RB Sprague studio work

SEATTLE SHOW 10/04/07

2007-08-21T22:35:00.001-07:00

Below are three additional images for the one man show at

Patricia Rovzar Gallery, 1225 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA

opening October 4, 2007

"BLUE DISH, POMEGRANATES"

24" x 22"

OIL/LINEN

SEATTLE SHOW 10/04/07

2007-08-21T22:31:00.001-07:00

"CURTAIN, PEAR, BAG"

22" x 20"

OIL/LINEN

SEATTLE SHOW 10/04/07

2007-08-21T22:26:00.000-07:00

WHITE TABLE, CHAIR, WINDOW

20" x 18"

OIL/LINEN

SEATTLE SHOW 10/4/2007 PATRICIA ROVZAR GALLERY

2007-08-10T12:04:00.000-07:00

The following images are from the one man show scheduled with the Patricia Rovzar Gallery, 1225 Second Ave. Seattle, WA

opening October 4, 2007

They have been posted separately to keep the titles with the paintings which seems to be a problem(for me at least) when posting as a group.

"BAG, POMEGRANATE"

22" x 20"

OIL/LINEN

SEATTLE SHOW 10/4/2007

2007-08-10T11:58:00.000-07:00

"TWO WINDOWS"

20" x 18"

OIL/LINEN

SEATTLE SHOW 10/4/2007

2007-08-10T11:52:00.001-07:00

"WHITE CHAIR, TABLE"

20" x 18"

OIL/LINEN

SEATTLE SHOW 10/4/2007"

2007-08-10T11:48:00.001-07:00

"CHECKED CLOTH, BAG, PEAR"

20" X 18

OIL/LINEN

SEATTLE SHOW 10/4/2007

2007-08-10T11:43:00.001-07:00

"WHITE CHAIR, PEAR"

20" X 18"

OIL/LINEN

SEATTLE SHOW 10/4/2007

2007-08-10T11:37:00.000-07:00

"PEARS, LEMON"

20" x 18"

OIL/LINEN

SEATTLE SHOW 10/4/2007

2007-08-10T11:25:00.001-07:00

"PITCHER, COLUMN"

22" x 20"

OIL/LINEN

SEATTLE SHOW 10/4/2007

2007-08-10T11:21:00.001-07:00

"BAG, AWNING"

22" x 20"

OIL/LINEN

SEATTLE SHOW 10/4/2007

2007-08-10T11:15:00.001-07:00

"RED TABLE, 4 PEARS"

24" x 22"

OIL/LINEN

SEATTLE SHOW 10/4/2007

2007-08-10T11:11:00.000-07:00

"6 PEARS"

24" x 22"

OIL/LINEN

SEATTLE SHOW 10/4/2007

2007-08-10T11:05:00.001-07:00

"PEARS, GREEN DISH"

24" x 22"

OIL/LINEN

SEATTLE SHOW OCT 4, 2007

2007-08-10T10:56:00.001-07:00

"MELON SLICE, CHECKED CLOTH"

24" X 22"

OIL/LINEN

Six recent Paintings

2007-05-01T20:43:00.000-07:00

Here are six small pieces finished in March 2007

"BAG, CHECKED CLOTH"
14" x 12" Oil/Linen

"BAG, STRIPED CLOTH"

14" x 12" Oil/ Linen

"CHAIR, PEARS"

14" x 12" Oil/ Linen

"COLUMN, PEARS"

14" x 12" Oil/Linen

"MELON, ROUND TABLE"

14" x 12" Oil/Linen

"WATERMELON SLICE"

14" x 12" Oil/Linen

Long time no post

2007-05-01T19:53:00.000-07:00

Here are four small pieces finished early February 2007

"WOOD FENCE" 12" x 9" Oil/Canvas

"YELLOW TABLE"

12" x 9" Oil/Canvas

"BAG, WINDOW"

12" x 9" Oil/Canvas

"BOWL OF PEARS"

12" x 9" Oil/Canvas

October show piece #3a

2006-09-15T11:50:00.000-07:00

Beginning of church piece #3 for the October 10th Anniversary show for Joyce Robins Gallery.

Church #2a

2006-09-10T17:09:00.000-07:00

Beginning of Church piece #2 for the 10th anniversary show Oct. 6. Forgot to photograph the drawing but think the bare bones are pretty obvious. This image is from a recent photo of a church I have painted many times in years past. Church # 3 has also been started and the drawing not photographed either. Will post the beginning of #3 as soon as I can get it photographed. All three of the church pieces are projected images from old and recent photos.

"Two Melons" 24" x 22" oil/linen

2006-09-10T16:58:00.000-07:00

Here is the last piece for the September 22 show. "Two Melons" 24" x 22" oil/linen This piece posed some problems but by bringing the tonalities of the Awning, building and window frame closer together and deleting the cloth the final image is stronger and more total in it's impact. Of the twelve pieces in the show four have already been sold. Nice to have some red dots for the opening.

Patricia Rovzar show pieces

2006-09-03T11:18:00.000-07:00

Here are the three finished pieces for the opening of Patricia Rovzar's beautiful new space in downtown Seattle. Official opening is, I believe, September 16. The first piece is "2 Windows, Melon", next is "Two Pomegranates" and third is "Pear & Bag". Each is 22" x 20" Oil/Linen

Rovzar show piece #1c

2006-08-18T21:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday and today's work on Rovzar show piece #1 Was going to wait til it was finished to post but it still has a lot of work so figured I would go ahead and put it up.

"Pear & Bag" 22" x 20"

2006-08-18T13:57:00.000-07:00

Here is "Pear % Bag, 22" x 20" Oil/Linen or Rovzar Show piece #3. This was finished Wednesday and varnished today. The other two pieces for this show will be photographed and posted when they are finished, which hopefully will be soon. They are all three booked into the framers for Aug 28.

Rovzar show pieces

2006-08-10T22:39:00.000-07:00

These are the two pieces I worked on yesterday and today. They are two of the three pieces for the official opening of the new downtown Seattle space for Patricia Rovzar Gallery opening September 16. All three are 22" x 20" Oil/Linen

"Curtain, Pomegranate" 24" x 22"

2006-08-10T22:32:00.000-07:00

#11, finished and now "Curtain, Pomegranate" 24" x 22" Oil/Linen. Next to last of the September Show pieces. Spent today working on Rovzar show pieces.

3 Pears 20" x 18" Oil/Linen

2006-08-09T21:24:00.000-07:00

This is #12, now, "3 Pears" 20" x 18" Oil/Linen Still have another to post that is finished but need to process the image first. Tomorrow.

Pomegranates, Tray 20" x 18" Oil/Linen

2006-08-09T21:09:00.000-07:00

This is #9, now "Pomegranates, Tray" 20" x 18" Oil/Linen The green shade, while not a true blackout shade is from a memory of the blackout shades we had at a beach house in New Jersey during the WWII.

Four Pomegranates 22 x 20 Oil/Linen

2006-08-09T20:50:00.000-07:00

Long time since the last post. Have been working in between other demands (including some play). Also have had some problems getting things posted on Blogger so will post each finished piece separately. This is "4 Pomegranates" (#8) 22" x 20" Oil/Linen

"Pomegranates, Pears"

2006-07-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

"Pomegranates, Pears" 22" x 20" Oil/Linen Finished version. Have been working on others for the September show and they will be posted when finished.

September Show piece #9d

2006-07-20T16:08:00.000-07:00

This afternoons work on piece #9 for the September show here.

September Show piece 11c

2006-07-19T16:35:00.000-07:00

This mornings work on September show piece #11. This afternoon worked on September show piece #4. Think it is finished but need to sit with it for a couple days before posting it.

New Mexico Church #1 October show piece #1

2006-07-18T11:22:00.000-07:00

"New Mexico Church #1" 22" x 20" Oil/Linen This is the first of three pieces for the Tenth Anniversary show of Joyce Robins Gallery here in Santa Fe in October.

Rovzar show piece #3b

2006-07-16T17:14:00.000-07:00

This afternoons work on Rovzar Seattle September show piece #3, 22" x 20" Oil/Linen

Rovzar show work Friday/Saturday/Sunday

2006-07-16T12:26:00.000-07:00

This weekends work on Rovzar Seattle September show #1 #2 and #3 (drawing). Hope to get #3 laid in this afternoon.

Rovzar show piece #2a

2006-07-13T16:34:00.000-07:00

Today finished the drawing for the second piece for the Rovzar show in September. It is 22" x 20" Oil/Linen. Also worked on Robins September show piece #4 and think it is nearly finished. Will post it when it is complete.

Yesterday/Today's work

2006-07-12T17:13:00.000-07:00

#7 varnished, ready for framing and now called "Two Arched Windows, 24" x 22" Oil/Linen Today worked on the church piece for the tenth anniversary show in October. Think it is finished but will post once it is varnished. Also started the drawing for one of the three pieces for the Rovzar opening show in Seattle in September. It is very much based on the arched windows piece. Can hardly wait to get started on it. Want to get the other two pieces drawn in first. Think they will look great as a triptych but they can also function as individual pieces.

September Show Piece "Two Bags" 22" x 20"

2006-07-10T15:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday varnished and photographed Septshow piece #10, now "Two Bags" 22" x 20" oil/linen. Today worked on the church piece and started the drawing for the first of three pieces for Patricia Rovzar Gallery opening in their new space in downtown Seattle in September. Tomorrow hope to get Septshow piece #7 varnished and photographed. Will post all those tomorrow.

October show piece #1b

2006-07-06T16:57:00.000-07:00

Been a while since the last post. Fourth of July got in the way. Have not been idle, just have not posted the work over the past few days. Will do so in the next couple of days. Here is this morning's work on the first of three church pieces for the 10th anniversary show at Joyce Robins Gallery in October.

September show piece #8e/ October show piece 1a

2006-06-28T16:11:00.000-07:00

This morning's work on September show piece #8. Worked on the pomegranate's and cloth. Am hopeful a couple more sittings should finish it. This afternoon laid in the first of three pieces for the Joyce Robins Tenth Anniversary show in October. These pieces will be projected images of churches photographed a couple months ago. The churches have been subjects of my work for many years. The use of the projected image (from the photograph which has been edited on the computer and then printed out in black/white to enhance the bones of the image) is the main departure in these paintings from earlier paintings of these subjects. Much of the detail has been omitted to heighten the monumental effect of the architecture. This piece is 22" x 20" Oil/Linen. Think these are going to be a lot of fun.

September Show piece #5f

2006-06-25T13:24:00.000-07:00

"BAG & LEMON" 20" x 18" Oil/Linen

September Show piece #12c

2006-06-21T16:21:00.000-07:00

Today's work on show piece #12. also did some work on #10 but nothing that would show up from the last post.

September Show #10c

2006-06-19T17:00:00.000-07:00

Today's work on September Show piece #10c

September Show piece #12b

2006-06-16T16:19:00.000-07:00

Jay wanted to see this piece laid in so that was this afternoon's work.

September Show piece #12a

2006-06-14T11:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's and today's finishing for the drawing for show piece #12. This is a 20" x 18" linen.

September show piece #8d

2006-06-11T17:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon's work on #8

September show pieces 11b, 10b, and 7d

2006-06-09T12:09:00.000-07:00

Work from the past couple of days. Show piece #11b just laid in is at the top left. Next to it's right is laid in show piece #10b and third, below the other two is show piece #7d as it progresses. Too cloudy and dim until today to get photos taken.

September Show #'s 9c, 10a, 11a,

2006-06-05T16:57:00.000-07:00

Drawing on linen for September Show pieces #10 and #11(above). This was work done Friday and Saturday and Sunday. Today worked on #7 (will post tomorrow) and #9c (to the left)

September Show #8c

2006-06-04T17:29:00.000-07:00

Todays work on Sept show piece #8. Thursday was laid flat by some bug or Bird Flu. Got some drawing done on Friday and Saturday on pieces #10 and #11. Will photograph and post those tomorrow.

September Show piece #7c

2006-05-31T16:20:00.000-07:00

Today's work on showpiece #7

"Pear & Bag" 22" x 20" Oil/Linen

2006-05-29T18:09:00.000-07:00

Sept. show piece #2d finished, now Pear & Bag. Varnished this afternoon. Ready for framing.

September Show piece #9b

2006-05-28T16:43:00.000-07:00

This afternoon's work on Sept. show piece #9

Show Piece #5e

2006-05-28T10:10:00.000-07:00

Blog was jammed yesterday so am posting yesterday's work now. Show piece #5. Am liking this one and didn't think I would. Colors are reading nicely.

September Show piece #8 and #9

2006-05-25T17:00:00.000-07:00

Piece #8 laid in and the drawing for #9

Press Release for September Show

2006-05-23T17:40:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 22 May 2006

CONTACT: Joyce Robins
989.8795, 800.989.8795
info@joycerobins.com, www.joycerobins.com

WINDOWS
R.B. Sprague compels viewers to create their
own stories in his provocative still life compositions.

When the mathematical formula for linear perspective was developed in Renaissance Italy, paintings suddenly became “windows” onto the world. Artists also added window motifs to their compositions to create not only the illusion of space and distance on a flat surface, but also metaphors for what was happening inside and out. Dutch genre painter Jan Vermeer, for example, used light pouring through a window as a symbol of intimacy and privacy, while American scene painter Edward Hopper positioned windows as dispassionate peepholes into American society.

Roger Sprague counts both Vermeer and Hopper in his pantheon of heroes, but says that his recent window paintings have no metaphorical meanings. “I am not a symbolist, and I’m not a realist, since all the elements within the painting are made up. The paintings are about geometry and repeated forms. Although I don’t like the term, the paintings are more surreal than real—you accept the elements visually, but intellectually you know that something is not quite right.”

That subtle, “not quite right” aspect of his paintings is what keeps viewers coming back to Sprague’s images. “People are intrigued by Roger’s scenarios, which in this show take place on a table in front of a window with a view of other windows. The ‘actors’ are fruit, slices of melon and paper bags,” says Joyce Robins, who hosts Sprague’s fourth solo exhibition at the gallery. “His permutations on a single motif never cease to amaze me!”

For Windows, Sprague offers a dozen works, each “framed” in a sash window with white molding. The window, with its slightly tattered shade, is viewed straight on. It might be closed, partially open and occasionally articulated by a blowing curtain. The backdrop of buildings outside is seen at a worm’s eye view looking up; while the tables inside are viewed with a bird’s eye view looking down. “The goal,” says Sprague, “is to design these illogical viewpoints so that they hold together and seem real even though they couldn’t be—like a dream.”

Sprague calls his still life objects “filler.” Viewers, however, cannot help but create their own narratives about a slice of watermelon that leaks moisture onto a doily, while a second slice basks in the sun on the windowsill. Or why the window’s brass half-moon lifter resembles the Freemason’s “all seeing eye.” Says Sprague, “it is human nature for people to create meaning where meaning doesn’t exist. I think it is just fine.”

Born in Buffalo, NY, Sprague was raised in Arkansas, going on to study plant science, architecture and painting in college. He received his BFA from the University of Oklahoma, Norman, which hosted a major retrospective of his work in 2001 at the Fred R. Jones Museum, followed by a 2005 retrospective at the Arkansas Arts Center, Little Rock. Although he has lived in such diverse locations as Munich, Germany, and New York, NY, Sprague has been a resident of New Mexico since 1975 and of Santa Fe since 1979. To watch the show pieces develop, visit Sprague’s studio at www.rbspraque.blogspot.com.

September show piece #8

2006-05-22T20:08:00.000-07:00

Prelim drawing for show piece #8

September show pieces 6 # 7

2006-05-21T16:33:00.000-07:00

Here is yesterday and today's work. Show piece #6 moved along a bit and #7 has it's underpainting. Think it has potential. Trying a more saturated underpainting, a throwback to earlier process when basically monochromatic pieces were underpainted with acid color. The color always informed the finished piece in subtle ways and would sometimes make itself known in edges.

September Show Piece #7a

2006-05-18T16:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday and today's work on show piece #7. Still a little jiggling before starting the paint.

September Show Piece #6d

2006-05-18T16:03:00.000-07:00

Today's work on Show piece #6. Still a lot of work on this one.

September Show piece #2c

2006-05-18T16:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon work on Sept Show piece #2. Think two more sittings should do it.

September Show piece #5d

2006-05-16T16:34:00.000-07:00

Worked this afternoon on show piece #5. Also took delivery of 6 more fresh canvasses. Hope to get started on one of those tomorrow.

September Show piece #6c

2006-05-15T16:26:00.000-07:00

This afternoon picked some more on piece #6 This morning met my gambling bud at the casino. She won, I didn't. It rained (a tenth of an inch) and the tomatoes got transplanted into pots. They are slow this year. Me too and puttering in the yard was irresistable. Should have a crop of 7 million elm trees with the bit of moisture.

"Window, Two Bags"

2006-05-13T19:53:00.000-07:00

Laundry, watering today. Did a couple drawings for piece #7. Picked at SS#6 but didn't get enough done to blog it. So here is another piece from last year. "Window, Two Bags" 22" x 20" Oil/Linen, private collection

September Show piece #4e

2006-05-12T16:47:00.000-07:00

Today's work on September show piece #4. Also today ordered 6 more canvasses. Should be ready by next Wednesday. The show is a small one and am interested in getting the images committed to canvas all at the same time to keep the focus of the show coherent.

"3 Pears, Striped Cloth" 20" x 18" Oil/Linen SS#3

2006-05-10T15:55:00.000-07:00

Final version of September Show piece #3 with previous states. Now designated "3 Pears, Striped Cloth"

Melon, Striped Cloth, 24" x 22" Oil/Linen SS#1

2006-05-10T09:51:00.000-07:00

Here are the progressive stages of September show piece #1, now "Melon, Striped Cloth" varnished and ready for framing.

Window, 4 Pomegranates

2006-05-09T22:06:00.000-07:00

Tuesday is "Gentlemens Day" at the casino. Of course I had to go hoping to be selected in the ten o'clock drawing.(For $100). I was, once again, not chosen. But, yes, I did come home with twice as much as I took. The afternoon taken up with chores. So no painting. This is a piece from last year. "Window, Four Pomegranates" 24" x 22" Oil/Linen. Now in a private collection.

September Show piece #5c

2006-05-08T16:58:00.000-07:00

This morning finished Sept. show piece #3. Will post it as soon as it is varnished and photographed. This afternoon did some work on piece #5. Could not resist the lemon and ribbon. We'll see it they stay. Making Chai. First time. Smells pretty good. Using Soy Milk.

September Show piece #6

2006-05-07T16:52:00.000-07:00

This morning finished the first show piece which will be posted after it is varnished in a couple days. This afternoon got much of piece #6 started. Am having fun with the arcs and circular motions within the rigid angles containing and anchoring the composition.

Gazania

2006-05-05T21:33:00.000-07:00

September Show piece #6

2006-05-04T17:24:00.000-07:00

This morning grocery shopping and finishing up planting the little Gazania bed. Marie Callendar prepared lasagna for lunch. This afternoon got a start on piece #6, 24" x 22" oil/linen. Rehung one of the bedroom blinds. Valence still doesn't fit. Cut too short. Had my drink and the pork ribs are braising. Off to wash the bathroom floor and have a shower. Believe this blog is to counter any idea that artists lead glamorous enviable lives. Well, maybe artists do but certainly not painters.

No paint day

2006-05-03T22:06:00.000-07:00

The entire day was subsumed with various chores. Did get the blinds up in the bedroom and got a tentative start on show piece #6. Not blogworthy yet. This is a piece from earlier this year. "Watermelon, Checked Cloth", 20" x 18" Oil/Linen. Private collection

September Show piece #4

2006-05-02T16:18:00.000-07:00

This morning spent doing some much needed yard work. This afternoon pushed #4 along altho lost the light because of some errant clouds and didn't get as much accomplished as I had hoped.

September Show piece #5

2006-05-01T16:37:00.000-07:00

Morning at the casino and afternoon spent laying in piece #5. Yes, I won.

Todays work

2006-04-30T17:42:00.000-07:00

This morning moved September show piece #4 along a bit. This afternoon got the drawing finished for September show piece #5. 20" x 18" Oil/Linen

September Show piece #3c

2006-04-29T16:07:00.000-07:00

This afternoons work on the third piece for the September Show. Two more sessions on thie one ought to get it. This morning got Whitey out of hock from the brake people for $450.

Brakes

2006-04-28T14:48:00.000-07:00

Today has been consumed with getting Whitey Ford's brakes repaired.

A piece completed earlier this year.

"Window, Bag, Pomegranate" 18" x 16" Oil/Linen

Private collection

Today

2006-04-27T21:50:00.000-07:00

San Miguel

2006-04-26T22:02:00.000-07:00

Nopainting today. Went on a little photo journey instead. Visited a couple old churches which I have painted in the past. This is San Miguel and my favorite view of this beautiful church. Fresh paint really makes it glow. Compare with a recently finished piece based on an earlier photo taken some years ago.

Three Pears

2006-04-25T16:28:00.000-07:00

Early to the casino, late lunch and afternoon spent transplanting a few plants and watering. The painting "Three Pears" 20" x 18" Oil/Linen was completed a couple months ago and is now in a private collection in Texas.

September Show piece #4b

2006-04-24T16:53:00.000-07:00

Got a little work done on painting #4 this morning but the afternoon was taken up with lunch at Harry's and shopping events. Think this piece will read well once it gets closer to being done. This is a 22" x 20" oil/linen piece.

September Show piece #2b

2006-04-23T16:46:00.000-07:00

After the wind blew the dirt out of the shovel I figured the transplanting could wait. Spent the afternoon on show piece #2. Some progress. Couldn't take the painting outdoors to photograph because of dust and wind so had to rely on the indoor flash route and it shows.

Two Pomegranates

2006-04-22T17:50:00.000-07:00

A recent piece, Two Pomegranates, 20" x 18" Oil/Linen. What little work I got done today was not blog worthy so here is a recent piece now at Patricia Rovzar Gallery in Kirkland, WA.

September Show piece #3

2006-04-21T16:20:00.000-07:00

Today's work on piece #3 for the Sept show. A strong yellow underglaze informs the tonality of the piece......so far

September Show piece #4

2006-04-20T16:31:00.000-07:00

Beginning of the fourth piece for the September show. 22" x 20" Oil/Linen.

September Show piece #1

2006-04-19T17:30:00.000-07:00

Today's work on Piece #1. 24" x 22" oil/linen

September Show piece #3

2006-04-18T16:18:00.000-07:00

Start on piece #3 for the September show. 20" x 18" Oil/Linen

September Show piece #1

2006-04-17T21:18:00.000-07:00

Today's work on the first piece for the September show. Still a ways to go but beginning to shape up.

September Show piece 2

2006-04-15T16:38:00.000-07:00

Today's work. The charcoal drawing was cleaned up and the first layer of paint has been laid in. Am liking the diagonal striping of the cloths. All elements of the paintings are "made up" and are not taken from life. One might say they are surreal but not in the strict sense of the Surrealist movement several decades ago.

September Show piece #1

2006-04-14T15:43:00.000-07:00

Today's progress on the first piece for the September 2006 show at Joyce Robins Gallery

Charcoal sketch

2006-04-13T21:18:00.000-07:00

Here is a charcoal sketch for show painting #2
22" x 20" Linen. In the background are a couple 12" x 9" pieces in progress.

September show #1

2006-04-10T20:31:00.000-07:00

The beginning of the first piece for the small one man show in September. Drawing finished and inpainting begun this afternoon. Untitled piece #1 is 24" x 22" oil/linen.
My friend Alex Gildzen kindly posted the first comment to my blog today. His abiding interest in film is evident.

2006-04-08T13:51:00.000-07:00

Here is the piece completed yesterday. Still needs a signature and varnish. Next week.

2006-04-08T13:45:00.000-07:00

This is the unfinished "SAN MIGUEL" 24" X 22" Oil/Linen. Started in the late Fall of last year. A collectors interest in the unfinished work prompted completion.

2006-04-04T15:55:00.000-07:00

"Melon,Curtain"
20" x 18" Oil/Linen 2006