75th Anniversary of the Smokey Mountains

The Knoxville Arts Alliance had a call to arts for the 75th Anniversary of the Smokey Mountains in 2009.  This was my 'call back' to the arts from the heart.  An overlook in Cades Cove is the inspiration for this colorful and bold FABstract.  Sticks from Cades Cove were used in this mixed media painting.  P.E.N. Studio didn't win any awards or honorable mentions with this piece.  However, I had the best exposure for the evening.  The presentation of awards were announced in front of my painting.  

Sometimes in life the simple things are more than you can imagine or ask for.  I am blessed.

My Smokey Mountain Sanctuary - Mixed Media - Al Fresco technique utilized with gold/silver leaf accents.  54X32 Gallery wrapped canvas over a custom built frame. Art from the ♥ of Tennessee ♥ 

Thanks for Visiting!

Waiting for the Rain - Recycled Window - 20X39.5 inches - Painted on the reverse side of the window panes - P.E.N. Studio Painting of the day.  Email for pricing.  Thanks for visiting!

Orange Crush

If you have ever had an Orange Crush or a Nehi out of something that looks like this (with a green straw)....then you are definitely from Knoxville, TN.

P.E.N. Studio is one month 'young' today.

Today is the one month anniversary of P.E.N. Studio's very first post and adventure into the world of blogging.  It's 11 p.m. and there have been 989 'Looky Lookie's'.  I am feeling the ♥ in the world of blogging.  I might be batting a 1000 before midnight.  Thanks everyone for visiting!!!!

It's official!  Batting a 1000!  Thanks everyone!

You might be an artist if.......

If you carry a Sharpie with you at all times and have boxes of cocktail napkins with sketches on them instead of phone numbers.....you MIGHT just be an artist!

Tribute to the Lady Vols....

In honor of the Lady Vol's  a P.E.N. Studio Painting.... 8-8 in OH 8!

A highly textured/tactile colorful painting honoring the Lady Vols "Piece's of Eight" in 2008.  16 Gold and Silver  leaf accents represent 8 in 8 and of course it was in OH! 8 (2008).  The Lady Vols set the court on FIRE!  Go Vols!  Thanks for visiting! © P.E.N. Studio  ♦ 2009

The Lady Vol’s take on Mississippi State tonight at 7:00 p.m.

Wayne Stock....

Wayne Stock has added Thursday!  Preservation Pub is also in the process of showcasing Wayne Stock.  Mark your calendars!  Get to know Andrew on the website.  Gone but not forgotten.  Local Music at it's best.  (Footnote...My classmate from HS was Andrew's teacher.  She is an awesome artist as her mother)  ♥ LW

Notable SoKno Artist - M.C. Churchill-Nash

City County Building  Knoxville, TN 1970s - pen and ink. Art from a notable SoKno gal  M.C. Churchill-Nash.  Her work is amazing!  You can find her work at M.C. Churchill-Nash.  Check it out!

My Tuscany Dream Vacation

I believe that the responsibility of the winemaker is to take that fruit and get it into the bottle as the most natural and purest expression of that vineyard, of the grape varietal or blend, and of the vintage. ♦♦♦ Robert M. Parker, Jr. ♦♦♦

My Tuscany Dream Vacation ♦ Textured/Tactile, Colorful, Bold Mixed Media Painting ♦ On display at the Blue Slip Winery in the Old City, Knoxville, TN.  Tennessee's only urban winery.  Drop in and taste the wine made exclusively from local vineyards and fruits from vendors on Market Square.  The only place in Tennessee where you can purchase a bottle of wine on Sunday.  I recommend the River City Red, a sweet wine touted as 'Church Wine' by Ms. B at the Blue Slip.  Thanks for visiting!

KNS News .... Ut oh.... Lobster Tales have come to the surface again in K-town.

Someone took my P-Card too!  I want it back pronto.....Moi' needs new paint brushes and a shiny new Porsche.
Up date....the verdict. January 26, 2011

Below 29....A Back'Draft' from 01/2011 that never saw the light of the internet

Today's post is totally unrelated to anything even
remotely associated with art.  Drawing outside of the box today.  Not knowing what in the world the word meh and meme meant I bopped  over to the Urban Dictionary to brush up on my useless trivia for the day. I stumbled across  lot's of useless information about Knoxville in the process. 

Knoxville town (city) in Eastern Tennessee that happens to have some pretty cool people, hot women, and a few good sports teams. Also known as K-Town, Knox Vagas, or The best place to live in the south. Knoxville is an awesome place to live, work, or pick up chicks.  Per the Urban Dictionary. (Really???) 

Things you should know about TN Before Moving here (for Northerners):  (Please don't shoot the messenger) Useless trivia for Tuesday.  Lord have mercy....who writes that stuff? Bless their hearts!  Pun intended. 

My son couldn't believe I didn't know what meh and meme was because I can turn on a computer, type, google and I do have a few brain cells left.  He just rolled his eyes at me...mumbled 'below 29' and went back to what he was doing.  Back to the urban dictionary. I guess I am below 29.........all  Mom's are at times.  There were a few times that I thought my Mom was 'below 29' too.  Then I grew up and had kids of my own.  She's batting above 100% if you ask me.  Back to the dictionary.....look up the word idiot and refer to number 4. 

You might be an artist if....

If you've ever cleaned your fingernails with a palette knife.....you MIGHT be an artist.  If you have ever used your paint brushes to apply your makeup......you MIGHT be an artist. 

Kokopelli Trumpeting Peace & Balance

Kokopelli Trumpeting Peace & Balance has a new forever home in New Mexico!

 

Happy Dance! 
Thank You KW! 

From ancient times and legends of old,

your hypnotic music has been fortold.

A soft, warm and strange melody,

dancing into the night endlessly.

♦♦♦ Rebecca Wiles ♦♦♦

Known as a fertility god, prankster, healer and story teller, Kokopelli has been a source of wonder throughout the country for centuries.

Kokopelli Trumpeting Peace & Balance 16 X 20 Oval - Mixed Media - Al Fresco technique utilized. This piece also incorporates 14K gold leaf accents. The lower left symbol is the Chinese symbol for Peace & Balance - P.E.N. Studio Painting of the Day.
All rights reserved.  Kokopelli needs a new 'forever home'. 

P.E.N. Studio - Artfire

P.E.N. Studio just opened a new Artfire account.  It could be interesting or it could be a bust.  Time will tell! PENStudio - Artfire.  Thanks for Visiting!

Gregory's Bald - Smokey Mountain Sunset

One of my greatest champions suggested that I post this painting on Moi's P.E.N. page. 

Great suggestion Dr. A! 



Gregory's Bald in the Great Smokey Mountains 

 25x40x2 in - Textured/Tactile Colorful Painting for the Visually Impaired - Gallery wrapped canvas over a custom built frame - Mixed Media - Gold leaf accents - © P.E.N. Studio Painting of the Day. All Rights Reserved. Thanks for visiting!

All works need new "forever homes" unless listed as 'Sold'

Did you go to school with a SoKno Jacka%& ?

Did you go to school with a Jackass?

Did you go to school with a Jackass?  PJ Clapp is one of SoKno's most notables. I went to South and South-Young High with PJ's Sis.  One of my best memories is building our senior float at her house in SoKno.  PJ pinched me on the 'butt'...I thought it was someone else, turned around and didn't see anyone...then I looked down......it was none other than Johnny Knoxville.  Lord have mercy.....Look where he is now.  Go Johnny Knoxville!  Our SoKno Boy!  A P.E.N. Studio Blart bout' another SoKno Artist.  SoHo is in NY....SoKno = South Knoxville, TN. So No...it's not SoHo..it's SoKno....a moniker made popular with local bloggers soon to be known globally.

Today's Painting

 ‎'Life is a blank canvas, and you need to throw all the paint on it you can.' ♦♦♦ Danny Kaye ♦♦♦

What will you paint today? Paint your day with compassion, kindness, passion and love for one another. Paint your canvas with at least one hug today. P. Neal

Saturday's Blart ♥ Southwest Sunset ♦ Art from the ♥

"Our American heritage is greater than any one of us. It can express itself in very homely truths; in the end it can lift up our eyes beyond the glow in the sunset skies." ♦♦♦ Bruce Catton ♦♦♦

Wishing for the warm breeze and the magical moment at sunset in the Southwest.  A small painting from the 'theater of the mind' expressing my passion for bold and vibrant colors. 

Southwest Sunset #28  
© P.E.N. Studio - P. Neal 2011

Thanks for Visiting!
(Email for Price)

'Tears From Heaven' - P.E.N. Studio Painting in a Day

Would you know my name.
If I saw you in heaven?
Would it be the same
If I saw you in heaven….
Beyond the door
There's peace I'm sure.
And I know there'll be no more...
Tears in heaven.
♦♦♦ Eric Clapton ♦♦♦

'Tears From Heaven'

Mixed Media 

 Gallery Wrapped Canvas Over a Custom Built Frame

P.E.N. Studio Painting in a Day

© P.Neal 2010

Thanks for Visiting!

(Email for price)

Friday's Blart ♥ - You might be an Artist if.....

You might be an ARTIST .......

♥ If you've ever rinsed your watercolour brush in your coffee--you MIGHT be an artist.
♥ If you didn't realise it until you noticed the taste--you MIGHT be an artist.

♥ If you thought it improved the taste--you MIGHT be an artist.
♥ If you thought it improved the painting--you MIGHT be an artist.
♥ If you've ever drunk the rinse water instead of the coffee--you MIGHT be an artist.

( √ ) All of the above......I need a new cup of coffee now....... 

Friday's Footwear - Blart ♥

“When the government's boot is on your throat, whether it is a left boot or a right boot is of no consequence”  ♦♦♦ Gary Lloyd ♦♦♦

TGIF!!!

Time to take the work boots off and put the house shoes on.

Thanks for Visiting!

Vincent Van Gogh - Thursday's Blart ♥

Vincent Van Gogh  was the greatest impressionist artist who ever lived.  A personal opinion of course and one that I am sure many would agree with.  An interesting fact about Van Gogh is that he sold only ONE painting during his lifetime......the Red Vineyard.   

The  Red Vineyard  at Arles is an oil on canvas which was painted in November of 1888.  It is now the property of the Pushkin Museum in Moscow, Russia, Europe. 

If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.  

♦♦♦  Vincent Van Gogh  ♦♦♦ 

Sometimes it's not just the voice within but also the voices of critics too.  That's when I put on the headphones, turn up the vol. on the Ipod and paint away.  Slinging paint is great therapy.  Watch out critics I might sling a little on you.  Look what Pollock created by slinging paint with little more than sticks plucked from trees in his yard at times.  He created an entire new abstract movement.  If my work doesn't move you then step aside and let someone else take a look....my passion may move them......to pick up a stick or a brush and sling some paint.  Art Therapy at it's best!

Jimi - Sketch

The artist draws the people. The whole idea is for people to dig themselves, just mingle around meeting different other people. That's cool.

♦♦♦ Jimi Hendrix ♦♦♦

Jimi drew the people. 





Jimi - Sketch - Pen & Ink, colored pencil & watercolor.  © P.E.N. Studio P. Neal

Thanks for Visiting!

Our Dirty Guv'nahs

“I don’t believe that things happen by chance… incredible things happen when people work hard, live humbly, and give credit where credit is due. You just gotta stay curious and dig in.”
– James Trimble, lead singer – The Dirty Guv’nahs

K-town has lot's of talent!  My son turned me on to the The Dirty Guv'nahs a few months ago.  We'll Be The Light is one of my fav's.  One of the band members is the son of a friend from high school.  Another SoKno notable blart. 

Smokey Mountain Cherokee Sunset - Mixed Media - 12x20 - Highly Textured/Tactille Painting - Gallery wrapped canvas over a custom built frame - High Gloss UVB Protectant. Email for price.  © P.E.N. Studio - P. Neal - All Rights Reserved. Thanks for Visiting!

Press...

P.E.N. Studio SoKno Blart:  I wanted to share a bit of old  press.  It may be old but it is a new Blart bout' SoKno (South Knoxville, TN) & P.E.N. Studio.  Shameless self promotion.  Art from the ♥ of Tennessee.  Support the Arts!   Link to the full KNS article.

Jimi - Purple Haze

Purple Haze is Hendrix at his best.  Having grown up in the 60's and 70's Jimi Hendrix is one of my favorite Artists.  After posting my 'Jimi Sets the World on Fire' painting yesterday I have been undulated with emails wondering if I had any other Hendrix paintings.  This is just one of several painting 'prep' comps for larger paintings.  'Jimi - Purple Haze' is a pastel sketch - 8x11 - © P.E.N. Studio - P. Neal.  Upon completion of 'Jimi - Purple Haze' on a larger scale this will be for sale.  Thanks for Visiting! 

Today's Blart Quote

I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way - things I had no words for.  ♠  Georgia O'Keeffe  ♠  

I concur. 

Jimi Hendrix

"When the power of LOVE overcomes the love for POWER, the world will know PEACE."

 ♦♦♦ Jimi Hendrix ♦♦♦

Jimi is gone but certainly not forgotten.  He could set a stage on fire....literally.  A vector purchased from Shutterstock is the focal point of this painting.  Another highly textured mixed media painting with gold and silver leaf accents.  Gallery wrapped canvas over a custom built frame (31.5' X 35.5') with a high gloss UVB protectant so it can be hung in sun lite areas.  Posted as a painting in progress on FB it 'SOLD' before it was off the easel.  It is presently on loan in the Old City because the Collector lives in Middle Tennessee and is picking it up this weekend.  If you care to see it in person it is hanging in the Blue Slip Winery in the barrel room with many of my other paintings.  I guess it's time to build a frame and start another 'Jimi Hendrix Setting the World on Fire' no. 2.  Art from the ♥ Thanks for Visiting! Feel free to leave comments!

Friday's FABstract and Daily Blart

Friday's FABstract Instrumental Movement

The complexity in this painting lies in the under paintings which consist of five layers of paint incorporated with the Al Fresco Technique.  Layers of color mixed with plaster  give the painting  a special texture.  Many of my paintings incorporate musical elements.  My childhood memories are of my brother playing the piano and trumpet with his music tutors.  I was always in awe and angst at times....sometimes you just need a nap at the age of 2, 3, &....??. Naps are still good.  And I am still in awe of Bro's abilities musically.  A great talent then and now.  Inspiration for my Musical FABstracts. Colorful "musical" tones are incorporated in honor of my Sis who is Deaf....so she can hear the music with her eyes.   

  

Friday's FABstract - (20X36) - Canvas is gallery wrapped on a handcrafted custom built frame in house at P.E.N. Studio.  Ergo the odd size.  Tis for sale!  Support local artist's and artisans.  Re-mail for pricing.

Thanks for Visiting!

Boycott Starving Artist Sales in _________ insert city this weekend. 

Support Local Arts!

Everything you can imagine is real.

Everything you can imagine is real. ♦♦♦ Pablo Picasso ♦♦♦ 

Imagining and seeing a painting in the 'minds eye' is one thing......putting it out there for everyone to see is another.  It opens a door for a tiny peek into an artist's heart and soul.  P. Neal  

Cabin Fever

There is a use for useless light bulbs.  Created after having suffered a serious case of cabin fever.  Recycled cork from the Blue Slip Winery in the Old City - Tennessee's only urban winery.  "Corkelry" earrings and bracelet are one size fits all.  Corkelry is another PEN word/blurb term.  P.E.N. Studio - P. Neal © 2011 Thanks for Visiting! 

Today's Blart from the ♥

Thursday 'Tini' Time in Tennessee

Go SoKno! Get Fuzzy

Local blART news.............

Darby Conley is an American cartoonist best known for the popular comic strip Get Fuzzy. Conley was born in Concord, Massachusetts in 1970, and grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee. While in high school in 1986, he won a student cartooning competition.

During his Senior Year at Doyle High School (now South-Doyle High School) in Knoxville, Conley was voted 'Most Talented' by his graduating class.  His first cartoons appeared in the Doyle High Trailblazer, his school paper in Knoxville, Tennessee. His single-panel strip of weirdness won him first place in a News-Sentinel student cartoon competition in 1986, thus planting the idea of someday becoming a professional cartoonist.  The unusual title of the strip came from a concert poster he once created for his brother's band, the Fuzzy Sprouts. "Life's too short to be cool," the poster read, "Get Fuzzy ."

Thought to ponder in the theater of the mind....

Hmm...my son was voted Wittiest Senior at South-Doyle HS this year (2010-2011)....maybe the next 'Seinfeld' on the horizon?  Is it too soon to start looking for that Porsche Carrera 911 with tan interior?

SoKno = South Knoxville, a moniker made popular with local bloggers. 

blART = Blogging about art. A word/blurb created by Moi' in the 'theater of the mind.'



It's Time to Think Color

It's Time to Think Color - © P.E.N. Studio
Over sized - Custom built frame -  Gallery wrapped canvas
Mixed Media - Textured - Colorful FABstract

I have clock works to install in the large red circle...ergo the title of the painting.  But, that is still under debate in the theater of the mind.  The gold surrounding the "thought' bubbles are actually gold leaf.  The 'thought' of this simple painting came to me when I saw a billboard on the way to a family affair.  It was five large black bubbles with a ? and one word....THINK in the largest bubble. Nothing else,  just black and white and ?THINK.   It reminded me of 'thinking bubbles' in cartoons.  Simple but, I wondered what it meant because that was all that was on the billboard.  What could it mean?  I had no clue.   That billboard  made me think about a lot of things on that long drive home.  Then an ? idea ! came to me.   Obviously my conclusion was........I thought it needed COLOR!  Thanks for Visiting! 

Private Collector Installation

Private Collector Installation - P.E.N. Studio FABstract

Vibrant warm tones of the Southwest are the focus of this painting.  A highly textured/tactile painting with a black and turquoise under painting give this piece depth.  Not noticeable are the raised gold and silver leaf accents.  (1.5' X 4.0') Canvas is gallery wrapped over a custom built frame.  This painting can be hung in any direction. 

Thanks for Visiting!

P.E.N. Studio added to Knoxviews Blogroll

Blogging about art in and around the Knoxville area.  To PEN a new term I like to call it 'Blarting' 'bout art.

Today's Blart...

A good artist has less time than ideas. ♦♦♦ Martin Kippenberger ♦♦♦

P.E.N. Studio - FABstract from the ♥

As a child I have always associated bright and bold colors with happiness and joy.  A box of Crayola Crayons could transform a dull drab day into a day of sunshine.  A great deal of my work involves vibrant colors, textures and musical 'tones'.  The vibrant colors and textures are incorporated so that my sister, who is legally blind and deaf can touch the paintings and see the 'joy and happiness' in music. Vibrant Vibes FABstract is auditory art in blazing colors!

It is my goal to show her the joy that music brings into my life with a painting.  She may not be able to hear the 'music' but with my 'Tactile' Paintings she can at least see and feel the music in a different way than we do.  A 'dual sensory' painting for the visually and hearing impaired.  Listen to the art with your eyes....P.E.N. Studio Art from the ♥ All rights reserved. 

All works are for sale unless marked 'Sold - In Private Collection".  Thanks for visiting! 



P.E.N. Studio

P.E.N. Studio

A Link to P.E.N. Studio's Blog for use in mail and on networking sites around the blogosphere and into the great beyond.  A Blog Buzz Link to "Infinity and Beyond!"

Always dream and shoot higher than you know you can do. Don't bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself. ••• William Faulkner •••

Or....in my case better than my last painting....P.Neal