Author Archives: admin

January 25, 2022

Happy Tuesday loyal instagram readers! You may recognize this painting from a recent post, but I have a bit more to say about it so here goes!

First of all, yes, this blue is predominantly cerulean blue. Gamblin Cerulean Blue Hue to be exact. It’s versatility makes it a mainstay of my cool pallet. Add a drop to titanium white for a perfect pale sky color. Mix it with a dab of dioxazine purple for ultra rich shadow hues. Gamblin green gold and cerulean blue hue make a wonderful teal color. If this is beginning to sound like a Gamblin oil paint endorsement, I plead guilty. Gamblin is my favorite oil paint manufacturer. I’m happy to answer specific questions about my work anytime.

Let’s keep in touch,

Marshall

January 18, 2022

Sunday was a beautiful day on the top of Big Mountain! We enjoyed a three generation ski day with Grandson Oliver and Son In Law Austin. Spectacular snow, not too cold, and not a breath of wind. And I nailed the wax!

I guess this photo is proof of my undying love for Cerulean Blue. My grandkids tell me I’m easy to find in the lift line.

Come visit! We’ll ski some double blacks!

Let’s keep in touch,

Marshall

January 11, 2022

Montana Modern Fine Art just received three new paintings by artist Sarsten Noice. I’m enthralled with this piece in particular. “Fresh Eye” captures a wonderfully tender moment. To me it speaks of youthfulness, possibilities, family, and a mother’s love. Here’s the beauty of looking at art: it may, (I should say, almost certainly will,) speak of something different to you. I think it goes without saying, you’ll bring your own sensibility to the art viewing experience.

One thing I’m sure we can all agree on, the kid knows her horses!

Let’s keep in touch,

Marshall

January 4, 2022

This pastel painting’s an excellent example of my “is it done?” punch list. Warm-Cool, Light-Dark, Thick-Thin, our old technique mantra from back in the days of sharing a studio with Terry Nelson. We’d paint together all day and play music together all night.

My old pal is long gone, but he still stands at my side in the studio from time to time. Life was richer when he was in it. I hope you have people like that to remember!

It is, after all, that time of year, isn’t it? Old long since.

Let’s keep in touch,

Marshall

December 28, 2021

All systems go! I have everything I require to restart my painting practice after the holiday hiatus. My favorite colors, my favorite brushes, and a beautifully blank canvas that speaks of nothing but potential!

Good to be back! More soon. Count on it.

Let’s keep in touch,

Marshall

December 21, 2021

I’m framing pastel sketches. These are about six by six inches. Colorful statements in miniature.

Honestly, I can’t get wonderfully spontaneous interactions of color like this when I’m working in oil. And the beautifully loose and dynamic effect is almost effortless in pastel. It’s not for lack of practice! I do have some experience with oil. I got my ten thousand hours in about a half century ago! Here’s what I know, (profound insight on the way) a stick makes a different kind of mark than a brush.

Let’s keep in touch,

Marshall

December 14, 2021

What a creative bunch I call family! Take a look at these three beautiful objets d’art, and one painting.

Or maybe I should say, in deference to all you wordsmiths out there, TWO objets d’art, one painting, and one piece of jewelry. I’m getting very literal here, aren’t I. Regardless of nomenclature, check out this very cool stuff made by our daughters Carly, Rachel, and Sarsten!

Let’s keep in touch,

Marshall

December 7, 2021

We’ve been enjoying flurries for the past several days, the ground is covered with the white stuff, and will be for the foreseeable future if the snow gods smile upon us!

But I am still locked in on the spectacular fall color we enjoyed here in northwest Montana this year. And though I can see the wisdom in painting by the mantra “less is more,” it is oftentimes equally true that “more is more.”

I rest my case!

Let’s keep in touch,

Marshall

November 30, 2021

Both Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso are said to have remarked that Paul Cezanne “is the father of us all.” Be that as it may, the post-impressionist was without a doubt the bridge between 19th and 20th century painting.

Art historians recognize him as the link between impressionism (Matisse) and cubism (Picasso.)

Cezanne’s paintings, particularly his landscapes (surprise, surprise) are a constant source of inspiration for me. And although his paint handling, color choices, and brushwork are fundamentally different from mine, we do wholeheartedly agree on one thing. Cezanne said, “If you see a tree, paint it bright red.” I concur!

Let’s keep in touch,

Marshall

November 24, 2021

This painting was in the background of a recent post. And since many of you asked about it, here it goes!

As you may remember, one of the attributes I look for in my finished work is warm/cool color contrast. Well, this painting not only has red (warm) against blue (cool) but goes one step further down the warm/cool path by introducing warm red next to cool red. The tension created by this combination is positively “jangly” in my opinion – highly activated, visually stimulating. What is “cool” red you may ask? Take a look, you’ll figure it out. That’s what I like about this painting!

Let’s keep in touch,

Marshall