Daily Paintings by Christopher Pew

Website work and much more

2011-12-21T14:36:00.002-05:00

Thank you to all who have been checking in to see what has been happening! The new site is just about ready to launch. A few more tests and additions and we will be ready to roll! Stay tuned, stay connected and check back often! All the best! CP

Silent Speaking - 60" X 48" - Oil on Canvas

2011-08-15T13:43:00.003-04:00

Filming, new work and a bunch of other great new things coming soon! Thanks for stopping and taking a look!

2011-05-27T12:41:00.002-04:00

NEW WEBSITE COMING SOON!

2011-01-25T08:01:00.003-05:00

New website and new work coming soon! I am no longer on Myspace, but you can always reach me at artist@christopherpew.com

NEW SHOW AT THE HCAC!

2010-09-28T10:59:00.001-04:00

The End Of The Great Deception - Oil on Canvas - 8 feet, 3 inches X 5 feet

2010-09-26T16:19:00.003-04:00

The Communication - oil on canvas - 60" X 70"

2010-08-10T21:08:00.004-04:00

Fragile Resilience Series - Painting 6 - 12X 16 - Oil on Fibre Board

2010-08-07T23:15:00.002-04:00

Place and Time - Part 2 - Oil on Canvas - 30" X 24"

2010-06-25T14:20:00.001-04:00

Woman with red gloves - 24" X 30" Oil on canvas

2010-04-16T09:37:00.002-04:00

Fragile Resilience Series - Painting 4 - 12X 16 - Oil on Fibre Board

2010-03-10T12:40:00.001-05:00

Fragile Resilience Series (third of the series - oil on fibre board - 12 X 16)

2010-02-16T12:24:00.003-05:00

Fragile Resilience Series (first two of the series - oil on fibre board - 12 X 16)

2010-01-29T10:38:00.002-05:00

The Broadcast - 30" X 60" - Oil on Canvas

2009-12-30T12:07:00.012-05:00

At an art show I recently put on, I had the ... well ... privilege of being told I didn't know how to paint first and then told to learn old masters style of painting - which actually and strangely came as a blessing to me. I was told by an older artist that attended, that I should learn the techniques of the old masters. I wanted to take my art to the next level. Push myself and learn paint from a new perspective. The results were more than I had expected. Sometimes blessings come in the strangest ways. The following blog is how I learned the "styles" of the old masters. Please keep in mind that I am not saying this is exactly old masters technique, since I did not have an old master to dig up, but it is based on the information and research I did.

One thing to let you know was that I was bitter for a few weeks when I was told that I did not know how to paint, but it quickly became better. Regardless of what anyone says or does, I feel that the steps I have taken are for the better – and if nothing comes of it, then I know the better in me has been found and I can keep “creating” myself in a sense of knowing what that process of becoming better is truly all about. I also realized that I actually DID know how to paint before. It was just a different style of painting that got me some very successful results none-the-less. Plus, I was never taught paint, I just went by feel and I could have kept going with that style and that path would have perhaps been great for me also. However, the situation that happened, happened, and I could not ignore it – no matter how hard I tried. I guess there are benefits to being in the valley at times rather than on the mountain at other times. However, this also does not mean that I will always paint in this manner. But I may continue on this path and learn more from this technique, experiment more or head off into a different direction altogether. I don’t really know for sure. I do feel there is a richness to the colours - a sort of depth that wasn't there before which is really apparent. However, the door feels wide open at the moment – a sense of freedom to be precise. I do have a new series of work, that I am currently working on, that I will probably incorporate this process into, but again I’ll just let it happen as it is to happen. For the six months it felt very much like it was a dark road, but as I pushed forward it was a road that slowly became brighter with each brush stroke and I’m grateful for the experience. I learned a bit about paint, but even more about me.

The first month I spent doing just that- researching, reading, watching videos and talking to other artists involved in such techniques – because I couldn’t just dig up an authentique Old Master, let alone pay them! So I had to make due with the resources I could find. I started seeing common threads in the information I was finding and built my research on it. My inner world was buzzing with delight. I felt connected to something that I could not describe. I put every single expectation of life out of my head and simply focused on what I was to do at that moment – and I did it. For almost 5 months, that was all I did, in every single spare moment. If you saw me hanging out with you for an hour or two, when I left I headed straight back to the task at hand: paint. As I previously mentioned, that what I did is NOT necessarily Old Masters’ technique, but there are similarities for sure. Maybe it is close to Old Masters because I pulled from it what I knew, and (as I said) made due with it what I could, but based on what I researched, there would be more similarities than differences. Perhaps someone out there could enlighten me further. The goal now is keep going further and further with my art and to keep advancing in skill and technique, refining them further with each new series.

Here are some details:

And here is how the painting came to be step by step - thank you for looking!

The first step was to stretch the canvas and then gesso it. I put on 9 coats of gesso, sanding each layer so the final layer was like glass. This took roughly 2 -3 weeks or more.

The next step was to “grey” out the white gessoed canvas. By doing this I took a mixture of cobalt blue, yellow ochre and black and made a wash, which coated the canvas. This killed the harsh whites and gave the canvas a nice aged look.

Next, I took my drawings and photos and assembled them to create a sketch. The sketch was then transferred to the canvas. I did this by sketching right onto the canvas in a light charcoal. This would be my guide for the grisaille.

Then the grisaille (black and white underpainting). This was the hardest step for me, because I did not trust I could actually paint over black and white and have it come out looking OK. I was nervous and took my time painting in the blacks, grays and whites onto the canvas in very thin blocks of tone. I added very tiny amounts of burnt umber and yellow ochre as well to this mix every so often to kill the harshness of the black and whites, but the umber and ochre where hardly noticeable. This step took 2 months. The grisaille was now complete (I used oils for the grisaille, but thinned them down so they dried quickly).

Next, was the washes off colour (or glaze – glazing is layering thinned – almost watery looking - coats of paint on top of one another once dried). At this point I almost froze. “It looked pretty cool as a black and white painting – maybe I should just leave it” I told myself, but knew I had to keep going to see what the glazes would look like. As you can imagine, I spent most of the time staring than painting, hence the reason it took just over 2 months to do this stage of the painting. However, once the first glaze was on, I instantly felt something take over me. This felt right! And I smiled for the first time with this piece since the beginning. My glazes were off of a palette of roughly 8 colours. Thinned down with oil and Dammar varnish. Each section on this painting has each of the 8 colours (or mixes of them) glazed into it. I lost count on the number of glazes, but I am guessing close to 10 in some areas and nearly 30 in others (and some the grisaille still shows through slightly and I left it because it looked right for some reason). Each layer becoming heavier and heavier, thicker and thicker with the lighter colours being applied the thickest and last. The process was slow and tedious. It was pretty much all guesswork for me as well as to how the layers laid on top of one another - and experimenting with the research to customize it to my approach. I layered my work before, but I was thick, thin, thin, thick, thin, etc. Doing thin to thick seemed to straighten out any kinks from my previous painting style. The last stage was details and then varnish.

The Black Saint - Oil on Masonite - 6" X 8"

2009-11-16T12:29:00.004-05:00

I took a break from the larger piece I am working on. The glazes are taking time to dry, so I figured I would continue on working away at some smaller pieces. This is an addition to my "Icon Series". Titled "The Black Saint" is of Charles Mingus. A legend of modern jazz and a pioneer in contemporary jazz bass playing and composing. Thank you for looking!

So begins the journey - never really left! :)

2009-09-08T07:27:00.002-04:00

Today, I begin working in grisaille. Grisaille is a term for painting executed entirely in the monochromatic, usually in shades of grey or brown from a colour like burnt umber (even black and white can be used), The grisaille is being used as the underpainting where I will glaze layers of oil over it.

I'm really excited to be using this process and will post the results of the "tester" piece! The photo above shows me "greying" out the canvas. I had gessoed the canvas and sanded, etc until quite smooth, however the white was a bit overwhelming, so I used cobalt blue, yellow ochre and small amount of ivory black mixed together, thinned out and washed over the white of the gesso to kill the harshness. I then took a rag to rub the colour in and smooth it out somewhat. Today I will apply the sketch in charcoal and pencil and once I feel comfortable with it, I will begin the grisaille.

Once all goes well with this "tester" piece, then I will move on to the next series of works - based entirely in this fashion of painting.

A special thank you to everyon who came out to the Sunnyside art show in Toronto. The weather held and we had great response for a first year event!

Always look on the sunnyside of life!!!! Art Show next weekend

2009-08-21T16:17:00.003-04:00

I just got accepted to the Sunnyside Artshow happening the weekend of the 28, 29 and 30th of August (next weekend). Looking forward to going back to TO and catching up with a few fellow artists, hanging out by the beach and talking art for three days straight! If you live nearby, then stop over and give me a washroom break! :)

I Remember You - 6" X 8" - Oil on Masonite

2009-08-14T21:02:00.003-04:00

For the longest time I have been a fan of Chet Baker. The first CD I bought had the image (that I just finished painting - here) on it. I was drawn to the image, to the singing, the trumpet, piano - as most fans of jazz were and still are. There is a haunting sound that comes from Chet and as I read about his life - I sort of drew my own conclusions as to the underlying melancholy emotions that seem to eminate from him. A short time on the Earth, but such impact...

If Six Was Nine - 6" X 8" - Oil on Masonite

2009-08-06T17:11:00.002-04:00

It is back to work in the studio. First piece since the show. Thank you for looking!

August 1st hightlights

2009-08-04T21:39:00.004-04:00

What a great night for the opening night on Saturday August 1st at the R@Gallery on Quuen Street in Niagara Falls. The gallery was packed and the works drew a lot of positive comments and response. Both Sarah and myself would like to thank everyone who came out to the event and also to those who could not attend but gave us well wishes. Here are some photos from the gallery. Remember the show runs until August 8th, 2009. If you missed opening night, you will still have time to see the works before they come down. Thank you!

Live on TV tonight! MOCtalk.ca!

2009-07-31T11:33:00.001-04:00

Straight from the MOCtalk site: Hey MOCtalkers don't forget you have plans tonight! Come out and see the ninth episode of Niagara's Only Indie talk show! Great line-up, new set features, let's make it a great crowd! Don't forget to come out early and catch the taping, but DEFIANTLY stick around for the post taping party! We've all been working hard to try and make this the BEST episode Ever! Host & Co-host: blenderhead & Joel Van Vliet Musical Guests: Ramona, The Beth Moore Band, The WaxbillsIllusionist: Alex KAZAM Artists: Chris Pew & Sarah LacyHope to see you all there!Keep Streaming!
This is a live streaming event as well by clicking the above link!

MOCtalk.ca Live Streaming This Friday!!!

2009-07-29T21:20:00.001-04:00

OK ... so here's the deal on watching the Talk show that I will be on. It will be filmed live at 4 triple 5 Cafe and Wine Bar on Queen Street in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. It will be a stationary camera (or two) and it will capture the night's events and you will also get to see some of the behind the scenes taping that will occure due to the stationary camera(s). The requirements are a fast modem (dial-up probably won't cut it) and the connection may drop due to the crowd in the club, connectivity, wine being spilled on the computer and a host of other phenomena!!! However, for the most part, all should run smoothly.

Here is the link: http://www.fourtriplefive.com/moctalk/2009/07/moctalk-ix-live-stream/

The live streaming will begin at 7:00pm EST. Check your time zone so you can connect at the right time. Then sit back, grab a glass of wine and hopefully I will not make too much of a fool of myself!I will be the first guest as well, in case you were wondering. I'll embed the link here as a reminder on Friday.

Now .... back to the paint...:)

CP

MOCtalk could be straming live on July 31st

2009-07-27T13:58:00.003-04:00

OK ... So there is a chance that MOCtalk will be streaming live on July 31st (the show I will be on). There are a few technical aspects that are involved, but can be overcome. I do know that if it is to be streaming live, then there will be stationary cameras only involved and not much in the way of heavy editing. However, this sometimes makes for an interesting view as you get to see a bit of the behind the scenes to the actually taping. I should know by mid-week if all is a go and I'm certain I'll have more to update as the week continues.

MOCtalk Appearance

2009-07-24T13:50:00.004-04:00

MOCtalk appearance July 31st at 7pm - the night before the August 1st Gallery show! Can't watch it live??? - The fellows from MOCtalk are working at live streaming the night's show. More info provided once it comes in!

A few new images - part of the Nude and Figurative Show - August 1st,

2009-07-22T23:17:00.001-04:00

Art Show - August 1st, 2009

2009-07-20T08:56:00.003-04:00

Getting close!!!

2009-07-19T18:36:00.003-04:00

OK ... so we are at less than 2 weeks until the show and I am just putting the finishing touches up on the last pieces, working with the website and getting all the promo material ready to roll! I feel very excited about this as I was unsure that it was even possible a little more than 2 months ago, when I decided to do the show. Thank you to everyone for their support - that makes all the difference!

Raining, but Painting

2009-07-17T14:13:00.002-04:00

I love storms, but today is not one of those days. It is a mixture of drizzle and rain (which are OK in and of themselves), but I prefer storms. So ... I figure what better way to take advantage of the weather, than to paint .... I sort of have to keep going if I want these pieces done in time for the show anyway...! Remember show dates is August 1st, more info to follow next Friday as I relaunch my new site!

Just painting...

2009-07-16T13:46:00.003-04:00

Just painting away (what else do I do anyway LOL!!!) and waiting for Sarah Lacy to stop by and have a painting session with me! Check out her art at www.smlacyart.com

Website update and talk show info!

2009-07-15T17:27:00.004-04:00

Today, I was able to get much of the website completed. There are still a few kinks to iron out, but for the most part it works really nice. I'll also be working on an emailer and some printed pieces for the upcoming show on August 1st - down on Queen Street in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. I will also be featured as a guest on an upcoming MOCtalk episode which will be live-streamed for the evening of July 31st. For more information, visit www.moctalk.ca

New Site Soon To Be Launched

2009-07-13T17:39:00.003-04:00

My current website - http://www.christopherpew.com/ has been taken down so that I can revamp it. Right now I am putting the final touches on the site and testing it. July 24th the new site will be launched. To contact me - email me at : artist@christopherpew.com. Thank you

"Newport at Midday" - 24" X 30" Oil on Canvas (Click here to view more of my work)

2009-04-01T14:27:00.001-04:00

"Strawberries and Ice Cream" - 4" X 6" Oil on Masonite (Click here to view more of my work)

2009-03-03T23:03:00.004-05:00

"Be Like Water" and "Real love is forever" - 6" X 8" Oil on Masonite (Click here to view more of my work)

2009-02-28T00:27:00.002-05:00

20th Century Boy - 6" X 8" Oil on Masonite (Click here to view more of my work)

2009-02-24T23:10:00.002-05:00

Natural Mystic - 6" X 8" Oil on Masonite (Click here to view more of my work)

2009-02-10T16:05:00.001-05:00

The Birds and The Bees - 6" X 8" Oil on Masonite (Click here to view more of my work)

2009-02-07T12:55:00.002-05:00

Higher - 6" X 8" Oil on Masonite (Click here to view more of my work)

2009-02-04T17:46:00.001-05:00

Gotta leave you all behind and face the truth - 6" X 8" Oil on Masonite (Click here to view more of my work)

2009-01-28T11:28:00.001-05:00

C'est Si Bon - 6" X 8" Oil on Masonite (Click here to view more of my work)

2009-01-27T16:36:00.001-05:00

Abbey Normal - 6" X 8" Oil on Masonite (Click here to view more of my work)

2009-01-24T10:12:00.001-05:00

Superstar - 6" X 8" Oil on Masonite (Click here to view more of my work)

2009-01-20T21:18:00.001-05:00

Nessun Dorma - 6" X 8" Oil on Masonite (Click here to view more of my work)

2009-01-14T15:20:00.001-05:00

Like Someone In Love - 24" X 30" Oil on Canvas (Click here to view more of my work)

2008-11-30T10:57:00.002-05:00

Green Apples in a Bowl - 12" X 14" Oil on Canvas (Click here to view more of my work)

2008-11-12T15:30:00.001-05:00

The First to Fall - 4" X 6" Oil on Masonite - PDS (Click here to view more of my work)

2008-10-31T13:12:00.001-04:00

Waiting - 4" X 6" Oil on Masonite - PDS (Click here to view more of my work)

2008-10-17T15:50:00.004-04:00

4 Mushrooms (4" X 6" Oil on Masonite - PDS - Click Here to view more of my work)

2008-10-16T16:56:00.000-04:00

Un-Corked! (PDS - 6" X 8" Oil on Masonite - Click here to view more of my work)

2008-10-08T15:46:00.000-04:00

The Gallery - Part 3 30" X 40" Oil on Canvas (To view more of my work click here)

2008-10-07T17:34:00.001-04:00

Memory of the Owl - 20" X 30" Oil on Canvas (Commission)

2008-08-25T17:06:00.001-04:00

Coneflower - 4" X 6" Oil on Masonite PDS (View more of my work click here)

2008-08-22T15:14:00.001-04:00

Blueberries (Oil on Masonite 4" X 6") Daily Postcard Study

2008-08-21T17:36:00.002-04:00

Market Girl (Acrylic on Canvas 16" X 20") Click Here to See More!

2008-08-02T14:10:00.001-04:00

Green Apples and Copper (Acrylic on Canvas 12" X 16") Click Here to See More!

2008-07-02T19:18:00.002-04:00

Video of Niagara Pumphouse Artists Tour Niagara Falls May 24th-25th

2008-06-01T21:51:00.000-04:00

Finding Purpose (Oil on Canvas 18" X 24") Click Here to See More!

2008-04-30T17:33:00.002-04:00

Nude - 24" X 30" Oil on Canvas (Click Here To See More)

2008-04-15T16:39:00.005-04:00

Go With The Flow - 4" X 6" Oil on Masonite (Click Here To Purchase)

2008-03-19T14:52:00.001-04:00

Calm In The Chaos 18" X 36" Oil on Canvas (Click Here To Purchase)

2008-03-14T18:51:00.002-04:00

Taking A Break - 4" X 6" Oil on Masonite (Click Here To Purchase)

2008-03-05T13:14:00.003-05:00

News About Pancakes - 4" X 6" Oil on Masonite (Click Here To Purchase)

2008-03-04T16:25:00.004-05:00

Pictures of You 16" X 20" Oil on Canvas (Click Here to Purchase)

2008-03-04T07:59:00.002-05:00

Hot Chocolate - 4" X 6" Oil on Masonite (Click Here To Purchase)

2008-03-03T11:53:00.001-05:00

Pancake Breakfast - 4" X 6" Oil on Masonite (Click Here to Purchase)

2008-01-21T11:22:00.000-05:00

Paperwhites in Bloom - 4" X 6" Oil on Masonite (Click Here to Purchase)

2008-01-17T12:53:00.000-05:00

Stone Cherub 3 - 4" X 6" Oil on Masonite (Click Here to Purchase)

2008-01-14T15:46:00.001-05:00

Stone Cherub 2 - 4" X 6" Oil on Masonite (Click Here to Purchase)

2008-01-12T17:33:00.003-05:00

Stone Cherub 1 - 4" X 6" Oil on Masonite (Click Here to Purchase)

2008-01-11T13:50:00.001-05:00

Happy Hour 6" X 8" Oil on Masonite (Click Here to Purchase)

2008-01-10T11:31:00.001-05:00

Paperwhites - 4" X 6" Oil on Masonite (Click Here to Purchase)

2008-01-09T16:35:00.001-05:00

Making Headway - 6" X 8" Oil on Masonite (Click Here to Purchase)

2008-01-08T15:04:00.000-05:00

A Pint Poured - 6" X 8" Oil on Masonite (Click Here to Purchase)

2008-01-07T12:57:00.001-05:00

3 Tomatoes - 4" X 6" Oil on Masonite (Click Here to Purchase)

2007-12-29T12:34:00.000-05:00

Pecans - 4" X 6" Oil on Masonite (Click Here To Purchase)

2007-12-27T14:29:00.001-05:00

Oh my Darlin' Clementine - 4" X 6" Oil on Masonite (Click Here to Purchase)

2007-12-20T16:32:00.001-05:00

Tossed Salad - 4" X 6" Oil on Masonite (Click Here to Purchase)

2007-12-16T17:35:00.000-05:00

Cherub Tealight - 4" X 6" Oil on Masonite (Click Here to Purchase)

2007-12-14T15:22:00.001-05:00

Crushed Chilies - 4" X 6" Oil on Masonite (Click Here to Purchase)

2007-12-13T14:50:00.001-05:00

Pomegranate 2007 - 4" X 6" Oil on Masonite (Click Here To Purchase)

2007-11-23T13:11:00.000-05:00

Stirring The Tea - 4" X 6" Oil on Masonite (Click Here to Purchase)

2007-11-21T18:08:00.000-05:00

2008 Calendar of Daily Paintings by Christopher Pew is now available - (Click here to purchase)

2007-11-21T09:56:00.001-05:00

Peace of Chocolate - 4" X 6" Oil on Masonite (Click Here to Purchase)

2007-11-17T17:26:00.003-05:00

Red Pepper - 4" X 6" Oil on Masonite (Click Here to Purchase)

2007-11-16T11:37:00.000-05:00

Bosc Pear - 4" X 6" Oil on Masonite (Click Here to Purchase)

2007-11-15T12:58:00.000-05:00

Gourd 2 - 4" X 6" Oil on Masonite (Click Here to Purchase)

2007-11-14T15:06:00.000-05:00

The Magic of Fall - 4" X 6" Oil on Masonite (Click Here to Purchase)

2007-11-13T16:05:00.000-05:00

Dark Chocolate - 4" X 6" - Oil on Masonite (Click Here To Purchase)

2007-11-12T14:48:00.000-05:00

Gourd 1 - 4" X 6" - Oil on Masonite (Click Here To Purchase)

2007-11-11T13:08:00.000-05:00

Fall Cluster - 4" X 6" - Oil on Masonite (Click Here to Purchase)

2007-11-10T08:10:00.001-05:00

Listen - 14" X 18" Oil on Canvas (Click Here to see more)

2007-11-09T12:33:00.000-05:00

Wine and Cheese Study - 4" X 6" Oil on Masonite (Click Here to Purchase)

2007-11-09T06:53:00.000-05:00

First Pour - 4" X 6" Oil on Masonite (Click Here to Purchase)

2007-11-09T06:52:00.000-05:00

A Watchful Sip - 4" X 6" - Oil on Masonite (Click Here To Purchase)

2007-11-08T13:21:00.001-05:00

Plum Happy - 4" X 6" Oil on Masonite (Click Here To Purchase)

2007-11-07T19:57:00.000-05:00

A Ripe Tomato - 4" X 6" Oil on Masonite (Click Here To Purchase)

2007-11-06T11:55:00.001-05:00

Chocolate Strawberry - 4" X 6" Oil on Masonite (Click Here To Purchase)

2007-11-05T15:45:00.000-05:00

The Medium - 36" X 48" (Oil on Canvas)

2007-10-25T15:31:00.001-04:00

The Martini - 14" X 18" (Oil on Canvas)

2007-09-12T18:54:00.000-04:00

End of Echinacea (Click Here To Purchase)

2007-09-07T12:29:00.001-04:00