In way of excuse for not updating as regularly as I'd hoped, here is a quick sketch of a cat stretching. Not too impressive, I know. But I have been starting many new paintings and these beginnings are bound to turn into finished peices sooner or later which will enevitably end up here. Until then, stay creative!
The rescheduled New Orleans Arts Market in Palmer Park was today and once again I am tired and sunburned and sore and did I mention tired?
All the same, it was worth it---I had fun meeting new people and accepting the occasional compliment (actually had a lot of compliments, so, bonus). I guess that's it---next Palmer Park market is October 27th, 10-4. See you there!
Alright, maybe I did not get sunburned this time---I had the foresight to apply plenty of sunblock. Today, Sunday, it feels like Fall is finally here and it's cold out when the wind blows. Gotta get more painting done before my creativity thinks it's Winter and goes into hibernation.
pomegranate
Pomegranate, 8x10", SOLD
Painting smaller paintings now. This was painted on Masonite board. I think I did a good job not overworking it. Nice texture and interesting color pallet.
courage, kitten
Courage, Kitten, 30x40", SOLD
Think of this one as is just another dive into the deep depths of creative exploration. This is me trying out a new thing. Let me know what you think.
ethereal trees
Ethereal Trees, 24x24", SOLDThis one hung around my studio for weeks. I'd make little changes to it here and there, never quite satisfied with it. It once was a different painting entirely in fact---perhaps the canvas was cursed---at any rate, the curse was lifted and I finally got it in shape and I'm happy with the results.
lake arthur, little wharf
Lake Arthur, LIttle Wharf, 44.5x47", $1400
Continuing my large-painting misadventures, I submit this photo of my latest: a tranquil early morning scene of Canadian geese on Lake Arthur. Measuring in at just under four feet square, this is one of my largest paintings. I think I'll be focusing on smaller canvases now---need to balance everything out. As always, feel free to leave a comment. Thanks for giving it a look!
*this post has been edited to include a photo of the finished painting. click the image for a larger view.
gumballs process
I painted this little painting four months ago, intending to post the process as well. Better late than never--here's the process.
Here was the reference photo. Most of my paintings start with a reference photo.
Step One. I started by blocking out the main shapes---this showed me how the overall basic design will sit on the canvas (or in this case, on Masonite)
Step Two. I started defining the edges of the gumballs as well as the shadows. From the beginning I intended to make the background a painterly abstraction and so I also began exploring the look of the background.
Step Three. I continued to sharpen edges and added in the darkest darks of the photo.
Step Four. Furthering definition and attempting to make an interesting background.
Step Five. Decided to try and simulate the stippled texture of concrete, adding layers of different colors, splattering thinned paint by running my thumb through the bristles of an old toothbrush (of course, preserving the gumballs first by covering them with paper cut to size).
Step Six. Reestablished the parts that were lost by the paint spatter. Added texture to the parts that were lacking, like in the shadows. I also added a cool wash of blue to the entire thing after the paint dried. (click the photo below for larger view)
Gumballs, 8x10", SOLD
captive audience #16
Captive Audience #16, 24x30", $350
This is another of my Captive Audience series---listed as number sixteen, though I've surely done more than that amount to-date. It's a series I frequently consider dropping from my repertoire partly because I know it's not everyone's cup of tea. But there are things about the series which I deeply enjoy, starting with the sheer fun I have in creating these paintings but going well beyond that---in fact there is something deeper going on, something I've yet to figure out.
Captive Audience #16, 24x30", SOLD
This is another of my Captive Audience series---listed as number sixteen, though I've surely done more than that amount to-date. It's a series I frequently consider dropping from my repertoire partly because I know it's not everyone's cup of tea. But there are things about the series which I deeply enjoy, starting with the sheer fun I have in creating these paintings but going well beyond that---in fact there is something deeper going on, something I've yet to figure out.
On some level this annonymous grouping of cardboard-cutouts presents to the viewer a series of questions. First of which seems to be: Are these supposed to be people or what . . . ? This is the most common question, especially with some of the more abstract versions I've presented, where the "legs" tend to disappear and the "torsos" and "heads" become even more angular and unrecognizable as human forms. But beyond that, there are questions of community---especially in this digital age where most of us communicate, at least partially, with other people via the Internet. And I tend to look at the individuals in these paintings and wonder what they themselves might be thinking, whether they are feeling lonely or isolated or whether they are content with their station in life, whether they are wealthy or broke or disheartened or filled with glee.
The series presents these faceless figures---voiceless and unable to move from where they stand, unable to communicate even with the person they stand shoulder to shoulder with---and I can't help but think of these questions, these and many more (questions I did not start with but which grow within me the more I paint). All that to say, I will keep up this series of paintings as long as they hold my interest. And hopefully I'll figure out where they are leading me next, and when I do, I'll try to share that here with you.
Opinions on the matter? Leave a comment please!
miles from anywhere
Miles from Anywhere, 48x24", N/A
This one is no more. Some sort of unstoppable ink from a lower layer of paint seeped through to the top layer after the final gloss varnish was added, causing weird staining to appear. First time I've seen that.
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