30 May, 2013

29 May, 2013

Panorama in Yellows

Click on the image to see the full view.
Canola Panorama
6" x 14"
Pastel
Casey Klahn

26 May, 2013

I Am A Civil War Artist This Memorial Day Weekend!



I Am A Civil War Artist This Memorial Day Weekend!

Imagine my delight at being out among hundreds of costumed actors; the solders in dark blue uniforms and the ladies in hooped skirt outfits.  I am getting some great sketches, and did one plein air pastel session today.  I get very few opportunities at drawing people, so it is an artist's heaven.

Please look for some images to be posted in the next few days. 

The Civil War is remembered for having started 152 years ago this past April. 


See what I mean?

18 May, 2013

Walt Disney Presents: Four Artists On Location, 1958


This early TV episode gives you the old "studio-president-sits-at-his-desk-and-pontificates" treatment.  But, given it's Walt Disney, and given that he is reading from The Art Spirit, by Robert Henri, I think you will profit by watching this. 

The premise of this film short is the contrast between the regimented studio production, where everything must fit animation cells like a glove, versus the natural inclination of the artist to do his own thing.  And, if you haven't read Henri's 1923 master book on American art sensibilities, you will be surprised at his stance of grasping your own independent ideas and style.

Robert Henri wrote of Thomas Eakins, "His vision was not touched by fashion."  I like the description from the negative.  There is a counter-movement to the artist's way; he doesn't swim up stream to cooperate, but to counter the school.

It seems to me that Disney knew he had a studio of artists, and if they were going to be good at all, they needed to be let off the leash occasionally. 

   
Robert Henri

Walt Disney














15 May, 2013

White Tree


White Tree Study
12.5" x 6.75"
Pastel
Casey Klahn


View the recent professional interview that covers my studio practice here.

In other news, I am working daily (with early-ups!) to get ready for exhibitions in Albuquerque, NM and The Hamptons on Long Island.  I will give links when time gets closer.


12 May, 2013

Ready To Ship To New Mexico!


This pastel is framed and ready to ship to the June, 2013 IAPS (International Association of Pastel Societies) exhibit and convention in Albuquerque, NM.

See more about IAPS here.

01 May, 2013

Abstract Expressionism, Art Criticism, Artists, Colorist Art, Drawing, History, Impressionism, Modern Art, Painting, Pastel, Post Impressionism