JADE, X Japan, Music Video inspired Painting Process, Yoshiki 2011

 

Process for making the painting "JADE", inspired by an X-Japan Music Video

Painted with real jade pigment, from Seattle Based Daniel Smith Watercolors

ORIGINAL AND PRINTS AVAILABLE 

Killer Queen, Freddy Mercury, Top of the Pops, Watercolor, 2019

 Killer Queen, Freddy Mercury, Top of the Pops, Watercolor, 2019

Original In Private Collection, Oregon, Unavailable

PRINT AVAILABLE

It's pretty wild that Freddy was a lover of cats, and no sooner did I bring this portrait to my music group members home as a winter gift, the cat came over to greet the picture. I thought it was a funny little coincidence.

This is a much nicer version of the smaller version watercolor I posted a few years ago.

This portrait brings back bittersweet memories. I still love this song and performance to this day. The costume, the charisma, a lot about it. At the actual time I painted this I had some health struggles, but still working on this artwork was therapeutic.

I would say I didnt use transfer paper to block this one in, but I think I did. It helped me achieve nice lines on the hands and accessories.

-M. 

Noda, Masao-san On the Pier

  

    Social media can get a bad rap as being vapid and encouraging shallow communication.

    However, I have found some enriching pen-friend type connections at Instagram. (@kawaiimautio)

    Following regular posting about interests, I have come into contact with people around the world to communicate with regularly. 

    One correspondent, Masao Noda-san, a drummer based out of Yokohama, casually requested a portrait in 2023. Or maybe I offered to make one. 

     So we continued the tradition when I came into a little more time last fall and winter. I was able to start a mini series of watercolor, ink, and oil portraits. 

      As far as the art process, taking photos throughout the stages of painting has allowed me the perspective of being able to return to certain stages. From this perspective I can see the qualities and merits of each stage. It's excellent food for thought as I consider whether I want to try another composition again. 

     My current ceramics instructor insists "You need to know when to stop."

    I agree. So I'll post a process progression of my watercolor portrait, Masao Noda at the Pier, c. 1986.

FINISHED PORTRAIT PRINTS AVAILABLE HERE:  

FINISHED PORTRAIT: 

PAINTING PROCESS:  

Actually I'm really fond of this ethereal and partially complete stage. 

                 I can start from a photo and use transfer paper to make an ititial sketch, and add embellishments as I wish. Any photo can become an adult coloring book of sorts.

More Paintings This December

More Paintings This December

Killer Queen

8x10

M Graham Watercolors

Strathmore Cellulose Paper

Marnie at Makinohara

8x10

M raham Watercolors

Strathmore Cellulose Paper

Tweet Shop Paintings

A Set of 5 x 7 Paintings

 5 x 7 

Budgie Cone II 

M Graham Watercolors 

Strathmore Cellulose Paper 

AVAILABLE 

Budgie Cone I

M Graham Watercolors

Arches Cotton Cold Press

AVAILABLE 

Budgie Parfait 

M Graham Watercolors

Arches Cotton Cold Press 

AVAILABLE

Cockatiel Parfait

M Graham Watercolors

Strathmore Watercolor Paper

AVAILABLE 

Cockatiel Parfait 

M Graham Watercolors

Arches Cotton Cold Press 

AVAILABLE

Lovebird Parfait

M Graham Watercolors

Arches Cotton Cold Press

AVAILABLE

Picture Hillsboro Selection

Good news!

One of the paintings was selected to be shown in the downtown Hillsboro Civic Center from around January 17th through the month of February in the auditorium.

Orenco Woods Nature Park Technicolor

This is the one of the set that I picked to hang in the living room. We'll see what happens :)

More Picture Hillsboro 2018-2019 Final Submissions

Here are the final pictures I chose to submit to the city event. If you are a Hillsboro area artist or art collector/appreciator I would be happy to talk to you! Just send along a message! You can reach me at my etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/mautio

Old Library at Second and Lincoln

8x10 in Frame

$150, $175 Framed 

Watercolor on Cellulose Watercolor Paper

AVAILABLE

Man Resting at Brookwood Library Fountain

8x10 in Frame

$65 or $100 Framed

Watercolor on Cellulose Paper

AVAILABLE

 MAX Arch at Baseline 

8x10 in Frame

$125, $150 Framed

Watercolor on Cellulose Paper

AVAILABLE

Old Meets New Orenco Fall Day

10x14 

$250 Framed or Unframed

Watercolor on Arches Cotton Paper

AVAILABLE

Orenco Woods Nature Park Technicolor

Watercolor on Arches Cotton Paper

$300 Framed or Unframed

10x14 Frame

Original Image larger than matted area,would suit

custom frame nicely

AVAILABLE

Orenco Woods Nature Park I 

8x10 in Frame

$150, $175 in frame

Watercolor on Fluid Cellulose Watercolor Paper

AVAILABLE

Trees at Tahoe

Did a workshop with local artist Melissa Gannon in Beaverton. It was really fun! Too many projects to stay in the workshop through this season but might go back to keep dabbling in some expressive techniques I wouldn't think to try on my own. 

Really enjoyed loosening up and limiting the palette on these.

These are all smaller pieces. On a 5x7 scale? Maybe a little larger. I enjoy them a lot.

Trees at Tahoe

Anthraquinone Blue - Mineral Violet - Alizarin Crimson - Hansa Yellow 

AVAILABLE

Alizarin Crimson- Indian Yellow - Hansa Yellow - Hooker's Green 

AVAILABLE 

Quinacridone Rose - Ultramarine - Pthalocyanine Green - Bismuth Yellow

AVAILABLE 

Preparation for Picture Hillsboro 2018-2019

Event coming up in my hometown. So did some paintings, the theme is "Picture Hillsboro"

This is coming off of September/October Plein Air @ Washington County. That was an energizing event where I went outdoors during the peak of summer mixed with autumn beauty in my home-range of Washington County, Oregon.  I completed 6 paintings at that time (to come), exhibited 4, and sold 2!

A success in my book!

Without further ado, here are the paintings. All are approx 8x10, they fit 8x10 frames. Matted some of the painting gets covered up. Nothing custom framing wouldn't hurt.

 Old Orenco Mercantile, 

Realistic Colors

M Graham Watercolors on Arches

AVAILABLE

 Old Orenco Mercantile,

Technicolor Dream

M Graham Watercolors on FLUID Brand Cellulose Paper

AVAILABLE

 Orenco Woods Nature Park

M Graham Watercolor on Arches Cold Press

AVAILABLE

 Orenco Woods Nature Park

M Graham Watercolors on FLUID Cellulose Paper

AVAILABLE

Old Library @ 2nd and Lincoln

M Graham Watercolors on FLUID Cellulose Paper 

AVAILABLE

Max Arch @ Baseline

M Graham Watercolors on FLUID Cellulose Paper

AVAILABLE