the art of christopher j olson

Seeking Fortune

2011-03-23T12:49:00.000-07:00

2011-03-17T16:06:00.001-07:00

2011-03-17T15:15:00.001-07:00

Snowed In - Opening this Friday 11th, 6-10pm

2011-02-09T16:11:00.000-08:00

Opening Night

2010-11-30T16:19:00.000-08:00

Kona Cats in Paradise : detail, 2010

2010-11-19T13:57:00.000-08:00

Projected light image for the grand opening of Echo Echo Gallery in Seattle, WA - Click here to view photos!

2010-11-19T13:52:00.000-08:00

Descending Bendy Devil - Sold

2010-11-19T13:46:00.000-08:00

7 Days to go until the opening of Echo Echo!

2010-11-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

It's going to be a great night with food, drink, music and of course art! If your in Seattle on 12th of November from 6-11pm, come out and support our grand opening!

I'm the proud co-owner Echo Echo Gallery. Come check out our Grand Opening on Friday, November 12th, 6 -11pm!!

2010-10-25T15:44:00.000-07:00

2010-08-24T22:00:00.000-07:00

2010-08-24T21:49:00.000-07:00

Hand Painting Ceramic Tiles

2010-08-06T09:24:00.000-07:00

Oh, well...

2010-08-05T13:12:00.000-07:00

...just the price of doing business.

Snowman Sketches

2010-08-04T11:33:00.000-07:00

Kona - Rainbows Abound, Kilauea Crater - Sketches

2010-08-03T08:50:00.000-07:00

Kona - Watering Hole - Sketches

2010-08-02T10:47:00.000-07:00

New Look to my Blog

2010-06-02T16:15:00.001-07:00

See You Later Alligator

2010-05-21T09:28:00.000-07:00

This piece was shown and sold at my last show "Smorgasboard". I'm constantly creating new characters and putting them in oddly unexpected situations. The alligator costumed charater floats down a body of water on a piece of wood while three cats in divers suits are slowing submerging.

Sold
Size: 18" x 24"
Acrylic on Wood
2010

The Guide or Travels into the Land of Wonder and Amazement

2010-05-18T14:00:00.000-07:00

This painting was commissioned by some really cool friends, Matt & Jennifer Hansen.I want to thank Matt for his great interest in my work and his lovely wife for making the arrangements. Kudos to them both!!

Size: 40" x 40"
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
2010

My Fundraising Page

2010-02-15T17:04:00.000-08:00

My Fundraising Page

Art Auction Feb. 26th

2010-02-15T10:54:00.000-08:00

CALL to ARTISTS

2010-02-10T12:03:00.000-08:00

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), in conjunction with Team in Training participants, is seeking artists who are willing to donation all forms of art in all media to a silent auction. This event will be hosted at Sole Shoe Repair in Capital Hill on February 26 with 100% of the proceeds to be donated to LLS!

For more information just reply to this post or if that doesn't work here's my email: chrisjolson@gmail.com.Please make your considerations by Monday, February 15, if you are interested. All donated items for this auction are due by Saturday, February 20.

Please forward this to anyone you might think would be interested in participating. Thanks!

Latest Flyer Design

2010-02-09T13:14:00.000-08:00

Helping Haiti event this Sunday

2010-01-27T12:20:00.000-08:00

Art Opening - Friday, Jan, 8th 6 - 10pm

2010-01-05T14:41:00.001-08:00

Flyers I created for JGS

2009-11-12T14:58:00.000-08:00

Snowman 2009

2009-11-11T11:56:00.001-08:00

Here's my completed snowman created to benefit the Greenwood Boys and Girls Club. It will be on display at a local business in the Greenwood/Phinney Ridge area for a month, then will go to auction for the club.

Had fun doing this annual project!

Lotus Flower

2009-10-27T18:01:00.001-07:00

Acrylic on Carved Wood, 12" x 12", 2009

In the Garden

2009-10-27T17:59:00.001-07:00

Acrylic on Paper, 22" x 28", 2009

Get your Ceramic Art Tiles today!! http://www.cafepress.com/chrisolson

2009-10-27T17:55:00.000-07:00

New Painting for sale on Etsy

2009-10-17T12:37:00.000-07:00

The strange case of Dr. Jekyl & Mr. Hyde

2009-10-07T16:47:00.000-07:00

30" x 30" Acrylic on Wood Panel, 2009

Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is a novella written by the Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson and first published in 1886. It is about a London lawyer who investigates strange occurrences between his old friend, Dr Henry Jekyll, and the misanthropic Mr Hyde.

The work is known for its vivid portrayal of a split personality, split in the sense that within the same person there is both an apparently good and an evil personality each being quite distinct from the other. The novella's impact is such that it has become a part of the language, with the phrase "Jekyll and Hyde" coming to mean a person who is vastly different in moral character from one situation to the next.

I've created this painting as tribute to this novella.

Work in progress...

2009-10-07T15:07:00.002-07:00

This is a piece I've been developing for little a while now. The basic composition is from a sketch and hasn't changed too much. I'm still searching for some elements to add to bring it all together. I'll be posting more updates as they happen.

peace lily

2009-09-25T12:16:00.000-07:00

Chang'e and Houyi the Archer

2009-08-08T10:45:00.000-07:00

According to legend, Chang'e and her husband Houyi were immortals living in heaven. One day, the ten sons of the Jade Emperor transformed into ten suns, causing the earth to scorch. Having failed to order his sons to stop ruining the earth, the Jade Emperor summoned Houyi for help. Houyi, using his legendary archery skills, shot down nine of the sons, but spared one son to be the sun. The Jade Emperor was obviously not pleased with Houyi's solution to save the earth: nine of his sons were dead. As punishment, the Jade Emperor banished Houyi and Chang'e to live as mere mortals on earth.

Seeing that Chang'e felt extremely miserable over her loss of immortality, Houyi decided to journey on a long, perilous quest to find the pill of immortality so that the couple could be immortals again. At the end of his quest he met the Queen Mother of the West who agreed to give him the pill, but warned him that each person would only need half the pill to become immortal.

Houyi brought the pill home and stored it in a case. He warned Chang'e not to open the case and then left home for a while. Like Pandora in Greek mythology, Chang'e became too curious: she opened up the case and found the pill just as Houyi was returning home. Nervous that Houyi would catch her discovering the contents of the case, she accidentally swallowed the entire pill. She started to float into the sky because of the overdose. Although Houyi wanted to shoot her in order to prevent her from floating further, he could not bear to aim the arrow at her. Chang'e kept on floating until she landed on the moon.

While she became lonely on the moon without her husband, she did have company. A jade rabbit, who manufactured elixirs, also lived on the moon. The mythologies of Japan and Korea also feature references about rabbits living on the moon.

Another companion is the woodcutter Wu Gang. The woodcutter offended the gods in his attempt to achieve immortality and was therefore banished on the moon. Wu Gang was allowed to leave the moon if he could cut down a tree that grew there. The problem was that each time he chopped the tree, the tree would instantly grow back, effectively condemning him to live on the moon for eternity.

New Work for Sale on Etsy.com

2009-07-16T11:19:00.000-07:00

click here to view my shop

West Seattle Summer Festival Recap

2009-07-14T09:23:00.000-07:00

I wanted to thank everyone that stopped by my booth this past weekend. I was a little over whelmed with the amount of support and encouragement. For everyone that made a purchase, I'm humbled that you liked my art enough to want it displayed in your homes. For those of you that we're interested in maybe making a purchase, just follow the links below:

http://www.cafepress.com/chrisolson

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6192925

I am in the process of making more of my work available online, send me an email if you would like to hear about new listings.

-Chris

ART+MUSIC+FOOD=AWESOMENESS!!

2009-07-08T15:35:00.000-07:00

If your in town this weekend, West Seattle will be hosting it's biggest festival of the summer. I'm going to be there the whole weekend, starting this Friday, selling my paintings, prints, and ceramic art tiles. Stop by and say hello.

More info available at:http://www.westseattlefestival.com/

Corpse Bride

2009-06-18T00:32:00.000-07:00

Painted Tile

2009-06-18T00:22:00.000-07:00

Penguins on the March, a Seattle neighborhood art exhibit

2009-06-11T22:00:00.000-07:00

Finished my Penguin! It will be on display through August and then will be up for auction shortly thereafter. All proceeds go to support the Woodland Park Zoo.

Penguin...work in progress

2009-05-27T14:55:00.001-07:00

Peace Bear - Finished

2009-05-27T14:49:00.000-07:00

Day of the Dead Tribute

2009-05-27T14:48:00.000-07:00

Peace Series Sketches

2009-04-16T22:15:00.000-07:00

Like, but not like minded

2009-03-26T20:58:00.000-07:00

Work in Progres...

2009-03-14T00:11:00.001-07:00

no Time to Worry

2009-03-14T00:06:00.000-07:00

Peace Bear

2009-03-09T22:25:00.000-07:00

Peace Series: Work in progress...

2009-01-28T12:36:00.000-08:00

Compassion - Monotype '98

2009-01-25T14:45:00.000-08:00

C-Squared Opening Nite

2009-01-23T19:30:00.000-08:00

Art Opening

2009-01-06T08:50:00.000-08:00

Join me this Friday, January 9th from 6 - 9pm for the opening of "C-Squared."

Untitled, detail

2009-01-04T14:24:00.000-08:00

New piece for the upcoming show "C-Squared."

The Rose -

2008-10-27T20:05:00.000-07:00

Amor - Open Edition Prints $20

2008-09-30T00:24:00.000-07:00

Orange Buddha.Sktchbk 98

2008-09-28T19:55:00.000-07:00

Flowers.Sktchbk.98

2008-09-21T22:43:00.000-07:00

Figure.Sktchbk.98

2008-09-02T10:20:00.000-07:00

Past Biz Card Design

2008-09-01T13:11:00.001-07:00

Past Biz Card Design

2008-09-01T13:08:00.001-07:00

The Painter

2008-08-29T00:32:00.000-07:00

Compassion

2008-08-29T00:30:00.000-07:00

Meditation

2008-08-29T00:27:00.000-07:00

India

2008-08-29T00:21:00.000-07:00

Triple - July 2008 solo show

2008-07-29T23:33:00.001-07:00

Just finished postcard for my upcoming show at Triple

2008-06-24T22:50:00.000-07:00

"Odd Man Out" show @ Bherd Studios

2008-06-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

Me in front of some new pieces

Triptych " Like, but not like minded" $430.00

Michelle, John, & Me

Art Opening - Neptune Coffee

2008-06-10T00:02:00.000-07:00

Next up:

My solo show at Neptune Coffee opens this Thursday, June 12th. The reception starts at 6pm

Neptune Coffee is a fun cafe located in the heart of Greenwood. They serve both coffee and beer, so come on down and celebrate with me with a beverage of your choice.

I'll be there from 6pm to a least 8pm maybe longer depending on how many people show up to chat. I hope to see some of you there!

Thanks to all of you that made it out last Saturday night, it was a great time. Lots of people and a few too many pbr's, but fun to say the least!

The details:

When: Thursday, June 12th, 6pm - 8+?
Where: Neptune Coffee
8415 Greenwood Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103

Cheers!

-Chris

Bherd Studios - June 7th

2008-05-29T18:09:00.000-07:00

"Robo Bear Vs. The Clique" by Justin Hillgrove

"Odd Man Out"

Saturday, June 7 from 5pm - 9pm
Exhibit through June 28th

One of these things is not like the other
On the outside looking in
Fifth Wheel
You get the picture...right?

Featuring: Justin Hillgrove, Adam McKinnon, Chris Olson & John Osgood

Where:
Bherd Studios
315 NW 85th St
Seattle,WA 98117

New online store!

2008-04-18T12:53:00.000-07:00

I've just launched my first online store so you can purchase some of my art work if you should so desire. Check it out the through the link below!

Curious art/Chris Olson

Speak & Bherd

2008-02-27T14:38:00.000-08:00

Check out the latest posting from Bherd Studios. The folks at Bherd Studios were gracious enough to highlight some of my artwork on their blog.

Speak & Bherd

Bherd Studios

Walking Away from Reality

2008-02-27T13:13:00.000-08:00

Measures: 18" x 24", 2007
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Location: Artist's Studio
For Sale: Yes, email for price

"Hey Wait"

2008-02-16T12:33:00.001-08:00

Measures: 8.5" x 11", 2007
Medium: Acrylic, Wood, Unframed
Location: Artist's Studio
For Sale: Yes, email for price list

Derby Salon - Solo Show 2007

2008-02-15T12:46:00.000-08:00

Cafe Ladro - solo show, dec06 - jan07

2008-02-11T01:34:00.000-08:00

It was just a dream

2008-02-09T18:26:00.000-08:00

Measures: 8" x 10", 2007
Medium: Acrylic, canvas, unframed
Location: Artist's studio
For Sale: Yes, email for price list

Feeding the Flames

2008-02-09T17:28:00.001-08:00

What's happening here? Well, what if the world's only energy source was generated by burning cute fuzzy stuffed animals? Set in a rural wooded area at night, a lone "worker" dressed in dark clothing and masked as not to reveal his/her identity, shovels teddy bears into their final resting place. Just as a child out grows the comfort that these play things provide, so has humanity. In this dark world, innocences is being disposed of and being replaced by something more sinister.

Measures: 18" x 24", 2007
Medium: Acrylic on Masonite
Location: Artist's Studio
For Sale: Yes, email for price list

Stroll on Another Planet

2008-02-09T13:52:00.001-08:00

Based on a sketch, this painting was created in my home studio, aka my bedroom in April 07. Transparent layers on color were used to build up the surface. Thin opaque color was then applied to the central character, background buildings, flowers and clouds. I wanted to keep the element of a line drawing from the sketch and only suggesting a small amount depth. This piece was last shown at Derby Salon in May 07.

Measures: 8" x 10", 2007
Medium: Acrylic, canvas, unframed
Location: Artist's studio
For Sale: Yes, email for price list

Sea Creatures, Sea dwellers

2008-02-09T13:25:00.000-08:00

This painting was created in my Pioneer Square studio back in May 06'. I began by laying down a solid background of gray. Then I added the liquid elements in black. After that the characters were added. Some of the creatures were taken from various sketches, cut out and pasted to the canvas. While others were draw free hand. I added the details last to pull everything together. The photo below is slightly askew, so bear that in mind when viewing. A full accurate photo to follow.

Measures: 18" x 24", 2006
Medium: Acrylic on masonite, Framed
Location: Artist's Studio
For Sale: Yes, email for price list

The Journey

2007-11-21T17:00:00.000-08:00

Measures: 18" x 24", 2007
Medium: Acrylic on masonite, Framed
Location: Artist's Studio
For Sale: Yes, email for price list

Note: Colors closer to the smaller detail image above.

Black Angels

2007-08-05T17:38:00.000-07:00

Measures: 18" x 24", 2007
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas, unframed
Location: Artist's Studio
For Sale: Yes, email for price list

How The Mighty Have Fallen

2007-08-01T17:24:00.000-07:00

Measures: 18" x 24", 2006
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas, unframed
Location: Artist's Studio
For Sale: Yes, email for price list

Part of a 30 part little painting series

2007-07-20T18:24:00.000-07:00

"GENERAL CROW"

"THE JOE GOULD'S SECRET CONNECTION" - 2007

"MY ANGRY PANDA" - 2007

"BUNNY ON FIRE" - 2007

"PIN HEAD" - 2007

"NOT MANY OF US LEFT" - 2007

"MASKED HERO" - 2007

"THE MAGIC GLASSES" - 2007

"AFTER THE HUNT" - 2007

"Octopus goggles" - 2007

"MY IDOL" - 2007

"CUTE AS A BUNNY" - 2007

"THE DEER HUNTER" - 2007

"PRIZE KITTY" - 2007

"PINKY" - 2007

"What War Brings" - 2007

"I SMELL BLOOD" - 2007

"MY BIRD SINGS" - 2007

Measures: 4" x 4", 2007
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas, unframed
Location: Artist's Studio
For Sale: Yes, email for price list

"Be Kind To All Those You Meet"

2007-07-20T18:20:00.000-07:00

Finished version on display at my studios art walk in 2006.

Measures: 18" x 24"
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas, Framed
Location: Artist's studio
For Sale: Yes, email for price list

Note: More detail images to follow

Welcome

2007-05-03T16:56:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,

I'm writing to invite you all to my next art opening on Thursday, May 10th. I'm debuting some new work along with some familiar stuff at a great little local full service salon on 63rd & Roosevelt.

Salon details here:www.derbysalon.com : map

The reception should start round 6:30pm and go at least until 9pm maybe later depending on when they want to kick us out and go home. I'll have many different works of various sizes and at very affordable prices. I hope to see some of you at the reception but for those of you that can't make it, the work will be up through the 4th of June.

So come down and have a glass of wine or beer and celebrate the evening with me. Bring friends and/or invite someone that you think might be interested.

Thanks for your support,

Chris

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