I’m really looking forward to seeing a friend and mentor, James Kirk, on this Thursday, September 29 from 2-4 pm. His stunning show “Face Forward” will open at the North View Gallery, Portland Community College, Sylvania Campus (CT Building) at 12000 SW 49th Ave., Portland OR. I hope you can see the show, which runs September 29 – October 28, 2011. For more information, hours and a map visit: www.pcc.edu/about/galleries/sylvania.
Winter Woman copyright James Kirk 2011
Kirk, as he’s known to his friends and former students, is supremely talented at capturing the human form. I’m honored and humbled to have been asked to pose for him for a painting that will hang in this exhibition. As an emeritus professor of Oregon State University and Western Oregon University, Kirk has influenced many, many artists and teachers of art over the years, including me! This exhibit was organized by another former student of Kirk’s, gallery director Mark Smith. I spoke to Kirk today to ask permission to reproduce the above painting and he told me that there were 100 paintings in this show! The work ethic of this man is inspiring. Kirk’s teaching had a huge impact on my work when I first started painting, and he continues to inspire and encourage me. I’m fortunate to call him ‘Dad’ and friend. I can’t wait to see how my portrait looks 🙂 UPDATE: More photos 🙂
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- Winter Woman copyright James Kirk 2011
I really like this one and will go out there to the campus to see more.
WOW! this painting is wonderful! I really do wish I could see the show… and the portrait of you Ruth.. how exciting the opening will be.. let me know how it goes.
Ooooo, can’t wait to see you in paint!
Sending love and hugs to you Ruthie?
Jenny
I agree. Captain Kirk is an inspirational teacher and his art show was wonderful to see.
Dear Ruth,
I have one of James Kirk’s beautiful watercolors of flowers. I know he’s known for the human form so does that mean there’s no interest in my painting because it’s flowers – does that diminish it’s value to people who love his paintings and talent?
Thanks,
Katherine
Hi Katherine,
Such an interesting question. I have seen Kirk’s florals, and I believe they are just as beautiful as his figurative work. He told me that every one that he’s ever painted has sold. I would say that is a pretty good indicator that the appreciation and value of his florals is high. Thanks for reading and commenting on the blog 🙂
That’s good to hear. 🙂 I love it – I was just wondering why there’s never any comment on his floral paintings because they are so pretty.
Thank you so much for your reply. 🙂
Kind regards,
Katherine
To Whom It May Concern,
I was at the library and checked out his instruction video. I thought it was excellent — I liked his approach and style. But there was only the one video; which was made something like the late ’80’s. Any impute to other videos I could get ahold of would be Greatly appreciated.
Thanks Paul,
I don’t think there are more than one or two. Here is a link to what I’ve found: http://www.cheapjoes.com/prod/DVD01-0083W/
I have signed watercolors by James Kirk of horses jumping fences. They are dated 1989. Would love to find out more. These were a part of BMW Lake Oswego Horse show at that time.
Lauree Carlsen
We met him at Renata’s b&b in Medford 17 years ago. Fascinating man. Is he still alive?
Yes, Debbie. In fact, he will be having a show in Salem, OR at the Salem Art Association opening Friday, November 8, 2019 and closing on December 24. He’s calling it “This Is Positively The Very Last Art Show” – ha, ha, love his humor.
Sorry, the title is “This Is Absolutely, Positively The Very Last Art Show”….I left out the “absolutely.”