Monday, February 13, 2017

Portrait Painting Workshop


Hi everyone, I'm very excited to announce my first ever workshop! This workshop is solely dedicated to teaching the techniques of the masters in portrait painting. 

This will be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota from March 24, 25, and 26, 2017.

 If you are interested in attending and want more information please click here: 


Cheers!

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Portrait of Marten Pepijn after Anthony Van Dyke

"Portrait of Marten Pepijn after Anthony Van Dyke"
2017
Oil on Masonite 
12 x 9 inches

As you guys might know I am huge fan of Anthony Van Dyke, this painting is after one of his masterpieces. The difference with this painting from the past ones is the surface and preparation. I was able to get two large sheets of Masonite board ($4.00 each sheet) cut to size at Home Depot for free. I have about 40 panels ranging from 8 x 10 to 9 x 12 inches, this is considerably a cheaper route especially knowing I only spent $9.50 after taxes for all those panels. I gessoed and sanded each panel to the level of smoothness I want. It does take a little time to get it set up right but well worth it.  After the gesso has dried I rub raw umber with mineral spirits all around the panel until there is a even medium tone. Once the raw umber as dried I start painting with thin paints progressively getting thicker with each stage. Painting on such a smooth surface compared to the cotton canvases I am used to was an adjustment. I got a lot out of this painting, and excited to continue painting on these panels moving forward.

Process Pics:
 

Thank you for stopping by!

Friday, January 6, 2017

After Ribera

After Ribera
2017
Oil on Canvas Board
10 x 8 inches

This painting was copied after Jusepe de Ribera, a prominent Spanish painter from the 1600's. I've only copied a portrait of his in ball point pen but never in oils. This painting was not completed in one session, it was completed in a span of two sessions with ten hours in total. I also documented the whole process through live streaming on Instagram.

Process pics:


Thank you for stopping by and Happy New Years!

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Fuyu Persimmons by Jonathan Aller

"Fuyu Persimmons"
8 x 10 in
Oil on Canvas Panel

It was neat being back at the grocery store and searching what to paint rather than what to eat, I can't remember the last time I did that. I noticed the practice of putting together the whole picture from beginning to end was something I really missed. Finding the subject, then composing it (which can take a while), then either painting from life or taking a picture, document the process while painting it, and last but not least finish the painting in one session. Daily or Alla Prima painting is great practice no matter what style your painting in. I have and will always recommend everyone to at least try it, its the best way to practice and hone your skills as a painter.

Here is a step by step process:

Thank you for stopping by!

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Sunflower In A Bottle - original sunflower painting

Sunflowers always seem to bring cheer and joy!And they are the perfect flower to usher in Autumn.
This was a single stem paired with some eucalyptus greens tucked away in a little bottle. It sat on my studio desk just begging to be painted.

Sunflower in a Bottle
6x8 Oil on panel
$195 Purchase

Monday, August 15, 2016

Dog Days of Summer - "LuLu" - Poodle portrait by Deb Kirkeeide

LuLu | 6x6 Oil | ©2016 Deb Kirkeeide

LuLu came from a small town, but made a name for herself when she won Best of Show in the Westminster Kennel Club. Known for her proud aloofness and graceful walk she went on to be quite a success on the Paris runways. 

If you would like to commission a special Love Portrait of your own LuLu or any other pet, I have more information on my website.

In the meantime, if you would like to "adopt" this little painting, you can purchase here. $185

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Dog Days of Summer - Shep - Dog Portrait by Deb Kirkeeide

Shep | 6x6 Oil | ©2016 Deb Kirkeeide

Shep is a happy-go-lucky fella, always happy and ready for any kind of fun and love you might want to throw his way!

My intentions were to make these portraits a daily challenge. However, I miscalculated how much I had on my plate. Intentional and unintentional. Gotta go with the flow!

These little dog portraits are a lot of fun and I still have a few more in me. If you would like to commission a special Love Portrait of your own pet, I have more information on my website

In the meantime, if you would like to "adopt" one of these little guys, you can purchase here. $185

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Dog Days of Summer - Dog Portrait original art by Deb Kirkeeide

Oscar | 6x6 Oil | ©2016 DebKirkeeide

This is Oscar. If he were a character in a movie, I imagine him as the friendly owner of the corner bar. Always ready with a hearty greeting, a joke and a mug of beer!

I'm celebrating the Dog Days of Summer by painting a series of small dog portraits this month. Dogs are so fun and full of personality, each a character on its own. And they always make me smile.

If you have a special dog (or cat or any other kind of pet!) in your life that you want to celebrate, let me paint one for you! For more information please visit my website!

Sunday, July 24, 2016

A Superior View - Lake Superior Landscape painting

A Superior View
12 x 9 Oil 
©2016 Deb Kirkeeide

Mother Superior Called … and I answered.
Lake Superior that is. Each time she called, her voice offered a promise of comfort and nurturing.
I finally answered.
The last few months (years?) have been a bit stressful. I hadn’t realized how much of that I was carrying but I knew I needed to get away to the shores of the big lake.
Armed with journal, sketchbook, paints and absolutely no agenda other than to just be, I headed north to the Grand Marais area, just 60 miles from the Canadian border.

“Be still and the Earth speaks to you”  ~ Navaho Proverb
I watched, listened and let her speak.
She spoke through the mournful call of the loons and the playful antics of the crows that visited each day. Through the gentle fall of rain and the occasional roll of thunder. The lake sang her songs, the pulse of her heart repeating in the waves. Breezes whispered to the trees, their answers in the rustling of the leaves. Love showed up in heart shaped stones I found along the shore. Majesty came in the form of a russet colored buck crossing the road in front of me. Delight came in the thousands of wildflowers lining the roads. So delightful, that I just wanted to give the Earth a big old hug!
Not being completely cut off from civilization, I explored the galleries, discovered new artists, checked out the art fair in Grand Marais, read articles and stories each leading me to a little more clarity and inspiration. I was led to the overreaching theme of nature, her healing and our connections to all of her lessons. 
This painting was my view while I was up there. It was glorious!
A Superior View                                                                                                                9x12 Oil  $435 purchase here 


Sunday, April 17, 2016

Lucille Is Just Passin' Through - White Chicken Orginal Oil Painting by Minnesota Artist Deb Kirkeeide

Miss Lucille
12 x 16  Oil on Hardboard Panel
Please Inquire if Interested in Purchase
©2016 Deb Kirkeeide

It's spring! Here in Minnesota it arrived about 6 weeks ahead of schedule and at the moment it feels more like summer. But Mother Nature in all her unpredictable glory, likes to keep us on our toes!
I do love hearing the birds again in the morning and the spring peepers in the evenings. 


Spring has brought lots of change and several shows and events. If you are in Massachusetts, South Hamilton to be exact, I have three paintings in True North's Gallery's Outfoxed show. I also have a selection of spring birds at the gallery as well.

 For anyone in Minnesota, there is a great show at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts called Menagerie. I have several pieces in this as well. It's a wonderfully curated show with a lot of diversity and interpretations of animals in art.

And in two weeks I will be part of the Lake Minnetonka Studio Tour. If you are in the area, stop by!

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Winter Shadows Abstract Winter Landscape Deb Kirkeeide

Winter Shadows
8x6 Oil on panel
©2016 Deb Kirkeeide


Does it count as plein air when it is painted from my window?
How about if I paint with the windows thrown wide open?

This was painted from my studio window during one our recent plunges into the deep freeze this winter. I admit it, I am not a hardy, do or die for my art, type of plein air painter. But I sure do admire those who are dedicated to painting in our Minnesota winters.

This is a bit different in style for me and I like this one.

I was painting at my easel and the winter shadows caught my eye, so I quickly tried to lay down the foundations as the light changed faster than I could mix the paint. I decided I liked the simplicity and spontaneity of it and let it be.

Purchase

Please visit my website and blog for more!

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Blue Bunny - Original rabbit painting by Deb Kirkeeide

Blue Bunny
 6x6 Oil on hardwood SOLD
©2016 Deb Kirkeeide

This would probably be more fitting for springtime but somewhere in the world, I believe there is a bunny sitting in the grass, in the sunshine.

I've lived in my house for about twelve years now and have encountered a lot of wildlife in my backyard but never a bunny until a couple years ago. And where there is one, eventually another ( or more) shows up. Surprisingly there has only been one other. Mama's little one joined in the fun this summer. They would venture out from beneath the deck and snack on the many dandelion greens growing in my yard. The little one would venture about the yard each time going farther  and going into the neighbor's yards. I would watch for her and warn her of the dangers out there. (I am very protective of my little ones!) I don't see her much in the winter but I am seeing tracks in the snow so I know she/they are still around. Isn't she cute? Her name is Charlotte.

As always, visit my website for more paintings!

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Light Keeper - Original Raven Myth painting by Deb Kirkeeide

"Light Keeper" 6x6 oil on panel 185.00 Purchase


Happy New Year to everyone! I hope these recent weeks of celebration and festivities have been Merry and Bright for everyone!

Another little raven piece. Light Keeper. Bringing light to the world. Kind of appropriate for this dark winter time of year.

As always, visit my website for more paintings!

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Petite Bouquet de Fleurs - Floral by Deb Kirkeeide


Petite Bouquet de Fleurs
6x6 Oil on panel
©2015 Deb Kirkeeide

Fall has arrived and in Minnesota it comes with crisp nights and taunts of frost in the air.
I gathered the few remains of my summer blooms and they are residing in one of my little wine glasses. (that's how small this bouquet is!) 

Deb Kirkeeide Fine Art
website and blog

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Private Eyes Are Watching You - Owl Painting - by Deb Kirkeeide

Private Eyes Are Watching You
10 x 8 Oil
©2015 Deb Kirkeeide


Sometimes paintings seem to arrive with a name the minute they are finished.
And other times I stare at it for hours and come up empty. As I was photographing this one, the song Private Eyes (Hall and Oates I believe) popped in out of the blue and got stuck in the playlist in my head. So I went with it!

And somehow it makes sense. Owls have those big eyes that can probably see through walls or something. So they watch. Hidden in the trees. Cloaked in darkness. And if they can hear mice running under 3 feet of snow, then they are listening to us too!

$450 - Purchase here

 Visit my blog or website for more!

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Waiting at the Edge of Dusk - Barred Owl Painting - Deb Kirkeeide

Waiting At The Edge of Dusk
12 x 9 Oil 
©2015 Deb Kirkeeide

I currently have 5 pieces in an owl exhibition at True North Gallery in Massachusetts. If you are in the area, please stop in for the reception this Saturday. It looks to be a wonderful show!



This painting is not one of them.

Had I intuited that this show opportunity was coming up, I might have finished this (and another) in 
time to be included!

I love owls.  I find them mystical and magical. Probably because they are rarely seen. Their presence only coming into our consciousness by their lonely call in the dark of the night.

Monday, October 5, 2015

"Semblance" Art Opening

(Putting the finishing touches a couple minutes before the opening)

This past weekend was the opening of "Semblance" my first solo art show at the Fox Tax Gallery. It was such an amazing time to have so many people come out and see the work I have been producing.  A special thank you to Fox Tax Gallery for giving me the opportunity in showing at their beautiful gallery and thank you to everyone that came out and made that evening a special one to remember.

With this show I wanted to push my paintings in a new direction. I wanted to explore the boundaries of modern art that is influenced by colors and patterns and see if it can sustain with a classical/neo classical figure. The figures were kept in a classical pose with patterns and bold colors intersecting through out the body and background. I was definitely not in familiar territory when producing these paintings which also made it more exciting to create. I think as artist we must always evolve and see how far we can challenge ourselves. For me the challenge was going outside my comfort zone of painting still life's and figures and try to produce a body of work that is unique, original and speaks to me.

The other half of the show was dedicated to ball point pen drawings. They are unique in their own right and thought having them with my paintings was only a natural thing to do. I wanted to draw people with beards for the most part, I have a fascination of interesting faces with cool mustaches or crazy looking beards. Either way its destined to produce an interesting drawing...hopefully.  Ball point pen drawings have always been a form of practice for me, I can't always carry a brush and paint everywhere I go so drawing with a pen has been the closest thing.  I never really thought of showing these in the past until my wife saw them and thought it would be a good idea to start showing them.  These drawings I made for the show were a lot of fun as some of these models were found locally at shops or people I ran into in the streets. The drawings were as fun to produce as the paintings were.

(This night before the opening.)

As you can see from the picture above, I mixed the drawings with the paintings as far as set up goes. This gave a good flow from one drawing to one painting. The following pictures are in order how it was set up in the show.



"The Bearded Lady"
Ball Point Pen



"Darling"
Oil on Linen

"Ultra Man"
Ball Point Pen

"Logic & Belief"
Oil on Linen

"Curly"
Ball Point Pen

"Catching Light"
Oil on Linen

"Seiler"
Ball Point Pen

"Ivan Kramskoy Study"
Ball Point Pen


"Lady Sublime"
Oil on Linen

"Ruben & Ribera Study"
Ball Point Pen

"Technicolor"
Oil on Linen

"Prismatic Repose"
Oil on linen


"Ruffles"
Ball Point Pen

"Hypnos"
Oil on Linen

"Old Sport"
Ball Point Pen


I wanted to say a special thank you to my beautiful wife. The person who helped me with my work in improving them with her sharp eye and constructive critiques, I can not imagine the results without her.  The person who made sure I didn't have to worry about anything else other than getting ready for the show.  She is truly the best thing that has ever happened to me and I am really blessed to have her by my side. Thank you!

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Barn Owl In Flight - original painting by Deb Kirkeeide

Barn Owl In Flight
6x6x1.5 Oil on Cradled Hardboard
SOLD

©2015 Deb Kirkeeide

I love this little painting! This is one of those paintings that when I get done and take a closer look, I wonder how I did that!  I especially love the color palette with the soft grays and warm tones. 

This one may reincarnate in a larger version. Though I'm sure it won't look the same!

Please visit my blog or website for more! 

Sunday, September 13, 2015

He's So Vain - Peacock Paintng by Deb Kirkeeide

He's So Vain
8x8 Oil on Gesso Panel
©2015 Deb Kirkeeide. 

While in Salt Lake City recently, I spent some time at the Tracy Aviary getting my bird fix.
As we walked the grounds, we crossed paths with this roaming peacock. He really did seem to give the impression that he knew he was really quite stunning. 

If you are ever in the SLC area be sure to check the aviary out. It's really quite nice and informative.

Please visit my blog or website for more! 

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Hill Crest - Landscape Southern MN Plein Air - Deb Kirkeeide

Hill Crest
6x8 oil on linen panel

©2015 Deb Kirkeeide

This is another painting from my outing in July. As you can see Minnesota is very green in the summer! I sometimes long for the colors of the west with it's multitude of colors but I confess after spending time in Utah recently with it's dry and very hot conditions, I was happy to see the greens and the multitude of lakes and trees  as we descended into Minneapolis. 

I do love this state.

For more please visit my blog or website