well as people on the street and professional models in figure drawing workshops with other artists in the Bay Area.

Check it out at http://stores.lulu.com/rudisill I would appreciate any feedback or reviews left on the Lulu site too! http://www.lulu.com/content/791154

Her white leg

2007-04-15T22:22:00.001-07:00

x118 her white leg
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

This is a more abstract figure drawing (with ink wash) of Jenny, a model here in the Bay area that I have used for almost 6 years now. This is one of my more favorite drawings of her and I am not sure why.

Backyard Hammock

2007-04-13T08:36:00.001-07:00

Backyard afternoon in the Hammock
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

This is decidedly a more impressionistic plein air oil painting than usual for me. sometimes when the mood is so classic I just can't help myself. I dashed this one off quickly as the sun changes so fast through the trees and buildings. if I were to do it over again I might change the composition (with the hammock being so close to the right edge). On the other hand, being off-centered almost makes if feel like it is swaying in the breeze. Overall, I am pleased witht he movement of the light and feeling of the painting. It's so peaceful on the perfect spring afternoon.

Copyright Infringement and your art

2007-04-02T10:30:00.001-07:00

104b leaning back
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

I had an unfortunate incident with one of my pieces lately. When I happen to run across an artist's color version of my work on Flickr, I approached him and asked for attribution. I know that artists often copy other artists' works in order to learn new techniques, etc. BUT one should always credit the original artist. In this case, the artist who copied my work declined to credit me and then the Israeli artist deleted the images from his website.

It is clear copyright infringement where the artist from Israel, saw my drawing/painting on the web, and copied it with almost the only variation being adding some color. He then posted his images to Flickr (showing a watercolor and canvas copy in preparation for an exhibit he was having in Tel Aviv ) where I was surprised to run across them.

Of course there is not much I can do unless I want to hire a layer to chase him down in Israel, but clearly my copyrighted watermark on my piece did nothing to deter this artist from disrespecting me (and all artists). Somehow it is espcially upsetting when it is another artist who rips you off, not a "corporation" or someone who doesn't understand the personal investment we all make in our work.

Copyright law is different in every country, too, which makes us all the more vulnerable when we use the web to promote or share our work. It's a double-edged sword.

Lee_Roy - More Doodles!

2007-03-28T07:41:00.001-07:00

char26 - More Doodles!
Originally uploaded by artandstory.

here's another artist I have discovered on Flickr - and I am agog. He is a story artist in Los Angeles. Great work. Love his landscape sketchs too.

Matthew profile

2007-03-27T06:33:00.001-07:00

matthew
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

This is a portrait sketch which has been colorized in photoshop (also one of the most favorited on my Flickr site). I like to do photoshop color studies before the painting. It's a fun way to play without committing to the paint. I think it is interesting when people hide under their hats or clothes.

rudisill book cover concept

2007-03-24T20:03:00.001-07:00

rudisill_test
Originally uploaded by marc_taro.

Marc Taro, a Flickr Friend, did this wonderful draft of a cover for my new book of drawings. I plan to be at APE in April at Comic-con. isn't this great! Marc has a lot of great drawings on his Flickr site. check them out by clicking on the link to this image.

Three makes a meeting

2007-03-22T08:07:00.001-07:00

meeting group
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

this is one of my favorite meeting sketches. I am currently trying to decide what goes into my book for the Comic-con in San Francisco in April. This is defintely one of them

Morning ops meeting

2007-03-16T08:16:00.001-07:00

sk061c ops meeting
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

this is one of my favorite little meeting sketches. Ultimately it will become a painting (in my "The Meeting" series). the people in these 20 minute meetings were an eclectic group but for a short time in the mornings we checked-in about the new issues and shared a couple laughs. the guy in the hood seemed to be perpetually "waking up". I hope the final painting will capture the crisp simplicity of this drawing and convey all the feelings of each participant.

See my "The Meeting" set of drawings on Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rudisillart/sets/72157594323088888/

Mo on the Edge of His Seat

2007-03-13T07:40:00.001-07:00

mo listens
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

This started off as a small sketch that kept lingering in my mind. I love the way Mo was sitting, so eagerly, listening during a meeting. I can rarely verbalize what I want to do when I start to make a drawing into a painting. I start with the feelings first and for me that was the color. After a while of playing with it, I realized that Mo was really like the sphinx, on the desert, being sandblasted by the meeting. That's when I accentuated the textures and "wind" and the force of the group that Mo sits on the edge of.

Reading on the Subway

2007-02-26T15:55:00.001-08:00

093 reading man
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

I love drawing people on the subway. Buses are harder - shakier. Most people in the city ignore me as I draw. They read or listen to their music. Everyone just wants to get home. I love quickly trying to do these character sketch portraits. Sometimes I distort them and sometimes I don't.
We will be having a fundraiser SketchCrawl to raise money for victims of landmines and children in war zones. This is typical of a sketch that will probably be produced on that day. I might do 5 per hour for 8 hours. Want to sponsor me at $1/sketch? of $5 per sketch? Learn more at http://www.sketchcrawl.com/blog/

The Princess concept portrait

2007-02-21T12:29:00.001-08:00

Princess concept 701
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

This is a quick drawing of a model with very delicate beauty. I always find that so hard to draw because it is based on subtle and delicate things like the skin and hair color or angles of the face that are not dramatic or pronounced. The edges of her lips are blurry and not well-defined and I risk ruining the feeling by putting ink lines there.

This 10-minute sketch reminds me so much of those issues and, when I take it to the next level of detail, I have to be very careful about how I work that into the concept painting.

Tree Alone

2007-02-20T22:10:00.001-08:00

tree alone
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

This is another treatment (done in plein air) of one of my favorite trees near Lake Merritt, Oakland, California. I did this oil painting study originally as one of several showing different stylistic treatments of the trees. This one has a flowing feeling of the wind. The other is more about the textures (especially when the substrate primer absorbs all the oil immediately) Here's a link to my other painting of this same tree http://cazsh.blogspot.com/2006_11_01_archive.html

Lake Travis Mural -full view in progress.

2007-02-14T20:10:00.001-08:00

Lake Travis Mural -full
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

This is a mural I did in 3 long days in the VERY HOT August sun of Texas. I need to go back and take some pictures of it now, a few years later, with the vines and flowers and the water fountain matured.

Acrylic painted over primed cement wall. Lake Travis, just outside Austin. I take commissions.

Couple on the Beach?

2007-02-12T10:58:00.000-08:00

couple 126
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

This is from our Models Marathon last summer. I love drawing groups of people. It's an unusual opportunity when the Bay Area Models have their marathons and more than one model is on the stage at a time. Sometimes they set "scenes" together; sometimes they don't. In my mind I made this into a scene - "Couple on the Beach" I try to stop myself and thinkbefore I start drawing at these sessions. I ask myself "what do I like about this pose? this person? what do I want to make sure that others see when they look at this drawing?" Even though this was a 20 minute pose that really only left me with 10 minutes each... not long to capture the image and your imagination. I see many artists and students trying to capture every detail, when I am constantly reminding myself to look for those few things that I don't want anyone to miss, that are the essence of this scene. If nothing else, I want to accomplish in this sketch the notes to myself that enable me to "take that with me" for later, if I want to use this sketch for something else - such as a painting. Figure Studies and "life drawing", especially with nude models, are very enjoyable for artists but not popular to sell and make a living. It's a curious thing.

Two guys at the Models Marathon

2007-02-10T11:40:00.000-08:00

Two guys - Models Marathon (150)
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

Our Bay Area models guild holds a group thing every quarter so you can have multiple models on the stage at a given time. They often strike poses together and can be very fun.

I'm excited because there is "drawing marathon" tomorrow at the art department of the Community College. This is one of my favorite days of the year.
It's also a fundraiser for them. Check the models guild website for more info -
bayareamodelsguild.tripod.com/marathon.html

Sleeping Dog

2007-02-05T13:09:00.000-08:00

louie asleep
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

I have been playing with "painting" on the computer again for my own fun, rather than for work. This is a quick color sketch of Louie, my dog, using Corel Painter . I plan to do several of these before committing him to oil paint. I love doing these from life rather than photos. I am also working on other "Doggie" pictures in oil. I like it when I can do it for fun, rather than formal portraits.

the conversation

2007-02-03T10:15:00.000-08:00

the conversation 161
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

I love watching people interact. This was a quick sketch at my local coffee shop. Want to make up the caption? I plan to make this into a larger painting.

Nancy

2007-01-31T22:16:00.000-08:00

Nancy
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

Many people feel nervous about being drawn. Maybe it's a fear of seeing how others might see them. I don't necessarily try to make a recognizable portrait, but since every person has a disctinct look and attitude, I try to find that and draw it out.

Lake Merritt arbor

2007-01-29T13:37:00.000-08:00

Lake Merritt arbor with women
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

I don't often sketch landscapes when I am out, but since it has been winter without much chance to paint in "plein air", I have decided to do a few short landscape studies. This scene is in Oakland, not far from my house. I did it in my Fabriano journal with ink wash and pastel white highlights.

Ice-Cream Monster Toon Cafe

2006-12-13T19:01:00.000-08:00

Ice-Cream Monster Toon Cafe
is a blog of an artist in Los Angeles. I realy like her wok

The Place Where Al Dwells...

2006-12-13T18:59:00.000-08:00

The Place Where Al Dwells...
another cool artist's blog

Tea Tree - Plein air

2006-11-23T20:34:00.000-08:00

tea tree 894
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

This is one of a series of plein air paintings of trees I did, one each day for a week. 9x12 oil on board. This will be posted to ebay soon.

Joe's Lemon - oil still life

2006-11-21T09:09:00.000-08:00

joe's lemon
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

When I started selling paintings on eBay in 2001, not many artists were doing it. I am so glad to see that the "Painting a Day" effort has become more known. This painting sold to a hotel/spa in Rehoboth Delaware. I have now sold to collectors all over the USA and in Europe as well. (9x12 oil painting)

stephen listens in meeting

2006-11-18T17:32:00.000-08:00

stephen
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

I have a new boss and I can't draw in meetings like this any more. I actually read a psych study that doodling in meetings actually helps people to concentrate and remember more. now I will have to sit like stephen, with chin in hand, and pretend to be focused.

Brandon at 15

2006-11-15T07:57:00.000-08:00

brandon at 15
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

I used to paint portraits for a living, but my style is not as traditional as many people who want a portrait would like. I prefer portraits in the Lucien Freud school (although I can't say that this is close) I think of this painting as more of a sketch or study, since it was done so quickly in one Saturday afternoon. It's acrylic (for the expediency of the moment in quickly setting up to "capture" a teenager). Still, I love portraits and still take commissions if the patron doesn't try to restrict my style.

Bates House

2006-11-11T06:41:00.000-08:00

bates house
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

This is also a painting that made my heart soar. I painted it not long after taking a workshop with Camille Przewodek in Sonoma. After years of computer art, I felt I was finally getting my "legs" again with oils. The light and the colors were really speaking to me; I was ignoring things that really didn't matter rather than letting them distract me.

Here's a link to camille's site: http://www.przewodek.com/ she is not only an amazing plein air artist but a great teacher. Here's one of her paintings on her website.

yangtze junk sunrise

2006-11-04T22:17:00.000-08:00

049 yangtze junk sunrise
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

it's thrilling to remember our trip to China. I have been going through all the photos. It was so much fun to photograph it all - bring back memories of my "pro" days but without the time pressures. this shot was very early in the morning. I could hardly sleep because I wanted to make sure I didnt miss anything. I remember this morning like it was yesterday.

Golden Gate view at sunset

2006-10-28T21:59:00.000-07:00

Golden Gate view at sunset
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

This painting started off as a an overly-ambitious figure study that I could not finish within the 3-hour session. when I was on the way to drawing one night, the fog was hanging over the bay and the sun was setting. I snapped few photos and was anxious to paint the scene so I decided to recyle the figure study. Having been a professional photographer, it is often hard for me to let a photo be just "inspiration" and not take it too literally. With this painting I listened to the paint, and not to the photo. One of the best pieces of advice I ever heard about painting is to remember that only God can make a tree - you can't make a tree with paint, so try to make the most interesting painting you can.

SOLD - private collection Oklahoma (18x24 oil painting)

Couch Potato Portrait

2006-10-25T11:15:00.000-07:00

couch potato
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

This is the perfect example of a drawing that surprises you. I was bored with TV and wanted to draw. It was late at night so I was tired and too lazy to get off the sofa. BUT I alwasy stash some trusty pens and paper everywhere (even though it drives certain people crazy) and I turned by sights on the nearest victim. If you can't tell, she is rolling her eyes. Still I know I will always love this drawing as a portrait of an every day sight and late evening quiet at home.

I am totally amazed that some folks on Flickr have commented that this is a "gibson style". What a compliment! Click the image to see more comments on Flickr.

Pablo Take 2

2006-10-22T22:12:00.000-07:00

Pablo Take 2 -119
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

The dog and the girl are very popular as a team in some of my life study drawings. The "wrinkles" in this drawing are caused by the water in the wash on the thin Frabriano Ingres paper. Some people seem to like the rippling effct. In general I love this paper and the "adventurousness" of it in my work. Maybe I should start a whole series or do a calendar? I can't believe how popular these drawings have become on flickr.

In general though "Figure Studies" and "life drawing" with nude models are very enjoyable for artists but not popular to sell and make a living. It's a curious thing.

jane tree on fire

2006-10-20T08:30:00.000-07:00

jane tree on fire
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

this little oil painting of the Jane tree in my back yard was a personal breakthrough for me. it doesn't come across nearly as strongly in the photo as it does in person but I remember stepping back from the easel and thinking, "OMG I might be able to do something serious - not just dabbling and playing" In a few posts below you can see three paintings of the tree from inside the kitchen and in full bloom. It's an amazing tree, and the largest Jane magnolia tree I have ever seen (it's more than 25 feet high) Here's a link to a photo of the tree in full bloom about the same time I painted this. http://www.flickr.com/photos/cazsh/106129591/

(9x12 oil painting)

[checkered::penguin]

2006-10-20T07:52:00.000-07:00

[checkered::penguin]
Blog of some cool young dudes designing and sketching for the entertainment industry. always amazes me how we spend so much time in the digital age drawing pictures and creating characters of swashbucklers and lpeople who lived before electricity.

BiblioSquirrel

2006-10-17T21:53:00.000-07:00

BiblioSquirrel not about art but great tidbits about what's going on the world. all those things I try to ignore when I am doing my art.

Ladi's Kitchen

2006-10-16T16:08:00.000-07:00

kitchen french windows and the tree
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

I originally painted this oil painting as a gift so that Ladi could "take her kitchen to work with her" and, so far, it is the favorite of my "Kitchen Paintings" posted to Flickr.

Click the picture to see full size on Flickr and read the comments. Here are the other 2 paintings of the same scene (both are watercolors and if you click them you will go to the Flickr page and see their comments)
The Green watercolor below is runner-up to the oil painting.

Here's the magenta one

Heads in the Tahoe pool

2006-10-13T09:39:00.000-07:00

heads in the Tahoe pool
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

This little watercolor got a lot more notice on Flickr than I would have thought. it is now my most "interesting" Flickr image. I remember sitting with Ladi by the pool that day because she was sick and we couldn't go hiking or playing. Why was she sick? she accidently drank some of my odorless turpentine (long story). Lucky day that we didn't have to rush to the hospital.

(click the picture to see all the comments about it)

Grand Ave. Mural

2006-10-11T21:10:00.000-07:00

Directing the traffic?
Originally uploaded by digitaldi.

I walk past this almost every day and it is so well-done. I love my neighborhood for having this! Muralist, Dan Fontes, site says: “Grand Performance” 1984, 25’ x 220’, enamels (with Keith Sklar, Daniel Galvez Karen Sjoholm & Brooke Fancher) Grand Avenue beneath 580, Oakland, CA http://www.danfontes.com/page/200

(or click the picture to see more pictures by Digitaldi on Flickr in the Lake Merritt neghborhood)

Little tasty apples

2006-10-10T15:34:00.000-07:00

apples 901
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

These Mendocino apples were small and tasted like those from my grandfather's tree -- the kind you can't buy in grocery stores. This small oil painting is now my most commented picture in Flickr. Who knew people liked apples so much? Cezanne? (Click the picture to see all the comments) I did two paintings of this group of apples in a teak bowl. One sold quickly and this one I have saved for a show. (8x8 oil painting)

TAM was here Mail Art Project

2006-10-10T10:02:00.000-07:00

http://tamwashere.blogspot.com/
this is a cool art project

Pablo and the model

2006-10-09T09:23:00.000-07:00

x152 pablo and the model
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

This drawing of Pablo, the dog, and his partner model has now become my #2 most favorited picture on Flickr. I love drawing on this gray pastel Ingres paper by Fabriano. it has a warm tone and it's thin (which sometimes causes wrinkles, depending on how wet I make it). I wish there were more good, gray toned papers to choose from out there (especially in pads). Click to go to the image on Flickr to see what people say about it. Should I start a new series with dogs? (ink wash with pastel highlights)

Elephant in Sausalito

2006-09-29T22:14:00.000-07:00

This is one of the 2 elephant sculptures at the fountain near the ferry landing in the touristy downtown. The slick mole sketchbook paper beads a little with the watercolor. I tried to do many of these quick simple watercolors, but the afternoon flew by and I feel like I hardly saw anything.

The palm tree in Sausalito

2006-09-29T22:00:00.000-07:00

Another quick watercolor sketch from Sept. 23 in Sausalito. This is the fountain in downtown. Thank goodness I am sketching since there were about 20 artists sitting around the fountain and it would have been a pain to photoshop them all out of a photo.

Sketchcrawl 11 - My First sketch

2006-09-29T21:41:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my pictures from the sketch crawl (#11) in the Bay Area. This is the first one, in my new moleskine, while we waited at the Peets at the Ferry building. That's John sketching the jazz clarinetist. I can't wait to see many of the other drawings of the clarinetist. Apparently 88 of us showed up to invade Sausalito. It was amazing and overwhelming. Go to http://www.sketchcrawl.com/blog/ for more info about the worldwide crawling we all do!

Temple of Heaven by Tommy Kane

2006-09-29T20:55:00.000-07:00

heaven
Originally uploaded by Tommykane.

Another artist I found on Flickr, Tommy is amazing. Here is one of his ink sketches from a trip to Beijing. I wish I had taken the time to sketch when I was there - but we were on a tour. I'll be watching for everything Tommy posts; they all have so much personality.

Sketch Crawl 11 - Sausalito by Habihana

2006-09-25T13:02:00.000-07:00

SC#11.2
Originally uploaded by habihanna.

Here is a drawing of me an Louie done during our sketch crawl last saturday. I didn't meet this artist ( i don't think) but when I logged on to see which artist had posted the first picture I saw was one with Louie (when Ladi and Louie me me at the park in the late afternoon). That's me, with hat on, leaning against the bottom of the tree.

Sketch Crawl Alcatraz - by John

2006-09-22T16:39:00.000-07:00

IMG_0995
Originally uploaded by John Juan the DigitalDisciple.

This is a set of John's photos (on Flickr) from last year's sketch crawl through Alcatraz. I wasn't there last year, but tomorrow is another one in which I plan to participate. We will start at the Ferry building in San Fran, hop the ferry to Sausalito, sketching along the way. I am sure I will meet some new cool artists in the Bay Area. I am looking forward to it. I'll post my sketches about this trip later!

kathe look alike portrait

2006-09-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

xxx167 kathe
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

This model is a regular at my weekly drawing group. she has a very unusual face structure. after I finished, I realized that she reminded me of Kathe Kollwitz. Currently my "third most favorited" drawing on Flickr.

Ink drawing with ink washes on Sennelier paper.

View of my Parents' Back Door by Patrick King

2006-09-19T16:37:00.000-07:00

View of my Parents' Back Door
Originally uploaded by progresswear.

Another fabulous artist, patrick king, lives in Philly and is a master of watercolor and oil. I also love his drawings and value studies. check out his flickr images and his website www.patrickking.org

My images: current favorites

2006-09-17T11:18:00.000-07:00

Here's a cool widget that reports on which of my images are currently "most interesting" according to flickr. You can click on parts of this banner and go right to my images on my Flickr page.

Sick at Thanksgiving

2006-09-15T20:09:00.000-07:00

sick at Thanksgiving
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

This drawing is my third most "favorited" on flickr. I am somewhat surprised because of it's title. On the other hand it is probably a universal subject. I like it, especially as a portrait of Fran, but I have no idea why others are attracted to it.

"Secrets we keep" sketch by Boise Artist

2006-09-14T08:05:00.000-07:00

Secrets we keep_sketch
Originally uploaded by rightside_lcj.

I was really struck by this sketch from an Idaho artist that I found on flickr. There is also an encaustic painting from this sketch. I was amazed at how much I commented on her various works and how they touched me personally. Make sure you don't just click through to this one picture. Visit her "Art set" and watch her "slide show" at this link.
www.flickr.com/photos/92439741@N00/sets/72157594274541231/

Up Yours Uncle Sam by Laurie

2006-09-13T21:26:00.000-07:00

Up Yours Uncle Sam
Originally uploaded by •Laurie•.

Another good photo from Laurie - next year I want to go to Paul Bunyan day in Mendocino! (Click image for more)

Shriner Randy by Laurie

2006-09-13T21:24:00.000-07:00

Shriner Randy
Originally uploaded by •Laurie•.

Laurie (artist and photographer) lives in Mendocino. All her photos are great. I "met" her on Flickr and I hope that the next time we visit there, I will get to meet her face-to-face.

Libreria Piccolomini

2006-09-12T21:27:00.000-07:00

Libreria Piccolomini
Originally uploaded by smiling_da_vinci.

The Siena cathedral was amazing when we visited in 2001.This dutch photographer has a wonderful set of siena images on Flickr - much better than mine.

wolfe by Matthias

2006-09-12T10:16:00.000-07:00

wolfe
Originally uploaded by adolfssonmattias.

Another cool artist - this one from Sweden. Check him out by clicking on the image or going to his blog at http://mattiasa.blogspot.com I chose this image because I like its energy although he has many pieces that are amazingly detailed architectural scenes.

Amsterdam Dulac - by Danny Gregory

2006-09-12T08:17:00.000-07:00

Amsterdam-10
Originally uploaded by DannyGregory.

Danny lives in NYC and I found his work on Flickr. His journals and sketchbooks inspire and humble me. Let's not waste time out there! there is so much to see and do.

Sketch Crawl San Francisco

2006-09-08T07:27:00.000-07:00

scsticker-a
Originally uploaded by ecasarosa.

I am so excited that there will be another in San Francisco on Sept 23. The group is trying to decide if it's Sausalito or not. http://enricocasarosa.com/wordpress.1/?p=459

No matter where you are you can participate in International SketchCrawl

Ladi couch potato

2006-09-08T07:20:00.000-07:00

couch potato
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

Another of my ink drawings. This one is currently the second most popular on Flickr. I remember so well the night I drew it. I sat on the sofa, frustrated at bad TV and nothing to draw - so I turned my pen on Ladi. This is the best of my "Ladi watching TV " drawings (but let's not forget the oil portrait of her watching TV) Click image for larger picture with more detail and a link to the oil portrait I used a brush pen for this and I love the way it almost looks like a woodcut.

CLOWN DAY AT STARBUCKS! by wally Torta

2006-09-08T07:14:00.000-07:00

CLOWN DAY AT STARBUCKS!
Originally uploaded by Wally Torta.

this guy is inspiring again. someday I might be able to keep up with him

Dinner in Singapore by Taga Cebu

2006-09-04T20:53:00.000-07:00

miquelrius04_big
Originally uploaded by taga_cebu.

Another artist I found on Flickr. I am also fascinated by the Artists without Borders Group on Flickr and wondering what we can do to make the world better - now that we have all found each other on Flickr.

Southwest airlines madonna

2006-09-04T14:09:00.000-07:00

swmadonna
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

So far this is the most popular image I have on flickr. I am somewhat surprised. I guess it is very universal. I love drawing people on planes. Sometimes it starts a conversation, sometimes it just passes the time for me. This is an ink drawing which I photoshopped to add the shading.

Merav in Skirt

2006-09-04T12:40:00.000-07:00

xxx105skirtweb
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

this is one of my favorite drawings that I have posted to flicker. however, it doesn't get viewed as often as a similar one (of another model in a skirt). I have been thinking about it and I think the primary differnce is that in this one you can not see her breasts. this is an ink wash drawing on gray Fabriano Ingres paper with white pastel highlights

mackaydesign

2006-09-04T12:31:00.000-07:00

mackaydesign I found Craig Mackay through Flickr. Interesting artist and designer out of Los Angeles.

Sticky Sketches Group Gallery

2006-09-04T12:30:00.000-07:00

Sticky Sketches Group Gallery

Here's another fun artist blog - all art drawn on stickies!

Artist - by Wally

2006-09-04T11:53:00.000-07:00

Artist
Originally uploaded by Wally Torta.

A flickr artist who lives in Norfolk VA. He is a riot! commenting on daily life.

dream trash 1 by Plastique Monkey

2006-09-04T11:44:00.000-07:00

dream trash　1
Originally uploaded by plastique monkey.

Another interesting artist from Saskatoon, Canada (found on Flickr)

Four Silhouette Nudes - by r8r

2006-09-04T11:36:00.000-07:00

Four Silhouette Nudes
Originally uploaded by r8r.

another artist from Flickr. He's a pro and lives in Oregon. he has an amazing array of styles and is so good!