Ski Holm

Finally!!

2012-01-12T20:26:00.000-05:00

First Avenue After a Rain

2006-12, Oil on Canvas, 38"x 34"

This is a painting that I've been working on (or better put, not working on) for the last six years. I have returned to this painting often. Assessing. Working on problems in my mind, both real and imagined. The painting is large and dark. It taunts me from its own corner of the studio. Peering out from the painting rack, heckling me. It dares me to work on it. It get's especially nasty when I work on other paintings. Such vile language. I'm not really surprised, it was after all, born in New York.

Sometimes I bring it out and place it on the easel, giving it an audience. I allow it to openly mock me. I beg it to be patient, giving my tired old excuses, "I ran out of paint thinner" or "I don't have the right brushes" or my favorite, "I don't have the proper amount of time to devote to you right now. Soon, I promise." But the painting is inevitably returned to its rack untouched, fueling its rage.

Today, I once again placed my old nemesis upon its dais. It laughed openly, almost snorting. Of course, at this point I get the joke. The joke is me. This time, however, I had a renewed sense of purpose. I had come to realize that unless I finish this piece that I would never be able to focus on my work the way I once did. There would always be that distraction. I quietly rolled out my palette stand. This gave the painting pause but the laughter returned, louder. I could make out the words "Fat boy thinks he's a painter!!" I slid open the drawer and removed several tubes of paint. The painting was now in full guffaw. Holding its sides, pointing in derision. I started pulling out brushes. Tears were now streaming from the painting. It could not catch its breath. I then produced several painting knives. The laughter came to an abrupt stop. The sobs of laughter gave way to a loud, deep gasp. I forgot what happens when you pull a knife out on a New Yorker. I now had its attention. I started using a rather long thin knife, (a stiletto of sorts) to mix several colors one of which was a blood red. This did not go unnoticed. Several other paintings were now watching. The Peeps, normally an impassive bunch, were looking at each other with puzzled looks on their faces. This was fine with me. You can't let paintings get too comfortable.

The painting was now putting on a show of bravado, but I could tell that it was a facade. The laughter was not as loud and was more of the nervous kind. The tears had given way to sweat. I stepped back one last time to make some final decisions. It was then that I noticed the look of resignation on my long time tormentor. Finally I began the process. The beginning of the end. The canvas of course said nothing. I could hear a dozen or so drawings calling from deep inside the flat files. Two oil pastels were jeering the painting. Apparently it had made a few enemies along the way. I worked steadily for the next four hours stopping only to change the music. I knew that the painting hated Jazz so I went from Brubeck to Coltrain to Parker. Usually I just go from Tinkers to Evers to Chance, but today was special.

After a quick lunch of cold, pepperoni pizza (the painting hates garlic) and coffee I returned to the studio and walked in on an argument between the Cooties and several of the Broken Bowl paintings over who would get the newly vacated rack space. The consensus being that the painting would certainly be shipped back to the city from whence it came.

I worked for another two hours until I was satisfied that I had quieted the beast. I poked it a few times and heard nothing. Selecting a small round sable brush, I began to sign the work. Midway thought the "m", a low grumbling voice said, "You're still fat."

Three Pears in a Blue Bowl

2011-12-31T14:19:00.000-05:00

2012, Oil on Canvas, 10"x 8"

Still Life

Late Summer

2011-12-07T00:08:00.001-05:00

1997, Oil on Canvas, 26"x 30"

Landscape Series

Private Collection

Cemetery and Cornfield, IV

2011-12-03T12:12:00.001-05:00

2003, Oil on Canvas, 46"x 54"

Landscape Series

Peach Trees in Winter

2011-11-26T11:05:00.001-05:00

1998, Oil on Canvas, 54"x 46"

Landscape Series

Private Collection

I'm posting some of my older works for the simple reason that my camera was stolen while on a trip. It was either taken from my hotel room or from my checked bag. So, until my shiny new Canon shows up (and I learn how to use it) I will be posting what I hope is a "best of" series. I am currently working on a series of landscapes which is a return of sorts, to my roots as a painter. I hope you enjoy.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T15:22:00.001-05:00

Maples in Autumn, I

1997, Oil on Canvas, 28"x 26"

Autumn Arts Fest

2011-09-16T17:48:00.004-04:00

Washington County Museum of Fine Arts

City Park, Hagerstown, MD

Saturday, September 17 & Sunday, September 18

10 am - 5 pm

This year I'll be in the brand new Atrium located inside the Museum.

I hope to see you there.

Peeps on a Black Plate

2011-04-22T10:16:00.000-04:00

2011, Oil on Canvas, 5"x 7"

Peeps Series

Happy Easter

Roots #1

2011-04-21T15:18:00.001-04:00

2010-11, Oil on Canvas, 22:x 24"

Landscape Series

I've been painting trees for many years and I have never come across a more interesting collection of such "paintable" trees as there is in City Park in Hagerstown, MD. You may recognize this beech from my previous post In The Shade.

In The Shade

2011-04-08T13:54:00.003-04:00

2010, Oil on Canvas, 20"x 24"

Landscape Series

This painting was started last summer in City Park, Hagerstown, MD. I made this as a demonstration piece for my regular Saturday morning landscape class (not to be confused with my irregular Saturday morning class, which meets just outside the public restrooms...regularly). Sorry, couldn't resist.

Pear and Lemon in a Blue Bowl

2011-04-03T15:08:00.001-04:00

2011, Oil on Canvas, 6"x 6"

I absolutely love pears. The biggest problem that I have painting them is that by the time I'm finished they are usually past their prime, food wise.

An Elephant, a Gorilla and a Tiger Walk Into a Bar....

2011-04-01T16:15:00.003-04:00

2011, Oil on Canvas, 5"x 7"

These three just followed me home from the supermarket. So, I painted them.
Then, I ate them.

Singled Out

2011-03-30T01:30:00.001-04:00

2011, Oil on Canvas, 6"x 6"

Peeps Series

It's getting to be that time again.

Lincoln Savings Bank of Brooklyn

2011-02-19T00:03:00.000-05:00

2003, Oil on Canvas, 16"x 12"

Full Circle Series

A belated Happy Birthday, Mr. President!

Paper Lanterns

2011-02-01T15:01:00.001-05:00

2010, Oil on Canvas, 20"x 16"

I haven't posted anything in a while because I've been busy working on a painting that is somewhat large and fairly complicated, so I looked through my archives and found this painting which has actually been hanging in my dining room.

It was painted during an event held last Spring, inside the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. I don't usually like to paint in front of an audience but I have a tough time saying no to anyone at the Museum (Please, don't tell them). I set up my easel and was prepared to work on a still life of objects brought for the occasion. After some searching, I realized that there were no electrical outlets anywhere (I have no idea how they vacuum that gallery). Thinking it unwise to paint from candle light, I started looking around for anything to paint. I looked up and saw this hanging above me.

Self Portrait in a Hotel

2010-12-31T17:40:00.000-05:00

2007, Oil Pastel, 14"x 11"

Self Portraits

Since the New Year is the traditional time for introspection....

Happy New Year!!

The Ornament

2010-12-21T15:31:00.000-05:00

2010, Oil Pastel, 12"x 16"

Every few years, around this time I do something like this with the sole intent of using it for next year's Christmas card. Let's just say that many a flat file is littered with good intentions.

**** Happy Holiday ****

Marshmallows on a Black Plate

2010-12-18T22:10:00.000-05:00

2010, Oil on Canvas, 5"x 7"

Marshmallows on Red

2010-12-15T21:27:00.000-05:00

2010, 6"x 6", Oil on Canvas

Open Studio

2010-11-27T10:37:00.001-05:00

My studio has become so crowded that I can't move!

To move my easel I have to move five other things first. It's like twelve pounds of potatoes in a ten pound sack. I need to make some room for new works (and to pay for them as well) so I'm holding an Open Studio. Paintings, pastels and drawings. Some recent works as well as some pieces from my last exhibit, Have You Noticed...?. The prices for these works have been substantially reduced (have I mentioned the twelve pounds of potatoes?). So come visit and add to your art collection, begin your art collection or just take a look at some works that probably won't be shown in this area.

Saturday, Dec. 11, 12 - 5 pm

Sunday, Dec, 12, 11 am - 4 pm

Contact me at skiholm@gmail.com for directions or for more information.

Remember
"Support the arts...buy my work!"

Choose Civility

2010-11-20T11:45:00.001-05:00

This is a juried exhibit at the Washington County Arts Council. The Opening Reception is Saturday, December 11, 6-9 pm.

Choose Civility is a community-wide initiative that has been launched in Washington County this year aiming to enhance respect, empathy and tolerance and thereby improve our community's quality of life.

My small part in this exhibit is the painting Self Portrait with Trees from the series Full Circle.

2003, Oil on Canvas, 32"x 40"

Mangoes

2010-10-26T22:03:00.002-04:00

2010, Oil Pastel, 12"x 16"

Produce Series

Through The Trees

2010-10-01T19:47:00.001-04:00

2009, Oil on Canvas, 20"x 16"

This was painted near the new Museum Drive in City Park, Hagerstown, MD.

There's always something to paint around the Museum.

Bagged Red Pepper on a Tea Towel

2010-09-11T20:17:00.000-04:00

2009, Oil Pastel, 16"x 12"

Produce Series

Broken Bowl Over Dots

2010-08-26T20:31:00.000-04:00

2010, Oil on Canvas, 12"x 12"

The Broken Bowl Series

From the exhibit Have You Noticed...?

at the Washington County Arts Council.

Bagged Oranges Over Dots

2010-08-18T22:54:00.001-04:00

2010, Oil Pastel, 15"x 12"

Produce Series

From the exhibit Have You Noticed...?

at the Washington County Arts Council.

Red Beets on a String

2010-08-02T19:54:00.000-04:00

2010, Oil on Canvas, 34"x 30"

Produce Series

From the exhibit Have You Noticed...?

at the Washington County Arts Council.

Have You Noticed...? An Exploration of the Overlooked

2010-07-14T07:09:00.002-04:00

This is the post card for my exhibit at the Washington County Arts Council. I think the Gallery Manager, Catherine did a great job with them. The show will open July 29 and will be up through August 27. The opening reception will be held on Saturday, August 31, 6 to 9 pm. This is one opening that I'm actually looking forward to because there will be a group exhibit in the North Gallery of my students. We should have a lot of fun. I hope all of you can make it.

For a preview of the exhibit click here. This online exhibit represents about half of the works in the gallery.

Broken Bowl on Yellow

2010-07-02T20:08:00.000-04:00

2010, Oil on Canvas, 12"x 12"

The Broken Bowl Series

Broken Bowl on Orange

2010-06-14T23:33:00.001-04:00

2010, Oil on Canvas, 12"x 12"

Broken Bowl Series

Broken Bowl on Red

2010-06-09T13:43:00.000-04:00

2010, Oil on Canvas, 12"x 12"

Broken Bowl Series

Jelly Beans

2010-06-07T23:29:00.004-04:00

2007, Oil on Canvas, 10"x 8"

Grandma's Cookie Jar

2010-04-28T22:58:00.002-04:00

2003, Pastel, 12'x 9"

Full Circle Series

This piece is not all that recent but I post it because of the passing of my uncle, Jack Holm, who recently sent me a very kind email telling me how much he liked my work and how proud he was of me. It meant more to me than I can put into words. My sympathy goes out to his wife (my aunt) Ronnie and to his children, Greg, Steve and Lisa whom I haven't seen in far too long. This is also for his surviving sisters, Agnes and Ann, and his nieces and nephews (there are 22 of us). Some of you may remember this cookie jar.

I will always remember my Uncle Jack as having a smile that could light up a room, and for reminding me that the bonds of family diminish little with time.

Garlic Heads

2010-04-16T10:21:00.000-04:00

2009, Oil on Canvas, 28"x 24"

Peeps In Line

2010-03-30T10:42:00.006-04:00

2009, Graphite, 9"x 12"

Peeps Series

Happy Easter

Broken Bowl, #11

2010-03-18T21:36:00.004-04:00

2010, Graphite, 8"x 5"

The Broken Bowl Series

Fortune Cookies on a Green Plate, I

2010-02-14T11:51:00.003-05:00

2010, Oil on Canvas, 12"x 12"

Fortune Cookies Series

Fortune Cookies on a Green Plate, II

2010-02-07T19:45:00.003-05:00

2010, Oil on Canvas, 12"x 12"

Fortune Cookies Series

Fortune Cookies on a Silver Platter

2010-01-13T22:34:00.005-05:00

2009, Oil on Canvas, 10"x 8"

Fortune Cookies Series

Winter at Dusk

2009-12-22T23:36:00.003-05:00

1998, Pastel, 9"x 12"

Landscape

Happy Holiday!

Form #4

2009-12-08T10:02:00.005-05:00

2009, 12"x 9", Pen & Ink

Form Series

Form #6

2009-11-16T10:36:00.009-05:00

2009, 12"x 9", Pen & Ink

Form Series

This drawing may at first seem like a dramatic departure from all of my previous work. In fact the roots of this piece, and the series, Form, predates all of my previously published work. These works have there origins in drawing exercises that I have been doing since I was a child. More on this series in future posts and on the new page on my web site which is coming soon.

Fortune Cookies on a Red Mat

2009-10-14T13:20:00.007-04:00

2009, Oil on Canvas Panel, 8"x 10"

Fortune Cookies Series

The reason that I haven't posted any new paintings for a while is because my digital camera finally died (no big loss). It took a while to research, decide and finally buy a new one. I have been working, I just haven't been able to photograph it. Thanks for your patience.

More Fog

2009-09-09T00:22:00.002-04:00

Fog

2009-08-18T22:49:00.004-04:00

I don't normally like to show my photographs. This was taken back in December on a foggy night with Nikon 1600 film. Pretty fast. I bought the film expressly for this purpose. I got tired of saying "I should photograph this." Maybe I'll post a few more from this roll some time.

Broken Bowl, #2

2009-07-29T10:48:00.004-04:00

2008, Graphite, 9"x 12"

Series: The Broken Bowl

Cemetery and Corn Fields, V

2009-06-05T20:10:00.005-04:00

2008, Oil on Canvas, 14"x 28"

Landscape

Still Life For a Diabetic

2009-05-11T10:49:00.003-04:00

2003, Oil on Canvas, 12"x 24"

Full Circle Series

Corn with Handles, II

2009-04-29T14:02:00.004-04:00

2005, Oil on Canvas, 14"x 30"
Corn Series

Private Collection

A Box of Peeps

2009-04-09T18:16:00.005-04:00

2007, Oil on Canvas, 14"x 28"

In Celebration of the Holiday Season.

Under the Birch

2009-04-02T13:30:00.006-04:00

2008, Oil Pastel, 12"x 9"
Landscape Series

Fortune Cookies

2009-03-10T15:32:00.006-04:00

Fortune Cookie #6, 2008, Graphite on Paper, 5"x 8"

Fortune Cookies #9, 2008, Graphite on Paper, 5"x 8"

Fortune Cookies Series

Broken Bowl on a Gold Platter

2009-03-06T11:07:00.006-05:00

2008, Oil Pastel, 12"x 16"

The Broken Bowl Series

Broken Bowl #4

2009-02-19T18:15:00.001-05:00

2008 Graphite on Paper 9"x 12"

I just published this series on my site. It's called The Broken Bowl.

If you have a chance, give it a look. I'd love to know what you think.

2009-02-15T13:34:00.000-05:00

News Item:

Sun., Feb. 15, 2009

Chambersburg, PA

This internal memo was discovered behind the second floor uni-sex litter box in the corporate headquarters of Purrformance, Inc.. It is unknown whether it was recovered by accident or if there was an attempt by a whistle blower to expose this disturbing display of callousness.

___________________________________________

Internal Memo

Not for public dissemination

Feb. 10, 2009

To all Cats:

From this point on, all inducements in the form of Pounce Treats will no longer be called Bonuses. I repeat Pounce Treats will no longer be called Bonuses. They are now to be referred to as Performance Awards.

In addition, amounts of this years performance awards will be calculated based on 2008 figures not 2009. I know that there will be a collective sigh of relief over this decision.

Larry

President, CEO
Purrformance, Inc.

A Pair of Pears in a Bag on a Plate

2009-02-09T17:48:00.001-05:00

2007, Oil Pastel, 12"x 16"

Produce Series

Pears

2009-02-06T22:47:00.001-05:00

2008, Oil on Canvas, 20"x 24"