Up on Top of A Hill

New work! Soon to be listed for sale.

noreply@blogger.com (scott garrette) — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 19:52:00 +0000

I've found some much needed inspiration to push me forward in my creative ventures. Mainly, it came in the form of a new medium I hadn't used previously. Gouache, is a wonderful medium for on-the-go artists. I could go on and on, but, I don't feel like it. =)

I started using Pinterest to capture great inspiration for new patterns and texture ideas. What a great tool!!!

Let me know what you think. Enjoy

A Rainy September Day in New York

noreply@blogger.com (scott garrette) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 19:48:00 +0000

A gray Monday, nearing the end of September.

A good day for indulging in the joys of life, like some fresh homemade lunch and working on some visual satisfaction.

Today's lunch started with an overflow of veggies in the fridge. One of the bonuses of living with others who's schedules are as full as mine, is buying the same things from the market. This gives me another opportunity to use one of my favorite skills, improvising; more specifically, working with what is available.

Ingredients:
Homemade Pesto, made with Basil grown in the front yard, fresh Broccoli, Zucchini, Cucumber and Bow Tie pasta.
I like to chop everything into small pieces so I can just barely cook the veggies. Say 'no' to mushy veggies.
Yum.

There's a small forest just outside of my bedroom window and door to the make-shift studio (also called, garage) below the bedroom. I love walking out of or down to the garage when working on my art. Today's rain and gray sky makes for a perfect autumn day in the forest.

I do my painting in the garage.

This paper is the coolest!

Hopefully, tonight I'll get some time to work on the details with my awesome set of prismacolor pencils.

Volatile Organic Compound's in 2-D

noreply@blogger.com (scott garrette) — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 17:42:00 +0000

Another series that started with some simple designs using Adobe Illustrator. The designs were printed on matte paper then altered with watercolor, and pencil. Then comes the naming, or assigning of meaning, hence VOC: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volatile_organic_compound

I don't know where my imagry comes from... but these pieces affect the environment and human health like VOC's (at least I like to think so.) I like how Robert Motherwell talks about painting, starting with a pure surface, messing it up, then bringing it back to that pure feeling.

Check out www.scottgarrette.etsy.com to see more

RSVP - Today's Creations - from July 2010

noreply@blogger.com (scott garrette) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 16:01:00 +0000

A while back, I started drawing on whatever I could get my hands on, that had a nice clean surface. I needed something readily available, with consistent qualities as well as accepting of multiple mediums... I guess those $4.00 plus boxes of cereal have another use beyond holding the puffed wheat pieces (gold) in a nicely transportable shape for mass consumption, and the aftermath, when the little pieces of gold are gone and all that remains goes to the garbage, or the more politically correct, re-cycling bin.
Then the work begins. With vigor the scissor cuts off the excess fiberboard material, a vision is seen, add pencil and let sit for Days... stacked upon and underneath other like drawings.
When time becomes available, after several weeks of tiring work at the Day Job/s, apply the paint, dry and add colored pencil. Then return to before mentioned stack for complete saturation of desire. This step infers a future maturity of the work and of the individual, but there's a lot to be said for good-intention!
Next.
Cut wood to different sizes to fit... apply fiberboard to wood, determine orientation and return to stack, or possibly paint and seal.
Then.
Cut prints from my design work and photography into strips, squares, circles, or any other shape necessary. Other materials may be gathered and cut as available.
Next.
Apply strips of color (cut prints,...) using LOTS of glue, to the board to finish the space and texture it up. It's OKAY to get sloppy or a little OCD for this step. Be sure to have several pieces-in-progress available for this part, as it's fun and hard to stop.

Paint and varnish may be applied anytime during the process.
Is this the end?...............

New Etsy Listings and Super Deals

noreply@blogger.com (scott garrette) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:06:00 +0000

More originals listed now on www.scottgarrette.etsy.com with super deals you can't afford to miss.

This one is "the rising"
colored pencil and paint on fiberboard mounted on poplar wood panel and sealed.

"round n round" mounted on poplar wood panel.
water color and colored pencil on fiberboard.
part of a series made this past winter (end of 2009, beginning of 2010.)

Acrylic paint, epoxy-resin and torn glossy art prints on board.

lots of texture.

I really love this style. I only made three in this style, but can't wait to make more.

"Over Fire Mountain"

"The Rising" watercolor and colored pencil on fiberboard, mounted on wood and sealed. White paint too...

"innocent"
Colored pencil drawing on some sweet graph paper.
mounted on board and sealed, both sides. It got a little wrinkled, but I like it.
Corners were sanded.

My kids helped me with "Hear the Wind."
Made this one in Raymore, Missouri... maybe 2008...?
marker, pencil(colored), paint, epoxy-resin on birch plywood.

New work 2010

noreply@blogger.com (scott garrette) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 13:43:00 +0000

The new year began with some much needed time off and time on. I took a week off from each of my jobs to focus on some new creations. Painting is my passion and is too often neglected for quicker and cleaner creations. Art is art, and I'm happy anytime I can create, but there is a difference in satisfaction from medium to medium.

I got out the watercolor paints and after cutting apart several fiberboard boxes from Christmas, the painting began. It's been cold, very cold, and my work space is in the unheated garage. Out comes the portable heater... and the stocking hat.

Back in the Game

noreply@blogger.com (scott garrette) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 05:45:00 +0000

It's been six months since I've been able to write anything. I took on another job beginning in June of 09, and have only had time to create. Finally, after six months of working long hours for others, I've found the time and energy to create and write to you about it.
This series of stripes was created in the month of May 09, just before my responsibilities increased dramatically. Starting with a pencil line sketch and adding color with watercolor paint to help bring my visions to life. I see these works as meditative pleasures... maybe more pleasure for myself, but hopefully for others. When you look at them, and let your eyes and mind begin to evaluate the arrangement of color, line and texture, you'll see certain shapes jump forward, others move back and around to front again. A whole universe within simple lines and color emerge.
There is plenty of room for interpretation, but it is left to you to make the connections, follow the lines and determine the outcome within yourself. Each piece is 'finished' by each viewer... in a different way.
Look at these lines. Is this unfinished, or 'in progress'?... maybe the empty space is there for a reason. Now focus on the green area. Moving up from the bottom, are the colored shapes (lines) pushing forward, or in front of the green? Is there any implied movement? Where are the defined shapes? Are they shapes joining together, or falling apart? Where does your eye take you?

There may not be anything profound about these pieces, nothing revolutionary... but when I take the time to gaze onto the paper with these lines and color, I feel a peace that is necessary for happiness and sanity.

Enjoy the Dance

noreply@blogger.com (scott garrette) — Sun, 31 May 2009 14:57:00 +0000

Continued from Lost to Convenience

Temperatures this Spring have been mild, with a few Hot and Sunny days. Leaves are out in full force and the mowers are humming in the neighborhoods. I'm drawn to the Southern view looking down the Hudson River towards New York City. The Tappan Zee Bridge connecting the Eastern and Western banks and a 'retirement complex' where I would not mind landing in my older years.

Away from the River and down the stone trail several 'black-leaf' trees stand in contrast to the monotony of the 'green-leaf' neighbors. The gentle hand of the wind is seen in the low lying field as it persuades the long grass to dance. The song will soon be over as the humming motors approach, enjoy the dance.

©scott garrette 2009

Lost to Convenience

noreply@blogger.com (scott garrette) — Sun, 31 May 2009 10:52:00 +0000

I sometimes forget how much time I spend inside thinking about all the things I want to do.

My 6 year old daughter asked to go to the park with the "twisty" trees. Friday afternoon, no other obligations... Let's go. After the half-hour drive South and a bit West, we're there. My favorite outdoor spot to date in Westchester Co., New York. The kids wake up from the road trance and put on their curiosity and excitement. I... get my camera and tune out the days' worries. The vegetation is tall from all the rain this Spring. Soon, it will be slashed and thrown to the ground and the simple beauty will be lost to convenience.

to be continued...

Silence and Fog

noreply@blogger.com (scott garrette) — Thu, 28 May 2009 18:49:00 +0000

A view from inside the clouds
covering the ground
and reaching up into the sky.
Leaves of trees are covered
with dots of water
as they awake from their slumber.
And when the sky is not blue
the green signs of life
rule this landscape,
filling the empty page with color.
Silence comes
when the clouds touch the ground,
as if the land
is under water.

©scott garrette 2009

Roll with it

noreply@blogger.com (scott garrette) — Mon, 25 May 2009 11:29:00 +0000

A good morning for painting.

Started out with the struggle of not knowing what to do. Sat down to draw on the computer, nah. Maybe I'll do some work and research, nah. Watch a show online, browse FB or Twitter... NO!

I'm beginning to appreciate the portability and spontaneity of watercolor. No need to squeeze paint out that will inevitably dry when the days responsibilities awake. Such a simple setup and cleanup. It's great to have options.

I've been working to control my color impulse, the desire to add more and more different colors. It's good to have control, even when I'm preventing a desired action. It's a good example of living life on arts terms.

Making Lemonade

noreply@blogger.com (scott garrette) — Sun, 24 May 2009 10:02:00 +0000

I'll take these lemons, and their sour sting
add some sugar to make it sing
maple syrup hits the spot
with that smooth brown nectar from the tap
Bring me more and I'll set up a shop
and make them into the next things hot
with the cold chill and refreshing sting
I will make these lemons sing.

©scott garrette 2009

Muscoot Farm Westchester New York

noreply@blogger.com (scott garrette) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 17:49:00 +0000

In full bloom.
A quick trip to a farm nearby. Just a couple of miles from the cozy town of Katonah, NY and maybe even Somers, NY.

A beautiful setting with rolling rocky hills.

Wow, there are cows in New York!
Not uncommon where I've lived the past 8 years.

A very proud pig... very large too.

Five little piglets wandering about. They kept getting stuck on the wood step, high-centered, pretty cute and funny to watch.

A Good Morning

noreply@blogger.com (scott garrette) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 12:10:00 +0000

Beginning at 6am
Cool air, no breeze, warm sun and some good coffee in my Father's old coffee mug from long ago.

A little color for starters... a little life.

What to do with something new

noreply@blogger.com (scott garrette) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 09:50:00 +0000

Black and White

or

Color (watercolor, crayon, marker, colored pencil...)?

The Prize in my Cereal Box

noreply@blogger.com (scott garrette) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 19:53:00 +0000

You can imagine my surprise when I opened this cereal box and found these strange markings. I would have felt better about the $6.00 I spent if I knew there were cool markings inside... that's worth the six bucks! totally!

Stories Without Words

noreply@blogger.com (scott garrette) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 07:18:00 +0000

Tell the Story

These are my stories
without words
only lines, then color (sometimes.)

Black & White

noreply@blogger.com (scott garrette) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:34:00 +0000

Pencil and paper. Start with a line
A square might be nice, or seven plus nine.
Break up the space, look at those shapes.
A dream world for all in one place.

Follow the story, please take the time
to look at a line sketched out, of mine.

©scott garrette 2009

Stomping Ground

noreply@blogger.com (scott garrette) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 11:44:00 +0000

Mid morning walk about.
Exploring the area.

I've not seen these waters when it's warm.
As I drive the perimeter I wonder...
If all of these houses on the lake have
a dock, and all of the docks have a boat,
how do they all fit?

There are some amazing properties here.
The hills are awesome here, can't wait
for all the leaves to come out.

Traffic hums by aggressively at times on the windy lakeside road.

Telling Stories

noreply@blogger.com (scott garrette) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 05:50:00 +0000

Through the sliding Glass Door
I step and look up
into the nights sky
and see the stories drawn
in the darkness

Like street lights in the distance
make clear the pathway
make audible the sounds
of the spheres as they spin

In that darkness speak
through soft tones
of the stories drawn
by the light

©scott garrette 2009

Out the back door

noreply@blogger.com (scott garrette) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:39:00 +0000

Just beyond the back door of the house in Raymore, MO where I once lived, sits a lonely field. Development swallowed it's neighbors to the East and North and on it's Western border is 71 HWY. It won't be long before this peaceful pasture of the past becomes a street, a lawn and a building site.

Within one square foot of this peaceful land I found hundreds of beautifully inspiring natural arrangements.

One day these images will be the only reminder of what once was... a visual eulogy.

I sat and watched through the lens of my camera as the wind blew this plant into and out of focus while snapping shots in different locations... frozen movement.

to the west

A place I will not soon forget.

©scott garrette 2009

Till nothing's hot

noreply@blogger.com (scott garrette) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 23:24:00 +0000

Till nothing's hot

excuse me if I don't stir the pot
let it all burn till nothing's hot
and the fire that started it all
is dead

there is no room for listening ears
it is all filled up with anxiety's tears
only patience can withstand the cold
that follows

we have no time
we must hurry and stop
that we may go again
even sooner still
and warm our hands
beside the fire

©scott garrette 2009

Freedom I can't find

noreply@blogger.com (scott garrette) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 20:55:00 +0000

It... what is it?

The sun is out today. Clouds moving steadily across the sky while a jet plane soars high above cutting through the blue that mends itself again.

I don't know what I'm looking for - trying to find something - feeling like I need to find something.

*this image is not in production yet. i'd love to print this one on vinyl and have it go from floor to ceiling*

©scott garrette 2009

Giving You Free Tunes

noreply@blogger.com (scott garrette) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 19:18:00 +0000

Want some free music from a Regular Guy? Come on by. Recorded at my home using Garage Band. Not much editing or production, pretty straight up in 1-2 takes.

http:// www.myspace.com/scottegarrette

A Man Named Douglas

noreply@blogger.com (scott garrette) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 07:33:00 +0000

Oh there's a few rocks in the road
and one knocked my tire loose
all i can do is drive in fear
just a few more minutes here

I need a mechanic
but where can i find
someone who knows the time

The words are not here
the pain is so clear
all I can do is drive

With this banging and clicking right under my feet
my souls grow weary
over the mountains
through the streams
while the rain pours from the sky

Just a few meters ahead I'm told
I will find a man named douglas
one look and he knew
I needed new shoes

©scott garrette 2009