Buck Paulson

Enter to win a Buck Paulson Original!

2011-09-15T07:08:00.000-07:00

Are you a fan of Buck Paulson Art? If so you can win a free original painting by becoming an official fan on Facebook and posting a message on the fan page wall. You become a fan by “Liking” the page https://www.facebook.com/BuckPaulsonArt. Fans who post a message on the Buck Paulson Art Facebook page on or before October 22nd, 2011 will automatically be entered to win a 9” x 12” original Buck Paulson Pochade painting. A random winner will be announced on October 29th.

Buckumentary

2011-04-25T10:20:00.000-07:00

For those of you who haven't see this yet, this is a nice 5 minute mini documentary on Buck Paulson.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdK21Zg2kNM&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Buck's Art is Back in Hawaii

2011-03-19T16:31:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd let everyone know that I just updated the buckpaulson.com website with some new pictures of Buck's Hawaiian paintings that are now in the "Pacific Fine Arts Gallery" on Kona.

Traveler's Check

2011-03-11T15:32:00.000-08:00

Not a very good looking hippy……………….and probably not even a very good imitation of Manny Ramirez, the former Boston Red Sox Slugger. The occasion was a special party at the church and I wanted to go as an imitation of one of my idols.

However when we arrived at the darkened Church parking lot, I took one last look in the rearview mirror and decided not to go ahead with the costume.

There was another time when I wished that I had made a 2^nd observation.

This was a few years ago and I was ready to fly to Carson City, Nevada for a three-day workshop. Before I left for the airport, I stopped at the Bank to pick up some American Travelers Checks.

Because of some TV commercials surprising us with whom the writer of the Traveler’s checks were, I decided, “Hay, I am not going to use my real name, but use my Artistic Name. So, I signed each check in the presence of the bank employee with my Buck Paulson signature, and went on my way.

I thoroughly enjoyed my first day of teaching at Carson City. What a nicely run operation. After the class, I had someone drop me off at the 7-11 store where I picked up some needed hygienic supplies of Toothpaste, Shaving equipment, etc.

When I came to pay for them, I pulled out my traveler’s check and proceeded to write a matching Buck Paulson on the dotted line.

I was a bit surprised when the store clerk asked me for my driver’s license. I tried to explain that my real name Donald, which also appeared on the driver’s license, was not what I went by in the art world.

He said, I can’t cash this check as you have a different name on it than is on your driver’s license………..Then his final cutting mark, YOUR “P” ISN’T THE SAME. I wasn’t sure what the other customers were thinking, I had too red of a face to notice.

When I fly these days, my ticket reads, Donald E. Paulson. I am not about to go through any Security points being Buck Paulson………….and, I have also decided not to go through any security systems with my Manny Ramirez disguise.

Hope you have enjoyed a little humor at my expense.

2011-03-05T15:02:00.000-08:00

Luck is only a part of it!

2011-01-25T20:51:00.000-08:00

I want to tell you about an experience that I had a few years ago. At the time I was working with my son Tim on a joint venture called, "Buck of the Month Club." One of the privileges we offered to our subscribers was a free critique by me (Buck).

I guess because of my astute (my observation) critiques, a good friend and a subscriber to the Club, Mario Simic contacted me to do a little chore for him. Mario is the dynamic owner of the Simic New Renaissance Galleries in several locations of California and Arizona. Mario was having a giant auction of art at the most prestigious hotel in San Diego. The auction was also a benefit for the "Make a Wish Foundation.

Mario asked if I would attend the auction and make comments about each painting before the auctioneer did his "Stuff." It was bound to enhance the value of each piece.
I told him that I would love to do it, but i would be teaching Friday and Saturday in a San Jose, CA workshop.

Mario is a man of action. He made it possible so that I would fly from San Jose after my class on Saturday, take a taxi to the hotel, check into my room, put on the rented Tuxedo, shiny shoes, and begin my night's activities.

It was exciting. It was thrilling, to watch people open their hearts and billfolds for great art, and a great cause!
After the evening's event, I went to my room, tired and yet exhilarated. Then I noticed a problem. I had the side of a little toe aflame with pain. Those fancy shoes were a torture chamber!
I woke up the next morning, lounged around until time to go to the ballroom for an elegant feast before the afternoon's final offerings of art. The room was immaculate in every way and was ready for the throng of kind and benevolent people. Every place setting was a masterpiece in their Emily Post configuration....not a hair out of place.

IN the midst of my mouth "open" awe, I realized that my toe wasn't going to be able to make it. My little toe was absolutely on fire. WHAT TO DO?
Well, for me...it was prayer. I told Heavenly Father that I needed His help!!!!!!!!!!
What happened next was one of the simplest, most surprising events. There in the midst of the absolute perfection I spied something out of place!!!!!!!!! A single band aide was nestled next to the 7th fork in a perfect place setting.

That little band aide saved my day and life.

I know the power of Prayer. I use it every day in my life and art! Try it!

Fargo and more!

2010-11-10T20:36:00.000-08:00

Well, it was just as exciting as I had anticipated. It wound up being 17 half-hour shows in four days (This includes the 13 series shows, the two special segments for Minnesota Education, and two segments for the bonus "Problem Solving" DVD. They should all be ready about May. In the meantime, I do have several of series 10 DVD's at $30 each.

I am writing this blog the day before November 11Th. This date is very significant in my life for two reasons: first, I was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints on that date/ and it is also the birthday of a dear friend, Sam Battistone. Sam was one of the most positive forces in my life as he made it possible for me to leave the Santa Barbara Recreation Department as a Supervisor and enter the world of art as a full-time artist. I will ever be grateful to the big heart of Sam Battistone!

My recent passion in art is to paint genre in the artistic style of Robert Henri. I have included a just-about-finished portrait of my best friend, Carolyn. We have been together as husband and wife for 52 years.

The painting from Pochades was an exciting element in my recent filming. It is such an energizing activity, when you use the TV studio as a home studio with all of the experimenting being filmed as it happens.

I love to hear from so many of my students (who have become great friends as well) and to see what they are doing in art. Some of them I would even love to take lessons from: Nancy Cheadle, Garry Kravit for instance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When I am doing my portraits and genre, I find that if I use a dark primed canvas, that I am very successful in controlling the values for flesh color etc. You don't have to use very bright lights and they respond as I desire. The building to the lights is much more subtle this way.

Painting on location is a great talent for many artists and their work shows such energy. I also like the idea of painting from memory. That is a developed ability that I have acquired. I had heard about it being done with some Oriental art students. It is amazing what can be accomplished with practice and more practice!

COMMENTS?????????????????

Two weeks to go!

2010-09-27T17:18:00.000-07:00

It is very exciting to contemplate my 10th Filming season with Prairie Public TV. We will film again in October. I am not sure when this series will be aired. And as you might remember,...........I never know when , or if it will be shown in your area. I have never seen it in Santa Barbara, however my neighbor from across the street has a pre-cable antenna and was able to pick up a Riverside, CA station. One great suggestion is that you contact your local TV station and ask the Program director to consider airing the "Painting with Paulson" series.

Now, the ten years filming with Prairie Public represents a major portion of the 21 years that I have been doing this thrilling TV work.

Each session, I want to do something meaningful, exciting and helpful for the viewers. And I am perfectly aware, a lot of the viewers aren't necessarily artists. That truth is thrilling as I hope the non-artist viewers are inspired to enjoy life more and to see good in spite of any negative headlines.

To have variety in my art shows after having presenting several hundred of them is my opportunity and privilege.

This time I want to again take some small pochades (Paintings done on location, from memory, or from inspiration) and develop the painting as I would if I were in my own studio.. I will have the first stage in acrylics already done as a model that we will work towards in stage number one. Then the oil stage will be a discovery between you and me (no finished painting to look at!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) This is teaching/painting with Risk. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

To be a little more help to the art viewers, I will make several comments about the pochade before I commence making a painting from it. I will reveal several key ingredients that motivated me to select the subject and what I think makes it a valid subject to teach.

Tell me what you think!"

2010-08-19T19:20:00.000-07:00

I receive many requests from across the country, and the world to analyze a painting that has just been completed from either one of my art shows (usually the PBS DVD route)or from one of an artist's own creations.

I don't always have a lot of time to make as many comments as I would like, but I try to accommodate my many of the requests as possible.

I thought that I might give you a sample "Reading" of a painting that I have before me to analyze.

It is called Sunset Sea.
I love the composition of the top wave line leading in a graceful climb up the large cliff.
The miniature tree at the top of the cliff is a coquette toying with the advancing, regally bedecked Sun and Cloud. Just enough of a suggestion so that we follow her gaze, out into the Sunset night.

A suggestion or two: The dark edges of the two lower rocks could be softened (lost edges) here and there, without hurting the contrast sought for.

I think a little more gleam on the front, flat, running foam would help support the magic in the sky.

There needs to be a soft mist on the top edge of the powerful wave. It would relax the wave more, and not feel so much like a cutout.

If the top of the distant blue hills were softened a bit, by the clouds slipping over them here and there, it would bring your eye to the lower dramatic lighting of the cliffs which are negated because of the upper contrast with the sky.

A very fine painting. Keep up the good work Buck!

Yes.........Buck! You see that I have just anzlyzed one of my paintings that has been painted on TV (Series 800, I think), and has been taught in workshops.

Always room for improvement.

Thanks for your nice Blog comments!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just a few Random Thoughts

2010-06-09T21:05:00.000-07:00

It is Wednesday evening and I have a few moments before I head off to bed.

In the morning I will drop a fellow off at the VA depot so that he can take a bus to L.A. and have his painful feet and sore back diagnosed by the VA doctor. My friend is severely disabled and can only navigate around in his hand held stroller. He is a prisoner in his own low rent apartment which is in quite a disarray.

In the meantime, I will drive up to San Jose, CA, where I will be teaching for two days at the University Art Shop. Do I complain about the six hour drive, the preparing of the canvases with a prime and a tracing. I hope not!
I recently flew a Red-eye all night flight from Santa Barbara by way of San Francisco, to Chicago, then to Louisville. The luggage was lost............and the ordered paint wasn't on time..........................SO WHAT????????????????????? Now a few weeks later I can look back and see...........the luggage did arrive. The paint did arrive, I am rested and ready to go again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We really need to take a look at our time on earth. What is my goal?

Yes, I want to paint great paintings that the world will recognize as such. But, what if that doesn't happen?

I do not have to worry about that. I only need to do the best that I can right now. I recall working one summer as a construction laborer for my future father in law. I did some pretty heavy digging, hauling and dragging. I remember one day, feeling kind of sorry for myself during the task of digging a cave for the portable toilet to set on top of. A wise old carpenter approached me and after some small talk said, "Just be the best outhouse digger you can be. It doesn't matter about anything else, if that is the job in front of you.

What is fame? Is it somebody else's opinion of you or your work?

My goal is to seek first the Kingdom Of God. And I can do that by being the best outhouse digger or the best friend, or the best husband, or the best artist, or the best art teacher, or the best citizen that I can be!!!!!!!!!!!!

I do not plan to take a bunch of clippings with me, stating what others thought of my art or life............Just relax and make a great day!

I ain't Dead Yet

2010-05-05T21:28:00.000-07:00

It's pretty sobering to realize that my time on earth won't be forever. There is so much that i still want to do and so many more pictures to paint!

I feel great and am not checking out yet, but there is a time and age when you realize that you are not invincible.

Part of my melancholy was sparked by a Google alert that came to me a couple of days ago. It heralded a Buck Paulson painting for sale on E-bay. I went to the site as often someone decides to check the value of their art and lists it for sale there. However this one was different..........It is a rather nice landscape with a well dressed gal carrying an parasol, strolling near a peaceful lake. Nice greenery at her sides, and a sailboat on the lake. Across the way we view more spring foliage, and some well conceived cottages.

I was wondering why it appeared on my Google alert, then I spied the signature: B. Paulson. Someone had put my signature upon the canvas and had it listed for sale at $4995. My goodness I was a bit surprised.

Two things caused me some perplexing moments. First, who in the world signed my name to the canvas, and second, did someone think that I was dead, and they could pass off this painting as a Buck Paulson original?

Years ago (I may have mentioned fact in a previous blog) I would sign my painting with a signature, indicating: Good, Better, and Best. Paulson, B. Paulson, or Buck Paulson would be the indicator. Since then I was counselled to sign all of my paintings: Buck Paulson, meaning that I did my very best with whatever time frame I had (TV presentation, public demonstration, or my studio work). So apparently the FAKE signature was put on by someone who was unaware of my "OLD PRACTICES."

After George Inness (my great landscape artist-idol) died, some unscrupulous dealers came to his relatives and asked them to authenticate his signature on their fakes..........for a fee. As a result their are a few spurious Inness' paintings around today.

So, if any of my relatives are collecting money on "MY" paintings, I would suggest the Buck fans to be careful what you buy.

P.S. You still have 21 days to go to E-Bay, type in Buck Paulson paintings and watch it come up. I did notify E-bay.......

2010-02-19T18:20:00.000-08:00

Did the photo displayed surprise you?

Let me give you an explanation. I usually clean my palette at the end of the day by scraping the clumps of left-over paint and placing them on the other end of the palette. However, for a short period of time I had been using the same locations for the paint and simply adding more to them each day. After a few days, when I scraped off all of the paint, there were still traces of where the paint had been placed. I was so moved by the power and the richness of the left behind traces, that I photographed the palette.

This power of the pigment is what excites me when I am ready to create a Pochade masterpiece. I love to see the color mixtures as they touch and intermingle with each other.

Sometimes when ideas come to us we wonder where they come from. But why should we wonder?

I am especially aware that someone is guiding me in my art when I go to the studio with an open mind and am willing to listen. I have often wondered if it is Claude Buck who is whispering some succinct suggestions in my ears. Or is it the temperamental, emotional George Inness? He was always ready to paint on any canvas in front of him, be it one of his own, or of a friend’s, or of his son’s.

Maybe it’s both Claude and George. I just want them to stay!

Switcheroo

2010-01-07T08:28:00.000-08:00

I remember reading a quote by Maxfield Parrish in regards to wanting to paint a certain tree that he saw near a quaint building on his daily ride to town. “Because I delayed in painting the scene, the next time that I drove by the farm the tree had been cut down and turned into a pile of firewood.”

Parrish’s remark seems to suggest that when inspiration is there, take the opportunity. Well, let me give you a dilemma that I have had that might suggest delaying a bit before going to the canvas.

As several of you know, I am a rapid sports fan. Not just sitting in front of TV or sitting in bleachers, but participating in the events. My transition from being a professional baseball pitcher to a two-man softball game has taken years, but it has been and still is wonderful.

In addition, I love to paint sport scenes, and I also enjoy painting portraits of individual sport stars. Herein lays the problem. I paint the head of an athlete that I greatly admire, in the team uniform that he is currently wearing. Did you catch the caveat word, “CURRENTLY?”

Players change teams in a money musical chairs game that makes the head (brush) swim. Let me give you a few examples: Johnny Damon of the Boston Red Sox. He was a star of the Yankee hating Sox team--until more money was offered and now he is a Yankee stalwart (at this writing). Randy Johnson--went to several teams after my portrait of him in an Arizona game. Roger Clemons was all over the place, and I even have a great rendering of Shaquille O’Neill playing in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform.

Check out my sports art web page: www.halloffameart.com and see if some of the uniforms are out of date!

So what is the solution? I went to the ball field today with a Cleveland Indian shirt and a Boston Red Sox cap. An interested bystander asked me who I was for. I said that, I as a fan, will decide on who can give me the best offer

2009-12-09T16:50:00.000-08:00

BLOG: NAME DROPPING

I have been a name dropper with the best of them. For instance, when I was 18 years old and on my way to Spring Training at the Cleveland Indians Minor League camp in Daytona Beach Florida, I rode in a car with Roger Maris. Maris, as you may remember, hit 61 home-runs in 1960 to surpass the invincible Babe Ruth. I roomed briefly with Roger. Later, he watched one of my minor league games in Florida while he was on his way back to play with the Fargo-Moorhead team. I saw Maris again that winter in his home town of Fargo. I got a lot of mileage out of those brief encounters.

Another claim to fame came when I played with Fargo-Moorhead Twins the year before.
There was a rookie in the Northern League that year that later became quite famous…Hank Aaron. I talked to him briefly after one of our games in which another pitcher and myself had said during the game, “Hit a homer Henry and we will give you a dollar.” Whack, he hit a homerun!

Everyone in sports has heard of those two names. There have been others.

But the greatest name dropping I will ever do is to say that I KNOW THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. And, He not only knows me too, but He loves me. And He listens to me. And, He guides me in all of my life, which includes my ART.

He once died for me! What a friend!!!!!!!!!!

And, you can know Him too.

Comments from Troy J. Danielson

2009-11-10T17:37:00.000-08:00

This is a short blog, but I needed to write it: please if you read nothing else...........READ THE MOST KIND COMMENT from Troy J. Danielson. It comes at the end of my July post on "Man With The Golden Helmet (Glove).

Troy, you are a Prince!

Buck Paulson

Another :Do your best thought!"

2009-11-09T17:14:00.000-08:00

A couple of recent events have turned my ship of destiny onto the right direction. First, I just returned from filming the next PBS "Painting With Paulson" series. While there I completed the 13 half hour shows, did an all-day workshop, did a combined two hour interview at my old home on the farm, at my former high school, and another historic Minnesota landmark. There was also a public demonstration Friday evening with a Silent Auction on the demonstration paintings that I worked on during the shows. They had been tweeked up a bit, so they were quite presentable.
One of the Camera men couldn't come that night, but desperately wanted Siren's Cove II. I suggested that I had the original, original at my home studio. We set a price and the deal was closed. When I wrapped it to send it, I was a bit chagrined. It was better than the one I had used to paint from in Fargo.
Then a friend of my called and said he wanted to purchase a small seascape for his wife's birthday. He came over and I showed him a selection. He chose one I titled, "High Noon."
I wasn't aware of it at first, but THAT TOO WAS THE ORIGINAL. The copy was in another room.
But, the current, great path set for me is because of these two "Mistake Sales." I've decided to go back and perfect some paintings that are already signed and stored. They just need to be better than they are in their present condition.
I am so greatful that I now know the direction that I want to pursue with my paintings. Sure ,you can sell some of your work, even when it is inferior, but you might face what I did several years ago. I had sold a ton of paintings in a Monterrey Gallery. The gallery owner would send me the addresses of the purchasers and I would write a thank you note.
Several years later one of the patrons wrote and asked me where I had painted the seascape that they had purchased? I requested that they send me a photo of the painting so I could tell them. The embarrassing photo came. I was mortified. It didn't look very good!!!!!!!!!!!! I satisfied the patrons by giving a response, but never, never do I want a repeat performance of that experience.
Do your best! Then you can face your Maker and express your appreciation for His help with your talent!

While I am working on your painting..........

2009-09-07T12:35:00.000-07:00

I recall an attitude which gives me further appreciation for Claude Buck. He had only the best of wishes and best intentions for his students. Their paintings being a success or their being a success themselves was foremost in his mind. "While I am working on your painting, it is my painting!" This statement by Claude meant that he was always going to do his best on the painting in front of him. It didn't matter whose painting that it was---yours or his.

After teaching for over 40 years I can unequivocally make the same statement. "I will do my first best to have your painting be successful."

Very recently, on a First Thursday art tour, my wife and I were privileged to view the work of one of my favorite students...Emily McBride. Not only is she beautiful as the above photo clearly shows, she is beautiful on the inside. And she is totally committed to doing great art work! Her oceans are immense in size and powerful in scope. She knows the ocean. She incorporates her feelings for the sea and an appreciation for the dynamic California skies into one great expression. One of my other favorite students, JO JO Steele dominated the recent Santa Barbara Art Association Show. She submitted three paintings, hoping for one to be selected.....they chose all three and one was awarded a ribbon.

Claude Buck who was taught in an era where the teachers were very secretive about their palette of colors and techniques, openly defied that tradition by putting all of his formulas and color notes on the back of paintings for all to see!

If you have a method and want to save it for yourself, fine! Just don't teach the painting in a class or workshop and keep secrets on the project you are purporting to teach.

Everyone has a right to express this choice land in the manner that they wish. But, if you are going to teach, please consider the Claude Buck attitude of doing your best regardless whose painting it is.

2009-07-22T21:34:00.001-07:00

The Man with the Golden Helmet (Glove)

2009-07-22T21:04:00.000-07:00

Danny Litwhiler was the playing manager for my first year as a professional baseball pitcher with the Fargo Moorhead Twins of the Northern League. Danny had had an impressive major league background which included playing with various teams for 11 1/2 years. He played in two different World Series. He played in an all-star game for the National Leaguers. AND, his glove is in the Hall of Fame for having been the first major league outfielder to play a whole season without an error. The above painting was to be one of the chapter headings in the book about Danny's life. "Living the Baseball Dream," does have my painting as a cover for the book. But they chose from elsewhere for Chapter headings.
Recently a friend and mine continue to play our two on two softball games each week at a local ball field. However, this time their was a different line-up when we performed as the mythical team against us. I now had Danny Litwhiler as the player I would represent while batting for the other team.
I actually have an ongoing telephone conversation with Danny in Florida each week. I recently asked his permission to impersonate him in these crucial games. Danny was pleased.
My team-mate Tom commented that I am a much better hitter now that I have Danny as my "Other team" player.
Sometimes taking the identity of one we admire allows us to improve our performance. I know that I sure paint better having Claude Buck's last name as part of my identity. Now as Danny Litwhiler, I am lighting up the score board too!
Let me ask you a question..........Who could you imitate that would improve your performance?
Course, becoming more Christ-like surely has its own rewards!

2009-05-30T20:34:00.000-07:00

I wasn't expecting to make the visit, but it came as a result of a request by my son Timothy. He asked if I would go over to the home where I first met Claude Buck 47 years ago and take a few photographs.

He wanted me to photograph the home, the backyard studio and the magnificent walkway leading up to the small studio. The walkway was inspiring because Claude had scratched the likenesses of artists that had inspired him into the wet cement. These outlines were of Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Turner, Claude Lorraine, and a couple others.

I did not anticipate my excited feelings as i drove towards Claude's Santa Barbara home on Milpas street. I realized that i was experiencing the same emotions I had felt years ago when I first drove to his home see inquire about taking art lessons.

Kitty West, a local artist, had steered me there when I mentioned that I wanted to take art lessons at the adult education classes in the fall. She said, "Don't go there, they just sit. If you really want to learn then go and see the Master Claude Buck. I don't know if he gives lessons or not, but here is his telephone number and here is his address.

I thanked her and instantly drove to the address she had written on a small piece of paper.

Mrs. Buck met me at the door and ushered me to the back yard upon hearing my request for art lessons. There sat Claude in a reclining lawn chair. He was eating lunch and taking it easy. He was 72 and had high blood pressure problems.

Claude reached out and gave me a firm handshake that gave me the feeling that i was in the right place. AND I WAS.

I quickly explained that I had never had an art lesson and had never visited a gallery, but now I wanted to learn how to paint. He ignored that lack-luster biography was a statement that rings true to this day, "Let's see if we can make a great artist out of you in one year!"

Knocking on the door of Claude's former home was a bit eerie. Gone were the magnificent door decorations, the well-kempt lawn, the the warm welcome sign. Instead I was greeted by a DANGER, KEEP OUT sign in the darkened window. I thought the home was abandoned, but a knock on the door eventually brought some response. I was again ushered to the backyard. The sidewalk was still intact, but the studio had been turned into a storage shed. MOST OF ALL, CLAUDE WAS NOT THERE!

I am going to write a book about my art experiences which will include numerous antidotes remembered about this sidewalk-filling giant in my life, CLAUDE BUCK.

2009-05-30T16:47:00.000-07:00

Consider the One

2009-04-13T07:35:00.000-07:00

PLEASE NOTICE ME TOO!

I want to tell you about a couple of experiences that have led me to enjoy my being able to paint in my studio even more than before.

The first one happened while I was teaching and coaching in Canada. It was a very close basketball game with our team clinging to a one-point lead over a traditional rival. I was totally focused on the game when I heard a call from the far end of the bench, “Mr. Paulson.” Then, a little more urgently, “Mr. Paulson!” I turned and saw one of my substitute players, Dennis, with his hands up to his mouth. “What Dennis? What do you want?” I asked.
“Mr. Paulson, what do we have for Science tomorrow.”
‘WHAT DO WE HAVE FOR SCIENCE TOMORROW? WE ARE IN A BASKETBALL GAME DENNIS!”

Years later, it still haunts me. Dennis didn’t want to know what the Science assignment was for the next day. He wanted me to NOTICE HIM TOO.

A number of years ago, I had a studio-gallery up town. One day I decided to take all of the paintings off one wall, and then re-hang them one at a time in order to photograph them individually. I was amazed at how good some of the smaller ones appeared when they didn’t have their over-powering neighbor paintings to obscure them.

These two experiences came home to roost during my recent painting strategies. I want to have focus! I have found that by setting a timer for one hour of painting on a canvas, I am able to FOCUS on that painting more than before. I know that I can’t finish the painting in an hour (contrary to my PBS offerings) so instead, I spend quality time on one area of the painting. When the timer rings, I go to another painting. This keeps my painting time fresh as I work on a couple different paintings during the studio session.

FOCUS…whether painting, coaching, or in conversation with others. Quality time is the byword!

Acrylics and Life Opportunities

2009-02-18T14:34:00.000-08:00

Whenever you need to make a correction in Acrylic painting, it is helpful to do it while the paint is still wet, and that means right away! Making a quick correction is true in life also. “Don’t let the sun set on a disagreement is advice I remember.

I recall years ago when I was a coach in Vauxhall, Alberta, Canada. I had a lot on my shoulders: I had a beautiful wife, I was an American, I was the team coach, and I played baseball for the town team, I was a church leader in the town, and I was loved by everyone.
This all sets up “What might have been if a correction hadn’t been made.

The principal asked me if I would give some gym experiences to a 4th grade class each Friday morning. I was thrilled to do it! The youth absolutely loved to come over to the high school gym and participate in the activities that I had arranged for them. What enthusiasm they had.

So it was a little strange one day when student after student announced that he/she couldn’t participate that day. Sickness was the main reason. Then one student came limping in. I did my best limping imitation and said, “I guess you can’t play either.” We went ahead and did the best we could with the limited participation.

Canada gets dark very early in the winter. I was at the supper table when the phone rang. I could hardly understand the broken English of the speaker. I finally made out his words. “You made fun of my son today. He had 13 operations on his foot just to be able to come to school.

I was stunned. I told him that I would come right over and apologize to his son. He said, “No, you can do it at school on Monday.”

I said, “Absolutely not, I want to see him tonight!”

So, I drove over to the boys house in the dark and cold winter night. I sat on the corner of the young boy’s bed and apologized to him. He was very pleased ………and forgiving. So was his father.

I was happy that the father had called me. If he hadn’t and only told others about “THAT American,” it would have hurt my country, my religion, and myself.

How important it is to correct mistakes, be they on the canvas or be they in life. And correct them quickly

"...................Act like it!"

2009-01-09T13:43:00.000-08:00

There is now a channel on TV that is called MLB.COM. It is all about baseball 24/7. I have to pinch myself to see if I am in Heaven or not. Can you imagine the joy of such a channel?
I recall my early days when baseball was all I could think of. I was pointed toward professional baseball from the first grade. Well, upon graduating from High school at the age of 17 ½, I was fortunate enough to sign a professional baseball contract as a pitcher for the Fargo-Moorhead Twins of the Northern League. I joined them in the middle of the season.

Danny Litwhiler, who played 11 ½ years in the Major Leagues, was our playing manager. He had played with the St. Louis Cardinals in a couple of World Series, played in an All-star game, etc.

Anyway, the first time that I pitched was in relief. I entered the game in the 6th inning. We were behind; they had a couple of runners on base. Well, here I was in my dream world. They did make a couple of hits before I retired the last batter in the inning.

I came off the mound, walking towards the dugout. I was as excited as I could be. I was on the path to my boyhood dream. I was doing exactly what I wanted. However, I made one little mistake: In high school pitching I would come off the mound, make a self deprecating statement, and the coach would pat me on the shoulder and say, “That’s okay Paulson, go out and get them the next inning.”

When I approached the dugout in my first professional baseball game, I said to Danny, “Gosh, I am hopeless out there.” I expected a pat on the shoulder and some encouragement, but Danny said, “Loren, warm up, Paulson, come with me!” I was mortified. I was out of the game!

We walked to the dressing room under the stands where Danny proceeded to chew me out royally. His final words ring in my ears to this day, “Paulson, you are a professional, act like it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I made a vow then to never put myself down again. I have come close to always remembering that vow.

We can be humble without putting ourselves down. God doesn’t make junk!

Years later, I re-connected with Danny Litwhiler. We have become best of friends. I was even asked by him to paint the cover for the book of his life, “Living the Baseball Dream.”

I came into the light dumb

2008-11-29T16:49:00.000-08:00

I hadn't intended to make another blog so soon............BUT, this is written in response to one of the finest "Comments" ever. It came upon the publishing of my most recent blog , "Simply do your Best!"

The response calls forth a saying, "I came to teach, but I stayed to Learn!"

The tender, wonderful truths presented by "Anonymous," are simply PURE.

THANK YOU THANK YOU AND THANK YOU!

Buck

SimplSimply do your Best!Simply do your Best!y Do Your Best

2008-11-25T18:13:00.000-08:00

Simply do your Best!

I have had a thought bouncing around in the halls of my mind for many days. In fact for years!

The thought resurfaced this week in my art class when star art student Jo Jo commented on her several artist“ Art Walk” of the previous weekend. “The
paintings all looked so unfinished to me,” was her comment to my query of how the art walk went.

On a recent teaching trip I noticed the work of the owner of the studio where I taught a workshop. She had prepared numerous painting projects for students to select from for future weekend workshops. She is a fine artist, but none of her teaching projects quite made it to the finish line.

WHERE IS THE FINISH LINE?

Claude Buck, my poetic realistic art teacher said a turning point came in his career upon hearing a comment made by his former renowned teacher, Emil Carlsen. Carlsen had viewed some of Claude’s artwork at an exhibition and exclaimed, “Claude is a fine artist, but when is he going to learn how to finish a painting?”

That doesn’t mean that every creativion has to end up looking like a photograph. Just be true to the method you are utilizing, be it realistic, impressionistic, etc. You still need to consider composition, anatomical correctness, etc.

One of the biggest hurdles to overcome in my mind before entering the PBS TV-Art Show arena was that paintings had to be completed in 24 minutes (recently the 2 part segments helped double the length of time to complete each painting). I was afraid that the quick-quick production would hurt the quality in my other artwork.
Needless to say, after 20 years of Painting with Paulson, I feel calm because I recall what the artist Dean Cornwell NA said to his students, “…….to make each picture look like the consummation his life’s one ambition.”
That means just what it says. Do the best you can with the time frame that you have.

Encouragement from others can often steer one further on the right path. Let me conclude with a quote from a dear friend of mine, Mario Simic. I formerly displayed my art in several of his fine galleries (Simic Renaissance Gallery).

“Dear Buck,
I believe in you and I know with God’s help and not holding back and always doing your best, you will be at your best and create great success.
Don’t hold back. Think. Involve your feelings and emotions and JUST GO FOR IT!
With best wishes from your friend, Mario”

The seeds of success are within you. Please allow them to grow!

Artistic Leap Frog

2008-10-15T15:47:00.001-07:00

The principle idea in the game of “Leap Frog,” is to hop over the person or persons squatting in front of you to become the new leader. I don’t remember how the game ends. Anyway, it reminded me of my teacher, the master Claude Buck. He used to tell me to learn all I could from him, then stand upon his shoulders and go further. What an unselfish wish and statement from Claude for my success.

Claude loved to compare my landscapes with one of my idols, the fine American landscape artist, George Inness. He was of the Hudson River School. “That looks like an Inness was always music to my ears when I showed Claude my latest creation.

Recently I have been playing Solitaire Leap Frog with paintings in my studio. I had three unfinished landscapes. I worked on one, felt it was finished, then worked on the next one. Finally the third one was done and they were all lined up. I ended up picking up the first one again to make it better than the third one, then the 2nd one to make it better than the first one and so on. What a merry-go- round!

Art Studio leapfrog. It was not fun. How does one accurately gauge improvement?

I use several procedures in judging my art.
a. Having a photograph or book that has a famous artist’s work helps. I have an Inness book that gives me a gauge.

b. Using a mirror gives a reverse image that is helpful for a fresh view.

c. Turning the painting upside down. Putting the painting in a frame. Two other ways to help.

d. Using a black mirror allows the judging of values and composition.

e. I have a duo self-portrait of Claude Buck (painted by himself) and Me (painted by myself). I promised Claude that I would never cut it into two (mine was early in my student years). Anyway, I glance at Claude and search for a re-affirming look of approval for my newest creation. He still is very encouraging.
DO YOU HAVE ADDED SUGGESTIONS?????????????

Little Buck

2008-09-13T18:58:00.000-07:00

Lil’ Buck

I recall how proud I was when I finished my first ever oil painting, ever, under the direction of the master artist, Claude Buck. When he suggested that I sign my painting, there was no hesitation on my part in asking permission to use Buck as part of my signature. The “Buck” is used as a tribute to this great teacher and friend, and Paulson in the signature is after my dear father who had been such an influence in my life and in the world of baseball. Hence, Buck Paulson was born (as an artist) in 1962.
Of course there were skeptics who disavowed my using Claude’s name in my signature. These critics have died away as they usually do.

It was heartening one day, years later to teach my four children (at that time) a small mini class project of a seascape. I didn’t think anything more than what a great time we had together doing the painting in the room under the house. It was at suppertime when each child showed their mom what they had done that I was overwhelmed. Each child had signed their painting with the surname, Buck. Buck David, Buck Dondi, Buck Tim, and Buck Tanda.

I then realized what a responsibility I had as a teacher, to inspire not only my children, but also other artists as I teach art across the country. I didn’t expect these artists to use any part of Buck Paulson in their signature, but just maybe they will try a little harder to be a better artist, or a better person from having been in one of my art classes. And it isn’t just a one-way street however, as I have tried to become a better artist and a better person after being in their presence.

If we each try to enlighten others with our talents, if we try to learn from each other, if we love God, our neighbor, and country. It will be a better world for Art.

A side note: A dear friend and excellent artist in Florida, Pam Whitlock, paid me a high honor when her new little puppy was given to her. He is half German shepherd and half wolf. She named him Little Buck. I think the front half is all WOLF. He is one of my favorite people!

Whatever name you sign your art creations with is your business, just be sure that you do!

The Heart Of An Artist

2008-08-30T12:42:00.000-07:00

I want to share an un-edited e-mail that I received from a special artist friend of mine. It expresses a love for all of God's creations be they__ from mankind or from a hummingbird. I think you will agree that to have this kind of heart gives one a head start in the creations of art!

"TIME OUT FOR CAT CRAZINESS - Many hours later:Finally - I am hoping very very much that I may just have saved the life on one of God's creatures today. One of our two cats, Kukui, has become quite the hunter since he had a seven week POW experience under a neighbor's house a year ago January and SURVIVED =) Well - usually he brings in lizards and baby rats, which we dutifully send packing out in the back (alive). But - today he came in the cat door with that familiar growly sound of "prey in the mouth" - yikes. I couldn't tell what it was because it was so small - but I've learned to just pick him up and he won't let go and to take him outside. Well - long story short - it was a baby hummingbird!!! I had to make that quick decision - do I leave it for mama bird (hopefully) or take care of it??? Well - one leg looked really splayed out, and he seemed so much in shock - I just picked him up (all 1 1/2 inches of him) and took him in the house. I nestled him in a paper towel in a bowl and got some sugar water going for him. Called the local vet (wouldn't take wild animals) but they referred me to animal control (whose hospital is WAY too far for me in Friday night traffic - especially with Michael's piano lesson) so they said animal control would come pick him up and take him from me. Sounded too good to be true - so while we were getting late for piano, I quickly checked the internet and found you have to feed them 5 drops of sugar water every 30 minutes and I put him, the sugar water (and of course Michael) in the car on the way to piano. Well - he even chirped at me and I fed him many little drops and he was grateful until animal control came and actually met me at the music studio to pick him up! I told the "ranger" I was getting pretty attached - it was hard to let go, since he seemed to be getting so much better. He even opened his eyes before I handed him off for several minutes and looked right at me. What a little miracle!!! I just LOVE hummingbirds - they are incredible creatures. I hope mine lives. I worry about his leg - I think I'll call tomorrow and see if they can tell me about his progress. I worry that if he can't be totally normal that they won't let him into the wild and then what .............. I'd adopt him for indoors!! To be sure!Okay - so that was a short story LOOOOOONGGGGGGGGGGGG, my goodness! Anyway - someday I'll talk about perspective on life and how the little things you HAVE some control over somehow help you make sense - or maybe just accept - those situations about which you have no control. Bless little hummingbirds in need for helping a human know that caring can make a difference if even in the smallest ways. Ahh - the balance which is our life."

Thank You Nancy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

P.S. The cat painting is one I recently completed for Art Graham who is the manufacture of the greatest paint in the world: M. Graham. It is not Kukui of the story.

Something in the Trunk of my car

2008-08-14T19:35:00.001-07:00

This Blog is going to be a little different. It’s the old, “I have something in the trunk of my car that you’ll just want to have.”

In other words, this is a bit commercial, but I take it to be, “This is what I have to offer you—for your information.”

I have recently completed filming my eigh.
th series for PBS with Prairie Public Television. The first three series were recorded for VHS viewing. The next five done for DVD’s. Each of the DVD series contains a 13- show series with down-loadable tracings. They are $30 for each series.

I also have VHS recordings of three years of TV Shows filmed with the Alexander Art Company: The first one was all seascapes. The second one was seascapes and related nautical subjects. The Third series was a potpourri of subjects.

I do have two technique tapes that are excellent: Seascape Painting and Still-life techniques. Both exceptional tapes. Note: These are now being offered on DVD disks as well. Not sure of the price yet, but probably $30.

The Alexander Art Company filmed a ton of my early shows (shows done on my series and shows done on a shared series with the Guru, Bill Alexander) and they are willing to put together a DVD that will have requested shows on them. This is such a nice concept.

And finally I have two fine VHS tapes from Prairie Public entitled: Problem Solving, and Painting Tips. They are $20 each.

I pay all of the shipping and taxes on every order.

If you are interested in buying one of the demo paintings that I work on while teaching a workshop, That will be available too. Write for information

This all had to be said.

Daxton

2008-07-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

Death is a part of life. We all know that. But, it really hurts when a little innocent one is taken away prematurely.

I had heard about the home nursery accident from our daughter Dondi. It was the one-year-old grandson of her good friend Margaret Walters. Little Daxton had a cord from the curtains in the nursery tangle around his neck and choke him to death.

I grieved from a distance, and then went on with my wonderful artistic life. It wasn’t until I received a copy of the funeral service program with a picture of Daxton on it, that I became emotionally involved.

I guess the program turned the calendar pages of my memory back a number of years to the time when our first grandchild, Joshua, was called back to Heaven at 5 ½ months. They called it Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It really hurt. Carolyn and I felt so helpless.

The Funeral program for Daxton listed the services and the participants. I was so proud of the parents and grandparents for all taking a part on the program as speakers of some sort. No blaming of God by them, only a desire to live worthy enough to someday join Daxton in Heaven.

Dondi wanted to know if she could commission me to paint a portrait of Daxton to give to the family.

I guess it was the eyes of Daxton that made painting the portrait so compelling. Then it was the presence of Daxton in my studio that made it so enjoyable.

Isn’t life great?

GIVING AND RECEIVING

2008-06-24T14:43:00.000-07:00

WHATEVER YOU GIVE ME; I WILL RECEIVE GLADLY.

(The painting is to honor a dear friend!)

That title almost sounds Biblical. But, it all started one Saturday morning on the Farm. We, (my brother, my father, and myself) were working in the barn. My brother and I each had some candy. My brother offered a piece to my father. He took it, thanked my brother, put it in his mouth and ate it. I then offered a piece of candy to my father too. He asked, “Did you wash your hands?” I answered, “No.” He refused my piece of candy.

I was heart broken. I made a vow then that when I grew up, got married, had children, that I would never refuse a piece of candy from any of them no matter if they had just petted a dog, or the candy had dropped on the floor, or whatever. As a result of that vow, there have been a couple of less then appetizing morsels enter my mouth.

I recall a few years ago an art student of mine named Ed, would stop by some thrift shops and buy some picture frames for a few dollars. Then he would cart them up to my studio and bequeath them to me. Remembering my dad and the chocolate, I thanked Ed for his thoughtfulness and found a place in the studio for the stash of frames. Then, when no students had a wish for any of the free frame offerings, I took them home, stood them up on the front porch and waited for the thrift store truck to cart them off. The process would repeat itself. Ed would bring more of his discovered treasures; I would take them home and wait for the thrift store to pick them up.

This process repeated itself for several years, till Ed passed on to the Studio Up There.

We need to learn to give. We need to learn how to receive. In each case, someone will be happy because of your learnin’ how. This can be in tangible gifts, but it can also be in the terms of vocal gifts, both given and received. It doesn’t mean one has to give false praise. But it is amazing when you always look for the good--you will see some!

Sink Saint

2008-05-19T18:02:00.000-07:00

SINK SAINT

I have been teaching art classes for about 40 years. What a glorious privilege it has been to teach for that length of time. I like to think that both the student and myself have learned a lot while completing a ton of paintings.

Many choice experiences have been gained while teaching across the country, into Canada, and even in the United Arab Emirates (three times). I have also enjoyed teaching several mornings a month in a Garage about 3 miles from home. It is in this garage that a couple choice students have said, “Talk to me.” What they are saying is, “Please explain what you are thinking as you paint on my picture.”

This learning experience is good for both the student and the teacher.

One time I was asked why do I dip my brush into the paint, then appear to wipe it off on a paint rag before applying it to the canvas.

I really had a good reason: The reason being, “ That is the way my teacher did it.”

The squeezing the brush on the paint rag was really to check the amount of paint on the brush and to shape the brush hair before applying paint to the canvas.

I will give you another reason for doing something that is a bit strange: I clean the sink after I use it in a public facility (restaurants, airports, etc.)

One day I was teaching in Southern California and stopped at a restaurant for breakfast before the class. While using the men’s restroom, I noticed an Asian fellow cleaning the fixtures, etc. He was very dedicated in his work.
I waited till the rest of the patrons had left, and commented to the worker, “Norm’s is very lucky to have you work for them, you do such fine work.”

“Oh, I don’t work for Norm’s.”

“But, then why are you cleaning the restroom?”

“Because I love Jesus.”

Like I say, I sure have been cleaning a lot of public sinks since that day.

Humility

2008-05-01T13:50:00.000-07:00

HUMILITY

I love receiving compliments as much as the next artist!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Many of us have been told that we are: “The Best, the Greatest, an answer to prayer, etc. and etc.” But, while we can appreciate the phrases being cast our way, we must be careful always as not to be unduly swayed by them. I have learned from experience. Check this one out.

I was 17 ½ years old when I began my professional baseball career. That was many years ago. I was a pretty good pitcher. Maybe not quite as good as I thought that I was!

Everyone I met knew that I was a professional baseball pitcher. How? Was it the way I walked, the way I held my arm, or what? The simple answer is: I told them so.

Anyway, I am sure my dad was a bit concerned over the lack of humility being projected by his second son.

Once in a September I had two weeks after the baseball season before commencing my college studies at Moorhead State College in Minnesota.

One day my father came into our farmhouse living room and said, “I found a job for you for these next two weeks.

“Fine,” I said. I knew could use a little extra spending money to replenish my two-jean wardrobe with the purchase of another pair of blue jeans and some sweaters.

I was told that the job would be at the local turkey plant. My assignment consisted of being one of the workers who had a hanging turkey delivered to him by a track in the ceiling. The dead turkeys had just been run through a plucking machine, and now in a hot, steamy, stinky, wet room, several of us (the others were all middle aged ladies between the ages of 34 to 41. Well they were middle aged to me!) stood in big sloppy rubber boots and commenced pulling off the remaining wet feathers.

I recall one hot afternoon session, when all of a sudden, from behind me, I heard the words, “Boy, if your teammates could see you now!” It was dad with a belly laugh to match his cutting words.

It was good for me to become more humble. I will never forget the two weeks spent at the turkey plant. I learned to appreciate the ladies. And now after 50 + years I can finally stomach a turkey, as long as I don’t have to pick the feathers first.
Be humble

Teeter-totter

2008-04-14T06:53:00.000-07:00

Teeter-totter

This is my "Playmate" for the past 49 years, 9 months and 14 days.

This week I want to say something else about teachers. Let me begin by relating an experience that I had a great number of years ago.

As Recreation Supervisor of Special activities I was very anxious to try and include art and related activities into my area of responsibilities. One idea was to have a Santa Barbara County portrait artist show sponsored by the Recreation Department. I sought for approval to have the show at the popular Faulkner Gallery of the Santa Barbara Public Library. It was approved and I went forward, seeking to notify all County artists of the opportunity. In publicizing the event, I took the occasion to visit several Adult Education Classes and made announcements there.

At one class, after I made the announcement, the woman teacher said, “You have a great head. You would make a great model.” I said, “No thanks, I am studying art myself.”
“Oh, with whom do you study?”
“Claude Buck,” was my proud reply. I HEARD SNICKERS IN THE ROOM! I was so upset, I wanted to slug someone! I knew that Claude Buck’s name had not been revered in that class.

Let me make a point. When our children were small I would take them to a playground where they enjoyed many different apparatuses. One we particularly enjoyed was the teeter-totter.
What made the teeter totter special was that I could teeter with one child or several of the children at the same time. All I had to do was to move forward or backward on my side of the teeter and it balanced the other side.

But one truth remained in effect. One side had to go down in order for the other side to rise, and so forth.

Consider how this teeter-totter principle should not apply to art teachers. Students need never pull another teacher down, in order for his/her teacher to look better. And art teachers--you do not pull another artist or teacher down in order to advance your own art importance.

Let's all enjoy the "Art" playground together!

I Am a Teacher

2008-04-01T21:18:00.000-07:00

“I am a Teacher.”
I am proud to be an art teacher. I love traveling across the country, teaching painting workshops. The painting shown, “Power Sea,” is the project I have selected for teaching in San Jose, California, on June 6 and 7 at Universal Art.

Claude Buck, my teacher, told about his art instruction received while attending the Grand Central Galleries School in New York, many years ago.

Claude was privileged to study with the fine classical artist, Emil Carlsen. Claude said that the teachers at the Grand Central School were all very protective of their students
and of their own knowledge and techniques. Claude described how Carlsen would place his palette in a desk drawer, and whenever people would enter his studio, he would shut the drawer so they couldn’t see the color mixtures upon his palette.

It was rather heartening that in spite of that background in secrecy, Claude was so giving of everything that he knew in art (and anything else.) One of his ways of passing on information to others was in his finished paintings. Upon turning the canvas around, the viewer is drawn to the symmetrical design that shows the basis of Claude’s composition. Also, next to the design can be found a list of all of the color mixtures used in the painting, complete with color samples of paint.

My thought this month is: If you are a teacher, then teach! Share! In other words, if you display a painting as a workshop-painting project, then don’t hold anything back in showing the students how to paint it. If you have a technique you want to keep secret, no problem, just don’t advertise that you will be teaching it as a project, and then shut the “desk drawer” on somebody who has paid to be taught the technique.

Be Original

2008-03-12T19:43:00.000-07:00

A telephone call today invited a flood of memories to surge forth. The person on the other end of the line asked whether or not I know a certain artist. After a few moments I recalled his having been in one of my California workshops.
The caller said that the other artist is showing a painting that must have been done in one of my workshops.

The painting, “FANTASEA,” (included in this blog) is indeed one of my all time masterpieces. I have taught it all over the country. Coincidentally a couple of artists in the South have taught it in workshops as being their original paintings. Well, I certainly want artists who take my workshops to be able to teach what they learn. However, it would be more ethical for them to give credit to the teacher rather than put them forth as THEIR originals.

Now the telephone conversation noted that the painting was being shown in a gallery. The showing of the “Fantasea” painting is misleading to the gallery owner and the buying public.

Have I ever copied a painting without the artist’s knowledge or permission? Yes, I have. It was done years ago in my naïve period. And I actually sold the painting. Do I feel bothered? Yes.

So, I can’t criticize anyone else can I?

By the way, I love George Inness, the Hudson-River landscape artist (see the previous blog). Claude Buck used to offer me compliments on my landscape efforts by saying, “THAT LOOKS LIKE AN INNESS.”

I even had a couple of TV artists paint pictures of mine on their programs. Fans have sent me pictures of the TV art along with the photo of my original.

I hope that you will continue to study other artists in learning new techniques. I hope that we all will be able to put forth inspired works influenced by other artists but which stand on their own merits..

Be Yourself

2008-02-19T17:52:00.001-08:00

Be Yourself!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Claude Buck suggested that I read the book on George Inness, the eccentric Hudson River School artist, written by his son George Inness Jr. It is entitled, “The art, life and love of George Inness. I did………..seven times.

The enthusiastic George Inness Sr. would readily paint over: one of his own pictures, one of his sons paintings, over an artist’s painting which had been shown to him, or a patron’s art purchased in advance by George Inness . Most of the time, George could improve the painting, but once in a while they ended up as a loss. Ask the son; one of his paintings received the latter result. The father then told the son to wipe off of the canvas! AS IF THE SON HAD MADE THE MISTAKE. The father said, “You had something great! Don’t do that again!” The patient son never complained, just glad to have his painting restored from his fathers failed strokes.

One day in Claude Buck’s studio a large seascape rested on Claude’s easel. He was gone for the day. I looked, mused, and thought, “If I wereGeorge Inness, I would add a few smashes of lights to the wave. I paused, and then said, “I am George Inness!” In a few moments I had taken the palette knife and done my George Inness impersonation on his unfinished seascape. .” “There, don’t you like it better, I asked an imaginary viewer!”

The next week I returned to the studio. Claude was working on the large seascape. My strokes were missing. Sheepishly, I confessed that I had added the extra strokes. Claude looked puzzled. I asked if he hadn’t seen my Inness strokes? He said, “No, I just corrected what needed to be done.” From then on, I thought, “I can have enthusiasm, I just don’t need to imitate the personality of another artist.

Recently, 22 years after Claude’s passing, a friend of mine called and said that he had a Claude Buck painting, but that it had been damaged…and wondered if I could I repair it?

“Bring it over,” I said. Then with all of the knowledge gained from the great master, Claude Buck, I was able to work as Buck Paulson, not as George Inness, and do the work that would have made Claude proud. I have enclosed the painting for your viewing pleasure.

Knowledge, inspiration, and careful work, not mere imitation will do much to bring you success.

Color Magic

2008-01-30T19:53:00.000-08:00

The question was asked by an astute writer, "How do you come up with all of the wonderful color mixtures in your paintings?

Let me say first; I found in my reading....that we all have rods and cones in our eyes. We each have the same number of rods.......that path through which we see light and dark. But cones, come in various amounts to each recipiant....Cones enable us to see colors. So having varying amounts of cones, accounts a bit for the different tastes that we have in color.

But, let me give you my progression: Years of study, reading, and experimenting have brought some expertise, yes, but, let me give you a bird's eye view of some recent learning:

At the week's end, I usually scrape the palette clean. One time, pushing the knife through some colors, I was fascinated by the exciting mixes achieved. I decided to take these mixtures and push them onto a small 9"x12" canvas. Letting imagination soar, I created skies, land , trees, rocks, etc. I initally entitled these paintings, 'AFTA," meaning "After." The more that I created them, the better I liked the spontaneity. Now, I found that I couldn't wait until the end of the week. I was on my way with the new world of Pochade Magic. I found that I could look at a scene, and use the "afta" method to render it.

My last two televison series on PBS have been to show how to make a finished painting from the small Pochades. (Series #600 is currently on.......and available for $30, series #700 will be released in the Spring. Both series have a couple of bonus features on the two DVD set. It shows me concocting a Pochade.........................

Has that been some help?

The first step must be taken

2008-01-24T17:46:00.000-08:00

A blank canvas, a blank sheet of paper, can all be very intimidating. Some people have the wrong idea. They feel, everything comes easy for one who has been doing it a long time.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Sometimes all of that knowledge leads one to the crossroads of making a decision from many different perspectives. Not paralyzed by fear of making a mistake, but paralyzed by the fear of not making the right choice in technique or composition.

Planning and preparation are good.........and prayer helps too!

Claude Buck use to have a brilliant art student who couldn't decide how to place her items in a composition. She was stymied by fear. Finally Claude hit upon a solution. He would have her use her objects and place them in the composition of some famous artist. This solution gave her great confidence and much success.

Learn from others. Study great art. And be willing to try!

Let's see if it can be done!

2008-01-22T13:12:00.000-08:00

I just returned from presenting a demonstration at the Ventura (CA) art club. They didn't tell me that I was on for the demonstration until one day before the demo. But remembering what my great art teacher friend,Claude Buck told me his mother said when he suggested doing something irrationale, she would never say "No." Rather, she simply said, "Let's see if it can be done."

Armed with that resolve, I packed the car and drove the 24 miles South. It was a grand experience for all present.

Never fear failure.

In my two recent PBS TV "Painting With Paulson series (#600, which is currently playing across the land, and series #7oo which will be released in April) I feature concocting and completing a painting from small inspirational pieces, called Pochades. No finished painting for me or the viewer to reference as the painting progresses. As a result, it is an absolute, exciting adventure for both of us!

Check out www.pochademagic.com to see some recently completed Pochades.

Are you willing to try???????????????? I hope so