BRIAN GRIMM
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"There"

3/7/2018

 
I'm back in the studio and at it. I've lived with a sketch I just have to paint! 
I'll post some pics soon, but I have several upcoming reference trips. I can never have enough reference. Back in 1990's when I began my art career in earnest, I used a 35mm film camera. I couldn't afford a long telephoto lens, but I made do. I mark those print photos among my most treasured possessions! 
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There is something stimulating about having these in hand. Holding them puts me there at that moment. Those memories are powerful!
I have flipped through them many times but I always get new inspiration. There is always another story of nature to be told in the paint. 
Digital cameras are convenient and I have moved on to several. I have ordered prints but it just isn't the same. The digital cameras give amazing detail but I rely on my plein air studies for the feeling. I always have.
Nature is grand and unpredictable, a stark contrast to the order and regiment we can encounter in life. We have to-do lists, work-out regiments, and schedules. The biggest compliment I am paid is when a collector has placed my painting in their office or home and tells me looking at it takes them "there".  I get it and I'm completely honored! 
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Recently viewed needing to be placed back in their proper place. I am particular about my reference!

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Looking at old things in a new way...

8/22/2017

 
In the studio and attempting to not get distracted by the whitetail fending off deer flies outside the window and the marvelous hot day we are experiencing. I like the heat, but this day I'm going through ideas based on cooler climates.
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Caribou stately crowned in velvet.
When we took to the Alcan Hwy back in 2012, the area had experienced one of the hardest winters on record. We arrived late  June and spent time gathering reference until late September. I sent paintings to the galleries from the road and finished a pronghorn commission in Fairbanks.
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With our blind miniature Cocker Spaniel, Violet, rescued from Fredericksburg's SPCA, Valisa and I checked off the Dalton Hwy.
We stayed at a campground between Fairbanks and Chena and found military bases Fort Wainwright and Eielson AFB paid military families a stipend to stay at the campground as temporary housing. Painting under the awning of our camper, I attracted much attention. Most of the locals had not traveled to the lower 48 and were more familiar with caribou than cattle. It made for good conversations and fond memories. ​​
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Our sons were in college and worked over the summer, but they, along with Valisa's mom, visited us for a couple of weeks.
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Moose are perhaps a more desirable subject matter. 
The surreal beauty of Mt. Denali, incomprehensible til viewed in person.
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Ever changing weather forced me to move into the SUV to finish a field study. Then of course the sun would return!
Now back to the work at hand, I flip through rough sketches I did at that time and instantly sparks fly. Ideas that were doodled out form much clearer. Direction is a powerful tool. Proof is always in the painting. Legendary wildlife art dealer, Bubba Wood stressed to me, "You're only as good as your last painting." I guess you could take that as a compliment or an insult, but I always took that as a challenge.

Time to let go without letting go and let the art fly.
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Categories

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Alaska Painting
Bison
Caribou
Christmas
Commission
Elk
InSight Gallery
Legacy Gallery
Longhorns
Moose
Plein Air Studies
Pronghorn Painting
Quail
Settlers West Gallery
Texas Painting
TOJ
Turkey Painting
Whitetail Painting

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"A Good Reminder"

8/14/2017

 
On occasion I remember to keep it simple. I have an old paint box that I use for plein air studies. Back when I began in earnest around 2000 I crafted it to fit my needs. It is simple, nothing fancy. It connects to a tripod, is lightweight, sturdy and frankly not the best looking.
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 I could get a new one, not retrofitted, more adjustable maybe with more options for convenience. My wife wants to get me a new one each Christmas. But I can't part with this "old box". This companion has traveled many miles with me. We have memories, a history together creating many souvenirs of experiences in nature. But more importantly it is an important reminder that it really is about the art, the paint and the artist's vision. My vision. 
Western artist and fellow resident Texan, Roy Anderson once said, there are no art police. Not an exact quote, but the fact stuck with me. The easel is not going to make your idea any worse or better. It won't improve the quality of the painting. My trusty old box reminds me of these truths. Although I do a lot of studio work these days, I always look forward to weekly dates with my old friend.
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Categories

All
Alaska Painting
Bison
Caribou
Christmas
Commission
Elk
InSight Gallery
Legacy Gallery
Longhorns
Moose
Plein Air Studies
Pronghorn Painting
Quail
Settlers West Gallery
Texas Painting
TOJ
Turkey Painting
Whitetail Painting

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    Brian Grimm

    Painter of western wildlife and landscapes, constantly seeking to balance impressionism and realism sans trickery. Brian works as a full time artist in Central Texas. Exhibited at Rockwell Museum, Briscoe Museum, National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, and National Museum of Wildlife Art.
    Brian has been featured in Western Art and Architecture, Art of the West, Southwest Art and Western Art Collector magazines.

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    Categories

    All
    Alaska Painting
    Bison
    Caribou
    Christmas
    Commission
    Desert
    Elk
    InSight Gallery
    Legacy Gallery
    Longhorns
    Moose
    Plein Air Studies
    Pronghorn Painting
    Quail
    Settlers West Gallery
    Texas Painting
    TOJ
    Turkey Painting
    Whitetail Painting

    Contact
©2023 Brian Grimm  All images are strictly reserved and copyrighted by the artist. For more information on usage and licensing please contact the artist.
Contact the Artist
BrianGrimmArt@gmail.com
830.456.6809
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