Jan 17 2009
Transferring images can be done with photocopies, some magazine images, inkjet or laser prints. I suggest using a high contrast laser image for your first efforts because I think the results are more reliable, but the options are open for trying practically anything. In regards to imagery, try whatever you have a strong connection to. [...]
Dec 15 2008
The image above is a painting created by Jutta Reichardt. It illustrates the use of an acrylic image transfer, acrylic surface techniques, and stenciled gold leaf that I introduced to my Mixed Media class, taught through Portland Community College last semester. Jutta produced some really amazing work during the class, and I wish my camera [...]
Dec 09 2008
I’ve been craving a bit of solitude lately. Speaking of this need to a friend, she offered me her place for the weekend, while she was out of town. After sharing houses for years, this small break was like heaven for me. I decided to make it into my own little creative/spiritual retreat. The focus [...]
Nov 09 2008
Early in my art career I had a resistance to the still-life genre, perhaps because my college professors created pretty boring set-ups of mangled mannequins, bicycle wheels, broken chairs and all sorts of uninspiring material. I’ve always been more inspired by working from my imagination or a symbolic narrative. However, since I’ve started teaching art, [...]
Nov 03 2008
For some time, I have been interested in ideas related to mixing abstract elements of pattern with more realistic interpretations of subjects. Perhaps the most famous artist to be successful at this idea is Gustav Klimt. Almost any appreciator of art will be familiar with his iconic painting, “The Kiss”. For a more contemporary inspiration, [...]
Oct 31 2008
I recently finished a new painting, which I’ve decided to title “Cerulean Song”. Cerulean is the variety of blue that dominates the piece, and since it was created specifically for a “blue themed” show, it seems appropriate to give some reference to that. It also seemed significant for music or sound to be a part [...]
Sep 28 2008
This is the artwork I am entering into the “Dreams” show at the Launchpad Gallery, located at 534 SE Oak Street, in Portland. The opening is this Friday, October 3, from 6-10 pm. There’s expected to be over 60 artists showing work in the “dreams theme”. It’s been a while since I’ve created an artwork [...]
Sep 12 2008
Summer is a busy time for me. Between creating websites, creating art, and doing art shows, I manage to keep myself pretty busy. The summer weather is extending through September, for which I am especially thankful. I recall that last year around this time I was already lamenting summer’s end. Fall is gorgeous in Portland [...]
Aug 08 2008
It’s been a long haul this summer. After the three month limbo which finally led to the move to my current home and studio, I had a long process of settling in. Such things are difficult for someone of my Canceran temperament. Since my home is central to all aspects of my expression, I felt [...]
Mar 02 2008
Whenever I get into a period of time when I’m not in a completely regular painting habit, it takes a while for the ideas to begin to emerge. During these times, I feel it’s best to stay open to practically anything my mind wants to entertain. So why am I painting a lady with a [...]
Nov 28 2007
It’s been a busy, busy week. I needed to complete some of my current paintings for a new one-person show that I hung last night. I also was just accepted to be a member at an artist’s cooperative gallery, so I’m hanging there tonight. In addition, I already had a show up at another place [...]
Nov 13 2007
Yea! I’m finally on a roll, after feeling like I am only half into my process lately. I could note a few excuses, such as my recent activity creating other people’s websites…. or spending the past week interviewing prospects for a new housemate… but the truth is that this has been going on for quite [...]
Sep 21 2007
There was a point earlier this week that it suddenly dawned on me that summer was over. Realizing my tendency to shrink into the indoors during winter months, I’ve been making sure that I get some outdoor activity every day before the rains hit. I just came back from a rather magical walk which reminded [...]
Sep 11 2007
I took a process-painting workshop this past weekend called “Breakthroughs in Intuitive Painting”, facilitated by Carolyn Winkler (spiritmaskjourneys.com). The idea of the workshop is to give up one’s habitual modes of painting, instead giving oneself over to a completely intuitive process. We paint with liquid tempera on paper, simulating the experience of painting as a [...]
Sep 08 2007
yes, it is. Ever since I stumbled upon another artist’s blog that mentioned making no apologies for not blogging regularly and only when she “damn well felt like it”, I’ve sorta let myself off of the hook. I started this to keep track of my own creative thoughts, but have found myself on a bit [...]
I'm Robin Urton, an artist based in Portland, Oregon... who paints surreal images, often incorporating images of women, birds and the natural world. I also teach art to adult students. I’m creating this blog as a means of externalizing my thoughts regarding the creative process, and documenting some of the life experiences that feed my work. It’s also a way to reach out to other creative people, as a means of establishing a dialogue.
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