Marshall Noice

Sometimes all it takes for me to begin a painting is the notion that one color might look interesting next to another color. But recently I came across a group of pastel sketches I’d done on one of my dozens of trips to Telluride. And I decided it was about time I explored the Colorado landscape a bit more specifically. The pantings in these, my newest works, are about my enduring infatuation with color. But more than that, they are my exaltation of what are, certainly, some of the most iconic landscapes in the American West.

Let’s keep in touch,

Marshall

My friend, fellow band member (a very few of you may remember Tut and The Uncommons) and studio mate, Terry Nelson, painted nothing but realistic works of tangles in his garden toward the end of his life.

His work has inspired me to better depict the chaos and randomness that is nature! I think looser paint handling is one of the keys. That’s what I’m working on. We’ll see.

Let’s keep in touch,

Marshall

April 30, 2024

Sometimes, more often than I deserve actually, a painting almost paints itself. “Leaves Floating” is one of those.  It almost feels as if every brush stroke is preordained. I’d love to be able to call up all the disparate elements that occasionally align for that delightful experience to occur. But, sadly, it’s an unpredictable and fleeting moment in my art-making life. I do know this, it never shows up on demand, and it only happens when I’m standing in front of a canvas with a wet brush in hand.

This is why the importance of a regular artistic practice cannot be overrated. It is essential. Go to work! You never know! 

Let’s keep in touch,

Marshall

What Color Are The Shadows?

When I’m working outdoors a question I ask myself to heighten my level of awareness is: what color are the shadows? Depending on the time of day and time of year, the shadows can be gray, green, purple, or, as in this painting, periwinkle blue!

Let’s keep in touch,

Marshall Noice

Sometimes I feel I’m overcomplicating things. And it can be fun. And sometimes it’s essential.

But with this painting I decided that simply moving from light to dark was all that was needed. What do you think?

Let’s keep in touch,

Marshall

April 2, 2024

From time to time I’m asked about my painting technique. I thought it might be easiest to post an illustration or two. Here’s my palette, laid out from warm colors to cool colors. My brushes, I have some for warm colors and some for cool colors. My paints are laid out on a piece of glass which I replace about once a year. As you can see my brushes could not be less elegant. Though they are decidedly “unartsy” they make the kind of mark I like to make, which is very important to me!

My art practice priority is spending as much time painting and as little time cleaning up as possible. So, my palette is never cleaned, I just add more paint, and my brushes are simply wiped off (onto a fresh canvas!) and dropped into a can of thinner to use the next day. I’m happy to hear your comments and answer any questions you may have. Go to work. Have fun!

Let’s keep in touch,

Marshall

March 20, 2024

The power of “red” is monumental. No other color triggers such as strong emotional response.

Perylene Red, Cadmium Red, Alizarin Crimson, Geranium Lake, Quinacridone Rose, Napthol Scarlet, Radiant Magenta, Rouge Azo Fonce, Ultramarijin Rood-Rose. My list of favorites is nearly endless.

Let’s keep in touch,

Marshall

March 15, 2024

I’m kind of amazed that I painted this! It is definitely outside my color comfort zone. Maybe I’m becoming hopelessly romantic in my old age. Or maybe having Miles Davis’ In A Silent Way on repeat made me do it. Yeah that’s it.

Let’s keep in touch,

Marshall

One of the realities of a longstanding art practice is the development of a deep familiarity with material. Anyone who has been working for a considerable length of time will undoubtedly have found their “go to” colors. I certainly have.

With this pastel sketch “Kind of Blue” I deliberately grabbed a handful of pastels that I’d never used before! A foray outside my color comfort zone led to a very nice painting. If I do say so myself!

Let’s keep in touch,

Marshall Noice

December 3, 2023

I do love big color! As is obvious I’m certain. But the sublime beauty of a recent moonset inspired these two uncharacteristically subtle paintings. This view to the west of Lonepine Road is now entirely white. White sky and snow covered hills. Maybe I should try for even more subtlety. What do you think?

By the way, I really appreciate your following me on Instagram.

Let’s keep in touch,

Marshall