STAY PLUGGED IN
For the latest in news, shows, upcoming events, new works, contests and special offerings… sign up today for John’s Newsletter.

John's Blog

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Painting in the Tallgrass Prairie


Sorry folks, there is no new blog for 18 November. I am having computer issues. Hopefully those problems will be resolved by Sunday, 25 November. The subject of the next blog will be, "Realism".
Thank you for your understanding and patience.


At certain times of the year, the prairie of tough big bluestem grass appears as an endless sea of fully alive dancers gliding across the floor in wave after wave of beautifully orchestrated graceful motion, driven on by the music of the wind.


I've painted in the Flint Hills several times. I've set up the easel in the middle of a dirt road and painted in absolute solitude all day. I've stood on a hilltop while being trashed by the wind, all the while trying to keep the easel and painting from being tossed to the ground. Once while painting in this wilderness with only the sound of bugs, birds, and wind, I was thrilled and shaken when, out of nowhere, two low flying military jets streaked by and out of sight in a flash leaving in their wake the unmistakable sonic boom.

John Pototschnik  -  Road to Somewhere  -  16"x 27"  -  Oil

In a wonderful April 2007 National Geographic article, titled "Tallgrass Prairie Preserve", author Verlyn Klinkenborg writes..."When you climb to the highest hill and stand into the wind that's trying to pry your ears apart, what do you see? Open sky, open land, unending horizon, and the limitless and lonesome prairie. But the word that also springs to mind may be "nothing"...a glorious nothing, but nothing nonetheless".

John Pototschnik  -  Flint Hills Country  -  12"x 24"  -  Oil

The Flint Hills and Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, encompassing millions of acres, is home of the last great swath of tallgrass prairie in the United States. It is very difficult to paint well.
American Legacy Gallery in Kansas City, Mo is hosting "Painters of the Prairie" through the month of November. The featured artist is Robert Sudlow. My work is exhibited along with the works of Kim Casebeer, Mark Flickinger, Hugh Green and Phil Starke. I hope you'll stop by.

Links:

"Just how the prairie speaks to you depends on who you are. Some will find it full of nothing or full, at best, of cattle fodder and copious views"...Verlyn Klinkenborg

**********************************************************

Purchased your 2013 calendar yet? Here's your chance.


Get a jump on 2013 with this beautiful 12"x12" calendar. Printed on heavyweight, glossy paper, it will be a pleasant addition to any home or office. While containing 12 reproductions of my paintings, you will find the calendar a source of inspiration as it contains verses from Holy Scripture.
$23.00 each - Three or more: $19.00 each. Price includes shipping/handling and state tax where applicable.
Your 2013 calendar may be ordered HERE. Mention "calendar" and I will contact you.

***************************************************************************
I was recently interviewed by John Hulsey for "The Artist's Road". 
HERE is the link



Labels:

2 Comments:

Blogger Cherie said...

I found you at Facebook, someone was showing your paintings, we became friends ... TODAY is your birthday! HAPPY day to you!

I just wanted you to know that I love, love, LOVE your glorious Blessed gift that you have, you paint so beautifully!!

I've save your blog site on my blog page, tweeting you and shouting you out at Facebook too! Oh, and I'll surely Google+ your site too!

YOU have a super day, thank you for sharing your wonderful art, it's superb and makes me smile and feel very good in my heart!

Your friend,
Cherie

November 14, 2012 at 10:10 AM  
Blogger john pototschnik said...

Cherie, you have blessed me greatly. Thank you.

November 14, 2012 at 10:27 PM  

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home