November has been a focused period of production for me. I am deep into the creation of my newest work, title yet to be revealed, and am very happy with the progress thus far. During my October open studio I shared images, content and research that is informing future works in I Believe in Ghosts, and below you can see two of the studies I made in preparation for this current large piece I am creating. I've also included two in progress detail shots of my new painting (last images). 

Create something from nothing, or bringing my work to life is a process I will never tire of. Painting is meditative for me and while in this state, I'm essentially intensively studying the work which results in more of the purpose and meaning surfacing. I am challenged by this work, so happy to be making it and extremely excited to share this piece when complete. 

Emma is a strong and fiercely independent feline with an adventurous spirit. She  hostesses for TWA on direct flights from San Francisco to Hong Kong. 

Beau is a dashing little Cavapoo, a Cavalier Kind Charles Spaniel and Poodle mix, who finds his sweet and impish nature challenged by a pair of taunting crows. 

Prints available on Etsy.

I presented a talk at the downtown Napa Main Library on July 12, 2019 about how and why I make my animal portraits.  In my talk, I reveal a pivotal moment from my childhood, something unique about how I think and how that shapes my art, and I describe my process in depth. Please enjoy this recording from the opening reception, as well as a write up from the Napa Country Register. 

Art in the Library featuring Jamie L. Luoto runs throughout the month of July 2019. Click here for more details.

CONCEPT & THUMBNAILS & COLOR PALETTE
In the case of a commissioned portrait, I begin with research and interviews. I explore the subjects behavior, diet, and home. I think of breeds the same way we think of our own human ancestry, and I consider stories about the subject, as well as how they relate to the members of their family.  With this information I imagine who this creature might be and sketch out ideas of how they would appear in a portrait of themselves. For example, Orca and Odie kept checks and balances on one another - Odie's loving and free spirit complimented and challenged Orca, whose herding background informed her practical nature and desire to keep tabs on her family, especially Odie!

My approach to color in a commissioned work is both a consideration for my collectors taste, while also taking into consideration the different emotional or symbolic interpretation a color can represent. For example, we decided on a cool jewel tone palette. In Orca & Odie the outdoors, and in particular water, in it's many forms were important to the pair.  Within the range of jewel tone colors, I created an abstract geode looking background representative of the cool and fresh alpine feeling of dancing water and twinkling snow. ​ It's important to know my color palette before I begin painting with gouache — unlike acrylic and oil, gouache doesn’t allow one to simply paint over something unliked. The colors I select are part of the story the painting tells and emphasize the animal’s identity. 

 PAINTING
I typically begin by blocking out the background color or the outfit, and then I apply a number of translucent washes to the face to develop the structure and depth through gradual shading. As my work progresses, the opacity of my paint increases, my brushes get smaller, and the painted details more exact. I spend hours painting individual hairs and blending until I am satisfied with the detail in my work. 

How do I know when I’m finished? There is a certain level of precision detail that appears finished to me. I no longer see areas wanting for more — more hairs, speckles, sheen, shading etc… it’s a combination of experience and a gut feeling.  ​

My portraits go beyond a likeness of the subject, they celebrate individuality, capture the spirit, and encapsulate stories, all of which bring the piece to life.

I am so taken by all the beautiful flowers blooming around my studio in Dry Creek Valley. I found myself drawn to these beautiful orange poppies and purple wisteria which lead to creative play in my studio and the resulting piece, Blooming (shown below).

​Thank you to Glenn and Charly at Hammerfriar for an absolutely perfect frame made under absurd conditions! Thank you to Chris at John Annesley for a beautifully constructed, lightweight shipping crate. Thank you Skylark Images for the exceptional documentation of my work. Thank you Sally for your endless enthusiasm and support, and help wrapping “IBIG.” and lastly, thank you Byron for around the clock all inclusive love and support.

I Believe in Ghosts didn't continue on to exhibit in the 2019 BP Portrait Award show. However, I am really very happy to have had my work selected and considered two consecutive years for the final round of judging by the National Portrait Gallery in London ... not too shabby! Well done to all and a big congratulations to this years exhibitors.

Rattlesnake and Turkey Vulture are exhibiting as part of Animalia at the Healdsburg Center for the Arts. Join me at the opening reception Saturday, March 2, 5:00-7:00pm. The exhibition continues through April 14.

A portion of the proceeds from all of the art sales in Animalia will be donated to the buyers choice of the Humane Society of Sonoma County and/or Safari West Foundation.

Healdsburg Center for the Arts
130 Plaza St., Healdsburg, CA 95448 

Open | Sun, Mon, & Thur 11am-5pm 
Fri & Sat 11am-6pm | Closed Tue, Wed

Each January I paint a self portrait for my birthday. Meet your 2019 mer-goat.