Woody's Watercolor Blog

Unequal measures of Transcription, Translation, & Transgression

Archive for category Contradictions

Cow Pie Awards

Aug 3

Posted by Woody in Contradictions, Forum, Freedom of Speech, Miscellaneous, Rant, Woody's Watercolors | No Comments

New Indoor Watercolor Classes Begin Sept. 8. All levels welcome. Learn more HERE!
Detail of Cow Pie Awards, an original watercolor by Woody Hansen
Cow Pie Awards. DETAIL. Original watercolor by Woody Hansen
(Click image to view entire painting)

Cow Pie Awards was painted the afternoon of the second day of three, Plein Air Days at this year’s California State Fair. It was painted shortly after walking through one of the livestock buildings on the fair grounds. The premise of the painting had been germinating for many weeks. The sights and smells within the livestock building helped solidify my thoughts.

For several years the fair has hosted Plein Air Days. It is a time set aside for selected painters to create their works, outdoors among fair visitors. The original, non-competitive nature of Plein Air Days At The Fair seems like a commendable idea. This was my third season of participation. For the most part, i’ve found the experience worthwhile and positive.

This year someone, or some committee, decided to turn Plein Air Days into a competition. I assume this was done on the basis of solid reasoning, and accomplished with the best of intentions. Furthermore, I assume some of my fellow painters welcomed an opportunity to win award money. However, as many decisions in life, there is an up side and a down side.

I find the change troublesome. As a result, I participated in the three day affair, but did not submit any work for the competition. By doing so I prevented myself from having even the slightest chance at award money or possible sales. Admittedly,not smart and a very poor business decision on my part. Spinning wheels and tilting windmills.

I should note that realistically, in three days of outdoor painting I didn’t produce much that a state fair juror would recognize as worthy of an award. Then too,even though I’m pleased with Cow Pie Awards, it appears more political cartoon than painting (no disrespect intended).

I realize the award process is a large part of all state fairs. We have, of course, a juried event at the main state fair art show. Fair enough. No problem with the basic idea. And, frankly, I have a tendency to be as competitive as the next person. In some cases, even more so … to a fault. That noted, I definitely enjoyed the non-competitiveness of yesteryear’s Plein Air Days. I also understand the only constant is change. Still, the jury process being what it is, I believe it would be reasonable to expect one art event at the fair to promotes art appreciation over judgement.

Cow Pie Awards was painted with an intention of placing it in the competition. Awards aside, I wanted a personal statement seen and point of view presented. However, people whose judgement I respect cautioned me that Cow Pie Awards might be viewed as offensive. As the saying goes, “hog-wash!” Yet as I was about to walk out the door the early morning of the third and last day of Plein Air Days, I made a split second decision. I intentionally left this painting in the studio. Regrettably, a kind of self-censorship. The worst kind.

Arguably, I suppose a high stakes robbery, and the shooing of a pregnant cow is enough fair controversy for one year. The good news? I hear fair attendance was up somewhere around ten percent.

For pricing, and availability, click here

American Anthem 2010

May 31

Posted by Woody in Contradictions, Forum, Freedom of Speech, Miscellaneous, Rant | No Comments

All that we’ve been given by those who came before …
Nora Jones American Anthem Image
American Anthem – Sung by Nora Jones
(Click image to see video and hear audio)

Why an image of Nora Jones on Memorial Day?
1. I’ve posted it before. It bears repeating on this special day.
2. View the short video.
3. In memory of my uncle, Arnold Hansen, cousin Harold Loch, and fellow veterans, present and past. Arnold died at age 18, WWII, US Navy, April 19, 1944. Body lost at sea. Ship: John Straub. Harold Loch (11/05/31-12/11/98), received the Korean War Veteran Medal of Honor on June 22, 1996, and carried the price of freedom to his natural death..
4. Thank you, Nora Jones. I cannot imagine the song being presented any better; a wonderful blend of art and craft. Album available on iTunes.

NEWSWORTHY:
Apparently, the military is denying benefits to physically wounded soldiers, claiming their wounds were caused by a “Personality Disorder.” Being discharged with this pre-existing condition means no disability benefits and no long-term medical care. Regardless of how you feel about these wars, it is shameful how we turn our backs on our wounded soldiers. Write your representatives in Congress and let them know this deplorable behavior is disgraceful and must be stopped. More here ...

Tootsie Fruitsy

Nov 8

Posted by Woody in Contradictions, Forum, Miscellaneous, Non-Objective, Woody's Watercolors | No Comments

Tootsie Fruitsy DETAIL - Woody Hansen Watercolor
Tootsie Fruitsy – DETAIL – Original Watercolor Painting by Woody Hansen
(Click image to view entire painting)

Well, here we go … another opening of another show (so to speak, er, write). This painting is a studio piece. By that I mean it was painted entirely in the studio environment. I did it as a demonstration piece for the folks who are participating in my current watercolor classes.

In its finished state,Tootsie Fruitsy, gets its title from two sources. First, this work reminds me of Juicyfruit gum. I can smell the delicious aroma as I type this overly wordy entry. Second, another tip of the old hat to that creative, artistically inclined, youngster, Craig Ferguson (host of The Late, Late, Show on CBS (or as the Smother’s Brothers used to call it, the Cow Boy Station). As many of you know, Craig often does a humorous bit about the “Tootsie Fruitsy Ice-ah Creama” man (no offense intended to my friends of Italian ancestry). Or, as Craig might say,“Come on, lighten up, it’s a JOKE!”

I’m not sure how I feel about this particular watercolor. Part of me likes it and another part isn’t so sure. The two sides battled it out in my brain and the “likes it” won out. Of course it’s not about like it or not, it is about learning, about the journey, about the luxury of being able to do it at all. Besides, in art, failure is success.

In retrospect, I might have stopped several layers earlier* . There are times when a painting seems to come too early, too easily ,and one mistakenly feels a need to push on, to develop it further. I try to avoid this kind of silliness, but every once in a while “trying to please” takes over. Who the devil am I trying to please? Who ever it might be, an imagined audience composed of peers, students, jurors, societies, galleries, critics, the buying public, etc., is caused by self doubt, insecurity, and ignorance. Truth be told, what really matters is the opportunity to create another watercolor painting.

Colors: Juicyfruit Yellow, Censorship Red, Puritan Blue, Threatening Purple, Protestant Orange, Catholic Green, and Profitable Black.

For more information, including price and availability, click here.

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* The (I could have stopped here) third of seven layers …
Tootsie - Woody Hansen Watercolor

Runyon River

Oct 4

Posted by Woody in Contradictions, Forum, Woody's Watercolors | No Comments

Runyon River DETAIL - Woody Hansen Watercolor
Runyon River – DETAIL – Original Watercolor Painting by Woody Hansen
(Click image to view entire painting)

Here is a painting of a river that is, yet isn’t. Or, maybe it is a painting of a river that isn’t, yet is.

Runyon River is a fictitious name I’ve given the preliminary sketch – value plan done along the banks of the American River in Sacramento, California. That title makes no sense, right? Right, but it gives me a great excuse to use the opening lines of this post. Then too, if I were to write the real reason for the title it would probably come out sounding self serving and, overly sentimental or serious. So, Runyon River it is.

The painting features an analogous color scheme of green, blue, and violet, with a bit of grey (or gray) thrown in for good measure. The composition is of the standard landscape type of overlapping planes (foreground, mid-ground, and background). A rather basic approach, but effective just the same. It reminds one of the saying, “Keep it simple stupid.”

My Colors: Gregariously Greedy Green, Bountiful Bashful Blue, Vicariously Vicious Violet, and Middle-of-the-Road Gray Grey.
My Paper: Unstretched 140 pound, Cold Press,Winsor & Newton.

For more information, including price and availability, click here.

Morning Moment

Aug 17

Posted by Woody in Contradictions, Forum, Woody's Watercolors | No Comments

Watercolor Workshop and Class Information. Click here for details
Morning Moment DETAIL - Woody Hansen Watercolor
Morning Moment – DETAIL – Original Watercolor Painting by Woody Hansen
(Click image to view entire painting)

Morning Moment is the second demonstration painting I did on the Sunday of the recent (July) Mt. Shasta, California weekend workshop. The workshop has become an annual, July event for the “elder” Hansen’s.

I did the sketch, value plan on location amid an area known as Box Canyon on the headwaters of the Sacramento River, south of the city of Mt. Shasta, California. I then started and completed the piece on location.

This painting looks little like the actual scene; for better or worse, it is a figment of my imagination. It is not a transcription, nor a translation so much as it is a trangression.

However, I am very familiar with this stream having spent many days there as a youth. It was where I went when I needed time to sort out the problems of growing up. It was also, thanks to my father and a wonderful neighbor (Mr. Yount) where I first learned to fish for trout. Ah, yes, the good old days … how lucky I am to have spent several years In paradise (grin)!

For more information, including price and availability, click here.

AHKM09 (Alabama Hills, Keeler, Manzanar)

Aug 2

Posted by Woody in Contradictions, Exhibitions, Forum | 3 Comments

AHKM09 DETAIL - Woody Hansen Watercolor
AHKM09 – DETAIL – Original Watercolor Painting by Woody Hansen
(Click image to view entire painting)

This painting is part of an Artist Exhibit from the May 2009 12th Annual Henry Fukuhara Watercolor Workshop Lone Pine Ranch, Alabama Hills, Manzanar and Keeler
APC Fine Arts, 1621 Cabrillo Ave. Torrance, CA. 90501
Tel: 310.328-0366 Email: apcgraphics@sbcglobal.net

DATES OF EXHIBIT: Monday, August 17th thru Saturday, September 26th, 2009.
RECEPTION: Saturday, August 22nd, 1-5.
GALLERY HOURS: Monday-Friday 9-5 and Saturday 11-4.

AHKM09, is a follow up painting to a demo I was honored to do during the 12th Annual Henry Fukuhara Watercolor Workshop in May of this year. Unfortunately, I am of the opinion the painting portion of the demo left something to be desired. The good news is I also believe I provided the group with some useful information, and maintained the group’s interest.

However, my goal for the demo was to combine three workshop locations into one effective painting; the three locations being the Alabama Hills, the Keeler Talc Mill and salt flats, and Manzanar (thus the title, AHKJM09). In reality these three locations are miles apart.

The demo came up a bit short because of – in large part – flaws in my thought process and preparation. For complex and valid reasons I won’t bore you with, I did not have a solid value plan before starting the demo. Then too, while I preach Henry Fukuhara’s phrase that an artist can “move mountains,” I neglected to effective role model that excellent advice.

While I suspect the reasons for my confusion were numerous, the simple truth is – in an effort to please an audience – I became seduced by “Transcription,” at the expense of Translation, and what I term,Transgression.

The breakthrough came some months following the original demo. While admitting my frustration to a watercolor class, I was cheerfully reminded I had permission to “move mountains.” It was then I realized, in trying to “tell a story” I had become overly concerned with transcription (correct perspective, scale, etc.). I should have known better.

By reducing the measure of Transcription while increasing the measure of Translation and Transgression , AHKM09, is, arguably, creatively more successful than the first attempt. My thanks to Ferole Lee Corbet for helping me get back on track.

For more information, including price and availability, click here.

Bogus Box II

Jul 26

Posted by Woody in Contradictions, Forum, Woody's Watercolors, Workshops | 2 Comments

Bogus Box 2 DETAIL - Woody Hansen Watercolor
Bogus Box II – DETAIL – Original Watercolor Painting by Woody Hansen
(Click image to view entire painting)

Bogus Box II, is the second of two paintings based on the same location and preliminary value plan, or sketch. Previously, I’ve commented on the location, or actual scene, as well as the reason for the title and the basis of my approach (see previous post – Bogus Box i).

This piece was completed outdoors, on location during the recent Mt. Shasta Workshop. It was Saturday’s second demo. The painting developed with little difficulty, and quickly. The clean color,use of white space, and assured line quality is appealing. It reminds me of the old saying, “Less is more.”

For more information, including price and availability, click here.

The Bright Side

Jun 20

Posted by Woody in Contradictions, Forum | No Comments

Next Watercolor Workshop:
Mt. Shasta, CA., July 11 & 12, 2009. Click here for details
The Bright Side DETAIL - Woody Hansen Watercolor
The Bright Side – DETAIL – Original Watercolor by Woody Hansen
(Click image to view entire painting)

Unfortunately I no longer recall the source, but the helpful advice to consider creating :“a light, a bright, a dark, and a dull” of various sizes and shapes has stuck with me over the years. The Bright Side, appears to meet those goals.

The painting began outdoors, along the banks of the American River during a recent Free Friday gathering and was finished in the studio a few days later. In this case, I did not use a preliminary value plan prior to starting, choosing instead to begin by painting directly on the paper without the use of a preliminary pencil outline or drawing. In other words, I “”winged“” it.

While I often use a permanent black ink marker for much of my line, I was conscious of creating this piece without the use of ink line. Not that it matters – or should matter – the line work in Bright Side is all watercolor.

For more information, including price and availability, click here.

Manzanar Insight

Apr 11

Posted by Woody in Contradictions, Exhibitions, Forum | 2 Comments

ManzanarInsight DETAIL - Woody Hansen Watercolor
Manzanar Insight – DETAIL – Watercolor by Woody Hansen
(Click image to view entire painting)

This watercolor painting was completed about two weeks after a second MS episode further impaired my vision. Damn the scarring, full speed ahead!

Manzanar Insight, has been on tour for a while, and – as of this writing – is part of this the current Henry Fukuhara 2008 Watercolor Workshop exhibition at the Manzanar Interpretive Center (just off U.S. 395), Lone Pine, CA.. I’m told the exhibition is well received. The group exhibition runs through Sunday, May 3, 2009.

This year’s 12th Annual Henry Fukuhara Watercolor Workshop is being held Saturday, May 2, , and Sunday, May 3, 2009, with a paint out on Monday, May 4, at Keeler, CA. As an added bonus there will also be group paint outs Thursday, April 30, at Olancha, and Friday, May 1, at Spanhower Ranch in Lone Pine. Artist Dan Dickman will do the Saturday demo at Alabama Hills, Al Setton the Sundy demo at Manzanar, and yours truly the Monday demo at Keeler. Ron Librecht of the APC Fine Arts Gallery will do the Saturday afternoon critique, and Al Setton the Sunday critique (no crit on Monday). You’re invited to join in the fun!

For a workshop application form go to Al Setton’s website at
www.alsetton.com. Once at the site, click on Artist at Work, where you will find more information , including an application form.

New Beginning

Mar 8

Posted by Woody in Contradictions, Forum | 1 Comment

Golden Glow DETAIL - Woody Hansen Watercolor
New Beginning – DETAIL – Watercolor by Woody Hansen
(Click image to view entire painting)

Working from imagination, without a value plan or preliminary study, this half-sheet non-objective watercolor is developed on September 30th,2008. It is the first painting on the first day I become aware of my impending vision loss.

The title, New Beginning, comes weeks later.Ironically,
I am posting this work on the thirteenth anniversary of my web site. I always have, and still do, considered the number thirteen a “lucky”number.