Painting by Jean Cauthen

Rediscovering Drawing

2012-01-22T08:58:00.000-08:00

Anticipating a new Drawing Class I'll be teaching at the Mint Museum beginning soon, I did some drawings to 'get the kinks' out. I had forgotten how much I dearly love drawing. The limited medium (graphite, gesso, polymer) was such fun to explore. Somehow it felt freer to experiment. In the last example, I drew over an underpainted surface (paper).

Toning down

2012-01-19T16:59:00.000-08:00

Venetian Memories: 24 x 36" oil on Paper.

I have to admit, I adjusted the colors on this painting before uploading. This is a "paler" version of the original. And I think I like it better.

Wonder if I should apply a "lighter shade of gray" to the original?

Venetian Memories

2011-11-15T15:43:00.001-08:00

Oh my. I wish I were still lingering at my easel, next to a busy canal in beautiful Venice. These "souvenirs" will have to do.

Venice is painter friendly with its 150 canals. The only caveat is that you are not to linger on any of the 409 bridges. Not a lot to ask, though. Without cars, bikes or vespas, foot traffic gets congested.
Gondolas are fun to paint, but it's only the tourist who travel that way. Locals take "vaporettas" or walk.Whichever way you travel, every view is beautiful. And thanks to the reflective canals, you get to see it twice.

Venetian Haze. In my imagination, Venice is the 36 color box of crayons. But in reality, the colors are usually beautifully muted...like the Crayola grays and browns you never use.

And then there's Burano, a little fishing village, just a vaporetta ride away. It is the CandyLand board game brought to life! Every building, a different color.

Ever see the wonderful movie, "Summertime" with Katherine Hepburn? She plays a "spinster" (probably all of 30 years old) who visits Venice to fulfill a lifelong dream. At some point, in the movie, she topples into a canal.
The lit store picture here marks the very spot she fell in. While painting this nocturnal, I wondered how many tipsy tourists or rambunctious youngsters had the same experience she did!
I found my own brushes, canvases often precariously close to the edge!

Arrive derci Venice.

Same painting, Different layers

2011-10-19T17:15:00.001-07:00

From October to November

2011-10-19T17:10:00.000-07:00

Looking Back at Venice, and Up Through Trees. The ones I'll be exhibiting at the Providence Gallery, that is.
I do hope to see some of you at the opening on November 3, 6-9. I'll be exhibiting works from two series, "From Treetops to Tabletops".

Treetops to Tabletops

2011-09-26T12:18:00.000-07:00

As important as beginnings are, I suppose it's how you finish that counts. I'm about to call these paintings "finished." All are for my Providence Gallery exhibit in Charlotte (November).

Hmmmm...now that I see them posted, I think I just need to change a couple of things... Hell, who am I kidding? The paint will likely still be wet when I deliver!

Soar!

2011-08-10T12:21:00.000-07:00

36" x 48" oil on canvas. The b/w one is not quite there yet. And I thought that one would be the real winner. I can't quite figure out what's not working...but when I do, I'll repost.

Chairs

2011-07-21T05:54:00.000-07:00

I keep returning to themes of the past. One is chairs. They seem to be a 'stand in' for lost people.

Providence Gallery just did a great job of framing this one. It makes me want to do another.

A tree-tych

2011-06-25T07:31:00.000-07:00

Almost finished with this triptych. They almost did not want to play together well. At the last minute they decided they liked each other and could hang out.
I'm glad. Now I hope they can be adopted into the same home.
These are square, 36 x 36" each.

Good Fortune

2011-05-05T11:57:00.000-07:00

I'm readying my "Tabletop" series for an Art Exhibit in the Blowing Rock Gallery, "Art and Artifacts" . I'd love to see you at the art opening on June 10, 5-8pm.

Paintings like "Good Fortune for You" will be on display. Also included will be some plein-air paintings. Tabletops and Landscapes.

Hope to see you there!

Emptying the Pantry

2011-04-11T15:53:00.000-07:00

The American Still Life

2011-03-30T16:12:00.001-07:00

As one of the three people who check in on my blog, you know that I have been working on a series of still lifes from an overhead vantage point. Most of these have a small narrative or autobiographical element embedded in them.

The perspective allows for wonderful compositional elements and I often think of the work of some of my favorite "object" painters like Richard Diebenkorn, Manny Farber, Jim Dine and Wayne Thiebaud. Dang. I need to namedrop some "lady" painters here!!

These two works were just accepted into a National Exhibit, The American Still Life, at the Bascom Museum in Highlands, NC.

I'm thrilled!

The opening is Saturday, April 16. Hope to see you three there!!!

One a personal note. It happens that both of these surfaces that I used here were created for me by my cousin, Ken Cauthen, a skilled woodworker who devised masonite "boxes" that were self-framing. They are the perfect design and material for the way I like to paint. And Ken was the sweetest soul on earth. Sadly, we lost Ken to complications after a brain aneurysm. As my paintings go out into the world, so does Ken.

First Bloom

2011-03-11T14:05:00.000-08:00

Fortune and Take Out

2011-03-11T13:37:00.000-08:00

First Bloom

2011-03-11T13:18:00.000-08:00

SOAR!

2011-02-28T13:41:00.000-08:00

This is one of a pair of 36 x 36" paintings on linen. Not finished with the partner, and not sure yet if they will work as a diptych. Will have to wait and see how they turn out together.

Up

2011-02-13T06:23:00.000-08:00

A Day at the Office

2011-02-09T16:14:00.000-08:00

I love these days that are devoted completely to painting. And fortunately, I have a lot of those, these days.

A couple of works in progress, my chillin' officemate, Blue, and my studio.

My obsessive neatness is showing.

New York exhibit

2011-01-31T12:46:00.000-08:00

Going to New York!

These 4 lil' guys were painted while in Rome last year. All were selected for inclusion in the exhibit, "Sensual Italy" at the Broome Street Gallery.

Find out more about the exhibit and Il Chiostro here: Il Chiostro.

And while there, check out the trip to Venice in October, 2011. Would LOVE to have you join me there!

While up there for the opening on March 19, we'll take in the show, "Wicked."

Can't wait!

Building Forts

2011-01-19T19:03:00.000-08:00

Work in Progress

2011-01-19T18:51:00.000-08:00

This is the latest in a series of "tabletop" stories. Not sure how far I am from completeing..but I am rather charmed by it in this state. As I often do, I'll put it out of sight for awhile. If I still feel "charmed," maybe I'll leave it alone.

If, on the other hand, I can't leave well enough....then I'll post the "after image."

Occassionally, those revisits have great results.

And sometimes they don't.

Still Life with Marshmellows

2011-01-09T10:42:00.001-08:00

A day of painting

2010-12-20T13:41:00.000-08:00

Instead of daily painting, I'm afraid I did these in a one-day burst. I'll try to spread things out in the future. But no promises.

All are small...6 x 6" or 5 x 7".

What fun!!

Pansies and more Pansies

2010-11-22T18:14:00.000-08:00

Just completed a whole bouquet of these little 4" x 4" Pansies.

Check them out at the Providence Gallery Christmas "Hip to Be Square" exhibit on December 3.

Should be a fun show!

Let's paint together in Venice

2010-10-20T16:28:00.000-07:00

Go with me to VENICE next October!!

This is likely the last group I lead to Italy, so if you've ever entertained the idea of joining me for LOTS of painting and LOTS of fun, check out the link.

All levels are welcome. Non-painting spouses will have a great time, too.

The Bench

2010-10-05T16:31:00.000-07:00

The Bench

One day, one bench, hundreds of sitters for me.

Oil on panel 5 x 7"

"Blue" is in the Pink!

2010-09-16T14:11:00.000-07:00

Just got the good news that my big still life, "Blue" was accepted into the exhibit, "Carolina's Got Art." Hope you can join me at the show, it is in a really cool space, Atherton Mills, in Charlotte on Oct. 1. Here's a bit more information: Carolina's Got Art.

Nick Nolte as Painter- "Life Lessons" (1989)

2010-09-16T14:08:00.000-07:00

You can't buy this kind of cool

2010-08-06T14:18:00.000-07:00

New Works

2010-08-04T18:55:00.000-07:00

Remembering Rome

2010-07-21T10:37:00.000-07:00

Painting In Rome!

Join me next Fall in Venice.

2010-05-10T08:55:00.000-07:00

A beautiful weekend in this neck of the woods. I was able to paint at a great location...this one road yields lots of beautiful views.

In the process, I learned a lot about the residents, too! Families whose ties to the land go back for generations.

Thanks to those folks for allowing me to be their "resident" painter.

2010-04-26T17:45:00.000-07:00

Two Fridays In May

Landscape Oil Painting Workshops

Enroll in one or both!

$60/day

Friday, May 21 (This one is FULL)

An Introduction to Landscape Painting

Some (very basic) painting experience preferred. This is the perfect follow up to Queens University Beginner’s Painting Class or for the painter who has done some painting, but would like to try “taking the show outside.”

Class will cover materials, blocking in, simplifying subject matter and quickly capturing a sense of space. Even intermediate painters will enjoy this class if they have not painted outdoors.

Friday, May 28

Landscape Painting. Special topics:

Creating Space with Color and Design.

This workshop is for anyone who has some painting experience, but wants to improve his or her painting on location. We will do 2-3 small paintings with an emphasis on creating space in a small picture plane.

In the case of rain, bring a photograph of a landscape to work from. The same principles will be explored.

Agenda for both:

9:30 Coffee and introduction at my house in Mint Hill (MapQuest directions are good..just type in the address below)

10:00: Go to location, short demonstration, begin painting, lunch, complete painting

2:00-3:00 Back to house for informal critique.

Each workshop $60/day.

Return customer discount . Take $5 off if you have taken a class with me before.

Class size is limited to 6. Email if you have questions! jeancauthen@yahoo.com

April 9 Painting Fools Day

2010-03-24T07:16:00.000-07:00

Remember, all my students, (past and present), painting buddies are all invited to a day of painting on location. This is not a class, just some fun in the sun with fellow plein-air lovers.

Or if you'd rather, skip that part and join us for pasta and wine back at the ranch.

We'll strike out (I'll have a couple of locations and maps all for sites within a couple of miles) around 1pm.

Back at my place for festivities around 4pm.

Let me know if you want to make a day of it by coming earlier, bringing lunch.

My out-of-town friends are welcome to crash. Drop me a line if interested:

jeancauthen@yahoo.com

2009-12-28T12:23:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

I wanted to take a little time to update you on some of my goings on for the new year (and a bit beyond!)

My painting friends might be interested in these classes.
Starting Febuary 22, (Mondays) I'm teaching painting in the Queens Lifelong Learning program. It is described as "for Beginners," but don't let that disuade more intermediate painters....I am sure to have some repeat offenders in that class. Those who have gotten used to a wierd sense of humor and willing to come back for more:-) Here's more information:Queens Classes

In the distant future (2011....who plans that far ahead? The Mint Museum!) I'll offer a class on Painting the Urban Landscape at the new downtown Mint. I know it's a ways away...but I'm really looking forward to it.

Most exciting...just learned that our Landscape Painting Class in Italy (June 19-26) has at least 5 students (enough to guarantee the trip). Still a few spaces and time to get a slight discount for early registration: Painting in Italy
In late January (that is allowing for procrastination time) we will start meetings for local folks (with minutes for out-of-towners), in preparation for travel. Half the fun is getting "psyched." Or Psycho. Whatever.

Tom and I are moving to Mint Hill in January! Just bought a house with studio space. Will keep you posted for housewarming party.I hope you had a wonderful Christmas Holiday and that 2010 (are we skipping years? or is time just flying???) is the best year ever! Please stay in touch.
Hugs!!

Chilly Mornings Studio Days

2009-12-14T16:57:00.000-08:00

On early walks (well, okay, they may not me THAT early, my dog will attest to how I put those off til the temperature drops a bit and he waits with crossed legs!) I especially love the colors just after a rain.

The blackened trunks just announce color louder. I tried to capture that in this 30x 40" painting.

Plein-air Fall paintings

2009-11-24T13:48:00.000-08:00

We've been so lucky with the weather! I've been able to sneak in lots of plein air painting. I enjoy the small, fast paintings. And readily confess to often doing some "touching up" once in the studio.

Can't give it up just yet...but I may have some big news about my painting situation. After the fear of 'the jinx', I'll fill you in!

Jekyll Island, Georgia

2009-11-16T17:25:00.000-08:00

Spent 3 days in this paradise. Stayed at the ONLY place you should stay on the island...just because it is so great. It's called the Jekyll Island Hunt Club.

DRENCHED in history as the playground of the rich and filthy rich of the turn of the century. Vanderbilts, JP Morgan, Rockefellers, etc. Lots of big decisions were made over cigars and brandys.

Can't describe it, just go!

Still LIfe with 10 views of Colorado

2009-10-11T16:12:00.000-07:00

My friend Diane, from Boulder, gave me a little souvenir pack of pictures of Colorado (vintage 1960's) I spread them through this breakfast setting. A sort of daydream of travel scenerio.

Fortunately, travel may well be in my future. We are really getting excited about this year's trip to Tuscany June 19-26. Folks are already making travel arrangements, collecting their painting supplies and brushing up on their "buon giorno's". A few openings left! Check out the link on this page!

Around and about

2009-09-18T11:59:00.000-07:00

Here are some new plein air paintings....A horsefarm in Barnsley Gardens, Georgia.

A little faux-Italy at Childress Vineyards.

The What-a-Burger in Mooresville.

And the omnipresent pick-up.

Back by popular demand: Painting in Blowing Rock

2009-08-06T07:20:00.000-07:00

Join us this FALL for an Artist’s Retreat

in Blowing Rock, North Carolina

All Levels!

October 15-18, 2009

$450 (Price includes painting instruction, accommodations, meals and a wine reception! )

Instructor: Jean Cauthen, UNCC Professor of Art
Host: Jackie Finley
This "sister act" has once again put together the perfect package for the artist seeking a landscape painting workshop close to home and at an amazing price!

This “ultimate” artist getaway is a great way for the beginning artist to learn the basics of landscape painting. This is a rare opportunity to joing a "stricly (or almost) beginners' class.

Absolutely no painting experience necessary. Learn in a positive, enthusiastic atmosphere with Jean as your teacher and Jackie as your "at your service" hostess.

On Thursday night, we meet for a dessert and wine reception. For the next three days, after breakfast, we head for the hills for a day of painting. Emphasis is on color, design and capturing a sense of space.

For our retreat, we are housed in a beautiful mountain home, lunches are provided picnic style on location and we end the days with a wonderful meal with wine (of course)!
Free time is built in during the afternoons for shopping, sight-seeing, etc.

For more information, contact Jackie Finley at jfkidsplay@charter.net

If you are interested in the workshop, but not the accommodations/meals, let Jackie know.

A $100 deposit holds your spot, (as of August, we already have 5!)as we are limiting enrollment to 12 for best possible instruction. Upon registration, you will receive a supply list and workshop schedule. Balance due by Sept 30. Cost based on double occupancy.

Fun Fall Class

2009-08-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

By popular demand (well, okay, a few requests :-), I'll be teaching painting this Fall through Queens Lifelong Learning program on Monday evenings. Below is the description and a link for enrollment. It follows up a beginning class I taught this Spring, but it is open to all levels.

Oil Painting Workshop This class furthers your beginning class, however, it is open to all levels. Students may choose to work on assignments guided by the instructor, Jean Cauthen or complete their own projects with assistance. Instruction is given on an individual basis and students are encouraged to find their own painting vocabulary. Emphasis is on color, design and composition. This is a great class to take in preparation for launching into Landscape Painting or preparing to paint in Italy. (Class size is limited, a supply list will be given upon registration.)

Date: September 28- October 19

Location: Queens Main Campus, Watkins

Enroll here: http://www.queens.edu/lifelong/interests/arts.asp

Want to go to Italy?

2009-07-25T07:25:00.000-07:00

ITALY!!! WE have a date!!! Sign up now to get the lower cost and insure your space. JUNE 19-26, 2010.

Even non-artists can enjoy this trip to the Chianti region of Italy to learn landscape painting (or not!)
Participants' painting class will be complemented with other adventures such as visiting medieval Siena, winetastings in a local Chianti winery, exploration of small hilltowns to paint or just relax at a café.

We use our authentic Tuscan MONASTERY as a homebase, returning each evening for a Tuscan meal created by our own chef. Stay with the group or explore on your own (painting or not!). Our accomodations are exquisite and your experience is one of the richest you will ever have.

I'm limiting enrollement so that students get the best experience possible. And I already have 4 registrants. The class description will be on line soon.
Cost is only $ 2,095 for 7 nights including breakfast, dinner, wine , instruction, travel in the Chianti are. Not included is lunch or airfare.
Feel free to call Linda Mironti or Michael Mele (800-990-3506) to claim a spot or ask questions about your stay. Let me (and them) know if you want to coordinate travel before or after with other participants. We may be ale to help hook you up with someone who is travelling about the same time you are and going to the same destinations. I can recommend hotels in Florence or Rome.
Whe-e-e-e!
Afer you've enrolled let me know and I will get any local folks together to get even more psyched about the adventure.

Positano Memories

2009-07-20T17:45:00.001-07:00

This is my latest large studio painting. A view of Positano, 30x40". Speaking of Italy, we are already assembling a group of painters to go to Italy! This year's "staycations" weren't the great adventure they were supposed to be.

Let me know if you want to join the fun!

2009-06-13T08:26:00.000-07:00

Four days in lovely Bermuda...One day I took the ferry from Dockyards (near our 9 Beaches cabana) to the other end of the island where I spent the day in St. George, the old, pastel painted village.

I thought to trace the day through the progress of this street view. The gesture of the banana trees and the small building at the top of the road seemed like worthy subjects to tackle.

I spent about 1 1/2 hours on this painting, snapping a photo when I remembered to take a break. Later, I completed another painting from the same spot, just turned 180 degrees. There are natural compositions everywhere you turn in this (okay, I'll say it...) "quaint" village.

Painting turned out okay, but the real joy of the day was getting to know a local who stayed on the bench just next to me.

I learned that he had a son who painted. But he was in a wheelchair due to a hit and run accident. "Didn't get that art talent from me. My only talent is fixing motorcyles. I can fix any motorcyle."

And there are lots of motorcyles (scooters) in Bermuda to fix.

I learned that he was angry that the local police had recently run him off said bench. "Locals have rights, too!"

He said someone had said he was drunk and bothering the tourists. He suspected it was mistaken identity.

He asked me if, on my next visit I would meet his son, the young artist. "Sure. Can I find you on this bench?" I asked.

"Always," he said.

I spent too much at the Dollar Store

2009-06-06T11:51:00.001-07:00

So here's what I bought. A popsicle mold, 2 12-packs of latex gloves (don't ask), 4 totebags, a speaker for my Ipod (you heard right) and a hula girl for the dash board.

And I NEEDED all of that.

Hamburger Joints

2009-05-20T16:27:00.000-07:00

What-a-burger!

I've been kicked out of classier joints

2009-05-20T15:08:00.001-07:00

Before a mean, mean, really mean security guard kicked me off the (air quotes)"premises," I completed this little painting from the Carowinds parking lot.

See if I use the waterslide this summer!

Getting Small

2009-05-12T14:44:00.001-07:00

Getting Small. It used to mean something else. But in my studio, it means a rash of 9" x 12" paintings. Done quickly. Then revisited days later for a major over haul.

Gnarls Barkley - Going On

2009-05-11T12:06:00.001-07:00

If I had boots like these, I could dance like that.

Gnarls Barkley - Going On
Video sent by zegonzag

A Saturday In Mooresville

2009-04-27T14:10:00.000-07:00

Mooreville sponsored a recent paint-out. Artists have their blank canvases stamped that morning, the return a few hours later with their completed responses to the day.

They are to be painted on-location and quickly framed, and exhibited for judging. Dee Beard, a wonderful, plein-aire painter was the judge.

This one, "Back Roads" won 2nd place.

Earlier that same day, I painted the great Mooresville icon, "What-A-Burger."

Been craving one of those burgers ever since.

A few days in Savannah

2009-04-18T07:32:00.000-07:00

I remembered how much I really loved Savannah. Like Charleston, but with a darker edge. Tom and I toured some historic homes, got our quota of seafood at the CrabShack (we got a LowCountry Boil...a platter piled to my own height in shellfish, corn on the cob, potatoes!).

But the most fun part, of course, was the morning I spent on the corner of Albercorn and Broughton (not under a streetlight kind of corner). It is so much fun to be a part of the town-life for a few hours. Passer-bys would return to see my progress, parents would instruct their children, "see, honey, this is what a painter does."

I didn't even mind the comments: "Can you do this for a living?" or "I have an Aunt who paints. But she's really good." (My friend, Kathy Buist reminded me of the t-shirt)

We stayed at The Marshall House...just a few steps from this street corner. I highly recommend the get-away!

More boxes and workshop updates

2009-03-23T13:58:00.000-07:00

Man. I'm pooped. Three days of fun in the sun, teaching a landscape painting workshop in Charlotte. My students were little soldiers. Outside in 40 degree weather (later warming to 60's). We painted at Freedom Park, The Mint Museum and in my own neighborhood. There, I hosted an art reception at my house.

Italy trip through il Chiostro is looking doubtful. Not confirmed yet, but sluggish enrollement may have us wait another year for our adventure!

Unrelated...here are more of the boxes that will be going to Ashville this week.

Boxed In

2009-03-17T05:00:00.001-07:00

Check out this new series. These are almost boxes with their deep edges. The intention is to stand on shelves or tables. The suggestion was put to me by Susan at Gallery Minerva.

This one is small (8" x 8"), with 3" edges.

Others are 12" x 12" with 5" edges.

THIS JUST IN...Italy on the cheap!

2009-03-02T07:47:00.000-08:00

I just heard from "Il Chiostro". They have given me a limited number of "vouchers" for the "Landscape Painting in Italy" class.

It means $200 off the price! But only good through March. Let me know if you or a friend want to take advantage...I'll shoot one off to you.

I'l be in New York on March 7th at the Broome Street Gallery where I am exhibiting the painting "A Real Boy." If in town, please drop by (see details on link).

While there, we'll see "Billy Elliot", and catch up with my good friend, awesome painter, Kathy Buist. http://www.kathybuist.com/

Woods Interior--My current project

2009-02-09T07:33:00.000-08:00

This woods interior can be regarded as separate works or as a tryptch. Each canvas is 30 x 40"

Sidelined

2009-02-05T10:17:00.000-08:00

I've been sidelined for the last couple of weeks with a pesky back problem. Stabbing pains in the lower back (for 2 weeks) sent me to the doctor.
Just now comfortable sitting at the computer, much less the easel. I blamed it on my New Year's Resolution to get in shape...jumping around at the Y like a spry 50 year old!

I did do some little Pear paintings. Pears are a good go-to subject. A great surrogate for the human form.

Take this as a cautionary tale against New Year's Resolutions.

"Curtain Call"

Urban Views

2009-01-25T07:16:00.000-08:00

My current series of works involve woods interiors. However, I am always drawn to the geometry of urban views like this one I recently completed in New York City.

I suppose there is a relationship between the two. The verticals? The sense of enclosure? Until recently, the architectural paintings came much more naturally. Easier to control those boxes of shapes rather than the feathery, moving surroundings of the woods.

Finding the big abstract design in either one is the key. If I can just remind myself of that.....

Make me stop!

2009-01-20T06:50:00.000-08:00

Ever have a vision of a final work that is not quite matched by the reality? Ever been too stupid to realize the reality may be as good or better than the vision?

I have students tell me all the time that their paintings do not fit "how they wanted it to look."

I know that feeling. And my current work is an example. I'm going to take my studio mate's advice and "turn it toward the wall" for a while. A little 'time out' for painting.

Ciao! Jean

Current work

2009-01-16T07:49:00.000-08:00

This is my current work in progress. It is 36" x 48". Part of a series of woods interiors. Winter keeps me inside working on these larger, more abstract pieces. I'm struggling with the amount of volume I want to depict on the trees. I've also reversed my color scheme. From a predominately warm, to more cool.

Next time you see it...it will probably be completely warm and totally abstract. But at least I started with a plan....

Just an example...

2008-12-22T07:55:00.001-08:00

These are two works now in the collection of Rudy and Sarah Hayden. The top one was painted on location, on the streets of New York. The other is a site from Catawba County, NC. Sarah is an wonderful painter and went with me to Italy one year. She took her sister who was a beginner and they both did terrific work. Sarah has her own blog showing some of the work she did in Tuscany. http://sarahbartworks.blogspot.com/