My Background
Born in Oklahoma, Bradford (Brad) Stone know resides in Valley Springs, Ca. with his wonderful horses, (Charley, Rosy, Scribbles and Miss Pony)
dogs,( Misty, Tucker and Lucy) and enjoy my life with my wife Tracy at our ranchette. I've always been interested in art since I was a small boy and loved to paint and draw. I find I enjoy playing with light and color capturing the beauty that life has to offer. I studied at Delta College exploring arts and ceramics. I also, participated in art at Sacramento State College learning about art and figure drawing, along with earning my degree , and my teachers credentials.
After college I explored my art interest under Susan Sarback at her school of light and Color. I've enjoyed plein-air landscape painting in Calaveras county, State Fair, Lodi Italian Festival and at Ironestone Concours d'Elegance Show. I have participated in the Calaveras county fair Professional Art Contest and won Best of Show. Also entered the Ironstone Vinyard Professional Juried Spring Obsession Competition and won three Family Merit Awards. As I retired now from teaching High School my goal is to become a Master Artist.
My Medium
I use many different mediums, such as acrylics, oils and watercolor. When I paint in I use very best materials you can afford and the right tools. With Acrylics I use less-expensive products that do a good job like sponges, towels, twigs or kitchen tools. Paint I use the best quality. Media to mix with paints, I use Daniel Smith, Holbein and Winsor and Newton. Acrylics I use tubes, fluid and jar acrylics. For abstract paintings I use a combination of tube and fluid acrylics. Other media mix I use are Satin Glazing Liquin and True Flow Drying Retarder. For fun I use Isopropy Alcohol on my acrylic art paintings to get some interesting texture. Fluid matte medium is used to mix with my acrylics to make the medium more malleable. Oil paints I use Master Touch , Winsor & Newton and Gamblin products including mineral spirits and standing oil. To finish and protect my I use a varnish liquid or Dammar spray varnish. It is important to have a wide assortment of natural brushes and synthetic brushes. I have both round and flat. I also have riggers and daggers made by are Master Touch and Winsor & Newton brushes. I use Pro Art Gesso as a canvas primer or on panels. I usually use Master Touch Fine Art Studio Gallery-style prime canvases. Glass pallets for all my paints and use Stay Wet pallet for acrylics. For cleanup I use hand towels, tubs of water and Citrasolv concentrated cleaner.
My Inspiration
Life is fun doing art that is a part of outdoors and with nature. It's a part of my traveling and meeting people. I love to paint flowers, and landscapes. I've enjoyed painting concepts of people’s lives including their pets. I have a lot of interest in sports which also inspired me to paint. I love Galleries , festivals and Winery events. I am competitive and enjoy participating in art events. As a painter all these interest I can use colors, the brushes and my paintings to share the joy of life.