IVES ART

On the Easel

2011-12-12T07:29:00.000-08:00

2 feet by 4 feet
oil on canvas

I have been working on a few pieces lately that are going to take some time to complete. I needed to take some time out from them and get something out of my system, hence this piece.

A new Dragon Fly

2011-10-14T07:52:00.001-07:00

20 x 30 SOLD
First painting done in my new place.

Often life comes to this

2011-09-03T18:50:00.000-07:00

Pedastal 12 x 36, oil on textured canvas.

Life can be very cyclical. Within those cycles you can choose to spiral inward or spiral outward. I'm choosing outward at the moment, even though this piece depicts inward. I painted it at a turning point. The funny thing is, I have worked on this image before. Originally it was a pen and ink sketch, then pen and pencil crayon on hardboard, transposed to a raw, un-stretched canvas and even painted on wood.
The latest installment of the piece is on textured canvas, done on a solo evening on Mayne Island. I like it very much. Its actually got me thinking it should be done as a large sculpture one day.
This is an image I tend to come back too and work on after some hard choices in my life. As the work grows from previous renderings, so do my reactions to what has happened in life. My sorrow, anger and despair goes into the work so I can move past it. This is healing. I doubt that my cycles are even close to being done with this imagery, but for now I can move outward.

Old Business

2011-07-18T20:59:00.000-07:00

2' x 4', oil on canvas
'upon leaving'
This piece was done on the last evening in my old Fernwood apartment. It needed a few finishing touches before I could deem it completed, which it now is.

ah that drippy effect

2011-07-18T08:03:00.001-07:00

20x30, oil on canvas
I'm hoping to get back to a painting a week. This is the latest addition to the corkscrew series. I think I'll be focusing on building up this particular series for a bit, but you just never know.

Hot off the easel

2011-07-11T20:54:00.000-07:00

SOLD
No sense building a nice deck if one can't paint out on it, so that's how I spent my day Sunday, out in the sun, listening to the water gently fall into the pond and painting.

Its not all painting

2011-07-10T10:15:00.000-07:00

I love to build things as well. Recently Donna and I built a deck in the backyard, complete with a pond and waterfall with fish. The deck is 80% recycled materials and extra wood cut-offs from my various jobs. We call it our "Soul Renovation Station". So far its living up to the name. ADDENDUM: it was good well it lasted. I have since moved out, as a life with Donna is no more. She has a great deck now though.

Spring Comes Back!

2011-05-01T08:58:00.000-07:00

NUBILE SPRING GRASP I and II
24 x 48
oil on canvas

Too paint a tree I need to find one with character. This year during blossom time, I went out and took alot of pictures of trees. Funny enough, this one grows right across the street from my front window. I love the appearance it has of a hand reaching out of the ground, while its bark seems to be made up of nubile bodies all thrown together.

ANATOMY AND ANIMATION SERIES

2010-11-26T12:57:00.000-08:00

Walk Cycles after Preston Blaire SOLD
I taught 3D animation for 5 years. A job I can really look back on with some pleasure as I believe I learned more from my students than I think they did from me. They may beg to differ on that.
I did try to keep my art and animation separate for some time, but the two were so linked that they soon became entwined. Here are some samples of that period:

Ode Davinci Human Nature SOLD
Hand Rig Sold
Human Mechanics SOLD

Foot and Leg SOLD Rigging SOLD Armature and Rig

Human Mechanics in RedSpine

Running The Red

2010-11-26T08:38:00.000-08:00

8' x 5'
oil on canvas
1998
Running the Red is the largest work I have ever done. This piece took me 9 months to create and has rarely been seen outside my studio as it does not fit into my vehicle. I would love to find a nice home for it. If you have a large amount of wall space this could be the piece for you. Due to its size I am unable to ship this one.

VCON 2010

2010-09-17T21:51:00.000-07:00

VCON: Vancouver's Convention of Science Fiction and Fantasy
Space has been made for me at the 35th VCON in Vancouver.
I will have a panel of original Steam Punk goggles at the exhibit and another panel of paintings. I'll get some pics of the fun and post them when its all done. For now, I have goggles to make before I sleep...

Old School

2010-08-26T17:03:00.000-07:00

Hand Auger 12 x 24
I do not paint everyday, nor do I look too my survival to do so. I actually punish my hands daily in the construction world, come home dirty and perhaps a little bloody from an errant old rusty nail. I'm calloused all over, have deep brown arms and legs as white as the driven snow.
I love to work with my hands and have that sense of accomplishment of making something concretely tangible at the end of the day. Just being out in the elements with some tools and wood, you know, building stuff.
When I look at many of the antique tools I have from my grandfather and other sources, I gain a whole new respect for how things used to be done. And things were done Old School, by hand, with tools crafted for the purpose. These tools are a work of art themselves. After recently re-fabricating a heritage fence and having to do mortise and tenon joints through a 4x4 post by hand, I could only imagine how half the stuff we view as beautiful today was made by the master craftsmen of yesterday.
I want to celebrate that, so look for more works along these lines in the near future. Just my way of giving back to the school I feel I belong too, the Old School.

Picking up the brush again!!! Finally!

2010-07-13T06:58:00.000-07:00

Seems like it has been forever since I really picked up a paint brush. After a 5 month stint working in Vancouver and living on leaky boats through all kinds of weather, coming back to Victoria to go straight into rennovations, well it was damn well time!

Fernwood UN-artstroll 2010

2010-06-21T19:32:00.000-07:00

WOW! What a weekend, I believe I must have met about 300 new people by just opening my door again this year. Thank you all for coming by, sharing a bit of yourselves and seeing a bit of me. Truely another wonderful experience for myself, I hope it was for you as well. We all had a laugh and shared some of what precious time we have because you had the courage to walk through a door you had not been through, so huzzah for you! I look forward to our next meeting. My life is richer for our first.

Lifting a Heavy Heart

2010-01-15T09:36:00.000-08:00

Lifting A Heavy Heart
Private Collection

I did this piece a few years back after my father had yet another heart attack.
He is doing fine these days. The painting sold to raise funds for the Victoria Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Cherub with Bow

2010-01-14T16:04:00.001-08:00

Cherub with Bow
Private Collection.

Apple Corer

2010-01-14T11:44:00.000-08:00

Apple Corer, peeler,slicer.
30 x 40 SOLD
oil on canvas
I collect antique tools and implements. I especially enjoy devices with clamps and cranks. This piece is one of many from my collection and came down to me from my grandparents (for those who have read my "Few Words", yes, from old George). The actual piece is still 100% functional and a pleasure to use. Such history and ingenuity in what once was an everyday, mundane device.
The creation of this work has spurned me into starting a series of the crank handle pieces I own, look for more too come soon.

Sea Dragon

2010-01-14T11:41:00.001-08:00

Sea Dragon (sold)
I actually never knew these lovely little creatures existed until a friend suggested I paint one.
They truely are amazing, I may have to do a few more as their variety is truly stunning.

Tools Of Baccus: the Solomon Series con't

2009-11-25T14:00:00.000-08:00

This set of 4 paintings has been much fun to create and may have involved some wine for inspiration. Each piece measures 4 feet by 3.5 feet and is based on antique corscrews.
from left to right: Spring Screw,Levered Screw, Double Lever Screw, Double Helix Screw.

!!!UPDATE ON THE JAZZ SERIES!!!

2009-11-11T12:51:00.001-08:00

Too let everyone know: The original collector of the Jazz Series has informed me that due to these troubled times and with deepest regret at their possible loss, he wishes the series to be posted for sale.
If you are interested in this series for pricing and availiabilty please contact me at:
ivesart@hotmail.com
to view the series: http://ivesart.blogspot.com/2009/05/jazz-series.html

works for the Solomon Series

2009-11-09T08:29:00.000-08:00

Currently I'm working on a series of pieces for Solomons cocktail lounge restaurant. Here are a few samples:

SISYPHUS RESPITE

2009-11-07T10:00:00.000-08:00

24 x 48, oil on canvas, SOLD
I worked on this piece off and on for over a year.

GOD (after Michelangelo)

2009-11-07T09:59:00.001-08:00

sold

Mortality and My Tooth

2009-11-07T09:55:00.000-08:00

SOLD18 x 24 oil over acrylic on canvas, 2008.
This piece stems from a re-occurring nightmare I had as a child where-in I discovered ones mortality through the lose of a tooth, the degeneration of the body. I painted this after a dental visit where I needed a tooth pulled.

MASKS

2009-11-07T09:53:00.001-08:00

30 x 40, oil on canvas, 2008, (SOLD)
Everyone wears a different mask at times. I had spent 16 years in theatre with great friends, this is dedicated to them.

MAN AND MECHANICS

2009-11-07T09:47:00.000-08:00

SOLD
30 x 40
oil on canvas, 2008
available

THE RED SERIES

2009-11-07T09:21:00.001-08:00

I did this series back in 2001 through to 2005, it turned out to be quite popular. Only 4 pieces remain in my collection. Erapture, 24 x 36, oil (the genesis of the series)available
GREEKS, TROJAN WOMEN, ROMANS, 18 x 36 available
MORGAN, CLEO - fire dancing friends of mine-sold
WOMAN, HOLE, ENTWINED-sold

work in progress: octopus

2009-10-25T11:50:00.000-07:00

7 days agotoday
size: 48 x 24, available
Another octopus, I know, but I like painting them. Perhaps its because their many arms remind me of my many styles of work, everything going in a different direction but connected to a core being.

Pan

2009-10-20T11:52:00.000-07:00

This latest piece is a depiction of Pan,
playing his pipes late at night, deep in the forest.
30 x 40
oil on canvas
created: october 19, 2009
SOLD

Hanging with Zala

2009-08-02T16:26:00.000-07:00

Hanging out with my most amazing friend K Z last night as she wrapped hoola hoops and I worked on starting a series of large pieces for a local coffee rotissery. The work is still in progress, but we had a fantastic night of it all. I'll have to get some pics of her hoops to post here as well.

Two newer pieces

2009-07-31T09:12:00.000-07:00

Another Bonefish and a classical old Hobart portable welder.

Bonefish is Available.

Bonefish

2009-06-26T13:41:00.000-07:00

Whimsical and fun, every once in awhile I paint another one. These ones are in private collections. But I think I will do some more soon.

Just open your door...

2009-06-21T19:36:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who stopped by as I opened my door over the weekend during Fernfest and the 2009 Fernwood Art Stroll. I had a wonderful 2 days sharing my space and art with you all. I'm all talked out at the moment, but wow, you beautiful strangers all, wow. (and too my good friends, thank you, but somebody owes me two large and lovely wineglasses!)

Inspiration of a moment

2009-06-16T08:47:00.000-07:00

click to enlarge
12x 36
oil on canvas

This piece was somewhat cathardic for me to create. It represents moments in my life I once cherished and am unable to reclaim. I guess we all have those, I hope you look back on yours with fondness. It now resides in the home of whom it was meant for.

Frog Pond Sculptures I have made

2009-06-08T12:17:00.001-07:00

This Frog piece is cast in bronze and resides at Long Lake in Naniamo, B.C. Created and unveiled in 1999, it should last a good 5,000 years. How crazy is that?

This Frog piece was alot of work, cast in concrete and using acid washes to create a bronze look.
Created and then installed in Comox, B.C. 2006.

In progress: Knew Them When

2009-06-08T12:07:00.000-07:00

Currently working on a piece for a band, though they don't know it yet.
Here's some pics of the first days work:

my new pond

2009-05-30T17:23:00.000-07:00

Had a few days off and an incomplete area on my deck. Originally I was going to put down sod, but I think this is far more relaxing. Now anyway, carrying all those rocks up to the roof, well, I'm not going anywhere tonight, beyond the deck anyway. Oh and the frog I cast outta concrete with my good friend Ben Nolin a few years back.

One big canvas, one long day...

2009-05-21T11:40:00.000-07:00

A friend gave me this fairly large canvas the other day. I spent part of a day prepping it and decided that Wedensday I would paint it. I worked on it for about 16 hours that day. I'm hoping to finish it tonight, but who knows

.

JAZZ series

2009-05-18T10:40:00.001-07:00

This Series is now availiable!!!!(a few pieces will be held in the artists collection)

Inspired by some fantastic jazz bands I saw on an art trip to Ottawa, the JAZZ series was pure joy to create. Some of the pieces are 6’ long x 2’ high, some 16” x 20”. When in a room surrounded by all these pieces, jazz music in the background, well, its something. Part of the series is bright, vibrant, with a few raw earthy pieces to round it all out. Enjoy!

Women of Myth and Legend

2009-05-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

Leda and Swan (sold)Eve (sold)

This is one of my favorite series to work on. The subject matter is huge and offers a variety of styles to work with. Theres a few pieces missing from this series as I did not get a chance to get pictures before they sold, which happens, as these ones always seem to go quickly.

Dusk and Dawn (sold) ---------Waiting for Grace

Andromeda------Cleopatra (sold) ------------- Thisbe

Amazons (sold) ------Artemis (sold) --------Psyche

Achilles con't

2009-05-17T10:32:00.000-07:00

Coming along nicely I think. This is from work done yesterday, will see what happens today.
Click to enlarge.

Achilles- In Progress

2009-05-15T09:44:00.000-07:00

I thought it might be interesting to share the journey of a piece in progress. I've been working this piece, off and on, for over a year now. I think it will go through some interesting changes, geuss we'll find out.
Starting with a rough sketch, the idea of the piece is to show Achilles just after he has fallen from the arrows hit.
I refined the sketch abit....
Then added some color, at this point I left off on doing anything else for many months...
When returning to the piece I felt it needed some underlying shadow and some helmet work....
Wanting to make the helmet "bronzy", I overlayed a bit of green on the yellow...Then added some ruddish hues, going to leave it for now...
The red sky was bothering me, wanted something stormy and undefined, started with some yellow ( oh I added a little warmth to the cloak, but its not close to its final look yet)...
Added some white...Made some clouds, grabbed the palate knife and threw in a hint of far off mountains..then I went to bed...

NAUTICA series

2009-05-14T07:29:00.000-07:00

In my Nautica series sealife has a guardian cherub. The idea stemmed from classic Roman fountains. As with all my series, I add a new piece every once and awhile.
Letting Go SOLDGrouperSnapper
OctopusI(sold)Octopus IILionfish (sold)
Catfish I SOLD Catfish IISOLDTortoise and Cherub (sold)

BLOSSOM

2009-05-14T07:15:00.000-07:00

Spring comes early in Victoria. The transformation of a gnarled trunk into a flowered wreath heralds one of the most uplifting times of the year. How nature continues to display such beauty in the midst of a city is a reminder that nature was here first, and is always ready to take over.
Each piece is 18 x 24, oil on canvas, (the one on the right has SOLD)

"The Muse" and "Two"

2009-05-13T08:31:00.000-07:00

These pieces were each many months in creation. I find them quiet and reflective. The warmth of the alizarin crimsom, juxtaposed by the coolness of the background lends a calming effect to the figures.
Each piece is 24 x 36
oil on canvas, Accordian available

The Players series

2009-05-12T08:12:00.000-07:00

The Players, each piece is 12x36 oil on canvas.
The Violin Player and Drummer have been sold.

This series was alot of fun to work on and came together very quickly. There really is something
magical about a musician completely enrapt in the moment.

ERA Series

2009-05-11T09:01:00.000-07:00

In the ERA series I have taken a step back in time for a look at people and machines of a simpler era.

Counting Returns
36x48
oil on canvas
avail.

Red Sky Morning
24 x 36
oil on canvas

avail.

Jalopy Racer
12x36
oil on canvas
avail.

Sopwith Camel
12x 24
oil on canvas
avail.

Sopwith Camel
12x24
oil on canvas avail.

WWII Indian
12x24
oil on canvas
avail.

Deux Tetes
36x48 sold
Fire Truck
18x24
oil on canvas, avail.
Spad
11x14
oil on canvas
avail.

Working For A Living Series

2009-05-10T14:33:00.000-07:00

This is a fun, whimsical series that I come back and add to every now and then.
It is mostly based on real world machines, but not always. I find these pieces to be sad, yet comical. The texture and color give the entire selection an old world, vintage charm.
Only six pieces in this series are still availiable.
Oil on Canvas

Flushed, Pinned, Boiled, Drained, Ground, Drilled, Corked, Broke, Squeezed, Screwed

Hanging with Schultz

2009-05-10T13:50:00.000-07:00

Its always an interesting journey when you paint with someone else, just letting go as you take turns.
No directions, no concerns, and yet the piece completes itself and tells you it is done.

Lyle Schultz is a talented artist who lives in my building, he had never really painted with oils before.

Thanks man, it was fun.

Catfish and Cherub

2009-05-08T11:49:00.000-07:00

16 x 20
oil on canvas
framed
SOLD

This piece is one of the first in my Nautica series where
sealife has a guardian cherub. The idea stemmed from classic Roman fountains.

For purchase information email: ivesart@hotmail.com