Mike Callahan On Painting

"STONE BRIDGE" - New, original oil painting by Mike Callahan

2011-12-18T08:25:00.000-08:00

"Stone Bridge"

18" x 24"

Oil on Canvas

This is perhaps one of the most magical spots we visited in Ireland this past summer (though there are many)! This stone bridge crosses a small tributary of the Owenmore River in Ballynahinch. Just an awesome place to visit!

"CAED MILE FAILTE" - New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2011-12-04T08:00:00.001-08:00

"Caed Mile Failte"

20" x 16"

Oil on Canvas

The red door in Ireland means "welcome" and typifies the Irish spirit. We saw red doors all over the emerald isle when we travelled the country this past summer. The title of this painting literally means "one hundred thousand welcomes" in Gaelic. This particular door was one of the many we saw in the section of Dublin with the Georgian architecture...simply amazing!

"LONESOME DOVE" - New, Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2011-10-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

"Lonesome Dove"

Oil on Canvas

30" x 24"

I've been working on a new series of small works for the holidays. I call the series Western Skies and they are a series of small paintings ranging in size from 9"x 12" to 5" x 7". They are on the website here with a few more additions to come.

If you live in the area or will be visiting, I'm having an open studio on Sunday, November 6th from noon till 4p.m. where you can see these paintings firsthand as well as other new paintings not yet posted online. I'll also have a "clearance" wall of paintings that I've had in the studio a while that just haven't found a home yet, so if you have the chance, please come by. If you'd like to visit my studio on that day or make an appointment for another time, email me and I'll send you driving directions.

Collectors, I will be having a special "collector's night open studio" on Saturday evening November 5th and if you haven't received your invitation yet, look for it in your mail or inbox, you should receive it this week.

The painting shown below, though not part of the Miniature Show (too big), was inspired by all those sky paintings I've been doing...I just wanted to do at least one cloud painting at a larger scale - I get such great skies here and painting them has been great fun! Dove and other birds often perch on the power lines but when I was gathering reference for this painting there was just this one lonesome dove sitting there and I just thought it would work for the painting. What do you think?

"THE OWENMORE RIVER - BALLYNAHINCH" New, Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2011-09-18T08:46:00.000-07:00

"The Owenmore River - Ballynahinch"

Oil on Canvas

24" x 30"

I just finished this one from my Ireland series. It's of the Owenmore River in Ballynahinch, Connemara. I was fortunate to complete a plein air study of this when we were there this past July. This is truly a magical place! Painting so much green is a huge departure for me, but I'm really enjoying it and hope you enjoy seeing this work too!

"OLD DUBLINERS" New, Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2011-09-04T09:47:00.000-07:00

"Old Dubliners"

Oil on Canvas

18" x 24"

Here's my latest painting, just finished! These three guys were playing in a pub called O'Donahue's in Dublin. There's an Irish band called the Young Dubliners, and obviously these guys aren't them, but I thought it would be fun tongue-in-cheek to call them the Old Dubliners.

"BODHRAN PLAYER" New, Original Drawing by Mike Callahan

2011-08-21T09:58:00.000-07:00

"Bodhran Player"
16" x 12"
Charcoal

Here's a charcoal drawing of a bodhran player we watched and listened to in a pub in Dublin earlier this summer. I love the sound of that drum! I also love to draw especially in charcoal from time to time. It's a great discipline and I believe it really does help you to be a better painter.

"HOME BY THE BAY" New, Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2011-07-31T13:14:00.000-07:00

"Home By The Bay"

18" x 24"

Oil on Canvas

Have you begun to wonder if I had dropped off the face of the earth? I apologize for the long break in communication; I have not in fact dropped the face of the earth, but my wife and I did take a vacation recently to a very beautiful and inspiring part of it! We spent several weeks in Ireland. I had the opportunity to paint a bit, but it wasn't really a painting trip per se. We ended up taking nearly 1200 photos there and many of those are going to end up as paintings. Here's the first one! It's fresh off the easel...as a matter of fact I just finished it a few hours ago!_I'll be launching into this new series right away and I've put up a new category on the website for it... I will however, also continue intermittently with more paintings from Tahoe, the Sierra and the West as I have been.

"DREAMFIELD" New, Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2011-06-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

"Dreamfield"

Oil on Canvas

24" x 30"

COMMISSION

My daughter is getting married soon and I told her she could have a painting...(I do have a few in the studio). Well, she's always had her own mind about what she wants and really didn't want any that I have already painted, so she shared with me her vision of what she wanted and commissioned me to paint this one. It's a little bit of a departure from my usual style, but I'm really pleased with how it came out - I really like the tonal quality.

"TILISCO" - New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2011-05-29T07:28:00.000-07:00

"Tilisco"

18" x 24"

Oil on Canvas

On occasion I like to take compositional risks and on occasion such risks pay off! This painting will and my previous post, "Buckaroo" will both be featured in an upcoming national show in Missoula, Montana at the Dana Gallery's Icons of the West show. It's an invitational show that I'm honored to have been invited to! If you are anywhere near Missoula, you should check out the show...it opens June 16th and runs through September 1st.

"BUCKAROO" New, Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2011-05-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

"Buckaroo"

Oil on Linen

30" x 20"

Here's a painting of a buckaroo I just finished from some reference I gathered late last summer. The buckaroo is a specific type of cowboy from the Great Basin. He comes from the vaquero tradition and typically wears a different sort of hat than other cowboys. There are probably a lot of other differences that I'm unaware of as well.

"ERIN & ROBERT" - New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2011-04-17T08:17:00.000-07:00

"Erin & Robert"

20" x 24" Oil on Linen

Here's my most recent portrait that I did of a delightful couple named, of course, Erin and Robert. They commissioned me to do this portrait as a gift to Erin's parents and I'm told that they were overwhelmed with delight upon receiving it! This makes me happy!

"A LITTLE RUSTY" New, Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2011-03-27T07:49:00.000-07:00

"A Little Rusty"

20" x 24"

Oil on Linen

I just love it when I come across these old relics...I found this one in a field in a remote rural community and one of the things I was most amazed by was that this old workhorse, after being put out to pasture, if you will, has merely sat quietly, no pillaging, no vandalism. The windshield was still intact and it wasn't riddled with bullet holes either!

"MRS. POMKNIEDRE" New, Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2011-02-20T09:51:00.000-08:00

"Mrs. Pomkniedre"

20" x 16"

Oil on Linen

My latest painting. It's a portrait of a woman who we've all heard about but probably have never actually met. I say that with a little tongue in cheek!

She's actually painted from a model we had in the recent drawing group I was part of at the museum. She had such a great costume I had taken a photo of her live pose and it was this that I worked from. I mainly wanted to do this painting to try some classical techniques that I had been studying. These techniques worked out great and I have chronicled them in a brand new Studio Secrets eBook available from Payloadz. Click here for more information if you are interested in the tutorial or just interested in the process.

Anyway, back to my inital comment. I've titled the painting "Mrs. Pomkniedre" after the famous (or possibly imfamous) wife of Peter, the renowned nursery rhyme character. My wife and daughter took one look at her when I was painting her and made the comment that she looked like Peter Pumpkin Eater's wife, so I thought that's what I'd call her only taking a few liberties with the spelling!

"INTO THE WIND" New, Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2011-01-09T08:16:00.000-08:00

"Into The Wind"

30" x 24"

Oil on Linen

I'm pleased to finally be getting around to sharing some of my High Desert Ranch paintings with you. This one was painted from a reference shot taken at the same location as the one I shared last week. It's the same buckaroo, Moe.

This painting was on my easel during the Reno Open Studio tour and is in a video produced by Suli Yi of Voice of America...you can see his video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8UxnQ7dkBU

It's in Chinese so you can't really tell what they are saying, but my segment starts at the 4:58 mark and I'm speaking in English.

P.S.Who wants to go? Watch for a special announcement in the next post for your opportunity to come on a painting adventure to the High Desert Ranch in June!

"LOOKS LIKE RAIN" - New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2011-01-02T12:22:00.000-08:00

"Looks Like Rain"

24" x 30"

Oil on Linen

This painting is painted from some reference shots I took from my High Desert Ranch trip last year. It was very overcast that day, but some dramatic scenery nonetheless. Running into this cowboy named Moe was a huge added bonus!

"SIX OF ONE" - New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2010-12-05T07:54:00.000-08:00

"Six of One"

20" x 30"

Oil on Linen

Here's my latest painting. I shot the reference for it at the Cedarville Rodeo in August, there was this line of cowboys that I found intriguing. They were waiting to compete, but I thought that changing the lighting and putting them in a different location would give this painting a bit more charm!

Some New Drawings

2010-11-21T08:51:00.000-08:00

On November 1, I started a 6 week drawing group...we have costumed models who pose for 3 hours...I'm having a great time! Here are some of my drawings so far...

November 1st's drawing...I only worked on this one for about half of the group time as I had brought some new, recycled drawing paper that ended up being real junk...I would have had a better time with the blank side of a grocery sack...anyway, by the time I had had enough and got a piece of nice drawing paper, the time was half gone!

November 8th's Drawing...this lady is an amazing model...she makes her own costumes and holds a 3 hour pose like no other (we did give her breaks, but when she resumed the pose, she was spot on!)

November 16th's Drawing, on canvas...I fought with this all night long...the canvas was too rough and the charcoal just wanted to fall off constantly! Best way to learn something is by trying it though! Nothing ventured, nothing gained!

"THE RECALCITRANT" - New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2010-10-10T15:32:00.000-07:00

"The Recalcitrant"

20" x 30"

Oil on Linen

Here's one of my most recent cowboy paintings I've been working on. I shot the reference for this painting at the ranch rodeo in Cedarville back in late August and the background is from out in the Winnemucca Ranch area. When my son was just a little tike, I used to read him a story titled, "The Recalcitrant Calf" and ever since I've thought that the word "recalcitrant" is a very appropriate one for calves!

"POWER NAP" New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2010-09-19T08:04:00.000-07:00

"Power Nap"

24" x 18"

Oil on Canvas

I'm sorry for the delay in sending out the newsletter - I've been pretty busy lately. I have a couple more cowboy pieces I'm just about done with (but not quite) and so I thought in the meantime I'd share this fun little painting of I did of my daughter Brianna taking a power nap one afternoon after a long day of class at the Paul Mitchell Academy in Reno. (By the way, she has since graduated and I'm not just saying this as a dad - she's an awesome hair stylist, so if you live in the area and are looking for a hairdresser, email me and I'll put you in touch with her.) Anyway, when I saw her napping one day, I thought this would be a fun one to paint so I quickly snapped a shot before she awoke.

Studio Open September 10th, 11th and 12th

2010-09-06T08:01:00.000-07:00

Next weekend I, along with 38 of the Reno area's best artists will open our studios and invite the public to come and see the creative process at work. I would really love for you to come by for a visit and to see my latest work!

Don't miss this once a year oppportunity:

September 10, 11 and 12

Click on the link below to visit the Reno Open Studio website, get a map, plan your tour and come and visit us.

Also please join us at our Preview Reception:

Thursday, September 9

5:00 to 7:00 pm

Sierra Arts Foundation Main Gallery

17 S. Virginia St.

www.renoopenstudios.com

Find me on Facebook

"A LITTLE BREAK IN THE CLOUDS" New, Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2010-07-18T08:19:00.000-07:00

"A Little Break In The Clouds"

Oil On Linen

30" x 24"

Here's the first studio painting from the recent art adventure trip...Wayne Cockrell and his buckskin horse, Cotton of the Cockrell Ranch in the beautiful Surprise Valley graciously posed for this one...Want to know where the Surprise Valley is? Here are the GPS coordinates for where the reference shots were taken...enter these in Google Earth and it will take you there:

41 25.3238' N, 120 5.9967' W

"SPRING APPROACHES" New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2010-07-11T09:56:00.001-07:00

"Spring Approaches"

24" x 30"

Oil on Canvas

Here's another painting in my Tahoe series...it's of the mouth of the Truckee River right where it leaves Lake Tahoe. I believe I shot the reference for this painting in March and while we got snow after that this year, at the time I shot this reference, the snow was rapidly diminishing...enjoy!

Photos from the field

2010-06-02T14:51:00.000-07:00

I just want to report from the field on our plein air art adventure...

We are near Cedarville, California and while the weather hasn't been perfect, we have been having a great time and are getting a lot of painting done anyway...here are some pics...

Me, working out the details on a 16" x 12"

John Youssi proudly standing next to his brand new Soltek Rolls Royce easel! (and a nice little painting I might add)

Ray Freeman glad to be done with this piece so he can get in the truck to get warm! Nice job Ray!

Ron Spears fast and furious trying to capitalize on the sun which only made a brief appearance... he ended up with a really nice piece by the way!

"ENCHANTRESS" - New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2010-05-24T07:10:00.001-07:00

"Enchantress"

24" x 30"

Oil on Canvas

In sharing my latest painting with you, I thought I'd show you a little about how I conceived of it. First, I'm a fortunate man in that I have two of the most beautiful daughters in the world! Of course they don't get their good looks from me, but from their mother, so that makes me triple lucky...of course, from a father's perspective there have been many a time that I haven't been sure if having beautiful daughter's is a blessing or a curse! Well, enough of my rambling, on to the painting.

My younger daughter Alissa has a friend who is a very talented photographer, her name is Charissa Booher and you can check out her work here. One day, she did a photo shoot with Alissa and got some really great shots! It was suggested that do a painting or two from them, but I usually don't use other people's work for reference. I had to admit it was an intriguing shot so I told Alissa to ask her friend how she'd feel about me using her photo for a painting. Fortunately Charissa thought that would be cool, so I picked one that I felt held particular qualities that would translate well into a painting. While I really liked the shot shown here, I felt I'd like to do a little something special with the background. Last fall, on our way home from a trip to Apple Hill, Alissa could see that there was some great light on the American River from Highway 50 late in the day. She kept bugging me to stop and take some photos, but I was kind of like the horse headed to the barn at the end of the day. Finally, I saw a decent spot to pull over so I stopped, handed Alissa the camera and told her to go for it...but to hurry up, I would keep the car running. She climbed over the guard rail and descended to the river's edge and shot up about half a memory card! When she came back to the car she kept exclaiming that "it's just magical down there!" It looked pretty from my perspective, but when I got home and reviewed her shots, I had to agree, "magical".

So, naturally, I felt this was the perfect pairing just waiting to be painted, a great shot of her backed by the great shot she took!

"SECRET COVE 3"- New Original Oil Painting By Mike Callahan

2010-04-25T09:26:00.000-07:00

"Secret Cove 3"

Oil on Canvas 20" x 38"

Here's another Tahoe piece. I shot this reference about this time of year two or three years ago. I'm still qute taken by the beauty of the lake here, so I just had to paint it again. Enjoy!

"OVERLOOK" New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2010-04-11T09:16:00.000-07:00

"Overlook"

Oil on Canvas 20" x 38"

Hello Friends, Here's a new Tahoe piece I recently completed from an overlook descending to the eastern shore of the lake. Enjoy!

"MUSTANG" - New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2010-01-17T09:53:00.000-08:00

"Mustang"

20" x 16"

Oil on Canvas

This painting was commissioned by a friend of mine as a present for his wife. This is something that I often see out in the Winnemucca Ranch area whose landscape is seen in the background of this painting. You may possibly see more mustang paintings this next year as I really enjoyed painting this one.

"FOREST PATH" - New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2009-12-27T12:42:00.000-08:00

"Forest Path" - Triptych

20" x 10" (each panel)

Oil on Panel

After painting the last triptych of the lilly pond, I felt like doing another. This is from the same area near Blue Lakes. As a matter of fact, the path here leads to it; it's just around the bend! ...Enjoy!

"LILLY POND" - New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2009-11-08T11:05:00.000-08:00

"Lilly Pond" - Tryptich

20" x 10" (each panel)

Oil on Panel

I know it's been a while since I sent out a new piece, but I have been working on a series that I want to show all at once. These shown above aren't part of that series, but instead are from the same lilly pond up by the Blue Lakes that I just love! This is my first attempt at painting a tryptich and I hope to build a custom frame for it soon. I will try to get painting updates out a bit more frequently, but with the holidays approaching, bear with me!

QUICK TURN - New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2009-10-19T05:28:00.001-07:00

"Quick Turn"

18" x 24"

Oil on Canvas Panel

Last spring I went out to Winnemucca Ranch to gather some reference for some paintings and who do I see but my old buddy Dennis McCroskey chasing this little cow around! His activity provided me with this great little shot...I really enjoyed painting this piece; it was a fun one! ...Enjoy!

SECOND YUBA RIVER STUDY - New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2009-10-04T07:48:00.001-07:00

"Second Yuba River Study"

9" x 12"

Oil on Canvas Panel

Here's the second painting I did down by the Yuba river a couple of weeks ago. This was a great little spot where we painted in the late afternoon light. A beautiful fall day! ...Enjoy!

'YUBA RIVER STUDY' - Brand New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2009-09-27T08:46:00.000-07:00

"Yuba River Study"

9" x 12"

Oil on Canvas Panel

I recently had the opportunity to get out and paint on a simply gorgeous day down along th Yuba river with a friend of mine. This is the first of two little paintings I did that day...I'll post the other one next week.

This is how I began, just sketching in my composition...

It can really help your concentration if you hang your mouth open like this (as long as there aren't too many bugs buzzing around!)

...and here we are just about done...

"TAHOE ROCKS" - Brand New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2009-09-21T18:33:00.000-07:00

"Tahoe Rocks"

9" x 12"

Oil on Canvas Panel

I recently did a studio demo showing how I approach painting rocks and water. What a better way to demonstrate that than with Tahoe, its great rocks and clear water?...Enjoy!

"OLD WEST" New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2009-08-31T21:19:00.000-07:00

"Old West"

9" x 12"

Oil on Canvas

I was looking through some of my older reference photos and I decided I wanted to paint a few more of Bodie, probably the best preserved ghost town in the United States...here is a fun little painting of several of those great buildings...Enjoy!

"RIGHT-HANDED LILLIES" New Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2009-08-23T12:44:00.000-07:00

"Right-Handed Lillies"

20" x 20"

Oil on Canvas

Nearly a year ago I had surgery on my right shoulder and couldn't use my right hand to paint with for a time. I painted some water lillies left-handed and titled the painting "Left-Handed Lillies" Recently, I decided to re-visit the reference material I had gathered from a trip to the mountains and thought I'd like to paint some more of these delightful lillies...of course, this time I painted them with my right hand...Enjoy!

"AMARYLLIS' New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2009-06-14T12:01:00.000-07:00

"Amaryllis"
30" x 24"
Oil on Birch

This is a painting I've wanted to paint for some time now...I painted it on a birch panel primed with gesso. I must admit, I'm not sure if I like the surface or not, it's very different to say the least. My daughter Alissa posed for me for this one, I got the vision for it last winter when the amaryllises were in bloom...Enjoy!

"SEPTEMBER CALM" New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2009-05-31T11:08:00.000-07:00

"September Calm"
24" x 30"
Oil on Canvas

This has to be one of the most blissful spots in the Ruby Mountains...it's at the edge of Favre Lake, late afternoon just about when the fish started biting...Enjoy!

"READY TO ROW" New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2009-05-03T15:00:00.000-07:00

"Ready to Row"
12" x 16"
Oil on Canvas

Fish and Game folks often leave their rowboats locked to trees during the summer so that they are ready for them to row when they come to check the fish populations or whatever their jobs entail. Last year while doing some camping and hiking around some of these great little Sierra lakes I happened upon this one that just looked like it wanted to be painted!...Enjoy!

"HIGH COUNTRY REFLECTION" New Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2009-04-26T07:53:00.000-07:00

"High Country Reflection"
12" x 16"
Oil on Canvas

This is probably the last one I'll do from my Ruby Mountain trip for now...I really was intrigued by this little mountain stream bed, so I thought I'd paint it...Enjoy!

"RUBY HILLSIDE" - Brand New Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2009-04-19T13:12:00.000-07:00

"Ruby Hillside"
16" x 12"
Oil on Canvas

I can't believe how many great references I'm still working my way through with these Ruby Mountain paintings...I'm really enjoying painting them and I hope you enjoy seeing them as well!

New Conte Drawing

2009-04-05T16:23:00.001-07:00

Untitled Study
Carbon and Conte on Toned Paper
8.5" x 8"
I recently decided I needed to draw more, so I bought some conte and some toned paper...here's my first drawing in a while...a study for part of a painting I have in mind. I know it's a little different for me, but hey, that's how you grow as an artist!

"SUN LIT" New Oil Painting By Mike Callahan

2009-03-29T20:43:00.000-07:00

"Sun Lit"
Oil on Canvas
30" x 30"

Here's another painting from my Ruby Mountain trip. When we were on the trail, the Sun broke through the clouds and illuminated this peak for just long enough for me to get a great reference shot. I really like this scene because I think it really portrays the immensity of the place. Enjoy!

"DOWN TO LIBERTY LAKE" New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2009-03-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

"Down To Liberty Lake"
Oil on Canvas 30" x 24"
As you might be able to tell, I'm going through my reference shots from my Ruby Mountain backpacking trip of last September. This painting comes from a shot I took of a couple of deer hunters descending the trail to the glacial Liberty Lake. (Being a really deep, cold glacial lake, it really does have that turquoise quality of blue!)...Enjoy!

"UP LIBERTY PASS" new original oil painting by Mike Callahan

2009-03-01T16:48:00.000-08:00

"Up Liberty Pass"
36" x 24"
Oil on Canvas

The Ruby Mountains in Eastern Nevada are often referred to as 'Nevada's Rockies'. Parts are mighty rocky, I can tell you that much! This is another painting from the backpack trip my son and I took last September. We were heading back out of the wilderness area when we met up with this outfitter going in to pick up one of his clients. At close to 11,000 feet, and having already travelled several miles that morning, it kind of made me wish I had a horse!

"JED" - New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2009-02-08T11:36:00.001-08:00

"JED"
Oil on Canvas 30" x 20"
Last September, my son and I took a backpack trip into the Ruby Mountain Wilderness Area. On that trip we ran across this old outfitter and his dog sitting at his camp watching the pack mules while his clients were out hunting Mountain Sheep. I asked him if I could take his photo and he agreed. He wasn't very talkative and really didn't say anything beyond agreeing to have his photo taken. He had on a copper bracelet with the letters JED on it...I don't know if those were his initials or if his name was Jed...Enjoy!

"GRAEGLE CREEK CATARACTS" New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2009-02-01T10:46:00.000-08:00

"Graegle Creek Cataracts"
Oil on Canvas
24" x 30"
Last spring I took a trip up to Long Lake and the snow was really starting to melt...the water coming down Graegle Creek was just blasting over these falls and I've wanted to take the challenge of painting them for some time now! Enjoy!

"ANOTHER DAYBREAK ON THE COLORADO" - New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2009-01-18T10:40:00.000-08:00

"Another Daybreak on the Colorado"
24" x 32" Oil on Canvas
Here's another painting done from the banks of the Colorado River from the trip I took to Moab last year...enjoy!

"LAST BOAT ON THE LAKE" New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2008-12-29T05:39:00.000-08:00

"Last Boat On The Lake"

Oil on Canvas 20" x 24

It was late October when I last went up to Tahoe to shoot some reference for this series I've been doing and when we went to the dock at Zephyr Cove where there are typically lots of boats, there was just this one!

"SECRET COVE #2" New Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2008-12-07T07:45:00.000-08:00

"Secret Cove #2"
Oil on Canvas 24" x 30"
Here's another painting of the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe...it's the second new Tahoe painting that is currently featured in a 'Tahoe' show at the Truckee River Gallery thru December 21st. If you get a chance stop by and see the show; I was at the reception Saturday night and there's a lot of great work in this show!

"SPARKLIING SHORE" - New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2008-11-30T15:18:00.001-08:00

"Sparkling Shore"
Oil on Canvas 24" x 30"
Here's my latest painting of the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe...it's one of two new Tahoe paintings that will be featured in a "Tahoe" show at the Truckee River Gallery from December 3rd thru December 21st. If you live nearby, please mark your calenders for the reception on Saturday, December 6th, from 4-7p.m.

"DAYBREAK ON THE COLORADO"-New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2008-11-23T08:13:00.000-08:00

"Daybreak on the Colorado
Oil on Canvas 24" x 30"
My right arm is working again and here's the first of many paintings I intend on painting with it...this is a scene from the banks of the Colorado river near Moab, Utah from the trip I took last year...Enjoy!

Free Landscape Oil Painting E-Book Now Available for Download

2008-11-10T16:52:00.001-08:00

If you are interested in my tutorials, I now have something just for you! I'm giving away my new e-book called 'My Approach to Painting the Landscape in Oils' It is 37 pages covering everything from materials, color palette, composition, technique and more! I'm excited to be able to finally make this available and when you sign-in for the free and immediate download, as an added bonus you will also be signed-up to receive a NEW twice monthly Painting Tips Newsletter for FREE! You can get your copy by going to http://www.mikecallahanart.com/paintingtips ...Enjoy!

New E-book coming!

2008-11-02T10:35:00.001-08:00

New E-book..."My Approach to Painting the Landscape in Oils" by Mike Callahan coming soon!
For those of you who have been wanting more tutorials, there's lots more on the way! Be watching this blog after next week to find out how you can get your complimentary copy of Mike's 37 page e-book!

"LEFT-HAND LILLIES" new Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2008-11-02T10:27:00.001-08:00

"Left-hand Lillies"
28" x 22"
Oil on Canvas

I couldn't help painting during my recovery from shoulder surgery, but I obeyed the doctor's orders (and my pain!) and didn't use my right hand. On my easel is a painting I call, "Left-hand Lillies" and I painted it entirely with my left hand. By the way, I'm not the least bit ambidextrous!
I've posted it online; you can see a larger version of it here...enjoy!

My Art To Be Used On The Cover of "RATTLE"

2008-09-30T09:25:00.001-07:00

My painting, "Long Day" is going to be used for the cover art of the poetry magazine, "Rattle" for their cowboy poetry issue. It will be in Barnes and Noble and Borders on December 1st. You can pre-order a copy if you would like at http://www.rattle.com/cowboy.htm. I'm quite honored and excited to have my work featured on this great magazine!

"RANCH HOUSE" - New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2008-08-17T11:09:00.000-07:00

"Ranch House"
16" x 36" oil on canvas
"This is an early morning view of the house at the Marshall Ranch out in the Winnemucca Ranch area. I painted it from a different view last year for the Winnemucca Ranch show at Patagonia. At any rate, I was intrigued with this view so typical of these old Nevada ranches where years ago ranchers planted rows of Cottonwood trees around their ranches which is not only practical, but impressive as well. Enjoy!"

"THE MEADOW" - New Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2008-08-03T07:46:00.000-07:00

"The Meadow" 12" x 9" oil on canvas
I participated in a 'quickdraw' event this weekend - a fundraiser for the Scenic Nevada organization. I had an hour and a half to complete this painting on the grounds of the M&L Ranch in Reno. The afternoon and evening were great, the weather was superb, the barbeque, absolutely delicious and my painting auctioned off at a nice price raising a good sum for the organization. My only regret is that I somehow forgot to pack my trusty camera and so the only photo I have of the painting comes from my friend Nancy Peppin's iPhone. Thanks Nancy! There were thirty artists there and the event was a great success, a great time was had by all! Enjoy!

"A PRINCE OF CATALINA" - New, original oil painting by Mike Callahan

2008-07-20T13:54:00.000-07:00

"A Prince of Catalina"
16" x 20" oil on canvas
In contrast to the harbor in Avalon, the interior of Catalina Island is dry and grassy, perfect for a herd of buffalo that have lived there for quite some time. This bull that we saw was big, but surely not the biggest, that's why he's a prince and not yet the king! Enjoy!

p.s. I'm toying with a new, enhanced feature on my site that enables the viewer to zoom around and look at the details of the painting to a much higher degree...you can check out the enhanced, zoomable page with audio commentary by clicking here.

"AVALON AWAKES" - New Painting and Podcast from Mike Callahan

2008-07-12T11:50:00.000-07:00

"Avalon Awakes"
18" x 24" oil on canvas
This is a painting from my recent vacation...one of the stops was beautiful Catalina Island off the southern California coast. This is a view of the harbor at Avalon at about 8:30 in the morning.
p.s. I've created my first ever podcast featuring this painting and a little more description...If you'd like to check it out, click here...it's M4A format, so you'll need Quicktime if you don't already have it...
(free from Apple, click here if you need it).

Portrait of My Parents

2008-06-29T13:44:00.000-07:00

Portrait of my parents - Ed & Alyce Callahan
on their 50th Anniversary
24" x 32"
oil on linen
For a long time now, I have been planning to paint a portrait of my parents. As their 50th anniversary approached, one of my brothers told me that this would be the logical time to do it. I was gone on vacation two weeks ago, so I had to get it done in an inordinately short amount of time, but I pulled it off somehow and so, here it is...stay tuned, next week you should start seeing paintings that come from my vacation trip - hint, think sailboats, ocean, ...

"TRAILER HITCHED" new oil painting by Mike Callahan

2008-06-15T14:53:00.001-07:00

"Trailer Hitched"
20" x 20" oil on canvas
I'm sure I really annoy people when I drive; I'm constantly looking around observing things, looking for things that really lend themselves to a painting. This painting is one of those times, my wife and I went out early one morning in search of some dramatic lighing on the landscape and as I was driving along the road, there were these to beautiful Paints hitched to their trailer readied for a ride. I hit the brakes and pulled out the camera...this painting is the eventual result.

"INDIAN PAINTBRUSH" - new original oil painting by Mike Callahan

2008-06-09T20:10:00.001-07:00

"Indian Paintbrush"
10" x 8" oil on canvas
Sometimes when you are hiking in the desert, something catches your eye and repositions your view from wide angle to close up...that's what Indian Paintbrush flowers will do; they are such bright, energetic and unexpected flowers usually growing where nothing else will...enjoy!

"COWBOY'S RIB" - New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2008-06-02T20:04:00.001-07:00

"Cowboy's Rib"
16" x 12" oil on canvas

"This painting is the second to last from the Tule Peak/Winnemucca Ranch series I've been doing...it's called 'Cowboy's Rib' because that's the name of the ridge that we climbed to get to the top of the peak. This is a view looking up the canyon that runs along the rib near the base of the mountain before things started getting really steep...enjoy!"

"LONELY AT THE TOP" - New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2008-05-26T10:35:00.001-07:00

"Lonely At The Top"
12" x 16" oil on canvas
"During last summer's trek to the top of Tule Peak, I was intrigued by the tenacity of the Juniper trees that grew on the rock outcroppings near the peak. This is one of those lonely, ardent strugglers. Even though it is only at about 8,000' in altitude, it's close to 4,000' above the valley floor a mere three miles away! Aside from snow, I have no idea what water it may ever get, and it has to grow in near constant wind. I guess that explains why there are so few of these up there at the top!"

"TULE SPRING" new original oil painting by Mike Callahan

2008-05-18T08:11:00.001-07:00

"Tule Spring"
12" x 16" oil on canvas
"This is Tule Peak just a few weeks ago with the last dusting of snow falling on it over night - but alas, spring's triumphant advance continues, evidenced by the greening of grasses and underground springs yeilding their abundance. This is another one, like last weeks, where I was thoroughly taken by the early morning light on the mountain broken by retreating clouds in the sky - I've done my best to capture that here...enjoy!"

"Dogskin Peek" Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2008-05-12T21:30:00.001-07:00

"Dogskin Peek"
12" x 24" oil on canvas
"This is Dogskin Mountain with the spring's last dusting of snow on it peeking out behind the foothills a few weeks ago. I just loved how the sun kept highlighting certain features as it broke in and out of the clouds early one morning. I've tried to capture it here for you...enjoy!"

News from Oil Painter's of America National Juried Show

2008-05-04T09:09:00.000-07:00

Mike has received the Classic Framing Inc. Award of Excellence
for his painting "Wild Mustangs" at Oil Painters of America's National Juried Show
in Missoula Montana... Click for details!

"MULE DEER MORNING" - New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2008-04-27T08:25:00.000-07:00

"Mule Deer Morning" 24" x 20" oil on canvas "It's been a while since I've painted any wildlife so I thought I'd paint a nice buck looking for a secluded place to bed down for the day...enjoy!"

"THE STILL, RAGGED EDGE" - new oil painting by Mike Callahan

2008-04-20T13:04:00.001-07:00

"The Still, Ragged Edge"
20" x 24" oil on canvas
"This is a shot of the Southeast side of Long Lake as seen late last fall. I was taken by how the still water contrasted with the ragged edge of the shore with its sharp rocks and broken trees...enjoy!"

"Sierra Splendor", original oil painting by Mike Callahan

2008-04-13T11:39:00.000-07:00

"Sierra Splendor"
40"x60" Oil on Canvas
SOLD!
I just finished this commissioned piece...it's very large and I had a great time painting it...I've posted a tutorial for it as well, you can see the painting progress by clicking here.

"Self-Portrait" - Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2008-03-24T17:50:00.001-07:00

"Self-Portrait"
24"x28" Oil on Linen
I did this painting mainly because I wanted to enter the American Artist Magazine's Self-Portrait Competition, and secondly because I've always thought it would be a challenge to paint a self-portrait and well, I'm always up for a challenge!

"Valley Floor" - Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2008-02-24T11:36:00.000-08:00

"Valley Floor"
24" x 30" oil on canvas
"This painting is done from a shot I took on my recent visit to Arches National Park near Moab. We were in a hurry to get back up to Delicate Arch while we still had sun (it was being obscured by clouds intermittently all day) but when we found this spot near the trailhead, I just had to pause to photograph it knowing it would make a great subject for a painting. Enjoy!"

"Aspen Path" Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2008-02-17T17:10:00.001-08:00

"Aspen Path"
Oil On Canvas - 24" x 30"
"We got a very early snow this fall and as a result, there were lots of Aspens turning color with snow on the ground too which is sort of unusual for us. I shot the reference for this painting on a glorious afternoon in October on the trail that goes around Spooner Lake. Enjoy!"

Last Week's Studio Demo

2008-02-10T13:43:00.000-08:00

Untitled - Studio Demo 02-03-08
16" x 12" oil on canvas
"I painted this piece from the many reference shots I have of Tahoe. Actually, the participants of the demo chose it; I gave them a choice between two. There was a great deal of interest in how to paint water and the clear waters of Lake Tahoe gave me ample opportunity to demonstrate."

Get a Free Download Open Edition Print

2008-02-04T20:15:00.000-08:00

"Wild Mustangs"
High Res Download (2.3Mb) Requires Adobe Acrobat
Click Here

"Long Day" - Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2008-01-27T10:57:00.001-08:00

"Long Day"
36" x 16" oil on canvas

My good friend Dennis McCroskey is the model for this painting...he's the real deal and this is from a photo he provided...at least the cowboy is, I shot the clouds that I used in the background. The unstable weather that we get on the Eastern side of the Sierras yield some pretty impressive clouds from time to time.

"Tim Finnigan" original oil painting by Mike Callahan

2008-01-20T14:05:00.000-08:00

"Tim Finnigan"
8" x 10" oil on canvas

This is a fun little portrait I painted of my daughter-in-law's little brother Tim.

"Snowpile" Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2008-01-20T13:58:00.000-08:00

"Snowpile"
10" x 8" oil on canvas

This is piece was done as a challenge that I gave to the critique group I'm in. The challenge was to paint something "ugly", but paint it well...this is my effort toward that end!

"Sierra Buttes Ridge" - original oil painting by Mike Callahan

2008-01-13T18:45:00.000-08:00

"Sierra Buttes Ridge"
8" x 12" oil on canvas
Study

This is the second study I did for a proposal for a larger painting...the clients chose this view and I'll be painting it much larger (40" x 60") in the following months...stay tuned for my progress in here and on my site.

"The Shore of Long Lake" - original oil painting by Mike Callahan

2008-01-13T18:40:00.000-08:00

"The Shore of Long Lake"
8" x 12" oil on canvas
Study

This piece I did as a study for a proposal for a commission. It's a similar view to the view I painted in the piece title "Long Lake Ice"...the clients did not choose it; they chose the one posted above this one.

"The Mayor's Cup" - Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2008-01-13T18:36:00.001-08:00

"The Mayor's Cup"
24" x 36" oil on canvas
Commission

This pieces was commissioned by the City of Sparks through their artist of the month program.

Slide Mountain - Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2008-01-06T12:24:00.001-08:00

"Slide Mountain"

Oil on Canvas 16" x 28"

This is a piece I was commissioned to do for a Christmas gift. I'm just sharing it now because I didn't want to ruin the surprise. I'm told the recipient loves it! It's a scene of Slide Mountain as seen from Washoe Valley in Nevada. The area on the mountain that looks light gray is actually the part of the mountain that has slid off in years prior, the most recent and most devastating being in 1983.

"Early Snow" - original oil painting by Mike Callahan

2007-12-24T09:53:00.000-08:00

"Early Snow"

Oil on Canvas 7" x 5"

Merry Christmas! Wishing You and Your's All the Blessings of Christmas this Holiday Season and a Peaceful and Prosperous New Year!

"Ornaments" - Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2007-12-17T19:15:00.000-08:00

"Ornaments"

Oil on Canvas 5" x 7"

As the Christmas season rapidly approaches, I find myself busy as ever. I've finished the commission I've been working on and will post it after Christmas. In the meantime, here's a little piece I did for the Tubac Center of the Arts Little Treasures show. I'll try to post once more before Christmas, but if I don't make it, Merry Christmas!

"Tule Peak" original oil painting by Mike Callahan

2007-12-04T18:47:00.000-08:00

"Tule Peak"

Oil on Canvas 11" x 14"

This is the only remaining piece that's still available from the Winnemucca Ranch / Citizens for Sensible Growth Benefit show! The show was a near sell out for me! You have one last chance to see this piece as the show is coming down on Dec. 6th. Erik Holland will be at the Patagonia Service Center from 3-6:30 pm tomorrow, December 5th, so if you want to see it or the other great art in the show, hurry over there! The directions are below!
You can see a larger version of this painting by clicking here.

Patagonia, 8550 White Fir, November 29th, 5 to 8:30 pm.

Directions: Take 4th street west of Reno to Woodland ( just beyond Mayberry intersection). Turn left on Woodland and cross the RR tracks. The first right is White Fir. Take White Fir around to just before the Truckee River Bridge, and turn left into the parking lot.

"Winnemucca Ranch Road" - New Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2007-11-26T19:09:00.000-08:00

"Winnemucca Ranch Road"

Oil on Canvas 12" x 16"

I've been busy working on a commission recently, so I probably won't be posting too regularly till after I'm done and on to something else (the commission is a present and I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise!)
The painting shown above however, will be featured in a show and you are all invited to the opening reception this Thursday, the 29th from 5-8:30 PM! I'm sorry for the short notice, the show kind of crept up on me...the announcement with directions follows below -
You can see a larger version of this painting by clicking here.

Press release:

Winnemucca Ranch Art Show
AT PATAGONIA, NOVEMBER 29TH 5 TO 8:30 PM

On a sunny day in October, 16 artists gathered to paint the beauty of yet another area slated for sprawling development. The Winnemucca Ranch and the adjacent Marshall Ranch, thirty miles north of Reno, are soon to be covered with 14,000 homes. This is just the tip of the iceberg of sprawling development schemes that include the Ballardini Ranch, central Storey County, the east Truckee River canyon, the hills above south Reno, and incursions into Washoe Valley. Someday we’ll have to add an extra “D” to those trucks that drive around the area emblazoned with the slogan,” We love(d) this place”.

The “paint in” includes Jean LeGassick, Pat Wallis, Craig Mitchell, Patti Christensen Woodard, Chad Sorg, Tyler Sorg, Ann O’Lear, Ray Freeman, Crystal Harling, Karen Kreyeski, Erik Holland, Carol Foldvary Anderson, Renate Neumann, Brian Amme and Shawna Baker, and Mike Callahan.

Paintings produced ranged from intimate scenes of cottonwoods in full October glory to sweeping views of the valley looking down towards Sparks. Fifty percent of sales will benefit Citizens for Sensible Growth to support efforts in concert with other groups to promote a more sustainable growth pattern. We look forward to making this a yearly event, with a focus on a different threatened area every year.

An opening is scheduled at Patagonia, 8550 White Fir, November 29th, 5 to 8:30 pm.

Take 4th street west of Reno to Woodland ( just beyond Mayberry intersection). Turn left on Woodland and cross the RR tracks. The first right is White Fir. Take White Fir around to just before the Truckee River Bridge, and turn left into the parking lot.

"Glance" - New Oil Painting By Mike Callahan

2007-11-14T19:09:00.000-08:00

"Glance"
Oil on Canvas 8" x 10"
This has turned out to be a breakthrough piece for me. I've discovered what for me is a way to get great luminosity in skin...I've posted the details in a step-by-step of the painting as well as a larger picture that you can see by clicking here.

"Sunflowers" - new oil painting still life by Mike Callahan

2007-11-11T15:44:00.000-08:00

"Sunflowers"
Oil on Canvas 10" x 8"
I set up and painted this little still life of some sunflowers in my grandmothers pewter coffee pot...I've posted a short, one page step by step of the painting as well as a larger picture of it, you can see it by clicking here.

"Trickle" - New Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2007-11-05T18:28:00.000-08:00

"Trickle"
Oil on Canvas 10" x 8"
I went on a hike earlier this year in the desert and we came across this little stream early in the morning...a little trickle really, but it was the only water we crossed the whole trip...If you would like to see a larger posting of it, along with a step-by-step of the painting of it, click here.

Along The Colorado - new plein air oil painting by Mike Callahan

2007-11-04T17:07:00.000-08:00

"Along The Colorado"
Oil on Canvas 12" x 16"
Here's another one from my recent painting trip to Moab. Painting this was absolutely blissful, standing there in perfect 75 degree weather in the shade with the Colorado River gently flowing by!...If you would like to see a larger posting of it, click here.

"Canyon View" new plein air landscape by Mike Callahan

2007-10-28T15:57:00.001-07:00

"Canyon View"
Oil on Canvas 12" x 16"
I just recently went on a trip to Moab and was able to paint this plein air piece up in the Arches National Park ...You can see a larger posting of it by clicking here.

"Tenacity", brand new oil painting by Mike Callahan

2007-10-09T17:38:00.000-07:00

"Tenacity"
Oil on Canvas 14" x 11"
I was out on my lunch break taking a walk a couple of weeks ago and I was struck by the light raking down over these rocks and a tenacious little bit of rabbit brush growing up out of the smallest crack blooming like it was a big bush, so I just thought it would make a great painting. What do you think? ...You can see a larger posting and a step-by-step demo of how I painted it by clicking here.

Plein Air Paintout - Seasons of Martis

2007-10-09T09:20:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I had the privilege of painting in the Season's of Martis Plein Air paintout...For the most part, the weather was gorgeous, but Friday was brutal...here's a shot of me painting "en colde air"! You can read more details and see more photos by clicking here.

"Distant Thunderheads" Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2007-09-26T08:34:00.001-07:00

"Distant Thunderheads"
Oil on Canvas 16" x 12"
Here's another one fresh off the easel. I've been taking a little break getting ready for my show, but now I'm ready to get back at it. I painted this one alla prima in the studio...you can see a larger posting of it by clicking here.

Solo Show - Special Announcement

2007-09-17T11:17:00.001-07:00

Greetings friends, below is an announcement for my upcoming show at
the Truckeee River Gallery...there's a reception this Saturday, Sept.
22 from 4p.m. - 8p.m....please stop by and say "hi" if you are able!
Thanks, Mike

Mike Callahan - Solo Show
September 19th through October 14th
Reception - September 22nd

Our next show is going to be a solo show by renowned Reno artist, Mike Callahan. Mike paints traditionally in oils using a limited palette of three colors plus white resulting in paintings of rich harmonious color and realism. His subject matter includes the American west and a predominant amount of the high Sierras. Mike's skilled technique and vision yields stunning paintings, if you have a love and appreciation for this area you will be drawn to these spectacular images.

We will be having a reception for Mike on September 22nd, this is a great opportunity to meet Mike Callahan and talk to him about his work and technique. It is fascinating to hear how he creates these amazing pieces. His technique of limited palette and thick over thin produce amazing results and Mike will be here to explain his approach. Please come and have some food and wine and enjoy this evening with the artist.

11 N. Sierra St. #100, Reno NV 89501
(775) 324-1105
www.TruckeeRiverGallery.com

Abandoned - original oil painting by Mike Callahan

2007-09-17T11:05:00.001-07:00

"Abandoned"
Oil on Canvas 20" x 20"
This is a painting I just finished. It's of an old building out by Winnemucca Ranch Road which will probably be torn down very soon to make way for some major housing development...who's going to live there, I'm not sure...you can see a larger posting of it and follow along with the painting of it by clicking here.

Mirror Lake - Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2007-08-29T20:06:00.000-07:00

"Mirror Lake"
Oil on Canvas 20" x 16"
Here's a new one I just finished of Mirror Lake in Yosemite National Park...you can see a larger posting of it and follow along with the painting of it by clicking here.

"Not So Fast" Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2007-08-22T14:26:00.000-07:00

"Not So Fast"
Oil on Canvas 24" x 30"
I've finally finished...you can see a large posting of it here.

"Not So Fast" Oil Painting in Progress

2007-08-09T10:04:00.001-07:00

"Not So Fast"
Oil on Canvas 24" x 30"

I've started a new piece and I'll post some updates here. This is of a cowboy and some calves. He's roping the one in the center and of course, that's the one who's decided to try and make a break for it!... For more details and progress here.

"Half Dome" Original Oil Painting by Mike Callahan

2007-07-27T09:10:00.000-07:00

"Half Dome"
Oil on Canvas 20" x 24"

Here is the finished piece... For more details and progress here.