Steven Hill - Fine Artist - www.windsweptstudios.com

Casciano Italy

Steven Hill — 6/24/2008

Casciano, Tuscany June 19, 2008

Italy Pisa area Storm brewing

This piece was from a vantage point overlooking the Tuscan landscape, just 50 km south of Pisa, on a very hot day. Thunder storms in the nearby mountains added a bit of drama with some good winds to move things around (including my easel) but mainly the grasses and grains in the foreground. It was like bathing without the water, but a clean feel nonetheless.

Lucca, Italy

Steven Hill — 6/24/2008

Lucca, Italy, June 20 & 21, 2008

What a way to celebrate the beginning of summer, working first from the top of the wall surrounding Lucca, towards one of the 'Torres', then another painting from below and outside the wall surrounding this beautiful Tuscan city.

This distinctive wall seperates Lucca from all other walled cities I have painted in 3 trips to Italy. Reconstructed at least 3 times (the last I believe in the eighteenth century when it was rebuilt using bricks!) this venerable landmark has very large dimensions on a human scale. It's at least 40 feet wide at the top, where one can stroll or ride bikes for 3 � kilometers, completely circling the city. Large old oak and chestnut trees have been planted there and provide welcome shade as well as an invitation to walk what was once the fortification for Lucca.

Italy Lucca San Martino Torre

Italy Lucca old city wall

Tuscan Mountain Villa

Steven Hill — 6/23/2008

San Giovanni, Italy, June 10

This painting is an old farmhouse where we stayed, part of a twelfth century estate perched high above the valley near San Giovanni, just 40 km east of Lucca. The house has a history that incudes the most recent incursions involving the Fascists when British troops occupied the little village a few kilometers away and sent a few mortar rounds into these buildings occupied by Fascists during WWII.

Italy Tuscan Mountain Villa

The roofs have been replaced and the serenity of the Tuscan countryside prevails. The walls were reflecting the warm tones cast by the sun and set a quiet glow across the landscape.

Amalfi Coast

Steven Hill — 6/22/2008

Salerno, Italy June 4

Italy Steve sweating over a painting

After a week at Monopli on Italy's southeast coast, we set-up camp at a waterfront hotel in Salerno on the Mediterranean side (west), just south of the fabled Amalfi coast. Two boat trips to both Positano and Amalfi netted two paintings via plein air and hundreds of reference photos and sketches for future work.

Italy Positano Amalfi Coast

The piece here is a nearly finished painting done at Positano, looking straight-up from the beach in front of the duomo. Summer arrived in full swing at 38 degree centigrade � which was darned hot, but added some warm tones to the painting as well.

Pulignano A Mare, Italy

Steven Hill — 6/13/2008

Pulignano a Mare, Italy, May 26

This medieval coastal town near Bari on Italy's southwest coast had a small cathedral with my own name in Italian, Cathedral St. Stefano. I couldn't resist the urge to paint there, plus the afternoon light reflecting off the Adriatic Sea was turning-up the volume on the colors on and around the companile of this small cathedral.

Southeast Italy Pulignano A Mare

Korcula Island, Croatia

Steven Hill — 6/3/2008

Korcula Island, Croatia

Each island we visit becomes even more beautiful than the last. Since Krk(Kirk) we have been to the medieval ccoastal city of Zadar for two days then off to Dubrovnik, where we stayed nearby in a little village called Slano, nested on a fantastic small bay of the Adriatic. I didn't paint for those 5 days as we were simply awestruck by the visual impact of both cities, as well as the war (1992-96, when they were attacked by the Serbs and Monte Negro forces). Even Dubrovnik, which was heavily hit and is still re-building - although the casual visitor wouldn't really notice - as they are doing such a marvelous job of restoration. That city has a very long history of seiges, inflicted by both man and nature (huge earthquake in 1665 wiped-out most of the city, as well as another in the 1970's). It is the wars, though, that underscore the resilience of these people and their innate ability to always adjust. Hundreds of residents of Dubrovnik hid-out for weeks in an old fortress of the city wall (several feet thick, built of stone) in the 90's war while hundreds more were killed and thousands wounded. Hundrds of buildings were completely destroyed - one notable stat is they have replaced 490,000 roof tiles since 1996 and are still working.

Croatia Korcula old town

The most poignant moment for me came when I discovered that the small village of Slano, where we rented an �apartmani� had been completely fire-bombed by the Serbs. Every building in the village, including the only resort hotel was fire bombed. The older buildings survived, structurely, as stone doesn't readily burn and roof tiles and interior walls can be replaced, which they have been doing for 12 years now. Even the church tower survived, which was a prime target all over Croatia for other villages, as we have observed. This comment made by the owner of our apartment (which was likewise nearly completely destroyed, but has been re-built to fine standards with more modern conveniences) that he is Croatian and his wife of 40 years is Serbian �You know, because we are who we are, (serb and Croatian) it is not good for us now in either country. We have these damned wars every 50 years and maybe this one will be the last.� He looked fifteen years older than his age and is obviously weary of the processes involved in �these damned wars�. While we see it on TV and read about it in the news, these small countries get a hands-on experience in real-time and it is ugly. Roadside signs here and there, still warn of land mines, with a skull and cross bones image.

It's very beautiful in Croatia again, most everything has been restored to it's former glory and it is all because of the strong spirit prevailing in these people. While they are a little trepiditous about joining the EU, which will happen in just months, they are also willing to look at a new union that might help to preclude �a damned war every 50 years� or so.

Croatia Korcula village

We have now taken thousands of photos (at least 400 just in Dubrovnik) for painting references and I am looking forward to using those in the studio. I am back to painting on-site again and have a couple of images here from the islands of Murter and now Korcula, where we are staying for one week. Today, it's off to Vela Luka, a town on the far west side of this island, ironically, the sister city of Anacortes, Washington, near where we live. The �Vela Luka� dancers of Anacortes, share a cultural weave through their native costumed dances and language preservation.

OK, I know I said these blogs would be only about the paintings, especially after the opus from Spain, but a lot of the painting process for me includes an added dimension, beyond just form, color and light and has much to do with human elements as well.

Painting Krk on Krk island Croatia

Steven Hill — 5/14/2008

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.

Steve follows footsteps!

Steven Hill — 5/13/2008

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.

Venice Ponte

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.

Spain - surprises through art

Steven Hill — 4/28/2008

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!

Tidal flats, Gijon, Spain

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 at Auch

Steven Hill — 4/25/2008

Ponte at Auch, France 4/19/08

Ponte at Auch

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.

Ventimiglia, Italy

Steven Hill — 4/25/2008

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!

Ventimiglia, Italian Riviera

Ponte de Lima

Steven Hill — 4/25/2008

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.

Ponte de Lima, Portugal

Up river from Ponte de Lima bridge

Algarve

Steven Hill — 4/15/2008

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.

Algarve view

After the Storm

Steven Hill — 4/15/2008

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.

After the storm

From Idaho to Italy

Steven Hill — 3/7/2008

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.

Hyde Park Revisited

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

New Works Group Show at Scott Milo Gallery, Anacortes

Steven Hill — 12/6/2007

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

One Man Show

Steven Hill — 9/24/2007

Steve Hill

Announces his first

One Man Show

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

Steven Hill — 7/18/2007

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

Urbanscapes, Dusk till Dawn

Steven Hill — 4/30/2007

This Thursday, May 3rd, both Judy and I will be in attendance at Yoshida's Fine Art Gallery in Portland, Oregon, for the opening of the invitational show �Urbanscapes, Dusk till Dawn.� I hope to see many of you at the gallery for this fantastic show of work from 9 artists dealing with subject matter from the twilight hours of cities from all over the world. You may even find yourself walking down some of those sidewalks, about to cross a neon bathed street, floating the canals, riding the rails or just staring wistfully at back-lit buildings and storefronts.

Visit their web site www.yoshidagallery.com to preview the work, but better yet, stop by either at the opening or during the month of May to see this show first hand. I was especially pleased to make paintings on a theme that gave me some new challenges - I do live on an island, you know. It has also provided new directions to my more rural �regular' work, as well.

Rainy Night/Portland

Pictured here is a piece titled �Rainy Night, Portland� painted last month. I also have pieces from Italy, England and Boston in this show, plus one of my personal favorites "The First and Last Chance Tavern" painted from Judy's class re-union in Ellensburg, WA last summer.

It's a joy to exhibit and work alongside so many talented artists especially with a gallery that really makes interesting things happen! A lot of thought goes into planning and coordinating shows like this (especially by the gallery) and even more preparation and work time by participating artists who could just sit back and say �New Works by Blah Blah�. This show has substance WAY beyond the mundane. Come see for yourselves!

The First and Last Chance Tavern/Ellensburg, Wa

Miniatures show: Colin Goode Gallery

Steven Hill — 4/23/2007

On Friday, April 27th, there will be an opening at The Colin Goode Gallery of Fine Art in Lopez Village for our first annual “Miniatures” show, featuring 6 artists, all with pieces no larger than a 5” x 7” image area. The opening reception will be from 5-7 p.m. and you are invited to come view some great small art. All 2-D pieces in this show are priced at $350 or less, which is a great way to start or enhance your art collection with very affordable matted and framed originals.

One of the pastels I will have in this show is pictured here “October Sun/Flower Island” and is one of 2 ‘chiaro-scuro’ pieces I have for this show . . . in addition to some ‘plein air’ island theme pieces.

October Sun/Flower Island

The other artists in this show are: Colin Goode, Daphne Morris, Karen Hattman, Bob Riggins and Matt Miller (Shaw Island artist). Refreshments will be served and live music will be provided by Leta Currie Marshall and Ginny Keith. I will be at the reception together with other artists from the group and hope to see any of you who might be on Lopez this coming weekend!