billspaintingmn

Morning sketch

2012-02-02T08:19:00.000-06:00

I arrived in Albuquerque New Mexico early this week. Tuesday morning, I went out
to sketch this scene. I used pastel and pencil on a moleskin. I hope to do a studio
painting from it. Forgive the lighting, it's the best I have for now. I got back to Minnesota
yesterday evening and want to post this.

LaNor 1947-2012

2012-01-29T15:24:00.002-06:00

This is a 'pic' of us kids back in 1959 at Christmas.

In less than ten years, we had dispursed. It was rare

that we would ever come together again.

That's me, the little guy on the left. Behind me is

my sister LaNor. She was a wonderful sister. She always called

me on my birthday. I love you LaNor, I will miss you and

your silly jokes.

Auld Lang Syne

2012-01-06T16:10:00.000-06:00

An old friend from high school stopped by today. We used to

draw hot rods in class. So I painted a hot rod for "Auld Lang Syne"

Rhonda

2012-01-04T15:06:00.001-06:00

I was invited to a friends Christmas get together this holiday season. I accepted. I met
a girl, Rhonda. Wow, she is very pretty.
The next day my friend called and said Rhonda commented I could give her a call. I did.
We got together for coffee, and watched the ball drop on New Years Eve. It was a fun
time.
I asked if I could sketch her, she looked so beautiful sitting there. This is my sketch, on a
moleskin with vine charcoal. It smeared a little. I'll do more!
I want to see her again.
Now I understand the meaning of,"Happy" in New Years. I'm happy to have met her.
(I mentioned I'd like to do a post on my blog about her, she was ok with it!)

Looking to a New Year!

2011-12-29T15:51:00.000-06:00

Commerce! The buying and selling of trade. I will now be

offering one of a kind gilded frames and art through my

blog. Starting the first of the year. I'll keep you posted.

Oil painting by Gerome. Courtesy of Minneapolis Institute of Art.

Oil primed surfaces

2011-12-16T18:13:00.000-06:00

This is my first result painting on an oil primed surface. I used only one brush,(which is a no-no) but I just wanted to lay down some paint.

I now see a whole different animal. This is fun but the paint acts a bit different. I like
it. I need to explore more. Good thing I have a few more panels to paint on. I now
understand about "make a brush stroke and leave it."
There isn't a stitch of snow outside, but am eager to get out and plien air the neighbor
hood.
5"x7' oils, on oil primed surface.

How to..

2011-12-14T21:25:00.000-06:00

For the past several years, I have been painting on

gesso'd boards. I make them myself from a recipe

I'd learned from gilding.

They are very absorbent, and would allow me to work

in the "fat over lean method of painting.

But there's been talk from folks about oil primed surfaces.

They say it makes a difference, and to try it out.

I've had this underpainting white for many years. I stopped

using it because it set so fast. Also with the bottle of

artist medium, it set quick also.

I went ahead and mixed the underpainting white with the medium. It mixed like taffy,
but soon had it buttery enough to trawl on with a palette knife.

I will try this oil primed surface out and let you know how it works!

meowie

2011-12-09T17:52:00.000-06:00

An old friend stopped by to paint, so I caught/ did this pose of my cat. He moves a lot!

James Gurney did a post about an artist that painted farm animals. They don't pose, so
it's a good practice.(They move around a lot)
I love my cat. I wonder if I could paint him from memory?

Artist study

2011-11-29T14:48:00.000-06:00

Going through some archives, I saw this and wanted to paint it.

I can learn by painting from another painting. I never try

to do an exact copy, but if I can echo things, I know I'm learning.

oils on gesso'd board 9"x12"

St. Genevieve

2011-11-19T13:53:00.000-06:00

I ran across this painting , and was stunned by it's beauty. It reminds me of my wife Renee.
She took loveing care of our children. She was a Saint in many ways, just like St. Genevieve.

The artist, Charles Spaque Pearce was new to me. I did however do a pastel of one of his
paintings several blogs back. (a little girl with a white cap/hat on) I only saw the image in a book,
and didn't know it was painted by him.

So when I saw this painting of St. Genevieve, I started looking at his work. I am Thankful to have
the means to discover art that is "out there." Old & New.
My 'Big Kiss' painting was not accepted for what it was intended. So I'm free to do what I want
with it.
Back to the drawing board!

!News Flash!

2011-11-14T10:57:00.003-06:00

I'm going to interupt my regularly scheduled program to bring good news: I'm going to be a Grampa for the 3rd time! WOW! I mean really, !WOW!

I found out, but was to keep it under wraps. But my son, Wes, just gave me the "green light" to announce it.
This will be their,(Wes & Audras') 1st time to have a child. So everyones excited.

They have been wanting to become parents. Now they can experience it. I joked to Wes that now he can
throw all the Ideals out the window, and become a student of the child.

I believe that the child already knows how to be a child, He/She will teach them how to be parents! Ha!
This is gonna be GREAT!! (I mean that with a dab of devilishness, I do know they will be loving parents.)

Here is a picture of Wes & I when he was just a stinker! I have since gained 500lbs. and lost all my hair.
But Hey, that's what kids will do to ya! ha:)

p.s. He has his mothers smile, and his fathers brains! Look out world!

-

Wow

2011-11-02T11:57:00.000-05:00

Working large is a whole different animal. Not only did I go through
a ton of paint, I was able to loosen up and slash the brush with 'chords'
you can't do on a smaller scale.
Painting big is funner than I thought! :)

After some discussion with an artist friend, I decided to

paint this in oils instead of sign paint. Now I'm glad I did.

I made a much larger glass palette to accommodate the colors

and mixing area. I wanted to try colors I've heard talked

about on other blogs. I wasn't so concerned with using

a particular color palette, or a limited color palette.

I wanted to try new mixtures to see what I could get. This is

an experiment I've wanted to try. If I create a monster, well

Halloween was just here!

This painting is not finished. I wanted to post its progress

at this stage. I don't want to fiddle with it, so a few dabs

here and there and I will call it done.

I hope you like it.

45"x48" oils on wood panel.

Big Kiss

2011-10-18T10:59:00.001-05:00

I'm working on a 4'x4' wood panel. This is from a small painting I did awhile back.
I'm working out the values,(gray scale) befor I start painting. This is my first pass at
it.
It will be painted in signpaint,(enamels) as a part of 4 panels to be hung in and around
the metro area. All for fun, but they will be for sale!
I'll post the progression of this. Thanks!

idream

2011-10-08T13:27:00.001-05:00

i think it's great to dream, infact i think it's what forms our real world.
pastel on paper 21"x32"

>"< Meowie

2011-09-30T15:52:00.001-05:00

I love my cat! When I get home he is often watching out the window. I did a quick sketch,
and embelished it at the studio. No photos to work from.
pastel on paper 21" x 32"

a friends frame

2011-09-23T18:50:00.000-05:00

Someone from blogsville sent me this frame. I was told to have this for one of my paintings!
I could gild it anyway I want. It's 8"x10" and what a treat! The profile is rather bold, so I must
paint something bold to work well with it. (It's all about the art folks!)
Now I need to find a bold subject!
This will be an ongoing project!

Gold bricks -n- Beer mugs

2011-09-17T14:38:00.000-05:00

Today kicks off Oktoberfest!

Many of the micro breweries are proud to display there beers.
Minnesota is fortunate to consume these tastey brews.

Please drink responsibly! Thanks! ( Killabrew!)

re"PUB"lic

2011-09-13T14:48:00.000-05:00

A couple weeks ago, I painted this logo on the inside wall by the bar. It was entertaining to
the customers during lunch time.
Now they asked if I would paint on the outside wall a bit larger so I have.
I was able to sell them on gold stars and gold beer mug, which I will do later this week.
I will post that when it's done.
sign paint,(enamels) 8'x16'

I love you Grandma Cookie

2011-09-10T12:20:00.000-05:00

And Grandma Cookie loves you sweetheart:)

Up on the roof

2011-08-29T14:38:00.000-05:00

I now have roof access! This ladder gets me on top of things.(hang on and don't look down!)

If you look down 1st Ave.N.E. you can see the new Twins stadium.

The back alley from the roof is a fresh perspective.

Across the street is an old tree in the middle of a parking lot. I can see a series of roof work.

And if I'm really good, maybe I'll see Santa come down this chimney! Anyway, I'm looking at
things and possibilities. Thanks for stopping up!

Heart shadows

2011-08-19T14:19:00.001-05:00

I spotted this scene and thought it would be interesting to paint. I made the greens with cobalt,
lemon yellow and smuggled red into it. Brush and palette knife. 10"x10" oils on canvas board.

Pastel study

2011-08-07T19:40:00.000-05:00

Worked on this today. From a picture in a magazine.
30""x40"pastel on brown paper.

Latenight walk

2011-08-04T12:49:00.000-05:00

Went for a walk the other night and saw this. I painted this from memory the next day to recall the mood.
The neon light reflecting on the water tower looked cool. It's a quick thumbnail sketch, I wasn't going for
perfection as much as recalling the scene.
8"x10" oils on gesso'd board.

A day on the lake

2011-06-29T12:12:00.000-05:00

In Minnesota, you're never to far from a lake. I got a call from my friend, "Jimmy"
asking If I wanted to go fishing. "Yep, that would be great!"
So I spent the whole day in the boat. I caught fish, relaxed, and enjoyed the views.

It's always good to get on the water, so the next time someone tells you to go jump

in the lake, say thanks! I needed that!

I caught some dinner, and as we began to leave, these guys were loading a homemade
contraption for the milk container boat race that is held every year. The guy had to
peddle to paddle the boat. It worked perfectly!

Almost a year

2011-06-28T00:02:00.000-05:00

Lately I've noticed I don't multi-task like I used to. To much just confuses me. Then I shut down and call it a day.
If I call it a day without having one, not only do I loose ground, but I now have an amount of regret
or "noise" in my head for the next day.
I need to concentrate when I work, paint, draw, carve and doodle.

So what do I do? Well I'm down sizing quite a bit. I'm selling the house, and moving closer to my studio.

After 6+ years of cancer, my wife died last August. I was her care giver, and did all I could to maintain our home and welfare. It became exhausting.

There were many times I felt helpless and unable to accomplish most tasks. Personally, I failed miserably on a regular basis. Or so I felt. I had high expectations that I could not meet. I was over my head, but wanted to save my wife and her health.

So I blindly continued to do what I could. Hoping things would get better.

Three weeks before Renee, my wife died, I thought there was still hope. She was "cancer free" several times during those 6+ years. So I wanted to think she still had a chance to beat this condition.

In the end I had to bring her into the hospital her last week. I no longer could care for her, the way she needed to be cared for. I could see her loosing ground each day.

She had her 55th birthday in the hospital. It was acually her last cognative day. She rapidly began to shut down.

I was called 3:30 in the morning to come into the hospital. Renee was asking for me.
I arrived shortly after they called. Renee was uncomfotable.
Several hours later she went into a coma. I notified our kids and they came to the hospital.
Although she wasn't talking, she would twich her toes,or eyebrows to let use know she could hear use.
We all said what we wanted to say to her.

Renee died that evening before the sunset.( 7:40pm. 8-7-10 ) I think she was hanging on for us. She loved us all very much. We all loved her very much.

When she died, she looked truly at peace. All the painful expressions left and she looked more beautiful than the day I met her.

It's been almost a year. I try to move forward. Everything is difficult and strange to me. Things that were important no longer matter. Yet I know I must do something. I'm stuck, or can't let go.
At times I look to find meaning in all of this, and I see a magnet on the fridge that says," Live well, Love much, Laugh often"
To me, that was Renee's code she lived by. This will not be so easy for me.

Tortoise .Weathered black walnut chainsawed. (approx.200 lbs.)

Mermaid

2011-06-19T12:39:00.000-05:00

Went to the car show this weekend. This chrome Mermaid was fantastic.

Chances of rain kept some away. This caught my eye, I want it!

I felt like a kid at a car show! Everything was big!

painting a Thunderbird

2011-06-15T22:01:00.000-05:00

Please forgive my backside.( And I look heavy in this.) I was mostly concerned that I'd have plumbers butt I didn't!
I was painting these on a regular basis,back in the early 80's and other styles too. Her I am one more time a few years ago.

Looking for Sunshine

2011-06-10T18:33:00.000-05:00

Strange weather huh? Things are different in every way.
I've been moving to a new location closer to the studio.
My new home will be NordEast Minneapolis.
Took some time to paint today, it felt good! Hope to be
painting every day very soon.
I want to explore all the tips and ways to make a better
painting. Info from artists I've met blogging. Put time in
on the easel.
I've got better paint.
I've got better brushes.
I've got Stapleton Kearns signature series Take it easel!
( I'll give a review on the easel as I can. So far I've used it once
and feel cool because it works great!)
This painting is fresh, I have to get a better shot with no glare.
Felt good to paint. Hope you like it.
6"x8" oils on canvasbord. 16k pale gold, water gilded frame.

He Is Risen!

2011-04-24T19:33:00.000-05:00

Christ defeated death, so we can too!

Took a walk through the woods today, it was beautiful.
Saw some deer, the creek was running, many birds chirping.
Ate Easter dinner at my sons house, his wife Audra made
Luthuanian easter eggs for the grandkids. I've never seen
these before. She used leaves and onion skins. Fun!

Minnihaha Falls

2011-04-17T14:18:00.000-05:00

This morning my underpainting was dry so I

went into it with color. This is another way to

approach the 'canvas'. It sure helped to control

the values!

oils on gesso'd board 8"x10"

Minnihaha Falls

2011-04-16T19:08:00.000-05:00

The water is flowing, the ice is off the lakes!

This is a scene many people come to in Mpls.

I mixed cobalt violet & Indigo blue and used

liquin for a medium, (per Stapes advice)

Once this drys I can add color.

8"x10" oils on gesso'd board

Cody sleeping

2011-03-09T15:17:00.000-06:00

My daughter called early this morning asking if I could watch Cody.

He was sick with a cold, and couldn't go to the daycare.

Sure! I love watching my grandson. I read storys, he watched batman,

and soon feel asleep on the couch.

Prime time to do some art! so I sketched him while he slept. I'm loading

this up just in time, he's now awake.

charcoal on gessod' board 5"x7"(he's a cool lil' guy, I call him Bud!)

The most incredalbe thing!

2011-02-28T09:34:00.000-06:00

I just read a cool story over at Stapes Blog! It moved me
to post some things I recently saw. The spirit of art can never be broken!

I think she looks happy!

This is happy too :)

Anders Zorn, wow! She's happy!

Titian, and the golden age of Ventian Painting.
Venus looks happy!

Me and my shadow out on a lake.

I caught some fish, I was happy!

Titian out my window

2011-02-25T22:57:00.000-06:00

The billboard outside my studio window advertizes the Venitian painting exhibit
at the Minneapolis Museum of Art. I have tickets to see this, and it's been too long
since my last visit. I was told to see it! I'll go this week end.

painted prayer

2011-02-14T11:08:00.000-06:00

Please take these flowers up to heaven Lord

and give them to my wife Renee.

Thanks for all you have given me

and all you have taken away.

oils on gilded plate, 6"

Oldies but Goodies

2011-02-11T17:09:00.000-06:00

Blog hopping around, I was inspired by some folks to look through the art files.
This is a watercolor from sometime ago.('85') The old happy shack.

Below is another, I called Forest Snow.

This is a pen and ink called getting some bites...

I hope to do some winter painting, now that I have take it easle, Stapleton Kearns model. I feel like the coolest painter on the block! Thanks for looking!

Moonlight sled

2011-01-21T20:44:00.000-06:00

Well the cold weather is here, parts of Minnesota were -40 below

this morning, it has to warm up to snow!

The colder it gets, the better the sledding. Warm snow,(if there is

such a thing) is good for snowballs & snowmen. But the blades can

get stuck and you have to push yourself. When it's cold you can slide

like the dickens! And it's fun!

Doing the trip!

2011-01-19T09:32:00.000-06:00

Some times you have to belly up to the bar and order

what your thirsty for.

I just ordered Take it easel, the Stapelton Kearns series!

Last winter I was inspired by Stapes winter episodes.

Stape is a pied piper of sorts. I recommend his blog to

anyone yurning to know.

Always thankful, I want to thank you all for such a fun

group in the blog-sphere.

I enjoy blogging, and visiting blogs. I'm inspired by each

and everyone of you.

Although I'm a gilder by trade, I've loved art all my life.

I can't remember a time in my life when I wasn't doing

art of one type or another.

I just put my paintings in an art gallery, so I am going to

commit to doing the trip.

I get my directions from you! God willing I'll be in the

history books. Lady Ga Ga will sing songs about me! There

will be statues in parks and movies with Sean Connery as

me! All the girls will faint when I walk into the room.

They might even make a sandwich named after me.

Superman will ask me to be his partner, and the comic

books will ...

when I was a kid, I read alot of Dr. Suess.

odds & ends... and new beginings!

2010-12-30T13:52:00.000-06:00

Well, it'snow BB-Q! (I had to post this.) It's a scene from the back door. I hope to do
some winter painting, as we have plenty of it!

Last Sunday was the last Dr. Sketchy of the year. The theme was, "ringing in

baby new years." (I won some mesh stockings for my drawing!(ha) It was a fun time.

An old friend from art school and I went to sketch for a few hours, have a couple of

drinks and encourage each other to continue the trip! This was at the 331 Club. Just

a couple of blocks from the church with the gilded Tabernacle .

N.E. is an interesting neighborhood! Happy New Years Every One!

Tabernacle

2010-12-10T18:58:00.000-06:00

Some assembly was required. All of the pieces fit together and it's now out of my hands.
It was placed in the back of a van, and is on its way to its new home.

I'm still on call incase there might be touch ups here and there.

Paul wrote this on the inside of the dome, and as always, spelled Whalberg AH instead

of HA, but everyone does. Renee is spelled incorrectly, but it's dedicated to her just the

same. I thought of her often as I worked on this.

Sunday will be the unvailing. Just in time for the big snow storm comming our way!
I hope they, and you like it!

LEAVED

2010-12-08T11:57:00.000-06:00

This is the easel that the bible will rest against. below is a shot of my work bench
with all the parts of the tabernacle.

Freshly layed gold on the ceiling part of the top piece of the tabernacle. I layed full

sheets of gold for this. It's not easy to lay a full sheet of gold, but I did it!(many times)

This is the dome and the crowning cross. I enjoyed a glass of wine after doing this!

These are the 8 columns that will hold the ceiling/roof/dome. They are as brillient

as I could make them. There has been an add-on to this job, the 4 apostles,

Mathew, Mark, Luke & John will be carved symbolicly and gilded to set on the 4

corners of the roof, next to the dome. That will be done in January some time.

Right now I'm on crunch time. Everything needs to be completed and over to the

church for the unvailing this Sunday. I'm nervous of course.

I'll keep you posted!

home

2010-12-01T09:29:00.000-06:00

Feels good to be busy! I've been laboring over

this Tabernacle that will house the Holy Bible.

Sanding, gesso, sanding, bole (paint) buffing and

now I have brought all the pieces to my home

studio,(heated garage!) where I will be applying

the gold.

Welcome to my mess! I know where everything is!

The Bishop (priest) wants to stop by to see me lay

some gold. I said OK, but I'm not cleaning up.

Speaking of good books, I just got my copy of

Color & Light by James Gurney. Its been highly

recommended. I've only skimmed through, but I

also would recommend this to anyone that wants

to make a better painting. Thanks Jim!

*******************************************

"As far as outdoor work is concerned, a studio is

only a garage; a place in which to store pictures and

repair them. Never a place in which to paint them."

Joaquin Sorolla Quote

making progress...

2010-11-19T20:07:00.000-06:00

This is the easel, or Bible stand that will hold the Bible inside the tabernacle.
It is carved from one piece of Honderus mohogany. This is to be gilded also.

I was able to get started on all eight columns of the tabernacle

this week. They are coming along very well. They have recieved

3 coats of gesso, and are being sanded with 220 grit lightly.

I also recieved the 'floor' and 'ceiling' and will recieve the dome

that tops all this off this coming Monday.

I'm excited, they pushed the deadline up to Dec.11th! So I will be

working around the clock to get this finished.

I wasn't sure how to post this, I hope it makes sense. I will show

more as this progresses.

...but as things go, this is coming together nicely.

A Great Commission!

2010-11-12T13:14:00.000-06:00

These are four of the eight columns of the Tabernacle. Hand carved and ready to gild.
This Tabernacle will house the Holy Bible they use for service. It is a very old Bible.

Last August, I was asked to submit a quote to gild a tabernacle.

So I did. They excepted my figures, and the 'ball' was in motion.

This tabernacle will be carved to the churches specifications.

Paul, the wood carver, is a neighbor of mine.

This is his drawing of the tabernacle,from which I concluded my

figures.($)

St. Marion Catholic Church, is Eastern Orthodox. It's located in

the Nord East neighborhood of Minneapolis.(My studio turf!) I

will however be gilding this at my home studio.

This will be a surface gild, or oil gild. I will be using a particular

22k gold, as it has a brightness unsurpassed.

I will be getting more peices of this tabernacle next week. I hope

to post its progress.

Giving Thanks

2010-11-07T11:40:00.000-06:00

I want to Thank all of you for the kindness and support over

the past months.

The last time Renee was in the hospital, she said,"Thank you

for loving me."

I wept, and still do.

These are her praying hands. They were loving hands. Helping

hands. They changed a lot of diapers, washed a lot of laundry.

I thank God for these hands.

roads

2010-10-29T13:26:00.000-05:00

This is the road that runs past my place. The sun peeked

out, and I had to paint it!

Oils on gesso'd board 9"x 20" 3 hrs.

silver linings

2010-10-25T13:59:00.000-05:00

This is a scene from my front yard. I took artistic licence, because

Stapleton Kerns said I could!(ha)

The trees are there, but the creek is really the road in real life.

9"x12" gesso'd board 2 hrs.

Babe

2010-10-22T18:53:00.000-05:00

I wanted to paint Renee today.

this is from a photograph I've had since high school.

I worked in Zorn palette. It was tempting to use

blue, but didn't. I'll tweek some things, but this is pretty much it.

8"x 8" oils on gesso'd board. 3 hrs.

Sunday Service

2010-10-10T17:17:00.000-05:00

I have to admit, the fall colors are in peak.

A simple stroll through the neighborhood

is all I had to do for this painting.

"I'm doing the trip" A statement I heard

refering to the tasks at hand.

Happy Fall painting everyone!

oil on gesso'd board 5"x 7" (2hrs. of fun!)

Sunday Painter

2010-10-03T16:58:00.000-05:00

What a beautiful day to paint! The fall colors are here.

I went out to the backyard, and painted a maple tree.

The sun and shadows kept moving, and so did I.

2.5 hrs. oil on gesso'd board. 5.5"x7.5"

Stape!

2010-10-01T18:05:00.000-05:00

Well here you go pilgrim, see what I learned!

One of the blog sites I enjoy reading,(and viewing)

is Stapleton Kearns. Lately he's been explaining color,

useing music as a comparative.

Color strokes are notes~

I was moved to give it a try. The sun was picking up

a glare, but here it is, fresh as can be.

2.5 hrs. oils on gesso'd board. 6"x8"

I shot the non glare in the studio, but the color seems

washed out. I got a learning curve folks!

It just felt good to paint, Thanks Stape!

Skeeters Cabin

2010-09-26T12:51:00.000-05:00

I went up to Skeeters cabin this week end for some R & R.

"Skeeter" or George, has been a friend for many years.

I've painted there, however this time I left my guns at home.

Thanks for a wonderful weekend my friend! I needed that!

And Thanks to Everyone! My Heart is filled with emotion,

as I continue along in this journey.

Renee

2010-09-03T19:11:00.000-05:00

I started this painting of Renee from a live sitting at my studio, last year.

Since I hadn't finished it, I took a snap shot to work from, as Renee said

sitting for a painting was difficult.

Yesterday I worked on it. Although it needs hands and fingers and other

areas to address, I wanted to post it for you.

I will post its progress from time to time.

18"x24" oil on streatched canvas.

In Heaven there is no beer...

2010-08-18T16:09:00.000-05:00

I don't believe that! If Jesus turned water into wine,(his 1st miracle) then

I'm sure there's beer for the rest of us. Moderation is key.

Getting back to work has been awkward, but a must. I hope to paint more

and post some of it.

Renee would want me to laugh again.

This was carved from an old beer barrel, and is the back of a chair.

(also, this is my 100th post)

Tribute to Renee

2010-08-14T16:26:00.000-05:00

My son Wes put this video together for the service of my wife, Renee.

It's difficult to watch, yet so beautiful. This was Renee through the years.

Thanks to all.

I'm so sorry

2010-07-27T15:00:00.000-05:00

My wife Renee is Dying. It's so hard to believe. My kids and I are

numb with grief. Renee is too week to cry.

I do not want to let her go. The Dr. & nurses can only make her

comfortable.

I will not be posting for a while. Thank you all for your kindness.

I appreciate every one, and everything the good Lord has given.

After much thought, I've decided to post this information.

A friend of a friend...

2010-07-11T20:48:00.000-05:00

Ron is a guy I give painting classes to. We've become friends. He introduced me to a friend of his
that has this place in Wisconsin.

For 47 years, people can come and enjoy animals of all types.(that's me in the lower right, The turkey, not the pig!)

This little pig got up out of the mud to come over and say hello! He was happy as a pig in mud!

These kids were just hanging out.

I wonder if Stape would paint this in pointellism?

This guy strutted around like he owned the place.

I wanted a pony ride, but it's for little people.

The chics were beautful!

These are ugly ducks, but well behaved!

This buck enjoyed a cool breeze in the shade.

A refreshing dip, and quackers!

These animals are well taken care of, they love people.

Ok, everybody out of the pool!

This little duck ran up to everybody,as if to say,"Hi! My name is quack! What's yours?!"

This old shed had some old stuff in it. Cool old stuff, I loved it!

This Llama looks like he's thinking,"Your not getting my coat!"

Wilburrr.....

This horse was extra tiny.

This burrow was completly friendly.

The grizzly was in a pen, but had plenty of room, and a mate!

This deer walked up to me and started eating grass.

This goat got me!

This is my friend Ron! He is an excellent wood carver. I give him painting tips on how to paint

his carvings. He has (true) stories I could listen to forever.

There survey said most liked animals were rabbits and goats.

The owner of this park, called Fawn-Doe-Rosa, has invited me to plein-air paint on the grounds.

I can paint anything I want, and they have offerd to sell them in there gift store.

So my question to you is , How cool is this!? If you have any tips or ideas to share, I'm all ears!

( They have a lot of traffic, and I'm encouraged to sell my paintings.)

Stormy Weather

2010-07-09T16:11:00.000-05:00

They say when it gets like this, the walleye are stacked

like cordwood on the west side of the lake!

(Or was it the east side?)

This was from some clouds I saw the other day. I added

the fisherman, as my son had gone fishing up in Ely, Mn.

I didn't get much time this week to paint.. stormy weather

and all.

6"x9" oil on gesso'd board

Minneapolis

2010-06-25T18:25:00.000-05:00

It's been getting humid, there's a haze hanging in the air.

Feels like it should rain soon!

This is a studio view looking at downtown from nordeast.

I asked myself , how would Winslow Homer paint this?

(He probably wouldn't) but if he did, he might see it from

the roof tops.

oil on gesso'd board 5"x5.5" (I putzed on this 2hrs.)

Butterfly

2010-06-21T17:05:00.000-05:00

Coming home today,there was this butterfly by the door!

Getting out my camera,it closed its wings, then opend up

and flew way. I've never seen this type before. Wow!

(There are fire flies here too!) I thought you may enjoy this.

Back to the 50's car show

2010-06-19T18:56:00.000-05:00

Rats & Rods & Trucks.. Oh My!

(This ain't Kansas) it's the State Fair Grounds!

Every year folks come out for show & tell.

I got an early start, over 10,000 lakes, I mean

over 10,000 vehicles to see!

Here are some pic's...

Looking Forward

2010-06-18T18:42:00.000-05:00

What to paint? Here's looking at you kid.

This is my second attempt at a self portrait. I feel I should post

something new to look at. (I looked in the mirror for this) ha...

I'm looking forward to better days ahead.

party rough #1

2010-06-07T17:47:00.000-05:00

Playing around with ideas, this is one by the campfire.

Not going for likeness at this stage, but rather mood

and temperature.

Also the bar & grill is another spot at the party I want

to put something together on .

I may do several rough studies, this is going to be a

"Memorial Days Night"

oil on gesso'd board 8"x10"(knife & brush)

Party shots!

2010-05-30T12:14:00.000-05:00

What a fun evening! Perfect weather, good friends, plenty

of food...and party shots!

This is Audra my daughter in law, a most wonderful hostess!

My plan to do a painting of this Memorial Days Night is

coming along. If you're reading this, you'll probably be in this

painting. (I plan to take artistic licence and add some folks, so

smile, your on candid canvas,(ha)

No party is complete without the cops showing up. My son,

Wes handled it perfectly! (When they get off duty, they will

stop by too! : )

Everybody had a good time, everybody let there hair down.

Everybody pulled there socks up, everybody put there foot down.

Oh yeah, oh yeah, ooh-oh yeah!

I am working on the composition, and it's still in the creation

stage. Please give me some time, I want this to be thought

out well. This is a very important painting to me, so sit back,

have a party shot, and smile!

"bills dills"

2010-05-24T18:30:00.000-05:00

Ok, I'm into gardening. There's something about getting

dirt under my fingernails that is fun.

I also enjoy fresh veggies! Mmmm, there's nothing like 'em!

So this has been a busy spring, and I still have more to plant.

One of the things I do is grow cucumbers for pickling.

I entered some into the state fair and got 4th place! (I thought

they were 1st place winners myself!)

Anyway, Dill pickles have been a favorite since I was a kid. I

helped my granny make pickles, and she was the best!

Granny taught me how to pack 'em. How to make the brine.

She showed me how to can them so you could eat pickles all

through winter.

I like dill pickles! Not sweet pickles, or sour pickles. Some I

like to kick a bit with cyanne pepper. My wife & the kids will

eat the garlic dills, but don't care for the hot, so I make them

for myself. (Some of my buddies like 'em hot too!)

Pomp & Circumstance

2010-05-18T10:52:00.000-05:00

Graduation!

Here is my son, Wes, and Audra, his wife.

They both graduated Monday morning at 9:00 a.m.

We are so proud of them.

They both graduated from Carlson School of business.

(A very prominent collage)

Both have been hired by companies, and are ready for

the challenges that await them.

It has been a true story of dedication, commitment, and

higher learning.

I pass my torch to my son, Wes. I know he can go far.

Audra, born and raised in Lithuania, is his perfect match.

I could go on & on, and probably will. There is so much to

say.

Here are some shots of the graduation ceremonies...

Where's bill!?

2010-04-30T22:10:00.000-05:00

Isn't she beautiful!

I apologize for not posting lately. I'm in a bit of a funk.

I have been taking care of business, and needed to go

to a place to think.

This statue and I are bonded in a way. I talk, and she

listens.

When I got home I saw Don Hatfields cd arrived! I

sat down and watched the whole thing.

Dons new cd is about painting portraits in a bold

impressionistic manner. Something I want to do.

Look out world...billspaintingmn is inspired!

Doc!

2010-04-16T17:46:00.000-05:00

"It's always something! Now I broke my horn!

Can you fix it and make it better?!"

I painted this today from a picture I've had.

Originally painted in the mid 1800's by an

artist from Germany(?) I've never been able to

find any info about it, Whimsical and fun!

oil on gesso'd board 6"x10" approx.

Spring flowers

2010-04-12T17:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Spring everybody!

The flowers are blooming and the buds are out.

I painted this years ago, and have always had

it on the wall.

I garden veggies, my wife gardens flowers,

however a painting of cucumbers might look a bit

silly. (I make hot dill pickles.)

I saw this picture in a magazine, and decided to

paint my version of it. I hope you like it!

16"x20" oil on canvas

NordEaster SeaStape

2010-04-09T18:39:00.000-05:00

I've been enjoying a blog called Stapleton Kerns.

Stape, as he likes to be called, is Artist extrodinaire!

This guy knows his stuff. He's full of moxie and has a cigar.

Lately he's been explaining Seascapes, and how to paint

them.

I've always enjoyed a Seascape. Today I had some time to

paint one. This is from an art book of Fredrick Waughs art.

Since my studio is located in NordEast Minneapolis, I thought

it would be fitting to paint this scene called North Easter.

(I commented that I would call them SeaStapes, in honor of

all the information Stape has been giving.)

I really like that guy Stape. He leads the field in my book.

12k White gold

2010-04-09T18:29:00.001-05:00

This is the finished frame. Fitted and read for delivery!

My camera makes it looked arced, believe me, it's straight!

12.5"x36.75"

12k close-up

2010-04-09T18:26:00.000-05:00

I think this looks cool!!

Apple for the teacher!

2010-04-08T16:42:00.000-05:00

Ha! I had to bring my own apple!

The next and last step today was to

burnish up this frame. It's 12.5''x 36.75"

Best to burnish, and let set. There still

may be moisture in the wood, so tomarrow

I will check, and maybe burnish a bit more.

Also tomarrow I will finish the gold per

corner sample specs. Place the art in frame

and this one gets delivered.

I will post it's final look tomarrow so you

can see the total project complete!

( Notice the shine in the upper right hand corner!)

Part of the finishing is to tone it down some, you

want shine but not glare!)

Lake Superior Agate & 12k

2010-04-08T16:34:00.001-05:00

After curing, I began to burnish with an agate.

Burnishing is scraping the agate with medium

pressure against the gold to make it shine!

(In ancient times, they would use a hounds tooth)

Fresh 12k

2010-04-08T16:21:00.000-05:00

Here is a frame I've been gilding this week. It is 12k white gold.

A very popular designers gold.

It reminds me alot of the chrome on the older cars!

I layed the leaf and took this pic as it was curing.

girl with a violin

2010-04-04T11:31:00.000-05:00

This is a painting I did over 25 years ago!

I was trying to paint a Bouguereau .

Many times I would wipe it out and start

over.

It's been stored away, as I don't have the

heart to cull it.

Now, with renewed interest in painting, I

hope to save this oldie but goodie. (?)

I will have to reconstruct, and repaint her

from a different approach.

If it doesn't turn out, it's down to the fire pit!

I hate when that happens.

oil on canvas 18"x24"

Friends

2010-04-02T16:14:00.000-05:00

We get by with a little help from our friends.

Today I reflected on this.

We all want them, we all need them.

We have all got to be one too!

This is the other frame I wanted to gild on 101

The painting is from a friend that helped many

and had many friends.

I chose pale gold,(16k) with a pewter finish.

Why? Because at different times of the day,

and different lighting moods, it now takes on,

and presents the mood and love the Artist had

in painting this.

I think that's what Christ meant when he said,

"It's not easy gilding a lily"

Meaning things are beautiful as they are, and it

takes work to capture it.(Thanks Celeste!)

I've heard that when love and opportunity

intersect, true art is made.

I think that is true.

These are some of my ponderings, musings.

Girl fishing

2010-03-28T11:40:00.000-05:00

Here is another Sargent study. I enjoy the limited palette

and how it can help to concentrate on values.

I'm not sure if people fish this way any more!

(Or in a nice dress too for that matter!)

oil on gesso'd board 10.5"x14" 1.5 hrs.

Legs

2010-03-25T16:37:00.000-05:00

The sun is shining, and the steps are warm.

I got Renee to sit outside and pose her tootsies.

She had just painted her nails, arn't they cute!?!

oil on gesso'd board 12"x6"

Babbling brook

2010-03-22T17:00:00.000-05:00

Monday! Monday! what a day! I found a little time to play.

I painted this brook scene today from a John Singer Sargent

painting I saw. It's my interpitation, not an exact copy.

I need to start signing my paintings, so once it's dry I'll

practice on my signature.

Should I sign Bill Whalberg? or William Whalberg? & date it!

Any suggestions?

oil on gesso'd board 10.5"x14"

Golden Gardian

2010-03-19T18:37:00.000-05:00

Well another friday, and I'm making progress!

I want to say, I got a Call today from Frank Ordaz!

I'm still smiling ear to ear! What a neat thing to have

happen.

We talked art, gilding, people, and cars!!

I love classic cars, and trucks!

Frank said he paints 'em and would post some for me.

Wow! How cool is that!?!

I'm looking to offer gilding outside the metro area, so

like Monty Hall says, "Lets Make A Deal!"

I hope to put a 'package' together for Frank and his

new gallery. I'm pumped!

Golden Gardian detail

2010-03-19T18:18:00.000-05:00

This Angel needs to rest!

Freshly gilded, I will want it to cure before the next step.

What I have done is layed the leaf, after a while, I tapped

it like a watermelon!

When it sounded dry, I burnished the highlights with an

agate to shine it up some.

The copper sections were oil gilded, or surface gilded.

Simply brush a thin layer of oil size on with a quill brush,

when the size reaches 'tack' the copper can be layed.

Oil gilding, or surface gilding is different from water gilding.

I will discuss this on another post.

There is a big difference between the two, and you should

be aware of these differences. As a customer, and an artist!

(buyer beware!!)

underpainting the bole

2010-03-19T18:00:00.000-05:00

Once I decided how I would gild this Angel, I underpainted

the bole,(3 coats) & buffed it out to shine the highlights.

I then layed the leaf. Starting with 12k (white gold), I gilded

the robe first.

I then gilded the wings with 22k (yellow gold) and the face,

hands, and foot I used copper.

Copper is a metal that has a beauty all it's own.

Freshly gilded copper is like a shiny penny! I will tone it a

little, but it should first cure overnight.

Hibiscus & Habinaros

2010-03-17T17:42:00.000-05:00

This is a painting I did when I moved into my studio.

I have two large hibiscus plants, and a habinero

bush that produced over 100 peppers!(2 years old!)

These plants were in the studio, so I painted them.

This was painted with one shot lettering enamels, on

canvas paper.

The frame was from an old barn over 150 years old.

Gold mirror

2010-03-17T17:36:00.000-05:00

Gilding on glass is another application I do.

I can get a mirror finish, with bright matt

designs or letters.

This is in my studio, and a friend suggested

that I should blog it!

old sample

2010-03-17T17:20:00.000-05:00

I did this years ago as a sample for

a corner treatment for the Russian art.

There are frames out there with this

carving in the corners.

couple of tiny tims

2010-03-17T17:09:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I like to paint small. For me it's not easy,

and it helps me to tighten up.

One is a painting of the billboard out my window.

An advertizment for winefest.

The other is a still life of a wild horse hoof, and a Q-tip.

Angel update!

2010-03-17T17:01:00.000-05:00

This is coming along nicely. I've had to set it

aside, but want to gild it Friday.

I'm thinking pale gold,(16k) or white gold,(12k)

any suggestions, anyone!?

Moving on!

2010-03-13T08:20:00.000-06:00

I'm going to break some rules, I'm going to post a

self portrait I've done in zorn palette.

This is the first time I've ever done a self portrait.

Some folks say I made my head to wide. Others say

I look too old.

I'm just a big ape trying to swing through this jungle.

(and a little wine!)

Don't throw tomatos, I prefer bananas : )

oil on gesso'd board 5"x5"

Gilding 101 complete!

2010-03-10T14:36:00.000-06:00

Well now, that didn't hurt a bit did it!?

These are a couple more photos of the completed frame.

I will be gilding the other frame for the Richard Lack

watercolor, and the gardian angel, and posting them.

(but I promise not to go into every procedure!)

Thank you for attending my class of gilding 101

You all get an +A !!

If you ever want to kick it up a notch, I can offer a

Gilding 202 ! : )

rub,tone,finish & billing!

2010-03-10T13:44:00.000-06:00

When you 'rub' the frame, what you are doing is wearing it

a little bit.

I use pumice stone for this. Not all pumic is the same, so make

sure you're using the finest, not the coarsest pumic.

(it's like talcum powder.)

Dip your finger into it and lightly rub the frame. You will want

to see some of the bole to show through.

Depending on the look, light rub,(French) heavy rub,(Spanish)

medium rub,(Italian) for period frames.

Contemporary frames, you can play with it as to 'fit' the art.

When the rub is done, you want to remove any pumice left.

Next I mix up some carnuba wax and asphaltum.(as shown in

photo) and wipe with a cotton ball dipped in this.

Wax is a good clearcoat and asphaltum tones the gold. Together

they are excellent for this procedure.

(Dragons blood and gambogie works, but not for picture frames.

(my opinion!)

The frame should be wiped with the wax/asphaltum,

and let set for only a minute or two.

Then useing a paper towel, begin to wipe this off.

You will notice the gold start to polish and get slippery. Good!

The frame is now finished and done.

I call the client and tell them it's ready for pick-up.

Write up an invoice and clean up the station!

Burnish 101

2010-03-09T18:14:00.000-06:00

To burnish, or not to burnish, that is the question.

To burnish is to shine up the gold so it is radiant!

It gives a look to the gold that can only be achieved

through water gilding.

In the begining, everyone want to burnish, it's amazing

to watch the gold begin to shine.

However, not all art needs or looks good against a

shiney gold frame. Infact, for a picture frame , you

want to tone down the gold.

You don't want it to fight the art, you want it to

present the art.

For gilding to be successful, it's all about presenting,

or introducing the art work.

Yes, a spark or sheem is nice, but moderation is the key.

Anyway, to burnish, I use polished agates in contours

to fit the profile of the frame. (shown in picture)

I scrape it along the gold with medium presure. As I

do this the gold begins to shine. More presure, more

shine.

Some frames get a high burnish, or shine, along with

other areas of the frame that will remain unburnished.

Unbunished gold looks bright, yet matt, or satin.

Burnished gold looks shiney and mirror like.

So depending on the desired look, I gild with an end

result in mind. Hence, many corner samples!

This frame gets one final step.

Tomorrow's class will be: Rub, Tone, & Finish 101

Gardian Angel

2010-03-08T18:47:00.000-06:00

I ment to have this as the last post, and the last as the first.

(but I think you will get the guist of it.)

So when I said 'weld' the gold with the liquor what is really

happening!?

The alcohol activates the rabbit skin glue to become sticky.

It grabs the gold and as it drys, it becomes one with the frame.

This is why you need to have your recipe right.

Too much glue kills the gold, too less, and it won't grab it.

Tomarrow I will burnish the gold, give it a rub, and tone

the gold per corner sample specs.

I then finish it and it's ready for pick up by the customer!

I will also talk about time, materials, and cost.

Thanks for being patient, this really is a fun art of sorts.

Frank mentioned a gardian angel in the operating room

for Renee. So next week I will gild an angel for you!

Let it cure

2010-03-08T18:30:00.000-06:00

Once all the leaf is laid, you want to look it over.

There will be air pockets in places, you can tamp

these down with delecate care. Not to soon, or you

can tear the gold.

I use cotton, or uncut sheeps wool for this.

Now you want the frame to cure. let it set.

(the gilders liquor needs to dry) This can take

longer at times. so if you tap on the frame an hear

a dull sound, that means it's still wet.

When you hear a 'high tone' it will be dry.

Continue to lay the leaf

2010-03-08T18:17:00.000-06:00

I continue to lay the leaf, overlaping 1/8" as I go.

You want to keep a consistant overlap, as it looks

uniform to the art this way.

On occasion, the gold will tear, or even break. To a

sertain extent this is a desireable thing. Big breaks

or tears are not good, (most times) so minimize this

as best you can.

Flecking is another look that happens. Again, some is

good, but not to much.

Laying the leaf

2010-03-08T18:01:00.000-06:00

I like to start on the long side of a frame.

Working from left to right, I mop on liquor down the whole side of the frame.

Then I cut my gold to size with my gilders knife.

(I will go into this in more detail on another post)

Yes, I've used my grampa's filet knife on occasion, sharp is good for cutting gold!

Gilders liquor

2010-03-08T17:39:00.000-06:00

This morning I started by making gilders liquor. It is what

'welds' the gold to the frame.

Most gilders use rubbing alcohol, or denatured alcohol, I

prefer to use Everclear alcohol. It gives a superior look to the

gild, and it's all about Superior Gilding!

Add 3/4 cup water +1/4 cup of everclear.

(that's how to make gilders liquor!)

22k & Renee!

2010-03-08T17:12:00.000-06:00

Mondays can be good!

I laid gold leaf this morning, and went to see Renee.

Her phone was off so she could rest, so I just went

straight to the hospital.

Her Dr. came in, and after some discussion, said that

Renee can come home : ) Today!

We are all very happy to get 'Mom' home!

She's one step closer to wellness.

When Mom's happy, everyones happy!

Thank you all again, I am thankful.

Thank-You All

2010-03-03T19:10:00.000-06:00

What a week! And it's only half way through.

Renee is doing fine, she is going to be ok : )

She had a complete obstruction, and they could only speculate.

So they performed "exploritory surgury, today.

They removed a cancerious tumor.The surgery, lasted about 3 hrs.

After surgery, the Dr. explained some things.

Renee has already been recieving Chemo so this episode is actually

a good thing. Serendipity I will say!

Thank you all for your kind and supportive words!

I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

When Renee came out of recovery, she was grumpy as hell! : )

(She'll be normal in no time! ha!)

I'm so happy right now..

I do need to finish up on those frames, as more work is coming in.

I will document as best I can.

Any of you folks can ask any questions on gilding, as I'm a 'know it all'

and will share it with you for sure! (any time)

For now, I want to relax and have a glass of wine!

I'm exhausted!

She's going to be ok : )

2010-03-01T07:56:00.000-06:00

I took my wife Renee into emergency this week end.

They admitted her, and will be seeing her Dr. today!

I ask for your prayers.

This is her self portrait on her face book!

This is Renee in the woods.

She is not out of the woods yet.

I will resume posting if I can.