Learning Commons Painting - Part 2

So you saw the proposal sketch that I submitted in May, and I was informed in June that they wanted me to paint it. "Great!", I thought to myself.

The college wanted me to talk with Robyn, the person in charge of the interior space in the Learning Commons. I spoke with her on the phone, and we discussed the painting, the wall she had in mind for the piece and a little about her thoughts and direction for the interior design.  She then suggested I tour the building with, Brent, one of the architects.

I met Brent and he showed me the wall near the entrance to the building. It was a big blue horizontal wall. This was a wall that needed a BIG painting. There is nothing like seeing a puny painting on a big wall.

I shot a couple photos of the wall and then suggested a couple sizes for the painting to Robyn. We agreed that 5'x8' was going to be about right. I had been thinking all along that is was going to be a vertical painting less than half that size.

Now it was time to rethink the scale of the painting, and also to rethink it as a horizontal instead of a horizontal. Reworking the general composition wasn't too difficult.

Robyn also sent me swatches of paint colors being used and I kept those within view throughout the project. The painting was going on the blue, so I wanted to make sure of my choices in blues and grays in particular.

I did some small color studies, utilizing a variety of paint color combinations.

 Here is the painting in an early stage. At this point I was not happy with the overall development of the painting. I was very mindful that I wanted this work to remain more graphic in style, mostly to complement the learning Commons itself–to become a natural part of the facility. That was hard for me to do, mostly because of the way I am use to working. I would normally work a great amount of detail into each and every element. I had to fight that urge. It stretched me artistically to do this, but in the end it was a sense of accomplishment. The next post will show the painting installed.

Learning Commons Painting - Part 1

It has been quite some time since I last posted. It has not been that I haven't been working on art, but rather just been busy with life and art I suppose. Or are life and art the same thing? I thought I'd share with you a project that began in April and was just installed last week.

 Back in April, a Call for Art was sent out by my alma mater, Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. They were in the final stages in constructing the new Learning Commons which is to house the college's library and information resources.

Included in the Call for Art were details of the facility, including color schemes, fabrics, surfaces and more.

Judging by these elements and after giving it some thought, I decided to submit a proposed piece of art that would be created specifically for the structure. A piece inspired by the design elements of the facility, by the purpose of the building, and by the mission of the college itself.

I really wanted to have a piece of my art selected for this library, because for the past 30 years, a large artwork of mine graced the old Ramaker Library at Northwestern. When I was a student at NWC, I painted a 4'x105' mural that has since remained on the upper level of that building. I thought it would be nice to have a piece of my work in the new library as well. I'm not certain what they plan to do with that piece, as they will be converting Ramaker into an office building for the college. I think I'll try to get in there and take some photos in the next week. I'll post those for you to see.

So, the image I submitted to the selection committee was one I created in Photoshop. It is a graphic representation of a corn crib. A simple structure, but one that has intrigued me the last few years. You see, this particular corn crib sits just to the south of the Pizza Ranch Support Center, where I work each day. I have sat in the main conference room there and gazed out the window at this structure. The light changes on it throughout the day and the simple geometric shadows have always made me want to paint it. Here is a photo of it.

Those simple shapes, angles and patterns seemed to fit with the details I saw in the Learning Commons interior design. Below is the sketch/rendering I initially submitted for consideration.

This is obviously very different in style from the way you are familiar with seeing me paint. More on that another day. To be continued...

houses the college’s library and information resources - See more at: http://www.nwciowa.edu/news/press/3465/students-to-benefit-from-campus-improvements#sthash.gtNNMyGF.dpuf

Learning Commons houses the college’s library and information resources - See more at: http://www.nwciowa.edu/news/press/3465/students-to-benefit-from-campus-improvements#sthash.gtNNMyGF.dpuf

Learning Commons houses the college’s library and information resources - See more at: http://www.nwciowa.edu/news/press/3465/students-to-benefit-from-campus-improvements#sthash.gtNNMyGF.dpuf

Proverbs 13:12

Some time ago my long-time friend and writer Todd Thompson and I had the creative idea to select a verse from the Bible. He would write a column and I would paint a picture around the verse. The catch is we promised not to talk about our respective ideas or process. What you see and read here are the two coming together. A blind date of paint and prose, if you will.

If you're not already a regular to Todd's site "A Slice Of Life To Go", I encourage you to go there and sign up.  You'll be blessed by his writing.

We hope you'll take a minute to give us some feedback on our project. Drop us a note with your thoughts!

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. - Proverbs 13:12

 This verse from Proverbs is the one we chose to inspire us. A good verse to dwell on and one not necessarily easy to visualize. I thought for quite some time on good ways to capture the scripture and the resulting painting is probably not something you'd typically see me create.

The symbolism in the painting starts with the fragile egg as a symbol of hope, wrapped in God's ribbon of love. The ribbon and knot also represent the concept of deferment or waiting on God.  Finally the mature golden leaf from the tree of life.

Below is the painting, followed by Todd's column. We hope you enjoy it.

I'm having breakfast with a friend tomorrow. When he slides into the booth across from me I know what I'm going to see.

A face numb with sadness and disbelief. Even though he's been to this cafe a hundred times or more he will look lost. He will stare at the menu like it's written in French and making the simple decision between pancakes or bacon and eggs will be paralyzing. He will sound overly cheerful in saying "yes" to the waitress when she asks if he wants coffee. Then he will fidget with the salt and pepper shakers and straighten the napkin, aligning it in perfect parallel to the silverware, wishing desperately that he could straighten out his life with the same ease.

Then he will glance around the room before making eye contact and say, "I really appreciate you taking time to talk with me." In the saying he will attempt to convey some degree of strength that both of us know he doesn't have. His world has gone from familiar ground to unknown territory. He wants to have a handle on this. He wants it to be just a matter of time before it's fixed. He wants to be on top of it.

But he's not on top of it. He's buried. He's suffocating. He knows it. As for it being just a matter of time, it's true. At this point, it's all about time. It's the question of time that's haunting him. The years that have past. And the years to come. It's the toss and turn, can't sleep at night, can't focus in the day fear that he can't shake.

And though he won't ask me the question because he knows it's pointless, he will want to. He will badly want to ask.

How long until life will be good again?

They say you can't fool kids and dogs. And you can't fool someone who's been there. That's how I know how it's going down tomorrow.

Because I've been there.

While your circumstances may be different, the core issue is the same. It's about time. Time as in, "How long, God?" How long? How long until life will be good again? How long until God answers my prayer? How long until my dream comes true? How long until the longing of my heart is realized? How long until I have resolution to my uncertainty?

How long until...?

Proverbs 13:12 says, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life."

Hope deferred. On hold. Postponed. Pushed back. Delayed. The waiting game. However you say it, it's about time.

If you're praying for a wayward child, you understand hope deferred. It seems the harder you pray, the further they run. While you bravely say, "God will take care of them" you can't help but worry. And wonder, "How long, God?"

If you're on your fourth round of chemotherapy, you understand hope deferred. You think this time you'll hear the doctor say, "It's in remission" but she doesn't and you're back to staring at the same off-white hospital walls while the IV drips and your tears run.

If you've been abandoned by your spouse, only to realize that while it was a shock to you they were planning it for a long time, you understand hope deferred. As you pick through the rubble of your relationship, you wonder how a lifetime commitment was dumped like a temporary job. And you wonder how life will ever be normal again.

If you've been on the promotion list for three years you understand hope deferred. Knowing you're more qualified than anyone else yet continue to be passed over for candidates who cut corners, play the game or happen to have the right last name. You wonder how long until you're recognized for your contributions.

If you've struggled with depression and anxiety, you understand hope deferred. Confidence, optimism, and a peaceful mind are islands you swim for everyday yet you feel like you're drowning in a sea of angst.

If you've experienced the roller coaster ride of infertility, you understand hope deferred. To endure years of expensive medical tests and invasive procedures in a long shot attempt to accomplish what two teenagers achieve in 20 minutes in the back seat of a Chevy leaves you frustrated and angry.

Hope deferred makes the heart sick but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life. So when, dear God, will we finally see some trees?

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, in part, because we feel like no progress is being made. That we're spinning our wheels when everyone around us it seems are hitting not so much as a speed bump on the way to their goals and dreams. With every day, week, month and year that passes with no apparent progress it seems we fall further and further behind.

It's about time. And time is passing us by.

Were we solely in charge of all that concerns what we hope for, that would be true. But we're not in charge. And that's the good news. God is sovereign and intimately concerned with the details of our lives. If you'll allow me a rapid fire burst of Bible references, Psalm 139 says "God had all of our days written down in His book before there was yet one of them". Ephesians 2 tells us that "we are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that He prepared in advance for us to do". Philippians 1 reminds us that "God who began a good work in us will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus".And Psalm 138:8 gives us the wonderful sigh of relief promise that "God will accomplish everything that concerns us. His loyal love endures."

Which is to say that the God of the universe put purposeful thought and planning into our lives, including good works He designed for us to do. In the progression of our life, He will never quit on us or on His plans for us. And best of all, at the end of our lives everything He intended for us will be accomplished. Perhaps not everything we intended for our lives will be accomplished, but everything God purposes for us will come to fruition. Guaranteed.

Whatever is making your heart sick right now, know that progress is being made even if you can't see it. Because God is always at work, even when we're waiting. And knowing that He promises to accomplish all that concerns us brings peace as we wait.

And when our hope is no longer deferred and God's promise is finally fulfilled we'll be able to say...

"It's about time!"

"The Lord will accomplish all that concerns me." - Psalm 138:8

Iowa State Banks

The Iowa State Bank in Remsen, IA

It's hard to believe it is April already. Life has been busy around our house and unfortunately time to paint has been minimal. Over the years people have often asked, "How do you find time to paint?"

I almost always respond with, "I have to make time." If I don't make it a priority, it just doesn't happen. So the year has started out with other good things that have taken up the hours of my day. 

This is a small painting I did as a commission at the end of 2012. Iowa State Bank has a number of locations here in NW Iowa, and I have painted many of these banks over the years. The paintings were given as Christmas gifts to the owner of these banks.

The paintings below are from previous years. I have to admit, these are never a lot of fun to paint–particularly the countless bricks and all the straight lines. But seeing them all together is kinda fun.

This is the first bank I painted back in 1993. Orange City.

This is the Orange City bank building that later replaced the white one you saw above.

This is a small bank in Craig. I liked this one. Mostly the leaning telephone pole.

Hull. I like the sky of this one.

Ireton

Alton. This one is no longer a bank.

Sheldon. I like the prairie school style of this building.

Sanborn

Paullina. This is an unusual one.

Diet Coke

The new year is off to a fast start. I thought I'd share a painting I did as a Christmas gift. Our family draws names, and this year I drew my sister Bonnie's name. Well, if your family is like ours, you ask for gift suggestions. I asked Bonnie, and she said she'd like either a painting or a drawing. I asked her on two separate occasions, hoping for additional options, but got the same reply. I suppose I could have bought her something off the shelf at the WalMart, but then the Christmas spirit kicked in.

 

What do I choose to paint? She loves to cook and spend time in the kitchen, so I first considered doing something with food. She also collects Coke items, and LOVES Diet Coke, so that seemed like a good choice.

Coke changes the graphics on their cans frequently, and I am a fan of their branding. I like the fact that the lettering is so large on the can that you only see a couple large letters–yet immediately know it is a can of Diet Coke.

Below is a picture of Bonnie with her gift. She loved it.

Christmas gift for Vikings Fans

Vikings fans have little to cheer about this season. But there is one bright spot this year, and that is running back Adrian Peterson.

I did the larger original painting of this for my son a couple of years ago, but just decided to do some small art prints of it because I thought there may be some local fans interested in purchasing one. 

They come signed and framed in a simple glass frame with clips.  The image is 5x7 and it is printed on 8x10 art paper. You can have one for $35. Only available for a limited time and for pick up here in Maurice. E-mail me if you'd like one and we can work out a time to get together.

A Vintage Christmas

In our family we've been decorating for Christmas with homemade lawn displays since I was a kid. My Dad (holding the sheep) has created many lighted display items, cut from wood and filled with lights. My Grandpa painted scenes 40-50 years ago that still make their way from storage in the garage, to outdoors for the frigid month of December. They have held up remarkably well considering they get exposed to sub-zero temps, and battered by NW Iowa rain, sleet and snow.

You've seen a couple of our scenes in the past, but this year we decided to try something different. Every year the Christmas season approaches, and we say to ourselves, "Why didn't we work on a NEW Christmas scene for our yard?" It's just easy to put up one of our old favorites instead. This year, we were talking about an old nativity scene that my Dad and Grandpa made back in the 1960s, and it has been stored up in my Dad's cluttered garage rafters since probably 1970 or thereabout.

Thanksgiving morning, my brother Bruce and I decided to haul stuff out of the rafters and see what kind of shape the scene was in. As you can see in the photo above, some of the figures looked better than others. Mary, baby Jesus, and a couple of the shepherds were peeling extensively and needed some attention. The remaining figures were dusty, but cleaned up pretty well with a bucket of soapy water.

The 40 years these pieces spent in the rafters aged them with a "crusty chic" that can't be duplicated without the passage of time. A little stained, aged, faded and worn. Beautiful in its own way. We plugged in the string of blue lights and they worked!

Look at this star. Dad made this out of heavy upholstery cardboard, duct tape, the outer edge is plywood and the face is covered with a layer of cheesecloth to diffuse the light. I just love this thing and the beautiful brown the cheesecloth has turned.

I took the three figures home that were in need of some TLC. I sanded the loose peeling paint off them and freshened them up.

 The stable was covered with burlap. It was not in great shape either, but once again it was old and beat up and had a lot of character.

 Here is Bruce arranging and driving stakes for the figures.

And here is the finished scene, illuminated at night–complete with fresh straw all around. We were really pleased with the way it came together and my Dad was thrilled to see it up in his front yard again after all these years. If you're in Maurice this Christmas season to look at lights, make sure you head to the far Southwest corner of town to take a look for yourself. Merry Christmas.

LifeLight Bus

I thought I'd show you a recent project I completed as part of my work at Pizza Ranch. Pizza Ranch is a sponsor of LifeLight.  LifeLight is a Christian music festival held each Labor Day weekend near Sioux Falls, South Dakota and is attended annually by thousands and thousands of people.

This summer, an aging van/shuttle bus was donated to the LifeLight ministry. As you can see in the before pictures, it was not real attractive.

I got a bunch of photos from the LifeLight folks and was given the bus as a blank canvas so to speak.

I used photos of the old van as a template for creating the artwork for the new look. I created all the graphics in Photoshop, and when the art was approved, all the files were sent to a sign shop in Sioux Falls that prints and wraps vehicles. I was really impressed with the job they did of wrapping the art so seamlessly.

The LifeLight team will be using the bus throughout the year to promote various LifeLight events.

Winds of Change Installation

Finally, it was time to install the finished artwork. We loaded all four of the paintings into a large cargo van and cautiously transported them to Orange City. Once again, I called Team Vander Stelt into action. My brother, Bruce, took the lead as we began the install. 

Dad and Denise supervise the progress as the first canvas is mounted.

My brothers, Bruce on the ladder and Mike below.  This photo gives you a pretty good idea how high this had to be mounted. Luckily Bruce is comfortable straddling the top of this large ladder.

The install was time consuming. Start to finish we spent approximately five hours.

 

Almost there. Now for the most nerve wracking part. Adding the wheel. If you remember, this wheel weighs around 60 pounds, and we needed to lift it pretty high just to get it to the mounting apparatus/hub. Fortunately it went smoothly and the wheel fit like a glove on the hub. It fit nice and snug, but we didn't have to fight with it.

 Making the final adjustments to the wheel.

And finally, yours truly in front of the finished piece. Thanks to many of you who have expressed either in person, or by e-mail that you have enjoyed seeing the progression of this commission. If you get to Orange City, make sure you stop at the event center to check it out in person.

Finishing Touches

Here are a few photos of the finishing touches being put on the painting prior to the installation. My lovely studio assistant, Denise,  poses in front of the painting.