Portraits/Other Paintings by C.J.Myers

Information about "The Beauty of Pastel" and notes on framing.

2012-01-31T10:02:00.000-08:00

The Beauty of Pastel

(information found on-line on William Hosner site)

"Pastel is pure pigment, the same pigment used in all media. It is the most permanent of all when applied to conservation ground and properly framed. Pastel has no liquid binder that may cause the surface to darken, fade, yellow, crack, or blister with time. Pastels from the 16th century exist today, as fresh as the day they were painted. Pastel does not at all refer to pale colors, as the word is commonly used in the cosmetic and fashion terminology. The name Pastel comes from the French word "pastiche" because the pure, powdered pigment is ground into a paste with a binder and then rolled into sticks. The infinite variety of colors in the Pastel palette range from soft and subtle to hard and brilliant."

Most of my pastel paintings are done on "wallis" museum grade paper, which has a rich surface that "grabs" the pastel. The frames I use are typically plein air frames from JFM Enterprises or kingofframe.com. I use quality, less reflective "tru vue" glass, which has some UV protection. Unless a light is shining right on the glass, there really is hardly any reflection at all. I have successfully mailed many paintings framed in this manner.

Roses

2012-01-28T16:04:00.000-08:00

Here is another painting I just put up for auction on http://www.dailypaintworks.com/. It is a 10" x 8" pastel, painted on archival paper and it will be received in a frame, ready to hang. For information on framing and materials, please see blog, "Red Vines in a Frame.

Sunflowers and a Stinking Rose

2012-01-25T15:47:00.000-08:00

Several months ago, one of my artist friends came for a vist. We did some "plein aire" painting in the delta, but one rainy day, we bought some sunflowers and set up a still life. I'm pretty sure garlic is called "the stinking rose". Right?

Field of Flowers in Northern California

2012-01-21T14:38:00.000-08:00

This is an 8" x 8" pastel study that I posted on http://www.dailypaintworks.com/ auction today. The purchaser of this painting will received it in a frame, ready to hang. If there are any questions about the painting or the frame, please contact me either from daily paint works, or my web-site, http://www.cjmyersfineart.com/.

Autumn Vines

2012-01-05T10:48:00.000-08:00

This painting will go on auction tomorrow on "dailypaintworks.com". It is 10" x 8", starting at $94, including frame and tru vue glass. I have more information of materials on my previous blog under the painting "Red Vines".

Red Vines with Frame. Post includes framing and materials information.

2012-01-04T14:07:00.000-08:00

This is an 8" x 8" pastel painting, with frame, posted on "dailypaintworks.com" on January 3, 2012. It's painted on "wallis paper", museum grade and I use "tru vue" glass which is less reflective than regular glass and has some UV protection. Unless a light is shining right on the glass, there really is hardly any reflection at all. I have successfully mailed many paintings framed in this manner.

Red Vines

2012-01-03T18:50:00.000-08:00

I just put this painting up for auction on "dailypaintworks.com", starting at $94. It should show up tomorrow.

I took a trip in the fall, starting at Bodega Bay, through the Russian River area, up to Healdsburg, and around Sonoma and got some great reference photos. The colors were quite fantastic, of course!

Painting I started in a demonstration.

2011-12-21T15:21:00.000-08:00

I was asked to do a demonstration/presentation for the East Valley Art Association in San Jose this past November. The top image is the point I reached in the painting during the demo and below is the painting after I worked some more on it in my studio. The location of the landscape reference photo is south San Jose along Santa Teresa Road....north of Morgan Hill, and I chose this scene as it's a pretty simple landscape and it is quite a bit of pressure for me to do a painting in front of an audience. Hopefully, I'm getting a bit more comfortable at it, as I've agreed to do another demo in Sunnyvale, Ca next March!

North of Bodega Bay

2011-12-18T16:41:00.000-08:00

I just put this painting up for auction on http://www.dailypaintworks.com/ starting at $94. Here I'm showing the painting with the frame that comes with.
Bodega Bay is the coastal town in which the movie "The Birds" was filmed, quite a few years ago.

Tugboat Painting shown in frame

2011-12-11T09:06:00.000-08:00

This is the frame "Tugboat on the Delta" comes with, plus "tru vue" glass. Painting is 8" x 10", with frame outer dimensions, 16" x 18".

Dealta Tugboat

2011-12-04T14:27:00.000-08:00

I've just added this painting to the auction on http://www.dailypaintworks.com/. This is an 8" x 10" and with the frame is 16" x 18". Bidding is to start at $94, which includes the frame and my "tru vue" glass. I think somebody would like this for Christmas!

2011-11-14T14:52:00.000-08:00

This is a painting (18" x 24" pastel) that I just completed of my grandson from a reference photo I took at the DeAnza Flea market in Cupertino, CA. a couple of years ago.

It looks like he has $1 left and he was running around to find whatever he could get for $1.

2011-11-14T14:49:00.000-08:00

I just posted this painting on www.dailypaintworks.com under auctions. If you want to check out my work and auctions, please look under "all artists", then "Myers, C.J."

2011-11-11T16:34:00.000-08:00

Most recent painting I added to "dailypaintworks" this afternoon, 11-11-11! This painting is up for auction, starting at $100.

Click here to bid.

2011-11-07T18:58:00.000-08:00

sold

I have just posted these two paintings for sale on the site, "Daily Paintworks". The rooster painting I put in the on-line auction. It's the first time I've tried this, so we'll see how it works. Bidding starts at $100. Please look for me by "Myers, C.J."

Thank you!

Yosemite

2011-10-23T20:46:00.000-07:00

Several artist friends and I had a wonderful trip to Yosemite a couple of weeks ago. The weather was great and I think we all want to go back soon....maybe in the spring. I would like to do some painting with a little bit of snow on the ground, but not too much.

Week-end with the Master's in Monterey, CA

2011-09-14T12:44:00.000-07:00

I had a spectacular four days in Monterey, California last week at the Master's Convention. It was busy, busy all day long and into the evenings. I saw demos/presentations from Richard Schmid, Scott Burdick, Dan Gerhartz, Joe Paquet, Sherri McGraw, and Dan McCaw. There were also evening panels and demos. It was total art immersion!

The second painting here is the figure I did in Dan Gerhartz workshop Thursday afternoon.

The top figure is from Dan McCaw's workshop. This is really not what he was showing us in his demo. He did a head from his imagination....no model. He set up a model for us in the afternoon and basically said to just start painting, using three or four values. (I was the only one in all of my workshops using pastels.) I was trying to be very loose, and this is what I ended up with after a couple of hours. I got a few compliments, which was nice, but the best was from the model who asked if she could photograph it. She said it looked just like her. ......except, that was not the purpose of the class!

In Between Events

2011-09-05T16:43:00.000-07:00

sold

This was my most popular painting at the show I did Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011 at Solis Winery in Gilroy, CA. This one sold before the show.....yea....

Now I'm packing up to leave for the Master's Convention in Monterey....27 Master Representational Painters from around the country for four days of demos, workshops, plein aire....wow. I'm a bit daunted as I think I'm going to have to get up early and maybe stay up late!

2011-06-15T10:04:00.000-07:00

Although I'm getting ready for the show at the Triton this coming Saturday, the 18th of June, I take time out to go to the pool for some excercise, especially since the weather has turned lovely. While I was there Monday afternoon, I talked with some of my neighbors and when I told them that an artist friend was coming up to paint "plein aire" next week, they said I should paint their vineyard. The following morning I followed the gentleman to Suisun Valley and saw his beautiful ranch/vineyard. There are some lovely vistas in that area, so that's where I expect we'll be doing some painting next week!

On Top of the World

2011-06-03T11:01:00.001-07:00

Several years ago, I worked with a nice young man who used to bring beautiful flowers from his garden to the office for us all to enjoy. I took quite a few photos of these flowers, hoping some day to make some paintings from them. This is one from those photos.

I will have this painting, plus other new ones at the:

Midsummer Art Celebration at the Triton Museum Sculpture Garden

where I will be joining some of my Morgan Hill artist friends under a canopy of redwood trees for a day of art, food, music and performers. It's 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 18,th. I hope to see friends and clients, some new faces......and some sunshine!!

Painting in Pacific Grove

2011-06-03T10:53:00.001-07:00

sold Wow!! It's been so long since I've posted anything, it's been pretty tough getting back into my blog. It didn't help that I put in the wrong password to begin with! This is a small painting that I did on site in Pacific Grove last Friday, memorial day week-end. I took off with all my art supplies in my "clyde", thinking I would find something around Moss Landing, but settled down around 2:30 in PG. I found a nice spot under a tree and set up, right by my car. I'm going to have to learn to manage my supplies so I can work independent of "clyde", but for now this works best for me. It was such a lovely day and so peaceful, painting by the ocean. I feel like I'm getting my mojo back. I hope so!

Swan at Chateau Montelano

2010-11-09T18:13:00.000-08:00

This is a painting I just completed from reference photos I took at Chateau Montelano in Calistoga, California, during a paint out with nine other artists. I did some painting on site, but it was over cast that day, and none I liked as much as the reference photos I took of this beautiful swan the day before when the sun was shining.

Paint Out in Calistoga, CA

2010-10-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

Ten of my artist friends and I are planning a paint out in the wine country this coming week. We plan on painting in and around the area/wineries of Calistoga next Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Dinner reservations at Brannon's Wednesday evening....no corkage fee! ......yea, .....really looking forward to happy painting with fellow artists!

Portrait

2010-09-25T20:10:00.001-07:00

sold The attached portrait painting received a standing ovation at it's unveiling in Portland, Oregon, September 18, 2010. The painting is in oil, and it's 24" x 30".

HEARTLESS THIEVES

2010-09-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

After packing up Saturday night, I got on the road early and arrived at the paint out site, sponsored by the Fremont Art Association, at Lake Elizabeth around 9 a.m. When I checked in and had my pastel papers stamped, they gave me a phone number to call for someone to watch my supplies if I needed a break. They said one of the artists had already had their art back pack stolen! I walked around the lake a bit, looking for a good painting site, then headed to my car for art supplies. The park was already very crowded this Sunday morning. I set my wallis pastel papers, cut to the size of three frames I had brought for this event, beside my car as I unloaded my easel, pastels, umbrella, and appurtenances, and headed to my site near the water. When I realized I had left my precious papers by the car, I packed up again and headed back....only to find that someone had already stolen them!! This was such a mean, unreasonable theft! How many thieves are going to have materials and know-how to use wallis pastel papers? Well, that was it for me.....entry fee forfeited, no chance for prize money,......I don't think I'll go back to Lake Elizabeth in Fremont with anything valuable!

Another Paint Out

2010-09-11T20:48:00.001-07:00

I have my car packed to get on the road early tomorrow morning for another paint out. This one is at Lake Elizabeth, Fremont, California.

Attached is the completed painting from my first competition paint out in Burlingame.

Paint Out in Burlingame, California

2010-08-30T14:25:00.000-07:00

I joined the "Paint Burlingame" event yesterday, August 29, 2010. This was my first "plein aire" competition and I got third place. Luckily, it was perfect weather and I enjoyed it. Maybe I'll do more!

Show at CordeValle

2010-08-17T11:04:00.001-07:00

The event at CordeValle on Saturday was a very nice venue, and I consider it was a success, particularly considering the current economy! However, it was one of my most exhausting shows. I don't know why....maybe because it was a four hour show, so not much time between setting up and packing up! I would do it again, though!

I've added a few new images of paintings to my site, www.cjmyersfineart.com. Let me know if you see something you like.

Summer Art Show

2010-08-03T13:41:00.000-07:00

Please join me August 14, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at CordeValle Private Resort and Golf Club for a Summer Art & Wine Trunk Show and Demo Day. CordeValle is located at One CordeValle Club Dr., San Martin, CA 95046. For more information and directions, see www.CordeValle.com. I will be one of six invited fine artists and there will be several vendors. There will also be free wine tasting from eight local award winning wineries, and, for the golfers, a demo of Calloway clubs. I would love to see you there. c.j.myers www.cjmyersfineart.com www.cjmyers.com

Sunday, June 20, 2010 at the Marin Civic Center

2010-06-17T21:29:00.001-07:00

I plan on showing some of my paintings at the Marin Civic Center's beautiful Farmer's Market on Sunday, June 20, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. til 1:00 p.m. Please look for me in the artisan area.

Painting on the delta,..... California

2010-05-07T20:28:00.000-07:00

Two of my artist friends came to the delta to paint with me for a few days last month. The weather was lovely, thank goodness. It can get pretty windy here, so we were very fortunate for three days.

The first painting is from Brannon Island on the delta, and the second was done in Lodi, California

Blue Ribbon

2010-03-12T15:49:00.000-08:00

I received a First Place in pastel for this painting titled "Shadow Life II" at the 50th SPRING ART ANNUAL at Woodbridge Winery in Lodi, California.

The Preview Event (viewing reception) is Friday, March 19, from 6 pm to 8 pm at the winery.

The Exhibition is open Saturday and Sunday, March 20 and 21, from 12 to 5 pm and is free to the public.

The awards will be presented Sunday March 21 at 4 pm.

If you're in the area, please come on over. I would love to see you there.

This is a painting that I had done a couple of years ago and sold it right away at the King's Mountain Art Faire off Skyline Blvd. above Redwood City, California. Since I liked the reference photo so much and I hadn't had a chance to have it juried, I repainted it and added a little girl. I thought about changing the title to "Marketplace Madonna", but I just like "Shadow Life"

2010-02-24T20:48:00.000-08:00

I've just started a new series on gardens. This is my first one in progress, and I think I'll put a collection on my web-site, http://www.cjmyersfineart.com/, titled "Gardens and Vineyards".

revised painting

2010-02-24T20:44:00.000-08:00

I recently revisited a painting that I had done a couple of years ago. The house and background didn't work for me, so I added a field and farm houses in the background instead and I like it much better. What do you think?

Hungry "I"

2010-02-18T11:24:00.000-08:00

This is a 12" x 12" pastel painting that I had done a few years ago. A very good, long-time friend really liked it. She said her father had taken her to the Hungry "I" in San Francisco when she was 13 years old, and that KGO had a set-up live in the Hungry "I" which started the early days of talk radio. At the time I first painted it, I made a print for her and have just now finally finished another painting from the same reference photo. It is in the mail.....

2010-01-20T16:29:00.000-08:00

This is a painting of a delightful, active little girl in Northern California. When she took a break to look at a children's book, I was able to get a reference photo to do this painting!

2010 Happy New Decade

2010-01-20T13:46:00.000-08:00

Wrapping up some paintings and looking forward to a new decade. New blog "www.pastelnews.com is a very nice site and what excellent taste they have! They've included my painting "Cynthia" on their site.

"Cynthia"

2009-08-05T10:48:00.000-07:00

2009-08-05T10:45:00.001-07:00

I entered three pastel paintings in the Morgan Hill open juried show and received three awards; a first, second and honorable mention!! I looooove when that happens. The award reception is August 19th, 6 - 8 p.m. at the Morgan Hill Community Center. I would love to see you there.

2009-03-25T19:07:00.000-07:00

sold My painting, "What'll you have?" received the "Best of Show" award at the Lodi Spring Art show in the Woodbridge Winery the week-end of March 21 and 22, 2009. There were about 250 works of art accepted to the show, so this was quite a happy surprise!

Pastel Painting

2008-09-24T15:01:00.000-07:00

Pastel Painting

2008-09-24T14:59:00.000-07:00

Pastel Painting

2008-09-24T14:57:00.000-07:00

Pastel Painting

2008-09-24T14:55:00.000-07:00

sold

Pastel Painting

2008-09-24T14:52:00.000-07:00

sold

Pastel Painting

2008-09-24T14:48:00.000-07:00

sold

Pastel Painting

2008-09-24T14:46:00.000-07:00

Pastel Painting

2008-09-24T14:41:00.000-07:00

Pastel Painting

2008-09-24T13:16:00.000-07:00

Pastel Portrait

2008-08-21T11:07:00.000-07:00

Pastel Painting

2008-08-20T16:53:00.000-07:00

Pastel Painting

2008-08-20T11:36:00.000-07:00

sold

Pastel Painting

2008-08-20T11:33:00.000-07:00

sold

Pastel Painting

2008-08-20T11:29:00.000-07:00

Pastel Painting

2008-08-20T11:26:00.000-07:00

Pastel Painting

2008-08-20T11:21:00.000-07:00

Galleries

2008-06-01T16:31:00.000-07:00

Currently, my work can be seen at: VALLEY ART GALLERY 1661 Botelho Dr., Suite 110 Walnut Creek, California 94596 (925) 935-4311 THE PHOENIX GALLERY 2293 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, California 408-265-5620 Fast Frames Gallery 17505 Monterey Rd. Morgan Hill, CA 95037 408-776-3056 (near Sinaloa's) My on-line gallery: CJMYERSFINEART.COM

Pastel painting

2008-06-01T16:07:00.000-07:00

Pastel Painting

2008-06-01T16:06:00.001-07:00

sold

Pastel painting

2008-06-01T15:58:00.001-07:00

Pastel Painting

2008-06-01T15:57:00.001-07:00

sold

Pastel Painting

2008-06-01T15:51:00.001-07:00

EVENTS

2008-06-01T15:16:00.000-07:00

I'm happily painting away in my studio at 327 "C" Main Street, Rio Vista, California, 94571. I'm preparing for the "King's Mountain Art Fair" which is a three day out door exhibition held annually Labor Day week-end in the redwood forest. It's in Woodside off Skyline Blvd. The dates are August 30, 31, and September 1, 2008. August 20, 2008 It's almost time to start packing up my paintings. I've attached a few images to my blog to give you an idea what I'll be bringing to the show. To see more images, click on archives. The location of the show is 13889 Skyline Blvd, Woodside, CA 94062. You can go to http://www.kingsmountainartfair.org/ for more information and directions. I hope to see you there (I'll be in space #119). c.j.myers http://www.cjmyers.com/ cjmyerspaintings@yahoo.com September 24, 2008 I survived three days in the redwood forest and had a good time and sold some paintings! I also met a lot of nice people and look forward to doing it again next year. Next on my agenda is Clos la Chance winery, November 15 and 16. I'll be there with several of my artist friends from the south bay and I hope to see some of you there. Please stop by and say "hello". c.j.myers October 10, 2008 I'll be doing a demo and discuss the "Beauty of Pastel" at the Morgan Hill Community Center on October 21, 2008. The doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the art guild (val de sur) meeting will start at 6:30. My demo will be soon after. It is open to the public and there is no fee. The Morgan Hill Community Center is located at 17000 Monterey Street, Morgan Hill, California 95037, at the corner of Dunne Avenue. Phone is 408-782-0008. If you are interested in pastels, I look forward to seeing you there.

November 13, 2008 I'm packing up in preparation for the Clos la Chance Art and Wine event this week-end, November 15 and 16. Clos la Chance Winery is in the San Martin/Morgan Hill area of California and there should be over 50 artists and craftsmen participating in this event. Many of the artists are friends that I have known from galleries in the area and I look forward to having some fun, drinking some wine and selling some paintings!!

The weather report is for a beautiful week-end, so come on out and enjoy some fresh air, art and wine.

c.j.myers

January 2010 One large oil commission and unexpected events took up most of my painting time in 2009. I didn't blog for quite a while, but I'm hoping to stay on top of it this year. I'm finishing up commissions right now and haven't finalized my schedule for this year. but will post it when it's decided. Also, I let my downtown studio go last year, as I could not be there enough to warrant the rent I was paying. I miss the people contact, but I'm keeping my overhead down!!

c.j.myers