Random patterns at the
Mod Pod Open House

© Pam Van Londen 2009, Random 1, oil on gessobord, 8x8x1
SOLD © Pam Van Londen 2009, Random 1, 8x8x1 on oil on gessobord

© Pam Van Londen 2009, Random 2, oil on gessobord, 8x8x1
SOLD © Pam Van Londen 2009, Random 2, 8x8x1 on oil on gessobord

Visit the Mod Pod store from 2pm to 8pm on Friday, November 13 for the annual open house. I’ll have these three new paintings there, in addition to the 2 sets of triptychs and ball bearing paintings.

Just paint and a
Red-winged Blackbird

© Pam Van Londen 2009, Just Paint 1, oil on gessobord, 8x8x1

Purchase this painting via PayPal's secure payment system
$64 © Pam Van Londen 2009, Just Paint 1, 8x8x1 on oil on gessobord

© Pam Van Londen 2009, Red-winged Blackbird 2, oil on gessobord, 8x8x1 SOLD © Pam Van Londen 2009, Red-winged Blackbird 2, 8x8x1 on oil on gessobord

I’m learning to use a palette knife. It certainly takes practice to control it, like any other tool does.

The bird was done with a palette knife and a bit of brushwork and the abstract done with a palette knife and a bit of pencil.

I enjoy the texture. We’ll see how soon I can ship these; it’ll take at least a week to dry.

Crows Up High

© Pam Van Londen 2009, Crows Up High, oil on gessobord, 8x8x1 SOLD © Pam Van Londen 2009, Crows Up High, 8x8x1 on oil on gessobord

Happy Halloween! Here are a couple of crows discussing their options for tricks and treats.

Crows Leaving 1 and 2

© Pam Van Londen 2009, Crows leaving 1, oil on gessobord, 8x8x1
SOLD © Pam Van Londen 2009, Crows leaving 1, 8x8x1 on oil on gessobord

© Pam Van Londen 2009, Crows leaving 2, oil on gessobord, 8x8x1
SOLD © Pam Van Londen 2009, Crows leaving 2, 8x8x1 on oil on gessobord

Third in a series of paintings of birds, mainly crows. The shape of a crow is distinctive and expressive.

Nicola Clayton, from the departments of animal behavior and experimental psychology at Cambridge University, England has studied their intelligence and believes they are as smart as non-human primates.

Calligraphy abstract

© Pam Van Londen 2009, Calligraphy 1, oil on gessobord, 8x8x1
SOLD © Pam Van Londen 2009, Calligraphy 1, 8x8x1 on oil on gessobord

Mindless goofing off can yield some interesting results. I started with a multi-colored background and when it dried, I added tints of the original colors then wrote in it with a rubber-tipped scraper.

San Francisco Rooftops

© Pam Van Londen 2009, San Francisco Rooftops, oil on gessobord, 8x8x1
SOLD © Pam Van Londen 2009, San Francisco Rooftops, 8x8x1 on oil on gessobord

Painted for the Different Strokes from Different Folks project. I’m hoping to do a series which might look nice in the Mod Pod later.

Non-objective mood strikes

© Pam Van Londen 2010, Ball Barings 1, Acrylic, 24x18 Purchase this painting via PayPal's secure payment system $250 © Pam Van Londen 2010, Ball Barings 1, 24×18 Acrylic

I visited the Mod Pod store earlier this week to hang some of my daily paintings and was inspired by the trendy-retro-FUN atmosphere of the place.

That experience combined with this image I saw behind my eyelids when I shut them after looking at something too long, resulted in this playful non-objective painting on canvas.

See it in person at the Mod Pod.

Triptych abstract inspired
by the pumpkin patch

© Pam Van Londen 2010,  Pumpkin Panel 1, oil on clayboard,  8x8

Purchase this painting via PayPal's secure payment system
$50 © Pam Van Londen 2010, Pumpkin Panel 1, 8×8 oil on clayboard

© Pam Van Londen 2010,  Pumpkin Panel 2, oil on clayboard,  8x8

Purchase this painting via PayPal's secure payment system
$50 © Pam Van Londen 2010, Pumpkin Panel 2, 8×8 oil on clayboard

© Pam Van Londen 2010,  Pumpkin Panel 3, oil on clayboard,  8x8

Purchase this painting via PayPal's secure payment system
$50 © Pam Van Londen 2010, Pumpkin Panel 3, 8×8 oil on clayboard

These three panels were inspired by the bright colors at the pumpkin patch we visited in November of 2008. Purple rain boots against the orange pumpkins, the bright yellow-green apple tree leaves, and the blue shadows made some colorful images.

Purchase these individually or all three to hang a triptych in your living room or office. They are featured at  ModPod, Modern Fun Furnishings, on Second Street in Corvallis, Oregon.

Pumpkin 6

© Pam Van Londen 2009, Pumpkin 6, oil on canvasboard, 8x8x1

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$64 © Pam Van Londen 2009, Pumpkin 6, 8x8x1 on oil on canvasboard

Here is number six in a serious of abstracts taken from photographs I took at a pumpkin patch last year.

I love the simplicity in the photos and strive to get that in the painting!

Sky Hill Weeds

© Pam Van Londen 2009, Sky Hill Weeds, oil on clayboard, 8x8x1
SOLD © Pam Van Londen 2009, Sky Hill Weeds, 8x8x1 on oil on claybord

I’ve got less time these days to spend hours painting, and lots of time waiting around (I have a kid; sound familiar?), so I paint with my oil sticks wherever I have landed for the hour.

This abstract landscape shimmers when you walk by.

Cape Kiwanda Waves

© Pam Van Londen 2009, Cape Kiwanda Wave, oil on claybord, 8x8x1
SOLD © Pam Van Londen 2009, Cape Kiwanda Wave, 8x8x1 on oil on claybord

Last night’s storm brought wind and rain and churning waves.

I had fun spraying the spay here.

Mt Tabor Contemplation

© Pam Van Londen 2009, Mt Tabor Contemplation, 8x8x1 on oil on claybord
SOLD © Pam Van Londen 2009, Mt Tabor Contemplation, oil on 8x8x1 claybord

The peaceful expanse of Mt Tabor’s summit allows one to sit and contemplate, read, play music, or paint without too much bother.

This weekend, however, it will be swarming with people painting, performing, and eating cool deserts.

I’ll be painting there, but it won’t have that quiet that I prefer to paint.

Challenge: Songwriter 2

© Pam Van Londen 2009, Songwriter 2, 12x12x2 on oil
SOLD © Pam Van Londen 2009, Songwriter 2, oil on 12x12x2 gallery-edged canvas.

I set up a weekly challenge for other Oregon Daily Painters a few weeks ago.

My assignments are quite hard for me; so far I have challenged myself to paint with one color in a specific style. Last week I couldn’t do the style as I wanted and this week I could not stick to one color!

As long as what I end up with is enjoyable to look at, it doesn’t matter. However, I am determined to loosen up and paint in other styles to stretch my imagination. Practice!

Independence Park

© Pam Van Londen 2009, Independence Park, 8x8x1 on oil on claybord

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$64 © Pam Van Londen 2009, Independence Park, 8x8x1 on oil on claybord

This abstracted image of the riverfront park in Independence, Oregon exaggerates the curvy designs of the amphitheater carved out of the hillside.

We’ll be in the area again this holiday for the annual parade; a family tradition.

July Exhibits

Vines 1 Polyptych © Pam Van Londen 2009.
Vines 1 Polyptych © Pam Van Londen 2009.

For the month of July, 2009, my work (new and old) will be on exhibit at the following locations. I hope you can swing by to take a peek.

I also have one piece in the OSU Community Open, in the Guistina Gallery in LaSells Stewart Center on the OSU Campus.

Johnson Creek abstract

© Pam Van Londen 2009, Johnson Creek 3, 8x8x1 on oil on claybord
SOLD © Pam Van Londen 2009, Johnson Creek 3, 8x8x1 on oil on claybord

When we visit family in Portland we often end up down the block in Johnson Creek Park. The severe weather washed a lot of trees into the water last winter, so it looked like a different place last time we were there.

I love water, as I’ve mentioned before. The colors and patterns provide endless entertainment for me. Painting them is a challenge which I practice often.

Odell Lake is my new favorite
plein air spot

© Pam Van Londen 2009, Odell Lake Edge 1, 8x8x1 on oil on claybord1

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$64 © Pam Van Londen 2009, Odell Lake Edge 1, 8x8x1 on oil on claybord1

After the State Middle School Track meet where my daughter placed third in the 100m Dash, we camped at Odell Lake to rest up for the rest of the drive down the mountains.

© Pam Van Londen 2009, Odell Lake Sunset Cove 1, 8x8x1 on oil on claybord

Purchase this painting via PayPal's secure payment system
$64 © Pam Van Londen 2009, Odell Lake Sunset Cove 1, 8x8x1 on oil on claybord

The easy access to various edges of the lake water provided excellent painting venues. You can walk just a short ways from camp at Sunset Cove to get above the water to view patterns, hear boats come in, or see the setting sun in all her glory.

The wheel-chair accessible jetty allows kids and grownups to get into the water without getting wet!

This quick water study was made with oil sticks, which are often all I travel with. I sure wanted my paint brush on this trip, however.

Pastoral scene can be full of
wild brushstrokes

© Pam Van Londen 2009 Penn Farm, acrylic on 8x8-inch archival Claybord panel. Unframed.
Purchase this painting via PayPal's secure payment system

$50 © Pam Van Londen 2009, Penn Farm, acrylic on 8×8-inch archival Claybord panel. Unframed.

This new challenge from Different Strokes is to turn a medium key grayscale pastoral scene into a colorful landscape.

Pennsylvania is as pastoral as the Willamette Valley in Oregon, so I have had many hours contemplating technique for a subject such as this.

I started with a red under-painting laid down with a funny brush. Other colors were laid down down soon after. The red shows through in almost all areas, adding drama.

Shimmering Vines in Iridescent Colors

© Pam Van Londen 2010, Vines 2 Polyptych, irridescent oil on clayboard, 8x8 Purchase this painting via PayPal's secure payment system $200 © Pam Van Londen 2010, Vines 2 Polyptych, 8×8 irridescent oil on clayboard

This four-panel polyptych  on claybord uses iridescent oil colors which shimmer as you walk by.

See the set framed in window at the Corvallis, Oregon Mod Pod store on Second Street.

Iridescent Vines in 4 panels

© Pam Van Londen 2008 Vines 1 polyptych 8x8x1 in iridescent oil on clayboard Purchase this painting via PayPal's secure payment system
$256 © Pam Van Londen 2008. Vines 1 polyptych 8x8x1 in iridescent oil on claybord

This four-panel polyptych was created in the motor home while my daughter practiced. If you walk by the paintings, you’ll see them shimmer because they are made with iridescent oil sticks and a touch of oil pastel.

All four panels are for sale together and come framed in black lacquered wood. Each panel is signed. Hang them in any arrangement you like.

Due to the number of practices and rehearsals I must sit through, I had to find a way to continue painting away from home. Since my only car is still a motorhome, I can paint on location!

But instead of using thinner, oil, brushes, etc., I use oil sticks on small boards. This greatly reduces the potential for spillage and mess. And I can quickly stash it all away.

Juried into the Fish Story exhibit at OSU

Our Fish Story, a juried art exhibit, opens February 2, 2009 at Oregon State University’s Giustina Gallery. The Artist’s Reception is 6:30pm to 8:30pm on February 6, 2009. The exhibit closes March 10, 2009.

This half of the 6-panel polyptych will be on display along with many other artists from around the country.

© Pam Van Londen 2008 Santiam River Fish Habitat 3 of 6 panels each 16x20x.7 in acrylic on gallery-edged canvas Purchase this painting via PayPal's secure payment system
$800 © Pam Van Londen 2008 Santiam River Fish Habitat 3 of 6 panels each 16x20x.7 in acrylic on gallery-edged canvas

No subject, just paint

© Pam Van Londen 2009 Turquoise Orange 8x8x1 in acrylic on canvasboard Purchase this painting via PayPal's secure payment system$64 © Pam Van Londen 2009 Turquoise Orange 8x8x1 in acrylic on canvasboard

Abstract and non-objective paintings are my greatest challenge. So when I’ve got leftover paint on the palette, I play to see what I can come up with.

My goal today was to contrast the green and orange so they cause that wonderful vibration known as simultaneous contrast (or chromostereopsis).

I love this effect in paintings and other art. It’s hard on the eyes when you see it in web sites, however.

Painting snow for the first time

© Pam Van Londen 2008 18th Street Snow 1 8x8-inch in oil on canvas Purchase this painting via PayPal's secure payment system$50 © Pam Van Londen 2008 18th Street Snow 1 8×8-inch in oil on canvas

© Pam Van Londen 2008 18th Street Snow 2 8x8-inch in oil on canvas Purchase this painting via PayPal's secure payment system$50 © Pam Van Londen 2008 18th Street Snow 2 8×8-inch in oil on canvas

Even though I’m closed up in the house (because I don’t like cold), I am painting in oils. If I go mad, you might blame it on the fumes (which I do love the smell of).

It’s been snowing on and off in Corvallis all week and now that my workload has been cut in half by working 15 hour days, I can paint again!

Here are two snow paintings on canvas. They come with a hard backing and need a frame.

Shadow play

© Pam Van Londen 2008 Shadows on the Sidewalk 8x8x1 in oil on clayboard SOLD © Pam Van Londen 2008 Shadows on the Sidewalk 8x8x1 in oil on clayboard

This week’s Different Strokes project is about shadows. For me it is also about the color and texture of shadows. I used a “funny brush” to get the textures; boy was that fun!

I’ll have to pull out more shadow photos from my bank and make a few more paintings like this.

One of my favorite shadow painters is Linda Apple.

Newspaper with Hope

© Pam Van Londen 2008 Newspaper with Hope 8x8x1 in acrylic on canvasboard SOLD © Pam Van Londen 2008 Newspaper with Hope 8x8x1 in acrylic on canvasboard

Week 3 of the Different Stokes project allowed us daily painters to work on a portrait. I added an extra level by modifying the color and bench to leave a message.

The owner of this work, a new customer from Seattle, purchased it for a special relative who worked on the Obama campaign.

My son would like a copy, so I’ll either make a giclee or paint it again!

Lali, who has a French blog full of other artists’ work, has added my work to her blog.

Wading Oneonta in the slot canyon

I meant to paint when I arrived at the falls, but it was a bit chilly and very damp. So much for hauling the backpack there.

I drenched my phone on the way in and out, so had to by a new phone. Ugh…the thing dried within a week and still works!

© Pam Van Londen 2008 Wading Oneonta 8x8x1 in oil on canvasboard SOLD © Pam Van Londen 2008 Wading Oneonta 8x8x1 in oil on canvasboard

We are hoping to make the trek into Oneonta Falls an annual event. It’s a challenge, quite dangerous, and breathtaking.

Santiam Splendor year 2

© Pam Van Londen 2008 Santiam River 5 8x8x1 in oil on clayboard Purchase this painting via PayPal's secure payment system$50 © Pam Van Londen 2008 Santiam River 5 8x8x1 in oil on clayboard

© Pam Van Londen 2008 Santiam River 7 8x8x1 in oil on clayboard Purchase this painting via PayPal's secure payment system$50 © Pam Van Londen 2008 Santiam River 7 8x8x1 in oil on clayboard

© Pam Van Londen 2008 Santiam River 8 8x8x1 in oil on clayboard SOLD © Pam Van Londen 2008 Santiam River 8 8x8x1 in oil on clayboard

Sold © Pam Van Londen 2008 Santiam River 9 8x8x1 in oil on clayboard SOLD © Pam Van Londen 2008 Santiam River 9 8x8x1 in oil on clayboard

© Pam Van Londen 2008 Santiam River 10 8x8x1 in oil on clayboard SOLD © Pam Van Londen 2008 Santiam River 10 8x8x1 in oil on clayboard

Thank you Ann and Bob for allowing me to paint to my heart’s content on your beautiful Santiam River.

I painted 1 large canvas in acrylic and 5 small panels in oil.
These are all ready to purchase except the large panel. It will be getting more detail in the foreground.

The water reflects the dark blue-green of the trees at this spot, but because the water is so clean and clear, the multi-colored rock formations and pebbles show through and reflect a bit of orange.

This is contrasted with the bright green grasses sprouting up everywhere. It’s quite magical!

© Pam Van Londen 2008 Santiam River 6 40x30x1 in acrylic on canvas Purchase this painting via PayPal's secure payment system$400 SALE © Pam Van Londen 2008 Santiam River 6 40x30x1 in acrylic on canvas

Willamette River float ~ $25 SALE

© Pam Van Londen 2008 Willamette River 2 8x8x1 in mixed media on gessoboard SOLD © Pam Van Londen 2008 Willamette River 2 8x8x1 in mixed media on gessoboard

© Pam Van Londen 2008 Willamette River 3 8x8x1 in mixed media on gessoboard SOLD © Pam Van Londen 2008 Willamette River 3 8x8x1 in mixed media on gessoboard

© Pam Van Londen 2008 Willamette River 4 8x8x1 in oil on gessoboard Purchase this painting via PayPal's secure payment system$25 SALE © Pam Van Londen 2008 Willamette River 4 8x8x1 in oil on gessoboard

SOLD © Pam Van Londen 2008 Willamette River 5 8x8x1 in mixed media on gessoboard SOLD © Pam Van Londen 2008 Willamette River 5 8x8x1 in mixed media on gessoboard

After 47 years in Oregon, I finally got to float the Willamette River. Near Corvallis, this large river is calm and scenic; with no factories to mar the view and disturb the ospreys.

We stopped half way to hunt for agates and petrified wood…and we were successful!

I took about 200 photos and have begun to paint a few scenes.

Mary’s River retreat ~ $25 SALE

© Pam Van Londen 2008 Mary’s River 3 8x8x1 in irridescent oil on gessoboard Purchase this painting via PayPal's secure payment system$25 SALE © Pam Van Londen 2008 Mary’s River 3 8x8x1 in iridescent oil on gessoboard

To cool off on very hot days, we sit next to the Mary’s River and dip our feet.

I usually sit in the shade with paints and the kids jump off the rope and rearrange the dam.

The dogs play and bark, and sit contentedly.

Paint and a poem

Not For Sale

Congrats to Susan and Catherine! This gift will soon be on its way to you!

It is painted with iridescent oil sticks on clayboard with a poem by Jean Anouilh scratched in.

It reads: Love is, above all, the gift of oneself.