A Current Painting by Diana Moses Botkin

Still Alive

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Moses Botkin) — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 05:37:00 +0000

(upper left) "Short Pose"
Charcoal and chalk on cotton paper 11"x17"
©2017 Diana Moses Botkin

Here it is almost the end of summer and I'm still catching up from my winter trip south.

It was a good winter to be gone from the Great White North, as the heavy snowfall all winter and resultant spring mudslides made life miserable and dangerous for many folks up here.

In sunny Oklahoma City I was able to get to many open studio sessions at Geatches. Drawing and painting was difficult for me, as I've been fighting injuries and pain issues. At times my right arm hurt too much to use, so I resorted to using my left hand until my left arm hurt too much. Results were not always good, but I tried.

It's interesting and challenging to use the non-dominant hand and a good brain exercise. Try it sometime!

(middle left) "Top Interest"
Charcoal and chalk on cotton paper 17"x11"
©2017 Diana Moses Botkin

I also caught some open studio sessions at Scottsdale Artists' School, along with a wonderful figurative painting workshop with Rose Frantzen at SAS. She is inspiring, helpful, wonderfully gifted, and downright righteous. Plus she is very entertaining to watch paint.

These are a few of my sketches from this past winter that I've managed to photograph. I'm planning to get more of that done soon, so I hope you'll check back in a few weeks to see more.

Summer chores and personal issues have taken up most of my time and energy these past few months. Although it seems I've been invisible, I'm still here.

(lower left) "Far Away"
Charcoal and chalk on cotton paper 11"x12"
©2017 Diana Moses Botkin

Paintings by Three Artists

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Moses Botkin) — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 05:16:00 +0000

What a busy summer it's been! It's amazing how the time has flown by every day, working on chores and ideas. Even though I've had little finished work to display here at this blog, I'm pleased I've been able to get paintings ready for a show this summer.

It's a privilege to exhibit my work with two other outstanding artists, Dana Aldis and Aaron Cordell Johnson. The reception is this Friday evening from 4 to 7, at the Valley Art Center in the charming town of Clarkston, Washington, not far from Spokane. Show will hang through the month of August. Info and some pictures are on the facebook event page.

A Page From an Old Sketchbook

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Moses Botkin) — Mon, 23 May 2016 19:54:00 +0000

(right) "Kitty"
pencil on paper, 10.5"x8"
©1971 Diana Moses Botkin

I've been remembering a dear friend who passed away a few days ago. I'm so thankful for the gift of her kindness and friendship and support of my work through the years and am especially grateful to have been back in the touch the last few years through the modern miracle of technology. Who would've thought, decades ago, that there would be such conveniences for communication as the internet and facebook?

Although I didn't posses a camera when I lived in Kitty's house, I do have this drawing from one of my old sketchbooks from that time of my life. This is Kitty, decked out for a social gathering, stalwart and sturdy. Every time I make bread or pie crust or cornbread or pour honey from a jar or visit a fabric store, I think of her with fond remembrance and gratefulness. I'm so glad I'll see her again in the sweet by and by.

Portrait Oil Sketches

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Moses Botkin) — Wed, 18 May 2016 04:52:00 +0000

(left)
"Hopeful"
Oil 6.5"x5"
©2016 Diana Moses Botkin

Here are a couple of studies, from sessions this past winter at Geatches in Oklahoma City. Both of these lovely young ladies were patient models with fun hair for portrait oil sketches.

These two pieces are the last I have to show you from my stay in OKC. The one plein air painting I did there looks terrible, so I'm debating its destiny.

I also have some other work from my winter travels, which is not quite ready for prime time. Some of it I'm trying to decide if I should do anything more, or simply call it done. A few others I've worked on and have likely ruined. Trying times.

(left)
"Translucent"
Oil 9"x9"
©2016 Diana Moses Botkin

Charcoal Figure Studies

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Moses Botkin) — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 14:46:00 +0000

It was so good to be able to attend sessions with live models during my travels this winter. Those brave souls who pose for us to study are part of the process of learning and growing as an artist.

It's not an easy job, holding still long enough for a drawing to be made. And the models who return to the same pose after breaks I especially admire.

All I can say is, they are either able to rise above the pain of being in the same position for long periods of time, or they are especially blessed with super powers of rest.

Here are a few more charcoal and chalk drawings to share with you, from sessions at Geatches.

(above left)
"Steady"
Charcoal and chalk on cotton paper 17.75"x11"
©2016 Diana Moses Botkin

(second sketch at left)
"At Ease"
Charcoal and chalk on cotton paper 17.75"x12"
©2016 Diana Moses Botkin

(third sketch at left)
"Back Forms"
Charcoal and chalk on cotton paper 17.75"x12"
©2016 Diana Moses Botkin

(bottom sketch at left)
"Form Lights"
Charcoal and chalk on cotton paper 12x17.75"
©2016 Diana Moses Botkin

Studies from OCU Art Social Evenings

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Moses Botkin) — Wed, 23 Mar 2016 14:14:00 +0000

Mike Wimmer's monthly Art Social evenings at Oklahoma City University are always a treat and I was fortunate to be able to participate this past January and February.

(left) "Girl in Purple Robe"
Charcoal, chalk, and pastel on grey paper 15"x11"
©2016 Diana Moses Botkin

Mike offers attending artists the opportunity to draw from live costumed models and in the company of live musicians during the evening. The small girl in the study at left sat for us in January with a contented smile, composed and still, like a little princess.

During the February session, we were treated to live cello music by maestro cellist John DeVore while we drew this lovely young woman with the dark hair and eyes.

(left) "Night Eyes"
Charcoal, chalk, and pastel on Canson paper 12"x16"
©2016 Diana Moses Botkin

Also while in Oklahoma City, I was able to attend Rick Berry's opening at OCU's Norick Art Center. Berry's expressive figurative paintings were an amazing sight to behold, and getting to talk to the artist about his astonishing work was a treasured gift.

Winter Figure Studies

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Moses Botkin) — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 23:08:00 +0000

It was good to be in places this winter where I could get drawing time at live model sessions. Here are a few sketches from Geatches in Oklahoma City.

(left)
"Reclining Highlights"
Charcoal and chalk on grey paper 12"x17" ©2016 Diana Moses Botkin

I have more new drawings which I'll post soon. There are paintings started too, and one or two studies fit to show, as is.

(left)
"At Ease"
Charcoal and chalk on cotton paper 11"x17" ©2016 Diana Moses Botkin

Please check back here at this blog in the coming days to see more of what I've been doing lately.

(left) "Unruffled"
Charcoal and chalk on cotton paper 15"x11"
©2016 Diana Moses Botkin

Pushing Through

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Moses Botkin) — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 06:57:00 +0000

(left)
"Supports"
Carbon pencil with chalk highlights
on grey paper 12"x17"
©2015 Diana Moses Botkin

Days turn into weeks; weeks into months. Time passes like rivers flow to the ocean. We all have it. We all lose it. Or use it.

(left) "Moonlit"
Charcoal with chalk highlights
on grey paper 17"x12"
©2015 Diana Moses Botkin

I've been laboring for months to find that place again where the mind tells the hand what to do and it's done with ability and intelligence. Various concerns have taken the forefront the past couple of years and time to draw and paint has suffered. The only way to make it better is to work it.

After scores of attempts and many sketches destined for the fire, the skills are peeking through. I'm finally feeling like I remember how to draw.

(left) "Secluded"
Charcoal with chalk highlights
on grey paper 17"x12"
©2015 Diana Moses Botkin

It's easy to let a skill get out of practice. Just let it slip, let it slide awhile, whatever it is... playing a musical instrument, dancing,... drawing, painting.

The good news is that it's not impossible to renew art skills. Although it has felt like giving birth every day, I see progress. Those earlier sketches which seemed so clumsy and ill-made can go in the fire and no one even has to see them. Oh that all our failures would be so easily swept away!

(right) "Slope"
Charcoal with chalk highlights
on grey paper 12"x17"
©2015 Diana Moses Botkin

Plein Air Painting at my Favorite Spot

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Moses Botkin) — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 03:47:00 +0000

(left) "Shining Evening"
Oil, 5"x9"
©2015 Diana Moses Botkin

It was a lovely afternoon during the first week of October, not too cold, with a promise of evening color. So I set out on the hour-plus drive to one of my favorite plein air spots. This place.

It looks quite different now from last year's more abundant water in the marshes.

In a small painting like this, I can set up the composition and lay in shapes in less than an hour. Lots of painters do that much more quickly.

So after the shapes are in, I can have fun with that glowing sky and the sparkling reflections in the water channels before the light disappears and the cold benumbs my body and mind.

At home, I set this piece on my easel. Then I see a couple of spots I want to tweak, just a little. They are the tiniest of corrections and adjustments. And the next day and the next... small steps to the finish line.

2015 Scotchman Peaks Paint Out

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Moses Botkin) — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 19:02:00 +0000

(left) "Hopeful Morning"
Oil, 5"x10"
©2015 Diana Moses Botkin

Last weekend was the annual Scotchman Peaks Paint Out. There was no competition this year, which made for a friendly gathering.

Outskirts Gallery hosted the event again this year and organized three demo/lectures by Aaron Cordell Johnson (demo on painting clouds, only one of Aaron's notable skills), Greg Caudell (demo/talk on exploring color), and Alison Barrows Young (overview on plein air history).

I was happy to get out and paint early before the demos started, and encouraged that I haven't totally forgotten how to paint. The morning oil study I did went well and helped my confidence level.

(left) "Shining Afternoon"
Oil, 4"x8"
©2015 Diana Moses Botkin

This summer and fall have been busy with other projects and plein air painting has taken a back seat. After the demos Saturday I ventured out to paint again, hoping for some rosy late light. Clouds moved in and rain started, but I managed to get this little autumn study to a decent point before quitting.

(left) "Bright Evening at the Flats"
Oil, 5"x7"
©2014 Diana Moses Botkin

Then it was time to put the wet paintings in frames and take them to the gallery for the reception. I also hung this painting from 2014 that didn't get framed last year for Scotchman Peaks. The show will continue at Outskirts through the end of the year.

Three Works to the MAC Gala Auction

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Moses Botkin) — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 18:00:00 +0000

This past week I delivered these three paintings accepted for the 2015 MAC Art Auction in Spokane, Washington. They're each framed in a presentation that shows off the art.

Event dates are October 2 through November 7 to preview the many beautiful works of art offered at the show. They can be viewed at the museum.

The gala reception and auction will be on 11/7/2015 at 5:00 pm at the historic Davenport Hotel in downtown Spokane.
For more information, please visit the museum's event website.

(top left) "Palouse Sunset" oil 8"x10"
©2014 Diana Moses Botkin

(middle left) "Last Light on Hood"
oil 8"x10"
©2011 Diana Moses Botkin

(lower left) "Verdant Valley" oil 8"x12"
©2013 Diana Moses Botkin

Recent Events

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Moses Botkin) — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 03:55:00 +0000

Well, I haven't fallen off the edge of the earth. But it has been a busy last couple of months with a family wedding and visiting family and friends. All wonderful.

There have been the day to day chores this summer, too, of course. The big deal here in our area since the end of July were fires on nearby mountains. A couple of weeks ago they moved down the mountain and across the valley quite close to our place. We were told to evacuate when the fires moved within a couple of miles and the strong wind was blowing it our way.

My husband and I proceeded to load up our 20+ photo albums plus 3 xerox boxes of additional pictures. We packed up a lot of my paintings too. However, there are so many here I knew they would not all fit in our two vehicles. It was quite the experience going from room to room to pick which ones would fit. Some of my older pieces are very large, especially the abstracts.

What a terrible choice to have to decide which pieces to save. Thank the Lord, the wind died down and then switched direction. And even though all the those hard-working fire personnel fought hard to keep the fires from spreading, there simply wasn't enough manpower to stop the fires. Local farmers saved the day by plowing fire breaks through the fields as the fire moved toward them. True bravery and brotherly love were demonstrated in their actions.

We've had rain since that scary night, and the fires here are at an end, although there are still many areas out here in the west which are still burning.

Those dark areas on the mountains near us testify to the fire damage. We give thanks for the mercies of God.

Staedtler Ads with my Drawings

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Moses Botkin) — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 18:43:00 +0000

In my last post, I told about the commissions I was asked to do for Staedtler's new lines of art supplies.

Here are two of the ads the company is running with my art. My name appears in all their ads and on the product packages. It's such an honor to have my work associated with this company's art materials!

The graphite pencils come in a range of hardness/softness, giving the user various choices for drawing pressure. The charcoal pencils and sticks do that, as well.

Soon, I'll be doing another commission for Staedtler for another soon-to-be-released artists' material. I'm looking forward to trying the new stuff, giving the company my evaluations, and then creating beautiful art with the final product.

All this will take awhile, of course, but I'll show you results later if all goes well.

Here Are The Staedtler Products With My Drawings!

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Moses Botkin) — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 23:00:00 +0000

I've mentioned here at this blog about doing some special commissions for Staedtler to use with their new product line. I'm very pleased to finally see and handle each of the packages which show my work!

The two pencil sets on the left display my drawing I created with the pencils. The third package exhibits the piece I did with Staedtler's new charcoal pencils. And the one on the right was done with the hard pastels shown.

On the back of each package is a brief step-by-step demo on how I developed the drawing which is on the front. I'd love to hear from you if you purchase any of these new products and how you like them.

I'm very happy to have my work associated with the Staedtler name. This all started almost two years ago when Staedtler contacted me to do the work after seeing one of my charcoal figure drawings online.

It's an honor to have been chosen to do the drawings for these new materials. And besides showing off my art on their packaging and in their advertising, I'm pleased that my original drawings are now in Staedtler's permanent collection.

Another One Done

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Moses Botkin) — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 01:06:00 +0000

"Toothbrush Break"
Original Oil, 7.5" x 13"
©2011 Diana Moses Botkin

This painting has gone through a couple of transformations to progress to something that looks finished and with which I'm also happy.

It has evolved into this simple study of the model during her break from poses. I liked her unusual uninhibited position while she stretched out her foot and simultaneously brushed her teeth as she relaxed.

This figurative piece and another one, is to be shipped this week to Tidewater Gallery in Swansboro, NC. Please contact the gallery if you would like sales information.

One of the Ones I Finished

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Moses Botkin) — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 01:15:00 +0000

(left)
"View From the Vineyard"
Oil, 4"x8"
©2011 Diana Moses Botkin

I mentioned recently that I was working on a commission and finishing up a few other paintings.

Here's one that I brought to completion while waiting for passages on the large commissioned piece to dry.

This little plein air oil was sketched in on location and then I set it aside, hoping to do more to it later. It's nice to be able to add a few more finishing touches to it. I wanted to add just enough texture and detail to make it look more finished without ruining the original mood of the piece.

Newest Article in Professional Artist Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Moses Botkin) — Wed, 20 May 2015 19:29:00 +0000

The June/July issue of Professional Artist Magazine is out now. My most recent piece is on pages 62 - 65. It tells how inspiration and practice can be found participating in open studios with live models. I touch on materials to use, the challenges of working from life, plus common practices and guidelines at open studio sessions.

Open studios is a good opportunity to draw and paint from live models, nude or costumed. As you've likely guessed from this blog, I am a big fan of working from life, for figurative work and other genres.

I interviewed several respected artists for the article. They graciously sent me photos and quotes. Morgan Weistling, William Whittaker, Sherrie McGraw, Mary Qian, and Yer Za Vue each comment on how open studios have helped and inspired them. Additionally, Za shares about the challenges of running open studio sessions. There are also suggestions on how to find open studio sessions in your locale.

If you are not a subscriber to the magazine, you can buy a copy of the digital issue here.

Finishing Touches

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Moses Botkin) — Tue, 05 May 2015 06:29:00 +0000

I'm working on a commission and at times I need a break from it for various reasons. The reasons differ, depending on the need. The particular piece I'm painting has required additional references.

During a break, there is always yard work or some other chore to do, of course.

But if the chores aren't too pressing, I can pick up an unfinished painting from my studio corners to bring something to completion. That helps my outlook, especially if a bigger project is weighing down on me.

(left) "Pink Blouse" Oil 8"x6"
©2014 Diana Moses Botkin

Each of these two pieces shown here have gone through at least a couple of stages to work out the kinks. (Some paintings do, at least in my experience.)

They both had been set aside, needing something. Now I can finally feel that the finishing touches have been added.

(left) "Red Bow Tie"
Oil 10"x8"
©2011 Diana Moses Botkin

New Nude

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Moses Botkin) — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 23:55:00 +0000

"Turned Away"
Charcoal and Chalk on cotton paper, 12"x18"
©2015 Diana Moses Botkin

SOLD

The past weeks have been taken up with paper work for Uncle Sam, but I've been able to work on a few new sketches including this one.

I'll show you more later, so please stay tuned.

Another Drawing I Did for Staedtler

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Moses Botkin) — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 06:08:00 +0000

You may remember other drawings I've shown here at my blog that I did for Staedtler. Those were each for product lines the company markets now. This sketch, at right, appears on packaging for their tonal set of compressed charcoal and pastel sticks.

I'm delighted that the company is pleased with my work. Besides showing off my art on their packaging and in their advertising, they've added my original drawings to their permanent collection. It is an honor to be associated with such an illustrious company.

Staedtler goes way back. Headquartered in Nuremberg, the company is a manufacturer and supplier of writing, artist, and engineering drawing instruments. Long before J.S. Staedtler founded his pencil making factory in 1835, the Staedtler family had been hand-making the beloved writing instrument for generations.

I still have some very fine point (000) Mars Staedtler technical pens. I used them a lot back when my eyes and back were better suited to bending over a detailed pen and ink drawing for a week's worth of hours making dots or lines. I also own some Staedtler tin pencil boxes that are about as old as I am, casual gifts from my artist father decades ago. They still carry pencils and other useful devices in my sketch bag.

The Charcoal Drawing for Staedtler

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Moses Botkin) — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 01:52:00 +0000

Not long ago I showed a drawing I did for Staedtler's new pencil packaging at this blog and promised to reveal other pieces I did for the company's products. The sketching pencils, packaged with my art on the box, are now available.

Here is the sketch for their charcoal line. And yes, it is like the one I did with the pencils.

The company wanted me to use the same model and pose for several products. There is more to show you, too. Stay tuned.

Rejection and Acceptance

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Moses Botkin) — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 02:51:00 +0000

Earlier today I found out the results of a competition I had entered, and learned that my work had been rejected. That's a hard word rejected, and it's a hard road, and a hard rain.

My work has been rejected from more shows than I care to remember. It's part of an artist's life for those of us who try for exposure and awards.

It's tempting to give up sometimes, but one must learn to accept the failures in stride and work harder and better. There are also many successes for which I count my blessings.

(left) "Morning Shadows"
Oil on Raymar panel, 8"x10"
©2013 Diana Moses Botkin

Later today I opened my mail and learned that this piece is accepted to a museum show. I'm pleased to announce that this painting is to be part of the 18th Annual Art Auction at Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art. The show opens Thursday, March 19th in Great Falls, Montana.

Saturday, April 11, 2015 is the Gala, with a live auction, music, and food. That sounds like a lot more fun than a pity party for not getting in the other show.

Another Piece I'd Been Looking For

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Moses Botkin) — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 23:30:00 +0000

"View from the Gîte”
12"x16" pastel on Canson paper
©2005 Diana Moses Botkin

Recently, I've shown work here at my blog which I have now finished after having set it aside months or years ago. Or, as in the case from my last post, finished art was hiding in my studio.

This pastel study is another one I had been looking for, from that 2005 journey to France. After spending time in Paris on that trip, we drove to eastern France and stayed in a gîte we had booked ahead of time, online.

The drive from Paris was lovely except for the crowded conditions in the vehicle we had rented. The description online for what I signed up for was, I thought, something like a minivan. It was supposed to seat seven people.

The rental company was obviously thinking of seven small French people. And, in order to accommodate that number, the third row of seats when unfolded in the Opal, obliterated the luggage space. All seven of us had a suitcase. After scratching our heads awhile and inquiring if there was a bigger vehicle available (there wasn't), we folded up the third seat, stacked our luggage there and put the two smallest family members (my youngest, and me!) on top of the pile. That left 3 to squeeze in the back seat. My husband drove and my second child navigated.

It was a very chummy drive but we made it to the gîte, where the friendly owners met us and showed us the place. The house was clean, roomy and reasonable. It fit our low-budget trip to buy groceries nearby and cook our own meals. The location was a beautiful setting and I did several plein air studies while there, a few in oil and this one in pastel.

Uncovering Buried Work

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Moses Botkin) — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 22:47:00 +0000

This year, one of the tasks I've been tackling has been to go through corners of my studio to deal with unfinished and abandoned work. For the pieces I'm finding, I've set several objectives: either file, finish, or put in the fire.

Digging through the stacks of stuff, I discovered a few pieces I'd been looking for, buried in a pile of half-done work. These particular pieces were some sketches I did on my trip to France in 2005.

During the first part of our stay there, we were in Paris where I was able to make my pilgrimage to the Louvre. My family and I ventured to the museum right away. What an amazing collection of world treasures is there! The drawing at left was done from Michelangelo's Dying Slave, a most inspiring and beautiful sculpture from the Master.

It's interesting to run across the studies from a decade ago. I can see improvement in my drawing skills since I did this study.

(left) "Study of Michelangelo’s Dying Slave"
16"x12" charcoal and chalk on cotton paper
©2005 Diana Moses Botkin

A different sketch (not worth showing you) I did while at Musée d'Orsay, which is another colossal treasury of art. When at the Louvre the previous day, I'd had no trouble when I scooted an unused chair over by The Slave, to sketch the piece. At Musée d'Orsay the next day, I also found a vacant chair and moved it by the statue I admired, for observation with my sketching materials.

Soon after I sat down in the chair near the beautiful Oedipus at Colonos by Jean-Baptiste Hugues, the guard on duty told me something in angry French. Now my French is very bad, limited to a few words and phrases. But I was able to tell, from the guard's body language and gestures, that I should move the chair back to its original location. I complied and then sat on the floor by the sculpture to study.

Not long after that, I noticed the guard was on the phone, gesturing toward me and speaking in urgent angry tones. There I was, in a foreign country with jet-lag and extremely limited language skills. I had visions of being carted away by the gendarmes for lock-up in some lonely Paris jail. I was able to manage only a quick drawing, not much more then a gesture, before hurriedly putting away my supplies and moving away to the ladies room to compose my rattled brain.

Painting at Yellowstone Art Museum Gala Event

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Moses Botkin) — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 07:22:00 +0000

(left)
"Trees on the Hill"
Oil 5.5"x7.5"
©2010 Diana Moses Botkin

I'm pleased that my work is showcased again this year at the Yellowstone Art Museum Exhibit and Auction in Billings, Montana. You can visit the link to see show information and the catalog, and even make an early bid for the art.

The show opened last month on January 22 and continues to March 7, 2015 when the gala and auction is held. That night is very festive, with delicious food, live music, and of course, the auction of beautiful art.