High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon

Painted Tales – Serious Art, But Serious Painters?

We would like to thank the supporters of John, Paul and High Desert Gallery for a wonderful turn out and response to the Painted Tales opening and Artist Reception.  The opening of the exhibition was greeted by people at our door at 10AM on Friday and the Artist In Attendance Reception on Saturday was packed.  Paul and John’s new work was well received and much appreciated by viewers, collectors and all.  Thank you!

The Nugget News has a wonderfully written story by correspondent Susan Springer.  Please visit: “The Tale of Two Painters” at the Nugget News.

As a reminder – The exhibition and sales continues through August and show catalogs are available at the gallery or call the gallery and we can mail one to you!

Images:  "John and Paul” attempting to poise for a reporter.  Believe it or not it took about 30 minutes to get one decent photo!   For more information on "Painted Tales" visit:  HIGHDESERTFINEART.COM

High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon, honored by Decor Magazine as one of the top 100 Art and Frame Galleries in America, has two convenient retail showrooms in Central Oregon.  Our  flagship art gallery is located in beautiful and sunny Sisters, Oregon.  The Redmond, Oregon art gallery is located in the heart of the Historic District in downtown Redmond on SW 6th at Evergreen.  Both of our fine art galleries are located just 15 minutes from Bend, Oregon and specialize in nationally known ‘Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ while providing stellar custom picture framing services and consultation.  For more information call 866-549-6250 or visit: http://www.highdesertgallery.com

Painted Tales -- Fine Art Exhibit and Artist Reception

Painted Tales -- A Sisters Oregon Fine Art Exhibition for Paul Alan Bennett and John Simpkins kicks off on August 4 and concludes August 31st!  Join us for a very special Artists In Attendance Reception  on Saturday, August 5 from 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM.  Enjoy live music, refreshments, champagne, treats, great art and inspiring conversation.  Don't miss this event!

 
Both John and Paul have compiled a wonderful show and they would love for you to visit the gallery on Saturday, August 5, 2006.  For a sneak preview visit our "Painted Tales" blog by clicking on:  HIGHDESERTFINEART.COM

You may reach the gallery at 866-549-6250 to inquire on availability of new work or to obtain information on the exhibit and sale.

"Hills of Home" an Original painting by John Simpkins.  All rights reserved and © copyright 2006.

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High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon, honored by Decor Magazine as one of the top 100 Art and Frame Galleries in America, has two convenient retail showrooms in Central Oregon.  Our  flagship art gallery is located in beautiful and sunny Sisters, Oregon.  The Redmond, Oregon art gallery is located in the heart of the Historic District in downtown Redmond on SW 6th at Evergreen.  Both of our fine art galleries are located just 15 minutes from Bend, Oregon and specialize in nationally known ‘Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ while providing stellar custom picture framing services and consultation. For more information call 866-549-6250 or visit: http://www.highdesertgallery.com

Perfecting Almost Perfecto

ALMOST PERFECTO:  Sometimes while Googling imagery on the internet I discover something that catches my eye.  I often save those pics in a special folder.  One such image was a wonderful black and white photo of a barbershop that had remarkable decorative hand-painted stripes.  I printed this off, and then used other images to collage over it, allowing my imagination total freedom, no preconception what-so-ever... just play!  A zebra seemed to want to be with the other black and white stripes... then an acorn woodpecker (don't ask me why) and then a colorful red and blue beach ball.  I scanned the completed image at high resolution, then had it printed as a giclee, one of one, then mounted it onto a custom-made wooden panel.  Soon I began painting over it, adding another collage, and making graphite marks.  I played with the decorative aspects, and it's surreal spirit.  I worked on it, off and on, for several months until I felt I had something.  With it's big boxy black frame I feel it is "Almost Perfecto".

John Simpkins - July 26, 2006

"Almost Perfecto"  An original painting by John Simpkins.  All rights reserved and © copyright 2006. For more information on "Painted Tales" visit:  HIGHDESERTFINEART.COM

High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon, honored by Decor Magazine as one of the top 100 Art and Frame Galleries in America, has two convenient retail showrooms in Central Oregon.  Our  flagship art gallery is located in beautiful and sunny Sisters, Oregon.  The Redmond, Oregon art gallery is located in the heart of the Historic District in downtown Redmond on SW 6th at Evergreen.  Both of our fine art galleries are located just 15 minutes from Bend, Oregon and specialize in nationally known ‘Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ while providing stellar custom picture framing services and consultation.  For more information call 866-549-6250 or visit: http://www.highdesertgallery.com

Healing Space

A need for a Healing Space.  That is how I described my physical/spiritual/mental condition when I was recovering from my eye surgery.  It is that place where a feather is neither rising or falling, but being supported by the air around itself.  Such was the way I felt in being supported by friends and family while recovering from my detached retina surgery.

Paul Alan Bennett -- July 24, 2006

"Healing Space"  Original painting by Paul Alan Bennett.  All rights reserved and © copyright 2006.

For more information on "Painted Tales"  visit:  HIGHDESERTFINEART.COM

High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon, honored by Decor Magazine as one of the top 100 Art and Frame Galleries in America, has two convenient retail showrooms in Central Oregon.  Our  flagship art gallery is located in beautiful and sunny Sisters, Oregon.  The Redmond, Oregon art gallery is located in the heart of the Historic District in downtown Redmond on SW 6th at Evergreen.  Both of our fine art galleries are located just 15 minutes from Bend, Oregon and specialize in nationally known ‘Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ ‘ while providing stellar custom picture framing services and consultation.  For more information call 866-549-6250 or visit: http://www.highdesertgallery.com

Angelic Pirate or Not? -- John Simpkins

"PIRATE" (detail image shown) began as one of the designs I created for an album quilt commissioned by Jean Wells, (founder of the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show™) exclusively for The Stitchin' Post located in Sisters, Oregon.  The quilt was called "Folk Art Cats".  I started with my basic design and then ran with it!  "Pirate" emerged as a calico cat with an attitude and stripes!  This piece has been "in process" for years in my studio.  Part of the piece is a wide gessoed panel (not shown) surrounding the image.  I used a squeeze bottle to build up a dimensional pattern, rather like a checkerboard of various designs, that I later gilded with Italian gold leaf.  I think Pirates and gold go well together.  Then "Pirate" herself, replete with red high heeled shoes and mis-matched socks.  The sock idea is from my habit of never wearing matching socks.  I think different feet deserve different socks!  Viva la difference!  Oui?  Pirate also has a halo despite her owner's displeasure with the treasure she holds in her teeth.  She simply looks the other way and smiles.  Pirates are like that!  This painting sports an original frame, echoing the stripes of Pirate's tail.  Harrrrrr!

John Simpkins - July 23, 2006

"Pirate"  An original painting by John Simpkins.  All rights reserved and © copyright 2006. For more information on "Painted Tales" visit:  HIGHDESERTFINEART.COM

High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon, honored by Decor Magazine as one of the top 100 Art and Frame Galleries in America, has two convenient retail showrooms in Central Oregon.  Our  flagship art gallery is located in beautiful and sunny Sisters, Oregon.  The Redmond, Oregon art gallery is located in the heart of the Historic District in downtown Redmond on SW 6th at Evergreen.  Both of our fine art galleries are located just 15 minutes from Bend, Oregon and specialize in nationally known ‘Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ while providing stellar custom picture framing services and consultation.  For more information call 866-549-6250 or visit: http://www.highdesertgallery.com

Contemplation -- Paul Alan Bennett

COLD SPRINGS WATERS -- A stream flows through the Cold Spring Campgrounds.  Its sound can be heard through the forest as it tumbles over small rocks and waterfalls.  Such a natural, cleansing sound invites contemplation- especially after the loss of a loved one.  There is a need for such moments.  Life, however, says "Come back!  The family, the house, the dog all need your attention."  To spend much time in contemplation seems like a luxury- almost an indulgence.  Like the waters of Cold Spring Life continues to flow, slowing only momentarily before it drops over the next waterfall.

Paul Alan Bennett -- July 23, 2006

"Cold Springs Waters"  Original painting by Paul Alan Bennett.  All rights reserved and © copyright 2006.

For more information on "Painted Tales"  visit:  HIGHDESERTFINEART.COM

High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon, honored by Decor Magazine as one of the top 100 Art and Frame Galleries in America, has two convenient retail showrooms in Central Oregon.  Our  flagship art gallery is located in beautiful and sunny Sisters, Oregon.  The Redmond, Oregon art gallery is located in the heart of the Historic District in downtown Redmond on SW 6th at Evergreen.  Both of our fine art galleries are located just 15 minutes from Bend, Oregon and specialize in nationally known ‘Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ ‘ while providing stellar custom picture framing services and consultation.  For more information call 866-549-6250 or visit: http://www.highdesertgallery.com

"Pavane" A Cat Dance -- John Simpkins

PAVANE  There once was a cat named Pavane.  She belonged to a dear friend of mine in Napa Valley.  Pavane had unusual black and white markings (often reminding me of an Orca Whale!) and she posed for me several times in her life.  This feline also enjoyed eating cantaloupe and prosciutto!  This piece is an homage to Pavane (a word of Sanskrit origin meaning a processional dance common in the 16th Century).

John Simpkins - July 22, 2006

"Pavane"  Original painting by John Simpkins.  All rights reserved and © copyright 2006. For more information on "Painted Tales" visit:  HIGHDESERTFINEART.COM

High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon, honored by Decor Magazine as one of the top 100 Art and Frame Galleries in America, has two convenient retail showrooms in Central Oregon.  Our  flagship art gallery is located in beautiful and sunny Sisters, Oregon.  The Redmond, Oregon art gallery is located in the heart of the Historic District in downtown Redmond on SW 6th at Evergreen.  Both of our fine art galleries are located just 15 minutes from Bend, Oregon and specialize in nationally known ‘Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ while providing stellar custom picture framing services and consultation.  For more information call 866-549-6250 or visit: http://www.highdesertgallery.com

Marriage of Sorts -- John Simpkins

"Chanteuse"  Original painting by John Simpkins

Inspired by an unidentified 19th Century painting I once saw in a magazine, the idea of this image haunted me for years.  Delighting in process, I painted, again and again, the background and torso.....sanding it back almost to the venetian red gesso on the panel, then adding more paint, sanding again, over and over again, in order to match what my spirit envisioned.  There can be no rush.  I have been working on "Chanteuse" for several years.  Quite often the delight is in the process of creation, not in the completion of the work.

In order to showcase the piece, I created a frame of unusual proportions, adding depth and breadth to the painting.  I enjoy creating my own frames, beginning with raw bass wood mouldings, mitering and building  in order to show the painting to what I consider it's best advantage in that moment.  Many layers of gesso are then added to the raw wood mouldings,  often as many as 8, then the frame is dry and wet sanded to prepare for gilding.  In this piece. I chose an Italian composition leaf, mid-tone, to echo the warmth in the painting. A final patina often helps to soften and "age" the frame, marrying the frame to the painting.

John Simpkins - July 19, 2006

"Chanteuse"  Original painting by John Simpkins.  All rights reserved and © copyright 2006. For more information on "Painted Tales"  visit:  HIGHDESERTFINEART.COM

High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon, honored by Decor Magazine as one of the top 100 Art and Frame Galleries in America, has two convenient retail showrooms in Central Oregon.  Our  flagship art gallery is located in beautiful and sunny Sisters, Oregon.  The Redmond, Oregon art gallery is located in the heart of the Historic District in downtown Redmond on SW 6th at Evergreen.  Both of our fine art galleries are located just 15 minutes from Bend, Oregon and specialize in nationally known ‘Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ while providing stellar custom picture framing services and consultation.  For more information call 866-549-6250 or visit: http://www.highdesertgallery.com

'PAINTED TALES': A CURRY CONVERSATION

A Narrative of "Painted Tales"
by PAUL ALAN BENNETT & JOHN SIMPKINS

(Paul): The collaborative piece is a conversation that uses the language of art- color, value, pattern and line.  I would "listen" intently to John's art language and would respond accordingly.  The first time John gave the painting over to me only the face on the left was sketched in as well as some border patterns.  To my eye, it made the most sense to respond using the same language to keep the piece from getting too busy. The face "called" for another face.  The patterned border called for more of the same.  For me, the green face came about from having recently studied the works of Chagall. He often painted green self-portraits.  That color struck me as being very life-affirming as well as having a fun, playful aspect to it.  I see the green face as being sort of a whimsical Persian Prince.

(John):  Initially, I had taken a square panel and divided it in half diagonally.  As Paul said, I sketched in, on one side, some rough ideas for the piece just to get the ball rolling.  I had no preconception of where the painting would go.  I was all about process.

(Paul):  The spirals coming out of the mouth are the conversation made visible.  My green man's spiral bounces off of John's, comes back and richochette's off his own head and then diverges off into the stratosphere- not exactly a linear kind of thinking.

(John):  What was especially fun for me, was the observations and appreciation of Paul's painted vocabulary.  With each exchange, new things would appear and old things sometimes disappeared.  And I would have to respond to that.  Exactly like a conversation, but in painted form.  In the beginning, I tended to stay within the boundaries of "my side", but in the end, both Paul and I crossed the border and painted on the piece without any boundaries.  The piece began to take on a life of it's own, it's own colorways.  I think I may have pushed Paul a bit with my use of color!  He initially had requested that we use the same palette for the entire show, colors often used for house painting, lovely muted colors.  But this piece seemed to want to play and be a bit untamed!  And at this time of my life I tend to like total freedom!  Paul was great to play with in this way.

(Paul):  Besides the theme of conversation, my main concern was "does the piece work?"  At times it felt like we were making an Indian curry dish with too many spices, but those spices could be removed and/or fine-tuned to fit our visual palatte.  Again, this involved a great deal of listening to the overall design.  Like a good curry dish, this process just reached a point where we needed to stop and put it out of sight for awhile.  I must say that it looks better to me now than when I had finished my last brush stroke on it.

(John):  Trying to maintain some semblance of balance while preserving the playfulness and freedom of the piece was at time challenging for me as well.  And also so much fun!  Marvelous!  I felt this was an opportunity to get  close to my friend Paul in a special way, I have so much respect for him and his work, and appreciate his creativity and playfulness.  Together we created a rather tasty curry with painted conversation!

(Paul):  When I would give the piece back to John I was usually at a point of feeling frustrated with the whole thing and my old set of acrylics.  But when John would return the piece I would be delighted with what he had done and excited to get back to work on it. This happened a couple of times.   

For exhibition, artists and show dates please visit:  highdesertfineart.com

"Painted Tales" Original painting by Paul Alan Bennett and John Simpkins.
All rights reserved and © copyright 2006.

High Desert Gallery of Central Oregon, honored by Decor Magazine as one of the top 100 Art and Frame Galleries in America, has two convenient retail showrooms in Central Oregon.  Our  flagship art gallery is located in beautiful and sunny Sisters, Oregon.  The Redmond, Oregon art gallery is located in the heart of the Historic District in downtown Redmond on SW 6th at Evergreen.  Both of our fine art galleries are located just 15 minutes from Bend, Oregon and specialize in nationally known ‘Central Oregon Artists & Beyond™ while providing stellar custom picture framing services and consultation. For more information call 866-549-6250 or visit: http://www.highdesertgallery.com

Press Release -- My Fellow Artist and Friend -- Painted Tales Portraits

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

"Painted Tales" --  Artist Portraits by Paul Alan Bennett and John Simpkins available online at HighDesertFineArt.com. 

Sisters Oregon - July 11, 2006 --  High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Sisters Oregon is proud to feature portraits by Paul Alan Bennett and John Simpkins.  Each artist painted a portrait of the other utilizing painting styles of the model artist.  The portraits will be unveiled during the Saturday, August 5, 2006 "Painted Tales" artist reception to be held at High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing location in Sisters Oregon.

"Painted Tales" an exhibition and artist reception for Paul Alan Bennett and John Simpkins. The exhibition opens at High Desert Gallery’s Sisters, Oregon fine art gallery on August 4, 2006 with a special artist in attendance reception on Saturday, August 5, 2006 from 4:00 to 7:30 PM. New original paintings and fine art prints are highlighted and each work tells a "Painted Tale", adventure and personal reflection of ones life influence. A sneak preview can be viewed on the "Painted Tales" web site at: http://highdesertfineart.com .

The exhibit and artist reception at High Desert Gallery is free and open to the public. The artist reception on Saturday, August 5, 2006 will include great art, refreshments, live music and wonderful tales and conversation with guests and the artists.

For artist comments and the inspiration behind the exhibit please visit the Painted Tales Blog found at http://highdesertfineart.com . For more information contact High Desert Gallery at 866-549-6250 / 541-549-6250 or visit http://www.highdesertgallery.com .

About John Simpkins: Renowned painter, John Simpkins’ work draws upon Americana, folk and medieval art, myth and mysticism, and is avidly collected by dedicated patrons throughout North America. Nationally published artist, gallery owner, and supporter of the arts, John has received national recognition. Born in Napa Valley, California, he studied at UC Davis and privately with Earl Thollander and Gordon Brusstar. His work has been reproduced in limited edition prints and distributed nationally. Since 1976, John has had many one-man and group shows in California and Oregon.

John lives in Central Oregon with his standard poodle companion, Phoebe, atop a rocky plateau five miles south of Sisters. His travels include much of the continental United States, Mexico, Europe, India, Southeast Asia, and most recently Nepal and Tibet. John paints intuitively, encouraging his emotional voice to speak: Simpkins says, "I paint with my heart." He enjoys painting, tending his orchid collection, and designing interiors. To relax and escape, Simpkins occasionally creates artful baking pies and tarts for a local bakery. Simpkins’ artwork is represented by High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Redmond and Sisters, Oregon.

About Paul Alan Bennett: Award winning professional artist, educator, and art advocate, Paul Alan Bennett has garnered national attention. Paul's imagery is passionately detailed and manifests a unique perspective and style resulting in colorful, vivid imagery sought after and collected nationally. Honors graduate of Maryland Institute of Art and Master of Arts from The University of La Verne (Athens Greece), Paul has excelled in the field of watercolor and most recently in the release of a select group of Limited Edition Fine Art Giclee Prints and worked closely with Pendleton Woolen Mills to release limited edition tapestry blankets. His style and perspective originate from memories, life experiences and travels that spark the playfulness in this Sisters artist. Paul Alan Bennett’s artwork is represented by High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon.

Members of the media wishing additional high resolution images for use in publications are encouraged to contact High Desert Gallery at 866-549-6250. For artist comments and the inspiration behind the exhibit please visit the Painted Tales Blog found at http://highdesertfineart.com .

About High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing: Sixteen artists are represented at High Desert Gallery, with many Oregon artists including work by Katy Adamson, J Chester Armstrong, Marla Baggetta, Nancy Becker, Paul Alan Bennett, Grace Bishko, Glen Corbett, Kathy Deggendorfer, Trisha Hassler, Patrick Horsley, John Simpkins, Gayle Weatherson, Jan Werner, Jerry Werner and more.

High Desert Gallery, honored in 2005 by Decor Magazine as one of the top 100 Art and Frame Galleries in America has two convenient retail showrooms in Central Oregon. Their flagship gallery is located in the heart of beautiful and sunny Sisters, Oregon, at 281 West Cascade Avenue at Oak Street. The Redmond, Oregon gallery is located in the center of the historic district of downtown Redmond at 453 SW 6th Street at Evergreen. Both Redmond and Sisters are a short 15-45 minute drive from Bend, Black Butte Ranch, Eagle Crest Resort and Sunriver Resort, and only three hours from Portland. High Desert Gallery in Sisters, Oregon is open daily from 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. High Desert Gallery in Redmond, Oregon is open 11 A.M to 5:30 P.M. Tuesday through Saturday. For additional information on the gallery please visit: http://www.highdesertgallery.com , call 541-549-6250.

Press Release Contact: T Dow, High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon
281 West Cascade Avenue at Oak Street
PO BOX 2167 Sisters, OR 97759 Phone: 541-549-6250 Fax: 413-714-5620
Gallery Web Site: http://www.highdesertgallery.com  
Gallery Blog: http://www.highdesertgallery.info
Painted Tales Web Site: http://www.highdesertfineart.com

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