Friday, May 1, 2020

Spring 2020 Newsletter



"A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul."
Goethe 



A few years ago, I had the flu so this bottle of throat spray was always out sitting around. On the one hand, it was evidence of how lousy I felt, continually trying to numb the pain in my throat. On the other hand I started to think it would be interesting to paint with its mix of intense color and neutrals, transparency and opacity, shiny and matte. For a short time as I painted, my sickness was forgotten. I was too intent on seeking something good to pay attention to the illness. I don't minimize the challenges that our present condition presents, but I think there's some application of that idea to our time.

That said, the corona virus has certainly had an affect on me and my family. We have a son in his first rear of residency. His chosen practice is emergency room! After graduating medical school this past May, it’s as if he was shot out of a cannon into the lion’s mouth. So far, he and his little family are doing fine.

And … for myself, a few things have happened. I teach a drawing class at Mesa Community college each semester. We have had to go online so I've been spending hours making demonstration videos. I've enjoyed the process (but it has been a huge cut into my painting time). Youtube and imovie are both awesome.

You can click here to see a 50 second sped up clip.

Another project I've been able to work on is this commissioned piece for Chase Rasmussen. Multi-generations of his family have grown up with this view from their cabin in Colorado so it has some special meaning. I don't do a lot of landscape and when I do, it's usually the desert. This was a fun challenge. I think it turned out rather nicely.




Half Price Sale
My show scheduled for April was of course cancelled. As a result, I have a pretty large inventory sitting around my studio. There is a chance that it will be rescheduled in July. Hopefully. With that in mind and given the uncertain state of our economy, for a limited time I am putting paintings up for sale online at extremely reduced prices. I’m giving this news to you, my newsletter subscribers before I announce this on social media or anywhere else. I am working on getting a purchase/payment system on my website but for now, if you are interested in any of these paintings, just send me an email and we’ll work out the details. Tax and shipping (where needed) will be added on. If you are able, you're welcome to come to my studio to see the painting before you purchase. (All sales have full satisfaction guarantee, if for any reason you are dissatisfied, you can return the work for a full refund and I will pay the shipping.) Feel free to email me with any questions about framing or anything else. So this is an opportunity to get a piece of original art at a very reasonable price. I'd be honored to have one hanging in your home.
allen@allengarns.com
480.854.3121


The Diving Lady • 24"X 30" Oil on canvas • $1300 Framed


My Florist, Late Afternoon • 12"X 12" Oil on gessoed panel • $600 unframed

Morning Canal • 6"X 6" Oil on canvas panel • $195, $150 unframed
All 6x6's are same price unless otherwise noted



Evening Falls On 3rd St.• 6"x6"Oil on Gessoed Panel, 




Approaching Storm • 6"X 6" Oil on cradled panel • $150
(Sold)

South On Central • 6"X 6" Oil on canvas panel 
Under And Through,  Washington St. •  6"X 6" Oil on canvas panel
(Sold) 


Mission Call
Final news, My wife and I have been called to serve a mission for The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day-Saints. We are deeply grateful and excited for this opportunity. Our tentative report date is in late summer, going somewhere in Northern Colorado, most likely where there is a smaller congregation.  We'll spend our time finding ways to serve people, assisting with employment, addiction problems, general self reliance and helping them feel the transforming love of Jesus Christ. I'm not sure exactly how this will affect my art or how I will be able to use my art in our work. Right now, my intention is to do at least one small painting a week that I will post on IG and FB. So it will be an adventure!

It's of course interesting times we are in. Stay well, keep hope and love your loved ones.