Rick Nilson's Paintings

Blue Heron Flight

2012-01-27T08:58:00.000-05:00

I am fortunate that this blue heron spends the winter fishing and hanging out in my back yard. There is an uneasy truce between the heron and my dog.

Oil on canvas 22"X28"

This painting is for sale.

ricknilson@gmail.com

Rank Stranger

2012-01-25T07:54:00.000-05:00

I painted a buffalo without a reference photo.

"Rank strangers" are complete strangers. A folksong tells about a guy that goes home to see his old friends and instead finds them to be Rank Strangers. Rodeo bulls are judged by their rankness.

Oil on canvas 18"X18"

General Tsos Horse

2012-01-23T08:34:00.001-05:00

Here in this work I can barely remember a time just before the war.

Oil on canvas 18"X18"

Buffalo Back (SOLD)

2012-01-22T13:01:00.001-05:00

This was fun.

Oil on panel 11"X14"

This painting is sold.

Blue Heron in Green

2012-01-21T13:28:00.001-05:00

I might keep adding paint to this.

Oil on panel 10"X20"

Lambs at the Creep Feeder

2012-01-20T10:34:00.001-05:00

Oil on panel 10"X20"

thanks for looking.

Girl in Purple

2012-01-19T13:36:00.000-05:00

I have been painting every day. I have about 10 paintings going at the same time. None of which seem ready for prime time. I liked my girl in purple. I made her up. But there is a glare on the photo.

I try to do different stuff. In the beginning, failure seems a less bitter pill.
Oil on panel 9"X10

Holy Cow

2012-01-14T16:39:00.001-05:00

oil on panel 11"X14"

Good News Everybody.

Painter Rick Nilson will demonstrate and instruct a two day workshop designed to help students paint from their own photographs and how to use your computer as a painting tool. This class will be held Tuesday February 21 and Wednesday February 22 from 10:00-2:00. Students will supply their own materials for the class: acrylics, brushes and canvas. Cost for this two day workshop is $150. All proceeds from this workshop will be donated to the Outer Banks Community Foundation.

This workshop will be held in the upstairs studio at KDH Cooperative Gallery & Studios, milepost 8.5 in Kill Devil Hills.

Any questions regarding this contact Rick directly at ricknilson@gmail.com

Limited to 8 students.

Call 441-9888 to register for this 2 day workshop.

Julie Moye

KDH Cooperative Gallery & Studios

502 S. Croatan Hwy.

Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

252-441-9888

www.kdhcooperative.com

Lucky Crab

2012-01-13T10:02:00.001-05:00

$225 shipping included.

Oil on panel 11"X14"

Steel Drum Chicken

2012-01-12T07:48:00.000-05:00

Oil on panel 11"X14"

$225. shipping included.

ricknilson@gmail.com

Upwardly Mobile

2012-01-10T09:13:00.001-05:00

upwardly mobile little birds

Oil on panel 8"X10"

Moving On Egert

2012-01-09T14:02:00.000-05:00

What can I say?.......

I photoed this painting of an egret outside and it has a few raindrops on it. I will post another when it stops raining.

Thats all I got.

Oil on panel 10"X20"

ricknilson@gmail.com

Wanchese Skyline

2012-01-05T16:06:00.000-05:00

I have been struggling to paint simple landscapes. Days seem to go by without much progress. The simple landscape is never all that simple. I do like this one.

Oil on panel 11"X14"

$200 shipping included.

thanks for looking.

Sometimes A Great Notion

2012-01-03T09:40:00.004-05:00

(Tu Le Ton Son Ton)"Every now and then".

Oil on panel 12"X12"

Tyler's Nissan Commercial

2011-12-29T19:06:00.001-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bb1Cqsceos&feature=player_embedded

Jellyfish Fields

2011-12-25T09:38:00.002-05:00

Oil on panel 9"X12"

Seagull Sampler

2011-12-23T19:42:00.003-05:00

Oil on panel 10"X10"

Wide Open

2011-12-23T10:44:00.002-05:00

I did this sketch sitting down watching my dog sleep. ~~I have to get a life.~~ Briefly she held her leg up in the air.

Oil on canvas 11"X14"

A Leg Up (SOLD)

2011-12-21T11:46:00.002-05:00

I think the blue heron has a "leg up" on being coolest bird on the planet.

I bought some of the smoothest panels I have ever painted on. A Gessoed Art Board by Speedball.

This is my first time using these. They are so slick that it seems something must be wrong.

Oil on panel 11"X14"

this painting is sold.

FishWish

2011-12-19T10:53:00.002-05:00

I never know when to stop painting on any particular piece of work. Often for me, less is more. I occasionally use my drivers license as a pallet knife.

Oil on canvas 18"X18"

$300 shipping included.

ricknilson@gmail.com

Sunflowers

2011-12-18T10:24:00.000-05:00

I started this blog originally to remind myself that I was indeed out here most days, trying as best as I could, to craft this skill of being a painter. I made a pre-commitment to myself in 2007 to do my best to excell at this. To be the best painter I was capable of being. I never expected more. I never expected less. There was never a clear understanding of what my goal was. The appearance of success was never a distinct image or place or state of mind. It's a journey and I am pleased with most of the steps I have taken and with the progress I have made to date.

I found some dried sunflowers in my attic and plopped them in a vase and painted them.

Oil on panel 11"X14"

Crawfish

2011-12-17T11:52:00.005-05:00

no explanations pending or given.

Oil on panel 11"X14"

Cherries and Chiquitas (SOLD)

2011-12-16T08:39:00.000-05:00

I painted a still life of fruit.

Oil on panel 6"X9"

this painting is sold.

King Craw

2011-12-16T08:35:00.001-05:00

I bought crawfish. Not to fish with or to eat.

Just to taunt.

Oil on canvas 22"X28"

Under Wing

2011-12-14T15:57:00.001-05:00

Oil on panel 14"X11"

Send me an email. I will sell you this painting of two seagulls.

$225 shipping included

ricknilson@gmail.com

Beyond Here Lies Nothing

2011-12-13T09:14:00.001-05:00

These oceanfront houses on the beach road along the Outer Banks.

Oil on panel 11"X14"

Turtle Still Life

2011-12-12T10:00:00.000-05:00

I painted this as a still life of baby turtles figurines coming out of the sand until, (~~for reasons unclear to even me~~) I moved them. Its always a good idea to leave your still life in the same place as you paint it. Much easier that way. Lesson learned.

Oil on panel 11"X14"

Jumping at Shadows

2011-12-10T14:14:00.001-05:00

This piece has so much transparent color on it that it does not really photograph very well. This scene had so little light that it felt like I was "jumping at shadows".

It used to look like that and now it looks like this.

Oil on canvas 16"X20"

Nothing Works Out for Me with Tuna on Toast (SOLD)

2011-12-09T08:41:00.001-05:00

Here Captain Wrongway shows an excellent example of what to name a painting if you want google to help others find it.

I liked the way this blue heron was scrunched up with his long legs out.

Oil on panel 12"X18"

Through a very odd set of circumstances this painting is sold.

FlashPan Dancer

2011-12-08T09:13:00.001-05:00

Oil on panel 11"X15"

Body Count and Delphinius (SOLD)

2011-12-07T10:23:00.001-05:00

Not sure why someone would name their boat

"Body Count"

Oh well, here she is.

Oil on canvas 18"X18"

I donated this painting to the Outer Banks Hospital Cancer Resarch Center.

thank for looking.

Pelican on a Stick

2011-12-06T09:12:00.001-05:00

Oil on canvas 16"X20"

ricknilson@gmail.com

Painting Kaylee Fisher

2011-12-04T13:21:00.001-05:00

One morning I met my friend Mick in Wanchese. We planned to do a plien aire painting of these guys painting their fishing boat, the "Kaylee Fisher". We got there a little late. When we arrived it was obvious. The painters had set up in the wrong place, just under the only tree on the lot. They failed to see my painting would have been better if I was set up exactly where the boat sat. The dappled shade felt welcoming in the morning sun and threw odd shadows on the hull. The scene was not up to my artistic standards. I hesitated asking them to move their job site from under the tree. I feared they would not have seen validity of the request.

None the less, I mucked on like a good soldier. Since, I have lamented not doing something with the images I photographed that day. I tried the same piece as a studio work in a larger size and moved the boat out into the morning sun. I think this is my best work to date, I am quite pleased. And it's not just the pills talkin'.

Oil on canvas 16"X20"

Pink on the Outside. Wild on the Inside.

2011-12-03T17:35:00.001-05:00

Good News Everybody.

I have been given one million pounds in the BT Millionares Sweekstakes.

what?

oh........

its spam?...

..never mind.

Oil on canvas 8"X16"

Nags Head Beach

2011-12-01T19:08:00.001-05:00

This was kinda fun.

Oil on canvas 12"X16"

Elephant Rodeo

2011-12-01T09:34:00.001-05:00

Scribble with no warning.

thank you all for looking.

King on a Stick (SOLD)

2011-12-01T09:32:00.001-05:00

For reasons unexplained.

Oil on canvas 9"X12"

this painting is sold

Big Shrimper

2011-11-28T13:46:00.001-05:00

This is again Capt. Ralph docked in Wanchese Harbour.

Oil on canvas 16"X20"

Stone Crabs Two

2011-11-27T18:17:00.001-05:00

In the McMaster's Collection

A stone crab painting by Outer Banks Artist Rick Nilson

Oil on Panel 9"X12"

Thank you.

Stayed for Yellow (SOLD)

2011-11-25T12:37:00.001-05:00

I painted this crab a while ago and then just kept adding paint.

A bluecrab painting by North Carolina Coastal Artist Rick Nilson

Oil on panel 11"X14"

this painting is sold.

Mad Cow Moan

2011-11-22T10:23:00.001-05:00

Here is yet another still life of my dog's toys. This one sort of squacks.

(Something else I learned chasing windmills), panels are a lot more forgiving as a painting surface and easier to wipe paint off of than canvas. I also have been using more walnut oil to thin the paint.

Oil on panel 9"X12"

Squeaking Lion (SOLD)

2011-11-21T10:37:00.001-05:00

Now for something different. I am of the opinion that your painting skills can not exceed your drawing skills. That is one of the things that I learned in La Mancha. Another, is that I do not need to rely so heavily on photographs. I painted this as a still life of one of my dog's toys. It squeaks.

Oil on panel 12"X9"

thanks for looking.

this painting is sold.

Restless Farewells

2011-11-20T14:46:00.001-05:00

I hope I have left this behind me. I loved doing these, but they did feel a bit sad or something like that. I have learned a lot about painting in general with these ficticious works. Thats about all I will say.

Oil on panel 12"X9"

An Uncloudy Day

2011-11-18T07:40:00.001-05:00

Oil on panel 9"X12" Oil on canvas 6"X8"

Don speaks to Sancho of an uncloudy day.

Everything is Broken (SOLD)

2011-11-16T09:49:00.001-05:00

" no use jivin', no use jokin'. tell the truth, everything is broken" eecummings

I knew this was going to be a challenge. I had only my last scribble to follow. I like it.

Oil on panel 9"X12"

This painting is sold.

Tuff Enough to Crow

2011-11-15T12:00:00.001-05:00

This was fun.

Oil on MDF panel 9"X12"

Hens in Purple

2011-11-14T11:15:00.001-05:00

Without a clear focus regarding exactly why I should, I painted 3 hens in purple.

Oil on canvas 12"X16"

minute scribble

2011-11-11T09:09:00.001-05:00

I don't sketch. I hate to sketch. Sketch is what chickens do when they dig in the dirt. little timid lines without commitment. I scribble until my eye sees the shape and then I scribble harder along the shape. I liked this 1 minute exercise in scribbling. I thought you might like to see it also and the way I sketch and paint.

Thanks for looking.

Nickel Back (SOLD)

2011-11-10T12:52:00.001-05:00

A buffalo in thick paint.

Oil on canvas 6"X8"

this painting is sold.

Hotdog and Petie in the Danger Zone (SOLD)

2011-11-09T17:17:00.002-05:00

Good News Everybody.

By my specifications this is my 1000th painting and post. Had I spent 10 hours on each and every painting, I would consider myself proficient with this skill. (I am of the belief that 10,000 hours crafting a skill puts you somewhere in sight of what you can be.) I don't lie to myself and say that I have spent 10 hours in each, maybe 4 or 5. It works out to about 250 post a year for 4 years. Thats 5 a week. I believe I see improvement in my work. I guess I will keep doing this for a while. Honestly, I hope to paint on my dying day.

What an extraordinary life. I love the way these gulls are just...".in your face".

Oil on canvas 6"X12"

this painting is sold.

Texting

2011-11-08T14:30:00.003-05:00

This came out of nowhere.

Oil on panel 12"X12"

Blue Heron Over Water (SOLD)

2011-11-07T14:33:00.000-05:00

I like the way this turned out. The greens in the water seemed so....you know.

Oil on panel 10"X18"

this painting is sold.

Fishing Avalon

2011-11-05T11:21:00.002-04:00

For reasons unexplained, a fishing scene on Avalon.

Up close Avalon Pier looks pretty solid. From afar it appears to be held together with bubble gum and duct tape.

Oil on canvas 12"X24"

Just Enough

2011-11-02T11:15:00.000-04:00

I have met lots of funny men that would describe "just enough" as "a little more than what you got"

Oil on canvas 10"X24"

So Close to Ewe

2011-11-01T10:37:00.000-04:00

Good News Everybody.

This morning I am digging a hole with my toe like a bashful schoolgirl.

An art critic, Tony Moffit, said nice things about my art in his blog. I am humbled by his words and by the company I am referenced with. Here is a link

http://artistblogcritic.blogspot.com/

Oil on canvas 16"X20"

Home of the Blues (SOLD)

2011-10-30T11:29:00.001-04:00

I struggled with this. Trying to decide if this was indeed an attempt at an architectural rendering or just colored shapes. This blue home in Kill Devil Hills is on the oceanfront.

Oil on canvas 16"X16"

thanks for looking.

this painting is sold.

Horseplay and Disease

2011-10-27T10:24:00.000-04:00

............are killing me by degrees.

This horse used to roam Wake County. Thanks for the picture Kathy.

Oil on canvas 12"X16"

The Fisher King (SOLD)

2011-10-25T10:00:00.002-04:00

I like these birds. Kingfishers. They appear so oddly proportioned. They fish sometimes in my back yard.

Oil on panel 11"X14"

thanks for looking.

this painting is sold.

East of Eden (SOLD)

2011-10-24T09:31:00.001-04:00

This oceanfront home in Kill Devil Hills is just east of Eden Street.

You can't make up stuff like this.

Oil on canvas 18"X18"

this painting is sold.

Garden Variety Ducks

2011-10-21T14:43:00.000-04:00

Your average garden variety ducks.

Oil on canvas 18"X18"

Shadow Lands

2011-10-20T10:03:00.005-04:00

A coastal marsh landscape thingy with bayberry trees.

Oil on canvas 12"X24"

Backlit Gull

2011-10-17T12:32:00.003-04:00

This seemed so easy, and I love the easy ones.

Oil on canvas 12"X24"

Call Letter Blues (SOLD)

2011-10-15T16:32:00.001-04:00

When I don't want to think much, or don't know what else to say, I can still paint maybe a crab.

Call Letter Blues

Oil on canvas 11"X14'

this painting is sold

Ferchizzle (SOLD)

2011-10-13T07:27:00.001-04:00

Blackface Gulls in Motion

Oil on canvas 16"X16"

ricknilson@gmail.com

thanks for looking

this painting is sold.

Blue Heron

2011-10-11T09:51:00.001-04:00

I tried a new blog layout, and all my gadgets disappeared. I switched back.

I do like this Blue Heron. I feared over working it.

Oil on canvas 12"X16"

$345 shipping included.

ricknilson@gmail.com

Plea Bargining Crab

2011-10-08T10:04:00.001-04:00

If there is an original thought, anytime now... lord, anytime.

Oil on panel 3.75"X11"

$100 shipping included

Solitary Plover

2011-10-08T10:01:00.002-04:00

Oil on panel 8"X10"

this painting is no longer available.

A Fish House Farewell (on painting with nostalgia)

2011-10-07T10:10:00.000-04:00

I never took much percentage in nostalgia. I have always had enough in front of me to spend much time looking back. I was, however, a bit nostalgic learning this old fish house in Wanchese had succumb to the elements and finally the wrecking ball. She is gone now, a victim of neglect. I have painted her before,

(~~in the past~~), but no more.

"Ode to the Fish House"

a poem by Rick Nilson

Oh, my old fish house. Sitting so patiently, while I painted you, alone in my studio.

Never asking to have your roof fixed or your windows caulked while I painted you, alone in my studio.

Now I shall paint you again, alone in my studio.

Never more.

Oil on canvas 16"X16"

ricknilson@gmail.com

Shorebirds in the flats

2011-10-05T15:13:00.000-04:00

A lady came to paint with me.

"What would you like to paint." I asked her.

"Oh, whatever. Something simple, I suppose. Maybe little birds." She said.

"That would be nice." I said.

Oil on canvas 11"X14"

Sandcastle

2011-10-03T13:56:00.000-04:00

Funny the way things don't always turn out just the way you had them planned. I am still in some form of Hurricane Irene recovery dementia. I have a lot of new priorities that have little to do with painting. It is something I hope to be over soon and again able to spend more time doing this.

A little oceanfront cottage in Nags Head with a washed out pink color against the blue clouds and sky seemed like an appropriate combination.

Oil on canvas 16"X16"

thanks for looking.

Blue Heron in Flight (SOLD)

2011-09-29T13:51:00.000-04:00

I was fortunate enough to get a decent photo of this guy yesterday. I worked on this a little more.

Thanks for looking.

Oil on canvas 12"X24"

This painting is sold.

The Sunscreen Applicator

2011-09-27T12:17:00.000-04:00

This lady had enough skin to warrant her own personal sunscreen applicator. She then walked out to the surf holding that pose.

Oil on canvas 12"X16"

The Road Ahead

2011-09-26T07:29:00.001-04:00

A bend in the road on the way to Wanchese.

Oil on canvas 24"X36"

Leaving Avalon

2011-09-23T07:14:00.002-04:00

It would appear that my life has become my regular occupation.

Oil on canvas 12"X24"

Kitty Hawk Compounded

2011-09-18T08:18:00.002-04:00

This compound of building sits on the oceanfront in Kitty Hawk.

Well.... shake my shingle.

Oil on canvas 20"X20"

If you would like to buy this painting, ricknilson@gmail.com

thanks for looking

The Charlois Calf

2011-09-18T07:42:00.000-04:00

Meanwhile back at the ranch.

Oil on canvas 11"X14"

Nag's Head Green

2011-09-16T09:28:00.000-04:00

It has been a long week of fixing all the stuff that needed attention that didn't go down in the flood. I lost both of my air conditioner units. (that was the biggest ouch).

This oceanfront cottage in Nags Head sports green shutters.

Oil on canvas 11"X14"

$225 shipping included.

Skimboarder

2011-09-10T09:36:00.000-04:00

oil on canvas 11"X14"

$245 s&h included.

ricknilson@gmail.com

Nude Beach Hootenanny

2011-09-07T08:29:00.006-04:00

I enjoyed painting this piece, even the little m's in the sky that once I swore I would never paint.

"Hey, I've seen....things."

Oil on canvas 24"X36"

If you would like to buy this piece, ricknilson@gmail.com

thanks for looking.

Tin Pan Alley Cat

2011-09-06T08:14:00.001-04:00

Oil on canvas 11"X14"

Outer Banks Hammock

2011-09-04T10:35:00.000-04:00

My marsh islands on Avery Pond.

Oil on linen 12"X14"

Two Stone Crabs

2011-09-01T17:08:00.003-04:00

Ripped VanGogh

It felt rather nice finally painting something.

Oil on canvas 12"X16"

$325 shipping included.

My backyard

2011-08-31T08:51:00.001-04:00

In the photo on the bottom is my bulkhead with the front side of Irene blowing all the water out. A drop in the water level of 4 plus feet. The picture on top is my back yard after the back side of Irene brought in a thick layer of marsh grasses combined with scrap lumber and all things not nailed down. Within 2 hours the water rose almost 11'! I got 3 feet of water in my garage. At one point during the night I lifted the cover on a vent in my floor and it was full of water. The next morning there were fish swimming in the low spots of my yard. We dodged the bullet....again.

Howl

2011-08-26T13:09:00.001-04:00

I found myself making my mouth sound out howl while I painted.

Oil on canvas panel 12"X16"

My Dog jumped a Rabbit

2011-08-25T08:54:00.002-04:00

oil on panel 8"X10"

Good Night Irene (SOLD)

2011-08-24T10:38:00.002-04:00

Hurricane Irene offers (for us) the worst possible scenario, but I have never ~~really~~ seen a scenario.

Oil on canvas 16"X20"

This painting is sold.

Six Gulls

2011-08-23T08:14:00.000-04:00

oil on panel 12"X18"

this painting is no longer available.

Horses in the Dunes

2011-08-21T08:12:00.001-04:00

I considered calling this

"The farm animals of Corolla"

Oil on panel 12"X18"

this painting is no longer available.

Waterbirding

2011-08-18T19:45:00.000-04:00

There are baitfish everywhere and blue herons and white egrets in the canals all over the outer banks.

Oil on canvas 6"X12"

Sure Miss Tyler

2011-08-16T11:31:00.002-04:00

My son's name is Tyler. He moved to California. I sure miss him.

I thought Tyler was a boys name.

Also the name of a boat. The "Miss Tyler".

I like this piece.

Oil on Canvas 18"X24"

$345 shipping included.

ricknilson@gmail.com

Blue Crab Interrupted (SOLD)

2011-08-14T11:56:00.002-04:00

There is something about this crab that keeps me coming back for more.

Oil on canvas 20"X20"

this painiting is sold.

Heron Blue in the Marsh (SOLD)

2011-08-13T16:32:00.001-04:00

I have spent a couple of days building a fence in my backyard to contain my puppy. It brings to mind how Jesus must have felt. "...............preaching the gospel is a way better gig"

Oil on canvas 11"X14"

this painting is sold.

Red Rooster (SOLD)

2011-08-10T09:12:00.004-04:00

oil on canvas panel 6"X6"

this painting is sold.

Rock the Shade (SOLD)

2011-08-09T06:49:00.002-04:00

Nags Head lifegaurds advise sunbathers to "Rock the Shade".

Oil on canvas 11"X14"

This painting is sold.

Goats

2011-08-08T10:05:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I just wonder why I paint the things I paint.

Oil on panel 12"X18"

Harbour Lights

2011-08-06T08:27:00.006-04:00

Oil on panel 8"X10"

We Eye Each Other with Suspicion (SOLD)

2011-08-05T08:34:00.001-04:00

oil on panel 8"X10"

Thanks for looking.

This painting is sold.

Belly Up

2011-08-04T10:05:00.001-04:00

Lovee all pastel and belly up in the sun.

Oil on canvas 11"X14"

$225 shipping inc.

ricknilson@gmail.com

These 3 trees

2011-08-01T08:59:00.010-04:00

3 trees and a farmhouse in Kitty Hawk Village.

Since I started this painting my "puppy" has doubled in size. I think her father was a shetland pony! What have I got myself into here? She likes to sleep on the tile floor of the bathroom with her belly against the back of the porcelian toilet. She takes up no room in there, and keeps that part of the floor nice and clean. She can fetch a ball and is largely "trained" to go to the door and whine.

Today I got a hand written letter from a patron I did not know I had. He ran off a list of probably 7 or 8 of my paintings that he had purchased in local galleries. It was heartwarming to say the least. Did I mention the letter was hand written.

At the end of the letter

(sorry to say I am computer illiterate...)

These 3 trees and farmhouse have intrigued me and seemed a suitable subject to paint for a couple of years now. My puppy has been keeping me from spending much time in front of my easel.

Oil on canvas 24"X36"

If you would like to buy this painting send an email

ricknilson@gmail.com

The Galant Fox

2011-07-28T07:14:00.003-04:00

Oil on canvas 12"X24"

The Galant Fox