Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Well Greg has been very busy this past month. For a couple of weeks in November he was touring the Mediterranean region; including a re-visit to the Holy Land. He said that he took lots of pictures and got a few ideas for future paintings. Currently Greg is going to a signing event in Poway, CA at the Costco there. Then back to Utah in the Sandy Costco's for signing up to almost Christmas. He has been to busy to get much if any painting done, but I'll keep you posted.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Events and Schedules
Hey Y'all,
I wanted to remind you that if you are in the following areas you can stop in and say "Hi" to Greg. He will be at the Poway, CA Costco for a road show and signing Dec. 3-5 & 11-12 during store hours. Then, he'll be in Sandy, UT at the Costco there. I haven't seen an official schedule but he should be there from Dec. 15-23 during store hours (except for Sunday). All of his new images will be available and so will his new 'Digital Art' DVD. It is really cool! There were images that I hadn't seen before.
For those who partake and celebrate Thanksgiving - Enjoy and be safe. Greg took a trip to the Holy Land a few weeks ago; I'll try to get some stories and info.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
A Little More Progress
Hi Y'all,
I don't have a laptop so when I get to motels with no public computers available it is a drag. At the last road show and signing event Greg strived to work a little on his "Apprentice" painting in-between visiting and signing. The detail work makes it look like not much is getting accomplished but it is still fascinating to watch.
Monday, November 2, 2009
NEW DVD
Great News! Greg Olsen Art will be coming out with a DVD of Greg's Work. This DVD will have slide show features of the various Greg Olsen themes such as; Inspirational, Western, Childhood & International. Each of these are put to a piano music back ground. Then it will have some sort of "wall art" feature so that you can just some or all of Greg's 120 painting images on your TV screen. The pictures will rotate every 4-5 minutes turing your TV into another source of beautiful art. Sounds cool. I can't wait to see how it works. Supposedly it should be available in the next few weeks. I'll try to get a preview.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
The Spirit of Christmas
You will be some of the first to read Greg's new poem that goes with his painting - The Spirit of Christmas.
The Spirit of Christmas
By the magical light of a small Christmas candle
A little old man tries to carefully handle
The small porcelain manger which serves as a bed
For the wee Baby Jesus to lay down His head.
In wonder he brings the manger up to his view,
Smiles at the baby and whispers, “I love you!
I love you for bringing this season of joy,
I love you for growing to a man from a boy;
For being our light and leading the way,
For being the spirit which makes Christmas Day!
You’ve been my mentor, my model, my hero and guide,
Please continue to help me and stay by my side.
I’ve tried to follow your teachings and give as you gave,
Reminding all to be kind and that it’s wise to behave.
Help me to serve others and bring them your light,
Especially the children, please bless them tonight!
Some have so very little, scarce food for their table,
You know how it feels - you were born in a stable!
Bless all their mothers and fathers with a knowledge that’s sure,
The best gift they can give is their love, strong and pure.
That’s the Spirit of Christmas when all’s said and done,
God’s gift of love, that came as His Son!”
Then back to His mother the child is returned
The Nativity glows as the candle is burned.
In a wink the little old man slips quietly away
Some say he goes up the chimney and climbs in a sleigh.
Whatever the case, His mission is clear -
Give unto others, bringing love and good cheer.
He flies into the night and bids us adieu
Doing for others what Jesus would do!
Greg Olsen - 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Repair Man
Hi Y'all,
At the last road show there was a lady who was bringing in a figurine of one of Greg's painting to get signed by him and it apparently got broken, so she glued it back together for him to sign anyway. Not only did he sign it for her but he touched it up for her - like new (or better). Now she has a "one of a kind"
Friday, October 23, 2009
Greg Olsen on Face Book
For those of you on "Face Book" you may want to look Greg's Fan Page up. Greg share pics and thoughts daily. For those of you in the Utah area, Greg will be signing and personalizing art at a Costco Road Show in Orem Utah. The Rd. Show will be there November 5 - 14, but Greg will only be there Nov. 5,6,7.
Here is the link address to Face Book: http://www.facebook.com/gregolsenfan
Halifax NS Park Painting
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Park Bridge
Hey Y'all,
Now that everything is back to normal for a week or so here is some more info about the latest painting that I have seen Greg working on. This is a small piece 11x14 or somewhere around there. It is so bright and beautiful. Some folks at the show wanted to know if Greg was going to put Jesus into the painting. No. This is just a kick back and have fun painting image that does not have such a daunting task.
Friday, October 16, 2009
On The Road Again
Well, we are on the road again with Greg and postings are a little difficult at times. Here in Mesa, AZ it feels like summer into the high 90's. Greg was at the Costco road show last weekend and is back this weekend to sign and personalize his art. Lots of folks stopping by to say high. We are displaying all of Greg's newest paintings; Hope on the Horizon, The Spirit of Christmas and Cast Your Net on the Right Side. The publishing company was only able to get the Spirit of Christmas in matted print form, nothing framed, and they sold out really fast. The canvases of Hope sold out fast.
Greg did start a new painting as has been the norm recently. I have not been able to modify this image so it is huge. He photographed a bridge in a park in Halifax, NS a few weeks ago and decided to paint it. The painting is small but gorgeous.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Signing Schedule in Arizona
Just in case some of you are from Arizona, here is Greg's Signing Schedule for the road show at the Mesa Costco Oct 8-17.
Thursday, Oct. 8 10:00am – 3:00pm 4:00pm – 8:30pm.
Friday, Oct. 9 10:00am – 3:00pm 4:00pm – 8:30pm
Saturday, Oct. 10 9:30am – 2:00pm
Thursday, Oct. 15 10:00pm – 3:00pm 4:00pm – 8:30pm
Friday, Oct. 16 10:00am – 3:00pm 4:00pm – 8:30pm
LAST DAY -Sat. Oct. 17 9:30am – 2:00pm 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Hopefully will get a peek at the verses Greg wrote for his new Christmas piece "The Spirit of Christmas" - we knew the working title as "Oh Come Let Us Adore Him"
Monday, October 5, 2009
Hope On The Horizon
Hey Y'all,
Here is the first look at Greg's official description of Hope On The Horizon:
HOPE ON THE HORIZON
In the midst of this panoramic vista Christ stands looking to the horizon and to a city which symbolizes Heaven, or the Kingdom of God; the Kingdom of God, meaning not only a place, but a concept, a spiritual destination for the believing and the pure in heart. On the left we see dark storm clouds and a rugged outcropping. This side represents the stormy, rocky and troubled world we often find ourselves experiencing. It reminds us of the despair and fear caused by the dark forgetfulness we journey in. We often wander with only a dim view of who we really are, where we are going or even where we came from.
With His staff, Christ divides the scene in two, identifying the contrasting experiences and making us aware that He is giving us a choice between the two worlds. Coming to Christ gives us a perspective of hope and peace, symbolized by the doves, where we can now see clearly. This outlook fills us with gratitude and love which casts out all fear. Christ reminds us that He has weathered the storm for us and trod the rocky path in our behalf so that we may have joy here and now depending on what part of the panorama we choose to focus our awareness on. He is the living water that flows with pure love and carries us to that transcendent place of peace and happiness. With Christ’s perspective we can experience heaven not only as a distant hope on the horizon, but as our sanctuary moment by moment.
Greg Olsen -2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Still Building Ships
Hi Y'all,
I thought that I would show you the most up to date work on Greg's new painting, note the addition of a new boat. Like I said before the detail work is what he is working on now. He has worked on the young mans hair and shirt. He has also worked on the tools and the boat that the boy is sanding. Lots of very positive comments about the piece.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Signing
Hi Y'all,
Well I promised to get back to work. Greg's last signing event in Ogden, Utah brought out even the younger crowd. This young lady wanted her pink shoe signed. Greg was still working on his new piece featuring a grandfather passing his trade down to his grandson. Because of the detail work it doesn't look like it has changed much, but it has. An interesting point is that this painting, so far, has been totally done during road shows at various places. Everyone has loved it - the colors, the theme, and the anticipation of having a print.
Greg uses paintings like this to unwind. The inspirational pieces are a daunting task especially when they feature the Savior.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Back in the saddle
Hi y'all,
Boy, you get side tracked for a little bit and pretty soon summer is gone. Hopefully there are still some interested Greg Olsen fans. A lot has happened and I'll try to catch you up. Several of the pieces that we have talked about are now in print and up on the gregolsenart website. It is easier than ever to find Greg's website now because they have so many domain names now that transfer you right to the official website. gregolsen.com now takes you directly to the official website.
Hope On The Horizon was unveiled a month or so ago and is now in print. If I do say so myself, I think that this painting will rival O'Jerusalem - It is awesome!
Friday, August 14, 2009
"Hope On The Horizon" unveiling
Hi Y'all,
Sorry for the long delays. Between traveling and injuries it has been tough to get going again. Great News! Greg's painting about hope and looking to the future will be unveiled at BYU's Education Week (next week) on campus at the BYU Bookstore. The unveiling will be between 12:00p and 1:00p. Greg Olsen Art Publishing will be there with a large display on the 3rd floor. They are taking a lot of discounted and on sale prints, framed and unframed. Greg will be there much of the time signing and personalizing art. This is exciting because it means that the image will soon go to print and be available.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
New Prints
Hi Y'all,
Apparently Greg has developed a Face Book page that he addresses daily with pictures, quotes and etc. I'll get more details for you shortly. There are many things in the works right now and I'll start addressing them. Greg Olsen Art Publishing will be coming out with a series of black and white images that will enhance anyones decor. Plus, more on the Christmas "santa/nativity" picture that many of you watched Greg paint. the working title is all we have at the moment "Oh Come Let Us adore him". It should be available the middle of Aug. It is a 16 X 20 matted to a 20 X 24. You'll be able to purchase it framed or as a matted print.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Signing Away
It is harder than I thought keeping this up while on the road, sorry for the inconvenience. I heard some flack about not getting Greg's schedule posted like I said that I would - once again sorry! But, it may have been a good thing because Greg had so many things going on that last week in Utah at the Sam's Club Murray store, that he wasn't able to keep much of his schedule. He said that he would try to do better. I have posted a picture of Greg personalizing some of the art that was available at his last event.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
More Detail
Hi Y'all,
This road show is really slow moving so Greg is getting a lot of work done on his painting. It is fun watching the detail emerge. No fantastic stories from this trip as of yet. I think you'll enjoy the dtail starting to appear. As before the image will open up large because the hotel computer doesn't have photoshop.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Back at Work
Well I'm with Greg at his signing event in Murray Utah. He brought the piece that he was working on in Idaho Falls, the "apprentice" one where the grandfather is passing on his skills of model ship building to his grandson. I should have some updated photos of the painting tomorrow. It is starting to come together.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Good Company
I hope that you had a good weekend. Here in the states we were lazy and had a 3-day weekend with the celebration of our Independence Day. It is a good time remembering sacrifices of those men and women who keep this country free. My neighbor invited my wife and I over for a get-together which was really great, she is retired military, our other neighbor is retired military with yet another neighbor that was military - plus several of her family that were ex-military. Between the group there were a number of purple heart recipients from Vietnam to current conflicts. Good company!!!
I'll be going on the road again and hopefully bring you some more up to date painting news and pictures of what Greg is currently working on. Later.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Blast From The Past-What A Treasure
Hi,
Look what popped up in the archives of coolness. I was supplied a snapshot of some of Greg's early work. Talk about great parents who didn't get upset when he drew on his bedroom wall. This mural dates back to Greg's High School days. All of those super heros were my favorites also. I understand that the painting still exists on the wall of his childhood home.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Camera and Studio
I thought that I would give you a little more insight behind some of the paintings from Greg Olsen. This past signing event in Idaho Falls showed this concept very well. Greg says, “In a modeling session I often resort to photography to capture the images that I want. With children I use a camera. I may do some quick sketches but a child moves so quickly that in order to capture all of the details. When I’m working with children or average people who have jobs and have a difficult time sitting around here in my studio for weeks or months at a time. This helps me capture action, expression and the details that are required to do the kinds of paintings that I do. I’ll take sometimes, several hundred photographs for a single painting.”
Well, he couldn't have brought his models and studio set-up to IF could he? We like Greg's work because of the detail, and it is amazing to watch it appear on the canvas. With a photograph he can zoom in and get every fold, or wrinkle or expression that was captured. I hope to show you the actual photo shoot of the apprentice, or passing it on, or what ever Greg ends up titling the painting he started in IF. There is also behind the scenes info that explain just why he chose the subject matter. I'll have to think about exposing the secret.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Next Signing Event
Hi Y'all,
I want to let you know about the next Greg Olsen road show and signing event. It is going to be at the Murray, UT Sam's Club July 9-19, 2009. They will probably have some new ideas and new prints. Greg will bring a piece to be working on while he is there. The exact signing schedule has not been released yet, but I'll get it too you as soon as possible. The store is located at 6525 S. State St., Murray, Utah. In Idaho Falls, the new piece "Cast Your Net On The Right Side" was welcomed with great enthusiasm. It still boggles my mind to see a painted fire so real that you think it could burn you.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Adjustments
Just to let you know that I have gone in and adjusted the last few photos so that they are easier to see and visualize. We had a good final, weekend with Greg in Idaho Falls. Everyone was extremely nice. Once again, with a few days work on a new painting everyone thought that it looked good enough to sign and be finished. To us novices, Greg's "rough ins" look pretty good.
Greg will be signing in Utah next month. I get some additional information and let you know.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Finally a Picture
Friday, June 19, 2009
More of the Apprentice
I wanted to give you a look at how I saw the apprentice ship builder last, before Greg took it home for as few days. It is amazing that with a few more brush strokes and a little more color that a painting can look almost finished, at least to us novices. Greg is now back and it looked like a lot was done, at least to me. Knowing the detail that Greg puts in it will be a while. I should have some more photos for you tomorrow.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Inspiring
Hi Y'all,
Just a little more on the new painting Greg has been working on and inspiring the young. With proud parents and excited fans looking on Greg gets a little help from an aspiring artist - Jodie. This young gal was quite good and was not distracted by the crowds. Greg was impressed on how meticulous she was about the part she was painting. Anyway, I thought you might enjoy this.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Tid Bits
It is really cool to watch Greg in action and I don't just mean his painting. When he meets people at a signing he always makes sure he introduces himself and that they do also. Typically folks just start in on what wonderful work he does - and he thanks them - but after introducing himself, if the don't introduce themselves he asks. He makes each person feel special by repeating their names. And, like most of us we forget to introduce our kids, but Greg doesn't let us get away with it, he make sure he talks or addresses each child. He is never hurrried. I'm impressed.
Monday, June 15, 2009
The Apprentice? Generations?
Hi Y'all,
I thought that I would give you a continued look at one of the paintings that Greg is working on. It is very interesting to watch the techniques that he use in his painting. On this one with the old man teaching his great grandson the art of ship building (the gentleman is the great grandfather to the apprentice in real life) Greg paints what he calls an under painting - getting the shadowed areas in place first. It looks like he paints it twice.
Greg usually doesn't title his paintings untill he is finished so we'll see what he calls this one.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
New Painting at Event
Hi Y'all,
I finally got time to work on a couple of pictures from the road. I am with Greg in Idaho Falls at the Sam's Club. Greg brought a new painting to work on while he was signing and visiting folks. This new one is about a great grandfather, a master craftsman, passing some skill and adice down to his apprentice great grandson. I actually have some video that I'll post later about the photo shoot for this painting. It would be great for Greg to have the live models but a little hard to pack them up for Sam's Club.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Good stuff to come
I'm on the road but I have got some great info and photos to share. I'll figure out this hotel computer tonight and get some great stuffr posted. Great brought a brand new piece to work on while he is in Idaho Falls. It is going to be fun. More later.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
New Things on the Horizon
Wow, a lot is going on. There is the new road show schedule, the new paintings to get to press for the fall & winter, and now I hear about a new series of images that will be coming out (old but new). Wow is the word. What I have seen looks really good. I'll get you a sneak peak in a little while.
You'll notice in the music video that there are a number of images that are shown but not available on the website. There are some images that are just used for product licensing and others that may have been sold only as limited editions and are sold out. There are some that enough interest has been raised that they are now being looked at as candidates for producing them, at least in a limited edition format.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Greg Olsen Music Video
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Cast Your Net
Hi Y'all,
Things are moving right along in preperation for the road shows with Sam's Club. The first being in Idaho Falls, ID. Greg's newest published print, "Cast Your Net On The Right Side", looks absolutely fantastic. The giclee' canvas of it is exceptional. I'll post a photo of it shortly. Idaho Falls will get the first public viewing of it.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Spitt'n Image
Hey y'all, It is interesting to meet folks from all over the country and world. I have been told that I look like this person or that person and there folks that make me look twice thinking that I know or have met them before because they look like somebody else. Well, the same goes with Greg's paintings, I've met a lot of folks that show me photos of someone who looks like some image in Greg's paintings. This one was so close that it was uncanny. The Hammond family (of Hammond Toys - hammondtoys.com) couldn't resist buying one of Greg's framed prints and having Greg personalize it because the likeness was so very close to their young son. What do you think??
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
New Road Shows
In an effort to reach more people and introduce Greg Olsen's art to different areas of the country, Greg Olsen Art Publishing has been working with Sam's Club to host special signing events and road shows featuring selected works from Greg Olsen. The first of these signing events at a Sam's Club will take Olsen back to his roots in Southeast Idaho. This special event will be at the Idaho Falls, Idaho Sam's Club from June 11 - 21, 2009. This store location is at 700 E 17th St, Idaho Falls, Idaho. Greg Olsen Art Publishing hopes that the "home town" appeal will create more awareness and new interest in Greg's ever advancing work. Greg will be on hand to sign and personalize his artwork. A schedule of signing times will be posted on the "Events" page the website in a few days. For additional information call Greg Olsen Art Publishing at 208-888-2585. As more special events are scheduled they will be posted on the website and emailed to those on GOA mailing list.
Greg should be bringing some new painting to work on at this event.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Greg Olsen & Bebo Norman Music Video
Friday, May 22, 2009
Sneak Peak
Hi,
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
A Little Coaching
While Greg was painting at the last signing event several young people indicated (or their parents did) that they were budding artists and they really enjoyed his work. To the surprise and treat of everyone, he had several youth help him out on this new painting. This photo is of a young lady named Randanie who helped with some detail work with the coaching of Mr. Olsen. What a delight.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
West Valley, Utah
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Lapse of Info
Monday, April 27, 2009
Olsen's New Look
The Use of Models
The use of live character models pops up very often for Greg, this is what he had to say about it. “The use of actual models, for me, is extremely important. In doing landscapes you’ve got a lot of freedom. You can make up a tree, but to make up a human figure, that’s a lot more difficult, at least for me. You don’t have a lot of lee-way with the limbs of a human body, as you do with the limbs of a tree. So, costuming actual character models, finding the right character, that’s half the battle for me.
Portraying the models character is one of the most elusive things I know of and what I usually do is try and get out of the way of the model. Not direct them, just let their personality show through. If they are little kids and they are modeling, sometimes I’m in the next room with a zoom lens just letting them be themselves. To me that is the best way to get a character to come through.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Behind the Brush
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Journal of Ideas
Where Does the his inspiration come from? I have heard folks ask Greg where he gets his inspiration from and he tells them, “I keep a little journal when ideas come to me. I write them down, a little one-liner or I do a little thumbnail sketch, because I find they don’t stay with me, it is usually a flash and then its gone. I don’t know where my vision or inspiration comes from, but when they come I feel like it is a gift, so I take advantage of it. At times I like to paint places that I have been, almost like keeping personal journal. When I travel it often results in a painting."
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Come Let Us Adore him
Good Day Y'all - and good questions. After Greg finished his painting for his wife he did work on one for the 2010 calendar that his publishing company will be putting out this fall. Deadlines come real early for calendars. Apparently Greg Olsen Art Publishing was waiting for an image to use for the month of December to this upcoming calendar so Greg worked on it during the special event and signing road show.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Happy Valentines Day
You can learn a lot about a person by what he does with his time. I guess painting at these special events and signing came about around the first part of February when Greg wanted to surprise his wife for Valentines Day. He brought his home work to work...so to speak. I guess there is a tree somewhere, where he carved their names, many years ago. With a photo of that tree he painted a gift for his wife. Cool huh. Everyone enjoyed the experience of watching Greg paint so hopefully it will become a norm.
Friday, April 17, 2009
The Man and his Work
Here is another look at Greg working on his new painting a couple of days later. I'm sure he didn't get as much work done as if he had been in his studio but what a treat to visit with Mr. Olsen. He was also available at this road show to sign and personalize art. I think he plans to keep doing this same thing at other signings and road shows. I'll try to keep you informed of his busy schedule and get some personal comments and perspective from Greg.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The man in person
Last week, I and many others got to see this fabulous artist practicing his craft in the Bountiful, UT Costco store, at what they call a "Road Show". As you walked in, here was this sales display of Greg Olsen prints and canvases along with Greg himself, paint brush in hand, working on his next inspirational painting. It was fantastic! Not only did we get to see the man in action, but got to hear his in depth description and meaning of the piece. He hasn't titled the piece yet but it has to do with hope, peace, and looking to the future.