Good Craftsmanship, Oil on Linen, 12x16

revised 4/2/11

My good buddy Mike, who passed away several years ago, was a print sales rep by day, but if you really wanted to see him light up, you would ask what he had going on in his shop. He absolutely loved making fine working toys and mechanical devices out of wood. This little dump truck is a great example. The wheels turn, the side walls of the box can be removed and the box pivots up. You cant see a joint anywhere. Every piece fits perfectly. He was also into marquetry and just about anything that took extreme craftsmanship. I learned a lot from Mike about pride in workmanship and dedication to something you love. I miss my old friend.

Hand Tools, Oil on Linen, 12x16 (SOLD)

I found some more old tools in my basement. I love the worn handles, the patina that comes from decades of hard work, the iron and wood and steel.

I wonder how many of the tools we buy today will still be around in 100 years. The toaster my mom bought in a second hand store in the 1940s works as well today as the day she bought it. On the other hand, we've been through about 8 coffee makers in the last 10 years. The longest one lasted was about 4 years. It's hard to find a spade with the heft of the old ones. The steel is thinner, and I think weaker. Everything is made out of plastic.

This painting pays homage to craftsmanship, pride in workmanship and building things right.

Poppies and Coffee, Oil on Linen, 16x12 (SOLD)

Up until now, I've never considered myself a still life painter. I'd rather be outside. But painting this one was a fun way to spend a cold, grey weekend. I can definitely see myself doing more of these in the future. It was a collaborative effort with my wife, Jerri Jo. She laid out the objects, making her what I guess you would call the "painting stylist". Originally there was an old TV tray with a rosemaling pattern on it but the colors didn't really do it for me so I switched that out with Jerri Jo's painting of the poppies. Yes, there's a painting in my painting. It was a real challenge to copy her style but I had fun trying. Below is a photo of her painting. Keep in mind that I photographed her painting in balanced light but I painted my painting of her painting in incandescent light, thus the color shift.

Poppies, Jerri Jo Brandt, Oil on Linen, 12x16 (SOLD)

Cups, Oil on Linen 9x12

I don't recall ever having done still lifes before. It's more of a challenge than I thought. The last couple that appeared on this blog were created in Richard Abraham's evening class. Stay tuned for more basement finds in the future.

I think these are family heirlooms too, although I must admit their significance is lost on me. Some have sibling's names and dates of birth; others don't have an inscription. I think they're akin to the bronzed booties people used to keep on their mantel.

The Guiding Light, Oil on Linen, 12x9

Scrounging around the basement this past Saturday, I came across this old kerosene railroad lantern. My dad retired from his job as a conductor on the old Northern Pacific Railroad back in the early 70s. I remember him bringing this home about that time. I found ones like it being offered for a couple hundred dollars on antique auction sites. They were all made around 1909. There was still soot inside. I wonder when was the last time it was lit. I think I'll have to pick up some kerosene and a wick somewhere and try it out.

Bessie, Oil, 6x8