What has happened?

                                                     Morning oil on canvas 24x20 inches

A new Bryant Woods painting.

RANDALL DAVID TIPTON

Randall David Tipton is a self taught Northwest contemporary landscape painter using an experimental approach to explore pure abstraction in both oils and watermedia. Derived from direct observation in forests and wetlands, Randall approaches each painting in response to what he finds is most compelling on the site of these fragile ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest. With minimal use of drawing and photo references, he constructs a framework upon which to improvise. Specifically during the pandemic, Randall has developed a more conscious attempt at pure abstraction while involving a classic question of balancing form and substance with atmosphere.

 

This is what I`ve been doing, getting this show ready. Hanson Howard Gallery, Ashland OR July 29-Sept. 10

Does it seem like 2022 has gone seriously south? I think so. Not as bad as 2020 with it`s pandemic terror but not as fun as last year when I felt more release in my survival. Lots of life and death and I`m thousands of miles from Ukraine.

 

This helped a lot. Meet my newest Great Niece Mira. Granted I haven`t been around a lot of babies, unfortunately, but I`ve never seen one charm a crowd like this one. Her parents were so natural to their new roles. Young humans are so vulnerable for so long, yet the human race just keeps on. No matter how bleak the world may seem, it is an ultimate act of faith to have children. Cherished babies like this one, are always good news. Every kid deserves the unequivocal love and support Mira will have.

That being said, I was utterly disgusted by the Supreme Courts decision on abortion. That was not about babies. To me there is only one issue here. no one can tell a woman what she must do with her body. That personal autonomy is sacred. Period. This is a truly spiritual issue. If women can`t make choices for themselves, then they are not accorded full human dignity. We all know this by now. 

When I first learned about patriarchy in the 70`s, it was such a broad, encompassing concept, I thought it too simple. As a white man, I know now how difficult it is for the privileged to see their advantage. I don`t feel like I understand Patriarchy's biological origins but its tenacity is always on display. As if our country weren`t divided enough, those sanctimonious justices made certain this issue will engulf the culture for years. You cannot remove 50 years of respect and law. It will not stand, though getting to a national legality again  for the procedure will be a political battle like we`ve never seen. How unnecessary. Conservatives, especially the religious type, are about to learn what they have done.

                                                                          by Fred Cuming

Fred Cuming recently died at 92. He was a British landscape artist whose sensibilities melded perfectly with the local weather. He was ignored for much of his career and supported his family with teaching. I suppose he has been a role model, I sure loved his work. You can read more about him Here. Four years ago his son and his wife died. Yet he still painted.

                                                                       by Fred Cuming

                                                                           Ruth Gordon

"Oh, there is so much bullshit out there! Your age is the Golden Age. It's a gift. It's yours. Make it work. The time in which you are born is meant to be, and it's yours to use, improve, expand. All this looking back is good, because we should honor and respect those who came before us and learn from them. But take from what they did and do your own work in your own way. Get on with it! Jesus! Nostalgia is a narcotic. Avoid it. Make things work. This is your time and my time. Right now. Look back too much and you're over." Ruth Gordon/Interview with James Grissom

Click HERE for work for sale in my studio