Newsletter Page

You'll want to check out the new Newsletter page added to my website. Current news will be added each month in the format shown below.

Updates for January 2011

• In the News: Held Over, Reflections of Yosemite

• In a Word: Thoughts Regarding 2011

• In the Know: Product Update, Card Shop News

• Archived Letters: Holiday Show 2010

Hope you enjoy! Email me with your ideas and comments by using the contact form located on the website as well. Go to www.babcockoriginals.com.

Blessings to all for a grand new year!

Jim

Held Over

Two original paintings remain on exhibit at Sierra Hills Framing & Gallery. These two paintings have been held over  from December's holiday show titled, Reflections of Yosemite. Purchase inquires can be made by contacting gallery owner Tom Jones of Sierra Hills Framing. An extended 10% discount will apply towards the purchase of these two paintings.

Morning on Merced
24 x 36, oil on board
Copyright 2010 James English Babcock

Aspen Glow
24 x 36, oil on board
Copyright 2010 James English Babcock

Contact
Sierra Hills Framing & Gallery
531 G Street
Lincoln, CA  95648
Map/Directions

(916) 645-1144
sh@sierrahillsframing.com

Reflections of Yosemite

Do you love Yosemite and all its splender? How would you like to take  a trip during the fall season when the hardwoods are dressed to the nines in brilliant hues of amber glow, or perhaps an exhilarating hike up one of its many trails to vistas unseen? Well, that trip can be as close as your own backyard or a weekend jaunt to the foothills just twenty-five minutes north of Sacramento, California.

Yes, this holiday season, you are invited to attend an artist reception hosted by gallery owner Tom Jones of Sierra Hills Framing & Gallery, featuring a collection of works created from my many hiking adventures to Yosemite Valley, and several other High-Sierra backpacking trips.

This reception is in conjunction with the City of Lincoln's Christmas Parade and Tree-lighting event, held in Historic Downtown Lincoln. So, please come out early, you won't want to miss the other festivities, as its old fashion holiday spirit will kindle a warm glow in your heart as you prepare for your own holiday gathering.

Doors open for this event Sunday evening, December 4th, 2010 at 5:30 pm and run until 8:30 pm. The exhibit will be ongoing until January 6, 2011. I am looking forward to visiting with you as you are out and about this holiday season. Refreshments will be served and further details of this event can be found in the news release below this post.

Thoughtfully,

James 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 10, 2010

Event Contact: Tom Jones
Sierra Hills Framing & Gallery
Phone: (916) 645-1644

Artists Reception and Exhibit
Hosted by Sierra Hills Framing & Gallery

Lincoln, CA - Sierra Hills Framing & Gallery will feature a collection of works showcasing Yosemite Valley and other High-Sierra vistas by award winning representational landscape artist James English Babcock. This event is held in conjunction with the City of Lincoln's Holiday Parade and Tree-lighting event held annually in Historic Downtown Lincoln.


During this free event James will meet and greet while answering your questions regarding his heart for painting landscape art and sharing from his many hiking and backpacking experiences in the beautiful Sierra Mountains. Refreshments will be served at this evenings event.


EVENT DETAILS:

Art Reception & Exhibit featuring local Artist James English Babcock
Sunday, December 4, 2010, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
No Admission Charge

531 G Street, Suite B, Lincoln, CA 95648 (Historic Downtown Lincoln)

Directions: (Link to this location provided by Google Maps)

Phone: (916) 645-1644

Email: sh@sierrahillsframing.com

Website: http://www.sierrahillsframing.com

Fabulous Show Extended by Popular Demand!

You won't want to miss!
ArtStock 2010 

Extended Show Dates until December 31, 2010

Directions: www.highhandgallery.com

EARLIER LINK TO THIS POST

Artistic Talent Collaborated!

Come join me at this outstanding venue exhibiting an array of very talented artists. One of my original pieces, Fall Morning Light, will be on display for viewing as well. Celebrating High Hand Gallery ArtStock 2010 This month long Sculpture and Large Format Painting Exhibition will delight your senses and feed your soul. High Hand Gallery is currently the 4th Place winner of KCRA 3's A-List. "BEST Art Gallery 2010" Savor this unique self-guided tour in the historic High Hand fruit shed showcasing local artists. This is a free event and is open to the public. Additional events during the ongoing exhibit are: Sunday, October 3 Harpist Beverly Hoehn will be playing at High Hand Gallery beginning at 1:15 p.m. This is a free event. 3rd Saturday Art Walk Reception - Saturday, October 16th, Encore Cafe will be playing from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. There will be light appetizers. This is a free event. Friday, October 22, Flute & Didjerido concert featuring David Blonski from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. There is a $15.00 fee for this concert event. ArtStock is sponsored by High Hand Gallery and High Hand Nursery and Conservatory. __________________________________________________ For more information go to www.highhand.com. Remember these dates! October 1st - November 7th, 2010 LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE.

Supporting LOTTERY for the ARTS!

Join me in support of Roseville Arts LOTTERY for the ARTS, see my donated piece, and take home an original work of art!

The Lottery for the Arts is a fund-raising event that provides art collectors with an opportunity to acquire original works of fine art, while supporting a non-profit organization and community of artists.

For more information follow this link!

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.

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 listed in the links and news release below.

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...

__________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Karen Killebrew

                      (530) 885-5670

                      karen@PlacerArts.org

Enjoy Art Around Town during August 12 Auburn Art Walk

 

November 5, 2010, Auburn – The public is invited to enjoy the Auburn Art Walk , a free city-wide reception from 6 to 9pm on Thursday, August 12. The Art Walk will showcase original works of art displayed in thirty-four local businesses and venues throughout Downtown and Old Town Auburn.  Artists will be on hand to meet the public and talk about their work.

A total of 31 venues will participate including new venues Eclectic Home downtown on Lincoln Way and Lighthouse Real Estate & Art Gallery in Old Town.

First time Auburn Art Walk artists include Linda Hao of Sacramento showing her oil paintings at Audio Editions;  Marilyn Anhalt of Lincoln showing Ceramics at Avantgarden; Grass Valley artist   Yvonne Roberson showing oil, acrylic & pastels at Monkey Cat; Jan Newell, Colfax, showing oil paintings at Creative Urges and Lincoln artist James English Babcock showing oil paintings at Latitudes.

Special student shows include the “Native Clay Experience” by ceramics students of D. Pierre Butler at The Arts Building; and a Youth Advisory Commission exhibit at Auburn City Hall. Also at City Hall will be state flowers created by Linda Pietz’ Placer School for Adults students and “planted” on the lawn, which won an award at the California State Fair. Me Gusta Baby! will show the work of students in their new art classes.

The Arts Building Gallery will feature the Pastel Society of the West’s annual membership exhibit. The Sierra Nevada Native Alliance will sponsor Native America flutes and drums at The Arts Building.

Pick up a map of the August Auburn Art Walk, including all artists’ names and venue locations, at The Arts Building, 808 Lincoln Way in Auburn, or at any participating venue. The map is also available online at PlacerArts.org/artwalk. For those who wish assistance moving about the walk, a free shuttle is provided.

Further information about many of the artists may be found on PlacerArts’ online Artist Registry at registry.placerarts.org.

Auburn Art Walks are held on the second Thursdays in April, June, August, and October. Since 1994 art enthusiasts have enthusiastically enjoyed an evening of strolling through the beautiful foothill community of Auburn, enjoying art and art demonstrations, fine food and live entertainment. Art works are for sale and remain on display for two months in partnership with the host business venue.

Auburn Art Walk is presented by PlacerArts in cooperation with the Auburn Arts Commission and the Downtown Business Association. PlacerArts is the Arts Council of Placer County, a non-profit, public benefit agency, and the designated state-local partner of the California Arts Council for the County of Placer. For more information call PlacerArts at (530) 885-5670 or visit www.PlacerArts.org.                         

* * *

Find more about these artists on PlacerArts’ online Artist Registry: 

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 ARTWORK OF ARTIST JAMES ENGLISH BABCOCK
SHOW RUNS UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

Venue location and operating hours

See related post: Merging Two Artistic Talents

North Coast Inspiration

Drakes Bay Farmhouse

24 x 36

Oil on Canvas

$1,850.00

In September of 2006, my wife and I took a hike along Point Reyes National Seashore at the beginning of our honeymoon stay, along California's North Coast, before heading out for higher elevations in the Sierra's for the rest of our trip. This lovely farmhouse setting adjacent to Drakes Bay caught my eye and as usual I photographed much of our adventure that day, knowing that I would eventually paint this trip. 

Drakes Bay Farmhouse is the first of what has transpired from this inspirational trip.  Below this post, I have inserted an original photographic image of this scene, to give you an idea of the reference material I use for creating my paintings. As I remembered it, the sun played hide and seek for a good portion of the day.  I chose to capture, in my painting, the  moments of brilliant light that filtered in intermittently through the clouds, creating a brighter hue of gold upon the hillside meadows and lighting up the bay with a fuller, richer shade of blue, giving my painting a brighter tone than the photograph itself.

Currently the original painting, Drakes Bay Farmhouse, is on display at The Place! Gallery until the end of June 2010, after which you may inquire about it's purchase by contacting  Babcock Originals studio office. Contact form and information link have been made available  through my website at www.babcockoriginals.com

Point Reyes National Seashore

Autumn Canopy Gets It's Day in the Sun

PlacerArts League Juried Open Show
James English Babcock 
Exhibiting Autumn Canopy

The Placer Artist League invites the public  to attend the annual Open Juried Show at Lincoln Arts Gallery in Lincoln, California, opening Tuesday June 14 and running through Friday, July 30. Acclaimed Artist/Sculptor Douglas Van Howd will jury this event.

Artist Reception at Lincoln Arts Gallery
Saturday, June 24th
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Location:
Lincoln Arts Gallery

580 6th Street
Lincoln, CA  95684

Among The Fifty

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                                                                                                                                          Media Contact:

Beth Rohlfes

blrohles@rosevillearts.org

(916) 783-4117

Juried show at The Blue Line Gallery

50 Members Featured

ROSEVILLE, Calif., May 25, 2010—Roseville Arts’ Juried Membership Show opens at the Blue Line Gallery on June 19, featuring the work of 50 artists selected by jurors Pamela Skinner and Gwenna Howard.

A variety of 2- and 3-dimensional media will be represented in the exhibit, including works in photography, painting, mixed media and metals. The featured artists come from as far away as South Lake Tahoe, Davis and El Dorado Hills and will all be considered for $1000 in cash awards. While awards are not new to Roseville Arts’ previous 37 annual membership shows, this is the first time members’ work has had to be juried into the annual exhibit.  

“We were very honored to be chosen as the jurors for your first juried membership show,” said Pamela Skinner, who with Gwenna Howard owns and manages the Pamela Skinner/Gwenna Howard/Contemporary Art Gallery in Sacramento.  “We concentrated on the image in front of us and approached the judging very methodically.  We looked very closely at what we thought the artist tried to accomplish and how successful they were in this effort.”  

The exhibit opens June 19 with an artists’ reception, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m., and will continue in the gallery through August 14, 2010. Awards will be announced at 7:30 pm during the opening reception. 

_____________________________

CHECK IT ALL OUT AT

http://bluelinegallery.blogspot.com/2010/05/juried-show-at-blue-line-gallery.html
_______________________________

April Showers Bring May Flowers!

A couple of daisies for the pickin', seed for the sower, or money in the bank, however you want to look at it, simply put, I'm grateful for last months plucked ark work sold at 20th Street Art Gallery's 20-20 Spring Show. It all becomes a reinvestment in the art I create in order to continue growing and learning. Additionally, doing the stuff of art is a whole lot of fun and a great joy when someone finds a piece of art, I have created, that speaks to their heart. 

Anyway, just a reminder to come on out for the next 2nd Saturday Art Walk in Midtown Sacramento, May 8th, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm. This new body of work, Shades of Jade in 8 x 8: Northern California Rivers and Creeks, will be on exhibit until the 29th of this month. 

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Links to this post...

     Shake a Leg!

     Sneak Peek: Shades of Jade.... 
     Calendar of Events 
     20-20 Spring Show

Golden Glow, Illuminating Light

Aspen Glow

30 x 40, oil on board

Golden Aspen's aglow along Yosemite Valley's Merced River, portray evening's illuminating light reflecting upon quiet waters. This newest oil painting has been posted to my website, Babcock Originals, Archived Collections, 2009.

Check out earlier blog post, Capturing Autumn Light, for more on  inspiring moments spent in Yosemite Valley.

Sneak Peek: Shades of Jade in 8 x 8

Dare to Do!  You want what, a consistent theme of twenty 8 x 8 paintings completed in three months? Do you realize I still work a 50 hour a week job on top of this challenge to do! Well, these are some of the thoughts that have run through my mind in the last several weeks since I accepted this new show challenge, beginning April 7th, where my newest body of work will be exhibited. 

Now, PLEASE, DON’T GET ME WRONG…I’m not complaining…REALLY, just feeling somewhat like I’ve bit-off a little more than I can chew. But, I’ve accepted the task at hand and I will complete it with the upmost commitment to excellence, regardless of the fact that when I accepted the challenge, I hadn’t planned on substantial hour changes with my day job.

For sometime now, I’ve been feeling the need to set several new challenges for myself, and with regard to my art,  I’d thought perhaps painting smaller would be a way to go, as most of my work up to this point has been large. So, here I am tackling this large project in “8 x 8’s”, alias “Small by Small”.

Anyway, I just thought I’d give you a sneak peek at what I’m calling “Shades of Jade”. It’s just a few pieces of what I’ve created around my chosen theme, “Northern California’s Rivers and Creeks”, for this years “20/20 Spring Show”  held by one of Sacramento’s Midtown Galleries, the 20th Street Art Gallery. I’ll keep you posted as I get closer to that date. In the mean time I’m working and painting and painting and working. That’s about it!

Until next Blog post….Jim

There’s an “E” in Reward!

Roseville Arts 33rd Annual Open Show at the Blue Line Gallery was quite an exciting event. As a first of its kind for me, I was astonished at the vast and remarkable collection of art on display,  and couldn’t have been more proud to have been selected as one of the exhibiting artists for this years annual event.  I found myself internally repeating throughout the night, “WOW, how amazing is this…to show among such talent!”

In defining my experience during the evening’s event, I’d say it was another excellent opportunity for this emerging artist to educate himself on the many aspects of becoming an active participant in the exciting  and eclectic world of art.   The best part, meeting fellow artists and establishing positive connections and feedback about our trade, as well as sharing the joy of those who received awards for their outstanding artistic accomplishments. It was quite an inspiration for me!

Juror Shelly Willis, director of the city and county Art in Public Places Program   

Curator Beth Rohlfes of Roseville Art's Blue Line Gallery

Although I took no awards this time around, there are a few key elements that one does receive for his efforts if he applies himself wholeheartedly to his trade, remembering to keep in mind the other aspects of REWARD. Therefore, in my quest to aptly define for you what represents the “other aspects” of reward for me, I did a little research in Webster's  Dictionary and Thesaurus of terms. You’ll find the “E” in reward specified in these four expressions.

• Elected:  to be selected by vote; to be chosen (especially by preference
• Exposure: the condition of being presented to view or made known
• Encouragement: to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope; the raising of one's confidence especially by an external agency
• Excellence: eminently good, superior, first-class

Eastside Sunset, 2' x 4', oil on canvas

Needless to say, I think  you get what I  intend to express, it’s that deep sense of pride and satisfaction one receives when  he first sees his hard work and faithful efforts moving forward by election and exposure. Than, as encouragement steps up to play, bolstering his confidence even more, he gains greater motivation in his pursuit of excellence. 

Daybreak, 36" x 40", oil on canvas

So, stay with me in the coming weeks, I’ll be posting info regarding the new work I’m creating for this years exhibit in the “20/20 Show” at Sacramento’s 20th Street Art Gallery. I’m certainly looking forward to this next adventurous opportunity, in showcasing The Art of James English Babcock!

Link to earlier post: Open Show Exhibitors Selected!

More on this Exhibit: Post by Roseville Arts Blog...Good Morning Everyone! A great review from Victoria Dalkey of the Sacramento Bee for our 33rd Annual Open Show--"Worth a trip to Roseville." The exhibit is featured on the front page of the Ticket Section and a two-page spread on page 6. It's a wonderful exhibit not to be missed! Enjoy!!!!!33rd Annual Roseville Arts Open Exhibition well worth the drive - Sacramento Entertainment - The Sacramento Bee.

Merging Two Artistic Talents

Fine food with fine art!

Currently, I have the pleasure of exhibiting my artwork at one of Sacramento's cozy restaurant spots. Evans Kitchen is nestled in among East Sacramento's 57th Street Antique Row, where award winning owner Chef Evan Elsberry has been cooking up delectable delights for many years. When he was interested in changing up the recipe for a new look in his dining room....new art was on the menu this time.  Needless to say, when the inquiry and invitation came my way I went with portfolio in hand hoping that what I had to offer would fit well with what he had in mind. Long story short, he loved what I created, and I'm in.

So, the next time you are "out and about" East Sacramento you will definitely want to give this charming restaurant venue a visit. Palate to palette its a two for one deal; fine food and fine art!

Evans Kitchen and Catering

Fine California Eclectic Cuisine 

East Sacramento, in the 57th Street Antique Row

855 57th Street, Suite C

Sacramento, California

916-452-3896

Tue - Sat: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Sunday: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Showcasing The Art of James English Babcock: February 1st through July 31st, 2010. (Show extended by request until December 31, 2010)                        

Etsy.com

I so appreciate the many tools offered to us online. Etsy.com is a tool for purchasing or selling all things handmade. So, just follow the link below; you will find a list of my works for sale there.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheArtOfJamesBabcock

James Babcock is @ THE PLACE! GALLERY

Currently, my art is showing at one of Placer County's newest art galleries. Located in the heart of old town Lincoln, California, is a lovely new art gallery, named The Place! Owners Bonnie Dunlap, Jean Cross, and Kathy Dorsey have gladly signed contract with me; placing several Giclee reproductions of my work. These archival works of art, numbered, with certificate of authenticity, can be purchased at a very reasonably cost compared to original work. So, stop by and check it out; lots of great art by other local artists as well.

Gallery hours and location can be found by following these links below

• http://events.sacbee.com/lincoln-ca/venues/show/1186616-the-place-gallery
• http://my.lincolnnewsmessenger.com/detail/136384.html

Oh, and by the way, you might want to take a stroll around town and visit some of the other quaint little shops, restaurants and coffee spots that Lincoln has to offer. The merchants there offer a nice place for a-bit-of-quiet in our busy world, as well as good food and merchandize.