Selfie
Posted on | February 17, 2018 | 2 Comments
Keeping up with the aging process. My last self portrait was a few years ago. 12″ x 16″ oil on linen.
Tags: cooleyartgallery.net > painting by Gary Cooley > self portrait from mirror > self portrait in oils
Airstream
Posted on | December 18, 2017 | 4 Comments
This has been parked in my neighborhood for a few days and I finally got a chance to paint it. The owner, James is going to take it cross country in a few days. It is beautiful inside and out. A real piece of Americana.
Tags: cooleyartgallery.net > painting by Gary Cooley > plein air of Airstream
Tree Tunnell
Posted on | October 31, 2017 | 2 Comments
Discovered this scene on S. Mills River Road. Beautiful road.
Tags: cooleyartgallery.net > mills river nc plein air painting > NC plein air painting > paintings by Gary Cooley
Bridge Over the French Broad River.
Posted on | October 29, 2017 | 2 Comments
The colors are coming on strong and The mountains are beautiful.
This bridge is along Brevard road in Etowah, NC.
Tags: cooleyartgallery.net > Fall colors NC painting > French Broad River painting > painting by Gary Cooley
Bruce
Posted on | September 13, 2017 | 2 Comments
Bruce and his wife Brenda, visiting from Myrtle Beach, came into the gallery in Asheville one day. He had on a Great looking hat. He became the next installment to the Men in Hats series. 8×10 oil.
Tags: cooleyartgallery.net > men in hats paintings > painting by Gary Cooley > portrait in oils
CURLYHEAD
Posted on | September 5, 2017 | Comments Off on CURLYHEAD
A little something different. I worked from a selfie my friend Caroline took. 10 x 10 oil on linen.
Tags: cooleyartgallery.net > curly head lady painting > painting by Gary Cooley > portrait in oils
Late Summer Greens
Posted on | August 30, 2017 | 1 Comment
A small lake a few blocks from my house. The greens are just starting to change. 9×12 oil.
Tags: cooleyartgallery.net > hendersonville nc plein air > painting by Gary Cooley > reflection pond painting
Christopher Kendall
Posted on | July 10, 2017 | 1 Comment
A commissioned portrait for the University of Michigan, of Christopher Kendall, the past dean of the School of Music Theatre and Dance. It will be hung in the school’s new building.
24″ x 36″ oil on linen.
Tags: Christopher Kendall portrait > cooleyartgallery.net > Portrait by Gary Cooley > university of Michigan portaits
Happy Fourth Everyone!
Posted on | July 3, 2017 | Comments Off on Happy Fourth Everyone!
And a happy Birthday to Emily.
Here’s digital illustration from a few years back done for Lucas films and Hasbro.
Battle Droid
Tags: cooleyartgallery.net > corel painter illustration > digital illustration > star wars digital illustration
Our Boy Cooper
Posted on | June 18, 2017 | 1 Comment
So long Cooper, you took such good care of us all of your short life.
Happy Father’s Day to all you Dads. Give your kids and your dogs a big hug today.
Especially you, Mike.
Mills River Vista
Posted on | May 29, 2017 | 1 Comment
A morning with the Western NC plein air painters. A good group of painters and a beautiful morning. 9 x 12 oil. “Available”
Tags: cooleyartgallery.net > NC mountains plein air > painting by Gary Cooley
Christopher Kendall
Posted on | May 15, 2017 | Comments Off on Christopher Kendall
The former Dean of the Music Theatre and Dance School at the University of Michigan. This a preliminary drawing for a portrait I was commissioned to paint. The final painting was not this pose, but I thought this drawing worked out well. 16″ x 18″ charcoal and chalk on toned paper.
Tags: cooleyartgallery.net > Gary Cooley > portrait in charcoal
7 Falls
Posted on | May 1, 2017 | Comments Off on 7 Falls
Finally got out for some spring painting at a beautiful little Spot about 25 minutes from home. I will be returning. 11 x 14 oils.
“Available”
Tags: cooleyartgallery.net > landscape in oils > painting by Gary Cooley > plein air waterfall painting
Kate in Red
Posted on | April 6, 2017 | 2 Comments
My favorite model, Kate from Atlanta was in Asheville and we had a couple sittings. This is painting #1 from our sessions.
16″ x 20″ Available
Tags: alla prima figure painting > cooleyartgallery.net > figure painting in oils > Kate in Red > painting by Gary Cooley
Classic Chevy Pickup
Posted on | February 13, 2017 | 1 Comment
Not far from my house, sits this beauty. 1954 Chevy.
6 x 8 gouache on paper.
“Available”
Happy Birthday, Mike! Sorry, missed it by a day.
Tags: classic car painting > cooleyartgallery.net > old chevy truck art > painting by Gary Cooley
1953 PONTIAC WOODY
Posted on | February 9, 2017 | 3 Comments
A 1953 Pontiac woody that was parked at our hotel on our trip to Maine last August.
6 x 8 gouache on paper.
Tags: classic car painting > cooleyartgallery.net > painting by Gary Cooley > painting of Pontiac woody
Scott Lane
Posted on | January 25, 2017 | 1 Comment
Scott Lane, our sitter at the Wednesday night head study. 12×16 oil on linen.
Tags: alla prima head study > cooleyartgallery.net > painting by Gary Cooley > Tryon Painters and Sculptors
Rolls in Decline
Posted on | January 6, 2017 | Comments Off on Rolls in Decline
A sad old Rolls Royce sitting out in the elements. Still a beautiful automobile. A couple miles from my house here in Hendersonille.
5″ x 7″ gouache watercolor on paper. “available”
Tags: cooleyartgallery.net > gouache painting of antique Rolls Royce > old car painting > painting by Gary Cooley
Goodbye 2016 and Princess Leia
Posted on | December 31, 2016 | Comments Off on Goodbye 2016 and Princess Leia
This piece was done in digitally in Corel Painter and photoshop for Lucas films andHasbro, along with 23 other characters for a box set.
Happy Holidays to All
Posted on | December 29, 2016 | Comments Off on Happy Holidays to All
A scene from an animation project done a few years ago.
Up to the house
Posted on | October 16, 2016 | Comments Off on Up to the house
A nice little scene near Etowah, NC. 9 x 12 oil
Tags: cooleyartgallery.net > NC plein air > painting by Gary Cooley > plein air landscape
Reagan
Posted on | September 20, 2016 | 1 Comment
Our niece Reagan, who just turned five. She was four when I took the pic I worked from. The girl knows how to accessorize. 16 x 20 oil
Tags: cooleyartgallery.net > painting by Gary Cooley > portrait in oils
Little Toot
Posted on | August 28, 2016 | Comments Off on Little Toot
“Little Toot”, is what the locals in Maine called this little Tug. I went up to paint with some old and new friends. A workshop With Julain Merrow-Smith was the occasion and everyone there had been to Provence to paint with Julian over the last 2 years. Our hosts Julian and Ruth were as gracious and warm as ever and the painters were fun and talented. What a great experience. This was done on the last day of the trip.
Tags: cooleyartgallery.net > Maine plein air > painting by Gary Cooley
Shanna
Posted on | August 12, 2016 | Comments Off on Shanna
Our lovely model for our Wednesday night portrait study at the Tryon Painters and Sculptors Studio. 12 x 16 oil.
Tags: alla prima portrait study > cooleyartgallery.net > painting by Gary Cooley > portrait in oils
Theo Award
Posted on | August 9, 2016 | Comments Off on Theo Award
So honored to receive the artist’s choice award and 2nd place in the Bring Us Your Best annual exhibition here in The Asheville area. “Theo” 24 x 30 oil.
Incoming Storm
Posted on | July 18, 2016 | Comments Off on Incoming Storm
Painting the storm clouds at the end of Crab Creek road at Rt 64 when they started heading my way. Had to pack up in a hurry. 11″ x 14″ oil on linen.
Tags: cooleyartgallery.net > landscape in oils > plein air landscape
Rocket Girl
Posted on | July 14, 2016 | Comments Off on Rocket Girl
Some thing a little different for me. charcoal on paper 16″ x 21″
Tags: charcoal on paper > charcoal portrait > cooleyartgallery.net
Happy 4th
Posted on | July 4, 2016 | 2 Comments
..and a Happy Birthday to my Granddaughter Emily.
A little ray gun from a few years back.
Red Hot
Posted on | June 18, 2016 | 4 Comments
This is a repost, but a good image for a hot summer and Father’s day.
I hope all of you Dad’s out there have a great day, especially you, Mike.
Round Bald
Posted on | June 12, 2016 | 1 Comment
The Appalachian trail, at Carver’s Gap, Roan Mountain Tn. The trail just keeps on going all the way to Maine. I joined a few of the Plein air of NC for 3 days at this beautiful place. Day 3 the wind stopped howling so we could get up here.
Tags: Appalachian Trail plein air > cooleyartgallery.net > landscape in oils
Looking West
Posted on | May 26, 2016 | 1 Comment
The Biltmore has an incredible view to the west. I set up my gear in the south pasture. There are no bad views here. 11×14 oil on linen.
Tags: cooleyartgallery.net > painting by Gary Cooley > plein air landscape > plein air painting of Biltmore house
Colin
Posted on | May 19, 2016 | 1 Comment
17 year old Colin our model for the Wed night portrait study session at the Tryon Painters and Sculptors studio.
Tags: alla prima head study > cooleyartgallery.net > painting by Gary Cooley > Tryon Painters and Sculptors
Helen Byrd
Posted on | April 29, 2016 | Comments Off on Helen Byrd
Our fantastic model at the Tryon Painters and Sculptors Wednesday night study session. 12 x 16 oil.
Tags: alla prima figure painting > cooleyartgallery.net > painting by Gary Cooley > portrait in oils
Edneyville Ruin
Posted on | April 28, 2016 | 1 Comment
A little falling down barn out in apple country. 8x 10 oil.
Tags: cooleyartgallery.net > painting by Gary Cooley > rural farm painting
Made in the Shade
Posted on | March 30, 2016 | Comments Off on Made in the Shade
A little 5″ x 7″ portrait of a hen from Rabun Gap, Georgia.
Happy Birthday Mike.
Tags: alla prima figure painting > Chicken portrait in oils > cooleyartgallery.net > painting by Gary Cooley
Theo
Posted on | March 23, 2016 | 2 Comments
A recent painting of Theophilous Mackey, one of the many great folks I’ve met here in Hendersonville, NC. 24″ x 30″ oil on linen.
End of Winter
Posted on | March 15, 2016 | Comments Off on End of Winter
Winter is as good as over here in Hendersonville, NC. This is a scene from the Biltmore Estate done about a month ago. Tomorrow it’s time to paint Spring. Happy birthday Grandson Thomas and My Dad “Big Don” wherever you are.
Tags: cooleyartgallery.net > N Carolina plein air > painting by Gary Cooley > plein air snow scene
Chicago Mike’s Blues
Posted on | February 23, 2016 | 1 Comment
Studio portrait of my friend, Mike Waterkotte, from, you guessed it. Chicago. 16 x 20 oil on linen.
Tags: cooleyartgallery.net > men in hats paintings > painting by Gary Cooley > portrait in oils
Snowy fire pit
Posted on | January 31, 2016 | Comments Off on Snowy fire pit
Our side yard after last weeks big snow. 11 x 14 oil
Tags: cooleyartgallery.net > painting by Gary Cooley > plein air landscape > plein air snow scene
Tyrone
Posted on | January 31, 2016 | Comments Off on Tyrone
Another all prima from our Wednesday night head study session at the Tryon Painters and Sculptors studio. 12 x 16 oil on linen.
Tags: cooleyartgallery.net > men in hats paintings > painting by Gary Cooley > Tryon Painters and Sculptors
Big Foot Bob
Posted on | December 26, 2015 | Comments Off on Big Foot Bob
My friend Bob Shultz. He is an incredible musician from my hometown of Jackson, Michigan. 6″x12″ oil on linen.
Happy New Year to Mike, Celine, Emily, and Thomas!
Wolf’s Angel
Posted on | November 16, 2015 | Comments Off on Wolf’s Angel
Plein Air painting of Wolf’s Angel. The angel resides at the Hendersonville cemetery and was the inspiration for Thomas Wolf’s first novel, “Look Homeward Angel”. 9×12 oil on linen. “available”
Tags: cooleyartgallery.net > painting by Gary Cooley > Plein air of Wolf's Angel
Center Cut
Posted on | November 3, 2015 | 1 Comment
Another fine day in WNC. 9×12 oil on linen.
Tags: cooleyartgallery.net > N Carolina plein air > paintings by Gary Cooley > plein air landscape
Nestled In
Posted on | October 26, 2015 | Comments Off on Nestled In
One of the incredible working barns on the Biltmore Estate on a beautiful day. I love roaming around there stopping to paint these scenes. 9×12 oil on linen. “Available”
The Barn at Walnut Cove
Posted on | August 3, 2015 | Comments Off on The Barn at Walnut Cove
Back to the Walnut Cove Stables near Hendersonville, NC. 11 x 14 oil on linen.
“Available”
Tags: animal painting > barn painting > cooleyartgallery.net > painting by Gary Cooley > plein air landscape of Provence
Biltmore Afternoon
Posted on | August 1, 2015 | Comments Off on Biltmore Afternoon
A view of the Biltmore mansion from the gardens. I finally used my annual pass to the Biltmore estate and gardens. What a spectacular place. I’ll be returning often. 11 x 14 oil on linen panel.
“Available”
Tags: landscape in oils > oil painting of the Biltmore Mansion > plein air at the Biltmore > plein air landscape
Chicken Barn
Posted on | July 22, 2015 | Comments Off on Chicken Barn
A plain air of the chicken barn at Walnut Cove Stables. 11 x 14 oil on linen.
Tags: cooleyartgallery.net > painting by Gary Cooley > plein air farm painting > plein air landscape
Happy Father’s Day
Posted on | June 20, 2015 | Comments Off on Happy Father’s Day
In honor of father’s day, here’s a big old rooster. charcoal on paper.
I hope all you Dad’s receive the bar-b-que tools, fishing hats with clever quotes, and off brand golf balls you’ve been waiting for since last year.
An especially fine day to you Mike.
Tags: art by Gary Cooley > charcoal drawing of a rooster > cooleyartgallery.net
Remi
Posted on | June 19, 2015 | Comments Off on Remi
Remi from Walnut Cove Stables, near Hendersonville NC. 16 x 18 charcoal on paper.
Tags: cooleyartgallery.net > drawing by Gary Cooley > Horse drawn in charcoal
Theo
Posted on | June 11, 2015 | Comments Off on Theo
Theo, painted at Wed. night head study. 12 x 16 oil on linen.
Tags: alla prima head study > cooleyartgallery.net > head study in oils > painting by Gary Cooley > Tryon Painters and Sculptors
Chestnut Trot
Posted on | June 5, 2015 | 1 Comment
Remi from Walnut Cove Stables. 9 x 12 oil on linen.
Tags: animal painting > cooleyartgallery.net > horse painted in oils > paintings by Gary Cooley
Horse Torso
Posted on | May 29, 2015 | 2 Comments
A studio drawing in charcoal on 18 x 24 strathmore charcoal paper. Thanks to Chrystal at Walnut Cove Stables for putting her horse through it’s paces so I could get this shot.
Ian
Posted on | May 9, 2015 | Comments Off on Ian
“Ian” A great model last night at the Tryon Painters and Sculptors Studio. Pretty geeked up to paint after a weekend at the Portrait Society of America’s conference, in Atlanta. Oil on 12 x 16 linen.
Tags: alla prima figure painting > portrait from life > portrait in oils
Oakland Street Bungalow
Posted on | April 27, 2015 | Comments Off on Oakland Street Bungalow
A pretty bungalow next door to my house. Oil on 11 x 14 linen. “available”
Tags: cooleyartgallery.net > painting by Gary Cooley > plein air painting > urban painting > Urban pleine air
Apple Valley Blossoms
Posted on | April 19, 2015 | Comments Off on Apple Valley Blossoms
The rain stopped long enough for me to get a couple paintings of the apple blossoms before they fall. The apple valley, which is just 15 minutes from my house is a wonderland. This is a 9 x 12 on a linen panel.
“Available”
St. Simon’s Cedar
Posted on | April 3, 2015 | Comments Off on St. Simon’s Cedar
A cedar tree from my recent St. Simon’s painting trip. Once again, painted plain air until the rain, then finished in the studio. Oil on 11 x 14 linen panel “Available”
Tags: cooleyartgallery.net > Oil painting of cedar tree > painting by Gary Cooley > St simon's Island plein air
Creek with Sycamores
Posted on | March 31, 2015 | Comments Off on Creek with Sycamores
A creek near our house in Hendersonville, NC. Oil on 10 x 10 linen.
Happy 50th Mike. Hard to believe.
Allosaurus
Posted on | March 14, 2015 | 2 Comments
This one is from my illustration days in Detroit. Done for the Detroit Children’s Science center as a poster and t-shirt. Acryllic on illustration board.
Happy birthday to Grandson, Thomas.
Tags: allosaurus illustration > cooleyartgallery.net > Dinosaur art > illustrated by Gary Cooley
Kennedy
Posted on | February 20, 2015 | Comments Off on Kennedy
Kennedy Greenwood, a British Musician now residing in Detroit with my friend Maggie Schultz. A great guy. Together he and Maggie make up the duo, “Honey and Buffalo”. 18 x 24 charcoal on strathmore paper.
Tags: charcoal portrait > cooleyartgallery.net > drawing by Gary Cooley > drawing of Kennedy Greenwood
Men in Hats, “Mike”
Posted on | February 17, 2015 | 1 Comment
My friend from Chicago, Mike Waterkotte. 18 x 24 charcoal on toned Canson paper.
Tags: charcoal drawing > Gary Cooley > men in hats > paintings by Gary Cooley > portrait in charcoal