Celeste Bergin

Newest Painting

2020-05-15T16:25:00.002-07:00

My cat Mufasa always cozies up to me when I'm writing in my journal. He throws his paw over my arm as his way of saying pay attention to me. It's an everyday occurrence that I totally love.

(Painting: True Romance, 16x12 oil on canvas panel)

'Fall into Art': November 1, 2019

2019-10-29T15:31:00.001-07:00

(Delta Dawn, 36x36 Oil on gallery wrapped c)anvas

Thirteen of my large oil paintings are part of of the Newberg Artwalk 'Fall into Art': Friday, Nov 1, 5-8 pm. If you are in Newberg Friday check out my work at Coldwell Banker Professional Group. It's a fun time with live music, wine tasting and food.

503.538.0468

616 E First St, Newberg, OR 97132 https://www.newbergartwalk.com/artwalk-flyer.html

'Beautiful Lives Lost' July 5, 2018

2018-07-06T11:09:00.000-07:00

Quin Sweetman, Originator of Beautiful Lives Lost Portrait Project

(Press Release, Portland, OR)

After the 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas that left 58 people dead, Quin Sweetman, a full-time artist, felt helpless in the face of yet another national tragedy of senseless gun violence. She had a brilliant idea to help us all grieve. Quin gathered 55 artists together via Facebook to make portraits of the 58 people who were killed. She called the project “Beautiful Lives Lost”.

“We really don’t like referring to the people who lost their lives that day as victims,” notes Sweetman. “All of them were people, not statistics, living rich, rewarding and beautiful lives. They were invisible to the perpetrator, but all the artists who committed to this project clearly see their humanity. The artists recognize, remember and honor those lost lives with their artworks. They volunteered their time, materials, and talents as a loving gesture to bring some comfort to the families, loved-ones and communities by showing that people care about their loss”. Following the exhibition all portraits will be given to the families.

There is powerful visual impact created by showing all of these portraits together. All 58 artworks will be at The Marcia Policar Gallery in the Art Institute of Portland during July.

The art styles shown are as varied as the subjects of the portraits. Sweetman contributed a canvas of off-duty police officer (and 34-year-old Military Veteran) Charleston Hartfield, “a true blue American guy” depicted in soft oil brush strokes. Celeste Bergin’s portrait of Special Education teacher Sandy Casey captures her optimistic and ebullient nature. "I learned a lot about her while painting her, Bergin said, I read somewhere that if you met Sandy just once, you loved her. That is exactly right, through this project I "met" Sandy... and now I love her too.

Sweetman noted, “Kindness begets kindness. and 'Beautiful Lives Lost' has created a heartening experience for all the participating artists. The portraits serve as tangible proof that these 58 people will continue to be remembered in the most positive light. Art helps us all heal”.

Art Institute of Portland

1122 NW Davis

Portland

Overall exhibit dates July 5-July 27

https://www.facebook.com/beautifulliveslost/

https://vimeo.com/243359480

http://www.kptv.com/story/38583003/oregon-artists-honor-the-58-las-vegas-shooting-victims

Reception photos (thank you, David Burbach)

"Beautiful Lives Lost" (Reception, Thursday, July 5, Art Institute of Portland)

2018-07-02T09:09:00.000-07:00

(16x12 Painting: Sandy Casey by Celeste Bergin)

Sandy Casey (age 35) was originally from Dorset, Vermont. She was a special education teacher for the Manhattan Unified School District in Redondo Beach California. She was extremely kind-hearted and had a wonderful sense of humor. She loved the simple things; country music, running, soccer, bowling and yoga. Sandy is survived by her fiancé, her parents, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as a legion of friends and students who will remain forever inspired by her unbridled optimism (and famous puns).
------

This project, “Beautiful Lives Lost" was started by my dear friend @quinsweetman to commemorate all of the beautiful lives lost in the meaningless Las Vegas shooting. All the artists have volunteered their time and effort to create a portrait for each of the 58 people lost at the concert.

Reception and Exhibit: Thursday, July 5 (5-8pm) at the Art Institute of Portland, 1122 NW Davis, Portland. Overall dates July 5-July 27. The paintings will then be gifted to the families. #sandycasey #sandycaseystrong #lasvegasstrong #beautifulliveslostportraitproject #beautifulliveslost #artforhumanity

Selfie !

2018-05-15T12:52:00.001-07:00

I'm still doing the daily drawing, but I apparently can't get myself to blog it everyday. This is my self portrait drawing that I did at our most recent sketch group meeting at Prosperity Pie. (and yes, while there I did also have pie).

(Photo: Self Portrait Drawing, pencil in Sketchbook)

Day 3

2018-05-06T07:34:00.001-07:00

From a sketchy reference: pencil in sketchbook

New 100 day project

2018-05-03T20:51:00.002-07:00

I'm joining my friend Bhavani Krishnan in drawing a portrait or figure every day for 100 days.

(Drawing: "Dave" charcoal in sketchbook)

Two-Person Show at Clackamas Community College, Commons Gallery beginning Jan 9

2018-01-05T12:06:00.000-08:00

January 5, 2018 Press Release

Clackamas Community College Commons Gallery presents a two-person art exhibition entitled ‘Solitude’ beginning January 9, 2018. The exhibit showcases oil paintings by artists Joanne Radmilovich-Kollman and Celeste Bergin.

The exhibition runs January 9 through February 23. An Artist’s reception will be announced.

In this new show Radmilovich-Kollman and Bergin explore the theme of simultaneously seeking company while paradoxically having to “go-it-on-their-own”. One artist explained this contradiction as: “We want to be together, but we want to be alone”. This mystifying truth describes the life of a visual artist, as well as most everyone else.

Like the expressionists, both artists are concerned with the expressive and emotional qualities that can be evoked in the tactile quality of the oil paint. The brushwork portrays energy, atmosphere and emotion. Radmilovich-Kollman and Bergin devote themselves to painting full-time plein air (painting outside) as well as in the studio and they actively participate in art events and community building programs.

Joanne Radmilovich-Kollman and Celeste Bergin Two-Person Exhibition Solitude
January 9 – February 23, 2018.
Opening Reception: To be announced
Location: Clackamas Community College Commons Gallery
29353 SW Town Center Lp East, Wilsonville OR 97070
Gallery hours: Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm

The Big 500 opens December 9, 2pm at Pioneer Square

2017-12-08T10:53:00.003-08:00

I painted 20 8x8 paintings for the 10th Annual Big 500 show at Pioneer Place Mall (Second Floor Atrium), Be there Saturday, December 9th - 2pm sharp, all ART $40/each/8x8". 500 + artists, 5000 works of art. Cash/Carry. This is a show that benefits the Oregon Food Bank. Free admission with can food or non-perishable item. Show runs Dec 9-Dec 24. Show curated by Chris Haberman Presents. Details HERE.

Shoes make a good still life

2017-10-17T16:18:00.000-07:00

Autumn is here --its time to paint more inside. I love spending time in the studio.

Celeste Bergin, 6x6 oil painting My Sling-Back Shoes

First Friday, Sept 1, 5-8:30 Broderick Gallery

2017-08-31T20:23:00.000-07:00

First Friday, Sept 1, 5-8:30 Broderick Gallery

Our two person show at Broderick Gallery

(Click to Enlarge)

China and Cherries

2017-07-11T14:06:00.002-07:00

Happy Summer! Cherries are in season!

Celeste Bergin, 6x6 oil painting China and Cherries

Painting Summer, June 10, 2017

2017-06-10T18:20:00.001-07:00

It's been a long time since I posted. I keep thinking I want to start a new blog, but until I sort that out, I'll put up some of my daily paintings. Hope everyone is doing great! I will check out your blogs to see what you are all up to. :)

(Celeste Bergin, oil painting 6x6, Watermelon and Cherries)

2016 Pacific NW Plein Air Competition and Exhibition, Mary Hill Museum of Art, Reception, Friday, August 26

2016-08-20T15:18:00.004-07:00

Dear Friends:

The 2016 Pacific Northwest Plein Air Event begins Monday, August 22, 2016.

For the first time the show is hosted by the prestigious Maryhill Museum of Art.

40 artists will paint at various locations throughout the Columbia River Gorge for four days beginning August 22 through Thursday, August 25.

The Opening Reception at Maryhill Museum of Art is a free event and open to the public Friday, August 26, 5 to 7 PM

You are invited to view the paintings the artists created en plein air, to meet the artists and enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres. All of the paintings will be available for purchase.

The exhibition continues Saturday and Sunday, August 27 and 28 at Maryhill Museum of Art.
Hours are 10 AM to 5 PM. (Over the weekend the exhibit is free with paid museum admission).

More information on the event is at www.maryhillmuseum.org

See you at the Reception!

Celeste

P.S. Check out my paintings throughout the week on my Instagram page.

(Painting) Celeste Bergin, oil, "Pebble Beach, Stevenson, Wa" 12x9 on canvas panel,

Artist Reception, June 3, 6-8pm Borland Gallery, Silverton, OR (You are Invited)

2016-05-28T11:10:00.003-07:00

Intimate Grandeur

Images of Northwest landscape

Eric Jacobsen

Celeste Bergin

Carol Hansen

Erik Sandgren

Ulan Moore

Helen Bouchard

Jim Shull

Borland Gallery

303 Coolidge Street

Silverton, OR 97381

Opening Reception

Friday, June 3, 2016, 6pm-8pm

Artist Reception, Friday, May 6, 5:30-7:30pm

2016-05-03T22:36:00.003-07:00

(Click to Enlarge)

Happy Weekend!

2016-04-29T14:05:00.000-07:00

This is one of those scenes where you just have to go with what is there. All I had was a bunch of bushes....but luckily the sun came out really strong and lit it up. It's just a practice piece, but I wound up pleased with it. I took it to the art discussion meeting recently because the subject was backlighting (or rim lighting). To see what everyone else brought go HERE. (Additional other weeks HERE and HERE) Have you been busy painting?

(Painting) Celeste Bergin, Sun-struck, oil on 12x9 canvas panel

Saturday!

2016-04-02T18:56:00.001-07:00

I've been painting on Saturdays at "Fine Art Saturday". Today the model wore a big beautiful sun hat. This is after a few hours. I might resolve it further, because I think it is a good start.

The weather is starting to be really nice here in Portland, so I hope to start painting outdoors soon too. What have you been doing? I'll go check out some blogs now.

(Painting) Celeste Bergin, Model S, oil on 16x20 canvas sheet

I'm back...! AGAIN

2016-03-08T21:09:00.004-08:00

My life pretty much came to a grinding halt while I tried to find out what to do about the intractable daily headaches I have been having for a full year. The situation just got worse and worse. Last week, after months and months (and months) of conservative treatment I had sinus surgery. I’m so grateful to my wonderful Doctor Timothy Smith at OHSU and I am optimistic that I am going to be back 100%. Aren't we lucky that we live in an age when Doctors and nurses can help us so much? It just feels like a miracle that the daily headache chapter might actually be coming to a close.

Ok! By way of catching up….despite all the trouble I’ve had I did manage to get to Studio one-eleven at the Troy for a couple of life painting sessions. This is Sean. They also call him “Boss”. He definitely gives off an air of a man in-charge.

Another week at Studio one-eleven. This model wore a lovely backless dress, but my view of her was from the front. I loved the hits of color from the lighting on her face.

Headache or not, I always make a concerted effort to get to Art Discussion Thursdays. This is an “experimental” painting I brought. (I realize now that it looks like an ad for Headache. Haha)!
(To see what others brought...go here, here and here)

Sinus surgery recovery is no cake walk…I literally had to take to my bed and just stay there. I’ve done a batch of self portraits in my sketchbook (from photos). This one is one of my favorites where I am contemplating cutting my hair.

Finally today, I felt well enough to set up a little “sketch station” in the bedroom. I like drawing and I’m going to make it a daily habit…(like my friend Jim King does). Now you are all brought up to date….Next, I’ll be checking in with you on what you’ve been doing! (And Thank you facebookers, for all the well wishes on my Facebook wall).

(Photo 1): Painting, Celeste Bergin, Oil, Sean, 16x20 oil on canvas sheet
(Photo 2) Painting, Celeste Bergin, Oil, Young Lady, 16x20 oil on canvas sheet
(Photo 3) Painting, Celeste Bergin, Oil, Waiting, 16x20 oil on canvas sheet
(Photo 4) Drawing, Celeste Bergin, I should cut this #2 pencil in Fabriano sketchbook,
(Photo 5) Sketch corner in the bedroom

Painting in Gallery One-Eleven at the Troy Building

2016-02-09T17:32:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday a few of us painted in Gallery One-Eleven at the Troy Building. This is where Joanne Radmilovich-Kollman has a studio and she and Sean McGonigal are going to begin offering Saturday open figure sessions (no instruction). This was a "Beta-test" to see if the space seems right ...we decided it is just great for model and still life sessions. Above is my painting "start".

Joanne talks about her own effort here.

The Troy building has traditionally housed a lot of artist studios (and originally it had something to do with Laundry).

So, if you are in Portland and want to know more about these upcoming Saturdays contact Joanne: joradart@comcast(dot)net.

To see what everyone brought to art discussion on Thursday go HERE

(Oil Study) Celeste Bergin, Tony, oil on 16x12 canvas panel

Thursday/Friday!

2016-01-28T20:47:00.002-08:00

The topic of our art discussion this week was "revisiting a painting". This figure originally had an umbrella. In the spirit of the topic I simply painted it out and made up a few other shapes. It is really liberating to just paint things from memory without a care. To see what everyone else brought to the meeting...go HERE.

(Painting) Celeste Bergin, City walk, oil on 8x8 canvas panel

Happy New Week!

2016-01-26T14:00:00.002-08:00

I nearly forgot to post about what happened last week. It was a good week...was yours? Our Art Discussion Meeting was especially good, because it covered "pattern". This is a study that I painted in a pear orchard---and I took it to the meeting for a sample of "pattern".

If I remember, the subsequent painting that I did from this painting was not as good as the study. Funny how that is, sometimes. It is the immediacy that can say the most sometimes....even if it doesn't seem 100% accurate. Heart trumps "right" sometimes.

To see what everyone else brought go HERE.

(Plein Air Study) Celeste Bergin, Hood River Pear, oil on 8x8 canvas panel

Monday!

2016-01-18T19:59:00.000-08:00

Last week I did this oil study from a photo reference (generously given to our Facebook Alla Prima Portland group by Khanh Huynh (Thanks, Khanh). I liked the big dark shapes. I'll probably do a couple more versions of this. To see the other Alla Prima Portland art discussion paintings from last week go HERE.

I thought I would gesso some new MDF boards today. I used to work on board like this a long time ago--so it isn't completely new to me.

This "file folder holder" makes a great drying station. I'll be doing multiple gesso passes on these panels. Well now...what about you--what have you been doing art-wise?

(Oil Study) Celeste Bergin, Khanh's model, oil on 12x16 canvas sheet

Happy Sunday!

2016-01-10T18:04:00.001-08:00

I haven't quite figured out how I am going to compose my flight boots painting yet (I'm thinking)!...so in the interim (translation: while I stall haha) I painted this simple little funny toy. How can you take things too seriously when a happy little bird like this is staring back at you?

I am grateful to my art friend David McBride who turned me onto RPS standing studio lamps. They are really lightweight and so handy. I had plenty of lamps before (mine clamped onto things mostly)...but these are just so much better.

Now I'm off to check out my blogging friends to see what you are doing!

(Oil Study) Celeste Bergin, Red Bird, oil on 9x 12 canvas sheet

Happy New Year....Yay!

2016-01-02T19:23:00.003-08:00

Gary Everest chose me to become the steward of his flight boots when he and his wife moved to Hawaii a couple of years ago. These boots meant a lot to him and he painted them several times. It feels like a huge honor to be given these...so I've decided I will paint them too. I know I can't do nearly the great job that Gary did..but I'll do my best. Today I just got some value studies started. These boots are truly magnificent. Beautiful shapes! (The idea to paint these reminds me that Van Gogh painted shoes and boots several times).

I don't "do" New Year's Resolutions, but I do pledge to return to blogging. Here are my cats to prove that I am serious. (Because, as you know...there can be no internet pledges without cats). :)

(Top Photo-Value Studies) Celeste Bergin, Gary's Flight Boots, oil on canvas sheet