Woody's Watercolor Blog

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Archive for category Freedom of Speech

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 ...

BTB&TR

Nov 1

Posted by Woody in Forum, Freedom of Speech, Guest Artists, Non-Objective, The Past, Woody's Watercolors | No Comments

Between The Bridge and The River DETAIL - Woody Hansen Watercolor
BTB&TR – DETAIL – Original Watercolor Painting by Woody Hansen
(Click image to view entire painting)

This painting is a non-objective, demonstration piece from my current, weekly watercolor classes. It consists of of three or four layers, one over the other with drying time between each layer. The dominate shape is derived from a newspaper photograph of four men in suits, possibly businessmen or politicians. The subject matters not, only the basic, dark and light shapes are of concern here.

The first layer is the “light” layer. I use three, high key values (light light, medium light, dark light) of transparent primary colors to lay in a wet-on-wet, non-objective pattern. The layer is allowed to dry.

Next comes the second, or medium value layer. This is done, wet-on-dry, and where the initial shapes are described within the rectangle. I create a mid-value intermediate tertiary color with which to develop the initial pattern. Before continuing, this layer is also allowed to dry.

The third and final layers, all wet-on-dry, are used to further develop. adjust. and define the over-all design.

BTB&TR is an abbreviation of Between The Bridge and The River. The name really has little to do with the

    originalintent of the painting. The title is arrived at, not before, but after the painting is completed.

    Upon finishing this non-objective watercolor I sense a feeling of the fury of a raging fire. I thought about naming the painting, Fire and Fury. Maybe I should have stuck with that original title. It is certainly much shorter in length. However, a book and an interesting religious concept came between the painting and the original title.

    I recently completed the audio book version of Craig Ferguson’s American On Purpose (The Improbable Adventures of An Unlikely Patriot). It’s a great read. I haven’t had so much fun since the days of creative radio and television personalities Don Sherwood, Al Jazzbo Collins, Steve Allen, and Johnny Carson)!

    Chapter 40 (Between The Bridge and The River), of Craig’s book seems fitting to the feeling of the painting. Also, in some small way, it is my recognition, respect, and appreciation of Craig Ferguson’s artistically creative approach to late night television.

    In the late 50’s I was fortunate to spend many Sundays as a disc jockey (“And now, here is your local announcer …’) spinning very large discs or platters (vinyl records) of a religious program. The name of the program escapes my memory, but the featured speaker was Father Keller who always ended his transcribe program with, “It is better to light one little candle than to curse the darkness.”

    What, you inquire, do the above five paragraphs have to do with my watercolor painting, Craig Ferguson, fire and fury, and religion? Read or , better yet, listen to the book.

    Colors: Religious Red, Devilish Scarlet, Blistering Yellow, Purgatory Blue, and Grim Reaper Black.

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

Memorial Day 2008 – Lest We Forget

May 25

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 for Memorial Day?
1. View the short video.
2. In memory of Arnold Hansen (and fellow veterans, present and past). Died at age 18, WWII, US Navy, April 19, 1944. Body lost at sea. Ship: John Straub.
3. Thank you, Nora Jones. I cannot imagine the song being presented any better; a wonderful blend of art and craft. Album available on iTunes.

Commiecast.net Update

Apr 19

Posted by Woody in Contradictions, Forum, Freedom of Speech, Miscellaneous, Rant | 1 Comment

Monster Image
Comcast Continues to Manipulate Internet Mail
(Click image to learn more)

Comcast and other big phone and cable companies are trying to eliminate Net Neutrality (including selected non-delivery, or delay of Internet e-mail). Net Neutrality is the principle that protects our freedom to go where we want, communicate with whomever we want, and do what we choose online.

More than 1.5 million SavetheInternet.com supporters are fighting to keep the Internet free and open for everyone. If you are a Comcast customer, you probably won’t realize who is not able to communicate with you. Think about it.

Learn more »
How this affects you »
How this affects me:
Type “Comcast” into the Search box at the top of this page.

First they came for the Communists,
and I didn’’t speak up,
because I wasn’’t a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn’’t speak up,
because I wasn’’t a Jew.
Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn’’t speak up,
because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me,
and by that time there was no one
left to speak up for me.

by Rev. Martin Niemoller, 1945