Ted Mueller's Story

Ted Mueller - Artist's Statement

My paintings have been described as creative, relaxing, and warm, while others are vibrant, powerful and fun. Viewers of my paintings often ask, "What is the story behind this painting? Were you ever there?" I then know that I have captured their curiosity, interest, and wonder.

My journey into the world of art began in 1990 when, for the first time, I began to paint. Perhaps it was because I waited so long, or possibly it was in the seductive power of the paint itself, that I experienced the pleasure and calming sensation of the creative ideas and mental pictures that I was able to put down in paint.

On pictures

The great masters saw beauty in nature and were able to record their thoughts, feelings and love of their subject matter. Nature has so eloquently expressed the broad landscape of the world around us. A painting should be more than a representation of our immediate area. It should attempt to capture the spirit, and spark of life, and even the hidden feelings within the heart of the viewer.

In my paintings I explore the emotion of the scene, the vocabulary that our creator has placed around us. I endeavor to paint a scene as I feel at the moment, to capture the true sensation as I first saw that particular place. While an artist does not always achieve this, it is my ultimate endeavor to participate, to witness the magical moment when marks of color become a real scene.

The greatest paintings I have ever made are still inside my head.

Brief Biography

Ted E. Mueller is an accomplished architectural draftsperson, designer, and teacher. His lifelong career was working as a designer of home interiors and cabinetry, many retail stores and commercial buildings, plus an instructor as well. Upon retirement in the fall of 1990, he began his lifelong and unfilled dream of becoming a painter/artist.

Although never having painted before, he searched for the best instructor he could locate. Initially, after interviewing her, he determined she was not the right person for him, but then decided to study with her anyway. But as often happens, first impressions are wrong. She was the guiding person in his painting endeavors, and Ted treasures her guiding instructions rendered during these many years.

She saw his need for direction and guidance, and the talent was awakened early on. Landscapes became his special interest, and working from photographs and life, he began to record the visions he saw in his mind's eye.

Note from Jill:

Ted is an inspiration to those who see and appreciate beauty around them. By following Ted's example of hard work and determination, you too can learn to express your love of nature creatively. Well done and thanks for sharing, Ted.

Villa

by Ted E. Mueller
(Addison, IL. USA)

I was inspired when I saw a travel brochure about some city in Europe. I do not remember the city or the country, but the small photo of a street scene was my inspiration.

I selected an 18" X 24" stretched canvas, opened my acrylic paints, looked at the photo from the travel brochure and began. I outlined the buildings with a few sketch lines and could not wait to begin painting.

The work seemed to flow from the brushes and I was amazed at the realism that followed. I set it aside, only to return and study it further. After a final look, I set it aside with the intention to return to it the next day. It was a week before I returned to it, and noted there was little to add as it was very detailed. The colors seemed to say it all. I stood back admiringly and said it is finished.

The Trees

by Ted E. Mueller
(Addison, IL. USA)

I watched Keith Norris demonstrate using acrylics as water colors and painting a beautiful landscape. I watched his video several times and decided I wanted to try this technique.

I liked his selection and composition and decided to try this same picture. His style is unique, and was so easy to repeat his painting.

I decided to entertain mixed media and so combined his water color technique plus straight acrylic. Then I decided to go one step further and looked at the trees. I wanted them to achieve a 3D appearance so I added white silica sand to the wet acrylic, layer after layer. This gave me the desired texture and then with multiple colors achieved the desired tree trunk effect.

Then I read with sad heart of his passing. Please convey my sympathy to his family. I cherish his style, and submit my copy of his beautiful painting.

Solitude-2

by Ted E. Mueller
(Addison, Illinois U S A)

I recently saw a travel advertisement with a small
2" X 3" photo of a tree lined path. I took this and created my vision of such a path beside a small stream of water and imagined myself walking down this path into a sunset.

I looked at a sunset and imagined the array of colors that would enhance this setting. My vision I then transferred to an 18" X 24" canvas and using acrylics and this was the result.

It all seems so restful and sublime. Now I will be searching for just such a restful place of Solitude.

Baby Baby

by Ted E. Mueller
(Addison, IL. USA)

Our group was having a fund raiser for "The Infant Welfare Society of Chicago".

The theme - title - of course, 'Baby Baby'. The challenge was to paint an inspiring piece based on the theme. There were many mother-child paintings. I saw an illustration someplace and the impression stayed with me as being appropriate for the occasion, a youngster holding his new brother/sister. Sadly, I did not finish the piece in time to be part of the exhibit.

However, some weeks later, our group had another showing and exhibit, and I offered to display this painting then. The title of this showing was "Baby Baby Baby".

Both shows were a success, and I was thrilled to be included in the exhibit.

Lighthouse paintings - Safe Harbor

by Ted E. Mueller
(Addison, IL. U S A)

I love to paint light houses, but I insist that my view must be a sailor's view. Many light house pictures and paintings do not show any water, and water's a must for my paintings, there must be water.

A light house was a sailor's warning, a safety view of a safe harbor, and to steer them clear of dangerous waters where their ships could suffer harm or be damaged.

I have created two versions of this painting. The first was a small 8" X 10" acrylic on canvas. A pastor saw it and requested I make him a copy but he wanted it to be larger, like maybe 18" X 24" on canvas.

This is the smaller version as I do not have a copy of the larger version. Another pastor wrote a beautiful sermon titled "SAFE HARBOR", which I cherish.

Lighthouse paintings 3 - Chicago Lighthouse

by Ted E. Mueller
(Addison, Illinois USA)

As a lifetime resident of a Chicago suburb, I always enjoyed the trip to Chicago's lake front, and looking out over the waters of Lake Michigan, and see this elegant lighthouse.

It is located about a mile out into Lake Michigan, directly east of "Navy Pier", another Chicago landmark.

I attempted to capture the feeing a sailor feels as he sails near the lighthouse. Lake Michigan can be a very treacherous body of water with a sudden weather change.

To convey the feeling of choppy water was the challenge and I have received comments that the boat seems to me moving. Do you feel its motion?

Solitude

by Ted E. Mueller
(Addison, IL., U S A)

Recently I saw a small picture of an "Indian Mounds" site in IOWA, a state on the mainland of U S A. The photo was in the travel section of Chicago's Sunday newspaper. Though it was a small picture, it so inspired me with its quiet and restful portrayal, I just had to paint it.

Indian Mounds are the burial sites of USA "native Americans". The sites date back many years and are protected sites by the U S government.

The painting is 18" X 24" stretched canvas and was painted with acrylic paints.

Currently the painting is part of a traveling exhibit of 12 pieces by artist Ted E. Mueller.

Clinton Mill-2

by Ted E. Mueller
(Addison, IL. U S A)

I seem to paint a same subject twice, but each time different. The first "Clinton Mill" I painted was a direct view of the side with the mill wheel.

While working on that painting I envisioned an oblique view; One that showed two sides of the mill plus the water fall and many features of the building itself.

A sketch and it flowed onto the canvas. Then I added a new endeavor I am developing, a 3D of an item in the foreground. This time a tree at the left, in a small island below the fall.

I add silica sand to the paint, layer upon layer to achieve the rounded effect and make the tree step forward. The effect is startling as it seems to really be forward of the rest of the painting.

A gift to my son who resides in a nearby town in New Jersey.

IArtists Proudly Present

by Ted E. Mueller
(Addison, IL. U S A)

IArtists Proudly Present
IMAGINE NEW ORLEANS

Friday February 5, 2010
From 6-9PM
Marti Gras Party and Reception
Kindlon Hall, Second Floor, Benedictine University
5700 College Road, Lisle, IL. 60532
On display January 19-February 26, 2010

The exhibit features eighty works of original art that celebrate the life, music, religion and culture of New Orleans, Louisiana. Chicago area artists forms 'IArtists', a not-for-profit organization, with the purpose of donating artwork to survivors of Hurricane Katrina. Fifty contributing artists are sharing their artistic gifts to beautify the homes of families who are rebuilding their lives in the city they love.

Through charitable donations and profits from sales of the artwork, high quality prints are made and donated to the families. IArtists are working with Lutheran Church Charities 'Camp Restore' and Brad Pitt's 'Make It Right Foundation', who are building and restoring homes in the area.

It is our sincere wish that the artwork will bring a sense of beauty, dignity and hope to as many homes in New Orleans as possible. We hope to donate to 200 families during 2010.

How you can help -

Your $150 donation provides a giclee print to a New Orleans family in your name.

Your $75 donation pays for the initial scan of a painting.

Your $25 donation pays the cost of shipping a print to a family.

Artwork and prints will be for sale at the Opening Reception, or please call 630.627.6050

Many of the original paintings are for sale, please ask an I Artists Director about your favorite.

Giclee print of any painting 24X30" $250.00
12X15" $95.00
"Celebrate" posters 11 X 17" $5.00
Notecards, package of 5 $5.00

IArtists Co. is a (c)(3) Public Charity. Your donation is tax deductible.

IArtists Imagine Inspire Influence Involve Innovate
630.627.6050 kgehseATkarenlovestopaint.com

Healthy Cycle

by Ted E. Mueller
(Addison, IL. U S A)

The art assignment was to make a collage. Subject was at the discretion of the artist.

My wife recently received her NEW seed catalogue for summer planting. So I copied several pages and printed them each in 6 sizes (scale).
Tomatoes = wheels.
carrots = support.
a watermelon = a gas tank.

From there it was just to put the pieces together, and it ran from there.

A healthy cycle. No hydrogenated oil.

It was a fun project, and got many comments.

How many vegetables can you find?

RIDE ON. - or is it right on?

Clinton Mill

by Ted E. Mueller
(Addison, IL. U S A)

A tourist attraction in New Jersey is photographed by many. I saw a photo of it and was inspired to paint it as a gift for my son who lives in a town near Clinton, New Jersey.

I painted it as an 8" X 10" acrylic, but also mixed in a water color method to achieve the desired realism.

It is now framed and in his home in New Jersey.

Katrina2

by Ted E. Mueller
(Addison, IL. USA)

Katrina was a huge storm that devastated New Orleans. The homes are in the process of being rebuilt as many were either swept away by flood water or damaged severely.

Brad Pitt formed the "Make It Right Foundation" and is assisting with the rebuilding of the houses.

In suburban Chicago, some 30 artists decided to help, and formed a group called "I Artists". Their intent was to donate their original paintings to the cause, thinking this small gesture would help in 'making a house into a home'.

The result is, collectively they made some 80 paintings, which will be reproduced and given as gifts to the families as they enter their rebuilt homes. Realize, there are about a thousand homes, so electronic scanning and canvas reproductions will be the ultimate gift to those devastated residents.

Since New Orleans is noted for their colorful music, many of the pieces are music oriented.

This piece titled "Pretty Music" was my contribution.

Ted E. Mueller

by Ted E. Mueller
(Addison, IL. U S A)

I was asked who I thought was the greatest artist.

I replied God. I pointed out that in the winter he coats everything in white, no two snowflakes alike. Ever study the beautiful frost that appears on a window?

In spring the landscapes wake up, things green up and all colors spring forth. SPRING!
Summer with so any colors, flowers and budding fruit.

But in the fall, colors abound everywhere.

Who is the greatest artist? GOD

Turnberry Lighthouse

by Ted E.
(Mueller)

My son sent me a photo of the Turnberry Lighthouse in Scotland.

I was inspired to paint it in a different, but new, to me, style. I had a small piece of canvas about 9" X 14" and it seemed just the right size.

Sketched out the proportions and everything just worked together for a satisfying piece. Using acrylics, I began, and employed a new style I observed from an Australian artist that I admired. The sky had to be blended colors, the shore line had to be just right.

And then the lighthouse tower and adjacent buildings on such baren land just made it all come into place.

I continued using acrylics which I watered down so they work like water colors. The effect/result are very pleasing and satisfying.

I rolled up the canvas and mailed it to my son with a note. "The painting is yours, but you can get it framed."

(Shipping framed pictures is getting cost prohibitive.)

His response was just one word. "WOW!"

Lighthouse paintings 2 - A SAILORS LIFE

by Ted E. Mueller
(Addison, IL. U S A)

Living near Chicago, we have access to view many scenes on Lake Michigan. This painting is a composite of ideas; the boat is one that sails on Lake Michigan, whereas the lighthouse is one (someplace) on the East coast of the US.

The boat is of a type that competes in the World Cup of races. The light house is one I have painted many times in many different views.

I work in acrylics and this was an experiment to treat the acrylics as water color on water color paper. I am well pleased with the results of the endeavor.

This is one of 12 pieces that are part of a traveling exhibit of mine. Originally titled "HIKING OUT", a sailing term meaning leaning way out to balance the boat, the title was changed when I was asked 'where is the hiking path in the picture'. Apparently the sailors' term went over their heads.

About the painting: It is 8" X 10" on paper, using acrylics thinned so as to act like water color. An endeavor that worked out very well.

If someone would like to suggest another title, I would welcome listening to suggestions. The challenge is open.

Montauk Lighthouse, Long Island, N.Y. USA

by Ted E. Mueller
(Addison, IL U S A)

I had painted this light house from a different angle some months ago, and decided I wanted to use a different vantage viewing point.

I liked this view more because it shows the rocky shoreline, and a better viewing of the house and the tower. A comment I received was that I had even included the graffiti on the rocks. I replied that is my signature on the panting.

Made a copy for a pastor friend since he has told me that his grandfather was this light house keeper, many years ago. He also has the original of the first painting that I made of Montauk.

PT-17/#472 Wally & Cheryl

by Ted E. Mueller
(Addison, IL. U S A )

The painting is an 18" X 24" framed canvas of a 1942 Stearman PT-17; the PT designation means primary trainer.

Lloyd Stearman was the designer, but by the time the military contract was awarded, he had sold the company to Boeing Aircraft Company in Whichita, Kansas. Boeing built this plane in November 1942, one of about 10,000 of this model built during the 40's.

Wally and Cheryl Falardeau purchased it in 1979 and have experienced many enjoyable hours flying it from their home near Rockford, Illinois.

I had a short ride in it and was taking a college painting class at the time. The painting assignment was to paint a landscape on an 18" X 24" canvas, so I painted an aerial view of the airfield.

Upon completing the assignment, I decided to add an in-flight view of the PT #472 to it. Even painted Wally in the rear cockpit, and myself in the front cockpit. The painting was given to Wally and Cheryl, and it hangs prominently in their home.

A bit of history of this plane: It was built in November 1942 and started its life as a trainer at Carlstrom Field in Arcadia, Florida. After WW II it was sold as surplus and began a new life as a crop duster, serving in that capacity until the early 70's, when it was converted to recreational use. Wally and Cheryl purchased it in 1979.

The Last Supper

by Ted E. Mueller
(Addison, IL. U S A)

I had admired a very deep/thick 3D carving in my church's altar for over 10 years. I studied it and investigated it, noting it is about 8 feet wide. Pastor informed me it is over 130 years old and was in the church's altar in their original sanctuary when the church was a wooden building.

What impressed me was the disciples were all around the table, not just on one side of the table as most paintings of The Last Supper illustrate.

About a year ago I was determined to reproduce The Last Supper on a canvas. After many weeks, I finished my challenge and showed the finished painting to a professor from The Art Institute of Chicago for comment. "Perfect" was her reply, as I recall, so off to a framer for the finishing frame.

The framed painting was presented to IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, in Elmhurst, Illinois, USA where it now hangs prominently in the narthex of the church where anyone entering can see it.