"Sunflowers" - new oil painting still life by Mike Callahan

"Sunflowers"
Oil on Canvas 10" x 8"
I set up and painted this little still life of some sunflowers in my grandmothers pewter coffee pot...I've posted a short, one page step by step of the painting as well as a larger picture of it, you can see it by clicking here.

"Trickle" - New Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

"Trickle"
Oil on Canvas 10" x 8"
I went on a hike earlier this year in the desert and we came across this little stream early in the morning...a little trickle really, but it was the only water we crossed the whole trip...If you would like to see a larger posting of it, along with a step-by-step of the painting of it, click here.

Along The Colorado - new plein air oil painting by Mike Callahan

"Along The Colorado"
Oil on Canvas 12" x 16"
Here's another one from my recent painting trip to Moab. Painting this was absolutely blissful, standing there in perfect 75 degree weather in the shade with the Colorado River gently flowing by!...If you would like to see a larger posting of it, click here.

"Canyon View" new plein air landscape by Mike Callahan

"Canyon View"
Oil on Canvas 12" x 16"
I just recently went on a trip to Moab and was able to paint this plein air piece up in the Arches National Park ...You can see a larger posting of it by clicking here.

"Tenacity", brand new oil painting by Mike Callahan

"Tenacity"
Oil on Canvas 14" x 11"
I was out on my lunch break taking a walk a couple of weeks ago and I was struck by the light raking down over these rocks and a tenacious little bit of rabbit brush growing up out of the smallest crack blooming like it was a big bush, so I just thought it would make a great painting. What do you think? ...You can see a larger posting and a step-by-step demo of how I painted it by clicking here.

Plein Air Paintout - Seasons of Martis

Last weekend I had the privilege of painting in the Season's of Martis Plein Air paintout...For the most part, the weather was gorgeous, but Friday was brutal...here's a shot of me painting "en colde air"! You can read more details and see more photos by clicking here.

"Distant Thunderheads" Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

"Distant Thunderheads"
Oil on Canvas 16" x 12"
Here's another one fresh off the easel. I've been taking a little break getting ready for my show, but now I'm ready to get back at it. I painted this one alla prima in the studio...you can see a larger posting of it by clicking here.

Solo Show - Special Announcement

Greetings friends, below is an announcement for my upcoming show at
the Truckeee River Gallery...there's a reception this Saturday, Sept.
22 from 4p.m. - 8p.m....please stop by and say "hi" if you are able!
Thanks, Mike

Mike Callahan - Solo Show
September 19th through October 14th
Reception - September 22nd

Our next show is going to be a solo show by renowned Reno artist, Mike Callahan. Mike paints traditionally in oils using a limited palette of three colors plus white resulting in paintings of rich harmonious color and realism. His subject matter includes the American west and a predominant amount of the high Sierras. Mike's skilled technique and vision yields stunning paintings, if you have a love and appreciation for this area you will be drawn to these spectacular images.

We will be having a reception for Mike on September 22nd, this is a great opportunity to meet Mike Callahan and talk to him about his work and technique. It is fascinating to hear how he creates these amazing pieces. His technique of limited palette and thick over thin produce amazing results and Mike will be here to explain his approach. Please come and have some food and wine and enjoy this evening with the artist.

11 N. Sierra St. #100, Reno NV 89501
(775) 324-1105
www.TruckeeRiverGallery.com

Abandoned - original oil painting by Mike Callahan

"Abandoned"
Oil on Canvas 20" x 20"
This is a painting I just finished. It's of an old building out by Winnemucca Ranch Road which will probably be torn down very soon to make way for some major housing development...who's going to live there, I'm not sure...you can see a larger posting of it and follow along with the painting of it by clicking here.

Mirror Lake - Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

"Mirror Lake"
Oil on Canvas 20" x 16"
Here's a new one I just finished of Mirror Lake in Yosemite National Park...you can see a larger posting of it and follow along with the painting of it by clicking here.

"Not So Fast" Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

"Not So Fast"
Oil on Canvas 24" x 30"
I've finally finished...you can see a large posting of it here.

"Not So Fast" Oil Painting in Progress

"Not So Fast"
Oil on Canvas 24" x 30"

I've started a new piece and I'll post some updates here. This is of a cowboy and some calves. He's roping the one in the center and of course, that's the one who's decided to try and make a break for it!... For more details and progress here.

"Half Dome" Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

"Half Dome"
Oil on Canvas 20" x 24"

Here is the finished piece... For more details and progress here.

"Half Dome" Painting In Progress

"Half Dome" (In Progress)
Oil on Canvas 20" x 24"

Two summers ago, my family and I took a great vacation to Yosemite and I'm finally getting a chance to paint a painting of Half Dome as seen from the meadow near the Merced river. This is indeed a magical place. For more details and progress here.

"Jackrabbit" - Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

"Jackrabbit"
Oil on Canvas 11" x 14"

Here's a fun little piece I just completed! For more details and progress here.

"Wary" Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

"Wary" Oil on Canvas 24" x 32"
Here it is, the finished painting...you can follow my progress in more detail here.

"Wary" - Painting In Progress - almost finished!

"Wary" Oil on Canvas 24" x 32" (painting in progress)

This is my progress for days five through seven...I've just got a little more of the foreground to finish up, a few details and it will be done! Check back for more progress..more details of my progress here.

"Wary" - Oil Painting In Progress

"Wary" Oil on Canvas 24" x 32" (painting in progress)

Here's my fourth day's progress...I couldn't take it any longer, I had to start painting the Indian. More to follow..more detailed progress here.

"Wary" - Original Oil Painting (in progress) by Mike Callahan

I'm beginning a new painting...I'll try to keep my progress updated here. Above are my reference materials for the painting. I had already painted the study for it, I'll be using that for my color and values. I decided to put an Indian warily watering his horse in the shallow stream. I was able to get a nice shot of a horse that was rather nonchalantly grazing in a nearby field. I didn't see any Indians around, so once again I asked my son Ian to pose for me. He humored me and I turned him into an Indian in the sketch shown above. Just to make sure he fit on the horse, I scanned my sketch, gave it a quick wash of color and put him on the horse in Photoshop. I put the both of them in my original reference shot. Now I'm ready to begin.

"Wary" Oil on Canvas 24" x 32" (painting in progress)

This is the first couple of morning's progress. I've started as usual, underpainting and sketching in my major elements in the wet underpaint. More tomorrow..more detailed progress here.

"As Previously Seen" Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

"As Previously Seen"
12" x 16" Oil on Canvas

Here's the finished piece. Click here for more painting details and progress.

"As Previously Seen" - Painting in Progress

"As Previously Seen"
12" x 16" Oil on Canvas

Here's another morning's progress on the second painting I'm doing for the Nevada Rock Art Foundation Show (details in yesterday's post), click here for more painting details and progress.

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

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

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
Click To Purchase

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

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
Click To Purchase

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

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
Click To Purchase

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

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

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
Click To Bid
Search All My Ebay Auctions

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

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

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!