Time Keeps on Slipping

"65 North" - 6 x 12" - oil

Things around the studio have been crazier than a field goal kicking unicorn.  Deadlines, deadlines and more deadlines.  In addition to the deadlines, there are so many activities that I'd like to be a part of locally but there's just no time and in some cases it's not worth me losing sleep over.  When I can, I like to make the most out of the opportunities that I can take part in.  For instance, I'll be painting plein air at the Ohio Statehouse (June 1oth) and the following day I'll be painting at the Park of Roses (June 11th).  Will I meet hundreds of art collectors?  Probably not but for me these events are going to serve a dual purpose.  I'll get to meet some new folks who may turn into fans of my work and get some plein air practice in before our trip to Ireland.

The painting above stems from my drive back home after delivering some new works to the galleries.  The plan is to get started on a larger version of this piece before the fall.  I'm not sure where it will go but I'd like to be able to include it in one of the upcoming solo shows.

Belize it! (part 2)

"Homeward Bound" - 8 x 10" - oil

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I didn't think that it would be fair to post this blog without a piece of artwork so I'm including yet another painting that will be included in the Art at the Mill show in Millwood, VA from April 23rd to May 8th.

Now let me share some of the photos from my current adventure with the U.S. Air Force Art Program in Belize.  We're at the final stretch for this trip with thousands who have benefitted thus far.  It's interesting during the day when talking to the medical personnel in the unit in between patients, many of them either tell me how much they appreciate what I'm doing or that they wish that they had some sort of artistic talent.  While I enjoy my life as an artist and I try to do a good turn daily, it's nothing compared to the many lives that they are changing in just this short time.  

I'll have some sketches to show later on but for now enjoy the photos below.

Unpacking the truck in preparation for a long day of hard work (our leader Col. Williams is in the black)

We spent Sunday monkeying around with the good people of the 459th AMDS at the Mayan ruins of Lamanai, Belize on our one day off.

Yup, I climbed that temple (108 ft)

Ohio Player

"The Ol' Farmstead" - 18 x 24" - oil

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This past summer I decided that I'm going to become more involved in the local art scene here in Ohio.  My first move was joining the Ohio Plein Air group which has really paid off.  Most recently I joined the Worthington Area Art League (WAAL).  One of the key reasons for this local involvement is to meet other artists in the area.  Personally, I could get use to being a hermit but it is helpful to talk shop with a few of your peers.  The painting above will be on display at Dick Blick Art Store (Columbus, OH) with the works of some of my new found artist friends.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

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.  

Give Me Liberty

Liberty - 8" x 10" - oil

Plein Air

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The painting above came from a great day of plein air painting at Liberty Presbyterian Church in Delaware, Ohio with the Ohio Plein Air group.  When I go out with the group I really never know just what I'm going to paint.  Some days I'm looking for a challenge and other days I'm just looking for a small victory.  When I drove up to the church I had every intention of painting the church, which is actually an authentic barn, but I was soon informed that there was a trail.  Shortly afterwards found a lovely little pond in an opening.  The view was quite intimidating at first but once I settled in it was off to the races.  


I just want to remind everyone of my upcoming online show at the Glave Kocen Gallery entitled "I've Been There."  There will be several new pieces based on my travels this summer.  I think there's a little something for everyone.  The show is exclusively online and will run from September 3rd to the 28th.  Log on and enjoy the view.  

Preparing for a Grand Upload

"The Shore #3" - 8" x 10" - oil

Right now I'm in the midst of a paint-a-thon. I've just completed about ten paintings for my online show at the Glave Kocen Gallery in September. That's right I said an online show. I'll have paintings from my plein air exploits as well as some studio pieces. I'll start posting some of the pieces that are in the show in a week or so. I haven't decided if the painting above will be in the show or not but it would be nice to find a home for it.

In other news...this summer I've been painting with the Ohio Plein Air group. Each week out has been an awesome experience that has helped my painting leaps and bounds. My observation for color, my composition and decision making have all improved... at least I think they've improved.

Landscaping....the American Past Time

"The Village #2" - 12" x 24" - oil

It's been pretty busy lately in the studio but instead of overwhelming you all with one big explosive update I'll give it to you in small doses. The painting above was just accepted into the Maryland Federation of Art's group show titled "American Landscapes." "The Village #2" stems from a unexpected walk through German Village (neighborhood just south of downtown Columbus, OH). Getting the acceptance letter was great news because it's been a while since I've entered any competitions and I knew how competitive the art scene is in the Maryland/DC area. The show will be at the Maryland Federation of Art - 18 State Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401 - from August 20 to September 19. Well, I better get back to the easel... I've got a whole slew of deadlines to meet.

Something to Talk About

"Classic Rock" - 30" x 40" - oil

Available at Glave Kocen Gallery

Late last week I had conversation with my friend and former classmate, Robert Caldwell. Now let me give you a little bit of history about Robert and I. During those years in undergrad, Robert was at a level that I could only dream about. I wouldn't call it a rivalry because everyone was pushing each other to up their game. Since those torturous days in art school we've both made strides in our own work. Robert is now a rock star in the wildlife art scene while I...well...let's just say that I'm doing alright for myself.

With the level of respect that I have for Robert and his work it was great to hear that he wanted to work with me on a potential two man show. Nothing has been set in stone but the ball is in motion. I'll keep everyone up to date on any new developments. Fortunately, I have some time to get my act together.

In the mean time...the painting above was among a batch of paintings that I delivered to Glave Kocen Gallery earlier this month.

Showing Off

"All that I'm Good For"- 24" x 24" - oil

The painting above is just one of the paintings that I currently have on display at the Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center of Worthington. Also, for the next six weeks I'll be holding a painting workshop at the arts center. I've included a photo from the artists reception below.

What's next for me? Well I've got several small works and a couple of 30x40" paintings on the easel. It's a regular factory around here. Hopefully I'll have some more works to share with everyone real soon.

Full Frontier - part 3

"Natural Wash" - 24" x 24" - oil

Before anymore time passes I thought that I should post the conclusion to my trip to Alaska. During the last two days we were unbelievably busy. Our main focus dealt with documenting the F-22 Raptors.

During the next two days Major Reaver helped us get so many dynamic pictures that most people will never have the opportunity to experience. We started Wednesday with a trip to the flight tower (actually on top of the tower). From there we went down on the flight line where we watched a few F-22's land within shouting distance of our group. It was both awesome and loud. Amidst our adventures we came across two rescued eagles. I couldn't pass up a chance to take some photos for my friend and fellow painter, Robert Caldwell. After we were through yelling at the eagles to look sexy for the camera we headed to the hanger for some close up photos of the planes. It was a productive day.

The next and last official day of our trip would be spent observing a C-17 being loaded for a humanitarian exercises in another part of Alaska. Believe it or not I found it quite interesting, although it was one of the colder mornings. After a good lunch we went back to the hangers to visit with a few of the technicians and to see them at work. We went back to the reserve office to say our goodbyes and thank yous.

Lastly, Ben and I went downtown to meet my friend and former classmate Stephanie Johnson. I hadn't seen her in... well let's just say a while. She was the only person that I knew in Anchorage and I didn't want to leave without seeing her. When we were in school, I always admired Stephanie's talent and her delightful personality. The trip would have been a total bust if I had missed out on seeing her.

Painting out of a Corner

"Falling #1" - 12 x 24" - oil

On my last post I mentioned the gallery roundabout, which included a drive to galleries in Virginia, Tennessee and Ohio. During this trip I received a call offering me a small show at McConnell Arts Center in Worthington, OH. So since my return I've been scrambling around like a three legged dog with a four legged itch to get some work done. This is one of the first of a series of paintings that I need to have done by May. I'm shooting for 15 good pieces but I'll settle for 10 awesome pieces.

In the midst of this paint-a-thon I heard the ring ring jingle of my phone. It was Ben Bensen of the Air Force Art Program calling to see if I were interested in going to....drum roll....Alaska! I jumped at the opportunity. Unfortunately the trip would require that I leave on Easter but a chance like this doesn't come often.

More to come on the trip and my Alaskan adventures real soon.

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.

Happy Medium

"Pickup Shed" - 18" x 24" - oil

This piece will be a part of my show in Nashville next month. Like every show, I'd like to put together a body of work that appeals to both myself and the viewing public. With this particular show, the owner of the gallery would like to see a lot of Nashville landmarks. Of course the owner is thinking about what has the best chance of selling. I've learned that you just can't predict what will sell. It's almost impossible. Last month a painting of a garage in a Virginia neighborhood sold because the color palette reminded the patron of her trip to Greece. What are the odds. Day in and day out I have to remind myself not to paint something because it will sell, but to do it because it moves me. Every now and then I can find a happy medium where everyone is pleased.

"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.

Picture Page

"Between Homes-an exhibition of works by Steven S. Walker (2009)"
Click here to order your copy



So after the opening of the "Between Homes" show my beautiful fiance presented me with a book of all of the pieces that were in the show. It was a great present and it actually made me blush a little. Now the book is available to the public for purchase. Enjoy!

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!

From Afghanistan with Love, part 3

"Blue Ridge Farm" - 24" x 48" -oil

Unavailable

With all of the show stuff going on I just realized that I didn't post the conclusion to my trip to Afghanistan. So without further ado...

Since the last time we left Steven he was waiting to discuss flights out to Bagram. We went to the PERSCO (Personnel Support for Contingency Operations) tent to see about our flight out. The five of us sat their listening to all of the names that were listed. Only two of our names were called to board the flight... neither of which was mine. Obviously this caused some concern because it would send one artist and one escort to Afghanistan leaving the remaining two artists and one escort in Kyrgyzstan.

This is where the trip took a bad turn. While in the terminal waiting area, one of the other artists convinced the higher ups to send two artists instead of an artist and an escort. While making this deal, the same artist decided (without my knowledge) that if two artists were going that I would not be one of them. This was not his decision to make and his reasoning was even more disrespectful to me as both an artist and a human being.

So there I was in Kyrgyzstan, dazed, confused and angry. With the exception of the mountains and the dry air there was nothing special about the base. Fortunately my escorts and some of the folks at public affairs were able to get me into some places around the base that were normally off limits. Got lemons...make lemonade. Everyone that I encountered during this time was kind of skiddish until they found out that I was a volunteer and not a contractor (soldiers don't seem to be fond of contractors).

In the end I was able to get a lot of reference for my painting. The trip wasn't what I expected but my life isn't what I thought it would be (it's better). Anyway...since I'm posting this I can say that I got home safely. Now I wonder where the next trip will take me too.

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.