Thanks for Understanding, and Happy Holidays
It's been awhile, but here we are, still doing things.
Greetings,
Thanksgiving is upon us and although I’ve been off the radar inexplicably for awhile now, I’m still here and I truly appreciate those of you who are still here with me. Wanted to give you a few reasons to check out my site again, it’s been through some changes as we’ve expanded our print selections and included a few other cool offerings and some great Holiday Deals for this Thanksgiving weekend and the rest of the holiday season.
Before we get to any of that though, I know you guys signed up for this email list to be notified of new originals as they become available. Well, I don’t exactly have new ones right now, but I did find a few paintings deep in the vault, just sitting there in the dark aging like fine wine from a vintage year: 2016. Somehow these two fell off the radar and disappeared, but here they are again, with notes from 2016 for your enjoyment…
Her Answer | 16” x 12” | Listed: $600 - Mailing List Deal: $500 | VIEW ON SITE
Journal Entry from June 28, 2016:
I’d hiked this windswept beach for hours through the midday heat when the sun is at its shadowless peak. I was looking for a few things- a painting mostly, but also a wave or two. What I found was mostly wind. Lots of it. Blowing hard offshore early in the hike, then sideshore as the coast gradually bent to meet it. Just once it stopped briefly, then switched gently and met me face to face, greeting me with a holy sprinkling of sand, curiously examining this bearded fellow with the funny backpack. Not threatening but not welcoming either, whispering a cautious reminder of what she did to those Spaniards the other day who attempted to sail her waters. I told her what I was looking for but she said nothing and flew violently back to her Maker, leaving me to search in vain for a spot to paint that would convey the desolate beauty here. Even if I’d mustered the mojo to scramble up the cliffs for a better view, my gear would have surely blown off and out to sea before getting too far. Still early in the afternoon, I was resolved to find some sort of wind-block in or near the next ravine. The steep wall that sheltered me there would surely cast its shadow soon. The tide would fill in and cover the wet and rippled sand along the rock wall on which I perched. I would wait patiently and go after it when the time was right. A little while after starting this one, the afternoon brought a shift in the wind and I was no longer sheltered, canvas bouncing like a kickdrum at a punk rock show, and my heavily weighted easel threatening to set sail with each gust. A brush in one hand, my easel in the other attempting to ride this bull to completion. I thought about packing it up and moving on, but instead I did what any fool that speaks to the wind might do. I kept on going, and that was her answer.
Quiet Water | 12” x 12” | Listed: $500 - Mailing List Deal: $400 | VIEW ON SITE
Journal Entry from October 2, 2016:
To be honest, Santa Cruz stresses me out a bit. Crazy, crazy place… but I like it. That said it was great to get out of the hamster maze for a bit today. A friend treated me to some epic midday views up a private road way up the coast and I followed that up with this quick afternoon sketch from a path less travelled overlooking a place I’ve enjoyed visiting (although infrequently) for years. The wind howled pretty good while I painted this, but looking down on this pond nestled into a hook of coastal bluffs you wouldn’t know it. Smooth as glass, and quiet as could be. Something in me needed this today. Thankful to have the opportunity to walk this earth, life is beautiful.
New Print Options!
We’re pretty excited about my site these days, set up with several new print options, including metal, and maple wood panels (which have quickly become my new favorite!) These things are beautiful.
Of course we’ve still got traditional canvas and paper options as well as an expanded selection of frames, or even un-stretched rolled canvas for those overseas who wish to save on shipping.
If you haven’t looked lately, check it all out, and tell us what you think!
Blurreds of the Field | 8” x 8” Wood Print (with 1/2” extra wood edge) | VIEW ON SITE
Holiday Deals
And of course what sort of email would this be without letting you know about these current holiday deals.
Thanksgiving Weekend ONLY!- Save 25% on any Art Print order from the site with code:
all-prints-holiday-25
(also a good time to order if needed for Christmas)Now until Jan 1- Save 15% off any Art Print order with code:
all-prints-15Now until Jan 1- Save 10% off any order, including merchandise, calendars, mugs, etc:
everything-10
Wait, What?
Did I just say merch- like calendars, and mugs, and stuff?
Yes, yes I did.
As part of our recent expansion we’re also offering a collection of California Coast regional images on Brushed Metal Signs, Mugs, Magnets and more here:
CALIFORNIA GIFTS
And calendars too? Yep! Check them out here:
CALENDARS
Also, after a few years of being unavailable my book from 2018, Painting the California Coast: Volume One is available again as a second edition here:
THE BOOK!
And there’s lots more on the site to check out, we’ve put a lot of work into it so if you could take a look and browse around we’d be stoked to hear from you.
Or Visit my Gallery in Eureka…
And for those that prefer to see art in person, including some samples of the different new print options in real life, feel free to stop in my gallery inside Eureka Art and Frame Co at 1636 F St. in Eureka, California. Open hours are M-F from 10-5 where Gabe can help with all your art and framing needs, and Saturdays (in December only) from 1-4 pm where I will be there myself giving out discounts to anyone who brings gifts of fancy beers or other thoughtfuls. If you know me, you know how it goes.
OK, that is all until I make more art. Hopefully sooner than later this time.
Much love to all out there,
Matt