Thursday, December 28, 2006

Fun with miniature paintings



ACEO miniature paintings , 2.5" x 3.5"
Acrylic on 140lb watercolor paper
Search "Holdren" at www.ebay.com to see these. The bidding starts at $9.99! These are miniature originals, not prints!
What's an ACEO, you ask? ACEO stands for ART CARDS EDITIONS AND ORIGINALS. They are basically small paintings the size of a trading card and they are enormously popular on sites like Ebay. Collectors love them because they are affordable and they look great in the small easel back frames you buy at stores. I have started doing some of these as a break from my larger exhibition paintings. Hope you enjoy them!

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Tsavo West View


"Tsavo West View"
5" x 7" Oil on Canvas Panel
$50 Unframed
This is a small studio piece done from sketches and memory from a past trip to Kenya, Africa. This is a part of Tsavo West that I saw while we were on Safari. Available by emailing me at paintinglandscapes@yahoo.com or you can purchase via Paypal at www.justinholdren.com .

Saturday, December 02, 2006

October Reflections

"October Reflections"
8" x 10" Oil on Canvas
This was painted when all of the fall colors were in their glory. I went a little crazy with the color on this one, but this piece was great fun to do. Email me to purchase this piece.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Working on Still lifes lately....


We have had days of cold, wind, and rain here, so I have been painting from life in the studio. This is one I just finished. It is 24" x 36", oil on canvas. This one was a request from my wife, so for the time being it is not for sale.
Thought I would include a bit of my studio in this picture since some of you have asked what my studio looks like. Right now I work in a spare room in our house. My goal(when I can afford it), is to build a separate structure on my property so I can have more room. The room I use is great, but because I paint almost every day, I create work faster than I can sell it, so storage is an issue!
I will post some more studio work after Turkey Day.

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

New Gallery Partner!

Hello collectors and friends. I will have work in a brand new gallery that just opened this week. The place is called "Cheeky Originals" and is run by Richard Cheek and his wife. They are located at 13 S.E. Court Square, Graham, NC 27253. They can be reached by phone at 336-228-0600. Their gallery/gift shop will also feature pottery, glass, textiles, jewelry, and other great items, all of them handmade by local artists. To see which paintings I have there, visit my website at www.justinholdren.com and click on the "works" link. The paintings will have the gallery listed below where you can purchase them.
To purhcase paintings, or find out more about the new gallery, email me at paintinglandscapes@yahoo.com

Thursday, November 16, 2006

West Jefferson November

"West Jefferson November"
8" x 10" Oil on Canvas
This is a small painting I did today. This is a scene from a trip to Jefferson, NC that my wife and I took a few weks ago with our church. This is just one sample of the beautiful scenery that is in that part of the mountains.
to purchase, email at paintinglandscapes@yahoo.com

Saturday, November 04, 2006

Shatley Springs Day Trip



My wife and I took a day trip to the mountains with our church today. We went to Shatley Springs, a great restaurant in Ashe County that serves family style all-you-can eat breakfast, and then we visited some scenic sites in the county. These are some pictures of the surrounding areas. Since I was with a group, I didn't have time to do any outdoor sketches, but got lots of great photos. Keep checking here and at my regular website as I will have some paintings from this trip available soon.

Saturday, October 28, 2006

Wisteria in Bloom


"Wisteria in Bloom"
8" x 10" Acrylic on Panel
It has rained here the last few days, so I've been working in the studio. This is a small painting of a wisteria tree on my parents' property. We had good weather today, so I will post some more postcard paintings soon.
Email me at paintinglandscapes@yahoo.com to purchase this piece.

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Back yard grasses Study

"Back yard Grasses"
7" x 5" oil on canvas
$50 unframed
Painted on location yesterday in my backyard as the sun was quickly setting.
Email at paintinglandscapes@yahoo.com to purchase. FREE shipping in U.S.

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Picture problems

Having some trouble posting pics to blogger tonight, so I will post today's painting tomorrow.

Monday, October 16, 2006

Afternoon Clouds


"Afternoon Clouds"
5" x 7" Oil on Canvas
SOLD
Another piece from my "plein air postcards" series. This is a beautiful field just down the road from my house. I wanted to capture the great afternoon light as it backlit the clouds.
To purchase, email me at paintinglandscapes@yahoo.com .

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Front Porch Shadows


"Front Porch Shadows"
5" x 7" Oil on Canvas
SOLD
FREE shipping in U.S.
This is from my "plein air postcards" series. This is our front porch with the afternoon sun and shadows hitting the house. The house's vinyl siding is actually taupe or beige, but the strong setting sun made it appear to glow.
To purchase, email me at paintinglandscapes@yahoo.com

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Camera Problems.....

Collectors and friends,
I have begun my "Plein Air Postcards" series, but I am having some digital camera problems, so I am switching to another camera I have that needs a new memory card. I hope to have a new memory card by tomorrow and I will start posting these almost daily paintings. Thanks for your patience!

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Mombasa Palm


"Mombasa Palm"
8" x 10" Oil on Canvas Panel
SOLD
Free shipping in U.S.!
This is a close up of a palm tree done from sketches and photo reference from a past trip to Africa. This view is looking out from Bamburi Beach near Mombasa, Kenya.

Saturday, September 23, 2006

Visit my new lens!

What is a lens, you ask? A lens is a free webpage sort of like a blog where you can rate my page and view links to my other work. The lens can be viewed at www.squidoo.com/justinholdren - drop me an email and tell me what you think.

Saturday, September 16, 2006

Oil Studies from mountains trip...

6" x 8" Oil on Canvas Panel

6" x 8" Oil on Canvas Panel
These are some small oil studies I painted while my wife and I were on vacation in the Blue Ridge mountains in Virginia. We were staying on Massanutten Mountain at the Massanutten Resort, but it rained the entire time. We were there at the end of August during hurricane Ernesto! I had to paint these studies from our balcony because of the rain and heavy winds. I will probably develop some larger studio pieces from these studies and my photos.


Monday, September 04, 2006

Carribean Colors


"Carribean Colors"
8" x 10" Oil on Canvas
This is a small studio piece done from sketches and photo reference from a past trip to the Bahamas. It is available through Picasso's Gallery & gift shop located at the Alamance County Arts Council. To purchase, call them at 336-226-4495 or email them at arts@triad.rr.com , or you can email me.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

New Gallery Representative!

I have a new gallery where you can view some of my work. I have recently joined Picasso's Gallery/Gift shop, which is located inside the Alamance County Arts Council building. The gallery offers may great original paintings as well as pottery and glass by local and regional artists. It is housed inside a beautifully restored mansion from the 1800's. The front two galleries are for changing exhibitions by regional and nationally known artists, and Picasso's is located in another part of the building with its own entrance.
I will be on a vacation/painting trip next week, but I will have work in the gallery when I get back. Be sure to drop by and check out the gallery. They have many great things to see.
For more information, email me at paintinglandscapes@yahoo.com , or call the Arts Council at 336-226-4495.

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Bike Path, Bald Head Island

"Bike Path, Bald Head Island"
12" x 12" Oil on Birch Panel
This is a recent studio painting I did from some photographs I had from a past trip to Bald Head Island. This is a small bike path that goes through the marsh with a view of "Old Baldy" lighthouse in the background. The upper part of the digital image is a bit dark compared to the original.
To purchase, email at paintinglandscapes@yahoo.com
I do accept credit/debit cards through Paypal.

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

Alamance County Arts Council Celebration

" Down by the Depot"
14" x 11"
Oil on Canvas Panel
$225 Framed
My setup at the event
The Alamance County Arts Council celebrated 50 years this past Friday night by staging several events including a fireworks finale. I was asked to paint at the historic depot during one of the events. Above is a picture of my easel set up with a painting in progress. I started one small one and did the one shown at the top as well. It is mostly finished, except maybe for some refining of edges.

Monday, July 17, 2006

Plein Air Show Pictures


These are some pictures from the "Passion for Plein Air" exhibit metioned in my previous post. I have 4 paintings in this show and it will run until August 19. The show can be viewed at the Alamance County Arts Council Gallery located at 213 S. Main St. in Graham, NC. I took these pics before the reception got underway, because it was too crowded to get any pics later. There was a neat display in the top picture from the family of a local deceased plein air artist. They loaned his equipment to the gallery as well as one of his paintings to tell about the history of plein air. He worked during the 1940's and on. Hope you get to stop by and see the show!

Friday, July 14, 2006

Plein Air Show and Reception


"A Passion for Plein Air"
I will have some paintings in the show listed above. This show will feature "plein air" paintings by a number of North Carolina artists. The show will run from July 16 - August 21 and the opening reception will be this Sunday, July 16th from 2 - 4pm. This exhibit will feature works painted on location throughout the Piedmont region of North Carolina. The show will be at the Capt. White House Gallery in Graham, also known as the Alamance County Arts Council. Hope to see you there!
For more information, email me at paintinglandscapes@yahoo.com .

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Blue Decanter

"Blue Decanter"
7" x 5"
Oil on Canvas
This one was challenging but great fun.

Mother of Pearl Box

"Mother of Pearl Box"
5" x 7"
Oil on Canvas Panel
I reposted this because the previous post of this painting was a bit fuzzy.


Thursday, June 29, 2006

Showcase Artist Exhibit


Here is a picture of my exhibit at the BAL Gallery in Burlington, NC. I was showcase artist there for the month of June. I will be in another upcoming show at the Alamance County Arts Council in July. The exhibit is titled, "A Passion for Plein Air" since all of the work in the show was painted outdoors on location. The reception will be on July 16 from 2 -4pm.

Sunday, June 25, 2006

Couple recent Plein Air Paintings

"Garden Shed"
8" x 10" Acrylic on Hardboard
$125 Framed
"Summer Lavender"
8" x 10"
Oil on Canvas Panel
$125 Framed
These are a few recent plein air paintings. "Plein Air" means "open air" and refers to paintings and studies done in natural light on location, painting directly from the subject. These works are often looser than my studio work because of the need to paint fast before the light changes. I sometimes will visit a location several times to finish a large plein air painting. I also use these outdoor paintings as reference material for larger studio paintings.

Thursday, June 08, 2006

Lavender Farm Event this weekend!

Hello all. It's that time of year again. I will be participating in a paint out on Saturday that is sponsored by the Alamance County arts council. The event will take place during Sunshine Lavender Farm's annual festival, so I will be painting in view of the public along with other participating artists. Then, that evening, my reception for my show will take place at the BAL gallery at 7pm. I will post pictures of the paint out and my opening on the blog here next week. Be sure to check out my regular website at www.justinholdren.com for updates to my portfolio. Thanks!

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

Houseplant

"Houseplant"
7" x 5" Acrylic on Canvas Panel
SOLD
To purchase, email me at paintinglandscapes@yahoo.com - I can accept checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards through Paypal.

Thursday, June 01, 2006

Upcoming Gallery Show and Newspaper Article





Hello all. I will be showcase artist for the month of June at the BAL Gallery. The show will feature some recent landscapes in oil and acrylic. The exhibit will run from June 8 through the end of the month. There will be a small reception at the gallery on Saturday June 10th from 7 - 9pm. Light refreshments will be served. The gallery is located at the BMOC outlet center next to Kay Bee toys. The Times - News will also run a feature article about the show. It will be in the Accent section on Thursday June 8th. The pictures above are a few of the pieces in the exhibit.

Monday, May 22, 2006

Local Color Gallery Paint out

Here I am painting in Glenwood South at the paint out. I had a great time. Read about it below.

Hello friends. This past Saturday I participated in a paint out in Raleigh, NC. Local Color Gallery organized the event and they did a fantastic job! I completed two paintings and turned them in framed to the gallery. The works will be exhibited the month of June at the gallery. Jerry's Artarama was one of the sponsors for the event, so all of the artists got a "goodie bag" full of free art supplies. All in all, a great day!

Thursday, May 04, 2006

2 new paintings

"Chatham County Pond"
20" x 16" Oil on Canvas
$250 Framed

"Bamburi Beach View, Kenya"
12" x 12" Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas
$150
These paintings are two recent ones that are in my current solo show. To purchase, email me at paintinglandscapes@yahoo.com
Thanks to all who attended the opening. I appreciate your support!


Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Solo Show Pictures




Above are some pictures of my solo show at the Mebane Arts Center. The show will hang until May 31st, so drop by if you get a chance. These pictures were taken a few minutes before the reception started. I didn't get many pictures of the people there as I was too busy talking to them about the work. If you want to purchase any of the pieces in the show, just email me at paintinglandscapes@yahoo.com . I can accept cash, checks , money orders, and credit/debit cards through Paypal.

Sunday, April 16, 2006

Thunder Mountain Paint out

"View from Thunder Mountain"
8" x 10" Oil on Canvas Panel
This one is still unfinished...
"Spring Blossoms"
8" x 10" Acrylic on Canvas Panel
I attended a paint out at Thunder Mountain yesterday and had a great time. I finished one painting and almost finished up the oil painting, but that one still needs some tweaking. Diane Johnson, a nationally known artist who I have wanted to meet since art school, was there. I learned so much from talking to her and watching her work. All in all, a great day!


Wednesday, April 12, 2006

"Travels with My Paintbox: An Artist's Impressions" Solo Show




This solo show will run from May 2nd - May 31st at the Mebane Arts Center in Mebane, NC. The opening reception will be on May 2nd from 7 - 9pm. If you are in the area, please stop by and say hello! This show will feature mainly oil and acrylic paintings inspired from my travels to Africa, Bahamas, Florida, and will also include paintings from my local travels in North Carolina.
The pics above are a sneak preview of some of the pieces in the show.

Sunday, March 26, 2006

Upcoming Events

UPCOMING EVENTS!
I will be having a solo show at the Mebane Arts Center in Mebane, NC during the month of May. The show will run May 2-31. I will post the date of the opening reception as soon as the date is finalized. The exhibit will feature mainly oil and acrylic landscapes with a couple still life and figure paintings.
Also on May 20th, I will be part of the First Annual Paint out event held by Local Color Gallery in Raleigh, NC. I will be painting on location in Glenwood South that day, and on June 2 there will be a reception featuring all of the artists' work.
Email me for more information or directions to these events. Hope to see you there!

Wednesday, March 08, 2006

Bald Head Island Marsh


"Bald Head Island Marsh"
10" x 20" Oil on Canvas
This is spot at Bald Head Island with a view of an old footbridge and the salt marsh. I may work a bit more on this, but I think I am mostly finished with it.

Sunday, March 05, 2006

Low Tide, Southport

"Low Tide, Southport"
5" x 7" Acrylic on Canvas Panel
$65.00 Framed
This is a small piece I did today. This is a small stretch of beach in Southport, NC near the marina.


Tuesday, February 28, 2006

New Signature Membership

I was recently selected to be a signature member of the American Society of Landscape Painters. I am honored to be part of this great group. The organization exists to promote the rich history and tradition of landscape painting and to promote fine landscape art as well. If you get a chance, click on the link below to visit their website.

Sunday, February 26, 2006

Oak Island Marsh

"Oak Island Marsh"
8" x 10" Oil on Canvas Panel
$125.00 Framed
This was a small painting I did in the studio from some photos I took when I was in Oak Island, NC. I loved these great marshes which bordered the inlets and waterways.

Parson Farm Pond


"Parson Farm Pond"
8" x 10" Oil on Canvas Panel
$125.00 Framed
This was a small piece done in the studio from some sketches I did at a paint out event.

Friday, February 10, 2006

Summer at the Lavender Farm

"Summer at the Lavender Farm"
24" x 24"
Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas
This is the painting I was working on in my previous post. I may tweak it here and there, but it is mostly finished.


Tuesday, February 07, 2006

At work in my new studio




I haven't posted in awhile because my wife and I have been moving into a new home and I have been unpacking in my new studio. I am enjoying working in my new studio and I have some great rural landscapes right in my backyard that I can't wait to paint. Right now I am using a room inside the house for my studio, but hope to build a separate building on our property to use as a studio in the future. I better get painting so I can afford to build it!
These pictures are of a painting in progress on my easel. It is a scene from a lavender farm I visited last summer. I am painting it on gallery wrap canvas that has extra thick sides with no staples. The sides will be painted in black acrylic so the painting can be hung without a frame for a finished contemporary look. I will post a picture of the finished piece when I get it done. Ok, back to the easel!