Krk island, Croatia

Three days of painting around the old city (3000 years old) with walls built between the eleventh and fourteenth centuries has been a fabulous experience!

We lucked into the best apartmnent rental in Croatia (at least to date) which has a balcony perfectly aligned for great compositions of the old walled city and especially the cathedral, with a bronze “weather angel” atop who swings with the prevailing wind.



The owners of ths apartment are artists, Dagmar (German born) and her husband Cedo (Croatian), who has designed and built this great home. Dagmar paints in watercolor and owns a gallery in the old city, while Cedo (Chay dough) expertly frames her work. We have become friends and painted together on the harbor.

We have the whole upstairs for 5 days, but could easily and readily spend 5 weeks painting here. Unbelievable colors, especially in the water and dozens of narrow passages within the city to set-up my easel. This is defnitley a keeper for painting locations and we will return here within 2 years to spend more time. The island is magical (aren't they all?!) and just takes your breath away.

The paintings/studies here have all been done in 4 days and some will require extra studio time when we return. As usual, several drawings (studies) and hundreds of photos will keep me very busy for months to come.



Speaking of months to come, we just hit the halfway point of our 3 month painting trip to Europe, with two more weeks in Croatia and then 4 more weeks in Italy. The work I am doing here will be available in mid-July, framed and ready to hang at Crow Valley Gallery in Eastsound, Orcas Island, Washington, Gottlieb gallery in Portland, Oregon and later this fall at Scott Milo gallery in Anacortes, Washington and Woman of Steel Gallery in Boise, Idaho..

Please watch the web site for show dates.

Many more paintings have been produced on this trip than I have had time to “blog”. Travelling like this is not conducive to regular communications and I feel lucky to fire-off one per week.

Venice, Italy April 28, 2008

Steve follows footsteps!

I had exactly one good weather day to set-up to paint in Venezia and took advantage by starting a plein air piece at one of the many Pontes - out of the wind and with sunlight streaming through. Rain and nasty weather had prevailed throughout our entire trip during March and April, making any outdoor painting a challenge.

As I reflect back to having the opportunity to actually paint in what is, without question, the most unique city in the world, (we are presently in Croatia, nearly 2 weeks later) I have to say it was simply humbling. Tintorettos from 400 years ago were being shown in the museum, together with many other master painters from Venice. I took the time to carefully observe how they applied paint and how they translated within their own time, and really, how little the city has changed since.


I am thankful for the opportunity and picked-up some good reviews from the throngs of people passing by . . . . for me, the biggest thing was to simply paint on-site in Venice. As usual, several sketches were done the 2 days we visited the city and a huge amount of phototography for studio work was accomplished. it's all about the light here and I hope to nail it down from my field work and as time allows when we return home.

Wednesday April 16 2008

After driving through “virtual eye candy” for one whole day without actually stopping to paint, (from Porto, Portugal to Gijon, Spain on the north coast), I finally settled on a spot overloking a tidal area just 25km east of Gijon. Off road for a few km, we tried for parking at a spot where the hillside overlooked sea and the light was glowing, even at mid-day! The parking problem is perpetual over here, even in small rural areas - after three passes back and forth over a narrow roadway, we nearly gave-up. However, a house just uphill, with a small driveway access (and under remodel construction - probably about 300 years old) had a few people on-site, so we stopped to see about permission to paint near there,

This is what always delights me about the common dialogue of art - it transcends language barriers and makes instant communication possible. The woman who came to meet us at the bottom of her driveway, was at first, very cautious about any conversation (she spoke no English, likewise us in Spanish), until I showed her a few samples of my artwork (business card images) and pantomimed setting-up to paint.

Her husband and several stone masons, arms folded on chests, were also very askance about a stranger in their midst, especially when they were busy with a huge project.

I don't want to go off about this, but it is the essence of my travels and to do art wherever I go. Before I knew it, and once the language barrier was partly resolved, I was being ushered to a prime painting spot on their roof, with a 360 view and enthusiastic gestures about which way to paint, from everyone! This, my friend, is what it means for me to be at home in a strange land!

I finished the painting 2 hours later - it's ALWAYS scarey to show your work to a new crowd - and was met with great reviews plus an invitation indoors for coffee (which got spiked with something really good by Justino) and a “conversation” in Spanish, Italian and English for nearly an hour . . . all with arms waving wildly and gestures that were made with great passion.

We made life-long frinds with the Guitterexz family – they are Basque, (like so many of my old friends in Boise, Idaho, especially my brother-in-law, Carlos Mendiola) and even knew much about HIS heritage over here, telling us of his name-sake!! We have exchanged invitaions to meet again as guests of one another in either country and I sincerely hope that happens!

What a place and I hope my painting here gives you a small visual idea of this countryside, filled with beautiful people, and with a history beyond description.

O.K, after this, no more epic opus from ol' Steve, just the straight stuff from the easel. What a trip this has been and we're barely started!

Ponte de Lima, Portugal April 15,2008

This bridge in northern Portugal is home to a local bi-weekly market day that has been going, without stop, since 1125. After 900 years, these vendors have it down cold and you can find everything you might ever need here!

I found the bridge with small cathedral and a beautiful river to paint.

Afterwards, I simply turned around, walked out on the bridge to paint these distant buildings reflected in the water. A lot of quick strokes, as the light was rapidly changing.

Ventimiglia, Italy

4/24/08

The village from the mouth of the river flowing down from the alps. Spring has arrived (o.k., it was 78 degrees that afternoon) and the colors were out. This is just across the border from France, the “rivieras” of both countries. Many studies done for future paintigs from the studio when we get back home!

Ponte at Auch, France 4/19/08

Painted during a weather transition (meaning wind, with sun, then rain) I was lucky to get the basic color and composition notes before the rain. We arrived at Auch during their weekly farmers market and have dozens of reference photos and sketches from that very colorful market that I can't wait to paint from later. (Pronounced Ouw-sh). Another bridge piece from the other side, with the village cathedral in the background) will come from this site when we get home.

April 8, 2008

This storm painting was done from a different angle yesterday evening, looking out from our balcony in Albufeira, Portugal. The seas built-up to about an 18 foot surf crashing the beaches, making for very dramatic light and wind conditions.

This morning, however, it is raining feircely, the sun has disappeared and the wind is still howling across the Atlantic. In the Pacific Northwest, I refer to this as “Rain air” painting, done from an indoor perch, looking outside. I will be working today from photos taken yesterday in a sweet little fishing town, Farragudo, near Portiamo, just 40 km west of here. I remain hopeful for better weather conditions to get outside with easel and painting materials, as we will be here through Saturday.

Albufeira, Portugal, April 6, 2008

First complete plein air painting from our balcony overlooking the southwest coast of Portugal. It has taken me nearly one week to adjust to the light and colors over here. This late afternoon sun and pending storm front made the water and horizon both appear liquid, yet provided a soft warm glow to the sunlit foreground.

There are some interesting rocks, where locals fish with long casting rods that I plan to explore when the wind lays down. The surf here is very active and makes wonderful patterns along the expansive stretches of beach. All in all, I'd say this is a superb place to explore and paint!

We are finding that daily blogs are next to impossible and will try to do at least one or two per week, with images from paintings, as well. “Wireless” is not easily found in Portugal, especially when our travel itinerary requires more necessary stops just to paint and for food, etc.

FROM IDAHO TO ITALY

On Friday, March 14th, I will be showing my first artwork in my home town of Boise, Idaho, since 1970, at the Woman of Steel Gallery in Old Town Garden City, directly adjacent to Boise. Six original pastels (mostly painted plein air) from Idaho to Italy, with stops in between, will be displayed along with other artists' work in the gallery.

While I cannot be in attendance for this opening and show, I will be there in mind and spirit. I hope any Idaho friends, patrons and family will be able to stop-by the gallery on Friday, March 14th from 7:00 to 9:00 PM for the opening.

We are in the midst of final preparations and logistics for a 3 month painting trip to Portugal, Spain, France, Croatia and Italy beginning March 29th. We will be traveling mostly around the coastlines of these countries to do plein air painting, with side trips into many hill towns. Watch my web site www.windsweptstudios.com and please pass this message onto friends who might have an interest in seeing new works as they progress. I will be doing ‘nearly daily' blogs and photos of actual paintings as the trip progresses and will be showing these new works in 3 galleries upon my return starting in early July: Crow Valley Gallery, at Eastsound, Orcas Island, Washington, The Gottlieb Gallery, Portland, Oregon and Woman of Steel Gallery in Boise, Idaho, next summer and fall. Openings and show dates will appear on my web site soon.

Pictured here is a piece titled “Hyde Park Revisited” from studies done last June on a trip to Boise. Much of the work in this show has been done similarly, either on-site or from studies as I travel around the northwest plus a couple of my favorite painting spots in Italy.

I am very pleased to be able to exhibit work in Irene Deelys' impressive gallery in Old Town Garden City and appreciate this opportunity to present my latest pieces. I am especially excited to be showing work in my home town again and look forward to hearing back from anyone who visits the show!


Woman of Steel Gallery is located at 3640 Chinden Blvd., Old Town Garden City, Idaho.

Gallery hours are: 11-5 Tuesday through Saturdays (open until 9:00 p.m. on Fridays).

Phone: 208-703-6461 email: IDeelinart@aol.com

I will be showing new works from my plein-air painting trips around the world with 6 other artists, through December, at Scott Milo Gallery in Anacortes, Washington. Opening reception for the artists will be Friday, December 7^th from 6-8 p.m. during the Anacortes First Friday Art Walk. The exhibit runs through January 22, 2008.

Other pieces include an Anacortes street scene and various new paintings from around the Pacific Northwest and Italy. I hope to see many of you at the reception next Friday and do have a wonderful holiday!

Scott Milo Gallery is located at 420 Commercial Avenue, just across the street form The Majestic Hotel. Regular gallery hours are: Monday-Saturday, 10:30-4:30. The Gallery will be open every Sunday through Christmas. 360-293-6938. Visit their web site: www.scottmilo.com

Steve Hill

Announces his first

One Man Show

at

Gottlieb Gallery – Portland, Oregon

“Travels with a Plein Air Artist”

An eclectic mix of paintings from Italy to the San Juan Islands and lots of stops in between

On Thursday, October 4^th I will be present at The Gottlieb Gallery in Portland, Oregon for the opening of my first One Man Show. Reception is from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

 

The show hangs through Friday October 26^th and I will have over 20 new works on display at the gallery. The opening coincides with the First Thursday Art Walk. I hope to see many of you at the opening and personally invite you to come to their beautiful gallery to see my latest works.

 

Gottlieb Gallery is located in downtown Portland at 220 SW Yamhill.

 

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11 AM – 5 PM.

503-241-1070

www.gottliebgallery.com

Portland, Oregon Gallery News Update

. . . When one door closes, another will open.

After 8 years serving the Portland fine arts community with flair and character, Yoshida’s Fine Art Gallery in Portland, Oregon, closed their doors on June 11, 2007. I would like to thank Linda Yoshida for the rare opportunity to exhibit at the gallery and to be involved in the annual “Observing Oregon” paint-outs and group shows.

My very special thanks go to the incredible gallery staff: mainly Kevin Weaver, David Baumann and Cherise Miller for 2 years of close affiliation plus successful sales and connections with clients while representing my artwork at the gallery. Fare thee well to all of you – it was a grand experience in so many ways!



New Portland Gallery


I am quite pleased and much honored to announce my new gallery affiliation at The Gottlieb Gallery in downtown Portland.

Since purchasing the business in the early 90’s, Julie Gottlieb has proudly positioned her gallery as one of the Pacific Northwest’s leading venues of the highest quality fine art.

Her personal approach to successful pairings of quality artwork, artists and clients is not only common knowledge in the Portland art scene, but comes from careful selections that rely upon her innate ability to identify and cultivate excellence in fine art at every level.

Visit the gallery website: www.gottliebgallery.com to see and experience the artwork and artists firsthand. I look forward to re-connecting with my Portland area clients and collectors at:



The Gottlieb Gallery
220 SW Yamhill
Portland, Oregon, 97204.
(503) 241-1070.
email: gottgall@msn.com