Kearney Art In The Park 2022

See Great Art at Art in the Park

You’re invited to Kearney Art in the Park July 9-10, 2022 at Harmon Park in Kearney, Nebraska. The show opens Saturday, July 9 from 12-6 and Sunday from 9-4.

Come enjoy work from over fifty local, area and regional artists. Plus there is always great music and yummies on hand, too. Come early and stay cool!

Here’s a map showing all of the artists and where Gary and I will be set up. Look forward to seeing you if you are near Kearney.

When Is A Painting Ready?

The AFTER Painting | Still Standing | 11 x 14 | Oil on Linen | © Beth Cole | SOLD

When is a Painting Ready?

The Before Painting - Not Ready Yet - Unsold

I listened to an artist interview recently where he spoke about never throwing out any of his paintings. I think it was Dan McCaw on the Artful Painter hosted by Carl Olson. He said something to the effect of seeing his unsold paintings as immature children only needing time and attention before they would be able to walk.

Isn’t that an elegant approach with paintings that haven’t flown the nest? Of course not all paintings will fly. But it is the hope of an artist that many will, and of course in order to stay solvent as an artist, paintings need legs or wings or whatever it is that makes them able to fly into the home of a loving collector.

So I’ve been thinking about this with paintings which I think are finished. In fact I may have shown them but they remain on my wall or in a place where they are unable to fly like the “Before” painting above.

As I consider what it is that would make the painting come to life, there are always options. Sometimes it is just time. If you turn the painting to the wall for a month or two, then look at it with fresh eyes, you can see what needs to be done.

Other times, it might be to change the story.....maybe a dull and lifeless winter season becomes a light filled spring day. The “After” painting above was made ready with some lighting and mood changes. Imagine my delight when someone confirmed it was ready to fly and took it home.

Do you have any immature paintings? Let’s be kind to our paintings and give them time to come into their own. And never give up. Every painting needs a chance to stand tall and walk into a new home.

With you all the way.

--Beth Cole
Soli Deo Gloria

Love, Morning Exhibition Opens December 30

You’re Invited to Love, Morning

The opening reception for my upcoming exhibition at the Western Nebraska Arts Center in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, is Thursday, December 30th from 5-7 pm and you’re invited!

I will have twenty recent paintings on display through January 30, 2022. Here are some thoughts about the show.

I have always been an early riser. It is my time to be quiet, to think, to read, to pray. It is the time when energy flows so I often begin painting, many times when it is still dark. When the days are long I often will be out with my paints before the sun rises or close to that time. That has allowed me the privilege of seeing the sun break over the horizon many, many times.

I am in love with the colors of morning. And the dependability of it. Light overcomes darkness day after day. For me it is a symbol of a bigger and better truth that gives hope to all of us….”The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” -John 1:5. These paintings come from that special love letter that comes daily without fail. It is sent by the Creator of light and signed “Love, Morning.”

Still Standing | 11 x 14 | Oil on Panel | © Beth Cole

Wishing you and your family much joy as we anticipate the celebration of Christ’s birth. Joy to the world!

—Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

You're Invited Oct 1-2 Art Show at Brickwalk Gallery, Kearney NE

I am hosting my third annual online show and sale October 1-2 and you’re invited! If you would like to attend online, please request an invite here. Everyone is welcome at the in person event hosted by the Brickwalk Gallery in Kearney, Nebraska, Friday October 1st from 7-9 and Saturday October 2nd from 10-3.

On display will be original art of all sizes, plus a grouping of small plein air paintings from a 30 day painting challenge. Join us for great conversation, music, cash bar, hors d'oeuvres and art!

—Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

Compose Beautiful Oil Paintings

If you are near Malvern, Iowa, please know you are invited and welcome to my upcoming in-person painting workshop, Compose Beautiful Oil Paintings happening August 14, 2021 from 9:00-4:00 at Fine Arts on Fifth in Malvern.

When we look at a potential painting from life or a photograph, there is usually a lot of clutter and junk that needs to be taken out. Instead of painting just what we see, our focus in this workshop will be to remove what we don’t need to create a painting that comes alive with simplicity and beauty.

Visit my classes page for the supply list.

Here is the link for more information and to register.

Take good care now, happy painting to you!

—Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

Colorado Wildfire Benefit Auction

Light and Life | 11 x 14 | Oil on Canvas | © Beth Cole

Ashes to Art Project Benefits Colorado Fire Fighters

I am happy to share that I am one of more than 80 artists from across the country who were invited to donate a piece of their artwork to be sold in an online auction from May 10 – 15. The auction will feature art made of charcoal from the devastating wildfires in Colorado that burned more than 700,000 acres.

The 2021 Ashes to Art Project, co-founded in 2012 by Lori Joseph and Tim O’Hara after the Colorado High Park Fire, asks artists across the country to donate various forms of art —ranging from paintings to jewelry to sculptures — to be sold in an online auction for charity. Their art must feature charcoal from the wildfires in some way. Here is an image of the charcoal underlay for my piece.

Charcoal Underlay from the Wildfire

All proceeds from this year’s auction will equally benefit the Poudre Canyon Fire Protection District and the Rist Canyon Volunteer Fire Department — two volunteer fire departments that were financially devastated after working tirelessly for several months to contain and extinguish the wildfires.

Online bidding for pieces will begin today - Monday, May 10 through 8 p.m. (MST) Saturday, May 15. Items can be viewed and bid on at the Bidding for Good website: Here is the link to the artwork I donated.

Artists from all 50 states are represented. Work from artists from Columbia, South America and Great Britain are also featured this year. There will be about 100 pieces of art available for bidding.

Thanks for looking and considering a purchase which supports this important cause.

—Beth Cole
Soli Deo Gloria

Painting Exhibition PROXIMITY Opens At Coram Deo Gallery Omaha

P R O X I M I T Y : Beauty in the Familiar

My heart spills over as I prepare to show the work of my hands at the beautiful Coram Deo Gallery in Omaha. The opening reception is Friday, March 26, 2021 from 5:30 to 8:00 and I will say a few words about the show around 6:30.

The show is titled PROXIMITY and here is my heart behind the paintings.

This exhibition is about the place we have called home for over forty years, a place with an expanse of natural beauty that was hidden to me. For many years my heart was unsettled in these surroundings and so much time and energy was wasted looking afar. Maybe you can relate. As God has drawn me deeper to himself, he has shown me what it means to be content, and my eyes have been opened to a sense of wonder in the familiar, especially as I look up or around. I believe there is much beauty in this ordinary place. Being vulnerable with my work is at once life-giving and completely draining. If not for the grace of God I am certain I wouldn't be able to paint a thing. This exhibition is the result of His steady and continuing work in and through me, and I pray His work in me brings good to you.

If you are in the Omaha area, I hope you are able to join us. I would be honored by your presence.

Enjoy the weekend.

—Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

Gathered | 12 x 24 | Oil on Panel | © Beth Cole

On Trying Too Hard

Subtle Shifts | 12 x 24 | Oil on Wood Panel | © Beth Cole

I listened to a very good podcast a few months ago and it has stuck in my head. It was an interview by Andrew Osenga on The Pivot - he talked with Ron Block, a musician with Allison Kraus’s band, also a composer and performer in his own right.

He talked about not trying too hard when you approach a performance, which for me is the canvas.

When you try too hard, it will not be your best. Feeling uptight and tense is not good for artistry.

I can relate very much from my days as a pianist when I was playing often. If the piece was difficult I had a tendency to really tighten up when it came to the hard parts and just pray I would get through them instead of letting the music flow and remembering I had practiced and I was ready. Ron Block says to prepare yourself mentally so you are free to let go and let it flow.

I feel it is so similar with painting. Rather than being anxious it’s almost like you should just close your eyes and visualize the outcome - prepare to make something beautiful - then let yourself paint.

I was thinking a lot about this when I painted these two sky paintings. It was a breath of fresh air. I hope it comes through.

Break Forth | Oil on Linen | 24 x 30 | © Beth Cole

A Peek Into My Studio

When the “rona” gave us closed signs and locked doors, The Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) got busy and began offering video studio visits by artists from Nebraska or with Nebraska ties. Isn’t that cool? I think so, too. You can see all of them here.

I was asked to create a studio visit, so here it is. I wish I could see you face to face my friend, but until that day comes, I am grateful for technology and I’m happy to share with you.

And next time I write it will be a new year, a blank slate. I’m excited and I hope you are, too. Until then, be well and keep looking up. Happy new year!

—Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

Painting Process for The Invitation

The Invitation | 16 x 16 | Oil on Wood Panel | © Beth Cole

The Invitation | 16 x 16 | Oil on Wood Panel | © Beth Cole

Fresh off the easel is this painting I titled “The Invitation.”

It’s almost like the foremost cow and his friend with the face to the sun are inviting us to come along to the hills. That’s what I was thinking as I painted. What an adventure it would be. Ahhhhh. A cow’s life.

This piece was painted from a mashup of photographs of this rustic Nebraska barn and corral full of cattle and my memories of the place. I wanted the feel of sunshine on the animals as they meandered to the way out yonder. The barn was especially fun to paint as it truly had so much rust on the roof and the sun was glinting off the top. I can still see it in my mind.

Here is a time lapse video showing the start of the painting.

This painting is available from my studio, free shipping. If you are local, you are always welcome to stop by to see it in person.

Thanks for watching and take good care now.

—Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

PS - I am now offering many new fine art prints. You can order canvas prints, framed art prints, or unframed giclee prints on fine art paper. Free shipping now through the end of the year.

Cattle and Sunlight and Water, Oh My

Radiance | Oil on Wood Panel | 11 x 14 | © Beth Cole

You know when something just captures your eye and won’t let go? That’s kind of what it was like the morning I saw this corral full of cattle, the sun glinting off the water.

When I was a young lass I would sit on the fence and sing my heart out to ones like this, a rapt audience if you will. The fondness continues. The soft glowing light of the morning made this scene something I knew I wanted to paint.

I did a study on site and painted this piece from that and a few other references. It is titled “Radiance.” The radiant light reminds me of Hebrews 1:3.

Here’s a time lapse video showing the beginning of the painting.

Here’s my sketch and a few close ups.

This piece is available from my studio and you can inquire here or visit the listing here.

Thanks for following along with my painting journey. I am grateful for you. Enjoy the weekend.

—Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

Working with a neutral palette

Light Falls | 12 x 24 | Oil on Canvas | © Beth Cole

I have been experimenting with a more neutral palette lately, using one red, blue and yellow and mixing all the grays and more saturated colors from there. I quite like the experience. It has worked well for my plein air outings, too.

The colors I am using are ultramarine blue, a medium red, I think it is called perylene red, and cadmium yellow medium. Both of the paintings in this post were painted with this palette.

Light Falls | 12 x 24 | Oil on Canvas | by Beth Cole

The painting above is titled “Light Falls.” It started with a need to get out of the house and see something besides my four walls. Perhaps you can relate.

We ambled our way through the southern part of Custer County (Nebraska), where there is a good mix of the old and new, the sturdy and the fallen.

The roof of this old barn was so lit up in comparison to everything else around, it really caught my eye.

When I got home, I grabbed my sketchbook and gave it a try. Committing it to pencil helped me see I did indeed want to paint it. In my mind the subdued tone represents the passing of time.

Like this barn, some memories fade and become soft with the passing of time. The memories may catch light now and again, but soon, they fade, perhaps even more. We can celebrate when the light falls on sweet places, bringing glimpses of what once was but surely never will be again.

Constancy | Oil on Canvas | 24 x 30 | © Beth Cole

Constancy | Oil on Canvas | 24 x 30 | by Beth Cole

Here is another neutral palette painting, I have titled it “Constancy.” Some things you can depend on in life. The sun will rise, and it will set. The barn embodies constancy in a sense. It is a place on which you can depend to keep, store, nurture and protect what has been entrusted to you. I like thinking about the stability and stewardship that a barn represents. All good thoughts.

Next post, I’ll share some of the plein air work I have been doing lately with the neutral palette. We have had some gorgeous days in these parts. Hope you are well, body, mind and spirit. Thanks for following along with my art journey. I am grateful for you.

-Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

PS - I am whisper announcing the opening of Paint Every Day and the Paint Every Day Challenge. Since you are a loyal blog reader, I wanted you to know! Much more noise about it coming soon, but feel free to mosey over and see if you’d like to join the Painting Challenge. I have a 50% off coupon (FRIEND) you can use through June 15th if you and a friend want to do it together.

New Painting - Long Hours by Beth Cole

Long Hours | 18 x 24 | Oil on Cradled Birch Panel | © Beth Cole

The Story of My New Painting - Long Hours

18 x 24 | Oil on Cradled Birch Panel | © Beth Cole

This painting is inspired by an overlook of the Merna valley, very near where we live. But for me, it’s about so much more than a scenic overlook. Those squares of farmland we see when we drive through the rural places are the result of so much time and effort and planning. Tilling, sowing, watering. Time and again. It’s important work.

As a young girl I spent long hours behind the steering wheel of a tractor in fields like this. The lessons therein will always inform and influence my work.

As much as I rebelled against that tractor cab, I am grateful for it now. And thankful for a Dad who knew of the benefit it would bring and didn’t let me out of it. Many thanks, Dad, for loving me this way. All those years ago. And thank you to the people who continue to till, sow and water. We would be lost without you.

—Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

PS My online class, The Painted Prairie, is in full swing and you should see the beauty coming forth! Join us!

Painting The Neighborhood

Painting The Neighborhood Story by Beth Cole

Hello to you loyal reader. Just popping in to share my story about painting the neighborhood. I’ve been out and about as much as possible but I haven’t traveled far! Most of these paintings are of scenes from my back and front yard, I thought it would be fun to try and capture as much of my neighborhood as possible in paint.

Part of the challenge is learning to see the familiar in new ways and that has been very good for me. If you are a painter, I hope you will also give this a try. It’s fun and convenient in these times of sticking close to home. More to come!

Painting in my neighborhood by Beth Cole

Painting from my back yard by Beth Cole

Painting from the back deck. Beautiful morning. by Beth Cole

Sending love and positive vibes to you today. Enjoy it to the full.

—Beth

Soli Deo Gloria

Painting Your Own Color Charts, Part II

This is the second post in a series about painting color charts for all of the paint colors you have on your palette. See the first post for all the supplies you will need to get going on your charts.

Richard Schmid, in his book Alla Prima II, describes the process beautifully and has cool photos to go along. I wanted to definitely give this a try and I’m sharing the process in case you would like to create your own color charts.

My basic palette colors from left to right are as follows.

Color Chart One by Beth Cole

Cadmium yellow light, cadmium yellow deep, Indian yellow, yellow ochre pale, cadmium red light, terra rosa, alizarin crimson, transparent oxide red, viridian, cobalt blue, and ultramarine blue.

The Yellow Family

Today’s post is all about the yellow family. I have four yellows on my palette: cadmium yellow light, cadmium yellow medium, Indian yellow, and yellow ochre pale. For each chart pictured below, the color in the upper left is the dominant color of the chart and has been mixed with every other color on the palette.

Here is the cadmium yellow light chart. Look how shiny the bottom left corner is compared to the other colors. Everything is relative!

Cadmium Yellow Light Color Chart by Beth Cole

Below is the cadmium yellow medium chart. Do you see how it is overall a little darker and richer than the cadmium yellow light chart? It’s fun to compare.

Cadmium Yellow Medium Color Chart by Beth Cole

Next up is Indian Yellow. This is a transparent color so it comes alive when it is mixed with others and especially when you add just a little white so you can see it in full glory. It is a great color for painting sunshine.

Indian Yellow Color Chart by Beth Cole

Lastly is the yellow ochre pale chart. Yellow ochre is an earth color and boy can you see the earthiness rippled through the other colors? Look how it grays down the reds and the greens. I like to use yellow ochre to mix greens so they don’t look artificial. Nature has a beautiful color scheme if we can look closely enough.

Yellow Ochre Pale Color Chart by Beth Cole

This completes our tour of the yellow family. The next post I’ll talk about reds, those charts were fun to paint.

Have you started on your charts yet?

Thanks for reading, take good care now.

-Beth Cole
Soli Deo Gloria

PS. There’s still time to register for my online painting class, The Painted Prairie! The doors open on April 24th. Here’s the trailer and more information.

PPS. Thank you to those who have bid on my three pieces at the MONA Spirit Auction, still open until noon on Friday, April 17th. Take a look at all the beautiful art!

Buy SPIRIT Art Online Apr 3-17, 2020 - Art By Nebraska Artists

Fallow | © Beth Cole | Oil on Linen | 18 x 24

Just a quick hello today to share a cool event. There will be a huge collection of beautiful Nebraska art available to buy online beginning this Friday, April 3, 2020 at 8 am through April 17th, 2020 at noon. The auction, SPIRIT: A Celebration of Art in the Heartland, benefits the Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearney, Nebraska, and involves over 70 Nebraska artists - imagine the variety!

I am honored to have three pieces available for this event, you can register to see all the work and bid on everything by visiting this page.

Paintings by Beth Cole for the SPIRIT Online Auction, April 3-17, 2020

The online auction is open to anyone, wherever you are in the world. If you know of an art enthusiast or a loyal Nebraskan, please SHARE this information so we can have a wonderful event in spite of not being able to gather in person.

Art brings beauty to a world in need of it, especially now….and art brings people together. I hope this event does both of those things, and gives a lift to everyone who joins in. You’re invited!

Stay well my friend. Thanks for reading. Enjoy the day.

—Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

Early Bird Ends Today for The Painted Prairie Online Class

The Painted Prairie Online Class with Beth Cole

Just a quick hello to say thank you to everyone who has already signed up for my online class, The Painted Prairie! I’m so grateful for you and I’m looking forward to the beauty that will come from each one of you. Plus, what fun we will have!

If you have been thinking about taking the class, now’s the time to join us! There’s still time to register while you can still save $20 buckaroos. The special rate expires tonight at 11 pm CST.

I will show you how to mix those delicious grays, create mood and atmosphere in your paintings, and liberate yourself from your photos so you can express yourself and make beautiful art.

Here is the course trailer and registration information.

Our class opens April 24th — soon!

Take good care now….stay healthy, keep your spirits up, and keep that paint brush wet. I’m with you.

—Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

Painting Your Own Color Charts

Richard Schmid style Color Chart by Beth Cole

Wanna geek out with me?

This post might be a little geeky but hang with me just a sec. I wanted to share the color charts I have been painting after reading Richard Schmid’s excellent book Alla Prima II. I thought you and others might be interested in the process and materials so you can make your own. This first post is all about the first chart of all your colors. I’ll write about the yellow family, red family and blue family in subsequent posts.

Why Do This?

Why would we want to paint color charts? I think the strongest reason is color harmony. Some painters (I listened to Mark Boedges talk about them here) use the charts to set their color intentions when plein air painting. I can see how using one or two charts and sticking to those colors can really lead to a beautiful painting.

Also, they are visually so yummy. I have a young art student who just stared at them when she came for her lesson. When it came time to do her painting project, she walked over (unprompted) to the charts and used them to pick out the colors she wanted to mix for her painting. Cool, huh.

Materials

I chose these eleven colors for my charts. I don’t often use Indian Yellow or Terra Rosa or Viridian, but I thought I would include them just to see the possibilities. My palette includes (see photo above, left to right):

• Cadmium Yellow Light

• Cadmium Yellow Medium

• Indian Yellow

• Yellow Ochre Pale

• Cadmium Red Light

• Terra Rosa

• Alizarin Crimson Permanent

• Transparent Red Oxide

• Viridian

• Cobalt Blue

• Ultramarine Blue

• Titanium White for mixing

You will also need:

• 12- 8”x16” canvases like these

• 1” white painters tape

• 1/4” masking tape

• T-Square

• pencil

How To Do The Charts

To set up your nifty looking grid of colors, you need to mask off one inch squares on the canvas. To do this, make a border with the wide tape - 1” from the top and bottom, and 1.25” from the sides. Draw a line and place the tape.

Then, using your handy T-square, make tick marks to divide the space into 1” boxes with 1/4” between each one. This is where the 1/4” tape goes. I usually mark the canvas with pencil lines so I can place the tape in a straight line. This is what it looks like with all the lines in place.

Grid Lines for Color Chart

Your first chart will show every color on your palette. The top row of colors will be pure pigment. To make the columns of color, mix a little bit of titanium white to create a five value scale from pure pigment to just barely tinted in the bottom box. I used a small pointed palette knife instead of a brush and it worked great.

Color Chart One by Beth Cole

When you purchase your book (you’re gonna get it aren’t you?) you will be able to see all of his charts in order to compare yours. It’s kinda fun and rewarding in a way.

Next post I’ll show you the yellow family. Until then, keep your paint brush wet and thanks for following along.

—Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

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The Painted Prairie is Open for Registration

The Painted Prairie is Open for Registration

The Painted Prairie Online Class by Beth Cole | Hosted by Jeanne Oliver Creative Network

I’m so happy to share that registration for my online class, The Painted Prairie, hosted by Jeanne Oliver Creative Network - is now OPEN. Hooray!

This class is inspired by the beautiful prairie in which we live, and the veil of atmosphere all around us. We only have to open our eyes to see it.

Read more here and watch the trailer.

I hope you will join us!

The Painted Prairie Online Class with Beth Cole | Hosted by Jeanne Oliver Creative Network

Something's Coming

In My Studio | Photo Credit Clara Williams Photography

Something big is coming soon.

I have been pushing paint behind the scenes for several months and I’m just about ready to spill the beans. One more week. Eeeeeeee!

If you’re on my Art + Such mailing list, you’re good to go, but if not, c’mon and join us!

Photo Credit Clara Williams Photography