The Artwork of Derek Gundy

Drawing Included in new Juliette Aristides Classical Drawing Book

2011-12-18T11:57:00.000-08:00

I'm very pleased to be included in Juliette Aristides new Lessons in Classical Drawing book, which was just released in November. Juliette came to teach a week long Classical Still Life workshop in Poulsbo in 2010 and took notice of some structural drawings from my drawing class. Being asked to submit work for the book was an honor enough, but I'm very pleased to be part of such a class act of a book. There is even a DVD which features drawing lessons, as well as some great scenes in Florence & Venice. For anyone who is an artist or wants to become one, I highly recommend the book. Below is the drawing of the Caulking Gun which was included on page 95 as an example of cylinders.

Sunflower Seas: The Sequel

2011-08-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

Years ago I created a painting called Sunflower Seas. It featured my old man character "Alfred" on a quest for a giant fish from the depths of the yellow water. Clouds came to life like fish. Alfred's dreams often become reality. This piece sold in 2009.

Here is my newest visitation to this story. Sunflower Seas II: Fish On. Here Alfred has finally hooked a fish, and a big one at that. This is an 18x24 Acrylic on Canvas and is available for $600.

To purchase this painting, Email Me.

20,000 Liters Under The Sea

2011-06-30T22:21:00.000-07:00

My latest painting is titled "20,000 Liters Under The Sea" a little play on the novel by Jules Verne. Here the Octopus is wrapping its tentacles around a bottle of wine...trying to get it open of course! This painting will be hanging at Sogno Di Vino Wine Bar & Ristorante in Poulsbo, WA beginning Friday July 1st. It will be hanging right by another new piece "Life In A Bottle"....

The two pieces will go well together. Each original painting is available for $1200. If you are interested in purchasing please contact me. Keep in mind I also do commissions if my work is inspiring other interesting ideas you would like for your art collection. For more of my wine related artwork, visit ArtisticWine.com.

Message In A Bottle

2011-06-19T18:41:00.001-07:00

The focus lately has been on my wine related paintings, as I received my business license for Artistic Wine on May 1st of this year. Having painted and sold images like these for years, it was finally time to make prints and form some sort of business with it. I've always loved mermaids, and what a great subject to imagine in a wine bottle...floating along, even with a little wine left in the bottle. Here is one of my latest "Mermaid In A Bottle: Peeking Above The Surface". It is painted with Golden acrylics on an 18x24 canvas. $600 . Prints available soon. Visit my Artistic Wine website for more wine related work.

Golden Years

2011-03-20T20:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a new painting...titled "Golden Years"...This piece is an acrylic on canvas, size 16x20. Alfred sits on top of a glass of red wine (with a glass of his own) watching the goldfish swim by in the air...watching the wind blow the sunflowers, cypress trees, as well as bottles of wine. $600

Structural Drawing Class @ Artists' Edge in Poulsbo, Washington

2010-12-18T08:49:00.000-08:00

I'll be teaching a new Structural Drawing Session at Artists' Edge in Poulsbo, WA beginning January 26th. The class goes for 5 weeks, meeting from 6-8 every Wednesday evening.

One of the most important skills in becoming a successful artist is drawing. Instructor Derek Gundy teaches this Structural Drawing Class much in the same way he learned from instructors over 20 years ago. Structural Drawing is the process of drawing the "space" that objects occupy, not just the object itself. Allowing the mind to imagine objects as "see-through" and challenging oneself to draw the entire subject brings great breakthroughs to artists wanting to improve their work. Derek will show students how to find new ways of seeing and how to take a different approach to their drawings. This class focuses on strictlyhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif line drawing, and no erasers are permitted. Students will start out with small objects for drawing, and eventually move to interiors and architectural renderings.

Supplies:
Easel: some available at Artists' Edge
23x26 drawing board
18x24 newsprint pad 50-100 sheets
Drawing Pencils and or Compressed Charcoal
Sharpener
Space is limited to 6 for maximum teacher/student attention. To get registered for this class visit Artists' Edge Class Page

New Painting of Abominable Snowman

2010-10-10T21:58:00.000-07:00

Here's one of my recent paintings, a rare subject for me, the Abominable Snowman. I began this painting awhile ago for a Seattle Art Show with the snowman theme, and got busy with other things and did not complete it in time for the show. I did, however, enjoy painting it so much that I came back to it another time and finished it off with a white handpainted frame as well. Overall size with the frame is about 16x20. $400

New Portrait Completed

2010-06-30T06:17:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, as an artist I do many different things to round out the income. Here is a portrait I just completed of a young soldier who served in Afghanistan. A member of the family commissioned to portrait and it will be displayed in the family home in his memory. It was an honor to work on this project, and my heart goes out to all the family members.

Holy Mackerel

2010-01-09T08:59:00.000-08:00

Here in the Pacific Northwest it doesn't get near as cold as it did in my home state of Maine, but it still gets cold nonetheless. Temps into the 40's have been steering me toward the acrylic medium and away from the watercolors. My new studio, housed in the garage of our new house, is unheated...so watercolors tend not to dry at the same rate and it really makes your washes challenging. But for those of you who know my art well, you know that I work in acrylics too. I've been painting up a storm with my Golden Acrylics this winter, and having lots of fun. Fish and Water themes are a constant thread through my work, and this winter is no exception. Here is my latest painting "Holy Mackerel", a whimsical piece I did during the month of December. The fish actually has silver paint, so the mackerel changes color and value as you walk by the painting...much like the shimmering silver fish. This piece is currently hanging at Artists' Edge in Poulsbo. Holy Mackerel, 36x24, Acrylic on Canvas, $1200

Two Sides to Every Story

2009-09-22T16:59:00.000-07:00

Here is one of my latest wine paintings...Two Sides To Every Story...it depicts a glass of red wine and the bottle it was poured from, each with an empty fish hook at either end of the line. The watercolor is available framed for $400. Overall size is 16x20. Many more wine paintings are in the works so keep checking back to them on the blog.

2009-08-08T21:17:00.001-07:00

This Wednesday August 12th, I'll be visiting with Sogno di Vino from 4-6pm to check out their happy hour and talk with people about my latest wine paintings. For those of you who don't know about Sogno di Vino, it is a great new restaurant in downtown Poulsbo. Sogno di Vino is owned by Rob and Angela Scott, a friendly couple who love to share their passion for food and wine with everyone. When I met them this past winter and learned they'd be opening up a restaurant with a "different" approach, I knew we were going to be great friends. The restaurant has a "wine room" where one can choose a bottle and have it opened at their table for NO extra corkage fee. Rob and Angela's vision is to taste, relax, and return...not to mark up their wine unnecessarily. So we hung a few paintings there... then after being open a few months they wanted more. Now there are many paintings hanging both upstairs and down, all with one thing in common. Wine. Vino. Come and have lunch sometime and check it out. If you can make this Wednesday's Happy Hour that would be even better, as Sogno di Vino will discount their small plate menu 50%, as well as having many incredible drink specials. To celebrate the release of my new print "Venice: Water & Wine" I'll be drinking Prosecco, the Italians' answer to champagne, made from a grape grown in northern Italy, near Venice in the Veneto region. Here is a pic of the new painting which is hanging in the wine room. Prints will be on sale at the Happy Hour for $15. Below is a pic of a remarqued print which will be in a silent auction to benefit the Poulsbo Marine Science Center. I've handpainted a Venetian Gondolier on the mat below the print. Come take a chance on this great piece of art!

Lunch Break in Venice

2009-02-08T08:02:00.000-08:00

Here is my latest watercolor painting "Lunch Break". The painting is of Chiesa di Santa Maria della Salute in Venice, probably one of the most recognized churches in all our Italy. Two Gondoliers are seated at the top of the steps, taking a break and having a panini. 12x10, $500.

Painting Houses....

2008-12-29T22:31:00.000-08:00

One of my latest house portraits was just completed. More can be seen on my architectural rendering site...Seattle House Portrait

House Portrait Commissions as gifts

2008-11-17T12:27:00.000-08:00

Here is my latest watercolor of the Inn at Port Ludlow in Washington State. As an artist I also do architectural watercolors as "house portraits". They make a great gift and can commemorate one's home, a summer beach house, vacation location, honeymoon location, real estate closing gift, or retirement gift. If you are interested in commissioning a house portrait or painting of any kind, please contact me at my email address. On site consultations are available in the greater Seattle area. Further out pictures can be mailed or emailed to me to work from. Order now to guarantee Christmas delivery.
Inn at Port Ludlow, Washington, watercolor, 14x10, $300 unframed

Playing Chess with an Artist

2008-10-30T21:56:00.001-07:00

I've enjoyed playing chess since I was very young. In my short life so far I've battled against my dad, my grandfather, and many friends. The game of strategy is very intriguing, and I honestly admit I hate to lose. I still have the very same chess set today, although now the figurines are models in my studio. These days I am fascinated with the chess pieces and the game symbolic of war. I grew up during a time when we as a people were convinced large scale war was no longer an option, at least after the "Cold War". Now, it seems as if things are spiraling out of control, and I'm looking at these figurines in a very different light. Here is my latest painting, "Into the Knight", a monochromatic B+W acrylic painting on cradled paulownia board. The piece stands 24 inches tall by 18 wide, and is offered at $800.
Prints are 12x18 inches for $30.

Pacific Northwest Wine

2008-10-20T06:22:00.000-07:00

"Pacific Northwest Wine" is my latest watercolor painting, bringing together the appreciation of a great red wine & the plight of the PNW salmon. This watercolor is 7x10 unframed, and offered at $250. Matted Prints are available for $30.

Return to Rialto Beach

2008-10-06T19:41:00.001-07:00

The seastacks along the coast of both Washington and Oregon are some of the most amazing rock formations I have ever seen. I keep returning there to paint them as subjects. For me, there is something awe-inspiring about them that even I cannot explain even after painting them for years. These paintings were completed recently, after several commissions were completed this fall. I felt the need to get back to the studio and let things flow, breaking away from "specific" projects.

The Catch

2008-09-16T20:56:00.000-07:00

Here's my most recent work, a storyboard about 2 brothers growing up fishing together. The story was developed after learning of their real experiences, catching salmon and other fish in the Puget Sound here near Seattle. I wanted to capture that magical feeling that most people can remember about their childhood, and it seemed appropriate to incorporate my flying salmon into the story. To these boys, this was the time of their life. The fish play important charcters in this story as they did in Jack & Jerry's childhood, and the octopus does as well. The story is made up of 21 individual watercolor paintings with silver paint and ink pen embellishments. The panels are all different sizes and fit together into one long frame. Here is a video I put together with a little music as well. I will post photos of the finished framed piece later this week. Prints will be available soon. Enjoy.

Hope

2008-07-28T21:27:00.000-07:00

This my latest painting, taking a quick drawing from a sketchbook and following the idea through. I guess it could mean many things....16x20 Acrylic on Canvas $600

Dreaming of Italy

2008-07-24T08:00:00.001-07:00

It has been over a full year since we've been back to Italy, and we've had much regret over our decision to not go this spring due to the fall of the dollar against the euro. So with plans underway for a great trip next spring, I have undertaken a series of Italian works from photos taken on previous trips. These two new paintings have just been finished in the last week or so, and I have more in progress. The first is Villa Rivetta on Lake Como in S. Maria Rezonnico. This was the house we stayed in many times during our trips. The second is another addition to my Venetian Windows series. Venice is a wonderful ancient place, and the contrast between the old weathered buildings and the new flowers always catches my eye. The Venice Window piece is $200 unframed. The Villa Rivetta piece is not for sale.

Left Handed

2008-07-09T08:10:00.000-07:00

Well, here is my latest painting, "Left Handed". The watercolor sketch "Mermaid from Venice" below evolved into this, a simpler figurative work, and ultimately one I am happier with. This painting is done the finest Golden Acrylic Paints on masonite, size 24x18. SOLD Watch the site for new Italian paintings which will be finished soon. I am working on one from Lake Como, and another from Venice.

Mermaid from Venice, A Study

2008-05-19T19:04:00.000-07:00

This is my latest watercolor painting, a small study for a larger painting I hope to be working on soon. The idea of mermaids existing in Venice is not too far off once you have been there and fallen in love with this greatest of all Italian cities. The mystery of what lies beneath the surface of the water can sometimes lead our imaginations to interesting depths. This painting (6x11 inches) is offered unframed at SOLD. Interested collectors please email me...

New Works....

2008-02-18T21:59:00.000-08:00

Here are some new works....with more new paintings coming soon.

CHECK

2008-02-18T21:50:00.000-08:00

This painting was done many months ago but I figured I should post it here...especially since I have given up the old traditional site and now going full tilt with the blog format. This painting "Near The End Of The War" is a 36x24 inch acrylic on canvas. Price for the original is $1200, while 12x18 prints are available for $20. This painting is a commentary on war(s) of our time. Read into it what you will. Just because you capture the king, that does not necessarly mean you win the game. At the edge of the chess board, Alfred is just trying to catch another fish...

Black & White Movie

2008-02-10T08:30:00.000-08:00

Here is a new painting from my latest series combining two themes from the past: Movie Theaters & The Game of Chess. Many years ago I painted a series involving the interior of movie theaters - all with blank white screens. Now I am experimenting with painting images on the screen, and Chess pieces can be implied as analogies for many issues facing our world today. This is an acrylic painting on canvas, size 24x20, $800. Prints may be available soon.

Welcome......

2008-02-07T22:15:00.000-08:00

Welcome everyone to the new format for my website. I'm painting more and more these days, so it really made more sense to switch over to this blog format. It is more interactive: you can comment on postings with a registered Google Account (it's free) and it's easy to post recent work while also keeping all previous posts in the archives for your viewing and reading pleasure. You'll notice that I no longer use derekgundy.com, and that the new web address to find me at is www.derekgundyart.com. Please update your bookmarks as derekgundy.com will soon be inactive....Thanks everyone for checking in...Here I am painting in the studio.

Dream A Little Dream

2008-01-13T22:47:00.000-08:00

When I was very young, I used to have nightmares....still do. My parents used to try to tell me to "think of something nice and happy before bedtime", soI gave it a try....That night I was thrilled to see Ronald McDonald in my dream (give me a break we lived in a small town)....and moments later he was pushed over the edge of a cliff by a bulldozer. Okay, so that didn't work so well. Sometimes dreams can be so bizarre, yet they seem so real. To this day I get much of my artistic inspiration from dreams, and here in this painting Alfred is enjoying his....Alfred's Dream, Acrylic on Canvas, 16x20, $600.
Prints (12x18) are available for $20 each.

Under the Weather

2008-01-11T21:13:00.000-08:00

With all the rains here in the Seattle area this winter, it's inevitable it will influence the work of artists. The storm of December 2nd and 3rd 2007 had little effect on my home, maybe a few leaks here and there, but for many in this area it took everything they had. An area south of us was submerged underwater for days, closing 20 miles of a major west coast highway. The road survived...mostly...and what lost the battle has been rebuilt, but I can't help but wonder how most of the families are dealing with the loss of whatever is precious to them. Shortly after the flood I did this painting, titled "The Photograph" featuring old man Alfred sitting on his rooftop, or somebody elses...who knows? He holds a photograph and studies it, oblivious to the powers of the surrounding waters. He has saved a memory which is most precious to his heart. "The Photograph" Acrylic on Panel, 12x16, Framed $400.

"Beneath the Shelter" Art & Music for Homeless Vets

2007-11-18T23:25:00.000-08:00

Check out this "art movie" I illustrated for musician Blind Albert's "Beneath the Shelter", a song from his 11 Bravo Vietnam Album. Our goal is to raise awareness about the continuing problem of homeless vets.

Sunflower Seas

2007-01-14T20:30:00.000-08:00

This painting which was started in the dark (during a power outage) approximately one month ago is now finished. The last coat of clear acrylic gel covered "Sunflower Seas" today, and we are still in the midst of weird winter weather which we aren't really supposed to get here in the Seattle area. Last night the drive home was very dangerous with a little dusting of snow. Driving on ice is pure hell....but Alfred here is enjoying fishing in the sunflowers. It was enjoyable to paint with so much yellow, perhaps the artist's inner expression of wanting to see the sun. This painting and others make the ferry trip to Seattle tomorrow to hopefully make it onto a wall or two in Queen Anne. More new paintings will be posted soon...

Life and Death of the Pacific Northwest Salmon

2006-12-18T12:00:00.000-08:00

Each year hundreds and thousands of salmon swim from the ocean into freshwater streams in search of their birthplace. Nobody really knows how they find their way back. It is truly one of life's great mysteries. As the salmon begin the long tiring journey upstream leaping over rapids and waterfalls, the process of dying begins. By the time the salmon reach their breeding area several hundred feet about sea level, they are nearly wiped out....and just before dying, a male and female spawn and leave eggs which will hopefully become fry. The baby salmon will eventually make their way down to the sea, and start the whole process over again. There is something about life and death these fish understand, and perhaps we will never know. For us humans, death is something we are mostly afraid of, not something we head toward to bring new life. The salmon of the Pacific Northwest take center stage in my Seastack Chronicles project, maximizing all their efforts to bring a loved one back from the afterlife for one last goodbye. Stay tuned for more updates on Seastack Chronicles...

Waking to Seastack Chronicles

2006-12-17T07:16:00.000-08:00

Sometimes for me the best time to paint is the morning. The ideas seem to be fresh and clear, many images coming directly from my dreams. Before going to sleep at night I will make sure the studio is ready to go with a fresh piece of watercolor paper taped down, or a canvas on the easel. It's just about being prepared, like packing the night before a long trip. I start painting right away if I can, then when I'm on the right track I allow myself to make coffee. Many of the ideas for the "Seastack Chronicles" project I am working on come from dreams. This is a panel from S.C. and it pictures an artist in bed, soon to awake and begin painting. I use myself as the main character for this story, but the narrative that is developing is fictional. I do draw on my experiences and fears to build the story but it is not even close to being a biography in any sense. Continue to check back for more posts on Seastack Chronicles, including updates on the music which is being written by Blind Albert, a good friend of mine. The finished project will be available on DVD...eventually. Perhaps in the next year, but we'll just have to take it at the speed the story goes.

Painting in the Dark

2006-12-16T07:12:00.000-08:00

Here in the Seattle area we have many large beautiful trees. Add 15 inches of rain and some brisk 80 mph winds and you've got a recipe for some delightful holiday power outages. The loss of the electricity we depend on so much gives us challenges we aren't ready to face, such as cooking and eating all the frozen salmon in the freezer before it goes bad. Okay...so that challenge is often very enjoyable... When the power goes down it can produce boredom, but I have found it a great time to paint in the studio. With enough candles, you really can see what you are doing (well, we'll see what the painting looks like when the lights come on). I find that painting through these cold dark events, which seem to be happening twice a week here lately, takes my mind away from the boredom and the cold. It's a good way to stay warm (14 candles in a small room can work wonders for heat), and the paint dries pretty quick too.