tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11553519124952710742023-11-16T01:31:25.399-06:00Paint Daily TexasDaily Paintings, Art Techniques and Tips, Artist Interviews, Exhibitions, Art News and more by Mark & Elizabeth Nesmith.
Mark Nesmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12391422823883501184noreply@blogger.comBlogger196125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155351912495271074.post-84147730803206132342020-01-30T14:52:00.000-06:002020-01-30T14:52:01.302-06:00Unexpected Beauty in a Roadside Ditch - NEW Water Lily Painting in Progress by Mark Nesmith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq__dIdx_JBRK_dwDKNQ7toyWGCRuFrQgPH9Jjt5yZkZ_hKAm17JEBSop0KhFtq7uNHvGIL790SPloEcryp92JwGpDJZRRmqVV_yuJ_V2vapB2bjz1VGq4DaM0GULldxg3TvokcT2W7Aey/s1600/5416544C-D803-4E39-B6CE-15E671E61FC7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq__dIdx_JBRK_dwDKNQ7toyWGCRuFrQgPH9Jjt5yZkZ_hKAm17JEBSop0KhFtq7uNHvGIL790SPloEcryp92JwGpDJZRRmqVV_yuJ_V2vapB2bjz1VGq4DaM0GULldxg3TvokcT2W7Aey/s400/5416544C-D803-4E39-B6CE-15E671E61FC7.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Here’s the view from my easel today. I drew up a couple of large views or water lilies from the drainage ditch past Winnie on the way to the coast. I love finding moments of beauty in otherwise overlooked places. This one is 30” X 48” and I can’t wait to get painting!Mark Nesmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12391422823883501184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155351912495271074.post-12117111547671522020-01-29T07:30:00.000-06:002020-01-29T07:30:02.255-06:00Caprock Canyon - NEW Southwest Daily Painting featuring the Vivid Orange Caprock Bluff Against Clear Blue Sky by Mark Nesmith <div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZW-WCOPnnBpO7HdZilyc2zh0qyaZK9GBdTCBBBzrMQAUYvstHNcd_k0PwZwyNoUPryWHb_laBtEbEGdfZEBN02NrRTWDRKkKnzIMKTJcPoI8y_WnQcI-EfsYhHsBPU2QkrQhm36reUzu/s1600/FCD2181D-59F5-4DF0-8663-056F596691D8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1239" data-original-width="1600" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZW-WCOPnnBpO7HdZilyc2zh0qyaZK9GBdTCBBBzrMQAUYvstHNcd_k0PwZwyNoUPryWHb_laBtEbEGdfZEBN02NrRTWDRKkKnzIMKTJcPoI8y_WnQcI-EfsYhHsBPU2QkrQhm36reUzu/s400/FCD2181D-59F5-4DF0-8663-056F596691D8.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Caprock Canyon</i><br />
By Mark Nesmith<br />
Oil on Canvas<br />
12” X 16”<br />
2020<br />
<h3>
<a href="https://www.dailypaintworks.com/finerart/mark-nesmith/caprock-/783391">CLICK</a> to bid in the auction or buy it now.</h3>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">It’s been a few years since I’ve made it out West, but lately I’ve been daydreaming about Caprock Canyon. Caprock is a beautiful state park in West Texas. Ever since I went camping there with my friend Jon I’ve had the vivid red rock formations etched in my mind. I took hundred of photos as we hiked the rugged terrain. Recently as I was cleaning up my external hard drive I came across the unedited RAW images and once again found new inspiration.</span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">I began this 12” X 16” oil painting Monday. By the afternoon the canvas was covered and I decided to leave it for the night. This morning I came in and realized I hated it. I took a palette knife and scraped everything off. People often think I’m crazy when they see me erasing an entire painting like this, but sometimes you have to destroy in order to create. The second time around the painting felt much better. I stayed after work a couple of hours and finished it up the same day.</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">Visit www.marknesmith.com to view more of my art and like and follow me on Facebook and Instagram.</span></div>
Mark Nesmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12391422823883501184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155351912495271074.post-41417701367925514222020-01-28T09:00:00.000-06:002020-01-28T09:00:01.622-06:00Oracio del Sol - NEW vivid sunrise oil painting - thick impasto with cool blue and violent tones contrasted against bright yellow and orange hues by Mark Nesmith<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfWn8sMiWF6hUn_5W4nky9nRdGYnd-b3MmBonHYvf9NYh9-lNJRx8wEA-Ao6KnxCbIZOPy-ynLdDNeMyz3frZ1-if6329JigYhfwPCDu27smH_rKs86etIZCFTNPgOERfAlzTznhzlrw5/s1600/95244B95-2CE0-4CFE-85B5-B90BFA6CC45A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1587" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfWn8sMiWF6hUn_5W4nky9nRdGYnd-b3MmBonHYvf9NYh9-lNJRx8wEA-Ao6KnxCbIZOPy-ynLdDNeMyz3frZ1-if6329JigYhfwPCDu27smH_rKs86etIZCFTNPgOERfAlzTznhzlrw5/s400/95244B95-2CE0-4CFE-85B5-B90BFA6CC45A.jpeg" width="396" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u><i>Oracio del Sol</i></u> by Mark Nesmith<br />
Oil Painting on Canvas<br />
20” X 20”<br />
2020<br />
<h3>
<a href="http://manesmith.fineartstudioonline.com/workszoom/3425882#/">CLICK</a> to learn more or purchase this painting.</h3>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1">I started this 20” X 20” canvas inspired by mornings spent at Galveston Island State Park a year ago. The sky went in with ease and I thought I’d finish it in a couple of days. One thing led to another and it seemed like I was always getting a sidetracked into another project or a new natural disaster in SE Texas. The painting sat quietly in my classroom waiting for me to come back to it. Thus week I finally put it back on the easel and started laying in the water. Again it felt like it almost painted itself. I think it was worth the wait and just goes to show that it’s never too late. The next day my temperament favored thick paint and I spent my time at the easel playing in the water. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I developed deep impastos in the waves with scrapes and stokes of the palette knife. My bristle brushes added loose strokes and scumbles of thick, buttery color. The cool blue and violent tones contrasting against vivid yellow, orange and pink notes lend a little of Van Gogh’s intensity. </span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
Painted on 1 1/2” deep gallery wrapped canvas, the sides are finished in a neutral tone and the painting is wired and ready to hang.</div>
Mark Nesmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12391422823883501184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155351912495271074.post-20824714294050380842020-01-24T07:00:00.000-06:002020-01-24T07:00:02.625-06:00Skyfall - New Daily Painting of the Sunrise After a Storm by Mark NesmithDaily Painting 1/23/2020<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiitlrprHxJo96segHFxne1MWS_GP4-Z_CsWgERcryrdqgZhz5-krJB4eKKSbjBw5d27yLAnr9qG41ft2hvBOZKdNVflK24wDiEruBTYzPD2R9Ezy-0aybK805qZFmXyI7pFcnMiVCy5fAN/s1600/A63F5774-C3C1-42C3-99D8-EBCBB5C91BC4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1567" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiitlrprHxJo96segHFxne1MWS_GP4-Z_CsWgERcryrdqgZhz5-krJB4eKKSbjBw5d27yLAnr9qG41ft2hvBOZKdNVflK24wDiEruBTYzPD2R9Ezy-0aybK805qZFmXyI7pFcnMiVCy5fAN/s400/A63F5774-C3C1-42C3-99D8-EBCBB5C91BC4.jpeg" width="391" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Skyfall</i><br />
by Mark Nesmith<br />
Oil on Canvas<br />
6” X 6”<br />
2020<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/mark-nesmith/skyfall/782611">CLICK</a> to bid in the auction or buy it now</span>.</h3>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After finishing a 20" X 20" beach sunrise I'd been working on yesterday I had lots of little piles of lovely color mixed on my palette. I decided to see what I could make of them and was inspired by my morning commute. This daily painting is a view of the sun starting to rise after a stormy night. Our little slice of Texas has been very wet and dreary as of late. I'm often searching for the slightest ray of sunshine above the trees as I drive to Port Neches to drop my son Samuel off for morning workouts before school. Here the warmth of yellows and orange starts to spread from the horizon to the remnants of the cloud front above, bathing the dark, cool clouds with splashes of red. Sunrise is always a welcome sight, but I find it especially exhilarating after a storm. I wanted to keep this one fresh and loose and made myself work quickly, spending just over an hour with my brush. Even amidst the hustle and bustle of rush hour there’s time to look to the skies and appreciate our beautiful world.<br />
<br />
Skyfall is an oil painting on 1 1/2” deep gallery wrapped canvas. I’ll finish the edges in a neutral grey and wire the back to hang.Mark Nesmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12391422823883501184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155351912495271074.post-35067967982971624982020-01-21T12:46:00.001-06:002020-01-21T12:46:32.766-06:00Back in the Saddle AgainIt’s been a while, but I’ve finally decided to free up some time and get back to my blog. A lot has happened the last few years, not the least of which is getting married to my love Elizabeth. She’s not only beautiful and smart but is a talented painter in her own right. I’d like to introduce you to her wonderful watercolors and her newly created site on Daily Paintworks.<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckj5hBAHkFXhW25UsbUPIlj8oHIANYaz7XDREuJqtbqwqXfsyS-48XECj-_TGmB9tBme-X7xXK1WTRBFsIHbO-uLfC3guPEjGOiy5i4nIhJmBpVnw-gbgvzMYeLAfBSWMz-h7BGwgDIk1/s1600/elizabeth+nesmith_blue_watercolor+on+paper_12x9_2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1177" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckj5hBAHkFXhW25UsbUPIlj8oHIANYaz7XDREuJqtbqwqXfsyS-48XECj-_TGmB9tBme-X7xXK1WTRBFsIHbO-uLfC3guPEjGOiy5i4nIhJmBpVnw-gbgvzMYeLAfBSWMz-h7BGwgDIk1/s400/elizabeth+nesmith_blue_watercolor+on+paper_12x9_2018.jpg" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elizabeth Nesmith<br />Blue<br />Watercolor on Paper<br />12” X 9”<br />2018<br />Click <a href="https://www.dailypaintworks.com/buy/auction/1032343">HERE</a> to bid in the DPW Auction or Buy It Now</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px;">Here’s her first offering Up for DPW auction. . “Blue” is one of my personal favorites from her and was shown at Third Coast Gallery in Galveston as part of our two-person show there. Stop by and check out her new DPW site and stay tuned for lots more of her wonderful watercolors!</span><br />
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span class="s1"><a href="https://www.dailypaintworks.com/buy/auction/1032343"></a></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1"><a href="https://www.dailypaintworks.com/buy/auction/1032343">https://www.dailypaintworks.com/buy/auction/1032343</a></span></div>
Mark Nesmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12391422823883501184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155351912495271074.post-2671318978800739932016-03-28T07:00:00.000-05:002016-03-28T07:00:21.839-05:00New Life for an Old Painting<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDXKfVyYCe6CTg8Q0pthMIYV7ZHXIqSgXwlBomrTQHtBwCqhWTT1vg-InSMPwNMsmDjxotQhQhYycq2oQRnL1cytvDs_M9dOPI5iVKJ8ZIjVYhJmU5ClMTEbZNKVt1afvaZ-MPkT93qCP/s1600/Cedar+Lake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDXKfVyYCe6CTg8Q0pthMIYV7ZHXIqSgXwlBomrTQHtBwCqhWTT1vg-InSMPwNMsmDjxotQhQhYycq2oQRnL1cytvDs_M9dOPI5iVKJ8ZIjVYhJmU5ClMTEbZNKVt1afvaZ-MPkT93qCP/s400/Cedar+Lake.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resurrected Landscape<br />by Mark Nesmith<br />Oil on Canvas<br />12" x 24"<br />2016<br /><h4>
Click <a href="http://www.dailypaintworks.com/buy/auction/533270">here</a> to purchase this painting.</h4>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This painting is a resurrection of sorts. A little more than a year ago we used to live in Country Village Apartments on Fannett Road just outside Beaumont, TX. The apartments aren't much and they're pretty old, but they are situated on a lot of land which made them ideal for dogs. There are fields and woods and plenty of nice views, but what really stands out about the place is the little horseshoe shaped pond lined with pines. For some unknown reason they call it Cedar Lake. I'd often take walks there in the morning and evening and loved the unique combination of the shape of the pond, the ring of pines along the narrow bank, and the flickering reflections on the water.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I first started this painting while I was still living there. I had already painted a few small panels of Cedar Lake and fleshed out this 12" x 24" canvas pretty quickly one evening. Later I went back at it hoping to add some brushwork and push the color and ended up hating it, so the canvas was relegated to the closet. It somehow stuck around and survived the move to our house but has been out stuck in piles of junk in the garage ever since. A couple of days ago I was going through some boxes looking for guitar parts and I stumbled upon the dusty canvas in the corner. Suddenly I thought I saw a glimmer of life, so I put the canvas on the easel and spent the last couple of days painting it all over again. It's funny. This canvas sat unwanted and hidden from view for more than a year, only to find new life and vibrancy in a couple of days. Sometimes it just takes fresh eyes and a little faith to be resurrected.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is a 12" x 24" oil painting on 1/2" deep gallery wrapped canvas. It's available and looking for a good home.</div>
Mark Nesmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12391422823883501184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155351912495271074.post-79454526089004180742016-01-28T08:24:00.001-06:002016-01-28T08:25:11.639-06:00The Space Between - new daily oil painting of Lake Mineral Wells<span style="font-family: "times";"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EkCQWhQ_VTdiUhfEm1X1mui0XjXwk8IycEKpDc6Hah1cA7dWvtLHjl0lvMbgSU17Hc7neXWzaiE_dp5mtGDDGGeGVxzSOCOf6XK6UMMmLqoJzjFXh_ChWNec6jRcM654h_mxbKtY4hei/s1600/space+between.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EkCQWhQ_VTdiUhfEm1X1mui0XjXwk8IycEKpDc6Hah1cA7dWvtLHjl0lvMbgSU17Hc7neXWzaiE_dp5mtGDDGGeGVxzSOCOf6XK6UMMmLqoJzjFXh_ChWNec6jRcM654h_mxbKtY4hei/s400/space+between.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Space Between<br />
Mark Nesmith<br />
Oil on Canvas<br />
6" x 6"<br />
2016<br />
<h3>
Click <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/111887650110?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649">here</a> to buy this painting.</h3>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "times";">I'm still dreaming of spring and the lake. This is another recent painting inspired by my memories of vacationing at Lake Mineral Wells with my kids. We stayed in one of the little screened cabins at the waters edge. Across the inlet from us was an outcropping of trees and boulders, and in the distance a small island set against the distant shore. The mornings were bathed in a brilliant bright and warm light. I really need to get back there again soon! This is an 6" x 6" oil painting on 1 1/2" deep gallery wrapped canvas. The sides are finished in black and the canvas comes wired and ready to hang.</span>Mark Nesmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12391422823883501184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155351912495271074.post-48625370133910758782016-01-26T17:05:00.002-06:002016-01-26T17:12:05.455-06:00New daily painting "Daybreak" (morning on the lake)<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVCSUG9VfccdH2G7Hr5AaEJ7TikRMbemlquMcdvuTsOyKJVUhHx9YgZWKL6lT9GhgvkU5CyQbiwGhdQA4fZhXdcw619mwpjoCyoEEvgcSIABdKi2i9si-wxBjH0cjCMiFsVGqavmcRSD9/s640/blogger-image-401909061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVCSUG9VfccdH2G7Hr5AaEJ7TikRMbemlquMcdvuTsOyKJVUhHx9YgZWKL6lT9GhgvkU5CyQbiwGhdQA4fZhXdcw619mwpjoCyoEEvgcSIABdKi2i9si-wxBjH0cjCMiFsVGqavmcRSD9/s400/blogger-image-401909061.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daybreak<br />
by Mark Nesmith<br />
Oil on Canvas<br />
6" x 6"<br />
2016<br />
<h3>
Click <a href="http://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/111886757476">here</a> to bid in the Ebay auction.</h3>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
Finished and looking for a good home! "Daybreak" is a 6" x 6" oil painting on 1 1/2" deep gallery wrapped canvas. It was inspired by my memories of camping at Lake Mineral Wells with my kids several years ago. I had to fight the urge to do to much to this one. I love the freshness and spontaneity and all the texture. These little paintings are listing for $200 - 250 at my gallery, but I'm starting this with a low bid of $40. Here's a great chance to start or add to your collection. I'll be posting several paintings over the next few weeks that just haven't found their place yet so check back for more auctions.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Mark Nesmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12391422823883501184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155351912495271074.post-88177076668764342922016-01-26T16:59:00.001-06:002016-01-26T17:03:07.124-06:00The Dishman Art Museum and my painting "Crystal Head"<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGQArA_kY_p22AtP7HtzgZQK_Sl8t_1039oBx5S2pNRfJ9LdXyfUa_-bedvsx2K2XakWMICcRdQSg9uSCz1doJZj0b8yj_tP_3bLzo8LQPCD7rb60aAkl1Cs2g1Zj69LnaH6GT3Osj5KT/s640/blogger-image--213351730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGQArA_kY_p22AtP7HtzgZQK_Sl8t_1039oBx5S2pNRfJ9LdXyfUa_-bedvsx2K2XakWMICcRdQSg9uSCz1doJZj0b8yj_tP_3bLzo8LQPCD7rb60aAkl1Cs2g1Zj69LnaH6GT3Osj5KT/s400/blogger-image--213351730.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crystal Head<br />Oil on Canvas<br />14" x 14"<br />2015</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Well, in a funny turn of events, looks like I might have my first painting to call a museum home. A while back I gave Lamar baseball Coach Jim Gilligan a painting of a Crystal Head vodka bottle. It was meant as a thank you. Coach and I had talked quite often (at the Tradewinds Tavern) and he often shared stories about world renowned artist John Alexander who he has known for years. John was coming to Lamar for the dedication of a painting studio in his honor and Coach was determined that I needed to meet him. Of course John is somewhat of a legend in the Beaumont art world as a local boy who made it big. Since my conversations with Coach were always at a bar and often included talk of Crystal Head Vodka (John Alexander co-founded the vodka with Dan Aykroyd and designed the bottle) I thought he'd get a kick out of the little still life painting I had been working on. Coach passed it on to John, and now it seems John donated the painting to the Dishman Art Museum at Lamar. Funny how things work sometimes. Every artist dreams of having their work in a museum. Maybe this will be the first of many. If any of you want to donate my work to another museum I'll buy you a drink sometime and say thanks lol!Mark Nesmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12391422823883501184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155351912495271074.post-58283922717357702152015-11-05T13:12:00.001-06:002015-11-05T13:12:18.443-06:00New gallery representation through Ugallery<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQ7KqPOa_XjIiLGcv4soCITYuqyNk6K-F4m4uYoBdAyoQIPItWLdF17ByenHY6pYGglRUpJ2xfR6Yfc9fnA0vCm7fQIG5qy_-GpQeN8yDM4yK93tresVHbzVAdF2slXkeC4kYVZXMMNKi/s1600/cloudburst+resize.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQ7KqPOa_XjIiLGcv4soCITYuqyNk6K-F4m4uYoBdAyoQIPItWLdF17ByenHY6pYGglRUpJ2xfR6Yfc9fnA0vCm7fQIG5qy_-GpQeN8yDM4yK93tresVHbzVAdF2slXkeC4kYVZXMMNKi/s320/cloudburst+resize.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cloudburst<br />by Mark Nesmith<br />Oil on Canvas<br />12" x 16"<br />2015<br />Available through <a href="http://marknesmithart.ugallery.com/">Ugallery.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Earlier this week I announced Part 1 of my big news for the week. My friend Donna Davis Kurtz pointed out that she hasn't seen Part 2, so here it is:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm thrilled to announce that I've been accepted to exhibit online with Ugallery.com. Ugallery.com is a curated online gallery that promotes work in 45 countries worldwide. Ugallery.com has an impressive sales record and garnered lots of great press, including reviews in the Wall Street Journal and a feature on This Old House. They curate every piece shown on the site and take great care to present professional artwork. They also participate in some art fairs and host exhibitions from time to time. They maintain offices in New York and San Francisco. It's a great opportunity for me to expose my work to a wider audience.<br />
<br />
My work went live today. Visit marknesmithart.ugallery.com and let me know what you think. I'm very excited and hopeful about this new venture!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
P.S. There's a Part 3 to my big news coming up soon :-)</div>
Mark Nesmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12391422823883501184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155351912495271074.post-87043749666449442152015-11-04T11:47:00.002-06:002015-11-04T11:47:38.463-06:00New Exhibit at the Texas Artists' Museum and Other Breaking News!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hyphenhyphenTbXqh6m8XYFFPIGlihSPV7kyLEqgFgtIcZErkalljZihYAXmOSnT0_t02j3KZiVwNGJovNzAhDv0R8kP5Goxgsb3Yg3VQoK6Wd5rXmKY3v5FuWe_sBw54TI-_FagATj6StiTN_RDR_/s1600/Mark+Nesmith_Two+Umbrellas_Oil+on+Canvas_24X24_2015.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hyphenhyphenTbXqh6m8XYFFPIGlihSPV7kyLEqgFgtIcZErkalljZihYAXmOSnT0_t02j3KZiVwNGJovNzAhDv0R8kP5Goxgsb3Yg3VQoK6Wd5rXmKY3v5FuWe_sBw54TI-_FagATj6StiTN_RDR_/s400/Mark+Nesmith_Two+Umbrellas_Oil+on+Canvas_24X24_2015.jpg.JPG" width="397" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Umbrellas<br />by Mark Nesmith<br />Oil on Canvas<br />24" x 24"<br />2015<br />On display at the Texas Artists' Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I believe in creating your own momentum, and sometimes the
universe lends a helping hand. Not long ago I contacted the local museums and
art spaces about possible exhibition opportunities. This past Saturday I received
a call from the Texas Artists Museum. TAM is a non-profit art space in Port
Arthur that exhibits and promotes local and regional artists. They usually
feature three artists each month, but one of the artists scheduled to show in
November wouldn’t be able to participate due to recent health concerns. They
had received my email and viewed my work online and were wondering if there was
any possibility I could step in and be part of the November exhibit. Ordinarily
a couple of days notice wouldn’t be enough time to put a show together, but I’d
recently brought back some work from my two-person show at Davis Gallery in
Austin and from my summer shows in Galveston at Third Coast Gallery, most of
which hasn’t been shown in SE Texas before. Altogether I had more than two
dozen pieces I could show, so Monday afternoon we loaded up the cars and trucks
and headed off to Port Arthur to hang the show. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’d like to invite you all to the artists’ reception on the
second Thursday of November, 11/12/2015, from 6 – 8 PM. It’ll be a fun filled
night with lots of art and refreshments. TAM was hit hard in the last few
hurricanes and is coming back strong. Let’s all help support this great institution
in Port Arthur.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That was quite a whirlwind start to my week, but I have more
breaking news too! I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve been accepted to exhibit
online with Ugallery.com. Ugallery.com is a curated online gallery that
promotes work in 45 countries worldwide. Ugallery.com has an impressive sales
record and garnered lots of great press, including reviews in the Wall Street
Journal and a feature on This Old House. They curate every piece shown on the
site and take great care to present professional artwork. They also participate
in some art fairs and host exhibitions from time to time. It’s a great
opportunity for me to expose my work to a wider audience. My work should be
available starting Thursday, November 5, 2015 at marknesmithart.ugallery.com.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A while back I announced that I was negotiating a contract
with a large Austin based art publisher interested in producing and selling
prints of my paintings. Unfortunately that seems to have fallen through, but as
luck would have it I was contacted by a different publisher based out of
McKinney, TX. Orisons Décor is a smaller company that sprang to life out of
their already successful and long running gallery. They are very artist
centered and offered very favorable terms with their contract. They offer
reproductions through their online service and also partner with several
leading interior design firms. I’ve just completed editing the first batch of graphic
files and descriptions we’ll be offering and they should be available through <a href="http://www.orisonsdecor.com/"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">www.orisonsdecor.com</span></a>
soon. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you all for your continued support and interest in my
art. You make it all possible!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mark </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>P.S. Don’t forget, if you’re anywhere near SE Texas on
Thursday, November 12, 2015 stop by the Texas Artists’ Museum in Port Arthur to
see my exhibit and say hello!</b></div>
Mark Nesmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12391422823883501184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155351912495271074.post-45501509631073190852015-11-02T08:52:00.002-06:002015-11-02T08:54:31.572-06:00New 8" x 10" daily oil painting of the 1877 tall ship Elissa at Galveston, TX <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAe-BkNWSIfxPOx7DsT46s0wvOumBHsPrteqfuWjcDDe80V8FbIz91nNl_PLh3_TBzht1j24NtZ2sJ9lSEbVcI-vOu9bmqTzqrsVDB8VjlMkOrF_6trEaYBW2vQFXTpViq4K5WVmx-_LxM/s1600/Mark+Nesmith_Elissa_Oil+on+Canvas_8x10_2015+resize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAe-BkNWSIfxPOx7DsT46s0wvOumBHsPrteqfuWjcDDe80V8FbIz91nNl_PLh3_TBzht1j24NtZ2sJ9lSEbVcI-vOu9bmqTzqrsVDB8VjlMkOrF_6trEaYBW2vQFXTpViq4K5WVmx-_LxM/s400/Mark+Nesmith_Elissa_Oil+on+Canvas_8x10_2015+resize.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Lady Elissa"<br />
by Mark Nesmith<br />
Oil on Canvas<br />
8" x 10"<br />
2015<br />
<h3>
Click <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/111810466073?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649">here</a> to bid in the Ebay auction for this painting.</h3>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;">This 8" x 10" oil painting on canvas features the figurehead of the 1877 tall ship Elissa from Galveston, Texas. Elissa was built in Aberdeen, Scotland as a merchant vessel in a time when steamships were overtaking sailing ships. She was originally launched on October 27, 1877. According to the descendants of Henry Fowler Watt, Elissa's builder, she was named for the Queen of Carthage, Elissa, Aeneas' tragic lover in the epic poem The Aeneid.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
Since painting this last week I've been commissioned to paint a large 28" x 40" version for Tradewinds Tavern at the MCM Elegante Hotel in Beaumont, Texas. Sometimes little things turn into big things with a little luck and perseverance.Mark Nesmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12391422823883501184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155351912495271074.post-9983019531386892682015-10-23T12:00:00.000-05:002015-10-23T12:00:00.313-05:0012" x 12 Oil Painting "Above and Below" by Mark Nesmith and the separation of Heaven and earth<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweZHS1FzjN1ZeXw_S1iFi68I_dfixZsaw501Uk1j4s4J9hdInV4VBKCJMzK1M7Omg_GC6g9PRRj0HqJcJ32Lvfkr2yJ7a0Qs7mOEXpu5LDLdWNYWuSk6jLY4RlVbgRNKxqmioUVSspR97/s1600/Mark+Nesmith_Above+and+Below_Oil+on+Canvas_12x12_2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweZHS1FzjN1ZeXw_S1iFi68I_dfixZsaw501Uk1j4s4J9hdInV4VBKCJMzK1M7Omg_GC6g9PRRj0HqJcJ32Lvfkr2yJ7a0Qs7mOEXpu5LDLdWNYWuSk6jLY4RlVbgRNKxqmioUVSspR97/s400/Mark+Nesmith_Above+and+Below_Oil+on+Canvas_12x12_2015.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Above and Below<br />
by Mark Nesmith<br />
Oil on Canvas<br />
12" x 12"<br />
2015<br />
<h4>
Click <a href="http://www.dailypaintworks.com/buy/auction/453890">here</a> to purchase this painting.</h4>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This 12" x 12" oil painting was inspired by the Neches River near Beaumont, TX. I painted this over a couple of afternoons while I was on Spring Break. Originally I was thinking of it as a kind of counter balance to the intensity of a painting of the Neches titled "The Burning Down" that I had painted a couple of weeks before. This one started as a calmer almost mirror image of the composition of the first, but as I worked those vivid oranges insisted on pressing forward, overtaking the distant shore and the reflected light in the water. Meanwhile the trees in the distance struggle to maintain the slightest separation between the sky and the earth.Mark Nesmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12391422823883501184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155351912495271074.post-71492601279112489592015-10-22T11:53:00.002-05:002015-10-22T12:07:33.354-05:00Thank YOU! A Special Announcement from Mark Nesmith<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Dear Friends and Family,</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Thank you sincerely for your past and continued support of my artwork! A few years ago I wouldn't have thought it possible that I'd achieve so much in such a short time. I owe it to you! So many of you have shared my artwork, mentioned it to your friends, or even purchased a painting for yourself. It's that kind of grassroots support that really gets the wheels moving.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;" />
<span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">This year I've been able to exhibit my work in Galveston, La Grange, and Austin. I was asked to be a showcase artist at Le Grand Bal at the Dishman Art Museum at Lamar University, and I've been featured on www.emptyeasel.com and in an interview for the Artists of Texas blog. I've gained collectors in sixteen states in the USA which puts my goal of having work all across the country in sight. Most recently I've signed a contract with Orisons Decor line to start publishing and selling prints of some of my paintings. </span></span><br />
<br />
Now I'm thrilled to announce that one of my boyhood dreams is about to come true. I've been invited to exhibit at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas! Their Cafe Arts program features local and regional artists. I'll be showing at AMSET from August 18, 2016 through October 30, 2016. There will be a reception tentatively scheduled for Sunday, August 21st to open the show. <br />
<br />
There will be invitation postcards mailed out closer to the exhibition date along with email updates and reminders. I want to make sure that you, my friends, family, and patrons are there to share in this very special day. Please take a moment to subscribe to my email list, and stop by my web site to learn more about me, leave some feedback or a comment on my blog, or just browse my artwork portfolio. If you'd like to receive a postcard invitation in the mail please email me directly or send me a message through Facebook or text to update your physical address.<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Thank you for your support and for your friendship.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Sincerely,</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Mark Nesmith</span><br />
www.marknesmith.com<br />
art@marknesmith.com<br />
409.548.8060<br />
<br style="background-color: white;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">PS: Your support has made this possible for me. Thank you! Don't forget to sign up for my email list on my web site to receive continued announcements regarding my art work, and message, email, or text me your snail mail address for your postcard invite to my show at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas!</span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<form action="http://marknesmith.com/aspwpadmin/confirm.asp" method="post" name="SubscribeForm">
<input name="Status" type="hidden" value="Subscribed" /> <input name="FASOID" type="hidden" value="18913" /> <input name="Command" type="hidden" value="Signup" /> <input name="TextOnly" type="hidden" value="HTML" /> <br />
<div class="formline">
<label class="faso-en-subscribe-form-label" for="email" id="faso-en-label-subscribe-form-email">Email <em>(required)</em></label> <input class="faso-en-form-input faso-en-input-email span4" name="Subscriber" type="text" /> </div>
<!-- /.formline --> <br />
<div class="formline">
<label class="faso-en-subscribe-form-label" for="firstname" id="faso-en-label-subscribe-form-firstname">First Name</label> <input class="faso-en-form-input faso-en-input-firstname span4" name="FirstName" type="text" /> </div>
<!-- /.formline --> <br />
<div class="formline">
<label class="faso-en-subscribe-form-label" for="lastname" id="faso-en-label-subscribe-form-lastname">Last Name</label> <input class="faso-en-form-input faso-en-input-lastname span4" name="LastName" type="text" /> </div>
<!-- /.formline --> <br />
<div class="formline">
<input checked="" name="Option" type="radio" value="Subscribe" />Subscribe </div>
<!-- /.formline --> <br />
<div class="formline">
<input name="Option" type="radio" value="Unsubscribe" />Unsubscribe </div>
<!-- /.formline --> <br />
<div class="formline">
<input class="faso-en-button-submit" name="submit" type="submit" value="Submit" /> </div>
<!-- /.formline --> </form>
Mark Nesmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12391422823883501184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155351912495271074.post-81196301726923170692015-10-21T12:00:00.000-05:002015-10-21T20:48:48.779-05:0012" x 16" Oil Painting "Stormy Night" and being happy when it rains<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZCEY0Mxt8CPGM8U1UcLS60OQQjI1rVcJh1PNRDkbX-wSwFKDjVMGSOz_aKoGNuf8rr0RyzNmPZipjqtTEIWE7KbKSz8rf0eDUsF3VVc-GM7_2qiWOX_evT94rK9eMzKvyxC81Juu0X01/s1600/Mark+Nesmith_Stormy+Night_Oil+on+Canvas_12x16_2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZCEY0Mxt8CPGM8U1UcLS60OQQjI1rVcJh1PNRDkbX-wSwFKDjVMGSOz_aKoGNuf8rr0RyzNmPZipjqtTEIWE7KbKSz8rf0eDUsF3VVc-GM7_2qiWOX_evT94rK9eMzKvyxC81Juu0X01/s400/Mark+Nesmith_Stormy+Night_Oil+on+Canvas_12x16_2015.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stormy Night<br />
by Mark Nesmith<br />
Oil on Canvas<br />
12" x 16"<br />
2015<br />
<h4>
Click <a href="http://www.dailypaintworks.com/buy/auction/453888">here</a> to purchase this painting.</h4>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've always loved watching the sky when it rains, especially the moments just before and after a storm. The light takes on such a dramatic cast and even the most familiar sights seem new. We'd had some pretty big storms in SE Texas on this day, but by the time sunset rolled around the rain was leaving. What remained were these incredible cloud heads and the flicker of light just above the horizon. So many lovely tints and subtle shifts of color in this sky, from light mint greens through pinks and violets and deep blues. I painted just a few days apart from "Cloudburst" and it testifies to the endless variety of a Texas sky. This was another of those rare gifts that seemed to paint itself.Mark Nesmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12391422823883501184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155351912495271074.post-61091370491614601282015-10-20T12:00:00.000-05:002015-10-20T12:00:01.588-05:0012" x 16" oil painting "Cloudburst" and the joys of painting in the zone<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtt6uwLW7QJHNeKgLlNEfqznh5xcU0WolMwvi_2eIG92mYiDRIiu-3vH_PEBC7o7DPdEQTdYVm8d_Xt-4BMg66pP3lxTtZ8WH473matk97yWKDl60Y9xXOYEuHU5SiiD__GfeIvl6WhP2V/s1600/Mark+Nesmith_Cloudburst_Oil+on+Canvas_12x16_2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtt6uwLW7QJHNeKgLlNEfqznh5xcU0WolMwvi_2eIG92mYiDRIiu-3vH_PEBC7o7DPdEQTdYVm8d_Xt-4BMg66pP3lxTtZ8WH473matk97yWKDl60Y9xXOYEuHU5SiiD__GfeIvl6WhP2V/s400/Mark+Nesmith_Cloudburst_Oil+on+Canvas_12x16_2015.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cloudburst<br />
by Mark Nesmith<br />
Oil on Canvas<br />
12" x 16"<br />
2015<br />
<h4>
Click <a href="http://www.dailypaintworks.com/buy/auction/453883">here</a> to purchase this painting.</h4>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm a sucker for a good light show, and some of my favorite moments include the rays of a new sun bursting through the clouds. This painting was finished it two short sessions on the same day. I wanted to keep the freshness and spontaneity of the brushwork and colors in the clouds to have the feeling that the sun is exploding to life in the morning sky. This was one of those little gifts that just seemed to paint itself. The best moments as a painter are when you just kind of zone out and disappear from yourself and let the brush do its magic.Mark Nesmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12391422823883501184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155351912495271074.post-56559366298086884732015-10-19T18:26:00.002-05:002015-10-19T18:35:45.478-05:00"Mirror, Mirror" reflections of a SE Texas Cypress Swamp<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxeRVJwz2C0R2mfo-AhiA0btfd5ASKGlsQEbdkX7sCro6WPS39V2UiU3phuVxef32X3RBI0IyNNgkXjiHc2HVRSJfY0NxE2UhomIJqGPpm9LW9dOyDRS1Em2KunsUtpbLWj2L1MMmd2jIW/s1600/Mark+Nesmith_Mirror+Mirror_Oil+on+Canvas_16x12_2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxeRVJwz2C0R2mfo-AhiA0btfd5ASKGlsQEbdkX7sCro6WPS39V2UiU3phuVxef32X3RBI0IyNNgkXjiHc2HVRSJfY0NxE2UhomIJqGPpm9LW9dOyDRS1Em2KunsUtpbLWj2L1MMmd2jIW/s400/Mark+Nesmith_Mirror+Mirror_Oil+on+Canvas_16x12_2015.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mirror, Mirror<br />
by Mark Nesmith<br />
Oil on Canvas<br />
16" x 12"<br />
2015<br />
<h4>
Click <a href="http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/mark-nesmith/mirror-mirror/420835">here</a> to purchase this painting.</h4>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As a boy some of my fondest memories were hiking through the Big Thicket with my father. He directed the summer camp for the YMCA and we'd often take field trips to the Katy Nature Trail near Kountze. The cypress sloughs were always our favorite. Seeing the ancient trees reflected in the shallow water is an image that has lasted in my mind my whole life. To this day I return to the Big Thicket to sketch and take photographs. I seek out Cypress anywhere I can, and someday hope to complete a whole series of them like Monet's water lilies.<br />
<br />
I kept thinking I would do more to this little canvas, but every time I came back to it I stopped myself. I love the contrast of the warm tones in the Cypress trunks and background against the cool jewel-like blues in the foreground.Mark Nesmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12391422823883501184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155351912495271074.post-14356261424380707572015-10-16T10:02:00.001-05:002015-10-16T10:02:17.159-05:00Port Neches Art Walk on the Ave - Saturday, October 17th, 2015 from 2 -
6 pm<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDNWQzWb9L2UVFUBlVSHOOJ9ZKNLsh7N91pcbGJCWeSa4CNhWNx6GvuRdlcnLv3OiooUBpqm8gC8o9er7UhdFsyHZWIeCx_MUwASTzMOVq0EYeEKjb-fRRzbr_uTD46cmCAojb1ZV2mzH/s640/blogger-image-1689482522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDNWQzWb9L2UVFUBlVSHOOJ9ZKNLsh7N91pcbGJCWeSa4CNhWNx6GvuRdlcnLv3OiooUBpqm8gC8o9er7UhdFsyHZWIeCx_MUwASTzMOVq0EYeEKjb-fRRzbr_uTD46cmCAojb1ZV2mzH/s640/blogger-image-1689482522.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Join us this Saturday, October 17th, 2015, for the inaugural Port Neches Art Walk on the Avenue from 2 - 6 pm. There are dozens of artists involved along with food trucks and fun for the family. We're setting up a booth with artwork from our students at Port Neches Middle School, and I'll have a booth with my own paintings as well. I'll also be performing some tunes with my talented friend Patrick Coletta. It's a free event and there's sure to be something for everyone.</span></div>Mark Nesmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12391422823883501184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155351912495271074.post-31726490122690590052015-10-10T07:00:00.000-05:002015-10-10T07:00:05.735-05:00New 12" x 12" oil painting "Puesta del Sol" (another Bolivar sunset)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHu_Mcg7lInRWzkHafWbiGWLVb3FtCods0MokZPPedOgp57FFiQmWOfmOOubKZIgsDA8PHReZ1PmaXU0Hr6nmry5hC-e_j5I24iiuJ67hamkdJLbRt4b81vO5U4ZK8wKvVnfByPu77jgk/s1600/Mark+Nesmith_Puesta+del+Sol_Oil+on+Canvas_12x12_2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHu_Mcg7lInRWzkHafWbiGWLVb3FtCods0MokZPPedOgp57FFiQmWOfmOOubKZIgsDA8PHReZ1PmaXU0Hr6nmry5hC-e_j5I24iiuJ67hamkdJLbRt4b81vO5U4ZK8wKvVnfByPu77jgk/s400/Mark+Nesmith_Puesta+del+Sol_Oil+on+Canvas_12x12_2015.jpg" width="396" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Puesta del Sol</i><br />
by Mark Nesmith<br />
Oil on Canvas<br />
12" x 12"<br />
2015<br />
<h3>
Click <a href="http://www.dailypaintworks.com/buy/auction/450182">here</a> to purchase this painting.</h3>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I love to walk along the edge where the ocean meets the beach at sunset. The world seems to disappear in a swirl of color and there's the sense that it's only a thin veil that separates things in this world. You can see the sunset from the exact same spot every day and every day it's brand new.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As I worked on this nearly abstract view of Bolivar along the Gulf Coast I had images of the great J.M.W. Turner filling my head. His work often features vast skies full of twisting colors that seem to have a life of their own. Like much of Turner's most famous works, this little painting of the Texas shore has just the barest hint of solid form to anchor the scene and keep it from dissolving into pure abstraction. Full of thick, juicy impastos of paint and lush color, this painting is meant to be a celebration of the beauty of our world.<br />
<br /></div>
Mark Nesmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12391422823883501184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155351912495271074.post-7520804599864055732015-10-09T14:07:00.000-05:002015-10-09T14:07:00.682-05:00John Alexander and the Crystal Head<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCT1dj0uaAZbiXzvNc4DlsHE-X7Ftsy8jl3k7UFcG0XgoXcLCh2w8KJmGH1sWg28cwtfWGtGt2F0p4JamAk1HM-BWKXsgkOPStHeUBJIJfZ9imnLGN95EwpnHgIhavFs7GXuvKGbfYqek8/s1600/Mark+Nesmith_Skull+Head_Oil+on+Canvas_12x12_2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCT1dj0uaAZbiXzvNc4DlsHE-X7Ftsy8jl3k7UFcG0XgoXcLCh2w8KJmGH1sWg28cwtfWGtGt2F0p4JamAk1HM-BWKXsgkOPStHeUBJIJfZ9imnLGN95EwpnHgIhavFs7GXuvKGbfYqek8/s400/Mark+Nesmith_Skull+Head_Oil+on+Canvas_12x12_2015.jpg" width="373" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Crystal Head</i><br />by Mark Nesmith<br />Oil on Canvas<br />14" x 14"<br />2015</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As an artist growing up in Beaumont, TX and attending Lamar
University it was impossible not to know about John Alexander. Alexander, born in 1945 in Beaumont, earned
his bachelor’s degree from Lamar in 1968 before gaining a Masters Degree from
SMU and teaching at the University of Houston. These of course were all
stepping stones to his move to New York and rise to renown in the art world. Alexander’s work hangs in the collections of
some of the most prestigious museums in the world, and he has had major
retrospectives of his work at the Smithsonian and the Museum of Fine Arts in
Houston.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Though I’ve known about him for half of my life and often
seen him across a crowded gallery (most recently at The Grand Bal at the
Dishman Museum where I have to admit I was thrilled to see my painting
“Somewhere Under the Rainbow” hanging near his as one of the showcase artists
this year), I’d never had the opportunity to actually meet the man. Well as luck would have it, he was in Beaumont this week for
the opening ceremony of the newly named John Alexander Painting Studio at the
Lamar University Art Department, and I finally had the chance to press the
flesh and talk a while with Mr. Alexander.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s really a few chance meetings that led to this
encounter. My sweetheart Elizabeth has
been working at the MCM Elegante Hotel in Beaumont for more than a year
now. One of the regulars at the tavern
there is none other than Jim Gilligan, the Lamar University baseball coach and
Texas Baseball Hall of Fame member. Over
the past year I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know coach a little. He’s a lively story teller and a great guy. Turns out he’s been friends with John
Alexander for years. When Coach found
out I’m a painter from Lamar and have never met John, he was determined to
introduce us. I’ve seen coach a few
times over the last month or so and he always reminded me about Alexander
coming in for the ceremony at Lamar and that he was intending to introduce
us. I was touched by the gesture and
thought I should do something in return.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The other piece to the puzzle happened this past week. Elizabeth and I were talking about Coach and
John Alexander and she suddenly remembered that she needed to order a bottle of
Crystal Head Vodka. Alexander designed
the bottle and partnered with Dan Aykroyd to found Crystal Head in 2007, so
they wanted to make sure they had some on hand at the bar. It occurred to me that the bottle would make an interesting
little still life painting and a perfect thank you gift. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I finished the painting the day of the ceremony so it was still too wet to give to him in person. Instead, I took a picture of it on my phone and showed it to Coach Gilligan at Lamar. He instantly grabbed my phone and made his
way across the room to John Alexander and motioned for me to come over. John was surrounded by well wishers, friends,
and representatives from the university and was constantly posing for photos
with someone, but he took the time to talk to me a few minutes and wish me well
with my career. I told coach I would get the painting to him after it dries and
he said he’d have it shipped to John. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wound up going to the Elegante that evening to see
Elizabeth, and sometime around 10 PM John Alexander stopped by Tradewinds at
the Elegante with a gift for me. He gave
me a hardbound book from his retrospective at The Museum of Fine Arts in
Houston and signed a little note to me inside the cover. We spoke a while about art and Lamar, some
professors we had in common and other artists from the area. He’s a very genuine guy and an entertaining
storyteller himself. It’s not often that
you get to meet someone of John Alexander’s status, and it’s even rarer when
they turn out to be so down to earth and friendly. It’s an experience I won’t soon forget and
was truly an honor, and if I ever make it big I hope to be as gracious and
generous with my time as Mr. Alexander. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Mark Nesmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12391422823883501184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155351912495271074.post-75011299376793108992015-09-29T17:42:00.002-05:002015-09-29T17:42:21.613-05:00New 12" x 24" oil painting "Gulf Stream Lights" by Mark Nesmith<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiGJzvL6plx_x8xTibzKwKgXokLMtE6caaZcumbDostctxIPzdydUvHrbBUwyi4811-LY3HkysV5qGYi_FGqHFC6ezBjaQU1EL1WBndLc2QCWSi1yNj7p3FIeDGIEpgYaAN2BEiDg_cu8W/s1600/Mark+Nesmith_Gulf+Stream+Lights_Oil+on+Canvas_12x24_2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiGJzvL6plx_x8xTibzKwKgXokLMtE6caaZcumbDostctxIPzdydUvHrbBUwyi4811-LY3HkysV5qGYi_FGqHFC6ezBjaQU1EL1WBndLc2QCWSi1yNj7p3FIeDGIEpgYaAN2BEiDg_cu8W/s400/Mark+Nesmith_Gulf+Stream+Lights_Oil+on+Canvas_12x24_2015.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gulf Stream Lights<br />by Mark Nesmith<br />Oil on Canvas<br />12" x 24"<br />2015<br /><h3>
Click <a href="http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/mark-nesmith/gulf-stream-lights/416130">here</a> to purchase this painting.</h3>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I never grow tired of the brilliant sunsets at the coast. I love the way the world dissolves with bursts of color in the clouds and reflected on the ripples of the waves. This 12" x 24" oil painting on canvas is titled "Gulf Stream Lights"and is full of thick, juicy impastos of paint and lush layers of color. "Gulf Stream Lights" was recently featured as part of my exhibition for the Galveston Art Walk at Third Coast Gallery on the island.Mark Nesmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12391422823883501184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155351912495271074.post-42702353821661851312015-09-24T12:49:00.004-05:002015-09-24T12:49:52.474-05:00Procrastination <div>
I've procrastinated about this a long time, but I'm finally getting around to starting a newsletter from my art website. I'll be sending out updates with info on shows, new artwork, reviews, and other interesting tidbits about my work and the arts in Texas.<br />
<br />
Please enter your email and name to subscribe to my newsletter, and share this with anyone you think might be interested. Your information will be kept private and won't be shared with anyone else. <br />
<br />
Thanks so much for all your support! I couldn't do any of this without you.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<form action="http://marknesmith.com/aspwpadmin/confirm.asp" method="post" name="SubscribeForm">
<input name="Status" type="hidden" value="Subscribed" /> <input name="FASOID" type="hidden" value="18913" /> <input name="Command" type="hidden" value="Signup" /> <input name="TextOnly" type="hidden" value="HTML" /> <br />
<div class="formline">
<label class="faso-en-subscribe-form-label" for="email" id="faso-en-label-subscribe-form-email">Email <em>(required)</em></label> <input class="faso-en-form-input faso-en-input-email span4" name="Subscriber" type="text" /> </div>
<!-- /.formline --> <br />
<div class="formline">
<label class="faso-en-subscribe-form-label" for="firstname" id="faso-en-label-subscribe-form-firstname">First Name</label> <input class="faso-en-form-input faso-en-input-firstname span4" name="FirstName" type="text" /> </div>
<!-- /.formline --> <br />
<div class="formline">
<label class="faso-en-subscribe-form-label" for="lastname" id="faso-en-label-subscribe-form-lastname">Last Name</label> <input class="faso-en-form-input faso-en-input-lastname span4" name="LastName" type="text" /> </div>
<!-- /.formline --> <br />
<div class="formline">
<input checked="" name="Option" type="radio" value="Subscribe" />Subscribe </div>
<!-- /.formline --> <br />
<div class="formline">
<input name="Option" type="radio" value="Unsubscribe" />Unsubscribe </div>
<!-- /.formline --> <br />
<div class="formline">
<input class="faso-en-button-submit" name="submit" type="submit" value="Submit" /> </div>
<!-- /.formline --> </form>
Mark Nesmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12391422823883501184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155351912495271074.post-88106283235485383502015-09-22T15:27:00.001-05:002015-09-22T15:27:29.830-05:00New 12" x 12" oil painting "Miss Kim" from the Stingaree Marina at Crystal Beach, TX<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXi2ZVUoJuHHMUOqv-DR6p4o89L5BcAya5hCkyliEvh6aqaWiCXfrrRwLLRqkKOInCAsP61epJ299nUo-zn6yfS1P67qMk3Y_3ZLT1tkgCklOZkMNUI7elY4XRbIV1tDmVMf6FgRpAhA-/s1600/Mark+Nesmith_Miss+Kim_Oil+on+Canvas_12x12_2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXi2ZVUoJuHHMUOqv-DR6p4o89L5BcAya5hCkyliEvh6aqaWiCXfrrRwLLRqkKOInCAsP61epJ299nUo-zn6yfS1P67qMk3Y_3ZLT1tkgCklOZkMNUI7elY4XRbIV1tDmVMf6FgRpAhA-/s400/Mark+Nesmith_Miss+Kim_Oil+on+Canvas_12x12_2015.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Miss Kim"<br />by Mark Nesmith<br />Oil on Canvas<br />12" x 12"<br />2015<br /><h3>
Click <a href="http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/mark-nesmith/miss-kim/414535">here</a> to purchase this painting.</h3>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A little over a year ago my sweetheart Elizabeth was manager of the Down Under Bar & Grill at the Stingaree at Crystal Beach. I was fortunate enough to spend lots of time out at Bolivar that summer. The Stingaree Restaurant and marina is a must see whenever you're at Crystal Beach. They've got good food, but what really brings me back are the sights and sounds of the marina. <br /><br />The Miss Kim is always docked just in front of the Down Under (the bar and grill underneath the Stingaree). I've painted her once before at dusk. Here I've tried to capture the incredible reflection she casts at sunset. I worked on this off and on for several days this week and finished this afternoon. It's always a challenge balancing the hard edges and details necessary to be convincing with a subject like this with my love of lose paint and vibrant color, but I'm pretty happy with the result. It makes want to sit back with a cold Shiner Bock and enjoy the gentle breeze of a sunset at the coast.<br /><br />Mark Nesmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12391422823883501184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155351912495271074.post-75132432653083590682015-09-09T14:34:00.000-05:002015-09-09T14:34:14.175-05:00New 10" x 8" Daily Painting "Fort Travis" by Mark Nesmith<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTWwP8znJ70o9Sz6vkv1Dj02b-rHhtO3jTh8xFoOeyFmgeU4_UghHo1vJxeIIkFFr1ClHyeJgMXx_FjpnWqeIN1Yjh2KW_zmU2x-ufEBc_9RmLHfAh5wURvaHjKf95ZNTb9bgn4Lg609P/s1600/Mark+Nesmith_Fort+Travis_Oil+on+Canvas_8x10_2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTWwP8znJ70o9Sz6vkv1Dj02b-rHhtO3jTh8xFoOeyFmgeU4_UghHo1vJxeIIkFFr1ClHyeJgMXx_FjpnWqeIN1Yjh2KW_zmU2x-ufEBc_9RmLHfAh5wURvaHjKf95ZNTb9bgn4Lg609P/s400/Mark+Nesmith_Fort+Travis_Oil+on+Canvas_8x10_2015.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort Travis<br />Mark Nesmith<br />Oil on Canvas<br />10" x 8"<br />2015<br /><h3>
Click <a href="http://www.dailypaintworks.com/buy/auction/428469">here</a> to purchase this painting.</h3>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've been painting a lot of Bolivar lately, especially the light house and bolivar flats. I realized a few weeks ago on my way back from Galveston with my son that I've never painted Fort Travis so I spent a few hours today on this little 10" x 8" oil painting of some of the rustic doors at the fort.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Old Fort Travis sits at the western end of the Bolivar Peninsula just before the ferry landing to Galveston. The current fort was constructed in 1898. In 1961 several area residents took shelter at the fort to ride out Hurricane Carla.Currently the fort is a park operated through the Galveston County Beach and Parks Department. Several of the concrete bunkers still remain, and it's a great place to watch the ships or to fish.<br /><br /></div>
Mark Nesmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12391422823883501184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155351912495271074.post-80607878286261979472015-09-04T12:51:00.001-05:002015-10-21T09:53:41.769-05:00A Painter of Memories and the Bolivar Light House<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSya__lLFKGzbsm2bodBH08QXzGzdmlGjCt3KlTaek9BZIOXlV9PNuiRCpAHFPXxj8WSPXrICAt_7d5s3S9VT6vuNVbI_c0pj437XOIjD9YZNpwxxYpfghGspcTBCj4L27X5UXEfhT65vb/s1600/Mark+Nesmith_The+Beacon_Oil+on+Canvas_8x10_2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSya__lLFKGzbsm2bodBH08QXzGzdmlGjCt3KlTaek9BZIOXlV9PNuiRCpAHFPXxj8WSPXrICAt_7d5s3S9VT6vuNVbI_c0pj437XOIjD9YZNpwxxYpfghGspcTBCj4L27X5UXEfhT65vb/s400/Mark+Nesmith_The+Beacon_Oil+on+Canvas_8x10_2015.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Beacon<br />
Mark Nesmith<br />
Oil on Canvas<br />
8" x 10"<br />
2015</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have painted the Bolivar light house several times in the last couple of years. It's a sight I never seem to grow tired of and brings back the thrill of waiting on the ferry to go to Galveston as a kid. I started this little 8" x 10" after lunch a couple of days ago and spent yesterday afternoon finishing it. I often post progress photos of my paintings on Facebook, and yesterday when I posted this one I immediately had a buyer. She and I have been Facebook friends for the past year or so and she often sends me incredibly thoughtful and kind comments about paintings I post. She's wanted to buy one for herself for a while and the timing hadn't worked out yet.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She used to live at the coast but moved to North Texas decades ago. She had plans to move back home to the Gulf Coast with her sweetheart but he died a year or two ago. Turns out this would be their anniversary and she's decided to make this painting an anniversary present to herself in honor of her life with him. When she commented about the painting she told me "It looks like you have painted a picture of a memory of a light house...not just a painting of a light house. You're a painter of memories."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Wow! It's always nice to have buyers for my work, but when something I've made touches someone so deeply money doesn't compare. When people ask me about the subjects I choose to paint I always point out that each and every image is related to a memory I have of time spent with the people I love. My paintings are a personal diary of sorts. I'm humbled and honored every time someone else chooses to make my memories a new page in their own book of life.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Mark Nesmithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12391422823883501184noreply@blogger.com0