Douglas Zaruba Fine Art

07/14/2024

I just installed this new painting: "Ascending on a Dragon." This was commissioned to fit a very narrow space: only 16"wide.

07/12/2024

This is the final (maybe) version of the painting. Most of my paintings have an ultra-dark section as the base. I felt that this would not work with this new work. So I masked off the painting, while I painted the base to serve as a continuation of the top image. They are similar, but not exactly identical.

I don't consider a painting to be finished until it is sold and is no longer in my studio.

Now, I am ready to start the next painting: a photograph...

07/10/2024

A new painting! Phosphorescent paints and ultra-black! 36" x 48". I wish that you could actually see this work on your screen...

07/01/2024

I need a title for this painting...24" x 72" The background is phosphorescent, but you can't see this on a computer (or phone) screen...

06/15/2024

On display at the Washington County Museum of Fine Art, you'll find one of my newer pieces titled "Postcards from Andromeda." This acrylic painting on canvas measures 60" x 72". One of the standout features is a black circle that absorbs light, while the background is phosphorescent, meaning it can only be seen in the dark.

This painting is part of the Cumberland Valley Invitational Exhibition and will be on display until August 25.

01/04/2024

With this statement, I inform Facebook that it is strictly forbidden to publish, copy, distribute or take any other action against me based on this profile and/or its contents. The violation of privacy can be punished by law.

12/15/2023

Trade secrets time: to all of the painters reading my post: I am often asked about how I stretch my canvases, and why I use such heavy stretchers. I will reveal my secrets...

I buy my stretched canvases from Dick Blick. I only use the 2" thick bars, as they are less inclined to warp. I do not use the wooden keys that come with the stretchers, but use "Best Keys," designed for metal stretcher frames. These corner braces are very adjustable! After painting on the canvas, I can easily adjust the tension on the fabric with a 1/2" wrench!

Yes, I sometimes stretch my own canvas, but a large canvas takes up so much room in my studio, and the pre-stretched canvases are just very convenient. I do apply more gesso. I also will use a high quality wall paint, since I am painting with acrylics.

So there...

11/04/2023

10/27/2023

One of my guiding stars has gone dark. Robert Irwin has moved on. The old stars die and the young stars burn!

"There’s an old adage that your 'first instinct is the best one,' when at best it’s just a good place to begin. One thing to know is that this process is not limited to this particular instance – it’s cumulative over a lifetime. Sometimes the thing I discover is that a particular feeling for something doesn’t actually come into play for years. Sometimes it turns up in the guise of a first instinct to be further explored. The best is when you really surprise yourself. What you discover is better than anything you could have conceived."

–Robert Irwin

10/17/2023

Hey Cinderella! Look what I found in my safe! This ring is platinum with 13 diamonds. The 18k yellow gold ring has 13 black diamonds! There are two 18k rings and one platinum ring. All are a size 6 1/2. The platinum ring was offered at $2600.00, but I will sell it now for only $1550. The two 18k rings were $1300.00 each, but I will sell them now for just $780. Or you can but ALL THREE RINGS for only $3000! No, I am not making any more...

10/17/2023

10/13/2023

Living alone here in the woods of WV has been inspiring to me as an artist. I enjoy the solitude, and my mind is slowly becoming uncluttered and still. I am excited every day to get to work in my studio. Being alone also teaches independence. But it also has its drawbacks. The simple act of hanging a shelf becomes a challenge, one that I hadn't considered in a long time! As I watch the leaves turn gold and red all around me, I'm also reminded that winter will be here soon, so I had better get firewood stocked up now! I would rather be painting!!!