IMPROV

February 1, 2022

Sometimes I really enjoy simply throwing down some color and seeing where the painting leads me. This work, “Bright Morning Light” is one of those. The process is more akin to musical improvisation than deliberate depiction of subject matter. Pick a key signature and blow! Think scat! In this case, the key is definitely a minor pentatonic scale with a flat fifth. My improv, on this tune anyway, is more Bill Evans than Charlie Parker. Definitely not Archie Sheep! Have a listen.You’ll see what I mean.

Marshall Noice | Bright Morning Light | Oil on Canvas | 24×48″ | 5,600.

I owe a thank you to my old man for playing all those Miles, Trane, Wes, and Ella records. And for keeping that subscription to DownBeat in force! I had an unusually jazz informed upbringing. Especially for a kid growing up just across the river from Fargo. Miss you Pop!

“Polka Dots And Moonbeams”
~ Bill Evans

Let’s keep in touch,

Marshall

Happy Mid Winter Blues!

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

What Blue Is That, Exactly?

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

Fresh Eye

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.

Sarsten Noice | Fresh Eye | Acrylic on Canvas | 48×48″ | 5,000.

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

Let’s keep in touch,

Marshall

Auld Lang Syne

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.

Marshall Noice | Dogwood, Birch | Pastel on Paper | 12×9″ | 1,100.

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

All I Need

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

Small Is Beautiful!

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

It’s A Family Affair

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 CarlyRachel, and Sarsten!

Let’s keep in touch,

Marshall

Flurry

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!

Marshall Noice | Flurry | Oil on Canvas | 24×36″ | 4,300.

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