Painting in Progress and Show Announcement

Here's the progress of the second painting I'm doing for the Nevada Rock Art Foundation, click here for more painting details and progress. Following is the show announcement - please stop by and say "Hi" if you can!

Artists Co-Op of Reno is hosting the 5th Annual Rock Art Show to benefit the Nevada Rock Art Foundation. A percentage of all sales will help NRAF with their work in the conservation of Nevada's fragile rock art heritage through education, documentation, monitoring and protection.
Rock carvings called Petroglyphs and paintings called Pictographs were created by native ancestors. These drawings on stone provid an eloquent window to the past as they are important symbols to ancient cultures and need to be preserved and protected for future generations.
The artwork in the show will be paintings, photography, pottery, gourds, clothing, purses, silk scarves, weavings, metal sculpture, rock art soap, jewelry, paper sculpture, carved rock, etched glass, hand blown glass, walking sticks, baskets, flutes, collages, etc. 100 plus artists are supporting this benefit by creating images and interpretations of the ancient art of petroglyphs and pictographs through their art.
Opening Reception is Sunday, July 1, 2007 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm Free to the public - everyone is welcome! ACR Gallery, 627 Mill St. Reno, NV 89502
775-322-8896 for more details!

Tule Peak Hike

On the Summit of Tule Peak

My Dunham Cloud 9's at Journey's End

Tule Peak beckoning at 8a.m.

I took a break from painting and hiked to the top of Tule Peak with my buddy Barry Brady this weekend. There's no trail to the top of this 8,724' mountain and since starting elevation is about 3,500 feet below, it's a darn steep 3 miles up. Our route up was a very direct one so to save our knees and ankles we decided to come down a less direct and somewhat flatter route (basically the ridge to the right in the photo above). This added several miles to the trek. Overall journey approximately 8 1/2 hours. Daytime high at the base of the mountain, about 97 degrees. Liquids (water and gatorade) consumed, approximately 4 liters. Things most thankful for on this trip - Camelback hydration pack, walking stick, gators, and the best boots ever - my Dunham Cloud Nines! (worn with a pair of liners and a pair of Smartwool socks) - read, no blisters! These boots are simply the best; they are lightweight, have great wicking properties, have this great rollbar technology that keeps you from twisting your ankles especially on side hill descents and are as comfortable as my New Balance tennis shoes (no exaggeration!) And in case you are wondering, no, I'm not being paid by Dunham for the endorsement either! I just like passing on great info about a great product once in a while!
The view from the top - the local landmarks (and some not so local) that you can see from this peak are phenomenal! Here the list in a clockwise sweep starting out looking south: Job's Peak, Slide Mountain, Mount Rose, Peavine Mountain, Squaw Peak, Sierra Buttes and the Sierra Valley, the Smoke Creek Desert, Mt. Lassen, the Black Rock Desert, Pyramid Lake, Pah Rah Mountain, and Spanish Springs Peak.

"Reading the Early Post" Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

"Reading the Early Post"

12" x 16" Oil on Canvas

See my larger paintings by visiting: http://www.mikecallahanart.com/

Well, this is it, the finished piece. You can see it larger here if you like.

"Reading the Early Post" - painting in progress

"Reading the Early Post" - painting progress

12" x 16" Oil on Canvas

See my larger paintings by visiting: http://www.mikecallahanart.com/

Today I got to paint the most anticipated part of the painting, the figure. Come back tomorrow and see the finished piece!

"Reading the Early Post" - painting in progress

"Reading the Early Post" - painting progress

12" x 16" Oil on Canvas

See my larger paintings by visiting: http://www.mikecallahanart.com/

Here's today's progress on the painting. I spent most of my scant hour and fifteen minutes working on the rocks trying to get them all "rocky"-like.

"Reading the Early Post" - painting in progress

"Reading the Early Post" - painting progress

12" x 16" Oil on Canvas

See my larger paintings by visiting: http://www.mikecallahanart.com/

Here's today's progress on the painting. To the left is a photo reference I'll be using for the place this fellow is standing reading the petroglyphs. I have been graciously supplied with plenty of photo references of local petroglyphs (though not in this specific place shown above) by local artist and Rock Art Foundation member Cherlyn Bennett and I'll be painting them into the scene as well.

Painting in Progress

"Reading the Early Post" - preliminary sketch

pencil on paper

See my larger paintings by visiting: http://www.mikecallahanart.com/

I'm starting a couple of new pieces for a show coming up in July to benefit the Nevada Rock Art Foundation. They are a group dedicated to the preservation of Nevada's petroglyphs. I wanted to do something a little different, so in this first piece I wanted to depict an early indiginous inhabitant looking at some petroglyphs carved by some of his contemporaries since one must imagine that petroglyphs originally were meant as forms of communication. I researched what this person might have looked like and what he may have worn. It seems, almost universally, in warm weather at least, males wore breechcloths made of either leather or plant material and mocassins with a single seam in the center.
I asked my son to pose for me for reference. Since I posed him in a makeshift breechcloth comprised of a bathroom towel and belt, I thought I would spare both you and him the embarrasment of posting that reference shot. Instead, above you will see my initial sketch. The wild hair he does not have either.

"Reading the Early Post" - figure study

6"x8" Oil on Canvas

Having completed the sketch earlier, this morning I did a small study of how I want to paint the figure in the larger painting. This is 6" x 8". Come back tomorrow for my progress on the larger piece.

Mt. Rose Morning - Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

"Mt. Rose Morning"

12" x 36" Oil on Canvas

See my larger paintings by visiting: http://www.mikecallahanart.com/

Here's the finished piece, to see it larger, click here...Enjoy!

Mt. Rose Painting Progress Continued

"Mt. Rose Morning"

12" x 36" Oil on Canvas - In Progress

See my larger paintings by visiting: http://www.mikecallahanart.com/

I'm nearly done now, I've finished off the mountain in the back and I've begun the block-in of my foreground. I'm painting the foreground with palette knife to keep it loose...Enjoy!

Painting In Progress (continued)

"Mt. Rose Morning"

12" x 36" Oil on Canvas - In Progress

See my larger paintings by visiting: http://www.mikecallahanart.com/

Top is a closer shot of the foothills of Mt. Rose. I grew up wandering around a lot of that area, so I'm filled with fond memories as I paint this. The bottom shot shows my Tuesday morning progress. Tomorrow, foreground and by Friday I hope to post the finished piece...Enjoy!

Painting in Progress in Studio

"Mt. Rose Morning"

12" x 36" Oil on Canvas - In Progress

See my larger paintings by visiting: http://www.mikecallahanart.com/

I'm spending my mornings working on this painting that I'll be placing in a new gallery that's opening soon (watch for more info). I thought I'd post my progress for the next few days. This is what my little corner of the world looks like at about 5:45 am. This is about four hours progress, I'll post close-up tomorrow...Enjoy!

Daily Original Oil Painting for May 25, 2007 by Mike Callahan

"Arroyo"

6" x 8" Oil on Canvas

See my larger paintings by visiting: http://www.mikecallahanart.com/

I just love this little piece. I'm currently not offering it for sale because I'm going to use it for a study for a larger painting..Enjoy!

Daily Original Oil Painting for May 24, 2007 by Mike Callahan

"Stormy Skies"

6" x 8" Oil on Canvas
Click To Purchase

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The other day when I was driving home I was noticing how cool it looked with this spring storm blowing in with the turbulent, threatening clouds hanging over the hills that were still basking in the sunlight. I thought the contrast was quite nice...Enjoy!

Daily Original Oil Painting for May 23, 2007 by Mike Callahan

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"Hillside 2"

6" x 8" Oil on Canvas
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I'm really intrigued by these little rock outcroppings that "grow" everywhere here on this side of the Sierras. The color contrast and light contrast makes for some real great painting subjects if you ask me...Enjoy!

Daily Original Oil Painting for May 22, 2007 by Mike Callahan

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"Soaring"

6" x 8" Oil on Canvas
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I like to go out at lunch time and look for scenes to paint. I found these two vultures catching a thermal out there the other day...Enjoy!

Daily Original Oil Painting for May 21, 2007 by Mike Callahan

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"Roses"

6" x 8" Oil on Canvas
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I came across these unusually but beautifully colored roses while shopping for a mother's day gift for my wife. I bought them for her and painted them too...Enjoy!

Daily Original Oil Painting for May 18, 2007 by Mike Callahan

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"Onion and Garlic"

6" x 8" Oil on Canvas
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One of the greatest things about still-lifes is that you get to totally control the light and the composition unlike plein air painting where the light is constantly shifting and things may not have grown where they would make an ideal composition and you have to move them around on the canvas. I kind of like that control, but I like getting out as well...Enjoy!

Daily Original Oil Painting for May 17, 2007 by Mike Callahan

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"Artichokes and Garlic"

6" x 8" Oil on Canvas
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I love artichokes and now that they are in season I hope to be eating a lot more of them. Of course, they are still a little on the expensive side right now, so before I ate these I painted them...Enjoy! (I did!)

Daily Original Oil Painting for May 16, 2007 by Mike Callahan

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"Girl With No Eyes"

6" x 8" Oil on Canvas
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The title of this painting comes from a song by a group out of the sixties called, "It's a Beautiful Day". I know, there's a clue for you, I'm that old! I have this on vinyl, so there you have it! Anyway, I don't even remember what the song is about really, but that title came to mind when I was looking for a name for this little painting that my daughter posed for because the strong, top directional lighting caused her beautiful eyes to be so much in shadow I wasn't able to paint them...Enjoy!

Daily Original Oil Painting for May 15, 2007 by Mike Callahan

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"Lissy and Squeak"

11" x 14" Oil on Linen

See my larger paintings by visiting: http://www.mikecallahanart.com/

It really feels good to do some more portrait work. My daughter and her dog posed for this one and I'm really happy with it. It's currently not for sale though I'm thinking of entering it in a competition. Please feel free to comment on it it! You can see a larger version with more commentary here. Enjoy!

Daily Original Oil Painting for May 14, 2007 by Mike Callahan

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"Secret Harbor"

12" x 16" Oil on Canvas

See my larger paintings by visiting: http://www.mikecallahanart.com/

I'm back! Sorry for the break, but I had to get caught up on a lot of things, which I kind of am now. This is the last of my Tahoe stuff, for now. This piece is currently featured in the ACR show and is available for sale there. If you aren't local and are interested in this painting, please email me... Enjoy!

Mike Callahan Featured as Guest Artist at ACR - updated post

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"Lake Tahoe - View From the Edge"
6" x 8" Oil on Canvas

I've been invited to be a guest artist at ACR Gallery (known locally as the Artist's Co-Op Gallery of Reno) for the month of May. There will be an opening reception on Sunday May the 6th from 1-4. The gallery is located at 627 Mill Street just West of Wells Avenue. I will be featuring my 12 x 16 Tahoe and Truckee River pieces as well as my 6 x 8 Tahoe and Truckee River pieces, a couple of plein air pieces and some of my previous daily paintings. There's lots of great artwork there and if you have the time this would be an opportune time to visit the gallery. I hope to see you there!

Nevada Wilderness Project Benefit Show & Reception This Friday, Apr 27

Nevada Wilderness Project from Washoe to White Pine: Lasting Impressions of the Silver State

Benefit landscape art show for the 8th anniversary of the Nevada Wilderness Project
The Nevada Wilderness Project has teamed up with seven Nevada artists to showcase the spectacular wild lands of our state. The proceeds from the art sales will benefit the Nevada Wilderness Project's efforts to preserve our state's most spectacular and imperiled public lands.
We hope to see you there!

Featuring Mike Callahan

"Secret Cove"
24"x38" Oil On Canvas
SOLD!

Also featuring, Carol Grigus, Erik Holland, Jean Legassick, Amy-Louise Mazza, Jeff Nicholson and Pat Wallis

When: Opening Reception: Friday, April 27th 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Show Dates: April 27th - May 25th

Where:
Patagonia Distribution Center
8550 White Fir St.
Reno, NV 89523

Contact: Mackenzie Banta or Cynthia School (775) 746-7851
wildart07@wildnevada.org
www.wildnevada.org

Daily Original Oil Painting for Apr 20, 2007 by Mike Callahan

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"Truckee River Melt"

6" x 8" Oil on Canvas

See my larger paintings by visiting: http://www.mikecallahanart.com/

The water is so clear in the Truckee River right where it leaves Tahoe, I just love how you can see the bottom so well. This is it just as the snow has begun to melt... Enjoy!

Daily Original Oil Painting for Apr 19, 2007 by Mike Callahan

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"Truckee River Bend"

6" x 8" Oil on Canvas

See my larger paintings by visiting: http://www.mikecallahanart.com/

I just love the way the light was hitting the water on this little bend of the river and how you could still see the river bottom on the right... Enjoy!

Daily Original Oil Painting for Apr 17, 2007 by Mike Callahan

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"Truckee River - Early Spring"

12" x 16" Oil on Canvas
See a step-by-step painting demo here

See my larger paintings by visiting: http://www.mikecallahanart.com/

This is the Truckee River in early spring. It's part of my Tahoe series and will be featured in an upcoming show - details will follow. Be sure to check out the step-by-step demo... Enjoy!

Daily Original Oil Painting for Apr 13, 2007 by Mike Callahan

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"Water's Edge - Lake Tahoe"

6" x 8" Oil on Canvas
SOLD!

See my larger paintings by visiting: http://www.mikecallahanart.com/

This is also from "Secret Cove". I'm doing a Tahoe series both small and large paintings that will be featured in an upcoming show and will be framed and for sale there - more details to come... Enjoy!

Daily Original Oil Painting for Apr 12, 2007 by Mike Callahan

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"Tahoe Cove"

6" x 8" Oil on Canvas
See my larger paintings by visiting: http://www.mikecallahanart.com/

This is a painting of a place called "Secret Cove". If I told you where it was, it would be much of a secret would it, you'll just have to look on a map! I'm doing a Tahoe series both small and large paintings that will be featured in an upcoming show and will be framed and for sale there - more details to come... Enjoy!

Daily Original Oil Painting for Apr 11, 2007 by Mike Callahan

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"Tahoe Blue"

6" x 8" Oil on Canvas
SOLD!
See my larger paintings by visiting: http://www.mikecallahanart.com/

This is a painting of a typical Tahoe view. I'm doing a Tahoe series both small and large paintings that will be featured in an upcoming show - more details to come... Enjoy!

Daily Original Oil Painting for Apr 10, 2007 by Mike Callahan

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"Open Road"

6" x 8" Oil on Canvas
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There are a lot of mornings that I see skies like this, not many where I see the road like this; I just didn't want to mess up the picture by painting a lot of bumpers. Let's just say it's Saturday... Enjoy!

Daily Original Oil Painting for Apr 09, 2007 by Mike Callahan

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"At Dawn"

6" x 8" Oil on Canvas
SOLD
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At dawn, nearly every morning, I get to enjoy sunrises like this one. I thought I'd try to share the joy by painting one... Enjoy!

Daily Original Oil Painting for Apr 06, 2007 by Mike Callahan

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"Wade's Lake"

6" x 8" Oil on Canvas
Original Available
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This is one of those little Sierra lakes that I love hiking-in to during the Spring and Summer months... Enjoy!

Daily Original Oil Painting for Apr 05, 2007 by Mike Callahan

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"Forest Floor"

6" x 8" Oil on Canvas
Original Available
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A couple of Summers ago, my family and I vacationed in Yosemite National Park. This is of the forest floor in the middle of the park - I thought it was quite cool!... Enjoy!

Daily Original Oil Painting for Apr 04, 2007 by Mike Callahan

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"Unfinished Business"

6" x 8" Oil on Canvas
Original Available
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There's a little marsh, a depression really, nearby where I work and it was designed to help drain off water from rain and snow storms. Some beavers found it one time when it had some water in it and thought it might make a nice little pond, but alas, it was drained out before they ever got beyond the falling of the trees that surround it. I call this, 'Unfinished Business'... Enjoy!

Daily Original Oil Painting for Apr 03, 2007 by Mike Callahan

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"Drainage Ditch"

6" x 8" Oil on Canvas
Original Available
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I'm always amazed at how much of what we see every day makes for a nice painting. This is just a little drainage ditch East of our airport that I pass on my way to work... Enjoy!

Daily Original Oil Painting for Apr 02, 2007 by Mike Callahan

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"Light Dusting"

6" x 8" Oil on Canvas
Original Available
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This is a view of what is probably our last snow for the year. The other night, everything got a light dusting and these hills as seen from my front door were glowing in the early morning sunlight that was just breaking upon them... Enjoy!