Same Difference

"A Silver Lining" - 30" x 40" - oil

Available at the Glave Kocen Gallery

Last week I drove to Virginia to drop off the painting above along with some smaller pieces to the Glave Kocen Gallery.  This particular painting was based on a previous painting, titled "Silver Line" (see below), from my 2009 solo show.  Obviously they're not identical but they imply the same sense of space.  More and more often I find myself taking a second stab at older paintings.  I suppose it's my way of convincing myself that I am growing and changing as an artist.  With all of this said, I don't consider one of these paintings to be better than the other... just unique to the time when they were developed.

All of this reminds me of my mother when she would tell my brother that he was her favorite then later on tell me the same thing but never while we were both in the room at the same time.  This was cute because I knew she only meant it when she was talking to me.  

"Silver Line" - 24" x 24" - oil

Available at the Glave Kocen Gallery

I've Been There"

"Meet Virginia" - 12" x 18" - oil

click here for purchase information

During my last post I said that I would post some of the pieces that are included in my online show at the Glave Kocen Gallery entitled “I’ve Been There.”  So here are a couple of pieces to get your interest.  If you’re in the Richmond, Virginia area I urge you to go to the gallery and take a gander at the pieces in person.  At the very least take time to view the pieces online by clicking here.  I have at least ten new pieces on display at the gallery for your viewing pleasure. 

In other late breaking news, I was informed a few days ago that the two paintings below were accepted into the 2010 Richeson 75 landscape competition and show.  Now if I could only have this kind of luck in all of the competitions that I enter.  

A Weiss Decision

"The Village #1"- 11" x 14" - oil

Available at the Sharon Weiss Gallery

Last month I posted a blog about obtaining new representation in Louisville, KY. Well now I have more news but this time it's in Columbus, Ohio's Short North Gallery District. About a month ago I was in search of gallery representation here in Columbus. Well things were going slow to say the least until a friend and fellow artist came to my rescue (Thanks Jim) and recommend me to the Sharon Weiss Gallery. After meeting Sharon and talking for a bit, we decided to give it a go. There it is...the start of a new relationship in Columbus. I think that this move will further help to get my name out there on a local level because I still only know a handful of people here.

Louisville Slugger

"2525" - 8" x 10" - oil

Available at the B. Deemer Gallery

A few months ago I approached a gallery in Louisville, KY. Why Louisville? Well, why not? I'm always driving through Kentucky on my way to Tennessee. It just seemed logical. So anyway, they took a look at my work and apparently they were impressed as Brenda, the owner, asked me to come down to show some works in person. Long story short, I'm now represented in Louisville, KY by the B. Deemer Gallery. The painting above is just one of the six paintings that I delivered to the gallery last week.

Inspiration (Revisited)

"Blue Morning (The James)" - 30" x 40" - oil

Available at the Glave Kocen Gallery

I don't know if anyone has noticed but during the past couple of months I haven't been my usual productive self. I couldn't quite put my finger on just what was bringing my productivity to a standstill. After several days of torture, I came to the conclusion that I need to find a new source of inspiration in my subject matter. I've been cooped up in my studio for so long that I've lost touch with my subject matter. So the plan is to get out a little more and let the inspiration find me. For now enjoy this painting of the James River in Richmond, VA that is now available at the Glave Kocen Gallery.

New Beginnings

"Looking Over You" - 8" x 10" - oil

For the past couple of months I've tried to get back into the swing of things by entering a few competitions and shows but a few unexpected projects dropped into my lap. Fortunately these projects were well worth my time to stop everything. Now that I'm back into the swing of things I decided that I should get some new work to the Glave Kocen Gallery in Richmond, VA. I've managed to complete about seven pieces..ranging from 8x10" to 30x40". The painting above is just one of the paintings that will be heading to Virginia.

These are "The Breaks"

"The James #7" - 8 x 10" - oil

Sold

Last week I did the gallery roundabout. This includes driving from Ohio to Virginia then from Virginia to Tennessee and back to Ohio. We picked up some pieces and dropped off some new work. The painting above is just one of the six new paintings that we delivered to BJ Kocen and Jennifer Glave of the Glave Kocen Gallery. While I'm thinking of BJ, I better mention this little tid bit....

Late last year I taught an illustration class at Otterbein College. One of the projects was to create a CD cover for my good friend/ talented musician BJ Kocen. The project went over fairly well. Of course only one of the illustrations could be used for the cover. And the winner was.... Lindsey Billingsley! Take time to check out her site and listen to some of musical stylings of BJ Kocen's "The Breaks."

Here Comes the Sun

"Things are Looking Up" - 12 x 24"- oil

Available at Art Access Gallery

The painting above stemmed from a walk in the park with some friends. What started as a day of leisure turned out to be very productive for me. It took me a while to get up the courage to work on this painting but I bit the bullet. After I finished it the glare reminded me of one of those inspirational posters that you often see in offices.

During last month's show in Nashville, I noticed that a lot of folks took a special interest in a painting titled "The Light in Your Eyes." I enjoyed the end result and wanted to do more similar pieces. With this in mind I wanted to test the waters of the Columbus art scene by including this painting in the group show, "New Works" at Art Access Gallery. The opening went fairly well despite the horrific weather conditions.

A Little Bit Country...

"The Light in Your Eyes" - 24" x 36" - oil

Available at The Arts Company

It's time to go to another gallery opening. Destination...Nashville. Don't get me wrong, I'm excited about going, but I'm far more nervous than anything. I can't remember a show opening that I was not nervous about. This is my first show with The Arts Company, so I'm hoping to make somewhat of a name for myself there. It helps that there was an article in today's Tennessean newspaper about me and the upcoming show titled, "Nashville Town & Country." If by some crazy chance you want to read this article click here. If that doesn't work, then click here...for the very same link. The opening is this Saturday, February 6th from 6-9pm at The Arts Company. If you know of anyone that's in Nashville tell them to stop by the gallery.

You're the Only Ten I See.

"Winter Drive" - 11 x 14" - oil

Available at The Arts Company

The painting above is just one of 33 paintings that will be in my show titled Nashville Town and Country at The Arts Company in Nashville, TN. In similar fashion to most of my paintings, this piece stems from a roadtrip during the holidays. I don't often paint winter scenes but this one struck me as appealing and may lead to a few more. The opening is Saturday, February 6th from 6-9pm so if you know of anyone in the Nashville area tell them to stop on by.

On another note, I'd like to reach out to those of you who are following this blog. I usually talk about what's going on as far as my life as an artist, but I'm sure that I haven't covered everything. So this is your chance. If there's any issue that I have not addressed as a working artist that you would like to know about or have me write about, just send an email to steven@stevenwalkerstudios.com with the subject BLOG THOUGHTS.

"A Very Last Minute Holiday Sale"

"So Sew" - 24" x 24" - oil
Available at Glave Kocen Gallery

I hadn't planned on posting until later this week but this just came up from Glave Kocen Gallery. If you've been waiting for an opportunity to get a Steven Walker painting then this may be your chance. Happy Holidays.

Last minute thoughts and a "very last minute holiday sale!"

10% discount off any painting that has red or green

20% discount off any painting which has red and green

We will be open December 22nd and 23rd from 11:00 until 6:00 and on Christmas Eve from 11:00-2:00. If you need assistance please don't hesitate to call.

This last minute sale runs until December 24th.
Excludes "Secondary Sales"

P.S. Remember...most of my paintings at least have green if not both red and green.

Slow Roasted

"23 Belmont" - 16" x 20" - oil

Available at Glave Kocen Gallery

Do things ever slow down? Sometimes but I can't remember the last time that things were slow. It may have been in the 90's... I think it was a Wednesday. Let's be honest, if things were to slow down I don't know what I'd do with myself. I'd probably run a muck and start doing chores around the house (heaven forbid).

While the show at the Glave Kocen Gallery (plug) is still in full effect, I've got to get started on the next project. This time I'm preparing for a show in Nashville, TN. Instead of a 40 piece spectacular, I'll be working on a 15 t0 20 piece bonanza. In addition to this show I'll be working on some pieces for competitions and a few group shows. It'll be interesting how I juggle all of this during the holiday season. Stay tuned and Happy Thanksgiving!

Show and Tell...Everyone

"Firewood" - 24" x 30" - oil

Available at the Glave Kocen Gallery

Anytime I go to Richmond I know that I'll be in high demand between family, friends and work ...and this trip was no different. As I stated in my last post, I was really nervous about talking to several groups of fourth and fifth graders. Well, all of those butterflies left minutes after the first group showed up - and the day at Bettie Weaver Elementary was a success. No heckling, no biting and not one doodie head. What a great group of kids at Bettie Weaver... special thanks to Marie and Curtis Skolnick and Courtney Day.

Now for the opening. What a night! Normally at openings my head's all over the place with anxiety but this night was different. I was too busy schmoozing to have time to worry about anything like sales. I got to see some old friends and I also met some fans that I didn't know that I had. I'd like to thank everyone that came out to the opening. Also I'd like to thank the owners of Glave Kocen Gallery, BJ & Jennifer. They are not only good friends but they've done wonders for my career.

Although there was a huge turnout I know that there are still some folks that couldn't get to the gallery. There's still time... the show will be up until December 23rd.

Getting Schooled

"Tucked Away" - 11" x 14" - oil

Sold

I thought I'd post this blog as a last reminder for my opening at Glave Kocen Gallery. Although it promises to be a big night for me, I'm more concerned with the events that will take place prior to the opening. I'm scheduled to give a talk/demo to four groups of 4th and 5th graders at Bettie Weaver Elementary in Chesterfield, VA about art opportunities. This could be brutal. I could get heckled by little Suzy smartpants and never recover. If by some slim chance I actually make it through the afternoon... I'll see you all at the opening.

"Between Homes" new paintings by Steven S. Walker

November 6 - December 23, 2009
Opening reception, Friday, November 6th: 6:00 until 9:00pm
Glave Kocen Gallery, 1620 W. Main St., Richmond VA 23220

Pre-viewfinder

"33 Mist" - 30" x 30" - oil

Available at Glave Kocen Gallery

O.K. so for the past four months I've been working on this solo show at Glave Kocen Gallery, and for the past month several people have asked me if I was going to post all 40 pieces. While I do intend to post the pieces to my website, the gallery has just uploaded images of all 40 pieces as a preview to the show. I'm sure that this will be appreciated by the folks that can't make it to the opening but don't let this sway the rest of you from attending the opening on November 6th from 6pm to 9pm. The link below will take you directly to the gallery page. Enjoy and tell a friend.

Glave Kocen Gallery - Steven S. Walker

"Between Homes" new paintings by Steven S. Walker
November 6 - December 23, 2009
opening reception, Friday, November 6th: 6:00 until 9:00pm

From Afghanistan with Love, part 1

"The Distance" - 18" x 24" - oil

Sold

Where's Steven at now? Well for the past two weeks I've been on a trip with the Air Force en route to Afghanistan. As a member of the Air Force Art Program I sometimes get called to go to different bases to document the current activities and later donate a painting based on the trip. It's always an honor to travel with the Air Force. I see it as my way of giving back. I would have posted this blog earlier but my mother reads these posts and would have lost sleep thinking about her son going to Afghanistan.

I met up with everyone from the program on Tuesday and flew out of BWI on Wednesday. I think that out of the two weeks, we spent one week in airports. We had a slight bump in the road when a fuel leak on our plane forced us to spend the night in Landstahl, Germany. If you have to break down somewhere... Germany's not a bad place at all.

By the time we landed in Kyrgyzstan it was Saturday morning. I had no concept of time or space at this point. I along with about 100 soldiers exited the plane only to board a bus that would take us to be briefed at Manas Air Base. - to be continued...

Reminder:
"Between Homes" new paintings by Steven Walker
November 06 - December 23, 2009
opening reception, Friday, November 6th 6:00 until 9:00 pm
Glave Kocen Gallery 1620 W. Main St., Richmond, VA

Collect em' All

Click here for American Art Collector website

It's October and the countdown to the big show can begin. Just when you thought that you've heard enough about my upcoming solo show...here's more. In stores now is the October issue of American Art Collector with a wonderful artist focus page highlighting my show at Glave Kocen Gallery in November. My hope is that this will create a buzz on the national level. As November approaches more pieces will be added to the website.

Go pick up your copy today...no...stop what you're doing...go NOW and take a friend!

Pardon the Interruption

"Hatch Show" - 18" x24" - oil

Well it's crunch time. I've finished 29 out of 40 paintings so far with a month left before the big solo show in Richmond, VA at Glave Kocen (plug). I don't like painting right up to the last minute but I've noticed in the past that I usually have a stronger body of work that way. Typically the thought of completing this many pieces doesn't worry me but lately I've been extremely busy. It wasn't always this difficult but somehow (out of nowhere) I ended up with a personal life. I honestly don't know how this happened.

In addition to teaching responsibilities and this crazy personal life I've got to keep the other galleries happy. The piece above was sent to The Arts Company a few weeks ago in an effort to keep them stocked with some Steven Walker pieces. If you enjoy vintage posters as much as I do then you should make time to stop by Hatch Show Prints in downtown Nashville, TN.

Take one down pass it around

"Roadside View 1 & 2" - 24" x 24" each - oil

Despite my absence I have been busier than a beaver in a coffee lake. Let's see...earlier this month we took a trip to Richmond, VA to pick up some panels/frames and spend some quality time with friends and family. From there we drove to Nashville,TN to see more family as well as drop off a couple of pieces at The Arts Company (like the two above).

Although it was a work day in Nashville I found time to celebrate my birthday. We walked through downtown Nashville, spent time with family and had a great dinner. Despite being kicked out of the truck by my niece (because I'm a boy...duuuh), it was certainly one of the better birthdays of recent memory.

So what have I been working on recently? Well the big project right now is my first major solo show in Richmond, VA. The show is titled "Between Homes" and will focus on the beautiful sights between Ohio and Virginia. The plan is to have about 40 landscapes painted by November 6th. As of today I've completed 22 paintings with 9 in progress and a little more than a month left. IT'S GO TIME!

What the... (fill in the blank)

"Tattoo" - 24" x 30"- oil

Although I haven't been posting regularly as of late, I have been hard at work. Most recently my website has under gone an extreme face lift (Joan Rivers territory). Take some time to visit http://www.stevenwalkerstudios.com/. In addition to a new look there are a few new images along with a short biography. Unfortunately many of the paintings that I've been working on as of late will remain under lock and key until November but I'll share what I can.

The painting above is of a Tattoo parlor, that once was a bank, in downtown Nashville, TN. As I walked past this building I noticed a sign through the open door that read "Absolutely no bad language." What the... This seemed awfully strange for a tattoo parlor. It wasn't until I was well into the painting that I found out that this was Nashville's one and only Christian tattoo parlor. Soon this painting will be on its' way to The Arts Company for Artrageous, a prestigious annual fundraiser for Nashville CARES.