Completed Work: Forgiveness, 2008

Above, see the image of the completed piece, "Forgiveness." The piece, shown in-progress on November 11, 2008 is 36" by 48".

I ahve been reading the book "Elaine and Bill: Portrait of a Marriage," by Lee Hall, so that may explain the dip back into retro-Abstract Expressionism a la Gorky and de Kooning. I actually started thinking in grays, and thinking of exploring lots of tones within the gray scale, but even in the early layers of paint I started mixing purples and red with the grays and then I liked that so much I kept going.

As someone mentioned to me recently, I certainly like vivid colors. There is something about taking dramatic contrasts in terms of colors and then making them harmonize that seems central to my project whether I am trying to push back on Abstract Expressionism or Pop or both.

That is a long excuse for why this is not just gray.

Painting Sticker Shock Part II

What is that term to describe something that is boring... "it is like watching paint dry?"

Above. see the slightly more interesting footage of me painting "Sticker Shock" last winter. The Goldfinger album is the same as last time.

I am not sure this version could qualify as exciting, but it is sure more interesting than the other one. Amazing what a little editing can do.

And yes, I can teleport now.

Painting Sticker Shock

As part of my pre-winter cleaning I came across some video of me working on the painting Sticker Shock last winter.

Not a terribly exciting video, but what I am supposed to do? I am an artist and I have a blog. I guess this is par for the course.

The music is from Goldfinger's "Open Your Eyes" album which I listened to like crazy while painting this monster.

Yes, I am looking forward to the pending lawsuit from Goldinger. Nothing says "Dealing with a shaky economy for the arts" like getting sued.

Enjoy.

Answered Prayers and San Francisco

So, I have been doing some pre-winter cleaning, which includes my computer and files. A few things I have come across I am not quite sure what to do with, and am considering making like 58 blogs so I can keep story ideas, poems in progress, photos, painting ideas, other writing, etc. in a place that is easy to get to.

Yes, I know this is probably like a hundred years behind the times, but I am a tad slow.

Anyhow, I found some pics of my last trip to San Fran a few years ago and some photos of City Lights books. One of my ideas was to take random self-portraits in random mirrors all over the country. Above, see Self-portrait in City Lights Books.

City Lights is like the mecca of poetry for the West Coast, if not the US.

As for the answered prayers, I was reminded of a trip I made to the Art Institute of San Francisco, and that Iw as doing some serious soul searching as to what my next move should be. The Art Institute is like this cathedral to art with a huge courtyard and a beautiful view of the city. Sitting in one of the classroom/studio spaces I tried to get in touch with my spiritual self, my higher power, God, whatever you want to call it.

"What should I do?" I asked.

I opened my eyes and looked up at the folding chair in the corner.

The bottom three pics are of City Lights. The top one is the universe talking to me.

New Work in Progress

Not the best picture, but check out some new work in progress.

Full Moon Through The Skylight With Raindrops In November

New Work in Progress

Above, see new work in progress. The piece is acrylic on canvas, 36" x 48"

Perrotta at UMASS Boston

Went to see Tom Perrotta read from his book "The Abstinence Teacher" at UMASS Boston today in the new Campus Center.

Above, see a pic of Tom, as well as some of my sketches during the reading. I am trying to organize a number of ideas/art projects/blog entries/writing pieces and there is no better time for me than when I am listening to some really good words.

By the way, the reading was great. Go get the book.