FLASHBACK to Michigan Magazine Show 1819

I was interviewed in 2013 by Michigan Magazine's Barry Stutesman in my now-defunct art studio. At the 11:43 mark...

Save the Studio/Customer Appreciation Day at the Studio

This Saturday, September 28th, at Nuttall Art Studio, is a Customer Appreciation Day. The 2 goals for this are: to show my customers my thanks and to raise money to keep the studio open so the local schools can continue to be offered free tours and lessons (while touring), so lessons are still available for all ages, and much more. Bring money. Tell your friends and family. IF YOU BELIEVE in this studio and/or my artwork, stop in. It goes from 12:30-5:30, with snacks and drinks. If you attend, you WILL NOT walk away empty-handed!! Please make sure you sign the sign-in sheet, or put your name on a slip of paper and put in the "attendance" box with your e-mail or mailing address. Also, I will have a donation box at the event to raise funds for a portrait for Nate Payne's family. A West Branch family has lost a member of their family, and the father is in critical condition in the hospital after the two were involved in a car accident. It has shaken the community quite a bit, as he was a popular kid. I want to help, but since I'm struggling to keep the studio (and my sanity), I can only give what I can offer, which is my ability to draw and paint. I will accept ANY amount donated and do a drawing or painting for the family of Nate Payne and his family. If I wasn't throwing this event to save the studio, I would do the artwork for free, and to frame it costs money. I wouldn't want to give them artwork that they have to frame. The family WILL get the drawing at no cost to them. Please spread the word.

It's been a long time...

It's been awhile since I've posted anything here. Um, sorry? The CosPlay event in West Branch last month went very well. Nuttall Art Studio's 3 year anniversary could've gone better. Popeye Day at the West Branch District Library takes place July 20th starting at noon, with free Popeye sketches by me, Popeye cartoons and maybe the Popeye movie playing, as well as Popeye books for attendees to go through. I'll be doing FREE caricatures at Team Hodges in West Branch June 20th from 5:30-8pm. ALSO, I am available for caricatures at events, like open houses, graduation parties, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Contact me if interested. Here's what I've been up to the last couple months-

Why I do what I do.

As you may realize, being a freelance artist in a small town is not exactly fruitful financially. It's an ongoing struggle and often disheartening. Bills at home pile up, studio rent is overdue and dammit, we're down to one roll of toilet paper at the house!! It's because of this that I continually post here and on Facebook and on Twitter that I have deals going or selling certain drawings/paintings dirt cheap (although my work is already pretty reasonable). Having this studio and doing what I love is very fulfilling and uplifting, but every day when I approach the studio, I half-expect to see an eviction notice on the door.
I decided to open the studio because I couldn't get hired anywhere. Hell, I couldn't even get an interview!! I don't have a bad job history (9 years at the same job, 4 at my 2nd job and then later 4 years at another job while working 3 years at another 2nd job). So, I figured, instead of waiting for the phone to ring, I'd give West Branch something they didn't have before: a working artist's studio. It's been a year, and I've been as successful as one can be in an economically-challenged community. But with no money equals no advertising other than free advertising and word of mouth.
Which brings me back to the beginning of this post. I AM selling certain pieces for half price or more and I DO have a new special going right now: Father's Day Special for only $80 for a 16x20 drawing or painting. PLEASE tell your friends and neighbors!

About to throw a party, and everyone's invited (except THAT guy!)

Alright, cats 'n' kittens!
April 3rd marks the ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY of NUTTALL ART STUDIO!!! TO celebrate, I'm hosting a "party" on Saturday, April 16th, 2011 from 4pm-8pm at the studio. There'll be free food, drinks (no alcohol), $2 raffle of specially made artwork and other stuff!
Now, this event DOES take place the same night as Downtown West Branch's Art & Wine Walk (from 5-9), where local artists display their work in downtown businesses (the businesses actually stay open PAST 5 that day!), and those businesses have free wine tasting and food. So, there's plenty to do in the area in those 5 hours! Parking for the studio is down N. 3rd St. across from Morse Clark Furniture. Hope to see you there!

SUCH a VAGUE post!

Yesterday (0r day before) I posted a question on Facebook.I'm donating artwork for Habitat For Humanity in West Branch and I asked who I should portray. I put up my suggestions, and I got quite a few replies. But I chose who I think would sell best. I'll post a photo of who it is soon.

Kirtland Art Gallery has FOOD (and artists) tonight!!

Alright, cats 'n' kittens, today's the day! From 6pm to 8pm Kirtland Community College will be host to the WEST BRANCH ARTIST POOL ART SHOW Reception! We will have over 7 Ogemaw County-based artists, not even including two published authors AND a dance performance!
Oh, and there's free food and refreshments.

How do you know?

Ok, here's a question and I'd like your opinion. I'll get to the question in a moment.
What makes artwork gallery worthy? Is it quality or subject matter, or both or neither? I have a big problem with celebrities who feel the need to express themselves beyond their comfort zones by presenting themselves as artists (painters, ceramicists, etc). Now, some are quite good and some even went to school for art but chose another career path. Others, however, seem as though they have this "I'm (celebrity name) and I draw perty pictures. LOOK AT THEM and tell me I'm good" kind of feel to them (to me, at least). They are not very good, though but still get attention and even gallery exhibits because of who they are. Bob Dylan recently unveiled an exhibit of his artwork (where I don't remember) and got international attention for it. I saw only 2 of his pieces, and they were good. I like them. But are they gallery worthy? How is his art different from artwork hanging at Enchante Gallery in West Branch, other than the name attached? The work doesn't stand out to me like you'd expect of an internationally published exhibit. BUT, I could be wrong, and I'm sure I am, but why aren't the artists displayed in Enchante Gallery getting such attention?
What work is gallery-worthy?
What piece is better? This one

Or this one?

What about this one

Compared to this one?


Are any of these gallery art? Why or why not? PLEASE give me your opinion!!

What Dreams May Come (and go)

I had a dream last night of my dad telling me I can't make it anywhere here&should go to a bigger city to be an artist.I told him I'd be a little fish in a big OCEAN if I went to a big city to be an artist. Right now I'm a medium fish in little pond. Am I trying to convince myself to go to a big city, or convince myself why I don't move? I don't like big cities. I like this community and this is where I've built my family. It is limited in opportunities, but I'm hoping to be part of West Branch growing. I love the idea of local success stories, such as Daniel Way, who came from West Branch and is now a writer for Marvel Comics. There's also Dita Von Teese, who's from West Branch. The difference is that they built their careers after leaving West Branch. I want to be successful IN West Branch.

Support for a local?

I've been directed to a gallery in New York in hopes of getting interest in my work and maybe exhibiting in said gallery. I contacted the gallery owner and he said that my work is "cool, unique and good shape". Having said that, he gave me the info on his next exhibit in December, which to me means he likes my work enough to have me show in his gallery. However, he requires a fee of $400 to cover advertising, reception and other expenses. Now, here's the glitch: I have no money. Zero. Zilch. So that opportunity slips through my fingers.
It's been suggested that maybe I can ask the West Branch community to show their support for one of their own in his pursuit of making it as a successful artist. I'm not looking to move to New York or California, mind you. I would want to stay in West Branch because it is my home and I've always loved this small community. I want to be a success story from West Branch, as West Branch natives Dita Von Teese and Marvel Comics writer Daniel Way have become. The difference being, I don't want to leave!
That same suggestion recommended having a fundraiser to get me exhibited in New York, or even Chicago or California. But the thought comes to mind "What if I throw a fundraiser and nobody comes?"

New updates

Here's an update:
Alot of brainstorming for the documentary. Hit a few walls in getting gallery attention, but that's nothing new. I don't have any new projects so there's no money coming in. Right now I've got a recurring ailment that's kicking my butt. I started on a Jack Nicholson drawing. It's a more detailed rendering, like the old days. I've gotten into a bit of a lull of drawing or painting quickly to get things done for events or keep prices down for clients. I've come to miss the articulate photo rendering that I've prided myself on.
Once I get some money around, I will be entering the Art de Combat 3 at the Enchante Gallery in West Branch, Michigan on Saturday, October 17th from 4-7pm. $20 at the door to get in, but you get to vote, drink and eat all you want.
I'm planning on doing a series of Popeye drawings and paintings, as well as Nicholson.
The West Branch Artist Pool exhibit will be up until October 15th at Kirtland Community College in Roscommon. The reception went well. Alot of positive feedback.
I think that's all for now. Chest pains are kicking in.

Artin' around...

The photo is of me at the Art de Combat II, and behind me is my Uncle Bern Nuttall, whom I haven't seen in 25 years before Memorial Day last week. He came up just for the combat. Thanks again, Uncle Bern.
Here's a link to video of the Art de Combat II

Josh Jurgess filmed footage of the Art de Combat II at Enchante Gallery in West Branch, Michigan on May 30th. Thanks, Josh.

This was my first art battle, but I've grown very accustomed to drawing or painting in public, answering questions and talking to viewers. I actually enjoy it quite a bit. I didn't really feel any pressure after the first half hour. Like any project, I never know how it's going to go until I start. Starting is the worst part for me, because I need to figure out where to start. In this case, I didn't know what medium to do. I saw alot of painters competing, so I left the paints in the car. It wasn't until the starter shotgun (yes, you read right) that I opened up the charcoals and started. I went with a Sean Connery portrait, since he's a very recognizable, and fantastic, actor. If I'd felt confident I could finish the piece in the 3 hours, I would have done an oil pastel of a kilted Connery, ya know, for the ladies...

I want to thank those of you who came to the event, even if you didn't vote for me! The next combat at Enchante will be in October.

Wine Walk a Blues Blasting

The Art & Wine Walk went very nicely. It was great weather and alot of booze lovin' West Branchers out and about. As always. But this time there was FREE wine and artwork to look at.

Oh right. There was artwork on display. I actually had people come into the Ink & Thread, get their shot o' rotted grape juice, give me a look like I was a diseased hippie and walk out. Par for the course. Happens all the time. And for the record, I am NOT diseased. I am not a traditional "hippie". I have long hair and listen to classic rock and blues. I don't hug trees. I don't spout off "Peace my brother", and I do not partake in ANY Hippie-esque substances. Hell, I barely drink.
Other than those individuals, the evening was great. I saw old faces, new faces and had alot of positive feedback about my artwork.
Next Thursday, April 23, I will be at the "Blastin' the Blues" at Dean Arbour in West Branch, for the Tolfree Foundation. I will have artwork on display, as will 19 other artists. Entry is $20 and that covers food from multiple local restaurants, drinks and a chance to bid at the auction. I have put a BB King block print up, an unknown piece (but it might be a Stevie Ray Vaughan painting) and 3 hours of art lessons. For more info, check out the Tolfree Foundation site: http://www.tolfreefoundation.org/blasttheblues/

Spread the word!!

Bay City Thursday Gallery Walk

I haven't posted in awhile.
But now I am. So quit bitching.
Just to get you up to date:
I will NOT be a guest at the Xcape Con due to lack of funds to get a table. I won't get into it, other than to say that I am VERY disappointed and saddened by the fact that I won't be participating.
The gallery walk was alright. The weather factored in and slowed the flow of traffic around the Bay City Gallery Walk area. I was displaying and demonstrating at the Intermission Deli, and loved it! They were playing good freakin' blues and the owners were fantastic. I sold a few things and got alot of positive feedback.
This Saturday, October 4 I will be in downtown West Branch, Michigan for the Street Fair doing caricatures and what-not, as well as displaying work and selling posters, original art, and shirts. THAT'S RIGHT!!!! Nuttall Art T-shirts with Jason Nuttall artwork. If YOU have a favorite drawing or painting of mine in mind, write me ASAP at jasonnuttall@yahoo.com so I can get it made by Ink & Thread of West Branch.
That's about it for now. I did a drawing of the Late, great Paul Newman at the gallery walk. It's not done yet and I need to take a pic of it, but I kinda like it so far.

Remember those pictures I mentioned...?

I've been having alot of trouble today with my internet connection. I can't seem to stay online. AND I use dial-up, so everything moves slowly. I'm trying to post the artwork previously mentioned, but have been unable. I did get a pic of my new John Lennon drawing up on Myspace. http://www.myspace.com/nuttallart

I did, however, get the oil pastel of West Branch posted. It's a very rough drawing, done on location from the parking lot of Wal-Mart. I'm hoping to work on it more, or make it into an oil painting. Let me know what you think. jasonnuttall@yahoo.com

I also got the painting I started 5 years ago of Melissa holding Rebecca. Still has some work that needs be done.

Oh, yeah. And there's the graphite drawing I started 8 years ago of Melissa in Irons Park. There's a glare from the camera, so the detail's not very clear. Sorry. This one also has alot of work that needs to be done.

More new artwork

Well, here I will be displaying a group of paintings and drawings. This one is Jack Nicholson, on sale on Ebay. Nicholson is my favorite actor and has been for a very long time. one is a West Branch scene, one is of my wife with our first baby, Rebecca between 6-12 months, and one is a drawing of my wife the first year we met. All these pieces are still works in progress. The Smiley Face is an oil pastel drawing I did on location. I might turn that into a painting.

Hello again for the first time!

Hola!

Welcome to the first edition of Nuttall Art blogging. I was persuaded by a friend (her name rhymes with Shmamy) to begin a blog until I can get my own website set up. I'm a Michigan artist and father of three, husband of one and darling to dozens.

I will periodically update the silly suckers who view this blog with what I have up my sleeves and on the easel, maybe even in my beard. FOR EXAMPLE:

Friday, June 27th is the last day of my art exhibit at the Enchante Gallery in West Branch, Michigan on Refinery Rd. I will be demonstrating artwork and selling artwork, art posters, art postcards and comics related to art during the downtown West Branch Art on the Street, part of a series of "Fabulous Fridays" in downtown West Branch through August. It goes from 5-8 and I will be in front of the Winding Road Studio. Bring $20 and you can get quite a bit for your money.

If you would like to view my artwork ahead of time, go to www.myspace.com/nuttallart and check out my pics. I hope to figure out how to add artwork to this sweet lil ol blog as well.