Art vs Oil Spill : making a difference

With over 100 artists having contributed images, the art vs oil spill Zazzle site has been doing very well. And the contributions keep pouring in! I'm doing my best to post new images and products every time I stop and can find wireless. (We've been on the road for two months!). Please keep sending them though! And share the links so people can find this fantastic Zazzle site.
http://www.zazzle.com/artvsoilspill 100% of the proceeds go directly to WRANPS, aka Wildlife Rehabilitation and Nature Preservation Society inc.

We have several art auctions scheduled for October in Pensacola FL, Mobile AL, Gulfport MS and Baton Rouge LA. If you'd like to contribute artwork or get involved in some other way, send me an email : wowrealart@aol.com

There's an App for that!

The new Paul Jackson Artist Sketchbook App for iphone is now in the app store!
http://artistsketchbooks.com/book.php?id=Book63

Art vs Oil Spill

The international outpouring of support in the wake of the BP oil spill disaster has been very touching. I am very proud of the artist community for the efforts they are making. Over 100 artists have contributed images to help wildlife rescue operations along the Gulf Coast. You can help by ordering prints, t-shirts etc of this painting and other contributing artists work by clicking this link: Artvsoilspill

Willet in Morning light by Mark Mehaffey

Willet in Morning light 2 by Mark Mehaffey, T-shirts from Zazzle.com

We have an effort in motion in the artist community to raise money to help rescue wildlife along the Gulf Coast in the Wake of the BP oil spill disaster. Artists from across the country are donating their images to use on t-shirts and totebags, posters and postage. All proceeds are going directly to the Wildlife Rehabilitation and Nature Preservation Society Inc. Please help us with the effort by checking out our zazzle page and purchasing something to benefit the birds. Thanks!

Long-term Efforts

We'll be dealing with the effects of this oil disaster for a long time to come. Until the flow of oil has stopped it is impossible to assess the damage it will be causing, but it is obvious that it will be horrible for the wildlife in the Gulf of Mexico. I arrived in Pensacola, Florida yesterday and have seen no oil yet, but teams of people mobilizing for clean-up efforts.

My artwork will be on display this month at Gallery 11 in Pensacola, and several of the paintings are dedicated to wildlife rescue. The sale of these artworks is just part of the contribution I plan to make to this effort.

I am currently working to organize a series of art auctions at various galleries if you would like to contribute your original artwork as well. We are also working on setting up a new Zazzle site where we can sell our work on products as a concerned artists' community. We will be posting further details as we have them...where to ship your work, image file size for Zazzle, etc.

If you are a gallery or would like to host a fund raising event, please contact us as soon as possible. If you would just like to donate money directly to the organization we are funding, you can send your donations to:

Make checks payable to Wildlife Rehabilitation & Nature Preservation Society, Inc. or WRANPS. P O Box 209; Long Beach, MS 39560. (in the note/subject line of your check, please include "art vs oil spill") Attn: Jan Dubuisson
Thank you for all that you can do to help!!

Fighting Oil With Art

In the wake of the largest oil spill in America, the Gulf of Mexico and its residents are in peril. BP and the Deepwater Horizon have created a toxic mess that will take decades to clean up and heal. The wildlife may never recover from this disaster. Already Sea Turtles are washing up dead in great numbers and the Brown Pelican, which was just taken off the Endangered Species list, is in trouble again.

British Petroleum is "responsible" for the cleanup effort, but it will take all of us to see that it happens and happens as quickly as possible. I appeal to my artist friends to use your talents to draw attention to the crisis and raise funds to help the innocent animals caught in the path of the oil. I appeal to the rest of you to do whatever you can. We humans are responsible for this mess. Our addiction to this fossil fuel has put these creatures in peril.

As an artist I feel all but helpless to correct the situation, but I can devote some of my paintings to the cause. I can raise funds to assist in the rescue efforts of Gulf coast wildlife organizations. I hope that you will use your talents to do the same. Planet Earth is hurting. Please help.

"Fowl Language" t-shirts available

create & buy custom products at Zazzle

"Fowl Language" 36x22" watercolor. It really doesn't need much description, but sums up what many of us feel about the tragedy British Petroleum has unleashed on our Gulf Coast.

BP and the Deep Water Horizon blowout disaster have created the largest oil spill in US history and will forever change the Gulf of Mexico. We humans aren't exactly innocent as we've all been raised to be dependent on oil. The wildlife are not only innocent, but also voiceless. We must be their advocates and do what we can to protect them.

Instead of feeling helpless to do anything, I plan to wear my outrage and frustration in hopes of doing something good.

T-shirts are now available. Proceeds will benefit wildlife rescue projects along the Gulf Coast. Thanks for all you can do to help save the innocent creatures in the path of this oil storm.

Get a Fowl Language T-shirt!

Columbia MO Portrait workshop

Portraits are the toughest subject you can tackle in watercolor. I have enormous respect for those who can do them gracefully. My class in Columbia did an awesome job right off the bat. The dramatic portraits they produced were excellent!

Springfield MO Glass workshop

I have gotten so busy I can't remember where I am when I wake up each morning. Blogging in real time has become impossible, but I get it done eventually. My class in Springfield was a talented and lively bunch. There sure were a lot of them! Can't wait to get back for round two!

I have nothing nice to say.

"Fowl Language" 36x22" watercolor by Paul Jackson

Knoxville Glass Demo

This was a rather ambitious demo for a three-day workshop, and I
finished it about an hour after the workshop offiially ended. Most
stayed to watch me finish it out though. Whew! Nothing like a race to
inspire the best work.

Knoxville workshop

It's always a blast to paint with the folks in Knoxville! This was an
entertaining bunch and some very talented artists. :)

Dallas Artisan's Studio Workshop

Held in the studio of Pat Kochan and Naomi Brotherton, the Artisan's Studio workshop was a fantastic class on painting glass. There were a few professional artists in this group, some talented up-and-comers and even a couple of beginners. All did an incredible job in rendering this challenging still-life. Armed with lots of gum and Diet Mountain Dew, we charged into this painting and accomplished it in three fast days. It was a beautiful Spring day when we started, and snowing by the time we finished! As they say in Texas, if you don't like the weather, wait a minute.



It was an incredible honor to be invited to paint in Naomi Brotherton and Pat Kochan's studio. Naomi is almost 90 years young and taught many of my friends to paint.

I look forward to getting back to Spring again! The drive home was a slippery, snowy blast of late winter.

Destrehan, Louisiana Workshop

Destrehan, Louisiana Workshop
With a group of 34, workshops can be hysterical. We had lots of fun, and did some great painting, but I was never in control of this runaway parade. Just on the outskirts of New Orleans, this was a great place for a workshop! Spring was in full bloom and the excitement level was high!. Many of my friends from Baton Rouge came down, a few old friends from previous workshops, and an enthusiastic art teacher from Gulfport made it a blast.

Exotic Bora Bora Workshop

Join me November 2-11, 2010 for a once in a lifetime adventure to French Polynesia and the most beautiful place on planet Earth, Bora Bora.

This watercolor sketchbook workshop is for anyone, even non-painters. No experience required, but you will need a passport!

The group is limited to 14 people, so don't hesitate to sign up now. A commitment deposit of $500 is due April 30th.

Cost for the trip is $4200, including airfare from Los Angeles, transfer from Tahiti to Bora Bora, lodging at Le Maitai Polynesian Resort, full breakfast every day, use of snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddle boards, dugout canoes and expert watercolor instruction from an experienced adventurer. :)

Bora Bora is the setting for the movie/musical South Pacific and is truly considered paradise by those who have been. Join me on this adventure and see for yourself!

Contact Marla for more info or to register: marlamjackson1@aol.com

Every now and then something truly extraordinary comes along. This is it!

Time for Spring Workshops!

Spring is in the air and it's time to shake off the cabin fever, hit the road and give a few great workshops! We have a couple of spaces left in each, so get in touch if you'd like to join us. No experience required, just a desire to paint. :)

Destrehan LA March 15-17
Dallas TX March 18-20
Knoxville TN April 9-11
Rome GA April 13-15

More info : www.pauljackson.com/calendar.asp

February Exhibition at the Boone County Historical Museum

One of the largest exhibitions of my watercolors will be on display at the Walters-Boone County Historical Museum in Columbia MO, from Feb 3rd-28th. More than 60 original paintings, representing several different phases of my work will be assembled for this unprecedented exhibition.

The show is in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of Boy Scouting. (I think I was the only artist/eagle scout they could find to fill such an enormous space on very short notice)

The Exhibition opening is Sunday, February 7th from 2-4pm, (leaving plenty of time to get to your Superbowl party).

Regular hours of the Boone County Historical Society are:
Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun
from 12:30 - 4:30 pm

Please visit if you can, and definitely pass along to anyone else that might be interested!

"Notre Dame" demo

How we accomplished this complicated painting in three days is still a
bit of a mystery. It was a fun-filled race the entire way, but we got
it done. The participants all created equally successful pieces too.
Some of those folks are simply amazing! Don't bother to inquire about
the original on this demo...Muriel, pictured here with me, laid claim
to it before I laid down the first brushstroke. That's what you call
faith! No pressure though! Good call Muriel!

Great workshop in Tyler TX!

This weekend's architectural watercolor workshop was a blast! The
great folks in Tyler made it almost too much fun! It was certainly way
too short of a visit. We've already time-warped back to the frigid
Midwest and are dreaming of the 70 degree weather we enjoyed this week
in TX. I am already looking forward to heading south again!

"Liquid Light" 22x36" watercolor by Paul Jackson

My reclusive time in the studio was well spent, but sadly it was all
too brief. This piece has been waiting to be painted for some time
now, and finally I stole the time to do it. Now it's time to hit the
road for a bit. More workshops to teach, friends to visit and
adventures to be had!

"Sea, Earth & Sky" 22x36" watercolor by Paul Jackson

As an artist I find myself constantly bombarded by ideas that don't seem to fit my current direction. However, I also find it is important to pursue these ideas occasionally so that I can grow and stretch artistically. Personally, I just enjoy the surprise on people's faces when I break out of the expected.

Surprise! Happy New Year!

"I Heart NY" 40x26" watercolor by Paul Jackson

I started this piece in January 2009, following a particularly fun visit to New York (Way back when you could still drive through Times Square) . Although I didn't have time to finish it in one studio session, I worked on it a little at a time all year. It's nice to see it finally come together! Now I'm anxious to go back!

"Uncommon Angel" 40x26" watercolor by Paul Jackson

It's been a busy year and I've not had all the studio time I wanted, but have stolen the last month to stretch myself artistically and reach for something completely different.

This idea has been rattling around my head for a while and I just had to unleash it this holiday season. I am reminded constantly that there are angels amongst us everywhere and they come in all forms. I am reminded never to judge a book by it's cover. Please take some time this year to be an angel for someone less fortunate.

Have a very merry Christmas!

Paul

Gifts Galore

With the holiday season now upon us, you'll need unique gifts for the special people in your life. I hope that you'll visit my Zazzle site and check out all the custom-printed cool stuff they have to offer with my artwork on it.

I guarantee that you can find a gift for any personality. Check it out and see for yourself!

Paul Jackson 2010 Watercolor Calender by PaulJacksonart
View more Paul jackson Calendars

Featured Artist at the Gateway Gallery in Clayton MO

If you find yourself in the vicinity of St Louis soon, please drop by
the Gateway Gallery in Clayton. Some of my latest work will be on
display until Dec 31 as one of the featured artists in an exhibition
entitled "Paris and other Delights". I did include a Paris piece, but
most of my work falls into the "other delights" category. The opening
is Friday, Nov 20th, 6-9 pm. Please come! The gallery website: http://www.gatewaygalleryonline.com/

Same subject, individual approaches

In a room full of artists you'd expect a load of originality. I gave
them all the same project to work on, same building and same
perspective. The different approach each artist took to this demo was
impressive. Their artistic voices came out loud and clear! Great work
y'all!

Great Friends in Baton Rouge

I always have fun in Baton Rouge! The food is way too good, and the
friends here are way too much fun. This is one of the most talented,
hardest working and most entertaining bunches of artists I've ever
encountered. They make us feel like family. We can't possibly get back
to Baton Rouge often enough!

Baton Rouge Architectural Watercolor Workshop

My workshop friends in Baton Rouge had a ball with this demo. It was
challenging for all, and barely completed in time. We raced to a big
finish on Sunday afternoon. My demo painting was a fight, but I was
pleased with the results. We had so much fun in our cavernous ballroom
studio that there were even cartwheel attempts.

The Walter Anderson Museum of Art

Whenever you find yourself in the vicinity of Ocean Springs,
Mississippi, stop in to the Walter Anderson Museum and see the works
of one of my inspirations. Anderson painted some of the most
incredible watercolors on typing paper. He spent much of his time on
Horn Island, off the coast of MS. I too spent some time of my
formative years on this uninhabited barrier island. It is a great
escape and I hope to get back there someday. Walter Anderson's artwork
transports me back there every time I see it.

Pensacola Glass workshop

Great group of participants! Very talented, colorful and expressive!

We had a grand weekend painting a glass still life, ate way too much
good food, and wore ourselves out on Halloween candy!

I can never get to Pensacola often enough!

"Stalking Monet"

"Stalking Monet" 40x26" watercolor by Paul Jackson.

Having just spent a wonderful workshop adventure in France and a
fantastic time in Monet's Gardens in Giverny, I couldn't wait to get
back in the studio and translate my love for this magical place. Enjoy!

Holiday Gift Ideas!

Hi Friends!

The Shameless Commerce Department has reminded me that the holiday season is soon upon us and I should encourage you to shop at the Paul Jackson Zazzle store for cool gifts for your best friends and family. It's an easy find for some great stuff you won't find anywhere else, and you'll benefit the artist a little bit in the process. In this economy being an artist is rather a tough gig, but I am so unqualified for much else.

My artwork is available custom printed on all sorts of neat stuff like Ked's shoes, postage stamps, mugs, calendars, t-shirts, notecards, bags, mousepads, posters, ties and even skateboards!

Please check it out as you shop for the holidays, and support the arts as much as possible! It's a sure bet that your friends and relatives don't already have this gift, and I've painted enough diverse stuff over the years that I can almost promise there is something for every personality.

Here's the link that magically transports you there: http://www.zazzle.com/pauljacksonart*

Thanks for your support!

Paul

Adventure on pause

Our adventure in France could not have been more fun! The workshop was flawless and the participants were fantastic. We are weary from all the travel, but it isn't quite over yet. We're home for a short bit, but head south before the month is out. The dogs & kids are enjoying our company, and my studio needs some painting time for a spell. We have a busy year planned for 2010...check out the workshop calendar. We hope you can join us somewhere, sometime! Au revoir! Paul & Marla

One more sunrise on the Seine

What a grand adventure we have had, sketching our way thru France. I hate to go, but tomorrow we must return home and feed the dogs, kids, plants etc. There is mail to answer and paintings waiting to be painted. We have only days at home before we travel again. Deep south, here we come!

More Versailles

A day at Versailles

We had the best time sketching and playing in the gardens at Versailles! The weather was perfect and the company unbeatable. We watched the fountains dance, rented bicycles, and saw the entire place. We laughed so hard, so often that I had pain in my ribs all afternoon.

Painting at Place de la Concorde

This morning the rain soaked streets were shiny and the sun appeared just in time for a sunrise watercolor session in Place de la Concorde. Afterward we hiked up to the Eifel Tower, then caught the Metro to the Isle de Cite for a sketch session at Notre Dame. Busy day!

Napoleon's Carousel

I took my group on the Paris tour of art museums today. Lots of
walking, overload of art , but we stopped for a few hours to paint in
front of Napoleon's Carousel before tackling the Louvre. My group is
awesome, open minded and carefree. I love traveling with these folks!

Levee St Michel

The light at Mont St Michel depends entirely on the weather. This trip
we got all versions of light, mostly the wet kind, but occasionally
the sun shone through and we made the most of the time we had.

Painting in the Rain :)