Portland, OR Contemporary Modern Artist and Painter Guide - Christopher B Mooney

Willamette Falls With The Blue Heron Paper Mill.

Oregon City, OR. 22” x 28” Oil on canvas.

Recently commissioned.

Fine Art, Portraiture, and Urban Landscapes

Christopher Mooney is a professional artist based in Pacific Northwest. He is known for his architectural landmark paintings of bridges, industrial sites, working heroes as well as commissioned portraits. Mooney hikes around Portland and other city bridges with his camera to find inspiration for his next art piece. Get your next art piece painted by Christopher B Mooney.

See all of Christopher B Mooney's oil paintings, artwork, and gallery here:

• Urban and Architectural Landscape Paintings

• Portraits & Figurative Paintings

• Commissioned Artworks

• Erotic Art

About Christopher B Mooney

I have been an oil painter for over 30 years. My paintings are large scale and representational, spent most of my career making a name for myself as a painter focused on industrial buildings, most notably bridges. After spending many years as a distant observer of man-made forms I am now drawn to depicting the human form. The figurative works such as portraits range from faces, to full figures, workers, to couples in tender moments.  Although the industrial steel bridges and the playful embrace of a lover may seem on the surface two disparate topics, they are both at their core about connection.

My portraits of couples reveal moments of affection – glimpses into the intimacy that the subjects feel. Their bodies are connected through touch- an arm on a shoulder, a shared joke. They lean into one another and connect. A bridge does this. A bridge touches down on one side of a river and then it reaches out and touches the other side. The connection is strong and grounded and the exchange between both sides is now fluid and has a sense of accomplishment as well as ease. A bridge connects communities, groups of people. It’s as if it was always there. Likewise, in my portraiture, paintings of working heroes, these bodies, the people, were always connected. My work, quite literally, bridges the gap.

What Do People Say About Christopher’s Work

Kathleen Lansing

“I have had the pleasure of seeing Christopher Mooney's work in a number of galleries over the years, and visiting his studio during the Portland Open Studios event. Two years ago, I commissioned a painting of the Oregon City Bridge for my husband's birthday, and we have enjoyed having an original Mooney in our home. A very talented and interesting artist!”

Samantha Waltz

‘I've been to a number of Chris's open studios and gallery installations. I absolutely love the painting I purchased from him.  He's such a huge talent. My piece is a large painting of a piece of downtown including the Portland theater.  I was scraping for coins for it, and it was well worth careful budgeting. I also admire Chris's portraits. The Tillamook Bridge series is another big favorite.  His artistic range is stunning. Portland is lucky to have him.”

Karin Olsen Campia

“Chris is very talented, creative and hard working. His paintings are unique. On one hand, his work of relationships can be extremely personal and intimate. On the other, his paintings of bridges are accurately detailed and often show steel workers in their element, building bridges that connect this country. What I love about Chris Mooney’s paintings is they represent truth in different genres.”

Mina Edgerton

“I have visited this studio multiple times, and always enjoy the experience. Christopher Mooney is a charming host and his art - ranging from majestic bridges to intimate nudes - must be seen in person to fully appreciate. Highly recommend stopping by to anyone from serious collectors to casual art viewers!”

Get Your Painting Art Project Started

Our process starts with a few easy steps:

1. Send a picture of a perspective that you would like painted. My art for most of my clients are from photography references. Do you have a memory to immortalize: a person, a bridge, city landmark, pet, bicycle, cars, motorcycle, or something important to place? A typical art piece would take about a month to complete.

2. What is recommended before sending me a picture is to think about two things. 1) the quality of the picture, a jpeg should be a high resolution for me to work with. 2) the image should be compelling, well-conceived, or an excellent image be it exceptional.

3. If you want Mr. Mooney to get started, typically require a half down deposit.

What Do You Charge?

1. I charge say an example I can create a painting that is 24” x 30” approx. $2,000 depending what’s all involved. In this case it’s usually a portrait of one person.  If it’s a portrait of two people I would charge more.

2. I also offer a session on how I mix my colors a basic introductory and additional information about colors. You may contact me for any further inquiry. 

Charlie and Anneleah, Oil on canvas. 48” x 36” Commissioned.

For Art Commissions in The Pacific Northwest

First, you will simply fill out an online inquiry form with essential details in my website contact page Contact Christopher B Mooney | Portrait & Landscape Artist  to make an appointment to meet at a convenient, neutral location and discuss your needs: Possibly schedule a photo shoot. My art for most of my clients are from photography references.

For Art Commissions Outside Portland, Oregon

First, you will simply fill out an online inquiry form with essential details in my website contact page Contact Christopher B Mooney | Portrait & Landscape Artist. My art for most of my clients are from photography references. If you want Mr. Mooney to get started, typically requires a half down deposit. PayPal or a check. What I highly recommend before sending me a picture is to think about two things.

1. The quality of the picture, a jpeg should be a high resolution for me to work with.

2. The image should be compelling, well-conceived, or an excellent image be it exceptional.

Christopher B Mooney Art Services

Fine art paintings, photography, urban landscapes, portraiture and figurative art. Do you have a memory to immortalize: a person, a bridge, city landmark, pet, bicycle, cars, motorcycle, or something important to place? Send a picture of a perspective that you would like painted. Most art projects take about a month to complete.

How Do I Reserve A Date? 

To make an appointment to meet at a convenient, neutral location and discuss your needs: Possibly schedule a photo shoot. First, you will simply fill out an online inquiry form with essential details in my website contact page and explain your needs. Reserve A Date.

Book A Consultation 

If you’d like to go over more details of our services and discuss the commission ideas and your ideas, simply fill out an online inquiry form with essential details in my website contact page and explain your needs.

A retainer of 50% of the total cost of all requested services will officially reserve the date for you. Please keep in mind that all retainers are non-refundable. 

Oregon City West Linn Bridge. Oregon City, OR. Oil on canvas. 22” x 28” Commissioned.

Hello 21st Century Art Enthusiast

“Artists are people who make art. Art is not a genre or a specific talent. . . Art is the unique work of a human being, work that touches another. . . Art is who we are and what we do. . .”

— snippet from Seth Godin's view on art from The Icarus Deception

Hello art lovers!

The above quote is one of many I received from artists and art lovers on Facebook after posing a question to ponder the nature of what art is. I received a few really wonderful and thoughtful comments. And I hope to learn more and deepen the conversation. So keep those comments coming! Defining art is infinite it seems. It is a form of self-expression that is so uniquely defined by the artist or individual alone. Art is a mirror to the inner workings of our soul and creative heart. Art is magical. And through that magic, art connects and deepens our appreciation for ourselves, each other, and our world.

Time shapes art

Historically, through the ages, art in its many forms has been the embodiment of the great spiritual core, around which any society or culture is built. What remains of the art of the past continues to reveal clues to us about its storylines and events. Similarly, the art of our time will shape how future generations come to know, judge, and value each other. Our world today is so incredibly unstable, violent, and uncertain. This aspect of our reality breeds a pervasive fearfulness and a deep need to be comforted in some way – to seek comfort while also desiring to comfort others.     

Artful risks 

While certain rules and elements do exist in order to execute one's artful creations. We don't want to become trapped by these rules. It is important to think outside the box and stretch your comfort zone. It's important to understand the medium you want to create in, as this builds confidence. And yes, design, composition, form, shape, perspective, color, shadows, soft and hard edges, among other things, play a powerful role in the shaping of artistic paintings. But do take creative risks. Follow the rules in your chosen medium by not completely following the rules! For example, while fighting the abstract and primitive art trends in schools and in the art world, I read books and art magazines to keep abreast of the latest happenings, but then I make sure to spend time alone in my studio striving for a technical facility that is somewhat frowned upon in the classrooms. I do this deliberately. And this is one way that I take artful risks. And I do this on a regular basis in order to engage in the wonderful freedom that comes from allowing full creative expression not solely confined by rules of the craft itself. As an artist today, I try going about my work in a completely different manner that is authentic and true to my inner core. The feeling is one of joy and a certain inner spiritual connection to the work itself.

Bending the rules

“Shake things up,” said gallery owner Steve Diamante of Arcadia Gallery in New York. “It seems to me that so much of contemporary representational painting is looking the same. . .some kind of rehash of academic work that has already been done. . .and done by better artists.”

Diamante goes on to say in his writing, "I have tremendous respect for classical realists, but I think that phrase is overused and connotes a certain type of imagery. Contemporary realism means someone who is doing representational work, but the imagery is evocative of what is going on today. Contemporary imagery doesn’t just have to be romantic or beautiful. And it doesn’t have to be about war or occupying Wall Street.  It’s about taking the skills you learned and making them your own and having them speak to what is going on today. "Dear readers, what do you think? Does Diamante make a good point? I think people are inspired to create any number of things along their personal journeys – some real – some imagined. Some people arrive at creative points in superbly dramatic ways while others, lost in thoughts and feelings, are able to pull from the depths of their being in such a way that the results are often transformative. This natural creative process can work to "shake things up" organically. I am destined to create using the old masters' technique and materials for a far-ranging language by adding red and blue lights to create a contemporary ambience. I also expand my subject matter into a known "genre" painting to show people doing simple things that people do together. This creates connection. For example, laughing, singing, pausing for a cup of coffee, enjoying erotic and sensual moments, and snuggling or cuddling. These moments of connection capture an inner desire and longing we all have. This universal truth adds to collective awareness of our need for connection, and could, if allowed, promote healing. I feel Art or "the Arts," in many of its forms, such as sculpture, painting (in any medium), theater, literature, poetry, and dance, to name a few, move to inspire others. These creative vehicles enhance our quality of life, enrich our experiences, are transformative, insightful, and encourage personal and even collective growth. The uniqueness of anyone's work or expression lies in the fact that execution of it is firmly based on theories and techniques (those rules again!) which can be traced back to the Renaissance, where the subject matter is pertinent to the present day. Those pesky rules for mixing colors, for example, are just as valid today as they were 500 years ago, but today different artists play with the mixtures – they shake things up – in a way that yields a brighter palette for a contemporary subject matter. Dear readers, how do you shake things up as an artist? How do you follow the rules without following the rules?  Please share in the comments below. 

Remove fear and uncork your inner artist           

Have you got what it takes to be an artist? The following are my top ten things a creator needs to succeed. Please add your tips and suggestions in the comments below. I would love to hear them!

1. Failure. You have got to work through the bad in order to get to the good. Failure is an integral part of being an artist.

2. Website. Sorry, I know you don't want to hear this, but it's true. Having a website is a sign of professionalism in the art business.

3. Self Confidence. Confidence isn't something you are born with or something that someone else gives to you. It is a skill that you learn – through doing the hard work.

4. Time and space to develop ideas. Art is more than just pretty pictures. The best art explores ideas and then gives those ideas time to develop and grow. Respect that and give yourself permission to take this time for your work.

5. Community. Join a community of artists. Other artists are not competition; they are colleagues and friends.

6. Resilience. You are going to hear 'no' more than 'yes,' so you will need resilience to keep going.

7. Keep learning. You must develop an understanding of your chosen medium and subject matter. Never stop developing your skills in your chosen craft.

8. Marketing. This is a reality of having to promote your work. This is your business, remember?

9. The business of art. As a working artist, you are a self-employed small business owner. This means you have a responsibility as an entrepreneur to understand your professional business practices.

10.  Do the work. You don't get to be an artist if you don't create finished work.

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About Christopher B Mooney

I was born and raised in New York State, surrounded by an artistic family and a richly influential environment. During her first trimester of pregnancy with me, my mother contracted measles. As a result, I was born without hearing. I neither heard nor spoke until I was about four years old, though today I wear corrective devices and speak well. When one is deprived of one sense from an early age, the other senses compensate by growing stronger. In my case, it was my eyes. They taught me everything I knew about the world I had been born into. My sight continues to be my dominant sense, the only truly reliable way I have to perceive my world and the heightened sense that informs my work. I work very hard for my paintings to convey to the viewer the strength and the beauty that I see…Read more.

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Book A Consultation

If you’d like to go over more details of our art services and discuss the commission ideas and your ideas, simply fill out an online inquiry form with essential details in my website contact page and explain your needs.