Dear Friends,
if you click "Recent Work," you see my latest paintings. Some are transparent watercolor, some are mixed media.
Numbers 1 through 4 show my latest "Martians." Like it or not, these comic strippaintings have been my best sellers for over a year now. The motor for those works is Karen Wasser, owner of Galerie Karon in Ashland. She comes up with new suggestions, often originated by her core customers. She keeps me in the spot light with special receptions, and she is a continuous inspiration. With about a hundred "Martians" under my belt, you'd think I get tired of 'em. Well, sometimes I do, but then there is always another suggestion, like No.4, the "Martian Brahms Triett.". A funny limerick, just as important as the painting, goes with each Martian. Too bad I can't show them on this website. You'll have to buy one of my four Martian booklets, available at "Words and Pictures" in Brookings, "Gold Beach Books" in Gold Beach, and "Galerie Karon" in Ashland.

Recently Cara Baldwin, the curator for the Salem Art Organization, has asked me to put a Martian show together for the FOCUS GALLERY in the Bush Barn Art Center. I accepted - of course. The show will be from February 20 to March 22, 2009.

My galleries in Curry County still prefer boats and maritime scenes. Look at "recent work," No. 5 through 7. It's my "bread & butter" work for the locals. No. 8 and 9 are my own preference. I may have to go to "the City" to sell those. But with present gas prices - they my stay under my bed. Although, the new GoldRush Gallery in Gold Beach accepted No. 9 and some other way-out stuff I submitted. Go there and see: the new GoldRush Gallery, across the street from Gold Beach Books, is the largest gallery along the Southern Coast, except maybe Coos Art Museum (CAM) in Coos Bay. By the way, at CAM you can see four of my works right now. They are part of the "CAM Bienniel" exhibit, which will last through Dec 6.

No. 10 is my favorite horn player, Garry Schauer. We played together for a year or so, but then he "retired for the last time." Garry was the most inspiring pro I ever played with. I guess old age is the pits. This watercolor hangs at present at the Florence Event Center as part of the Watercolor Society of Oregon's (WSO) annual transparent watercolor show (only 80 of 360 paintings accepted) . Go to Florence and look. Incredible watercolors by the best painters in the state. I still can't figure out why I got in.

No. 11 and No, 12 are figuratives, a favorite theme of Mack Holmann, metal sculptor and owner of Tsunami Gallery, on HWY 101, two miles north of Reedsport. Have you ever noticed: A gallery owner sells best what he/she likes best. Well, Mack sells my figuratives very well. They are also my own favorite motifs. No. 12 is my latest baby. I hate to see it go, but I can't keep everything I like - just not enough space.

No. 13 to 15 are more ink paintings. Just ink on paper. I submitted those to a state-wide black-and-white competition sponsored by the Umpqua Valley Arts Association in Roseberg, OR. I should get the answer soon.

No.16 through 18 are more black-and-white works. I have lately developed a liking to ink-only work. One goes through unpredictable phases.

Another thing I have done lately - go back to my juvenile fascination: jazz. Come to the Bella Italia in Brookings on Wednesday evening. Starting at 5 pm you hear me play my own brand of "Chamber Jazz," pieces of the 50s through 70s with emphasis on Latin stuff. For $5 the new co-owner Hayley will give you samples of the wines-of-the-week . Delicous hors d'oeuvres, prepared by the chef of Bella Italia Ristorante, are on the menu at affordable prices. You can make a dinner of them. Tel. 541-469-6647.

And don't forget to look at the Brookings Art Walk Pages on the right side of this page. Working on the Art Walk takes a good part of my time. I want to see it grow and get better. Come to the next Art Walk!

That's all for now, and come back to this page for Art Walk News.
Horst

PS: any of the paintings you see under “Recent Work” can be had as a limited edition giclee at any size and at a reasonable price. Just email me for information.