Painting Live

I'm an abstract expressionist artist and live painter, I'm the sole-proprieter of my art business "revelatorART", the co-founder of the local Boise performance art company "Marten Evergreen",  I'm an art minister with the local Boise arts ministry "VineArts", and I travel the world connecting cross culturally in communities through creativity. I work in mixed media painting. I create most of my work in my studio, but I often paint live as a way to allow the creative process to be a collaborative conversation between me (the artist), the audience, and (if available) other artists, musicians, dancers, and speakers. 

Over this last week I had 2 really cool opportunities to paint live in 2 very different venues, collaborating with 2 very different groups, to converse with 2 very different audiences. 

 I painted live on a stage in a church during their Sunday morning services and I also painted live in the display window of a downtown city center vintage clothing shop. 

What I loved about both very different experiences is that in each opportunity, of creating art live in front of people, there was the chance to connect with people not only visually (as I painted) but also conversely (either during or afterwards). Connecting with people is the main reason I paint live. Yes it's a cool thing to get to show the world the creative things that are within me as they find their way onto the canvas. But it's an even cooler thing to talk with people and have them share with me what they are/were experiencing by watching me create the art, or have them share with me what's going on in their lives and how the simple vulnerable act of me creating something in front of them became a safe invitation for them to open up too. It's a really cool thing! 

For me, human interaction is the stuff of life. It doesn't matter to me if I'm in a Christian church, in a shop on a busy city center street, performing at an art event, accompanying a band at a concert, creating something special at a birthday party or private event, or connecting cross culturally in a community overseas. Painting live is like the ice breaker for conversation (art is only the language) so human to human hearts can connect. 

That's what I'm about. I'm all about the heart to heart. I'm all about the love. 

Painting Live at Vineyard Boise Church:

 photo taken by J. Nilo

Abstraction in design within a church.

photo taken by J. Nilo

Collaborating with the band that led the congregation in song.

 photo taken by J. Nilo

Collaborating with Pastor Mike Freeman as he spoke to the congregation. 

The finished painting. A parable of Jesus about being generous to others with what we've been given.

It is only one of many style-similar images that local artists are creating at the church on Sunday mornings May-Sept 2016 to illustrate the parables of Jesus. They are being hung up as a backdrop to the stage in the sanctuary. 

Painting Live at LUX Fashion Lounge in Boise:

Partnering with local shop owners to help support local (both ways!)

 photo taken by R. Rodriquez 

Abstract Expressionism within a shop window.

 photo taken by G. Deeming

Interacting with people watching.

The stopping point for the painting at the end of the night. It morphed and changed throughout the 3 hour time I was creating it. It went from complete abstract to an impression of the Boise River. I don't know what it will end up actually looking like, but I will finish it up in my studio.

And this is the finished painting after spending some more time with it in my art studio. It's still representing the river....but I moved it back into more of an abstract expressionist painting rather than impressionism (which is what it was moving into while I was painting live). I really like how it turned out. I realize that I couldn't really have done the splatter effect the way that I really wanted to do in this painting while painting it live in the shop because of being in close quarters in the display window and in such close proximity to clothes racks and other merchandise. Once I was in my studio I had the freedom to let the painting go where it wanted to go. 

Painting Live at LUX Downtown Boise for July 7 First Thursday

I get the really cool opportunity to paint live during the July Boise First Thursday Art Walk events downtown on July 7! 

I'll be set up in the window at LUX FASHION LOUNGE at 817 W. Idaho St. from 5:30pm till roughly 9pm. 

If you're in the downtown area that night enjoying the art, the music, the shopping, the food, and the entertainment...stop by and check out what I'm doing and have a look around the shop, there's some great finds in LUX.  

Creative Collaboration Illustrating the Parables

I love painting live. For me it's more than just me getting to create a painting in front of people. In fact that's only a surface way of looking at it. I like to look at it from a much deeper view. For me it's really about a creative collaboration between me and the others involved (if at a church: it's with the worship team, the pastor or speakers, the congregation, and other artists; if during a concert or other public event: its with the band, the audience, speakers, and other artists), and for me it's also a creative collaboration with the Spirit of God...no matter where I am or who else I'm collaborating with. We learn from and teach each other throughout the process. It's all about listening and seeing. And together we make something beautiful. 

Today I had the wonderful opportunity to paint live during both Sunday morning services at Vineyard Boise church. I painted side by side with fellow artist, live painter, and art minister, Jessie Nilo....accompanying Pastor Trevor Estes during his sermons introducing a new 22 week series about the parables that Jesus chose to use for teachable moments. It was such a fun experience getting to collaborate together...all of us (me, Jessie, Trevor, the worship team, the congregation...and the Holy Spirit). And it was a beautiful experience. 

So how does this work? Well...every time I collaborate to paint live the process is just as unique as the amount of unique collaborations I'm involved in. If I'm the only one painting there's a whole process I go through to prepare. And if I'm painting with others there's a whole other process that takes place. 

I have a very specific style to my paintings (very emotive, expressive, mixed media, with lots of layers)...but when painting together with other artists I've learned to allow for an intertwining of styles (mine and the other' artists). This can be challenging but it can also be inspiring. I've also learned that sometimes adopting a different style to fit a specific moment can be refreshing as well as necessary.

For this particular moment...

The plan for the series has been in preparation for awhile and Jessie was approached about having artists paint live for each of the 22 weeks to help illustrate the parables. Jessie brought me into the plan a couple of weeks ago to join her in designing/planning and facilitating/implementing the live painting throughout the series (including overseeing other artists who will join us). But it was only a week ago that we talked through the overall design plan for all of the paintings that would take place throughout the series (landing on a very graphic design style that would be simple for other artists to do and for people to connect with). And it was just a few days ago that we were able to sit down and actually plan/prep for what we would be doing for this first launch Sunday. It was in that moment (after reading the passage that would be featured) the simple graphic design of the images for this Sunday popped in my head. I believe this was guidance from God (because truly I'm not a graphic designer-Jessie is, and the moment I sketched out a little graphic design style thumbnail of what I saw in my head Jessie was in total agreement that it was what we were to use...we didn't change it at all). And just as quickly, the color pallete came to us also. It was really exciting to be on the same page in the process as we were working together to do these paintings. 

But that was just the beginning of this collaboration...

The passage for today...Matthew 7: 24-27

The Parable of Building Your House

Pastor Trevor speaking about how to read and receive the Parables of Jesus. 

It was a great experience to get to illustrate what he was speaking about. It was like getting to bring his words to life. Though Jessie has painted a few times during sermons Trevor has spoken, this was my first opportunity to paint while he spoke and I really had fun. 

Jessie and I getting ready to paint.

We've been friends for 13 years and though we have painted side by side before, this was only the 2nd time she and I have gotten the opportunity to paint together on the same canvas! It was pure joy to work with her in this way. 

Painted during the first service.

The house built on a rock. 

When the storms come the house stands firm.

4ftx4ft latex paint on masonite.

Jessie Nilo and Lisa Marten.

Painted during the second service.

The house built on sand.

When the storms come the house falls.

4ftx4ft latex paint on masonite.

Jessie Nilo and Lisa Marten.

After both services Jessie and I were approached by many people who gave us feedback about what they experienced while we painted as Trevor spoke. It's always a meaningful thing for me to interact with those who are viewing the live painting, to gain their insight and feedback about their experience and what their "take away" is. This is the additional collaboration piece...the viewers. I believe all live art needs viewer participation. 

And this is where I really get to see the behind the scenes work that the Spirit of God does...as I learn about how the simple act of painting live can add meaning to an experience for someone (whether it's in a church or a concert or a public or private event). This is where I learn that it's not just about me painting in front of people...there's so much more going on at a deeper level...in collaboration. 

Painting the Internet

Being a live painter allows me unique opportunities...like being hired to paint live while accompanying a friend and her classmate during their final group presentation in her college communications course. I love that I get to do what I love to do AND also collaborate with others.

 The topic was the internet and how it is growing and learning...and moving towards more and more intelligence. My friend pointed out how we are all helping to create it in collaboration as we feed it information...about ourselves, about each other, about places, things, events, etc. Every time we interact with it we are causing it to learn about how we think and feel...and it's taking note...and remembering. 

I got to help illustrate what was being shared by creating a painting that depicted the internet. I had a canvas off to the side with just the Google search bar (representing what the internet started out to be...us requesting from a search engine). I also had a canvas that I was working on during the presentation that was made up of lots of images (representing what the internet is like now...us interacting with it and each other through endless ways). We had the class choose tiny images that I would paste onto the canvas and then I began connecting the images with paint. And with that interaction, the painting changed.

 The presentation was only about 15 minutes long but it was power packed with lots of interaction and participation with the each of the members of the class. We were able to practically represent what my friend and her classmate were sharing through the presentation. We all created that painting together in collaboration and community. ...and that is very much like the internet.  As we learn, so does the internet, and it continues to change. 

I was told that no one had ever had a live painter involved in a final presentation for that course. Now...we've changed the way people might think and view a final presentation. And that...is the whole point of the my friends' talk. 

Works on Paper: September Art Opening at The Coffee Studio

Lisa Marten

I am the featured artist for the month of September 2015 at The Coffee Studio (6360 N Saguaro Hills Ave, Meridian, ID 83646). I will be showcasing a new series of mine called "Works on Paper". Seascapes in chalk pastel, acrylic and latex paint on brown paper. 

c. 2015 Lisa Marten

There will be an OPENING RECEPTION on Tuesday September 1, 2015 from 6pm-8pm. You are invited to come for the evening or pop in when you can. I will be creating a painting live.

And there will be live music by Amandalynn Lovewell (who will be singing Aloha into our hearts), accompanied by Kody Elsworth and Ciara Mcdermott. 

Amandalynn Lovewell

Come enjoy and support local art, music, and coffee. Partake in delicious beverages and goodies crafted by the friendly baristas at The Coffee Studio. Connect in conversation with friends and family and meet new friends in an intimate coffee house setting. 

And don't forget, my series will be installed for the whole month of September. So make The Coffee Studio a regular stop in your September schedules. 

Coffee Studio....Support Local

Oh and besides their coffee, I highly recommend their Green Monster Smoothie...don't be scared of it's color...it's yummy! 

SUPPORT LOCAL

Much Aloha! 

The Dude Abides

Once in awhile, if you're ever so aware with new eyes, you're given opportunities to catch a glimpse at how completely messy and yet profoundly beautiful being human really is. It's qualities seem to contrast and intertwine all at once. Fragility and constancy. Peace and war. Nurturing and using. Creativity and stagnation. Hope and disappointment. Joy and sorrow. Pain and love. Life and death. 

As created beings (both physical and spiritual) we are able to look past the outer more tangible sights and deeper into the more inner metaphysical concepts. Being human is the journey. And the journey is being human. And all of it...the good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly, the joy, the sorrow, and especially the never ending questions...it's all relevant to the eternal questions: Who Am I? Why Am I Here? 

For each of us (those who have come before, those who are, and those who are yet to arrive) the way we (humans) answer those questions (the way we choose to live) reflects (shines) on the faces of those we encounter along the way. The good, the bad...etc. Our stories are written on each other. And our stories are read by one another. And if we are ever so aware with new eyes, we will catch glimpses of each other on each other's faces, in each other's hearts, upon each other's lives; even after our life spirit has departed from our physical body.

 I have a friend who has done this kind of "painting on people's lives". He recently departed our physical presence...but he still abides in each of us who were touched by him. And we are experiencing that contrasting relevance...together. In community and collaboration, we are reflecting and shining. 

Esau "Mark" Kessler 
artist, writer, graphic designer, musician, businessman, entrepreneur, radio and online persona, art minister, father, lover, son, friend. ...and personal fan to so many!

Esau "Mark" Kessler

The "New Eyes" exhibit: The art of Esau "Mark" Kessler

   

Some examples of Esau "Mark" Kessler's art.

*Mark, your 48 years has highly impacted all those who encountered you. The world is a better place for knowing you. Thank you for living your life to the fullest, for loving yourself as you did, and in turn being able to love us as you did. We have all been encouraged by who you are, to be who we are. We are better people for knowing you. You helped us have new eyes to reflect and shine. Thank you for your friendship. I love you and miss you.* -me

Mark's memorial service was held between the Christmas and New Year holidays. An incredible amount of people from all over and all walks of life gathered together to honor and reflect the dude we so lovingly miss. He positively touched so many lives (young and old, from all backgrounds and walks of life). 

I was blessed to collaborate with my artist friend Lukas Evergreen to paint live during the service as a tribute to Mark. Mark was a huge supporter of local artists and musicians. He helped to promote Lukas and my work (individually, and jointly as the performance art company "Marten Evergreen"). Performing live at his memorial was a great honor. 

We painted to the One Republic song "I Lived" (you can play the song below).
Photos taken by Birgit Phelps and Sarah Goetter.

"I Lived"  3ftx3ft mixed media on canvas. Performed live on 12-30-14 by Marten Evergreen for Esau "Mark" Kessler

As we enter a new year, many of us (myself included), are grieving, maneuvering through pain, holding onto hope and love, and learning the oh so fragile and constant steps of the dance of joy and sorrow. May our life song be one of breathing in deeply, never giving up, reaching out, creating, making sweet memories, and loving much and loving well. May the legacy we leave behind be like the one my dear friend Mark has left...a legacy that reflects and shines with new eyes. And may it be said of us, that throughout all the beautiful mess of life..."I Lived". 

Much Aloha, my friends.


Mark has a fiance and 4 kids (with one grandchild on the way). Here is a link if you'd like to contribute to a fund helping the family out with finances in memory of Mark: 
Esau "Mark" Kessler Memorial Fund

Painting Live at Churches: Connecting in With the Conversation

 here i am painting live during a Presbyterian service (which included choir songs, Scripture reading, prayers, children sermon, sermon)

this is the finished painting. mixed media (venetian plaster, acrylic, paper) on foam-canvas soundboard. the message was about how selfishness separates us from God and from living fully from love.

One of the really fun things I get to do as a live painter is connect in (through creativity) with the conversation that God is already having with people. I will often be invited by various churches to paint live during their worship services. Depending upon the format and style of worship and the relationship I have with the pastors and leaders at any specific church will depend upon how long I have to paint, and what the painting may entail. 

I've been painting live at churches and various events for about 6 years now. I have found that being a live painter is just like being a speaker or a musician...it's never really about me or the art form itself...it's always going to be about the message that is "heard". To make sure that I am connected in with the conversation, I spend time communicating with the churches ahead of time. I spend time praying, researching, preparing to paint. I make a point to connect in with the pastors, the lay ministers, the music leaders (whoever is involved in the implementation of the service) so that I become a part of the collaboration of the service. I become a part of their whole for a moment in time. 

Like most professional live painters, when I'm painting at churches locally (other than my home church where I serve) I do charge a fee. The fee is handled much like I handle commission work. It is mostly to cover the cost of paints, supplies, and the actual painting time. The painting is then given to the pastor and the church once it's completed. 

When painting elsewhere's on my overseas art ministry travels I'm flexible with the fee (again, depending upon relationship and purpose of the ministry I am doing for specific pastors/missionaries/lay ministers). Often times I don't charge a fee for painting live while I'm out on my travels (as my room & board is always taken care of by my hosts and the painting is part of the ministry I am giving to them). 

Painting live gives me the opportunity to connect in with the conversation that God is already having with people. It's a chance to listen in, and then enter in (through creativity) in a collaborative way with God, with the pastor, with the people. 

It's never about me or the art itself. It's always about the conversation. What is being spoken. What is being heard. What is being released. What is being received. 

Sometimes I get to paint live with other artists. This creates an additional opportunity of collaboration in the conversation. It takes hearts that are willing to be open, pliable, confident, and humble. It's like a dance with paint.

In the last 2 months I have had the privilege of painting live at 2 local churches (one is a Episcopal-Wesleyan liturgical church and the other is a non-denominational charismatic church). 2 different styles of worship. Both churches I was able to paint during their full morning service (an hour and a half each). Both churches asked me to paint something that would coincide with a new vision for each of the churches (Scriptures and words that were already given to the pastor). 

The first church: the conversation was about preparing for the Harvest (a metaphor for God's Spirit to awaken hearts).

here i am painting live during a Liturgical service (which included traditional hymns, Scripture reading, prayers, sermon, communion)

this is the finished painting. mixed media (acrylic, paper) on plywood. the message was about preparing for the Harvest of God's Spirit growing within our hearts.

The second church: the conversation was about preparing for the Rain (a metaphor for God's Spirit to awaken hearts).

here i am painting live with another art minister, collaborating on the same painting during a Charismatic service (which included rock music worship songs, sermon, communion)

this is the finished painting. mixed media (acrylic, chalks, paper, wood) on 2 wooden closet doors hinged together. the message was about preparing for the Rain of God's Spirit awakening within our hearts.

One of the things I find fun about painting live at various churches is that regardless of the locations, the worship style, or even the actual imagery to be within a painting...oftentimes the message in the conversation is very similar. This isn't my doing...these situations were completely separate and unrelated, and yet...I believe this is God's heart coming forth through the conversation. 

I love when I get to paint on people's lives! 

Marten Evergreen performs at private party

Marten Evergreen has performed at concert venues and bars, in urban alleys and parks, and now in a backyard! Friday night the artists of Marten Evergreen got to be a part of a special event. We got to perform live at a private birthday party! It was my friend Heidi Tucker's 40th birthday and we held her a 70's hippie/summer beach party in my backyard. Along with normal birthday fanfare, we had a night packed with live entertainment. The birthday celebration was filled with live music, art, and dance. The evening started with live music performed by local musicians Gabe Miller, Kona Estes, and Molly Ellis. It progressed to the live art performance by Marten Evergreen, followed by dance party music by Sarah Goetter. The night ended with a drumming circle around the firepit. 

This was our performance area set up at the end of the backyard in a suburban housing development. 

Here are two videos, taken by one of the party-goers.

Performance: Breathe: YHWH

Performers: Lukas Evergreen, Lisa Marten, Jessie Nilo

Music: Fallen by Volbeat

part one

part two

Here is a photo of Heidi standing with the finished 2D paintings that were created during our live performance. We had stretched primed canvas onto chip board. We prepped the primed canvas by pre-painting Hebrew lettering (the Hebrew name of God: YHWH: Yahweh) and then we hid it underneath a separate piece of canvas that we stapled on top. During the performance, paint was splattered and sprayed onto the canvas and danced upon. Once the performance was over we removed the top canvas to reveal the lettering underneath. 

Marten Evergreen would like to offer the option of hiring us to perform for private parties. To learn more about us click on the Marten Evergreen tab on this blog, check out our Marten Evergreen page on Facebook. If you're interested in hiring Marten Evergreen email me at: revelatorart@yahoo.com or Lukas Evergreen at: lukasevergreen@gmail.com . If you are interested viewing and purchasing any of the 2D paintings that have been created during Marten Evergreen performances, contact us. They are on display at Nebula Shift in the Bistro Building downtown Boise. 

Coffee + Art + Music + Community = LOVE Poured Out

 And this is my prayer for you...that you will not only love much, but love well. These are words I dedicate my life to live by. 

Last night was my art opening at The Coffee Studio in Meridian, Idaho. 

I'm the featured artist for August. I have installed 7 mixed media paintings on cardboard along with revealing a new 12 piece mixed media series on wood. 

I love opportunities like this (being featured in a local establishment)...because I get to invite others to come alongside me to also be featured. I'm a firm believer that I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for so many others who have helped me, encouraged me, mentored me, challenged me, and promoted me along the way. And so it is my belief that any chance I get I want to do the same for others...however that can look. 

And in this instance it was a chance to have some local musicians featured, some young people invited in to play, and so many others to be thanked and loved on. 

Here are the paintings I have exhibited for the month of August...

 "Enter the Storm" 

14x30 acrylic on foam core

this piece is about allowing oneself to embrace the storms of life instead of running from them

 "Fill Me Up", "Sing Over Me", "Rain Down On Me"

each 24x30 mixed media on cardboard

these 3 paintings are all about being open for more 

 "All Things New"

24x30 mixed media on cardboard

this painting is about the chance to start over fresh

 "Surfing the Koru"

24x30 mixed media on cardboard

this piece was inspired by my trip to New Zealand in 2011

it's about embracing new beginnings

 "Open Heart" 

24x30 mixed media on cardboard

this painting is about trusting love

 "Hope"

24x30 mixed media on cardboard

this piece is about believing that there is something to hold on to

"There and Back Again: An Heart's Journey to Love Much and Love Well"

this 12 piece series is a story of the journey of a heart through life (as told through tiny paintings & written statements). it's meant to allow the viewer to interact & engage with each "station" as a personal journey, to reflect upon one's own life and enter into the story wherever the viewer connects. at the end the viewer is encouraged to take a pebble or a tiny shell with them as a token of remembrance of their heart's journey.

 the intro piece, stations 1-5

 station 6

stations 7-12

I was so blessed by the turn out of folks who came to the opening. I thrive on interaction with people. I love relationship. It warms my heart to have a room filled with old friends, new friends, and those who will soon be friends...all connecting and conversing and communing with each other. The combination of a great coffee house, delicious drink and food, an engaging art exhibit, live music, and loads of conversations going on is such the perfect atmosphere, in my opinion. 

After viewing the art exhibit, the crowd gathered to listen to the live music and watch me paint.

 Singer/songwriter Janet Lund opened and closed the evening with her original songs (many had an emphasis on friendship and coffee, which delightfully connected into the theme of the night)

 Singer Molly Ellis sang songs we all enjoyed while I painted live. Molly's voice captured all who were present and I found myself singing along as I painted. During her set she invited 3 young girls to come up and sing a song together. The trio stunned us all with their young talent and I was reminded of how important it is to pass on things to the next generation and invite them to be an active part of what we're doing today. 

 Shortly after the young ones sang, one of them came over to me to engage in conversation with me about my painting. I invited her to join me in painting. She gladly chose a brush and went to work on a piece of her own using bright colors I had already chosen on my pallet. It was a beautiful picture as we both were creating side by side to Molly singing in the background. 

Here is the painting I created live. 

"Pour Out Love" 

24x30 mixed media on cardboard

I specifically created this painting with the owners of The Coffee Studio in mind. It was a gift to them for having such open hearts to invite local artists and musicians (like myself and those who joined me tonight) to be featured each month in their shop. The Coffee Studio is locally owned and involved. They truly are people who are pouring out love to their community one cup at a time. 

Thank you all.