Kanna Aoki Studio

Trying again

2011-07-29T21:12:00.000-07:00

Well, I think it's time to revisit this blog. Rather than duplicate what I'm posting on my facebook page (a weekly update on whatever I've been working on), I think I will use this space to post small paintings for sale (which I ordinarily do not show on my website).

week six 2011

2011-02-12T15:26:00.000-08:00

As part of an artist talk I attended a while ago, someone from the audience asked a question of the panel of three artists. "If you could just stay in your studio and paint all the time, would you choose to do that, or is it important to share your work with the outside world?" I used to think that all I needed was to create, but I now realize that that is only part of the process.

This week a few large paintings found new homes. One is going with a family relocating to another country... they're taking the painting with them to remind them of their time in California. Other people have shared that a painting brings back memories of a loved one... or that it makes them see the world a little differently, or just that they love it. These are the things that enrich my life and make painting so satisfying.

And two of the three panel artists feel the same way I do.

week five 2011

2011-02-05T17:18:00.000-08:00

Swimmer in progress, 22x28"

I've been meaning to work larger with bigger brushes for quite awhile, and last week a gallery owner suggested I work REALLY big and loose, and then rein in to a more comfortable large size. A good suggestion. Still need to really let loose, but this week I did make a little leap in the direction I want to go...

week three 2011

2011-01-22T22:20:00.000-08:00

Recently I started painting on wood panels as well as my usual stretched canvases. I'm finding that I prefer the smoother, more resistant surface... the brush has more bounce against the wood and leaves crisp, defined brushstrokes. So far I've only used small wood panels, but I'm looking forward to working on much larger panels and see what happens. This week I worked a bit on both types of supports...

Red Hat, oil on wood panel 9x12"

(in progress)

week two 2011

2011-01-16T18:30:00.000-08:00

My paintings are pretty varied this week, working from life and also from reference material I've been wanting to use for a while. I've heard differing opinions on how varied an artist's work 'ought' to be. Some say it's best to have a very consistent body of work and others say they find it boring if things look too much alike. (?)

Windmills (almost finished) oil on canvas

Stinson-Bolinas (almost finished) oil on canvas - SOLD

Miguel (study), oil on canvas

week one 2011

2011-01-08T18:14:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! This year I plan to post a weekly update of the work I'm doing in the studio. You can find the 52 weeks of 2010 on my facebook page.

The hills of Altamont Pass are dotted with wind-turbines and cows, and rise up between the Livermore Valley and Central Valley in California. They can be lush and spring green or a parched golden yellow...

Altamont, Spring, oil on canvas 16x20" - sold

Altamont, Fall (almost done), oil on canvas 16x20"

line

2010-10-25T11:49:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was reminded how much I love line and shape and decided to spend a little time going back to basics. I have a lot of sketches done from life drawing groups languishing in drawers, and went through them to find inspiration to work from. I also had one little sketch from sitting poolside, I'd like to do more of this.

I love Mad Mimi email marketing!

2010-10-21T17:23:00.000-07:00

Current and Upcoming shows

Suspended

2010-09-26T21:14:00.001-07:00

Today I just hung a new show in Emeryville. For the first time - black walls... kinda cool, makes the colors pop.
The name of the show is "Suspended", which is the way I feel when I see something that inspires me. My focus zeros in on a scene or subject and the rest of the world drops away. It's also the way I feel when I am painting and get into the 'zone'. And then again when a piece is finished I get the feeling that the subject/image/gesture/light has been suspended in a moment of time, perhaps relating a moment of calm in our hectic world.

diy framing

2010-09-19T21:22:00.000-07:00

Framing... ugh, the cost, AND the style is so subjective. Personally, I like unframed deep canvases, and when a frame is needed I prefer simple over ornate. I'm so happy to have found a source for raw floater frame moulding which I order chopped to length. I do the finish with one coat of tung oil and 3 coats of polyurethane (okay this is not my favorite part of the process) and a mat black interior. I have more fun putting it all together using joining and clamping equipment.

Portrait in progress

2010-07-30T18:52:00.001-07:00

Today my son asked to sit for a portrait for the first time (neighbor kids all away on vacation!). It's been quite awhile since I've done a live portrait, so it was good practice for me. He sat for several stints, realizing quickly how difficult it can be to sit still doing nothing for lengths of time. He was a good sport though and in the end we acheived a fair likeness. I paid him a little model fee so I'm hoping I'll get another try before too long.

Collaborative project

2010-07-06T20:23:00.000-07:00

I have a friend who suggested I show my work in the Seattle area, and arranged for a show on Bainbridge Island. Thinking of what to show, I came back to the fact that people enjoy seeing the familiar. Since my friend is a resident of the area (and enjoys photography), I asked him to take some wide area photos for me, basically like being my eyes for the place. From his wide view I can hone in on subjects/compositions for paintings. This will be a new exercise for me, working from someone else's photos, seeing through someone else's eyes. I'm curious to see if the process creates a sense of place for the locals.

In addition to finding inspiration through someone else's view, I'm also seeing how I like working small on wood panels instead of on stretched canvas.

Open Studio

2010-06-12T21:09:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a hot and windy day! It was so nice that people still came by. I always like hearing people's comments and impressions about my work.
The very best thing I heard today was from a young boy who said to his mom before leaving, "When we get home, can I paint?"

"You could be the Artist Laureate of Cal Trans" -- a comment I received yesterday at my open studio :)

2010-06-06T07:27:00.000-07:00

Freeway, Sunday Morning 24x48" - SOLD

I have some friends who are natural salespeople, a talent which I don't possess. My passion is in creating, and all of the things I create are like my little children in a way. Maybe it's a little silly, but I want my work to go to new homes where they will be truly loved and appreciated. I could never talk someone into buying my work, the point is for them to want it on their own. I wonder, am I shooting myself in the foot?

Turquoise Living 6x12" -sold

2010-05-14T18:27:00.001-07:00

Do you ever see something which is just sort of funny? The matchiness of this old car and house cracked me up, just had to paint them.

Cafe Arrivederci

2010-04-28T21:22:00.000-07:00

Angar Mora, is an eccentric white-haired man passionate about art, who curates shows at the restaurant Cafe Arrivederci in San Rafael, California. The restaurant is full of art. Several artists show their work in one of four dining rooms, the hallway or bar, each having their own space. Every Monday evening Angar Mora hosts an art salon where visual artists, poets and other creative people share with one another over dinner. My work is hanging in the second dining room until May 14. I haven't quite got the guts to stand up and talk at one of the salons though. ;)

You just never know...

2010-04-04T09:36:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was working on this painting and told a friend that I wasn't sure that it would to turn out. He said he didn't understand that, how could it not turn out? He said that he sees things in a linear fashion -- if you follow steps in a project from start to finish, you then have success in the end. To try to explain what the process of creating a painting is like for me, I came up with this analogy... it's much like cooking something new without a recipe. There is initial inspiration and an idea of what the desired outcome is, there is a certain amount of experience and knowledge used in the creation, but it isn't until you reach the end that you know whether it was a success (or not!).

Pricing

2010-03-24T09:41:00.000-07:00

One of the more difficult things a working artist gets to try to figure out is how to price their work. Thoughts which can crowd (and cloud) the process for me are -

How willing am I to let this painting out of my studio (price the ones I would like to keep higher)?
How long did it take me to create this?
How far behind am I on my bills (okay just kidding)?

But I am learning that for the viewing public it is more helpful to keep it simple and straightforward -
How big is it?

I would love to be able to give my work to whomever would love to have it. Or set pricing on a sliding scale. Not realistic though, and doesn't fit into the model of 'valuing' an artist's work. Hmmm...

Edge of the Pacific 30x30" - sold

2010-02-05T20:21:00.000-08:00

On a hike from Steep Ravine to Stinson Beach I saw this lone jogger at the edge of the ocean.

I often listen to npr while painting in my studio. Yesterday the subject of 'awe' was discussed, opening oneself up to it in everyday life. I feel that this is exactly what I strive to do, and hope to capture in my work. Finding beauty and awe in simple things.

Composition

2010-02-04T08:56:00.000-08:00

For anyone starting out with photography or painting, etc. I'd like to share this old composition lesson plan by Kodak. I still remember watching this in my 7th grade summer school photography class and it had a big effect on my sense of composition. As a class, we took it step-by-step, working on each section one at a time. Leading lines, framing, rule of thirds, etc. Now these guidelines are second nature to me, and I find myself intentionally 'breaking' the rules here-and-there just to throw things off a bit.

New color on my palette

2010-01-29T19:57:00.000-08:00

Purple Landscape (temporary title) 24x48" oil on canvas

Just finished this painting using a new color - Quinacridone Magenta. It is a 'cool' red which lends itself to cooler purples. My usual palette is Ultramarine Blue, Manganese Blue, Burnt Umber, Indian Yellow, Cadmium Yellows, Cadmium Reds with Titanium White. Using a palette which contains warm and cool versions of each primary color makes it possible to create a full range of colors. Usually I like to leave one piece of the spectrum out... typically the cool reds...

Commission

2010-01-23T15:54:00.001-08:00

This week I am starting a commissioned piece. It will take probably a month or two - with a sketch phase, color phase and final painting 4x5.5' of a landscape scene.
Usually I start a painting with inspiration first, seeing something which catches my attention and taking it through to a painting. The challenge in doing a commissioned piece is to find inspiration within the parameters of a client's idea.

Palm on Blue II 12x36" - sold

2010-01-15T15:38:00.001-08:00

This is one of two palm tree paintings on blue

Two Palms on White 12x36"

2010-01-15T15:09:00.001-08:00

I am amazed by the grace of palm trees

6x6" sketches of streetcar windows ...

2010-01-08T09:13:00.001-08:00

6x6" sketches of streetcar windows ...

2010-01-08T09:12:00.001-08:00

6x6" sketches of streetcar windows ...

2010-01-08T09:00:00.000-08:00

Milan tram in San Francisco 12x36" - Sold

2010-01-08T08:52:00.000-08:00

I'm intrigued by the vignettes created in each window...

streetcar in progress

2009-11-17T12:06:00.000-08:00

On my easel today - people through windows in San Francisco...

Reunion

2009-10-14T20:32:00.000-07:00

Rooster - sold

2009-07-08T19:49:00.000-07:00

This character will be part of the Mischief show coming to Studio Gallery next week.

Open Studio 2009

2009-06-11T19:49:00.001-07:00

June 6, 2009
A beautiful day for open studio!

Drakes Bay

2009-06-02T09:20:00.001-07:00

We spent Mother's Day at Drakes Beach in Point Reyes. It was a wonderful day – playing with the kids on the beach and being lulled by the beauty of the waves coming in.

Family Ice Cream

2009-04-07T16:37:00.001-07:00

I was looking through some childhood photos recently, which inspired me to do this painting. I like the anonymity of the figures, even though my sisters and I all know who these people are...

Chicken and Waffles

2009-02-12T19:06:00.000-08:00

Piece of Cake, 10 x 30" - SOLD

Pepper and Salt, 20 x 20"

New paintings inspired by the old diner-style restaurant, Chicken and Waffles in Oakland near Jack London Square. The people were super-friendly, we got our fill of fried food, and we loved the artistic menu on the wall. No, we didn't have any waffles with our chicken, not this time anyway.

Marin Arts Council Art on the Farm Show

2009-01-23T12:56:00.000-08:00

OK, I know it's been awhile - Happy New Year!

2009-01-16T19:10:00.001-08:00

Hmm, I seem to be following my old habit of starting a journal with good intentions, and only lasting for a week or so...
I do have some new shows coming up this year and hope to add more.

Open Studio with Potter Linda Laverne

2008-05-28T15:19:00.001-07:00

2008-05-28T15:16:00.001-07:00

Thanks to everyone who made it to our show. After a drizzly start on Saturday the weather steadily improved.
We had a decent turnout on Saturday, but the first half of Sunday was very slow. We wondered about the reason - the weather? Memorial Day weekend? out-of-the-way location? our mailing lists? Anyway, in such an amazingly beautiful setting, who could really complain? We had expansive views of San Francisco and Oakland from this gorgeous house on a hill in Oakland.

Thanks to some very nice conversations and great feedback, I have made some realizations about my work, and feel encouraged to get my work out more.

Thanks too, to Linda and Christophe for inviting me to join them!

Now back to painting...

SF Street study - sold

2008-05-19T10:04:00.000-07:00

Experimenting with looser shapes and a limited palette.

Cleaning Center - sold

2008-05-18T13:31:00.000-07:00

Another mundane evening scene.

Friday Evening Fatapples - sold

2008-05-12T14:26:00.000-07:00

Fatapples is a popular local restaurant where my family finds itself fairly regularly. In the evening the large picture window emanates the light and energy from within.

Organic Pears Hanging Out

2008-05-12T14:16:00.000-07:00

Very horizontal compostions have been appealing to me lately. I see these pears almost as people basking in the sun.

Red Bartlett Pair

2008-05-09T14:19:00.001-07:00

Satsuma Pair - SOLD

2008-05-09T14:11:00.000-07:00