Saturday, February 28, 2015

In Progress-18x24


Got this much done on the first session. the nice thing about the acrylic underpainting is you can have fun and experiment with temperature shifts without messing up the underpainting. it IS the underpainting. then if you don't like it you paint it out in the oils on top. I'm still on a kick of wanting to the viewer to see "swirly" paint and bravura brushwork. like in the fence. Still have an hour or so on this one and I'm super happy with it at this stage.

Friday, February 27, 2015

Dreamy Lane- 16x16


Dreamy Lane-16x16
headed to Gallery on Greene
email me for inquiries

Had fun on this one playing with changes of color where you can see the stroke. Also kept this one colorful and sunfilled. Just like Key West!

Monday, February 23, 2015

Out of the pipeline


 Dream View-18x24


Keys Hideaway-12x14

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Going to Work

 
the next Cuba painting. Initial statement in acrylic.
 
In an interview famous artist Chuck Close made a deep and (for me) life changing statement. He said that you have to "go to work everyday" and in an unexpected moment you will learn something profound or do the best work you ever produced.
 
Today that profound learning experience came while I was playing steel drum at a nightly gig, with my new friend Mary. We play jazz for the supper crowd at one of the upscale restaurants in Key West, Bistro Sole. A week ago she asked me to sit in with her after she heard me playing some jazz at the Green Parrot. I said sure and once we put a steel drum playing jazz with her voice and guitar, we knew we had something special. we've played together nearly every night since.
 
tonite while I was "at work" I discovered that I could play a certain note at the end of a phrase or ending of a song, that I had never played before. I was experimenting, much the way you do when you paint, just being driven along by the sound, and I stumbled on that tasty note that i'll be able to use till the day I die. it's now on my "hard drive" and I can pull it out of my bag of tricks when appropriate. I was like a kid on Christmas day. it happened "at work".
 
you were so right Mr. Close!
 
so the next time youre standing in front of your easel painting, or instrument playing, or computer writing a novel, remember don't wait for inspiration to hit, or try to do something notable. just go to work.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015