shades of olson Artwork

November 21, 2024

I knew an old wise woman once. She told me to make my way back to Strasbourg, so I did. From her pine framed window, she bid farewell, “Okay now. I’ll be seeing you.” With her gaze and expression of both endearment and concern, but excitement for me. Looking on in to the day’s sun. This painting perfectly captures those feelings and experiences with my dear old friend.

November 11, 2024

On July 1st, 2021: One Last Walk With Izzy is a exquisite watercolor painting depicting a peaceful countryside scene, where a man walks alongside his faithful Border Collie dog companion across gently rolling hills bathed in golden sunlight. The vibrant hues of green and yellow fields blend harmoniously with the rich textures of the trees, creating a sense of depth and tranquility. A cozy house sits nestled on the distant hill, framed by soft clouds drifting through a serene sky. This artwork beautifully captures the simplicity and charm of rural life, making it a perfect piece for adding warmth and a touch of nature to any space.

October 29, 2024

On December 22nd, 2020: Fruitcake Delivery is just in time for the upcoming holidays, this quaint winter scene showcases a Fruitcake delivery truck and it’s driver preparing to drop off it’s abundant order of 30 fruitcakes to the anxiously awaiting recipient in the blue snow covered house. A wasteful purchase that would later go on to be donated to the local food bank, with an absurd and humorous smile. The package handler’s confident movements inferring that him and homeowner inside are intertwined in scandalous love affair. The glow of light from the windows adds to the charm of the painting. The neighbor’s house seems set in but yet still glowing with life. As is with the main focus of the blue house with white trim, with it’s windows inviting a sense of warmness away from the cold wind. The calmness of the winter night should be heard in mind. It’s left up to the viewer to form their own opinions of what the delivery figure may be thinking or what will transpire when the door bell rings.

October 12, 2024

Standoff portrays a poignant scene of two dark, silhouetted figures standing at a distance from each other in a sprawling, golden field of tall grass. The figure on the left is a woman, her form graceful but motionless, while the man on the right stands rigidly, facing away. The muted, overcast sky adds a somber tone to the setting, as the distant hills fade into the horizon. The vastness of the landscape, combined with the physical separation between the figures, evokes a powerful sense of emotional distance and quiet tension, as if they are connected yet worlds apart. The earthy colors and subtle textures enhance the painting’s contemplative, melancholic atmosphere.

September 10, 2024

Howard’s Hills is a watercolor painting that was done after so many people have noted my favorite watercolor paintings reminded them of the great Andrew Wyeth’s work. So I took the time to study a lot of technique and incorporated it heavily in to this narrative and architectural landscape painting I created. Especially a lot of his dry brushing technique and using lots of layers/details until the form in perfect to how I want it to flow. Diverting slightly where I feel more natural to my own organic techniques.