Saturday, January 26, 2008

Shutterbug

"Shutterbug"... 6x8" Oil on Canvas Board, alla prima from life, 1-2008.
SOLD... Thanks Catherine!

Click on image to see a larger view...



I thoroughly enjoyed setting up this still life and painting this old camera in my studio. Before I found my true love in oil painting I was an avid photographer. Somewhere in my attic is a box full of old cameras like this one... I may just have to find it and paint some more of these old friends. Say cheese...

20 2095 2/8/128

Hammer Down

"Hammer Down"... 7x5" Oil on Canvas Board, alla prima from life, 1-2008.
SOLD... Thanks Nona!

Click on image to see a larger view...



Everyday objects painted from life is the essence of the "Painting a Day" art movement that is gaining momentum in the art collecting market. Even objects never considered as subjects for paintings like this hammer are transformed into works of art. The true artist can communicate his intentions and allow the viewer to see even the most mundane things in a different light. Did you ever think you would purchase a painting of a hammer?... How cool is that? I love painting these "one a days"...

40 4000 5/10/139

Friday, January 25, 2008

"Poplars and Poppies" by Bernie Rosage Jr.

"Poplars and Poppies"... 5x7" Oil on Panel, alla prima, 8-2007.

This original oil painting by American Artist, Bernie Rosage Jr. is in a PRIVATE COLLECTION through the Nash Arts Council, Nashville, NC. Thanks for all you do to help preserve and promote the arts!

Click image for larger view...



The contrasting play of opposite colors of red and green make this scene visually pop. Again... open fields covered in wild flowers lend a feeling of peace and tranquility.


d4-21-08

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Winter's Rush

"Winter's Rush"... 6x8" Oil on Panel, alla prima, 1-2008.

This original oil painting by American Artist, Bernie Rosage Jr. is available for purchase... email Bernie with the title in the subject line... click HERE... for price and details.

Click on image to see a larger view...



Snow falls on the Blue Ridge and the white stillness of the river bank is contrasted in color and action by the rapid moving waters of the New River. This snowy winter scene is set along the south fork of the New River near Todd, NC. I find snow scenes like this peaceful and a joy to paint.

This painting, on a Gessoed Panel with painted sides, is easily framed or displayed with a decorative easel.

All my paintings are signed originals using artist grade oils and archival surfaces. "Certificate of Authenticity" included.

100 5/15

Tennessee Winter

"Tennessee Winter"... 8x6" Oil on Panel, alla prima, 1-2008.
SOLD... Thanks Jonathan!

Click on image to see a larger view...



This Tennessee farm seems almost silent... as if resting for a moment and enjoying the snowfall. Ask any farmer and they'll let you know that rest is short lived on a farm no matter the weather or season. Every day requires the rigors of hard work so we may enjoy the staples of life. Contrary to the belief of my six year old... food doesn't come from the grocery store. Have you thanked a farmer recently? This painting is my way of honoring the American farmers for their dedication and hard work.

30 3261 4/3/71

Friday, January 18, 2008

A Winter's Gaze

"A Winter's Gaze"... 6x8" Oil on Panel, alla prima, 1-2008.
SOLD... Private Collection

$100... $5 shipping in the Continental US... (includes small decorative easel)

Click on image to see a larger view...



Can't you just feel the crisp clean air of this clear winter day? This scene is set in the Blue Ridge mountains just after a December snowfall... Gazing across an opening from a tree line the scene invites you on a winter's hike.

Bob G

Mixed Company

"Mixed Company"... 6x8" Oil on Panel, alla prima from life, 1-2008.
SOLD... Thanks again Lloyd!

Click on image to see a larger view...



I've been on a fruit kick lately... I gleaned the frig and came up with these unlikely subjects for another still life painted from life. After setting up this composition I couldn't help but think they seemed to be lined up for the fruit cocktail cannery... of course they were totally unaware of their fate and posed so patiently for me.

Everyday objects painted from life is the essence of the "Painting a Day" art movement that is gaining momentum in the art collecting market.

30 3983 5/10/156

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Bernie's Ramblings: Shepherd's Battery... Fort Fisher... Living History/Plein Air Demo


Bernie Rosage Jr steps back in time at Fort Fisher.
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Saturday, January 12, 2008, I had the privilege of attending the 143rd Anniversary Commemoration of the Second Battle at Fort Fisher. The Living History program included artillery and infantry demonstrations, period music, fort tours, and a living history/plein air demo by yours truly. I have migrated from soldier to civilian in my hobby of Civil War reenacting... actually I have taken on the role of a period artist. My impression is based on a combination of two artists... Alfred Waud (probably the most noted of period sketch artists) and Winslow Homer who painted scenes from the war and became one of America's most famous painters. One of his most famous works was "Sharpshooter on Picket Duty" pictured below.
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Alfred Waud


Winslow Homer


"Sharpshooter on Picket Duty" by Winslow Homer
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After a down pour the sun came out and I set up my French easel and began to paint. I positioned myself to paint Shepherd's Battery with the palisade making for an interesting composition. Shepherd's Battery was where the main brunt of the attack occurred 143 years ago. Here I am posed (seated) with my pards at Shepherd's Battery in 2004.

Fort Fisher during the war was known as the Gibraltar of the South. It was important to the southern cause because it protected the mouth of the Cape Fear River where blockade runners would travel to deliver supplies to Wilmington. From Wilmington they were distributed throughout the Confederacy. When the fort fell January 15, 1865... it only took 3 months for the Confederacy to collapse.

I spoke with several people about the history of plein air painting and how the invention of the metal paint tube in the mid 1800's made it possible for painters to go outside and paint "en plein aire" for the first time... a French term which means "in open air".

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"Shepherd's Battery"... 9x12" Oil on gallery stretched canvas, painted en plein aire at Fort Fisher, Carolina Beach, North Carolina. 1-12-2008
SOLD... Thanks Carl!
(Click on painting to enlarge)

I met many interesting people while painting like Carl (who restores old paintings), a nice lady from Belgium, Mrs Marshburn from the Fort Anderson site... to name a few. If you were there please sign the comment section of this post... I'd love to hear from you.
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Another GREAT day spent reenacting and plein air painting....
Bernie



70 7101 6/6/105

Friday, January 11, 2008

Granny Smith #2

"Granny Smith #2"... 6x8" Oil on Panel, alla prima from life, 1-2008.
SOLD... Thanks Susan S. !

Click on image to see a larger view...

NOTE: The line in the upper left is not a scratch but the way the light hit the textured surface while I was photographing the painting.



Apples are among my favorite subjects to paint. I set up this small still life to continue my "painting a day" series for 2008. My six year old daughter was insistent that these were hers when I finished... needless to say... the whole one made it into her lunch box the next morning... how's that for recycling?

Everyday objects painted from life is the essence of the "Painting a Day" art movement that is gaining momentum in the art collecting market.

20 1995 2/8/94

Ocracoke Island... The Pearl of the Outer Banks

"Ocracoke Island... The Pearl of the Outer Banks"... 6x8" Oil on Panel, alla prima, 1-2008.
SOLD... Thanks Jan!

Click on image to see a larger view...



Ocracoke Island truly is the Pearl of the Outer Banks in my humble opinion. I love the place and never tire of visiting the beautiful spot. I especially never tire of painting scenes from there. I can see why Blackbeard the pirate loved it so...

20 2045 2/5/76

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Impressionistic Granny Smith

"Impressionistic Granny Smith"... 6x8" Oil on canvas board, alla prima from life, 1-2008.
SOLD... Thanks James R.!

Click on image to see a larger view...



Most people take trips to the grocery store to buy food for supper... I go to find willing subjects for my daily paintings. I never tire of painting fruit and vegetables... is that strange? These granny smith apples were a challenge with all that GREEN! I chose to play the vibrant green against its opposite color red of the background. The apples almost seem to dance in this vibrant setting... my mission was accomplished.

Everyday objects painted from life is the essence of the "Painting a Day" art movement that is gaining momentum in the art collecting market.

20 1995 2/2/55

Blue Ridge Splendor... 20x30" Oil on Canvas by Bernie Rosage Jr.

"Blue Ridge Splendor"... 20x30" Oil on Stretched Canvas, 11-2007,

This original oil painting by American Artist, Bernie Rosage Jr. is available for purchase... Email Bernie about purchasing details HERE... please include the paintings title in the subject line.

Click on image for larger view...



The quilt is a symbol of comfort and family... Barns are symbols of our heritage and community... together they make a great art project and visual treat for the folks in Ashe County, NC. This old barn scene is set in Ashe County where the local arts council there had various artists and art school classes design and paint these quilt patterns and had them affixed to barns throughout the county as a visual treat.

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

The Old Wagon Road

"The Old Wagon Road"... 6x8" Oil on Panel, alla prima, 1-2008.
SOLD... Thanks Carl!

Click on image to see a larger view...



Let your mindseye take a peaceful stroll along this old wagon road. This is a scene near my home that I have painted en plein aire several times. The lane is an old sunken wagon road which is one of the oldest roads in Onslow County... it is rumored to be part of the original Post Road (Kings Road) that ran along the the coast from Boston to Charleston. I have used my artistic license by taking out a tree here and there and adding a covered roof to an old tobacco barn. A little gem of a painting that I thoroughly enjoyed working on. Just think... if this is the old Kings Road... George Washington passed this very spot on his famous Southern Tour.

70 7498 18B/13/196

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

My Artsy Stuff "In the News" Archive

An archive of my Artsy Stuff... "In the News"...
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Plein Air Painting Demo from Appalachian State University by Bernie
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Bernie featured in Plein Air Gallery Show
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Mike Rooney Plein Air Workshop.. A Review and Critique by Bernie Rosage Jr.
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A Tribute to Gold Star Moms
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Bernie and OOPS fare well in the Kinston Plein Air Paint Out
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No mistake, OOPS take top honors at paint out!
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My Lil' Art Buddy
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Onslow Art Society's 47th Annual Spring Art Show Award Winners
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Living History / Plein Air Painting Demo at 143rd Anniversary Battle of Fort Fisher
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Four paintings by Bernie accepted in the "NC Landscapes: From the Mountains to the Coast" exhibit at the Baysden Gallery.
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I recently had the honor of being accepted in the Southern Plein Air Painters... a guild of talented southern plein air artists!
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I just returned from my Plein Air trip in the Blue Ridge Mountains... See the paintings and read my adventures here...
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An Apple for the Teacher... Art Demo for Mrs Tyson's 1st Grade Class. I'm an advocate for the arts... with that said... I believe that introducing the arts to children is of the utmost importance... click here to read the whole story.
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OOPS (Onslow Outdoor Painters Society) was featured with an article in the Jacksonville Daily News. I belong to this society and helped organize this gathering of plein air artists... click to read the article and even watch a video... you'll get a lick out of my southern accent..