News

Jan 04, 2024

News from the Art Center of Estes Park

Bruce Boynton: My goal is to paint visions of peaceful and interesting outdoor

Bruce Boynton: My goal is to paint visions of peaceful and interesting outdoor scenes in a representational style, capturing the light and depth of the scene. I want the viewer to be able to enjoy a sense of being outdoors in nature. I sometimes paint outdoors (plein air), but most of my gallery work is painted in the studio where I can take my time. I generally use a limited palette of six to eight colors and enjoy the challenge of mixing warm and cool colors. While a painting is often based on a real place, I try to let creativity and instinct influence the process.

I grew up in a small town in central Connecticut with lots of time to explore the surrounding woods and rolling hills, sometimes on horseback. Here in Colorado, I’ve enjoyed the trails in Rocky Mountain National Park and other areas around this beautiful state. These outdoor experiences influence the subject matter of my paintings. Most of my paintings are inspired by Colorado locations, especially Rocky Mountain National Park.

My first art class was a seventh-grade summer session that demonstrated how a color appears to change if it is surrounded by different colors. That was followed by high school art classes and college classes in art and architecture. Following a stint in the Army and with a business degree from Colorado State University, I didn't get back to painting until after retirement. I took a painting workshop in 2016 and studied at a fine arts academy in Loveland for two and half years. I continue to take in-person workshops from award-winning landscape artists and through online courses.

A 2019 workshop in France was great fun. Meeting people at workshops or while painting outdoors has been a pleasure. I’ve let children who stop to chat put paint on the canvas. Visits to galleries in Italy, France, and here in the U.S. have been inspiring. I follow several living American artists online, including wonderful artists based in Colorado. My goal is to improve and grow as a landscape painter and to enjoy the journey.

Memberships: Plein Air Artists Colorado, Oil Painters of America, American Impressionist Society, National Oil and Acrylic Painters’ Society

Two paintings are being offered – "My Backyard" donated by Bruce Boynton and "Woodland Rabbit" donated by Andrea Gabel, entries can be made from 11 a.m. on April 28 to 5 p.m. on May 1, at which time names will be drawn and the winners notified.

Also on display in the gallery are the outstanding work of the other Art Center artist members, including other works in oil painting, watercolor, pastel, jewelry, ceramics, charcoal, graphite, glass, wood, sculpture, fiber, photography, printmaking and mixed media.

Dr. Minette Riordan is a mixed media artist, writer and creativity coach. She is an advocate for creativity as essential to the well-being of people and the planet. She has been teaching creative programs for over 10 years and has been a Certified Zentangle Teacher since 2014. You can learn more about her work at www.MinetteRiordan.com.

This colorful Zendala design is a little bit Zen, using traditional Zentangle methods of mindful drawing and a little bit like a wild garden in full bloom. This class also incorporates the mindful practices and symmetry of creating a mandala design. Circular designs like this can be found in every spiritual tradition around the world. Psychology and art therapy studies have shown that drawing and working with circular designs helps to reduce stress and increase relaxation. Spendthree hours of mindful drawing, learn a variety of new tangle patterns and explore adding colored pencil to your botanical Zendala design. This class is appropriate for intermediate or advanced tanglers who have taken a few basic Zentangle classes.

Handouts, circle templates, pencils, pencil sharpeners to share, white colored pencils to share, chocolate to share.

Materials List: Provided for those who wish to bring their own supplies. However, you may purchase a kit directly from the instructor on the day of class for $12.00 that will provide you with all supplies you will need.

How to tackle the landscape, thinking only of shapes. What are natures’ greens and how to mix the greens you see.

Ongoing exhibits at VERT and Snowy Peaks Winery

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