A New Year and a Clean Slate

As we close out this roller coaster ride called 2009, I have vowed that 2010 will be an improvement, even if only in my own mindset. I am throwing the negative out with the bath water, so to speak, and focusing on the positive.

My art endeavors have opened up a whole new world of opportunities to me and connected me with many great new friends in the process. The art has spoken. Communication without a word. If only the rest of life was so simple.

This new year will start tomorrow by putting paint on canvas for a brand new commission piece. I have before me a clean slate awaiting my best efforts, just like this new uncharted year ahead is waiting for me to decide what to make of it.

May 2010 be great for you. Clean your slate. Be positive. Give to others. Change the world.

"Citrus Burst" Almost Daily Painting Series on Canvas Panel

©2009 Mark Yearwood

"Citrus Burst"

8''x8'' Acrylic Abstract Palette Knife Painting on RayMar Canvas Panel

$80 (shipping in US included, Frames also available)

While painting in blue mode yesterday, I had a sudden urge for orange! Seriously, I like to play cool and warm colors against each other and it really made this painting vibrate with life.

Purchase with PayPal at MarkYearwood.com

Contact me here

'Shaken, Not Stirred" Almost Daily Painting Series on Canvas Panel

©2009 Mark Yearwood

"Shaken, Not Stirred"

8''x8'' Palette Knife Acrylic on RayMar Canvas Panel

SOLD

MarkYearwood.com

Contact me here

"Spiaggia" Abstract Painting in January American Art Collector Magazine

The latest issue of American Art Collector features a group ad by several of us at Daily Painters Abstract Gallery. We have seen quite an interest in our work since being visible in AAC and it is a fine magazine for the art lover and collector. To see some of the other daily painters, go here to have a look. They are a great group of artists who love to paint.

SOLD

Merry Christmas From The Frozen Tundra of Oklahoma

I shot this photo looking out the window today. We are having a white-out Christmas here in Oklahoma! I stayed up until midnight working on some art gifts for family and finished those up this morning. As I type this, the sun is setting and the sky is clearing in the West. Some snow is still blowing with the hard North wind, but it looks like we will be able to travel to see some family tomorrow after all.

I want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year. Thank you for following this blog and my art. I hope to hone my writing skills, so that these posts remain interesting enough for folks to read.

For some good reading, follow this link to a great article today on the gifts of artists by Clint Watson, editor of Fine Art Views. Clint Watson Article

"Mixed Emotions II " Almost Daily Painting Series on Canvas Panel

©2009 Mark Yearwood

"Mixed Emotions II "

8'' x 8'' Acrylic Palette Knife Painting on RayMar Canvas Panel

$75 (shipping included in US, Frames available)

I continued last night with the new train of thought - another spontaneous palette knife piece with rythm. Painting these small panels is really helping with my creative process and I enjoy doing these more every day.

Purchase with PayPal at MarkYearwood.com

Contact me here

"Sand and Surf" Almost Daily Painting Series on Canvas Panel

©2009 Mark Yearwood

"Sand and Surf"

8''x8'' Acrylic Palette Knife Painting on RayMar Canvas Panel

SOLD

Winter is here, although today it was more like fall. It was nice to get outside and enjoy the weather before another cold snap arrives. I still think about times on a warm beach in the sun when it is cold and this painting today came from visions of the ocean lapping over the warm sand.

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Contact me here

"Mixed Emotions" Almost Daily Painting Series on Canvas Panel

©2009 Mark Yearwood

"Mixed Emotions"

8''x8'' Acrylic Palette Knife Expressionism Painting on RayMar Panel

SOLD

Since I made the switch to the new RayMar panels, I thought I would do a completely new look for a series of the 8x8's. Most of these have been more linear, but I'm trying to loosen up and be more expressive. This painting immediately had an energy to it and I just kept going tonight, putting wet-on-wet layers in quick, light strokes until it felt right. It was hard to stop and not overdo it, but I am happy with this one.

It has calm and energy rolled into one, so the title fit.

MarkYearwood.com

Contact me here

A Collection of My Mini Abstracts in Contemporary Frames

This whole collection of my Almost Daily abstracts goes to one of my patrons. I think they will make a nice group and can be arranged many ways. They are 10x10'' overall with the frames.

A nice Christmas gift to themselves, I would say. I've grown a little attached to them myself.

"Rain Street" 8''x8'' Acrylic Abstract Daily Painting

©2009 Mark Yearwood

'Rain Street"

8''x8'' Acrylic on canvas panel

Almost Daily Painting Series

SOLD

This painting is inspired by photographer and artist Brad Rickerby's shots of city scenes at night. One photo on his site is of a street in China at night with the lights reflecting in the wet pavement. His photo is titled Nanjong Road Rain and has a blurred effect giving an abstract feel that I really liked.

Contact me here about this piece

"Marina" 8"x8'' - Almost Daily Painting Series

© 2009 Mark Yearwood

"Marina"

8''x8'' Acrylic on canvas panel

Almost Daily Painting Series

SOLD

I talked about jumping in water yesterday and this is what I painted today. Kind of looks like reflections in a marina full of boats, doesn't it? Funny how the brain works.

This series will now be painted on RayMar portrait quality canvas panels. I just got my first batch of them in and they are the best! Carol Marine, a daily painter from Austin uses them and I thought I would give them a try.

Jump in the water.......

Ok, I finally made the plunge into Facebook. I tell myself I will just use it as another tool to keep in touch with followers of my art. We'll see.........
If you would like to follow along in that venue and be a "fan",( sounds kind of celeb, huh) I'll see if I can put something up on there worth checking out.

Now..hit the Facebook thingy over there on your right to jump in, too.

"Vento Rosso" floating panel abstract

©2009 Mark Yearwood

"Vento Rosso"

22''x15'' Floating panel acrylic abstract on wood

Available at Old Katy Glassworks & Gallery in Denison, TX

I've had this piece up on the main website for a while, but I wanted to show it after mounting the pieces up in this floating format. It really gave the piece some dimension since the art is hovering about 1/4'' above the black panel. Each panel is 1/2'' thick wood. I will post another similar piece tomorrow.

Contact me here about this piece or custom commissions.
More works at markyearwood.com

"Redscape" 24x18'' Acrylic

©2009 Mark Yearwood

"Redscape" 24''x18''

Here is a custom commission piece just finished. I explored a little with the style and painted colors requested by the client. I actually painted it horizontally, but when I flipped it over it looked like a red sky. Could be I had red sky on my brain since that is the name of one of my new galleries. Anyway...the person loved it, which is always good.

Lightplay II and City Nights - New Almost Daily Painting Series

© 2009 Mark Yearwood

"City Nights" 8x8 acrylic

SOLD

© 2009 Mark Yearwood

"Lightplay II" 8x8 acrylic

SOLD

Two more additions to the series and two different styles. Lightplay II is mostly done with a palette knife and City Nights has more brushwork over the top. Both of these started with textured black backgrounds.

"City Limits" painting featured in ArtBeat Oklahoma

"City Limits"
24''x12''
Available at RedSky Gallery
This piece was featured in the November issue of ArtBeat Oklahoma, a great free monthly publication dedicated to encouraging and promoting creativity and the arts in Oklahoma.
You can visit them at ArtBeatOK.com or follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

"Impulse" 1&2 Diptych

© 2009 Mark Yearwood

"Impulse" 1&2 (Diptych)

20''x20''x1.5''

SOLD

Well, I went all purple on these. Not my usual colors, but hey...I was feeling I needed to experiment with some new color ideas. The textures look much better than the photo.

Contact me here

More works at markyearwood.com

"Lightplay" 8x8'' Canvas Panel

© 2009 Mark Yearwood

"Lightplay"

8''x8'' acrylic on canvas panel

Almost Daily Painting Series

SOLD

"Contorno" ...the dog story continues.

© 2009 Mark Yearwood

"Contorno"

40''x16''x1.5''

Acrylic on gallery canvas

Available

Even though there was a doggy mishap in the making of this art, it turned out fine. The name means "boundary". I doubt the dog learned anything about boundaries in the incident, because he is, well...a dog ...and Bone Black paint must be too good to resist.

This one was hard to photograph and has lots of subtle glazes and texture.

Contact me here

More works at markyearwood.com

See spot? See dog who made spot?

The Spot.
The Dog.

I put a band of black down on a new 40x16 canvas last week and leaned it up against the wall for a minute while I rearranged some things. I hear this licking sound and look over to discover "Sammy" going to town on my painting. Luckily it was acrylic Bone Black, which is basically carbonized animal bones. (I'm sure the binders in the paint are not good for you or dogs, but he didn't get much.) It did teach me to be more careful around the pets. This should be expected from a dog who also likes toilet paper.

The painting actually turned out pretty nice and I'll post it up tomorrow.

"Vento Caldo" - 12''x12'' Acrylic

© 2009 Mark Yearwood Yearwood Design Works

"Vento Caldo"
12''x12''x1.5''
Acrylic on gallery canvas
SOLD

...and so the Italian names continue. Naming an abstract painting is sometimes more difficult than painting it. This one means "warm wind". Thinking of summer already?

For more info click here
More works at markyearwood.com

"Days of Pen and Ink" Acrylic/Mixed Media

© 2009 Mark Yearwood Yearwood Design Works, LLC

"Days of Pen and Ink"

12''x12''x1.5''

Acrylic with applied papers and ink.

Available

I found this neat printed paper with old postcards and handwritten notes and I thought about with all of today's technology, how the art of sitting down and handwriting a note or letter is being lost. I've noticed how over the years, my handwriting has lost it's original flare.

Use it or lose it, so they say.

This was a fun piece to do. I applied the "note'' section and black fibrous paper with medium, antiqued it and did a little stylized scribble. I could have done more to this piece, but decided the focal point was telling the story well enough. Warm tones help with the feeling.

Contact me about this piece

More works at markyearwood.com

"Fireside Chat" Acrylic 8''x8'' Canvas Panel

© 2009 Mark Yearwood Yearwood Design Works, LLC

"Fireside Chat"

8''x8'' Almost Daily Painting Series

SOLD

A warm and fuzzy edition to the batch of little square paintings. Now I just need a nice cup of coffee and some pumpkin bread.

Contact me

More works at markyearwood.com

"West Courbane" 24''x30'' canvas

© 2009 Mark Yearwood Yearwood Design Works, LLC

"West Courbane"

24''x30''x1.5'' acrylic on gallery canvas

Available
Here is the latest off the easel and it will be heading to a new gallery in Denver along with some others. I'm happy to announce my new representation with C.C. Opiela Gallery, 840 Santa Fe Drive in Denver, CO.

In the Zone

Here is a sneak peek at the latest painting which should be finished up tonight.

It is 24''x30'' and still needs a name. This one will probably get shipped to a gallery soon.

Also a view of my painting area with the North window. I use this old drafting table a lot which can be vertical or horizontal. I've had this table almost thirty years.

"Santa Fe" Acrylic on canvas

© 2009 Mark Yearwood Yearwood Design Works, LLC

"Santa Fe"

20''x10''x1.5''

Acrylic on gallery canvas with painted edges.

Available

This painting has actually been in the studio for awhile and I decided to go back and re- work it, adding more texture and some subtle glazes. It was one of those that just didn't feel finished and after about 5 months, it got my attention.

Contact me about this piece

More works at markyearwood.com

"Antiquity" 8x8'' acrylic - canvas panel

© 2009 Mark Yearwood Yearwood Design Works, LLC

"Antiquity"
8''x8'' canvas panel "almost daily" painting series
SOLD

Contact me here
More works at markyearwood.com

"Crossover" 20x16

© 2009 Mark Yearwood Yearwood Design Works, LLC

"Crossover"
Acrylic 20''x16''x1.5''
Available at RedSky Gallery
For more info contact them here
More works at markyearwood.com

"Cool Down" -Acrylic on 8x8'' canvas panel

© 2009 Mark Yearwood Yearwood Design Works, LLC

"Cool Down"

8''x8'' Acrylic on canvas panel

Palette knife painting

SOLD

A little "cooler" than the last small painting. Must be the cold front coming in.

"Autumn Study" 8x8 Acrylic on canvas panel

© Mark Yearwood Yearwood Design Works,LLC

"Autumn Study"

8''x8'' Acrylic on canvas panel

Painted with palette knife, signed front and back

SOLD

I just finished this one tonight and like the way the cool and warm colors play against each other.

An Autumn feel with some cool sky.

"Tailspin" 24x24'' Acrylic

© 2009 Mark Yearwood Yearwood Design Works, LLC

"Tailspin"

24x24x1.5''

Textured palette knife acrylic - Available

This is one of the new pieces just sent to RedSky Gallery in Charlotte, NC

For info contact Heather Andreas at RedSky Gallery

More of my works at markyearwood.com

Paintings in Transit and Blank Canvas Blues

Yesterday was pack and ship day. I painstakingly packed six new pieces and sent them on their way to my new gallery representation in Charlotte, NC. I am excited about this gallery and the people there are great to work with. If you are in the Charlotte area, stop by and visit with Heather Andreas and Kellie Scott at RedSky Gallery located at 1244 East Blvd.

I have a studio full of blank and partially finished canvas begging for paint. Some larger ones to do for RedSky and more to supply other galleries along with the series of "almost daily" 8x8 paintings. One of those will pop up here real soon!

Small Painting - "Medallions" 8''X8"

© Mark Yearwood Yearwood Design Works, LLC

"Medallions"

8''x8" Acylic on canvas panel

Painted with palette knife, Textural elements

*SOLD*

This one is another "almost daily painting". It did not photograph real well and the bronze metallic squares and highlights look much better in person. Metallics are hard to capture with the camera.

I applied the square elements with medium so they are raised some.

Small Painting - "Golden Journey" 8''x8''

© 2009 Mark Yearwood Yearwood Design Works, LLC

"Golden Journey"

8''x8'' Acrylic on canvas panel, painted with palette knife

Signed front and back.

*SOLD*

This is one of my "almost daily paintings" series of 8x8 canvas panels. I will be doing many more of these. Follow along and let's see how many variations I can come up with in this square format.

Painting on the fly with a limited color palette.

Paintings coming!

It's been a couple of days since the last blog post, but I have been busy painting. I will have a couple of new ones up as soon as I get good photos tomorrow in natural light.
Stay tuned!

"Distanza 2"

© 2009 Mark Yearwood Yearwood Design Works,LLC

"Distanza 2"

12''x12''x1.5''

Textured acrylic on gallery canvas.

$250

To purchase, contact me here

More at my portfolio website

"Spaces in Time" 12x12 Textured Acrylic

© 2009 Mark Yearwood Yearwood Design Works, LLC

"Spaces in Time"

12''x12''x1.5''

Textured and glazed acrylic on gallery canvas. Edges painted brown. Wired and ready to hang.

This one is a little different than my more structured and colorful work. I wanted to start a group of simple color washed pieces with the effects of aged surfaces. I like to take a snapshot of a section of an old wall, rusty metal, and other interesting textures and study all of the nuances of color and history caused by years of wear and tear. It's like a record of time. The rectangular elements represent a collage of snapshots. You know the saying "If walls could talk". Some interesting stories there, I'm sure.

$250 )

Purchase or contact here

More works at www.markyearwood.com

"City Limits" Abstract Painting 20x10

© 2009 Mark Yearwood Yearwood Design Works, LLC

"City Limits"
20''x10''x1.5''

I'm thinking of a view of the last tall building as I'm heading out with the sunset in the distance and the tune "Leaving Town" on the radio. Maybe I really need a vacation.

Textured and glazed Acrylic on gallery wrap canvas. Clear gloss varnish applied for durability. Ready to hang.

To purchase this piece or request more info, email:

Heather Andreas at RedSky Gallery

To view more works visit:
markyearwood.com

"Spiaggia" 12x12 Acrylic

© 2009 Mark Yearwood Yearwood Design Works, LLC

"Spiaggia"

12''x12''x1.5''

SOLD

I'm really having a blast painting these 12'' squares. It's fun to come up with different ways to make a square interesting. Many of these can be hung different ways if you choose, but I display and wire them the way they are painted. This one's Italian name means "beach". I guess with our wet, cold weather lately, I am dreaming of sitting in the sand somewhere.

Textured and glazed Acrylic on gallery wrap canvas. Clear gloss varnish applied for durability. Ready to hang.

To view more works visit:
markyearwood.com

"Distanza" 12x12 Textured Abstract

© 2009 Mark Yearwood Yearwood Design Works, LLC

"Distanza"
12''x12''x1.5''

A new 12'' square just off the easel tonight. Another Italian translation for the name.

Distance.

Textured and glazed Acrylic on gallery wrap canvas.
Clear gloss varnish applied for durability.
Ready to hang.

To purchase this piece or request more info, email:

Heather Andreas at RedSky Gallery

To view more works visit:
markyearwood.com

"Momentum" 24x24 Acrylic on Canvas

© 2009 Mark Yearwood Yearwood Design Works, LLC

"Momentum"

24''x24''x1.5''

Textured and glazed Acrylic on gallery wrap canvas.

Clear gloss varnish applied for durability.

Ready to hang.

To purchase this piece or request more info, email:

gearhead@itlnet.net

To view more works by Mark Yearwood, visit:

markyearwood.com

"Vento Blu" Acrylic on canvas

© 2009 Mark Yearwood Yearwood Design Works, LLC

"Vento Blu"
12''x12''x1.5''
Textured and glazed acrylic on gallery wrap canvas.

Ready to hang.

Clear gloss varnish applied for durability.

This is the 12x12 completed over the weekend in the style of the one
one posted earlier called "Scoperta". It was a cold, rainy weekend as
an early fall front came through. It felt like a blue wind cooling

off the last days of summer and so I painted an abstract thought of a cold front.

To purchase this piece or request more info, email:
Heather Andreas at RedSky Gallery
To view more works visit:
markyearwood.com