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2007-02-26T08:30:00.088-06:00

The Static Art Galleries

The Vacation Photo Project :

The Vacation Photo Project: THE PAINTINGS

Anatomy of a Painting

On The Easel...

Contact

Static Art Online allows the download and display of all original material on this site for non commercial use only.

Contact willrocc@msn.com

Static Art - The Galleries

2006-10-06T15:17:00.014-05:00

HOME

Landscapes

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Wildlife

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Cityscapes
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Miscellaneous__________________________________________

Lighthouses
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The Blue Series

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Pencil
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African Silhouette Series

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Pre 2004 Paintings

HOME

Vacation Photo Project:

2006-10-06T15:16:00.013-05:00

HOME

The project is now over, a huge thanks to everyone who submitted a photo. I started this in 2008 and finished 13 paintings by December 2010. I enjoyed the challenge, it possibly made me a better artist. These paintings now hang (hopefully) in the homes of my friends and family, and will undoubtedly be handed down through the generations... CLICK HERE to see all the paintings.

Contact: willrocc@msn.com the door is never closed!

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Lighthouses

2006-10-06T15:15:00.007-05:00

"Cloch Lighthouse"
24" x 36"
(acrylic)
2007
by
Craig Willms

notes: The Cloch Lighthouse was built in 1789 and is one of Scotland's most beautiful lighthouses. This painting was inspired by a photo by Reinhold Klein. It is the largest painting I've done to date at 2 by 3 feet. Be sure to click on the image above to see a larger (clearer) image

"Eagle Harbor Lighthouse"

18X24 (acrylic)
2008
by
Craig Willms

Michigan's Eagle Harbor Light Station sits on the rocky entrance to the harbor and is a working lighthouse as it guides mariners across the northern edge of the Keweenaw Peninsula. The original lighthouse, built in 1851, was replaced in 1871.

This painting was inspired by a Paul Lemke photograph.

"Autumn At Split Rock"

18X24 (acrylic)
2005
by
Craig Willms

Shipwrecks from a mighty 1905 November gale prompted this rugged landmark's construction. Completed by the U.S. Lighthouse Service in 1910, Split Rock Light Station was soon one of Lake Superior's best known landmarks. Restored to its 1920s appearance, the lighthouse offers a glimpse of lighthouse life in this remote and spectacular setting.

Anatomy of A Painting

2006-10-06T15:14:00.011-05:00

HOME

Watch a painting evolve from a blank canvas to the final brush stroke...

Volume 1 "Murphy's Oriole"

click here to start

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Volume 2 "Lyman Lake at Dirty Face Peak"

click here to start

Pencil

2006-10-06T15:10:00.000-05:00

"69 Camaro"

(pencil)
notes: HS drafting class assignment
plotted from a magazine photo

"Rebs Surrender"

(pencil)
notes: HS art class assignment
pencil only
1979

"78 Corvette"

(colored pencil)
notes: HS art class assignment
graph plotted from magazine ad
assignment: custom paint job

"Wild Wildcat"

(pencil)
notes: HS art class assignment
1979

"Polar Bear Sketch"

1978

Miscellaneous

2006-10-06T15:09:00.030-05:00

"Hoyt's Mountain"
18 X 24 acrylic

2011
by Craig Willms

For an old friend. His father was moved from his beloved home due to health issues. Here's hoping this painting brings some comfort and joy.

"It's Something You Are"
18 X 24 acrylic

2011
by Craig Willms

For my daughters boyfriend Blake, who is a fireman and EMT. The photo this was based on was from and ad in an industry trade magazine and I don't know who the photographer was.

"Babcock's Garden"
18 X 24 acrylic

2011
by Craig Willms

For my Mom in remembrance of her sister Lois who left us last year. Her garden was her joy. (original photographer unknown)

"The Black Dog"
18 X 24 acrylic

2009
by Craig Willms

This is the first grayscale painting I've ever attempted. It won't be my last. It was very satisfying. I really enjoyed the challenge of using just 2 tubes of paint. Yet another entry in my Vacation Photo Project. (original photographer unknown)

"The Moab Trip"

18x24 (acrylic)
2010

by Craig Willms

This is a vacation photo supplied by my good friend Lorenzo. That's his Jeep. This was one of among many awesome photos from his Moab, Utah trip. I choose this one because it epitomizes the key element of the trip - off roading with his Jeep. (original photographer unknown)

"Heaven On Ice"

18 x 24 (acrylic)

2009
by Craig Willms

Here is perhaps the strangest painting I've ever done. Heaven On Ice will resonate with those of you who cherish a sunny winter's day by dropping a line in a hole in the ice and then taking a pull from a flask filled with peppermint schnapps. This was commissioned by my brother Ken who is just such a person. The photo was taken by S. Rasmussen.

"In Defense of Minas Tirith"
24 X 30 (acrylic)
2008
by
Craig Willms

artist's note: this painting was commissioned by my son. It was inspired by a scene from the movie Lord of The Rings: Return of the King. The original image is found on the official web site.
'click on the image for a larger view'

"Spinosaurus"

16X20 (acrylic)
notes: I painted this with my son - taught him
how mix and apply paint in a controlled manner.

"Best Friend In God's Country"

18X24 (acrylic)
2009
by Craig Willms
(click on the image for a larger view)

Based on photos by Jason Lance taken in the BWCA near Ely, MN.

"The Stutzman Farm House"

18X24 (acrylic)
2009
(click on the image for a larger view)
Inspired by an Ester Stutzman photo.

Cityscapes

2006-10-06T15:09:00.027-05:00

"Times Square"

24" X 30"
acrylic on canvas
by Craig Willms
2010

A photo taken by a friend at work in 2009 had me instantly drawn to the colors and the multi-point perspectives. The other thing I liked was the aspect that this is a moment in history with its timeless commercial icons and the in-the-moment Broadway productions being advertised. A tremendously satisfying painting for me.

Source photo by S. Oakland

Times Square (detail)

Times Square (detail)

"One Morning In Mytilini"
22" x 30"
(acrylic)
2007
by
Craig Willms

"A traditional style fishing troller, just returned from a typical all-night fishing expedition, is moored in Mytilini harbor on Lesvos Island, Greece . In the background, the distinctive old Great Brittania hotel."

Artist Notes: This was one of the most painstaking and satisfying paintings I have ever attempted. I just happened across a photo of this scene at greece.org and it just drew me in. I have subsequently found the same photo on several travel websites, apparently it is rather famous...

"San Pietro at Dusk"
20 X 24 (acrylic)
2008
by
Craig Willms

notes: This was commissioned by my daughter who received this image on a post card from a friend who was visiting Italy. The original photo was taken by Sesto Fiorentino

"Hydra"

18 x 24 acrylic
2009
by Craig Willms
(click on the picture for a larger view)

This was commissioned by a dear, dear friend. A hillside city on the Greek island Hydra. The subject matter has a very cool abstract quality to it. It was inspired by a Georges Meis photo.
I hope you enjoy.

Wildlife

2006-10-06T15:08:00.018-05:00

"Mr. Eagle and Mr. Fox Argue Over Dinner"

18 X 24 (acrylic)
by Craig Willms
2010

This painting was inspired by a photo taken by Pekka Komi

"American Lovebirds"
18 X 24 (acrylic)
2008
by
Craig Willms

note: This painting was inspired by a photo found on the Internet. Based on a fabulous shot by Robert J. Cranston. (be sure to click on the image for a larger view)

"Murphy's Oriole"

18X24 (acrylic)
2007
by
Craig Willms

notes: This was inspired by a beautiful photo by Alan Murphy. This was given as a gift to good friends as a house warming gift for their new home on the shores of Lake Superior in northern Wisconsin. You can see how the painting took shape here ---> Anatomy of a Painting

"Cygnus Atratus"
(Black Swan)
18X24 acrylic
2006
by
Craig Willms

notes: this is from a photo I took myself when visiting the Duluth Zoo

"Two Eagles"
18X24 (acrylic)
2006
by
Craig Willms

notes: This was given as gift to dear friends who allowed my to use their beautiful lake home in the summer of '06. This was inspired by an amazing photo from photographer Dennis O'Hara's www.northernimages.com website.

Landscapes

2006-10-05T23:01:00.019-05:00

"The Matterhorn"

20X24 (acrylic)
2006
by
Craig Willms

"Checking The Weather"

18 x 24 acrylic
by Craig Willms
2010

This was the final submission to my Vacation Photo Project. A fitting ending that can be interpreted as looking back or looking forward... For my nephew Kurt - somewhere in the BWCA. Original photo by Luke Stair.

"The Sun Sets on the Mariner"

18 x 24 acrylic
by Craig Willms
2010

This scene I'm told is a sunset viewed from "The Mariner" a Door County hotel on Lake Michigan. Sadly The Mariner has since closed... Inspired by an excellent photo shot by frequent Mariner guest Mike Wagner.

"In the Shadow of the Tetons"

18 X 24 (acrylic)
2008
by
Craig Willms

note: based on a fine vacation photo by Sue Allhiser

"Lyman Lake At Dirty Face Peak"
18 X 24 (acrylic)
2008
by
Craig Willms

note: Based on a series of photos by Jen Oberg.

"A View From Doyle's"

18X24 (acrylic)
2008
by
Craig Willms

(click on the image for a larger view)

Notes: This is the first of the submitted vacation photos. A photo by Ian Frisk. Doyle's is a restaurant situated across the harbor from Sydney Australia. The city skyline as well as the Sydney Harbor Bridge can been seen while one relaxes after enjoying a fine meal.

"Arenal"

18X24 (acrylic)
2009
by
Craig Willms

(click on the image for a larger view)

Notes: This is another submitted vacation photo. The story goes that this is the view from the honeymoon villa in the jungles of Costa Rica. Rumor has it you could feel the Earth move that weekend... Could've even been the volcano! Inspired by a photo by Jeff Lynn.

"Up to The Lake"

18X24 (acrylic)
2009
by Craig Willms
(click on the image for a larger view)

A vacation photo for the project for my friend Deb J. at TCF.
based on a S. Oakland photo.

"Desert Flowers"

18 X 24
(acrylic)
2008
by
Craig Willms

"Rookie Lake Overlook"

18X24 (acrylic)
2007
by
Craig Willms

notes: This was commissioned by my wife. It is based on a photo by Jim Brandenburg of Ely MN. Rookie Lake is part of the famous BWCA in the land of 10,000 lakes, Minnesota.

"Summer Melt Off"

18X24 (acrylic)
2004
by
Craig Willms

notes: straight from a vacation photo to canvas

"Moon Beach"

16X20 (acylic)
2006
by
Craig Willms

Pre 2004 Paintings

2006-10-05T22:28:00.036-05:00

In 2004 I picked up painting again after many years of neglecting my talent such as it is. I decided at that time that I was going to produce quality work that lived up to the phrase "the best of my ability". I have created this space to chronicle my earlier work.

Many of these paintings date back to my high school years when my imagination was as wide as my discipline was narrow.

"Woody And Friend"

(watercolor)
1979

"The Hunted"

16X20 (acrylic)
note: this painting suffers from severe mold damage

"St. Paul and Minneapolis"

16X20 (acrylic)
notes: as viewed from Lower McKnight Rd
1983

"Seattle 82"

18X24 (acrylic)

"Sailing On A Stiff Breeze"

12X16 (acrylic)
1980

"Remember The Future"

16X20 (acrylic)
notes: an album cover from the 70's rock band
Nektar - it's an excellent album that I still listen to...

"Portland, OR"

16X20 (acrylic)

"A Peachtree In Atlanta"
16X20 (acrylic)
1983

"NC-1701"

(watercolor)
notes: HS art class assignment
"Wrath of Khan" era Enterprise
1977

"St. Louis, MO"

16X20 (acrylic)

"My Unicorn"

12X16 (acrylic)
1980

"MaCaffery's Dragonflight"

18X24 (acrylic)
notes: HS art class assignment
from the cover of Anne MaCaffery's "Dragonflight" epic
Michael Whelan, I believe, was the original artist...

"The Leopard"

16X20 (acrylic)
notes: from the cover of National Geographic
1981
by
Craig Willms

"LA"

16X20 (acrylic)

"King of Seattle"

16X20 (acrylic)
notes: obviously copied from a magazine ad

"Kansas City at Dusk"

16X20 (acrylic)

"Industrial Revolution"

(watercolor and charcoal pencil)
notes: HS art class assignment
mixed media

"Gray Chicago"

12X16 (acrylic)
by
Craig Willms

notes:
HS art class assignment
3 color only [white, black, burnt sienna]

"Somewhere In Europe"

(watercolor and marker)
note: HS art class assignment
circa late '70s

"Golden"

16X20 (acrylic)
1979

"Frampton Looks Dead"

(watercolor)
notes: HS art class assignment
"this is why I never, ever do portraits"
1977

"Fake Frazetta"

18X24 (acrylic)
notes: A recreation of a Frank Frazetta classic
(a nice try) 1979

"Cheyenne Anthem"
12X20 (acrylic)
notes: HS art class assignment
original artist unknown
1978

"New York, New York"

16X20 (acrylic)
1982

"Serenity Now"

(water color)
notes: HS art class assignment. Water color using pre-wetted water color paper. This allows the paint to fill with a wick-effect. This painting was given to my dear Mother as a gift.
1977

"Jenelle's Dells"

18X24 (oil)
notes: a rare attempt with oil paints...
The original photo was of the Wisconsin Dells
but I added a snow capped mountain for dramatic effect

"Autumn In America"

12X16 (acrylic)
notes: In the early 1980's I got my first taste of Bev Doolittle's work. Doolittle made the hidden image in the painting a trademark of her early work. This is my rather crude attempt at imbedding a message in a painting.
1982

Here's the negative image showing the "message". Clever huh?
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"Dawn of War"

12X16 (acrylic)
notes: "I have no recollection of painting this.
I have no idea what it is about. I just thought
it seemed as though it might be a
Revolutionary War period scene..."

"Ye Old Mill"

(watercolor on black tag board)
notes: HS art class assignment

"Grand Teton and The Moose"

16X20 (acrylic)
notes: another painting I have no recollection of painting;
suffers from some mold damage

Anatomy of Painting: Lyman Lake at Dirty Face Peak

2006-10-05T01:28:00.004-05:00

original photo (by Jen Oberg)

Scroll down and watch the it develop from a sketch on a canvas to a finished painting...

CLICK HERE to view the finished painting

Anatomy of A Painting : Murphy's Oriole

2006-10-04T21:35:00.001-05:00

original photo by Alan Murphy

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Start

We start with the tools:
the easel, the canvas, the paint, the brushes and the palette

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Step 1
I lay down the background.
For this particular painting the background is not detailed and is more or less a matte. I start by wetting the canvas with a generous amount of water. This is a standard water color technique and since acrylic paints are also water soluble this helps to spread the paint softly across the canvas. Using the colors primary yellow, hooker's green, burnt umber and cadmium red light I mix the paint right on the canvas. Once the colors are mixed satisfactorily I use long brush strokes that span the width of the canvas to remove signs of the paint mixing process. Before the paint can begin to dry (acrylics dry very fast) I clean and dry my large brush and attack the canvas rigid circular brush strokes. This "roughs up" the paint and gives it texture.

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Step 2
I pencil in the subject matter.
Once the background is completely dry I pencil in the subject. The object is to lay out the basic shapes as outlines. The only detail required is to separate different color blocks.

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Step 3
Block-in the black areas
I begin to paint in the color blocks. Here I've started with black parts.

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Step 4
Block-in orange areas
Fairly simple - just color inside the lines!

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Step 5
Finish blocking-in main subject
Here I have finished the "undercoat" of the main subject. I will return to do fine detail once the rest of the color blocking is done.

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Step 6
Finish blocking-in supporting flora
All the main parts of the painting have their base color and are ready for detail.

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Step 7
Paint fine detail on main subject
Using my fine brush I mix the paint to a rather watery consistency. It's important not let the paint "glop" on at this juncture. When the detail becomes too stark I let the paint dry thoroughly and then use watered down paint that's the same color as the undercoat. This softens the detail and helps blend it in without diminishing the overall effect.

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Step 8
Paint fine detail on the surrounding flora
This is actually the most challenging element of this particular painting. Making a leaf, a branch and a berry look realistic requires some trial and error. Color mixing for consistency is important because you can't mix too much at a time. Since each leaf takes so much time the paint sitting on the palate tends to dry out before you get to the next one.

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Step 9
Finish fine detail on the leaves and berries

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Step 10
The signature
I always try to include the year the painting was completed. I also write on the back in permanent marker the title, the artist, the medium and any other notes that are pertinent.

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Finish
"Murphy's Oriole"

The Vacation Photo Project: PAINTINGS

2006-10-02T20:31:00.024-05:00

HOME

Click on the title of each painting to see a larger image...

Lyman Lake At Dirty Face Peak

A View From Doyle's

Best Friend In God's Country

Arenal

Up To The Lake

Hydra

The Black Dog

The Moab Trip

Heaven On Ice

In the Shadow of the Tetons

Times Square

"The Sun Sets On The Mariner"

"Checking The Weather"

The Blue Series

2006-01-01T12:17:00.000-06:00

The Blue Series is a project that takes the color blue as seen in nature and puts it to a large canvas.

"The Barracuda and the Bluetails"
30" x 40"
(acrylic)
2007
by
Craig Willms

notes: This painting was inspired by a fantastic shot snapped by National Geographic photographer David Doubilet.

"Tangled Up in Blue"
30" x 40"
(acrylic)
2011
by
Craig Willms

From a photo found online, original photographer unknown to me. The name is courtesy of Julie Rice (and Bob Dylan, of course)

African Silhouette Series

2005-09-20T09:21:00.001-05:00

"Twilight At The Water's Edge"
18" x 24"
(acrylic)
2007
by
Craig Willms

notes: this silhouette of a mother elephant with her baby was inspired by a Beverly Joubert photo. Although it looks like a simple three color exercise this style is indeed challenging!

"Beasts Of The Setting Sun"
18X24 (acrylic)
2007
by
Craig Willms

note: No paint was mixed on the palette for this one.
The colors came straight from the tube to the canvas.
It was inspired by a photo by wildlife photographer Nigel Dennis.

"The Panther"
18X24 (acrylic)
2008
by
Craig Willms

note: this painting was inspired by a screen saver I saw on webshots.com

On The Easel

2005-04-20T21:57:00.010-05:00

Here's the photo I'm currently working from.

A scene from Lord of The Rings-Return of the King. It's been commissioned by Travis G. who is my son's good friend and fishing buddy of mine.