Living in a New State now for the Past 4 years!

Having moved to St George Utah has been a refreshing change from the cold and damp of the Pacific Northwest. That's not to say that the winters here don't get cold, they do! but there is much more sunshine and the desert has big skies and an openness that can take your breath away.

We live so close to so many places of beauty that are within a short drive it is hard to believe.

The time is now!
After a month of traveling on a road trip of just under 4000 miles I am back in my studio. I have been putting off painting for lack of a new vision for the upcoming series. However ready or not I will begin to paint today and hope that the paint will show me the way through this fog of indecision. Often just beginning is enough to break the chain and clear the mind. Seeing is the thing!  The road has given me many memories and I am sure some will filter in to the new work. At my age travel takes a toll in energy so I m glad to be back home. 

Here is a new cactus leaf forming... like nothing I have seen before.

2018 Update

Well I have been gone from this blog for a while so I thought an update is required. This is a new year for us all and a new location in life for me. I have moved from the Seattle area to St George Utah. I have successfully downsized my life into a more comfortable environment and warmer weather. All is new and different and there is much to explore and learn. There is less traffic, less noise and less pollution. There are new places to visit, restaurants to eat at and sights to see. There is a big sky and wide open spaces filled with wonder. I am looking forward to this time of life and enjoying all that is new to this old man.

 
I will try to post more often but no promises as I am not on a schedule any more. See you all on the flip side soon.

Hugo 2016

Hugo is growing up... he is now 3 years old and weighs 72 lbs. He loves his daily walks in the park and wants to play withe everyone he meets. H e barks at other dogs but is just saying"Hello do you want to play with me?" Hugo is the sweetest dog I have ever owned.

Helping the African Wildlife Federation to Save Wildlife.

I am in the process of trying to raise money for the AWF but I need your help to make it possible. I wrote to them last week and got this reply.

The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) wants to thank you very sincerely for your generous offer to donate your artwork to our organization. The attachment you shared demonstrates how talented you are!
Unfortunately, it is our organizational policy to not accept gifts of any artwork or personal property, simply because we do not have the capacity to store any additional items.

However you are more then welcome to donate to AWF any of the proceeds that you receive when and if you sell your conservation-themed piece. Additionally AWF would be happy to promote your sale to our members through our social media accounts. If you choose to donate the proceeds, AWF would of course provide you with a tax receipt for the full amount of the donation.
We apologize that we do not have better news, nonetheless we really appreciate your support of Africa’s irreplaceable wildlife. We encourage you to reach out if you have any additional comments or questions.
Best Regards,
AWF

If you would like to buy a print let me know they are $80 signed. You can make a deposit directly to my Paypal account scharf62@frontier.com... then send me your mailing address and I will ship the print out to you. Thank you for your help and support. Talk is cheep action is more effective!

Buy this Print

We The People Stimulus Package

Gone fishing!

Traveling is always good for the soul. It helps reset your inner clock and changes the routines of life. This month I took a trip to North Carolina to visit my older brother on Harkers Island. Harkers Isl. is located near the outer banks and is a great place to go fishing. The waters are warm and fish are abundant due to the many shipwrecks of the outer banks. This is where Blackbeard the pirate plundered ships and it is rumored that the Iron ship Monitor went down. There are also many cargo ships and world war II German subs were sunk in these waters.

This was a beautiful day and the sun was out for most of the trip and temperatures were in the high 70's to low 80's. It felt good to be out of the rain of the Pacific Northwest and replace those gray skies with sunshine.

It wasn't long before we were out on the clear blue water of the Atlantic and enjoying an easy going day of trolling for whatever would hit our bait. I must explain that for me... this is called fishing it is the relaxing part... when something hits the bait and bends the rod it becomes catching and is the working part of fishing. Needless to say that there was a lot of both.

The Catch

Now this excursion to escape the cold and repetition of my daily life gave me what I  needed, a renewed sense of well being and a change of perspective, I also got to renew my relationship with my brother who I hadn't see for years. So often it is easy to get bogged down in our life that we loose track of why we are doing what we are doing.  Space clears the mind and the fresh fish are great eating. Especially if you have a brother or someone else that will do all the cleaning and preparation to get the fish ready. After all catching the fish is only part of the process of fishing and what comes next is not as much fun as catching. It's called cleaning an I am lucky to have had the best fish cleaner in the world with me. He made it look easy so I let him do all the cleaning. Thanks Bro it was a great trip you were a real sport and the fish tasted great too.

Lots of fish

Expert Cleaning

Oh no Mr Bill I'm next!

An Evening walk

I took a beautiful evening walk after dinner at the local park with my wife and dog. 

Many people were there enjoying the park, some were barbequing a late dinner in 

the long light of the approaching spring night, others were playing volleyball and 

there was a full fledged soccer game being played in the big ball field. 

A typical Americana scene and to top it off it was sunny with high white puffy clouds 

with a cool breeze blowing. We walked along a winding path that led through a 

small woods by a pond with ducks, newborn chicks were following their mother. 

Swallows flew overhead catching bugs in the air. As the path turned a corner there 

was bucolic view of an old barn while tall green and yellow grasses waved like 

water currents in the breezes. 

A perfect walk. 

Artoura:

A place to experience and share art with the world.

Artoura.com is social platform created to specifically promote art. It is also thoughtfully designed to help “galleries/artists/educators like yourself interact with other patrons and enthusiasts. My team and I would like to personally invite you to join Artoura and explore the new Renaissance.

We are thrilled to meet you and are grateful for all the enthusiastic support from the local art community. We believe together we can make art more accessible and engaging in the state of Washington and beyond. 

Artoura in 3 simple points.

• Artoura is an online art community. 
• Artoura helps you to experience and share art from the collections of the world or from your own collection.  
• Artoura is free and always will be. 

Become an Artourian now on artoura.com

and join the community today.

Visual Language Magazine published my new article.

 "What should I paint" Examines the issue artists face when thinking about subject matter for their creative process.  

http://issuu.com/visuallanguage/docs/visual_language_may_2014_vol_3_no_5/1?e=6736121/7380433

The economy and you

If you are interested in making money you must watch this video on how the economy works it is a wonderful 30 minutes. Ray Dailo runs one of the largest hedge funds on Wall Street and his clear understanding presented in laymen terms will give you insight on what you might need to do to get your product into the market.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHe0bXAIuk0&list=PLFjmYykvnb-J-D0wDWW_oalwS0XRoRiHU

VL Artist of the Day: Barry Scharf is VL Magazine Artist of the Day

VL Artist of the Day: Barry Scharf is VL Magazine Artist of the Day: © Abstract 4 by Barry Scharf © Morning Coffee and Remnent Dreams By Barry Scharf Dunes Walk By Barry Scharf "I am...

A Thought on Science and Art

I often wonder why so many see the differences between art and science when there is really so much that they have in common.

An oil painter must be a chemist in order to mix paint to an accurate color and sheen. He or she must also be a physicist to understand the mathematics of perspective and the qualities of light and shadow in direction and intensity, and that's only for painting. Sculptors need to understand the architecture of objects, materials and their stress levels, spacial relationships, movement and balance technology as well as the new materials that are available and continually evolving. They work and think through a process of logic and meaning, trial and error to move their concept forward in a creative way. They seek answers to unanswered questions and attempt to change the world through their work.

In so many ways the boundaries between art and science are blurred.
Science like the Hubble telescope peers into the depth of space revealing the art within nature. Within the micro world we are contently revealing the wonders of small things that teach and entertain. The more we look at art and science the more they become one.

Below are the scientific-art photographs of ©David Scharf.

Photography of Dogs, "A Subject of Love"

Poppy at Canon Beach shows of her personality.

It all started when I was a small boy, my family had a dog that loved me. She was a mutt half collie and something else, not sure what but she was a mothering soul. To me she was a big dog but that was because I was small, I was a child and she watched over me. I love dogs. I have always had dogs in my life. They are wonderful creatures that are loyal loving partners in our lives.

Poppy was shot on location in available light.

When I think of how to capture an image of a dog, I think of my inner child and how I loved my first dog. I try to make a connection with the dog as I frame the shot in my camera. I am talking to the dog as if we were in a conversation trying to make a connection. If I calm myself, the dog senses it and calms down. This helps to bring out the personality of the dog.

Here are some of the images I shot of dogs in the past year or two. I hope you like them.

Poppy was always happy to be at the beach, so it became clear that her best portraits would be at a location where she could show how much she loved the experience.



"Doodles"

Buttons is looking at her master. Her focus is clear and loving.

Labor-doodle with indoor lighting but outdoor feel.

Suckling babies

The Doodle is a blend of Poodle with a Lab or another bread here is buttons a glamorous girl with a new litter of pups. Such a fluffy group of pups I fell in love instantly. Wouldn't you? These images were taken at Michelle's Doodles a local Washington breeder of fine loving doodles.

 This little guy is my new pet his name is Hugo although he does not know it yet. I am so excited that he will be a part of my family.

"French Bullies"

Highly individual bullies have strong wills and clear personalities.

Clearly intelligent

Focused on the camera

A sweet disposition.

Holding a toy to pose the shot.

  Bullies are independent by nature they have strong wills and want to do things their way or not at all. They are always testing to see if they can be the Alpha dog.

Sweet partings "please don't go".

It is often a good idea to have some help when photographing pets, owners can help with positioning, having a favorite toy available or treats will help to control the situation and get the pet to behave in a way that will bring out their personality. Remember you are not just trying to get a likeness but to reveal the deeper hart of the animal. Finely if all else fails take the dog for a walk, change the environment, tire them out a bit or come back at another time. I am most interested in getting the shot that the family lives with for the life of the animal. Get the shot to remember. These bullies are from Umpqua Valley Kennels in Oregon.

If you would like me to photograph your pet, send me an email to discuss fees and other details.

Seeking Exposure for your artwork.

A long time ago, my mentor told me to ignore what is going on outside of your studio. Do not become distracted from the deeper thought and commitment necessary to create at a level that can make you seriously competitive. Because if you want to be at the top of your game you must, keep focused while working and improving. He said to make your artwork deep and so good it cannot be denied. Do this and you will be found, the world will find you!

This process is true, acknowledgement belongs to the deserved ones whose work separates them from the pack of otherwise “good artists”. We are all good artists here, only a very few become great. What is it that gives your work a special hook or vision? What is your skill level? Setting ego aside, look at what you create and ask yourself if it is truly the very best, you can do. Will it separate you from the pack of other good artists?

We live a creative life and have done so all our life; to us this is what is important. We are painters. We are sculptors. We make images that fulfill our spirit and vision of the world. We are true artists in every sense of the word. There is no one else we need to convince of this. It is at this point in our life there is nothing to prove to anyone. Our success is not determined by external fame or fortune but by the joy, we find in living this life. Time will tell if what we have done will last.

Now with all this said there is also a need to share what we as artists make with others. We want them to see what we have been doing. We want them to see our vision. We would like to sell a piece of work occasionally so we can validate our process. Doing this is unavoidable to the artist. Without this, we are living in a vacuum.

Therefore, the dilemma arises of how to share our work. Devoting time to this process takes us away from the studio. So luckily, with the creation of the Internet, we live in a time that now circumvents many traditional time consuming approaches. Posting your work on a web page takes less time then seeking a gallery that may reject you or is less costly then hiring someone to promote you. Nevertheless, which one do you use? There are so many ways to expose your work? This magazine is a good start. However, you need more.

There is a new website now developed and going active soon it is called Artoura.com and it is being designed to promote artist, museums and galleries all over the world. It is also an educational resource that will help art enthusiasts to understand, learn and even purchase artwork, plan travel trips around art and sell museum tickets and guided tours when traveling. This site will give artists their own portfolio page and the ability to dialogue about your work and that of others. I am excited about this new web venue and hope that you will be to.The way forward in today's art world is on the web as well as in person.

Is the Medium the Message?

Living in a world of ever changing themes, the question of what to create and how to create it are relevant to the success of the artwork, its look and eventual public acceptance.

I am of the belief that it is not as much the medium as the message, who is making it and why. Picasso worked in many different mediums because each offered a unique connection to the expression of the idea and look of what he made.

Artists who settle into one medium and one style run a risk of becoming obsolete and complacent. To think you have found your way to unique expression may be true for a short time... but as the world marches on you will need to grow with it to be a part of the ever-changing expression of how society will see your work.

It is important to think about your choice of medium with forethought, integrity, skill and heart. What will best express your idea with clearly? It is the result that counts, it is the result that we invest our energy in. Over the years and in many exhibitions I have shown artwork I often been surprised by how others would interpret my work. It was often misunderstood, unclear and confusing to many. In order to find out why I needed to analyze and understand my mediums not just use what was at hand.

I painted in oils, used pencils, inks, watercolors and acrylics. I used oil pastels, chalk pastels, carved wood, marble and alabaster. I have molded paper and built 3d models, worked with clay and porcelain and all this has produced a verity of styles and expressions one no more or less valid then the other. This has led to an understanding of how to represent the overall experience, expression and meaning as an artist.

Because of the ever changing, march of technology I have embraced the digital age. I have learned Adobe Photoshop and other plug-ins in order to produce digital works of art. I have learned to master the printing process to produce fine prints. Now as a user of this new digital technology, I am current and up to date with my creativity. New doors are opening and I am seeing differently.

I am richer for this verity and more capable because of it. I hope that all artists will find the medium that frees them from fear and inhibition and allows them to see and follow their vision clearly to successful expression and understanding as an artist.

Creativity is dependent on confidence of what and how we express of ourselves, mediums we choose must build a comfortable connection between the artist and the expression of the idea. Additionally, we must realize that nothing is permanent in life all things are a passing parade of development. Artists must embrace the changes that life and time force upon us or fall stagnant in the evolution. We must remain relevant to our times and audience. In this way, we live a life that is serving a greater good and not so self-absorbed.

Life goes on as we remember those that have made a difference.

Spring is upon us and it is time to think about being outdoors, the blossoms are budding, new green is appearing on the barren branches and Spring flowers are working their way up from the ground reaching for the sunlight.

I am now back at work in the studio carving whimsical shapes into pieces of apple wood tree that got trimmed in my back yard. Judging by the rings in the wood the tree is between 100 and 150 years old. This age gives the wood a rich color and a heavier then expected weight. It is a beautiful wood to work with. As I strip away the outer bark, a necessary step while the wood is still green and not dried out, I have time to think about many things.

Contemplating the shapes my new sculpture may take and the two canvases partially begun with under-painting drying and waiting for the next coat of paint in the upstairs painting studio. I am still unsure of the direction they will take. Thoughts of the new gallery I am signed with and how I can help them become successful in this soft market. It is a warm spring day filled with soft billowing clouds and blue sky a good day to be sitting out doing this chore in the sun-breaks that warm the air.

Now my mind turns to my old friend and teacher and I am thankful for all that he taught me. In my last few blogs I wrote about him, and this month Visual Language Magazine published the 13 pages of his work. This morning I got an email from Northwest Watercolor Society Magazine and they will publish a short article I wrote in the May-June issue of their magazine. It made me feel good to know that he will be remembered by more then a few close friends and family. His life impacted so many people in so many ways. Here is the short article...

Ed Reep the later years -2013

My article has just been published in Visual Language Magazine. Follow the link then turn to page 70 to begin.

 http://issuu.com/visuallanguage/docs/visuallanguage2_5

Remebering a World War II veteran and artist

Remebering a World War II veteran and artist
To all of you who call yourself artists. Ed was my example of how to be an artist in the world. He was a great man

My dear friend is gone.

It is with profound sadness that I just got word that my teacher, mentor and good friend Ed Reep passed away yesterday. He was 94 and lived a long and productive life as an artist and teacher.
We are all here for such a short time, it doesn't seem fair. We spend our youth wanting to be older and when we age we wonder where our youth went. So much time is wasted trying to figure out who we wre and what we should be doing with our selves. Ed was one of those guys that knew he was an artist at a young age. All things fell in place. He married Pat, his first love and stayed married and in deep love to her his whole life. He was my teacher at East Carolina University and then my friend and mentor for all the remaining years of his life.
Ed Reep taught me how to paint in oils but even more then that he taught me how to be an artist of integrity and to live a creative life. He is the most responsible for my artistic success and it is a debt I can not repay.  I will miss him deeply. Ed, thank you for all that you have taught me over the many years of our friendship, I would not be the artist I am today without your guidance and love. Rest in Peace.