Hot Off the Easel

First Light on Yuba 

30 x 40, acrylic on canvas

James English Babcock © 2010

I began several paintings at the beginning of 2010, subject matter related to my 2009 Fall vacation spent along the Yuba River here in Northern California. Shown here is the first of three paintings I have been working on throughout the year, and I have just finished tying upon loose ends on this one, First Light on Yuba. 

I have always been captivated by the first light of day, so I make it a priority to get up before dawn just to catch that glorious moment, and early morning light upon the North Fork of the Yuba River is incredible. I'm pleased with this piece, but not so with the image I have posted here. I think the next time I'll give myself a little more time before I'm so quick to post a finished piece hot off the easel.  There's a BIG difference in having a painting professionally photographed compared to my indoor photo work, and for all my learning there's still  a lot of room for improvement. Perhaps I'll re-post a new image once I have a pro take his shot at it. 

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this new work as much as I do. Oh, and by the way,  follow the link to related post regarding the inspiration behind this piece from last years vacation painting experience, Dusting off the Ole' Outdoor Easel.

Announcing!

Falls at Monticello

30 x 40, acrylic on linen

James English Babcock © 2010

 

Link to earlier post Adventure at Monticello

Adventure at Monticello

A PICTORIAL ESSAY OF PREP WORK FOR 

FALLS AT MONTICELLO

 

ABOVE THE BEAUTIFUL NAPA VALLEY 

 

ALONG THE SOUTHEASTERN  RIDGE

I VENTURE FORTH

DOWN THE CANYON WALLS

PAST FUNGI FLORETS

 

THROUGH THICKENED FOREST 

 INTO THE CANYON DEEP

 

THERE'S PLENTY OF INSPIRATION ALONG THE WAY

 

BRIGHT LIGHT, DARK SHADOWS

CREATE AN ENCHANTING SCENE

AS I SET-UP FOR MY STUDY

NEAR THE FALLS BELOW MONTICELLO ROAD

MY TRUSTED FRIEND, BUCKEY, 

IS ALWAYS UP FOR A NEW ADVENTURE

Online Presence Pays Off!

When Curator Rosie Stilwell opted for a "new artist on the scene" to exhibit in this years Summer and Fall season of the Auburn Art Walk, she chose to look no further than the many online opportunities that have been made available to artists through art council/gallery and event posting sites.

And, thanks to the shear persistence of my wife's efforts to research every available online opportunity out there, (besides the key presence of our web and blog) and than posting my work and name up on every thing she could get her hands on, it made it a cinch when Rosie went searching. Sometimes I thought, and she did too, that perhaps this was a bit of an overkill. But, if it wasn't for these efforts I believe Rosie would not have found me or my work. It's a lovely thing when someone comes a callin', especially while trying to establish oneself, and it goes to show that persistence in our efforts eventually pays off.

So, thanks to this lovely lady, I'll be showing several different works from my collection of Northern California's Rural Countryside at Latitudes Restaurant. If you ever take a trip to this famous gold rush establishment, OLD TOWN AUBURN, Latitudes is a great place for sharing a gourmet meal fresh from the local farmers market and savoring a glass of wine from Placer County's wine growing region while enjoying the artistry of local artists and musicians. Its one of the Sierra Foothill's fine dining and entertainment spots. Remember to check out dates, times and location for this upcoming event. Looking forward to seeing you out for an evening of fun and relaxation!

Thoughtfully, Jim

• Events and Exhibits Link: Dates, times, and directions

• The Auburn Journal: Plan for an Artistic August in Auburn ... Those new to the Auburn Art Walk include... Lincoln artist James English Babcock showing oil paintings at Latitudes...

Thanks for the Kudos, Sue!

For some time now I have been following Sue Smith's blog, Ancient Artist: Developing an Art Career After 50...WOW, CHECK IT OUT! I would recommend this site to all who are in the business of pursing an art career, whether you are 50 and beyond, or not. Sue has a wealth of experience and incite regarding art and the business of art that many of us could use. I confess it has brought plenty of encouragement my way, more than the author knows. 

 

So, today I would like to say thanks Sue, for all your hard work, many posts and wisdom sent out to us fledgling artists, some of which like me, are still working a full-time job while juggling their art careers.

 

Not long ago, Sue contacted me asking permission to re-post my recent video interview with Roseville Arts Blue Line Gallery to her blog. Below is a copy of her article from her Sunday Salon post regarding this interview. I had no idea that stepping out in accepting an interview and than posting it to my blog would warrant a shared post request.  Thanks once again, Sue, and this time for believing in me and than sharing my idea with more persons than I could have done.

_________________________

Sunday Salon: Sitting Down with James English Babcock

I "met" California artist James English Babcock through Facebook.  Recently, he posted a video for his fans. I thought it was such a great idea that I asked if I could share it on this blog.  How many of us have enjoyed art openings and wondered how we could promote our art beyond the standard email or postcard mailing, or wondered how we could make our blog posting more interactive?  We hear lots of ideas about promoting our art, but how are those other artists  doing it? 

James English Babcock took the opportunity at a recent art opening of his to create a YouTube video interview with himself, which he then posted to Facebook as well as on his blog. It takes a bit of planning, learning how to make and post a video to YouTube, and then arranging for the time at the gallery space before the crowds.  But, wouldn't it be fun to include some of the crowd action, too?  

James English Babcock "is a self taught landscape artist with a focus toward realism," as the bio page on his website will tell you, but the images of his very large format paintings felt to me to be the equivalent of "being there."  I particularly enjoyed reading about how he prefers the back roads and out of the way views of his California Wine Country location, rather than painting the vineyards. I hope you will check out his work. Here is the link to The Art of James English Babcock website and the link to the blog is here.

Link to Earlier Post: An Interview with James English Babcock

A League of Their Own ...

Local news posted by Lincoln News Messenger

Through July 30, Placer Arts League is presenting a juried Fine Arts Competition and Exhibition in the Lincoln Arts and Culture Foundation building at 580 Sixth St.

Auburn resident and Nevada-born sculptor and painter, Douglas Van Howd was juror for the show that features many local artists. You can view his works at www.douglasvanhowd.com.

Lincoln artists include James English Babcock (oil/acrylic).........
...... for more information about the show and Placer Arts League,
visit http://www.placerarts.org/pal.

• View original article through this link
• See earlier blog post: Autumn Canopy Gets It's Day In The Sun

Extended Show Dates at Evans Kitchen

• Featuring the art work of artist James English Babcock
• New dates run until September 30, 2010
• Check out venue link for location and operating hours

Venue Link Information 
See related post: Merging Two Artistic Talents