Happy New Year!

Detail of Oil on Canvas

40" x 60"

Some paintings seem to have their own timeframe. They can not be forced into being finished, they have to evolve. To unfold. To emerge in stages. No amount of struggling to make it happen sooner works. This can be very frustrating for the artist, especially  if they are working on a deadline.

This is just such a painting. It won't be completed until sometime next year, so I have something to look forward to.

Hoping all of you have an abundant New Year!

Artist Reception in Scottsdale

I will be in Scottsdale January 9th, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm for an Artist Reception for "Grab Mane, It's the Year of the Horse" at The Diamond Consignment Store, 7001 East Main Street. It is a lovely space with fantastic lighting. I couldn't be more please with how beautifully displayed my paintings are.

Not to mention the fantastic people who own and run the store, Carl and Barb. They are warm and friendly.

The reception will be held during the Scottsdale Artwalk, so if you're out please come in and see my painting and say hello.

Commissions

Tools of the Trade

Each year I take a limited amount of commissions. This year due to my upcoming show schedule I will stop taking commission work for 2014 on January 10th, 2014. So if you are interested, please contact soon.

Thank you.

Showing in Scottsdale

I am happy to report that my paintings are currently hanging at the Diamond Consignment, located at 70001 East Main Street, Suite 103 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Right on the corner of East Main and Goldwater Boulevard. They are on the Scottsdale Art Walk which happens every Thursday throughout the year except Thanksgiving.

If you are in the Scottsdale area, stop in and take a look.

Intaglio

Second & Third Proof

Third Proof

I am sorry I didn't take a picture of the line etch. The line etch is similar to a blue print. It gives me a clear guideline on which I can start building my textures and values.

The second proof was pulled after I applied a soft ground to the plate, ran it through the press, placed it in an acid bath, and then printed it to proof it.

Next I aquatinted it and achieved a slightly darker value on the tail.

Today I will proof the second aquatint and see what other adjustments need to be made.

Wish me luck.

Winter's Light

"Winter Pasture"

Mixed Media on Cradled Artist Board

$375.00

                   

                                                   
                                           
                                                             
I am always amazed by the light. Every once in awhile, in winter, when the fields are covered in snow, the sky turns pink. A garnet light turns the whole world rosy.

This morning the light was hard and cold and silvery, but it hinted that those magical red skies where on their way.

Time Management

Detail of painting in progress.

I wish I had more time to be in the studio. This painting has been progressing at a snail's pace. There are always so many little things that I have to do, that by the time I turn my full attention to this painting there is only an hour or so left of daylight. So this week, everything else can go to hell in a hand basket as I will be working on it first!

First Book!

Yesterday my friend Julie taught me how to make a Lotus Book. I may have added more pages than I was suppose to, and the paper I used for the pages was not ideal.........but, I made a book!

Looking forward to making many more.

Addicted to Paper!

I am addicted to paper. I could easily be accused of being a paper hoarder and would have to plead guilty. I love the stuff! The weight, the smell, the texture, and oh the myriad of colors and patterns. Handmade Italian Marbled Endpapers, Japanese Chiyogami, papers with bits of leaves or grasses in them, and papers with velvety surfaces pristine surfaces longing to be marked upon.

Some of the papers are from exotic places and have exotic names. Some are made in paper mills that have been producing paper for centuries. Some are made by hand.

I love them all and I am greedy for them.

Tomorrow a friend of mine is going to show me how to convert some of my paper into a book. I am hoping this will help reduce the sheets of paper accumulating in my drawer. I fear it will only give credence to my lust for more paper.

Autumn

from the " In Search of the Superlative Horse"series

Mixed Media on Paper

with 23 karat Gold Leaf

22" x 30"

$1250.00

The colours in this painting always remind me of the rich hues that are such a part of autumn.

and again........Poetry and Ponies

Mixed Media on Canvas 

10"x 10"

SOLD

There are mornings when I really miss the South.

I spent a good deal of time driving this weekend.I really do some of my best daydreaming and pondering while I driving.I was thinking about painting and language.I love a well turned phrase.I love listening to or reading a well crafted story,one filled with succinct sentences that evoke a place or events that make me believe that I may have experienced it myself.

Why is that?

I think that maybe it is a human longing to belong to a tribe, a group a family. A desire to belong and be understood. A desire to believe"I am not alone and my life matters".

So why do I paint?

This week I believe I paint to bear witness to what I love. I want to share what I love. I want it to be understood, that I was here and for a brief moment that is my life, I loved horses.

Love this Print

"Pretty in Pink"

Embellished and collaged Monoprint

14" x 20"

$395.00

plus shipping

I was looking at this print this morning. I love it. A Monoprint embellished with 23 karat gold leaf and collaged with French and Italian Marbled endpapers on a sheet of French paper that is eggshell with flecks of brown and grey.

 I admit I have a passion for beautifully crafted paper.

I am so tempted to frame it. However once it is framed it make it more difficult to sell as the price goes up and much more difficult to ship. So, at least for the moment it shall remain unframed.

Steps Three & Four

Graphite & Acrylic

and again.

So, once I have a my stretched I start putting thin acrylic washes over it. I will repeat this several times. Here I have mixed some warm earth colours. At a some point I start laying down graphite lines and marks. I will continue to do this until it looks/feels right.

While it may look like a plan, I still have no idea where I am going.

Gesso~ed!

Once I have a canvas stretched it's ready for three coats of gesso. After each coat dries I lightly sand it, sweep of the dust and apply another coat of gesso.

The best part of this process is watching the gesso dry.

Cane Fedele

Leonardo's Dog

My Sherman

I believe these dogs bare a striking resemblance. Sherman is one of the most joyful dogs I have ever known. He is a wonderful companion. I am very fortunate to have him in my life,

Clients, Collectors and Patrons.

"Lilies of the Field"

Oil on Canvas

Sold

It is always rewarding to make a sale. It is solid proof that someone values what you are doing. Again, while everyone who has ever purchased a card, print, or original piece of art from me has been important, every once in a while someone stands out.

Once a woman in her mid forties purchased a painting from me and it was the first piece of original art she had ever purchased! That's memorable.

A group of women bought a print for their friend who had the last moment couldn't make the trip with them due to hardship. Two years later they all made the trip together. She came and told me the story and how looking at the print every morning had helped her. I'll never forget those women.

This year at The Event at Rebecca Farm a young lady of about 14 years was one of my sales. She selected a print of "Lilies of the Field". While she was counting out her money, her mother asked her if she need her give her some money."Oh no" she replied, "I have it." She told me she was going to take it to the framer and once it was framed hang it in her bedroom.

She paid for this print with money she earned teaching riding lessons on her pony. Another sale that will be etched on my heart for all time.

Thank you all for helping me to continue to have the best job ever.

New beginnings.......

The tools of the trade...

a good pair of old scissors...

canvas pliers and a staple gun...

and a large table to work on.

It always takes a few hours for me to complete stretching a few new canvases. In part because I always  have to hunt for more staples! The process is not complicated, but does have quite a few steps and requires a large, clean area to work on.

"In the Frame"

"In the Frame"

Oil on Canvas

34" x 34"

$3750.00

This is the painting that I took a picture of on my easel. It looks a whole lot better when a professional photographer takes the picture.

Thanks Tom!

In the Frame

"In the Frame" is a painting I finished last week. Still on the easel in my studio and hanging in my booth at the Event at Rebecca Farm in Kalsipell, Montana.

The painting is Oil on Canvas, 35" x 35", and is being received very well.

The Raven Show

"and He had flown far"

Mixed Media on Canvas

20" x 20"

$1250.00

A Raven Show opens at West of the Moon August 2nd and as always will be part of the First Friday ArtWalk. This is the painting I will have in that show.

Showing Up

I remember listening to a student who was complaining about the lack of inspiration that they felt was and that this was the reason they could not complete the assignment. The instructor stood there giving his full focus to the student. Nodding while they went on at length about how they were just not feeling it. When the student had finished their diatribe the instructor took in a long breath and told them in a reverent tone "Well then, you must never leave the studio because you do not want to miss that moment when the Muse is upon you." He then turned and walked quietly away.

Occasionally the spirt does strike without warning, however for quite a few of us we invite it in. I have created several little Muse call rituals myself. I won't bore you with the details, but the biggest one is showing up. I show up in the studio and know, Muse or not I am going to be there for a minimum of one hour. So I may have to sweep, rearrange paints, clean palettes or what ever until it arrives.

There are days when it doesn't arrive. Those are spent stretching canvas. Filing paperwork. Throwing away things that are no longer of use. But more often that not, I pick up a pencil or a brush and make a mark. Then another, and then I find that I have been transported and painted for several hours, and this would have never happened it I hadn't shown up.

Cover of the Chronicle of the Horse

"L'air du Temps"

Oil on Canvas

40" x 60"

$7950.00

When I first picked up an issue of the Chronicle of the Horse I wanted to be on the cover! It reminds me of the song by Dr. Hook and Medicine Show , "On the Cover of the Rolling Stone", that's the feeling!

So over the years I have been fortunate enough to have my work grace the cover. You never now when it's going to happen. So this morning when I went to see who was on the cover it was me! Or rather my painting.

This is a very nice way to start the day.

Unexpected

"Spring Green"

from the "In Search of the Superlative Horse" series

22" x 30"

Mixed Media on Paper

I completed this painting a few years ago. I have shown it a few times since then, and while other painting have sold this one has remained.It has been completely unexpected as it is one of my favorites.

Perhaps it will find it's home later this summer when I show it at the Event at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, Montana.

"Blue Canter"

from the "In Search of the Superlative Horse" series

Mixed Media on Paper

I am enthralled with the nonverbal communication between species. I know that we never fully understand what an animal is conveying to us, but do we ever completely understand each other?

I feel blessed to have had the animal bonds I have had thus far and look forward to each ones I shall have in the future.

Back To School

First attempt at Serigraph

I am taking a Serigraph class this summer and quite frankly I am having an enormous amount of trouble.

First I had a few registration problems. My hinges had become to loose on the board they were mounted to. Then I was tightening my clamps enough. All well enough, as now I know to check those things.

Then I had a few problems with the right squeegee angle and pressure. Problem solved!

I understand the ink as it is a water based acrylic. I have a good handle on which paper I am using and why. I don't have many problems with the other elements of the this process and when I do I understand where and why I have gone wrong.

So why am I having such a hard time?

I am having to shift my paradigm. As an artist I primarily work intuitively. I rarely plan out a painting or collage. I allow it to unfold like a dancer moving to unknown music. Sometimes it is brilliant and sometimes it is something that I struggle with. However, I never feel as thought I have been set adrift in uncharted waters. For me, serigraph is a large dark lagoon. Things appear to be familiar, but they aren't and this makes me very, very uncomfortable.

So today when I go to class I will be finishing the mess I am creating. Twelve colours in an edition of 10. After that I will softly and quietly have a chat with my self. There will be no more trying to make an image. Instead I will just open myself up to creating a consistent group of abstract colour studies.

Mixed Media

from the "In Search of the Superlative Horse" series

30" x 22"

Mixed Media 

on Paper

$1500.00

I love making art and all that goes along with it. This means that my studio is a virtual archive of every art supply shop I have ever entered and every supply catalogue I have ever browsed. So it seems only fitting that I would create quite a lot of mixed media art.

I love the weight and the feel of Saunders Waterford Watercolour paper. It's still made in England, and although I've never been and seen this for myself, I've been told it's being made the same way it's been made for 100's of years. Anyway, it's lovely paper and I always start is with a whole sheet. I lay down a sheet of paper and mist it with water. Once it is damp I apply a veil of watercolour. While it is still damp I may throw a handful of salt or lay cling film over it to create a pattern. I repeat this process until I think it is ready for to be drawn upon.

When I draw I use a variety of pencils and pen & ink. Ink is amazing stuff. Waterproof or not, some made with shellacs, some made the same way for centuries. All have different qualities and react quite differently. One of their virtues is that I can't control them.

And so I draw. The surface of the paper helps me to decide what to draw and where. Once the drawing  starts I will bounce back and forth between it and more watercolour.

At some point I start adding bits of paper, acrylic lifts, and or 23 karat gold leaf. The gold leaf needs to be of a high karat so that it will not tarnish, which in itself would not be a bad thing, it is just that the change in color would effect the balance and intent of the painting. The gold comes in a variety of colours too, ranging from a deep reddish gold to a pale almost silver.

I sometime work on a painting for several days, sometimes several weeks. I work on different paintings at the same time so there is no way for me to ever know exactly how long each one took to create.

This painting is the result of just such a process.

A Quick Note

"Iberian" I & II

I received this email on Saturday regarding the purchase of a print of "Iberian" II. It completely made my day. I love it when a client or patron takes the time to drop me a note.

It is also a good reminder to me to be a bit more thoughtful with the people I do business with.

           Hi Tanner!

Your beautiful print arrived today in perfect condition.

It is even more stunning in person!

It will be fun to pick out a frame for it and the perfect spot to hang it.

Thank you!!!

Jennifer S.

L'Air du Temps

"L'Air du Temps"

Oil on Canvas

40" x 60"

$7950.00

I  was quite uncomfortable using such a bright palette for in this painting. The bright blues, greens, and roses keep me guessing. Thankfully I moved through my doubt and I am very pleased with the results.

Heading Home!

This was one of my lovely views while I was on vacation. I had a great time and my beach memory banks are full. However, now that I am actually heading home I can't wait to get into the studio.

Three Weeks!

Detail

Unfinished Painting

40" x 60"

I will be able to work in the studio a little this weekend. After that I leave for vacation! Sun, sand, a few of those Tropical Drinks with a tiny parasol artfully tucked into the glass, and shrimp!

I can hardly wait to see my friends.

I'll be gone for a little over 2 weeks. Which means, after this weekends studio time it will be THREE WEEKS before I can start working on this painting again.

Think I'll take some watercolours and paper with me.

Iberian I and II

Iberian I

Iberian II

Now available as a Limited Edition Giclée Print on Canvas. The edition is of 25 and after they are sold, no more will be produced. Each print is 20" x 30" and is gallery wrapped so that it is ready for you to hand on your wall or frame it. Each print comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Iberian I
20" x 30"
Gallery Wrapped
Signed and Numbered
Giclée Print on Canvas
Sold Out



Iberian II
20" x 30"
Gallery Wrapped
Signed and Numbered
Giclée Print on Canvas
Sold Out

Shipping and handling to the US
$50.00

Contact me tanner@ctannerjensen.com or phone 928-460-0065

The Nicest Words

"Levade"

from the "In Search of the Superlative Horse" series

Mixed Media 

on Watercolour Paper

22" x 30"

My Trainer and Friend just wrote the nicest words about this painting.

I have held this in my hands and cannot describe the subtle impact of this work.. Tanner captures the fleeting moment we are always seeking in our relationships with our horses.

Thank you Gayle.

and in North Carolina

"Winter Pasture"

11" x 14"

Mixed Media

$375.00

Tonight at Carolina Fine Art, 116 West Clay Street in Historic Downtown Mebane, "The Art of the Horse" opens. Reception is 7:00 ~ 9:00 pm. For more information phone 919-566-8211

Hope everyone has a really good time.

Opening Tonight!

Untitled

Oil on Birch

69" x 47"

$7250.00

"Fresh Horses" opens tonight at West of the Moon Gallery in Historic Downtown Flagstaff. Reception is from 6:00 ~ 9:00 pm.

Hope to see everyone there.

Shipping!

Untitled

Oil on Cradled Artist Board

12" x 16"

$425.00

Not a very good photo, no surprise as I was the one who took it. However this image does convey a reasonable amount of information regarding a painting that I will be shipping to a Fine Art Carolina Gallery, 116 West Clay Street, Mebane, North Carolina for their "Horses in Art" exhibition. The show opens May 3rd with a reception from 7:00-9:00 pm.

Fresh Horses

Untitled

Oil on Birch

47" x 69"

$7250.00

This is one of the paintings that I will be exhibiting in my upcoming show "Fresh Horses".
The show opens 6:00 pm May 3rd at West of the Moon Gallery in Downtown Flagstaff.

Feverishly!

Detail

Oil on Birch

45" x 69"

Working feverishly on painting for "Fresh Horses". Show opens May 3rd at West of the Moon, Flagstaff, Arizona.

Thoroughbreds are so Lucky

George enjoying his brekkie.

Thoroughbreds are so lucky because they have two birthdays! The one the share with their extended families on January 1st, and their actual birthday.

Today is George's birthday. He is 9!

He is extremely lucky. He was on the track until he was 8. He was in the barn of a responsible TB Trainer that made sure the horses he trained were placed with people looking to give an OTTB a second career. He was lucky that a Canter volunteer when out and took his picture and that when my trainer said "Call on this horse" I didn't argue.

The luckiest thing for George is that he is with my trainer. She believes in going slow and allowing a horse to reveal who they are. So for the past 5 months or so George has been enjoying himself. Turned out, eating, having pedicures and spa days.

Well George, enjoy yourself today on your birthday, because the tack is on it's way!

Take Flight

Detail 

Oil on Artist Board

Sold

Received an invitation to have artwork in the Raven show at West of the Moon in August. Seems like August is so far away. However, I am going to North Carolina in May, and Montana in July. I am currently working feverishly on "Fresh Horses", the show that's opening in May, and I'm sure I forgetting something!

So I had better get started on my Raven painting, as August will be here before you know it!

O' Bit of the Green!

Green Pony I

Mixed Media on Paper

14" x 11"

I love it when a client sends me a photo of how they are living with a painting I created. It is so rewarding to see it hanging in someones home.
 I love the green and gold against the brick coloured wall.

Unsure?

Oil on Canvas

34" x 34"

 There are times as a painter I am completely unsure of what I am doing. The doubt arrises due to a number of factors. Doing something different or using colours I don't normally use seems to push me into this state.
Am I just uncomfortable because it's different?
I don't know. Today however, I am willing to publish this. I am not sure if it is finished or not. Who knows the paint fairies might come it and finish it for me. You just never know.