tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32610546288546396032012-01-30T12:23:52.459-08:00Welcome to my world of oil paintings!Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.comBlogger2441100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-18891699354204656062012-01-28T04:49:00.001-08:002012-01-28T04:53:49.708-08:00

This old barn is not far from where I grew up in Shieldsville, MN. I was doing a field study of some trees and clouds and noticed it off in the distance. Since I couldn't get close to it from this angle, I used my zoom lens and snapped a photo of it. I thought it would make a nice painting and I'm happy with the results.The Blue Barnoil on linen, 12"x24"$1,490.00, available at the NatureWorks

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-48569207875356186162012-01-24T09:23:00.000-08:002012-01-24T09:29:12.290-08:00

I did a field study of this barn last October on a beautiful sunny morning. It was actually a commission for the owner of the barn. The owner asked that I paint it from another angle, but I knew that this angle would make for a beautiful painting also, so I painted it again.October Shadowsoil on linen, 12"x16"$990, contact Jason at luke_tako@yahoo.com to inquire.

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-34809322643617660402012-01-12T11:35:00.000-08:002012-01-12T11:43:31.671-08:00

I saw this barn on the way out of Gettysburg National Park and was captivated by it's beauty. I returned to do a field study and worked up this larger painting from the field study. There is a sign at the end of the yard that says it was used as a hospital during the Battle of Gettysburg. I can't help but wonder how many soldiers were treated there, which side they were on, and how many may have

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-33306389436802959072012-01-10T11:23:00.000-08:002012-01-10T11:33:44.303-08:00

Right now I'm working on some larger paintings for the NatureWorks Show in Tulsa, OK. In the meantime I thought I would post a cloud study I did a couple weeks ago. Windy days can be miserable to paint in, but they can make beautiful clouds, so I headed out and painted. I hope to turn this into a larger painting sometime.December Cloud Study #2oil on panel, 8"x10"Not for sale.

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-39708497897852163212012-01-05T05:20:00.000-08:002012-01-05T05:26:21.390-08:00

Hello Everyone! Just a reminder that I will be having a Solo Show Gallery Opening at Design Domaine Gallery in Bernardsville, NJ tomorrow night (Friday) from 6-9pm. Design Domaine is a large and beautiful gallery with original paintings, lighting, decor accents and architectural elements. They are located at 67 Mine Brook Road in Bernardsville. I hope to see you there!

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-13328898698981226442011-12-31T10:53:00.001-08:002011-12-31T11:03:24.019-08:00

I will have the call this my last painting for 2011. It is actually a study for a larger painting I'm already working on that depicts a stream in Gettysburg National Park just below Big Round Top. I took some liberties with the rocks and trees, but that is the artist's job-to reveal the beauty of nature's impression upon the human mind and heart. Have a Happy New Year!!Study for Stream at Big

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-21699227777750157842011-12-29T17:34:00.001-08:002011-12-29T17:36:01.844-08:00

OutdoorPainter.com posted my article from Plein Air Magazine online with an expanded demonstration. Check it out at this link. Have a Great New Year!!Jason

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-19111296939423579382011-12-26T18:15:00.001-08:002011-12-26T18:21:33.850-08:00

This was my Christmas gift for my wife. It is our son doing what he does best, having fun with the simple things in life. In this case he was digging in some gravel when we were parked on a back-road in Minnesota while I painted.Our Little Boyoil on panel, 11"x14"Not for sale

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-75518598600192529362011-12-24T08:30:00.001-08:002011-12-24T08:36:03.022-08:00

I saw these Pintails on a beautiful autumn morning while going through Blackwater Wildlife Refuge. I composed this scene from photos and a small field study I had done of the wetland. I may do a larger version with more ducks as I am pretty happy with the results of this painting. Have a Merry Christmas!Climbing the Sunlightoil on linen, 11"x14"$890.00, includes frame. Contact Jason at luke_tako@

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-54845393854607558922011-12-23T18:31:00.000-08:002011-12-23T18:36:20.133-08:00

I did the plein air field study this last November during the Waterfowl Festival. I had painted this exact scene this last summer during Plein Air Easton when it was almost 100 degrees in extreme humidity. The scene was very green at that time. The weather was more comfortable for this painting. I plan to do this scene in a larger format.I hope and pray that everyone has a very Blessed Christmas

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-70865697043762536722011-12-20T03:25:00.000-08:002011-12-20T03:28:09.809-08:00

I did the little study for an 11"x14" painting that I will soon be posting.Pintail in Flight StudyOil on cradled panel, 6"x6"

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-90010532304198702532011-12-19T07:29:00.000-08:002011-12-19T07:34:17.412-08:00

Here are links to the article that featured my work in Plein Air Magazine. Enjoy!Pages 48-49Pages 50-51Pages 52-53-Demo

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-27686471830823750012011-12-17T12:10:00.000-08:002011-12-22T16:02:10.378-08:00

This painting was inspired by the wetlands in Minnesota that I lived around as a child. I did the field study for this painting this last October, early in the morning when the sunlight bathed the golden grasses in a very warm light. I recomposed the scene both for a challenge, and to show the expanse of the prairie wetland areas in this region.Prairie Wetland in Autumnoil on panel, 11"x14"

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-18011813828304038332011-12-15T14:03:00.000-08:002011-12-15T14:10:28.540-08:00

The new winter issue of Plein Air Magazine has a 5-page article about me and my work. Plein Air Magazine is a national art magazine dedicated to outdoor painting and fine art. It is an incredible honor to be featured in this beautiful magazine with some of the best artists in the world. The article also includes a demonstration that I did in Gettysburg National Park. Here is a link where you can

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-70452068178874045322011-12-02T04:43:00.001-08:002011-12-02T04:54:40.143-08:00

This painting was inspired by a wetland that is on my childhood bus route in Minnesota. We also had to pass it whenever we drove to town. While visiting Minnesota this last October, I made of field sketch of this wetland. Back in the studio, I made some slight changes to the structure of the cattails for a more interesting composition. I really love this painting, but how could one not love

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-17027387655891331022011-11-30T14:22:00.000-08:002011-11-30T14:29:02.137-08:00

While out for a walk with my family during a late afternoon this last autumn, I was intrigued by the way the sunlight was shining on the distant mountains. I returned the next day and did a quick field study while my wife and children played in the tall grass. That field study, along with several others were used to create this painting.Autumn Afternoonoil on panel, 11"x14"$790.00. Contact Lord

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-60536889175911457662011-11-28T07:03:00.000-08:002011-11-28T14:16:59.741-08:00

This painting was inspired by a particular barn that a friend told me about, and also by the beautiful rolling hills in Adams County, PA. Doing this painting was a labor of love and frustration. I struggled mostly with the foreground and almost ditched the whole painting at one point.Originally I had green grass in the foreground and no path. Out of frustration I wiped some of the foreground away

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-39143139159866056462011-11-25T17:30:00.000-08:002011-11-28T14:16:28.359-08:00

I know that everyone is probably thinking "Hey, I saw this one already." However after looking at this painting for a while I felt it needed some changes to make it the best painting it could be. The trees have a more subtle and pleasing contour and I added some more cattails on the right to balance out the composition.October MoonOil on linen, 18"x24"$2,190.00, includes frame. Contact Jason at

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-55363594405339872322011-11-17T15:24:00.000-08:002011-11-17T15:30:08.805-08:00

This is a small field study I did while in Minnesota this last October. I grew up in this area which is near Shield's Lake, so it has a special affection for me. It was a quiet, sunny morning and I had an incredible time doing this painting. I hope to turn this study into a finished studio painting sometime soon.Morning Stream-Field Study, oil on panel, 5"x7"Not for sale.

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-46730862740645381232011-11-16T14:50:00.000-08:002011-11-16T15:21:04.074-08:00

Last winter I saw this Cardinal in our backyard. Seizing the opportunity I grabbed my camera and took a few photos before he flew away.Red on Grayoil on linen, 16"x20"$1,590.00, framed, contact Jason at luke_tako@yahoo.com to inquire.

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-60606899530842019552011-11-08T04:29:00.001-08:002011-11-08T04:34:48.659-08:00

This small study of a Wood Duck was a lot of fun to paint. Many times the background of a wildlife painting is the most challenging for me. The animal is easy, since I know exactly what I need to do, but the background can be more ambiguous. With this background I decided to have fun with textures and suggestions of forest foliage.One Leg Upoil on panel, 6"x8"$290 framed, contact Jason at

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-49517374860640991362011-11-07T06:16:00.000-08:002011-11-07T06:28:42.535-08:00

My award-winning painting Tarnished Silver will be featured on the cover and the inside of Contemporary Fine Art Interntional's 2012 Calendar. The inside of the calendar will feature the work of 11 other artists along with myself. The calendar can be ordered at this link. CFAI is also featuring an online interview with me which can be found here. Have a great day and be aware of the Beauty

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-59270323846439523082011-11-05T07:14:00.000-07:002011-11-05T07:18:27.538-07:00

During these challenging economic times it can be difficult to know what to do with your money. Should you invest in stocks, real estate or just stay in cash? While I’m far from an economic advisor, I have run across a couple articles that talks about art as an investment. Trevor Richards in his article How You Can Invest in Art says: “For centuries an original painting has been seen as being

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-14667536767385759292011-11-04T05:32:00.000-07:002011-11-04T06:24:39.875-07:00

The Mandarin Duck is a close relative to the North American Wood Duck. They were once widespread throughout Asia but destruction of its habitat has reduced it to eastern Russia, China and Japan.Mandarin Drakeoil on panel, 6"x8"$290 framed. Contact Jason at luke_tako@yahoo.com to inquire.

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-77038951915681349072011-11-03T05:09:00.000-07:002011-11-04T06:26:47.085-07:00

The Barrows Goldeneye is a medium sized diving duck. They like to dive underwater for food which includes aquatic insects, crustaceans and pond vegetation. The simple colors and beautiful abstract pattern of the duck's feathers was the perfect vehicle for using a variety of paint thickness and texture. One of my favorite things to do in painting is to merge a painterly quality with

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-53964961117342805592011-11-02T04:29:00.000-07:002011-11-02T04:38:02.700-07:00

Last week I was driving around Lancaster County, PA around sunrise when I saw the beautiful interplay of light and shadows on this barn. I quickly pulled my car over and set up to paint. While Amish horse buggies wheeled past me, I completed a small 5"x7" field study in around a half hour, and snapped a few photos. I brought these back to the studio and used them to create this little

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-45452829985508854562011-10-31T10:26:00.000-07:002011-10-31T10:32:37.984-07:00

Be sure to mark your calendars for the Waterfowl Festival in Easton, Maryland, November 11th-13th. The entire town of Easton is transformed into a wildlife enthusiast's paradise. I will be exhibiting my newest artwork there, paintings that have not yet been seen by the public. Be sure to look me up at the Armory Building with the big bronze Canada Geese in the front. http://

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-31835842189056195302011-10-28T03:21:00.000-07:002011-10-28T03:37:46.944-07:00

This is a little study for a larger Cardinal painting I'm working on. Sometimes animals can exhibit what seem to be human characteristics. I like to work these into my titles if it doesn't sound too cheesy.What Are You Looking At?Oil on panel, 6"x8"$290 framed, $249 unframed, contact Jason at luke_tako@yahoo.com to inquire.

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-57562579037804122892011-10-26T15:31:00.000-07:002011-10-28T14:35:47.603-07:00

This pair of Pintails is settling down in a nice quiet part of a mist-covered pond. This painting was an exercise in balance between design, and remaining faithful to the look of a typical mid-western wetland. I had most of the painting finished before our trip to Minnesota a couple weeks ago. While there I went to some wetlands close to my childhood home in Shieldsville, and did some small field

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-70254764177605999942011-10-24T09:46:00.000-07:002011-10-24T09:55:12.336-07:00

This painting was inspired by our trip to Wyoming this last summer. The northeastern part of Yellowstone is very mountainous, and there were bison here and there on the flat areas. I composed this scene using my small field studies (done in oil, and in the rain) and photo references. I wanted to give the feel of massive mountains and space. The incredible feeling you get when your out West.Where

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-2664854900628209222011-10-21T05:09:00.001-07:002011-10-21T05:23:35.627-07:00

While in the Badlands in South Dakota, and while in Wyoming, we saw a lot of bison. This was the first time I ever saw them in the wild. I was having fun quoting the movie Dances With Wolves and calling them tatanka in front of my children. Our 1-year-old son at the time keep trying to repeat the word. Now whenever he sees bison he exercises his best Lakota dialect.Flatland Wanderer9"x12" oil on

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-91763259231561074872011-10-20T04:32:00.000-07:002011-10-20T04:41:33.549-07:00

This little painting was accepted into the 2011 PAINT THE PARKS Mini50 Show and received one of the Juror's Awards in the show. I while back I did a painting called The Slyder Farm which depicted the scene above. Many times before I do a final painting I will do a small study to work everything out. This small painting was the preliminary study for The Slyder Farm. While some preliminary studies

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-1390721757802091142011-10-19T05:29:00.000-07:002011-10-19T05:36:46.485-07:00

My painting Tarnished Silver won Best of Show in the Contemporary Fine Art International Miniature Juried Show Fall 2011. My many thanks for the jurors and wonderful artists at Contemporary Fine Art Interntional!

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-8871882831711591162011-10-05T17:24:00.000-07:002011-10-05T17:36:28.870-07:00

This little field study was done a couple weekends ago on a Saturday morning. It was a foggy morning and I was captivated by the colors of the Goldenrods, and the tree just starting to turn color. Parking my car in an undeveloped development, I stood right in the middle of the road and painted. I left my car radio on a Catholic radio station and listened to the Divine Liturgy while I painted.

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-15832174524965095152011-10-04T03:38:00.000-07:002011-10-04T03:46:19.508-07:00

Painting a sunset from life is very challenging for me, but it is the only real way to capture that brilliance along with accurate colors and values in the light and dark areas. Photos either turn the trees totally black or wash out the colors in the light areas. The biggest challenge to deal with is the rapidity of change. Every minutes the sun is in a different position and the clouds have

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-54850837890189049952011-10-01T06:46:00.000-07:002011-10-01T06:57:41.956-07:00

The clouds depicted in this little field study will not be too popular with people along the East Coast, I know it didn't end up being a favorite of mine either; but these were the first clouds of Hurricane Irene that moved into the South Central Pennsylvania area. I did 3 cloud studies that evening, as the only redeeming quality of this storm was that it produced dramatically beautiful clouds

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-78345318451999982752011-09-29T18:23:00.000-07:002011-09-29T18:33:16.464-07:00

This painting was created for the York Art Association and the Farm and Natural Lands Trust. A number of local artists were chosen and given a specific location to paint. Each location has been put into the local preservation program. I went to my location in mid-July, took some photographs and created a small field study. For this final painting I moved things around a little to make the

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-27338729512250909142011-09-24T12:10:00.001-07:002011-09-24T12:18:33.511-07:00

While in Idaho, near the Wyoming border, I spotted this barn and jumped out of our van in the rain to do a quick field study of it. I loved the effect the rain had on the mountains. This effect, as well as the old barn inspired me greatly. Sadly scenes like this are disappearing all over the country. I'm thankful I was able to capture this one.Western Farm, oil on linen, 18"x24"$2,190.00,

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-85349593387204870542011-09-21T19:17:00.000-07:002011-09-21T19:21:39.472-07:00

This is another cloud study I did before sunset. Of all the cloud studies I have done so far I think this one is the best. I hope to be able to use it in a studio painting someday; but even if I don't, it was great practice, and it will help me in the future if I paint any other scenes with clouds.Cloud Study 9-12-11oil on panel, 5"x7"Not for sale.

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-37939713725677740242011-09-20T03:40:00.000-07:002011-09-20T03:45:55.318-07:00

I have been working on a couple large paintings that are not yet complete. In the meantime I have also been sneaking outside to do some evening cloud studies. These are little 5"x7" paintings done very rapidly due to the rapidly changing light this time of day. This, as well as future ones I will post, were done with only the 3 primary colors and white. This is great practice for learning how to

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-59050968830848842522011-09-19T19:05:00.000-07:002011-09-19T19:09:47.930-07:00

My painting Courtship won the Western Art Collector's Magazine Editor's Choice Award at the Society of Animal Artist's 51 Annual Show!

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-76268958453604570072011-09-14T03:27:00.000-07:002011-09-14T03:43:45.037-07:00

Some of you, both artists and collectors, may notice that after a short period of time your oil painting may get a flat, dull or even blotchy look. This usually happens during the drying process, which for oil paintings may take years to totally complete. The surface of an oil painting can vary in the amount of actual oil it contains. The areas with less oil tend to dry more flat. This is why it

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-26559727063849841262011-08-31T16:03:00.000-07:002011-08-31T16:13:32.215-07:00

This painting was based on the field study I posted on July 4th, which was done in Yellowstone National Park. All I can say is that I love this painting because I loved being in the place it was based upon. It has been said that true art shouldn't need words to explain it; it should be able to explain itself. I hope that is what I achieved with this painting. Misty River in Yellowstone, oil on

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-68688262194557676612011-08-27T20:00:00.000-07:002011-08-27T20:06:16.599-07:00

This painting was a commission based on a barn I had painted before in Adams County, PA. Its the largest painting I have done to date. I spent a lot of time-very enjoyable time-re-working the values and colors to make it just right. Autumn at the Farm, oil on linen, 22"x46" SOLD

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-46888149890626371292011-08-16T03:29:00.000-07:002011-08-16T03:37:38.269-07:00

I did this small study of an oak tree in Gettysburg National Military Park. Little studies from life are one of the best ways to grow as an artist. I used a limited palette with this one. This also is a great way to learn how to mix good color. Oak Tree Study, oil on panel, 8"x10"

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-84783783380106099532011-08-10T19:15:00.000-07:002011-08-12T18:37:54.859-07:00

I started this painting en plein air and intended to finish most of it that way, but clouds moved in after I had started and stuck around for the next hour. Since I had pre-mixed my basic colors I was able to hang out for a while longer and work from memory. Eventually I packed up and finished in the studio using a reference photo I had taken before I started. Gettysburg Barn, oil on linen panel

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-76799869765693367872011-08-08T03:41:00.001-07:002011-08-08T03:50:05.091-07:00

This painting was inspired by a compositional idea I had after visiting the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, Wyoming this last June. If you like wildlife art at all, you cannot help being inspired by all the beautiful artwork that is in there. I wanted to show the solitude of a morning pond in early spring. Looking at a scene like this I can hear the other ducks quaking and splashing

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-53358374832778118402011-08-04T03:24:00.000-07:002011-08-04T03:33:51.609-07:00

This was painted at the Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, Maryland. It was very hot that morning and the air was thick with humidity. This is an old skipjack that they used to use for fishing on the Chesapeake Bay. These kind of boats have a beautiful shape and are very interesting to paint.Hazy Morning Skipjack, oil on linen panel, 11"x14"Contact Art & Soul Gallery to purchase 717-761-1270

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-34893343645893506252011-08-02T03:08:00.001-07:002011-08-02T03:16:47.683-07:00

At Tilghman Island there is a marina with all kinds of old and new boats lying around just waiting to be painted. Along with the boats there are barrels, boards, wood pallets and other assorted things that add to the scenery. Of course some of the local people don't like this kind of scenery, as one woman expressed to me as she walked by and asked if I wanted to buy the boat I was painting so

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-67838211648941693012011-08-01T03:33:00.000-07:002011-08-01T03:42:22.006-07:00

On the morning of the second day of Plein Air Easton, I was heading back down to Tilghman Island to do a painting of a skipjack. The morning was very humid and it was going to be a hot day. While passing through St. Michaels I saw the sun rising over the water like a big orange ball. I asked myself for a few minutes if I should stay and paint or continue to Tilghman Island. Needless to say I

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-5026846407811243982011-07-27T17:35:00.001-07:002011-07-27T18:12:07.212-07:00

This is the first painting I did this year during Plein Air Easton. It is probably the second most painted boat on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The first, called Crow Brothers, was dismantled last year. I'm sure it won't be long before this boat, Crow Brothers II catches up with it's deceased older brother in being depicted on canvas. Both boats are icons of Tilghman Island on the Chesapeake

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-72255130387619401022011-07-26T15:54:00.000-07:002011-07-26T16:01:32.073-07:00

I did this painting also at Plein Air Easton. It won the Vanishing Landscape Award at the competition and auctioned off for $2,500.00. Not bad for a 9"x12". I stood in a pond that connects with the Chesapeake Bay to get the view that I wanted, and to stay somewhat cool. The tide kept rising as I painted and I soon had to get out while I still could. The egret showed up just long enough for me to

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-90556655289817295402011-07-25T17:51:00.001-07:002011-07-25T18:02:00.238-07:00

I just returned from a wonderful but very hot week of outdoor painting at Plein Air Easton. This painting won the Award for Best Architectural Painting in the competition. It was an old abandoned farmhouse right outside of Easton, Maryland. I was intrigued by the decorative front porch columns and the road leading up to the house. Not to mention the lives of the people that once lived in this

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-51767010295780041852011-07-16T10:43:00.001-07:002011-07-25T18:02:43.138-07:00

This is a painting I did of a wetland area just a few miles outside of my hometown of Shieldsville, Minnesota. The wetland has been drying up for the last few years, but is still a beautiful place and brings back a lot of memories for me. When I got back into artwork as an adult, this was the area I frequented the most.Hazy Evening, oil on linen panel, 11"x14"SOLD

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-26012780090690734542011-07-15T03:40:00.001-07:002011-07-15T03:45:32.820-07:00

This is the same creek from my post yesterday, but further down and looking the other way. I took some photographs of both scenes but given the intense lights and darks none of the photos could capture what my eyes and paints could capture, and even my paints are limited. I always say that God reserves the most beautiful aspects of nature for Himself. We artists can only capture a fraction of

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-30514144540132676192011-07-14T03:34:00.000-07:002011-07-14T03:43:39.385-07:00

One morning, during the Scott Christensen Workshop, the class met up at Teton Canyon on the west side of the Grand Teton mountains. Many people were painting the incredible view of the mountains. However my urge to try something different, and to enjoy some solitude drove me into the woods, over a beaver dam (with a large backpack full of painting gear) and onto a small peninsula of dirt to paint

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-2392468646368180712011-07-13T03:32:00.000-07:002011-07-13T03:39:57.476-07:00

I started this field study about 15 minutes after I completed the Teton Valley Sage Brush field study (see previous posting). This barn was a little further down the road right outside of Victor, Idaho. I loved how the rain muted the background mountains. I couldn't resist setting up my gear and umbrella to capture that effect. Scott Christensen gave me some ideas to implement on the studio

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-27786009644809290782011-07-11T19:03:00.000-07:002011-07-11T19:10:07.488-07:00

I painted this in the rain right outside of Victor, Idaho in about 45 minutes. This is a view of the Teton Range looking north from Victor. On other days while I was in Wyoming, I got some wonderful bison and Pronghorn Antelope reference in overcast light. I hope to use this little study to create some larger wildlife paintings.Teton Valley Sage Brush-field study, oil on panel, 8"x10"Not for sale

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-77529611965981917202011-07-07T03:42:00.000-07:002011-07-07T03:47:02.800-07:00

This is a small study I did while taking Scott Christensen's workshop. This view is of the west side of the Teton Range. Scott helped me by adjusting a few of the colors on the painting during critique. With many of the studies I did out west I hope to turn this into a finished painting.Tetons from the West, oil on panel, 8"x10"Not for sale.

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-54145239000441533622011-07-04T14:24:00.000-07:002011-07-04T14:31:10.146-07:00

This is the first painting I did on our trip out West. One night we stayed near the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park. I woke up at 5am like a kid on Christmas morning and headed out to the park. It was very foggy when I started out. I saw this river and set up to paint. I had to paint fast as the fog was starting to lift and the direct sunlight would totally change the scene.Morning

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-25806671573379655852011-06-08T14:07:00.000-07:002011-06-08T14:19:10.232-07:00

My painting Tarnished Silver was a Finalist in the David A. Leffel Award for Excellence in Painting competition. This painting was selected along with 37 other Finalists. David Leffel is a world renown master artist who has preserved the method of painting in the tradition of the Old Masters, and is known for being very demanding in his appreciation of art. I'm very honored to have been selected

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-82630467106646186552011-06-06T04:08:00.001-07:002011-06-06T04:11:38.911-07:00

This painting won 2nd Place at the Plein Air Camp Hill Quick Draw competition! We had 2 hours to complete a painting from start to finish. Normally I wouldn't pick something this intimate for a quick draw, but the composition and lighting beckoned me to try something different.Roses, oil on linen panel, 12"x9"SOLD

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-32305174754139768072011-06-04T20:26:00.000-07:002011-06-08T14:07:15.098-07:00

My painting Country Road, posted on June 3rd, won First Place at Plein Air Camp Hill!! There were many wonderful works there so I am very honored that my painting won First Place! My thanks goes out to the judges and all the sponsors of this wonderful event!

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-52339814321911604532011-06-03T04:19:00.000-07:002011-06-04T20:32:29.376-07:00

I painted this en plein air this last Monday. It was very hot, and the shadow areas of the painting were drying very fast, to the point where I had to re-paint them to maintain wet edges. This barn is right down the road from our church. While painting it I got to meet a couple people who grew up there. I heard wonderful stories of family picnics and children swimming down by the creek.

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-49485570234439347112011-06-02T02:44:00.000-07:002011-06-04T20:32:48.593-07:00

Happy Feast of the Ascension! I'm doing an event this weekend called Plein Air Camp Hill in Camp Hill, PA. This event allows you to paint a head of time so a couple weekends ago I went up to Camp Hill and painted this wonderful blue house. I started around 7am and finished up around noon. This painting was done strictly in a limited palette. Camp Hill is a beautiful area filled with lovely homes.

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-80210041444252505002011-05-31T02:21:00.001-07:002011-06-08T14:05:48.646-07:00

This spring I went into a wooded area and sketched and photographed some fallen trees. At one point I fell off a log into a deep stream and thought I had destroyed my new digital camera. But a week later I had a little Easter miracle when I turned the camera on after putting it in a Ziploc bag with some rice and it worked. If you ever drop something electronic in water don't turn it on, put it in

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-66005076491379396492011-05-25T19:33:00.000-07:002011-05-25T19:37:54.352-07:00

This is a commissioned painting that I just finished. Beautiful Wood Ducks on a spring pond near a wooded area.Spring Wood Ducksoil on linen, 16"x50"SOLD

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-30463382701341404912011-05-09T16:17:00.001-07:002011-05-09T16:20:32.679-07:00

This is a large commission I'm working on for Dr. Reese, a wonderful dentist (my dentist) in Hanover, PA. This painting of Wood Ducks, will be 16" high by 50" long. So far I'm using a limited palette on this painting.

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-46849123983447820432011-05-07T06:42:00.000-07:002011-05-07T06:51:39.180-07:00

My painting Courtship was juried into the Society of Animal Artists 51st Annual Show, which will be held in Traverse City, MI at the Dennos Museum Center! Every year this show hosts paintings by giants like Robert Bateman and Lars Jonsson, so I'm much honored to have been accepted into the show. 364 Submissions where made and the process included 9 judges and took 6 hours to complete. The show

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-13067091154580921282011-05-05T04:23:00.000-07:002011-05-05T04:29:35.741-07:00

I noticed this small stream in a pasture last weekend. I was attracted to the bright blue contrasting the sun-bleached greens, as well as the shape of the stream. I set up my painting gear and created this study. Sadly the photograph of the painting doesn't show the brilliant blues I was able to capture. I may turn this into a larger painting, I may not. Time will tell. Either way it was great

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-18387447332060559812011-04-19T19:06:00.001-07:002011-04-19T19:10:52.291-07:00

Here is another quick study I did. The same beautiful woman as before in her red dress walking through some apple trees in blossom.Red Dress in Spring-study, oil on panel, 8"x6"http://www.jasontako.com/

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-62121400823186859932011-04-18T18:53:00.000-07:002011-04-18T18:58:28.727-07:00

This is a little painting of a lovely lady picking spring flowers. After working on larger paintings that require a lot of preliminary work it's nice to do a small quick painting. Picking Flowers, oil on panel, 8"x6"

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-76329541741800873332011-04-12T18:19:00.000-07:002011-05-07T06:54:54.272-07:00

My latest painting, a pair of Wood Ducks. After a long winter I wanted to paint something with a the feel of Spring. I used a small plein air painting I did of a murky shoreline for the background inspiration. The drake and hen are courting for now but after the eggs hatch the drake will take off with the other "bachelors" and leave the hen to raise the ducklings alone all Summer. I used a

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-7712805922146841212011-04-11T13:29:00.000-07:002011-04-11T13:35:35.463-07:00

The York Daily Record, the newspaper of York, Pennsylvania, did a nice article on my landscape artwork. Click on the title of the blog to see the online article. Also feel free to contact me about commissions. If you have a home or landscape, a certain wildlife painting, or even a family member you would like to have painted, I would love to create that painting for you. Pass this on to a friend.

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-52457083317201746812011-03-25T04:53:00.000-07:002011-03-25T04:55:16.333-07:00

This is another compositional study I did for my larger studio painting. I moved the hen in front of the drake to explore another option.Wood Duck Studio Study-2, oil on panel, 6"x8" Pass this on to a friend! Jason Takowww.jasontako.com

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-48826905879954820302011-03-23T16:50:00.001-07:002011-04-11T13:36:04.471-07:00

This is a small study of a female Wood Duck that will be used for my next large studio painting. At first glance the hen looks like a drab brownish color, but on closer inspection she reveals beautiful greens, reds and blues which combine to create the brown color that keeps her hidden her while she incubates her eggs. Once again I used a limited palette of just Cadmium Yellow, Red and

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-20999383729952042732011-03-16T16:54:00.001-07:002011-03-23T17:01:06.671-07:00

This is a small studio study (6"x8") of a pair of Wood Ducks that I did for a larger painting I plan to enter into a show. I do these small studies to work out problems before I dive into the final painting. My main concern here was with color and composition. I wasn't sure what color scheme to use (autumn, spring, fog) but I think I like the early spring feel this study shows. I already see

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-91600944150598314682011-03-05T08:12:00.000-08:002011-03-10T03:28:57.320-08:00

This is the John Slyder Farm in Gettysburg National Park. It was based on the field study I posted a while back. This farm became a Confederate field hospital during the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. This painting will be available at Lord Nelson's Gallery at History Meets the Arts this coming June.The Slyder Farm, oil on linen, 18"x24"SOLD

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-23865701100728509672011-03-01T13:47:00.000-08:002011-03-01T14:09:45.789-08:00

I passed this old barn many times along Route 30 in Eastern York County and I finally got a chance to paint it. I found these great cardboard based panels with an oil-primed linen surface for doing small oil sketches. They are sturdy enough for display and longevity, yet not expensive. This way if the sketch doesn't turn out, I don't have to feel I'm out of a lot of money. This is the first

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-75667266290742590042011-02-21T12:53:00.001-08:002011-03-10T03:29:16.397-08:00

I called this painting Memories because of the stories that were posted on my blog about this house (see my January 19th, 2011 posting). One of the biggest reasons I paint is to try to reach back into simpler times were faith and family were more of a social emphasis. This house, and the possibility that it could be torn down by a developer, represents what I long for and also the sadness I feel

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-78755818633282928582011-02-09T04:32:00.000-08:002011-02-09T04:38:56.169-08:00

This is a field study I did of the John Slyder Farm in Gettysburg National Park. It was a beautiful overcast winter afternoon and the park was very quiet and peaceful. I plan to turn this into a larger studio painting but probably close in on the main barn.John Slyder Farm-Field Study, oil on paperIf you like this painting feel free to pass this on to your friends.Jason Takowww.jasontako.comhttp

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-54950737596877509632011-02-03T18:32:00.000-08:002011-02-03T18:49:17.679-08:00

I had done a field study of this barn last September, but when we drove by it in the winter the defoliated trees allowed me to see the white farmhouse behind the barn. I thought this made a more interesting possibility so I returned to paint it again. While I was setting up to paint a bunch of black steers thundered up to the edge of the fence and watched me with great curiosity. I'm sure they

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-47588151153560356532011-01-25T17:52:00.000-08:002011-05-05T04:29:51.894-07:00

When I did the field study for this painting the kind people who owned this barn brought out hot chocolate and cookies for me. Since it was a cold day the hot chocolate really hit the spot. It turns out the lady of the house is an artist as well. I was invited into their home and saw that she was working on a painting of this same barn. I did this painting with a strict limited palette, Cadmium

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-26386253088809452182011-01-19T03:35:00.000-08:002011-01-19T03:45:21.467-08:00

This is a small field study I did two weekends ago of an old farm house near my home. I plan to turn this into a larger studio painting sometime soon. Of course some things will need to be changed like the odd-shaped evergreen tree on the left. I should have changed it in this field study but when its freezing cold with wind blowing on you sometimes your only thought is getting the painting done

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-75449701723084312032011-01-14T04:31:00.001-08:002011-01-14T04:34:10.299-08:00

This is a small field study I did of a barn with a beautiful stone foundation. I painted this from life a couple weeks ago near York Springs, PA. I plan to re-compose the scene and painting a larger studio version.Stone Barn Field Study, oil on panel, 8"x10"

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-73428157846353701092011-01-06T03:59:00.000-08:002011-01-06T04:02:24.300-08:00

This is a commission I did for a client of a Newsstand in New York City. It was fun painting the dramatic lighting and incorporating all the little shapes that one would find at a newsstand.New York Newsstand, oil on linen, 14"x11"SOLD

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-7682823979729395572011-01-04T17:55:00.000-08:002011-05-05T04:33:57.778-07:00

This is the final studio version of the field study I had posted last week. I wanted to capture the quiet, peaceful beauty I experienced when painted the field study. One thing that I like about winter is the peacefulness you experience when outside. Everything is quiet and still. Winter has always had this effect on me. This is the feeling I wanted to portray in this painting.Early Evening, oil

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-16460358780774020542010-12-29T04:32:00.000-08:002010-12-29T04:40:22.128-08:00

This is a field study, a.k.a. plein air painting I did a couple weeks ago in the late afternoon. I have painted this barn a few times before (always in a small size) but the lighting was gorgeous on this particular evening, better than any of the other times I've painted it. I plan to turn this into a large studio painting-15"x30". This small study represents about and hour and thirty minutes of

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-86471673809925454162010-12-24T06:44:00.001-08:002010-12-24T06:48:57.596-08:00

This is the final version of a commission that I did for a good freind. I wish everyone a Blessed and Merry Christmas!

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-86541841490021465392010-12-16T04:48:00.001-08:002010-12-16T04:52:26.477-08:00

It has been some time since I last posted. Things have been a little hectic and I've been working on commissions for Christmas. This is the first stage of a painting I'm currently working on. This has a bit of a Christmas theme to it since it shows a donkey, which are usually portrayed in Nativity scenes, not to mention that Christ rode a donkey into Jerusalem before the Passover. This image

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-17705792350043403282010-11-24T04:41:00.000-08:002010-11-24T04:44:31.293-08:00

Here is a nice painting for Thanksgiving! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!Early Light, oil on panel, 10"x8"SOLD

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-38675861284854451632010-11-15T14:28:00.001-08:002010-11-24T04:45:14.329-08:00

I have some more great news! This painting won the 2nd Place VIP Best of Show Award at this year's Waterfowl Festival! The Benefactors got to vote for their favorite painting at the Thursday night preview event.SOLD

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-34869389434815992522010-11-10T04:36:00.000-08:002010-12-30T09:43:14.155-08:00

These are the same group of Pelicans that I observed at Lake of the Woods. During mid-day they would stand on a pile of rocks and preen their feathers. Even though he may have been yawning the one on the left kind of looks like he is yelling or talking too much. Hence the title of the painting. Yaking and Scratching, oil on linen, 16"x20"Contact Gregory James Gallery to purchase 860-354-3436

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-841434335529812472010-11-09T17:18:00.000-08:002010-11-09T17:26:56.761-08:00

I just received some great news! I am the award recipient of the Evelyn and Peter Haller Distinguished Young Artist Award! This contest is put out by the Society of Animal Artists and sponsored by Isabel and Sheldon Sklar. I was told that the competition was pretty stiff but they thought I had a very strong body of work. I'm very honored and humbled to have received this award and my many thanks

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-36723740523115031792010-11-09T04:35:00.000-08:002010-12-30T09:44:01.042-08:00

Blue Herons are fairly solitary birds and seem to prefer to hunt in their own territories. I saw this one walking up a floating log in a brackish wetland early one morning. I opted to keep the painting more neutral to give it a sophisticated and unique look. The soft mass of cattails in the background contrast the cattails in the foreground and give the painting a sense of depth. The foreground

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-43085376655466468492010-11-05T04:39:00.000-07:002011-05-05T04:32:33.754-07:00

I love painting white, whether its snow or some kind of animal. I always have fun with all the subtle tones and neutral colors. Rarely-if ever-is anything in nature pure white. While the local color of the object may be completely white, the light source will almost always give it some kind of slight tone. This fact reminds me of the Transfiguration of Jesus, where it says in Scripture that His

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-63337756492166425932010-11-04T04:51:00.001-07:002010-11-24T04:48:47.993-08:00

Hooded Mergansers are one of my favorite ducks. In this painting I wanted to give the feel of traveling through a wooded wetland in a canoe and coming upon these ducks in their own little autumn sanctuary.Hooded Mergansers, 15"x30", oil on linenSOLD

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-15791195212574134182010-10-29T04:14:00.000-07:002010-12-30T09:44:49.882-08:00

There have been numerous times when I have experienced being out on a foggy wetland right at sunrise. The sun would cut through the fog and illuminate it in a beautiful array of oranges and pinks. During these wonderful experiences I could sometimes hear ducks in the distance. This painting is what I imagine they were doing during those mornings.Three of a Kind, oil on linen, 18"x20"Contact Lord

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-48763726509072678502010-10-22T17:12:00.000-07:002010-12-30T09:45:06.466-08:00

This painting was done from reference material I gathered about 5 years ago on lac des Bois, which is French for Lake of the Woods. This lake is the 45th largest lake in the world, it is in both Minnesota and Canada, over 70 miles long and wide, has 65,000 miles of shoreline and over 14,552 islands. It is also a Walleye fisherman's paradise. My art teacher from college and dear friend Bara

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3261054628854639603.post-6535882933317352882010-10-21T04:42:00.001-07:002010-12-30T09:45:23.620-08:00

It has been a while since I last posted. I have been working on paintings for the Waterfowl Festival and for the Plantation Wildlife Art Festival, both in November. Last spring I saw a this pair of Pintails sitting on a log while out photographing waterfowl. In this painting the drake is stretching his right leg back under his tail. After they stretched and preened their feathers they both sat on

Jason Takohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254381568235592436noreply@blogger.com0