"Odyssey" 24''x30'' Abstract

©2011 Mark Yearwood

"Odyssey" 24''x30''

Acrylic/Graphite on Canvas

Available

This series continues with some curves thrown in.

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Thank you for following this past year!

www.markyearwood.com

"Urban Myth" 18''x18'' -NEW

©2011 Mark Yearwood

"Urban Myth" 18''x18''

Acrylic/Graphite on 2.25'' deep canvas

Available at Lovetts Gallery

This 18x18'' is along the same lines as the 24'' posted last time and has a little more expressive texture and brighter colors. I like the raw, yet bright feel of this one and plan to keep exploring! Fun.

I still have some great small affordable works in the studio and in galleries. It's not too late to give the gift of art this year, even if it's for YOU!

www.markyearwood.com

"Interurban" 24''x24'' Abstract - NEW

©2011 Mark Yearwood

"Interurban" 24''x24''x2.25''

Acrylic/Graphite on Canvas

In this new piece, I'm trying to push a bit more contemporary feel into my work. I have still used the texture, loose palette knife strokes and linear work, but the composition is simplified. I'm happy with the direction and this could become an ongoing series with endless variations. I would like to hear what you think. Do you like this new look? I call it "organic architecture" or "urban rustic".

Available at www.markyearwood.com

Abstract Landscape- Vantage Point

©2011 Mark Yearwood

"Vantage Point"

8''x8'' Acrylic on RayMar Panel

SOLD

Here's the latest in the 8x8 series and a little more of an abstract landscape this time. I'm happy with the feel of this and plan to do more. Maybe I'll even take them up to a larger scale. Yeah, that sounds like a plan!

This one is going to a collector in Pennsylvania!

Available www.markyearwood.com

Chimera- Abstract on Panel

©2011 Mark Yearwood

"Chimera" 8''x8'' Acrylic on RayMar Panel

SOLD

I'm doing a few more of these little 8x8'' palette knife studies that have been so popular in the past. I get into all of the large gallery work and sometimes forget how enjoyable these small works are.

I paint them "on the fly" and quickly, so they take on a personality all their own. This one is called "chimera" which means "dream or fantasy". I can get into a dreamlike state sometimes when delving into my art, so the title is appropriate!

 www.markyearwood.com

New Works and News...

©2011 Mark Yearwood

"Fortitude" 36''x48''x 2.25''

Acrylic/Graphite on Canvas

I've been pretty busy in the studio and have some new work up on my website, including this new 36x48'' deep canvas. I went back to my loose grid style and really enjoyed where this painting took me in the end with the rich layers and warm tones.

I will post up some other work over the weekend as well.

I'm excited to announce my acceptance to the Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts this next April! I have applied three years to this great annual event and finally made the cut! The downtown festival runs six days each spring and brings in thousands of visitors. If you are in the OKC area, please come out and meet me at this event April 24-29, 2012.

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving with family and friends. I know I am very thankful for all I've been blessed with and the ability to create and share my work.

Watch out on "black friday''...or better yet, support your favorite artist!

Buy local. Buy handmade. Buy quality. Buy with love!

www.markyearwood.com

Shake, Rattle, and Paint!

©2011 Mark Yearwood

"Epicenter" 36''x36''x1.5'' Acrylic/ Canvas
SOLD

Well, you never know what to expect living in Oklahoma. We are known for tornadoes, but not earthquakes. We've had a few small ones, but this past few days have been crazy with a cluster of shakers in East central OK.

I was in the middle of this painting when we had the largest on record Sunday night measuring 5.6. Although we had only a small rumble here in Western OK, it shook things up pretty good near the center. I felt this piece resembled two plates colliding in the earth and just had to title it this way. It's pretty ironic that the piece fits the story line so well.

Oh, and we had tornadoes this week, as well as another 4.7 quake last night during the tornado storms! Is that a Quakenado?

www.markyearwood.com

A Natural Progression

©2011 Mark Yearwood

"Chronicle" 24''x24''x1.5'' acrylic/canvas

Not every one of my paintings come out just the way I envision them. Once in a while the canvas seems to be cursed, or the paint... or something. I get to a point where I call it done, but then when it hangs around for some time, it jumps off the wall and gives me a head slap somewhat like the one the NCIS team (a TV show, not that I watch tv much)...uses to make a point.

The only thing left to do then, is burn it or paint over it. You don't want to give it away because if you don't like it, who else will? Well, someone will eventually.

Since I don't like to burn a good canvas and paint covers all, I choose to paint over.

This painting, appropriately titled "Chronicle" is the result of some re-working.

The new piece has a history of paint progression with at least three paint-over sessions. Each time, parts of the previous stages were spared in the process. It really took on a character of its own and seemed to push me in the direction it needed to go.

When you think something is going south, never give up. There might be a painting there somewhere waiting to happen!

Available at www.markyearwood.com

From the studio...

©2011 Mark Yearwood

"Natural Ambiance" (diptych) 36''x18'' each

Acrylic/Graphite on canvas

I just finished up this new set of autumn inspired paintings. A little halloween feel, maybe? I didn't do that on purpose. Really.

Available at Mirada Fine Art

www.markyearwood.com

New Paintings for a New Gallery!

©2011 Mark Yearwood

"Tierra Roja" 36''x48'' Acrylic/ Graphite on Canvas

©2011 Mark Yearwood

"Ventanas" 36''x48'' Acrylic/Graphite on Canvas

I'm excited to be joining a great gallery in the Denver area.

Mirada Fine Art is quickly becoming one of the most highly praised galleries in the region. Filled with award-winning art created by artists from around the globe, Mirada is unlike any other gallery in Colorado. Located in the historic Indian Hills Trading Post, the senses are delighted by the confluence of stunning art and unique ambiance. They are minutes from Southwest Denver in Indian Hills

If you are in the area, check out Denver's hottest new fine art gallery!

www.MiradaFineArt.com

Be sure to follow their new blog as well for art news, artist insights, show schedules, and a few dog stories! Mirada Fine Art Blog

New work- "Termico" 24''x12'' Abstract

©2011 Mark Yearwood

"Termico"

24'' x 12'' x 2.25'' acrylic/canvas
SOLD

Termico- Italian for thermal.

This latest piece is simple and complex at the same time. Simple in composition, but complex in textures and layering. It really looks better up close and personal.

I've started a new little book which will hopefully have about one hundred of my paintings in a collection when finished. These will be available to order directly from the printer at a reasonable cost. Several people have shown interest in these and it will be a great way for me to document the work as well as give collectors a selection of my best paintings all in one place. I have 75 pages complete and hope to send it to print soon, so watch for news about where you can get your copy. They will also make good gifts for the upcoming season if you have an art lover on the list!

www.markyearwood.com

Return Of The 8x8

©2011 Mark Yearwood

"Surface Energy"

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

SOLD

That's inches, by the way, although I would like to paint an eight foot piece at some point.

After painting on this fun series and selling almost every one of them, I switched gears to focus on large gallery work this year. The little RayMar panels sat in the cabinet and while doing some cleaning in there this weekend, it came to me that I needed to pull these little squares out and slap some paint on again. They are great study pieces for larger work and also seem to get me in the groove for other projects. Think of it as a musician doing scales to warm up for performance or an athlete doing stretches.

My small works are also affordable for those with a lower art budget or limited wall space. Don't let your favorite one slip by. They don't last very long at $150. I even include a black contemporary frame and US shipping! Original art for about the cost of an iPhone for the month. What a deal!

Oh...and many people want to throw their phones out the window, including me!

I think you'll want to keep the painting.

www.markyearwood.com

Seeing Green...

©2011 Mark Yearwood

"New Vision"

24''x24''x2.25'' Acrylic / deep gallery canvas
SOLD

Green. It's not one of my favorite colors to try and paint. Green intimidates me. I really don't know why. Oh, sure... I can squeeze some out of a tube and put it on with no problem, but when it comes to getting that perfect green in my head, Green just likes to play tricks on me. Well, over the past three days, I proceeded to kick Green's butt and slapped it upside the head with a palette knife loaded with purples and orange just for fun.

So there...take that, Green. I may just learn to like you after all.

www.markyearwood.com

One more from the studio...a little different

©2011 Mark Yearwood

"Energy Flux"

24''x24''x2.25'' Acrylic/Canvas
SOLD

This painting is a little different for me and painted in a more expressive mode. Spontaneous and bold. I welcome any feedback with likes or dislikes on the direction.

This is the last one for a few days as I go to take care of my wife during her surgery. Thoughts and prayers will be needed and appreciated.

-Mark

www.markyearwood.com

"Modern Glyph" newest work...

©2011 Mark Yearwood

"Modern Glyph" 30''x30'' acrylic/canvas

Here is the latest from the studio this past week. Playing with some new textural elements and gestural mark-making. A little more geometric in form and similar to an earlier painting entitled "GeoForm", actually.

Three more paintings in the pipeline...

www.markyearwood.com

Available at Lovetts Gallery Tulsa, OK

"Intermezzo" New work...

"Intermezzo"

36''x60'' acrylic / canvas

©2011 Mark Yearwood

SOLD

The latest large painting has already left the building along with "Threshold" 36x36. Both are on their way to InArt Gallery Santa Fe where summer is in high gear and sales are happening! This one replaces another 36x60 sold to a new California collector last month. Santa Fe will really be crowded for the 90th Indian Market August 20-21, so I wanted to stock the gallery with new works.

I'm starting some new 30x30 and 24x24 pieces and will be exploring some new color schemes and techniques, so keep an eye out for new releases in this mid-size/price option.

Keep investing in original art and try to stay cool in this summer heatwave.

www.markyearwood.com

OK Mozart Event

The art show at the recent OK Mozart Festival in Bartlesville, OK was well received by patrons and donors of the annual event with several of the eleven large pieces finding new homes. Lovetts Gallery in Tulsa curated the event and has the remaining works on sale in the gallery, including my large assemblage panel shown above in center. The full story and photos can be seen on Lovetts website and blog as well as earlier posts here on my blog.

My wife, Carolyn has been having some major health issues, so things are a bit disruptive here and art has been squeezed in when I can find time. It has been good to escape to that creative space where I can to find some sense of quiet in this storm. I was able to paint pretty hard yesterday on a new 36x60'' and will have it finished in a couple of days.

Speaking of large canvas, I sold two nice pieces at InArt Gallery, Santa Fe to new California collectors. One went to San Jose and the other to Berkeley. It always feels great when paintings find homes!

Thanks for following and supporting me! --Mark

"Threshold" - new work...

©2011 Mark Yearwood

"Threshold" 36''x36'' Acrylic on Canvas
SOLD

I just finished this painting over the weekend and it's one of the few in my portfolio lacking hard edges and lines. I painted this "in the moment", you could say and I'm pleased with the loose expressive feel. I hope you are as well.

 www.inartsantafe.com

Mozart Myths Revisited...

©2011 Mark Yearwood

"Mozart: Misfit and Genius", 42''x58''x2.25''

Mixed media assemblage on board

Several weeks ago I was approached by Lovetts Gallery in Tulsa, OK to join with nine other artists to create large-scale musical themed pieces for the OK Mozart Festival Patron Dinner in Bartlesville, OK June 18. After much thought and lack of sleep, I decided to really step out of the box and this is the result of over a month of research, gathering pieces, and applying paint! You can follow the progress and read my narrative on Lovetts blog and also learn about the other great artists involved. It has been an honor to work on this piece and a fun journey. Maybe I will do a series of these! OK Mozart Art blog

Pushing boundaries with new techniques...

©2011 Mark Yearwood

"Beyond the Static" 12''x12''x1.5'' Acrylic on cradled panel

I've kicked off a series of work on panel, and I'm having quite a blast exploring some new techniques of applying and removing paint to get to the end result you see here. I'm creating a history of sorts, with many thin glaze layers applied and subsequently sanded in areas to take the paint back a bit and reveal some interesting forms and texture. This is totally different than my normal heavy textured palette knife painting on canvas and I really like the direction it has taken. I'm doing these without using a brush, dragging paint with different tools in thin translucent layers. They take a while to complete this way and I'm working out in my head a way to move to larger panels and still achieve the same results. I guess I will need bigger tools!

Available at www.markyearwood.com

Sales and Awards!

"Emanation" 16x20'' Acrylic on Canvas

©2011 Mark Yearwood

SOLD

My recent painting "Emanation" was awarded Outstanding Abstract in the March BoldBrush online contest and... to top that off, was sold by InArt Gallery in Santa Fe last week along with a 36x36'' titled "Escape to Dreamworld".

A big Thank You to InArt and the collectors who chose to live with my art!

In other news, I have been selected to create a large music themed piece along with nine other artists for the OK Mozart Festival in Bartlesville, OK in June. The joint exhibition curated by my gallery in Tulsa, Lovetts Gallery, will hang at the annual Patron dinner on June 18th. I am very excited to be a part of this event and you may read updates on the art as it's created on their blog. OK Mozart works

Stay tuned for more on this special project as it unfolds!

Santa Fe Road Trip

I'm a little behind on this blog since my Facebook page seems to be where I interact the most. I have also been busy painting new work for spring and over the weekend, I made the trek out to InArt Gallery in Santa Fe to deliver eleven new pieces. This will be my first "high season" in the second largest art market in the US and I wanted to be there when it kicks off!

The painting on the right (on the porch) is a new 36''x36'' piece called Beckoning Sky. The big open skies of New Mexico do seem to beckon me. I can't wait to return to the "Land of Enchantment"!

"Emanation" 16x20'' Acrylic on Canvas

I have a new personal favorite of my work with this painting. One of those that just seemed to flow and take on a life of it's own. This painting makes me feel good and I hope it does the same for you. :)

SOLD!! by www.InArtSantaFe.com

"Dance On The Edge" - New 48''x24'' Acrylic

The more I studied what was actually a very spontaneous and gestural mark on this piece, the more it appeared as a dancing figure. This one makes you stop and think for a moment.

Available at www.InArtSantaFe.com

"Strata" - 30''x30'' Acrylic on Canvas

I returned to the warm and earthy tones for this piece, which I felt had a layered rock feel to it. There is a touch of purple that gives just a hint of cool.

Available at markyearwood.comww.markyearwood.com

"Sonata" 48''x24'' Acrylic on Canvas

Sonata:

(Music / Classical Music) an instrumental composition, usually in three or more movements...

I chose this title because I painted this piece in three sittings and also for the three main elements or focal points. The piece seems to dance as well.

SOLD

www.markyearwood.com

"Heritage" 16''x20'' Acrylic

©2011 Mark Yearwood

The latest from the studio this week. Acrylic on gallery wrap canvas.

Available at www.InArtSantaFe.com

New work..."Alegria" 36x12 Acrylic

Trying out a new format for showcasing the work on the blog and Facebook where the info is included in the image. I think it makes a nice presentation.

SOLD 

"Mindscape IV" - 12x12'' Abstract

©2011 Mark Yearwood

"Mindscape IV"

12''x12''x1.5'' Acrylic on Gallery Canvas

Available at www.markyearwood.com

...continuing this expressive series of palette knife works of the one foot squared.

Creative Forces

©2011 Mark Yearwood

"Crossing Boundaries"

36''x12''x1.5'' Acrylic on Gallery Canvas

Available at www.InArtSantaFe.com

I'm in an experimental phase right now and I'm also into these unusual size rectangles. These skinny paintings are gaining popularity and work well in a small space where it's hard to find the right fit. I like the challenge of composition with these as well.

The title mirrors my views with art right now. Some people want to put limits on what you create, but I believe art is in a constant state of flux and should flow from within the artist. When you put a barrier in a stream, water will force it's way over or around one way or another. The flow can be challenged, slowed or checked, but the force behind it never ceases.

Beginnings.

©2011 Mark Yearwood

"Awakening"

24''x24''x1.5'' Palette Knife Acrylic/ Canvas

The first painting of 2011 has much to say and was painted quickly and intuitively. This one really came from inside. The black areas represent the closure or the fading out of the past and almost create a portal or doorway. What you see in the doorway is still unclear. Muted. Mysterious. Intriguing. There is light coming through, which tells me it's safe to venture beyond this door and keep moving ahead, discovering new things, touching lives, and casting aside fear and doubt.

This is not a black painting with color. It is color and light emerging through the dark.

May 2011 bring you all that you seek...and watch for open doors.

Endings....

©2010 Mark Yearwood

"Fresco" 8''x8'' Acrylic on RayMar Panel

©2010 Mark Yearwood

"Radiant" 8''x8'' Acrylic on RayMar Panel

SOLD

I just want to say that I sincerely thank all of you who have followed my art this past year. Yes, I know it's already January 5th. I'm lagging on blog posts a bit.

2010 was a roller coaster year. There were many exciting things, but some trials and uncertain moments. Life seems to have leveled out some, and I'm looking forward to what 2011 has in store. As an artist, I'm believing this year will bring improvement and innovation in my work and some new opportunities to share it with others. I joined two great new galleries last year, one in Santa Fe, NM and in Tulsa, OK, and as a relatively emerging artist, I enjoyed some pretty good sales in this economy. That, I am thankful for.

Here are the last two paintings of 2010. Some of my mini 8''x8'' panels painted with palette knives.

www.markyearwood.com