March First Friday Art Walk

It's approaching that time of month again. Each first Friday of the month we have an art stroll here in Montrose. It's a great opportunity for folks to get out and about and see what the local artists and artisens have been up to.

This Friday, from 6 to 8 I will be offerring this fullsheet framed watercolor and ALL other watercolors in the gallery at a 30% discount off of the retail pricing. Some great buys to be had if you are in the market for a Mike Simpson watercolor. For those of you who aren't in the neighborhood and/or not able to attend, check out my website at www.mikesimpsonart.com to see what else I have and you can search through the posting on this blog to see more. Please contact me if you have any interests or questions and I'll give you the scoop.

Spring Cleaning

I came across this 10x8 oilpainting I did of Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, Utah. It's a bit of a hike to get to the arch but well worth it. I find Arches N.P. and the surrounding area of Moab to be a great place for dramatic and colorful subject matter. This little painting goes to auction for a very reasonable starting price. If you are interested click here.

This is a little 6x8 oil painting I did of a scene in the Sonoran desert of Arizona. The low, early evening desert light makes for some wonderful pastel colors. Nice quality brush strokes enhance this little painting. It also is going to auction here.

...and finally I have this little 7x10 watercolor I painted en plein air (on location). There is a little red roofed gazebo in one of our town parks that is a very restful place to visit. I have painted at this spot many times. Often, the geese in the pond will come up and investigate what I'm doing, quacking their approval or disgust depending on their attitude at the time. This little watercolor will also be for sale here.
The starting prices for these little gems is very reasonable at only $9.99 so if you are interested, there is little excuse not to pick one up. Good luck on the bidding and I hope you get the one you want. Thanks for stopping by.

More Gold

Just finished up this reversed glass 23kt gold leafed framed sign to go in the front window of the shop. I did this all by hand...no computers involved here. I'm luvin' it.

Headed Home

All good things must come to an end. I left Bakersfield this AM and got as far as Beaver, UT. Good progress considering the time I left and a good place to call it quits for the night. Windy, snow, getting dark with conditions deteriorating rapidly. Got a room and am comfortably writing this with assistance from an adult beverage. Long drive but it went quickly as my mind was filled with what I experienced over the last several days. Lots of good information and ideas. Looking forward to getting home and putting some of it to use.

28th Conclave of Gilders

Here's a short video of what we're doing in Bakersfield, CA. A bunch of really talented people and a wealth of knowledge being shared.

http://youtu.be/2JupFOIfqA4

Hollywood California

Visited son Jim in Hollywood. He's got a great office in a great old classic building right across from the famous Egyptian theater. This photo is looking down the hall.

Another photo of where we had lunch at Musso and Frank's in Hollywood. You should look it up. Pure classic.

Lastly a link to a video I took out on Hollywood Blvd.
http://youtu.be/Zkm04bKnA_o

Downtown Southern California

Video Recap of today's events.
http://youtu.be/W83bB8lgMeg

Here's a shot of a dream view from the living room of a client who bought a painting. That's overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Thanks Julie.

Baker Video

http://youtu.be/sxA41gsYVBU

Here's a link to the video I was trying to post last night.

On the Road

I was going to try to post a video with this blog but am having trouble attaching it. Instead I'll show you a still photo of I-70 cutting through the San Rafael Swell in Utah.

Made it to Baker, CA an hour or so past Las Vegas, NV. Staying in the Wills Fargo motel. Reminds me of a motel I stayed at in Taos, NM one time. I'm having to post this on my phone as there is no WiFi. I' ll try to figure out the video. More tomorrow.

First Friday Art Walk

Had a successful First Friday Art Walk the other night selling a couple of paintings. It was nice to see the turnout. A little wine and cheese made for a nice evening. Always good to chat it up with the folks.

Been busy with gilding frames in 23 kt gold. Struggling a bit with some gesso and clay problems still. Might have to adjust the recipes and do some experimenting. It is so dry here in Western Colorado it makes it difficult at times with the corners cracking. Very frustrating.

Headed to California this week. Stopping in orange, CA to see my cousin Jim who is dying of cancer. They've called hospice in so he must be getting close to leaving this world. He's been like a brother so it'll be a bit difficult.

Then I'm off to Hollywood to see son Jim who is a film maker there. He's just opened a new studio so I'm looking forward to seeing him and his new facilities.

On Thursday I head over to Bakersfield, CA for a conclave. This is an invitational meeting of gilders that I am fortunate to have been asked to come. Should be some of the best in the nation there. Small group, maybe 30 in attendance. I missed it last year due to my Mother having a heart attack the day before I was to leave. So far so good. I will be anxious to meet up with some of the legends in gold leaf glass lettering.

I'll be ack in the shop on Wednesday, February 13.

I'll report as I go along. Thanks for stopping by.