Big Ketchup

Big Ketchup  |  16 x 20  |  oil on panel

I finished up another painting for the July show at Tree's Place today. I still need to do three more to meet my "quota" of twelve, so I'm getting a little anxious. Time to really buckle down.

Reception for EveryThingChanges Show at Robert Lange

Karen and I went up to Charleston this week to attend the opening reception Friday night of Robert Lange Studios show, "Every Thing Changes". Karen had two pieces in the show, and there was no way we were going to miss the event. The reception began at 5, and it wasn't long before the place began to heat up.

Ethan Diehl sitting with Karen in the front gallery

One of the best things about the evening was that many of the artists participating in the show had come to town to attend the reception. The Robert Lange gallery is gorgeous, and one of the many nice aspects of the space is that there are numerous comfy couches to sit on when your feet get tired. Here Karen is taking it easy with artist Ethan Diehl. He does these amazing paintings consisting of tens of thousands of individually painted squares. You have to see them to believe them. 

Megan and Robert Lange, owners and very gracious hosts

Karen and I both commented to each other how nice everyone in Charleston was, and it started with Robert and Megan Lange. They were both so welcoming, and kind. It was like getting together with old friends after a long absence. They, along with Carri Schwab, a sweetheart of a gallery director, had done a great job of preparing the space, and attending to everyone's needs throughout the evening.

Sara and Shane Scribner

Three more artists we met that night were Sara and Shane Scribner (above). Two figurative painters from Oklahoma with no fear of long drives. They drove to Charleston, and Sunday morning were on their way to Miami. Really nice, and extremely talented, for their seemingly young age. They were terrific. Then to continue with the "talented and nice" theme, we also got to meet Adam Hall (below). My favorite painting of the show was one of his landscapes. You can see someone admiring it in the background.

Robert Lange and Adam Hall

Karen and I had a great time in Charleston. Lots of art galleries, historic landmarks, and wonderful restaurants. The weather couldn't have been more perfect, and we got a great preview of the perigee moon that night. Robert, Megan and Carri, thank you for a terrific evening. Can't wait to get back up there and see you all again.

Black Grapes No.2

Black Grapes No.2  |  16 x 20  |  oil on panel

This will be the next painting headed to Tree's Place Gallery for my show in July with M. Collier, and I want to tell you, I had the best time working on it. Blowing the grapes up to this large size really gave me an opportunity to get into some serious detail, especially with the water droplets. I really hated to see this one end. It's funny, I discovered streaming episodes of Columbo on Netflix just as I began this painting, and had them running in the background as I worked. The series ran out about the same time as I finished. I don't think I'll ever look at this painting again without hearing Peter Falk's voice in the back of my mind. 

Panchito  |  40 x 40  | oil on canvas

I am also in the courting phase with another new gallery. It's called Christopher-Clark Fine Art in San Francisco. I'll be sending them two paintings Panchito (above), and Tractor (below). These will be presented at the San Francisco Art Fair May 17th through 20th under Christopher-Clark's banner, CK Contemporary. Here's hoping this becomes a mutually beneficial long term relationship. If you're in the San Francisco area during these dates and would like to attend, click here for a free one day pass to the fair.

Tractor  |  36 x 36  |  oil on canvas

Tall Blocks

Tall Blocks | 6 x 24 | oil on panel

I went a little "blocks" crazy this year for the Tree's Place Show, so this will be the final piece on that theme. I couldn't resist doing one more though. I had this 6 x 24 cut off from modifying an 18 x 24 I used for another painting, and it just screamed for a tall stack of blocks. I did the same thing for last years show, and it proved to be a popular composition, so I figured, why not try it again.

I'm also pleased to announce my representation by a new gallery. Rehs Galleries, Inc., in New York has taken me on. Howard Rehs contacted me, and stated he was looking to expand their roster of contemporary artists, and wondered if I'd be interested in coming on board. I agreed and sent him three paintings, one of which sold within the first twenty four hours! A nice start.

Tarnished

Tarnished | 12 x 12 | oil on panel

M. Collier and I will be sharing the spotlight in a two person show at Tree's Place Gallery this July. I've been a huge fan of M's work for years, and I'm proud to be included in a show with an artist of such skill. "Tarnished" is the sixth piece I've done for the exhibition so far, and I'm hoping to get six more completed before the deadline. That is going to be a challenge. I may need to take Julie's advice, and stock up on Red Bull.

Classic Coke No.3

Classic Coke No.3 | 18 x 18 | oil on panel

I feel like I spent an absurd amount of time on this Coke painting. It seemed I was moving at a snail's pace every step of the way. I don't know what was going on with me. I did have a lot of distractions in the last few weeks to complicate things, such as home maintenance, helping to get our taxes in order, and the early stages of completely redesigning, and rebuilding my website, and Karen's as well.

MobileMe will no longer host websites after June, and Apple has ceased to support iWeb, so I needed a new plan. I chose Freeway Pro as my new application for constructing the sites. I'm in the process of "learning" the program now, and my poor little brain has been really struggling. Fortunately, I made a couple of breakthrough's this weekend, and I think now I'm familiar enough with the program to start building. I'm hoping the new sites will be leaner, and easier to navigate.

Cory Electric No.2

Cory Electric II | 18 x 18 | oil on panel

I finally finished up the second version of my Corey Electric Percolator. This is one of the coolest kitchen appliances I've ever seen, and I was hungry to paint it again. The ribbed handle is a challenge, but I really love base.

Now I'm bouncing back an forth between two ideas. I came across an old composition I did a long time ago. It's from the Antique Shop series, and it's really calling my name. A vertical 30 x 40, so kind of big, and complicated. The second is another version of the Return for Deposit series of Coca Cola compositions. I'll eventually do both, but I'm leaning towards the Antique Shop first.

Stacked

Stacked | 12 x 24 | oil on panel

I've been out of commission for over a week with a cold, hence the delay in the post of a new painting. The percolator idea was put on hold temporarily. I've wanted to do this particular "blocks" painting for a while, and it felt this was the time to do it. This size of panel also gave me a chance to blow the dust off of my woodworking tools. I don't know of anyone making a 12 x 24 panel, so I have to cut down a 18 x 24, and splice in the missing cradle strip. Not really woodworking, but close.

I've got the drawing ready for the percolator, and will start on it today. It's the Cory Electric with that crazy complicated ribbed handle. It looks really cool, but it's a bear to paint.

Heavy Duty

Heavy Duty | 18 x 18 | oil on panel

I went with my gut, and decided to go ahead, and paint the big drill. It may turn out to be a flop, but I had a blast working on it. Most fun I've had on a painting in while. Big knobbly, heavy duty, mechanically, steel tools are just so cool. I need to keep my eye out for more like this. Now on to what ever comes next. I think, maybe it's time for a percolator.

Bowl O Blocks

Bowl O Blocks | 16 x 16 | oil on panel

I've been putting things in bowls for sometime now, but the objects have all been round and shiny, so I thought I'd try something new and use wooden blocks for a change. I think they worked.

Now my problem is determining what to paint next. I've got a composition that I've been saving for a while now, but I'm not sure how it would be received. It's an image of this really beefy electric drill I borrowed from my buddy Jeff Cohen. It's very cool looking, but there's not much color in the image, and I fear it may have limited appeal to collectors. I think I may just do it anyway.

3 Alarm

3 Alarm | 24 x 36 | oil on canvas

I was very generous to myself over the holidays, and I gave me permission to paint nothing until the first of the year. I really needed to recharge my batteries, and "tried" not to even think about art for a couple of weeks. It was great just to spend time with family, eat decadent food, go to the movies, read, etc. Now it's time to get back to work.

I found this toy Fire Engine on ebay, and paired it up with an old Zippo cigarette lighter I've had for years for my first painting of 2012. Onward to number two . . .

Happy Holidays 2011

I just wanted to say Happy Holidays to everyone, and thank you all for visiting my blog and FaceBook page, and for leaving such wonderful comments throughout the year. I hope everyone has a great holiday season, and a terrific 2012.

See you all again next year!

View-Master

View-Master | 18 x 18 | oil on canvas

I've really been out of the loop for quite a while now. With the Thanksgiving holiday, and family in from out of town, my attention was diverted from my career. Which was a good thing, because Karen and I really needed to get out of the "work all of the time mode", and chill a little bit.

My brother Doug was here from New York, and he convinced us to get a Christmas tree this year. We don't have much space in our house, so we usually just decorate the mantle of our fireplace, but with some creative rearrangement of our furniture it worked perfectly. We had a great time decorating the tree, and it looks great. Thanks bro!

With the first round of holidays over, I've been working on some new stuff, the first of which is this GAF View-Master. These devices used to blow my mind when I was a kid, and I thought it would be fun to paint one. Now I'm deciding on the dimensions of my next piece. I'm thinking of going overscale with it, but haven't made up my mind just yet. I think it could look really cool big. I hoping to make a decision today.

I've had some good sales in the last few weeks. I shipped two paintings to Tree's Place Gallery which were marked for the Boston International Fine Art Show. One sold as it was being unpacked at the gallery, and the second sold at the show. Mason Murer Fine Art sold two of my large paintings. Mule No.2 sold a couple of weeks ago, and they sold my B-25 at the Miami Red Dot Art Fair over the weekend. Karen should have a nice Christmas this year.

Speaking of gifts, I'm thinking of asking Karen for a new ball head for my tripod for Christmas. If there are any photographers out their with a favorite model or brand, I'd appreciate your suggestions/testimonials.

Finger Joints

Finger Joints | 6 x 6 | oil on panel

The final painting of the week is a mug, and wooden box. The box contains a small microscope given to me by my brother. I love the finger joints, and the little latch which holds the door. If you'd like to bid on this painting you can take part in the auction by clicking here.

Seltzer Bottle

Seltzer Bottle | 6 x 6 | oil on panel

One of my new acquisitions from ebay. A seltzer bottle made of an exquisite amber colored glass. It's really cool. If you'd like to participate in the bidding, you can access the auction by clicking here.

A Single Spoon

Single Spoon | 6 x 6 | oil on panel

My third painting for auction this week is a single tarnished spoon. I thought it looked really good just on its' own. If you'd like to bid on this painting, you can access the auction by clicking here.

PB&Jelly

PB&Jelly | 6 x 6 | oil on panel

Spent most of the day back in my old workshop (the garage) using my woodworking tools once more. It wasn't to create a piece of furniture, but rather to build a big wooden crate to ship a large commissioned painting of Karen's to Australia. I spent a ridiculous amount of time on it, but it was really fun to cut some wood again. Tonight's ebay offering is a new pb&j. If you'd like to participate in the auction, click here.

7RBird

7RBird | 6 x 6 | oil on panel

I've been out of the loop for quite a while now. I had been doing some new photography, with moderate success. I'll be doing more in the near future. Karen and I also took a few days off, and went up to Hilton Head Island to spend some time with Karin Jurick, her boyfriend Brett, and their two new puppies Zac and Joey. They had rented an amazing house, thirty feet from the beach to stay in while Karin taught one of her wildly successful workshops. We all had a great time together. It was nice to get away, and not think about painting for a little while. As soon as we returned to Atlanta, I got busy working on five new paintings to be auctioned on ebay. 7RBird is the first. If you'd like to bid on this painting, you can access the auction by clicking here.

the 16 Patton Show in Asheville

Patron checking out Forgotten Dreams

This past Saturday evening we attended the opening night reception for Karen's group show at the 16 Patton Gallery in Asheville, NC. Her work was presented along with that of Karin Jurick and Suzy Schultz. We headed up mid-morning which, entirely by chance, coincided with the departure of Karin Jurick, and we wound up playing an impromptu game of tag as we passed each other periodically on the drive up.

Standing by Stand Off

The weather was absolutely perfect that day, and the city was saturated with tourists. We were all staying in the Haywood Park Hotel in the center of town, and arrived there simultaneously. Our room wasn't quite ready, so we dumped our bags in Karin's room, and headed out to find a place for lunch. Our first two choices had long waits, which was fortuitous because we discovered a wonderful mediterranean restaurant called Jerusalem Garden Cafe. We lingered there as long as we could, but the show was to begin at 5 pm, and we needed to return to the hotel and prepare for the show.

Karen talking with Douglas Hoover

Receptions usually take a little while to heat up, and there were only a few visitors present when we arrived. One of the first people to walk in was Douglas Hoover, an artist and graphic designer from North Carolina. Doug was a really nice guy, and we all had great time talking with him. As the evening progressed the gallery began to fill, and soon it was buzzing. Suzy was in Los Angeles, but the two Kare(i)n's were busy most of the night discussing their work with enthusiastic patrons, while I recorded the event on film.

Gallery goer admiring a portion of Karin Jurick's wall

Early the next morning we shared a wonderful breakfast with Karin at Restaurant Solace, then packed up and headed back to Atlanta. The weather was great, the mountains were beautiful and we had a collection of Richard Matheson short stories playing on the iPod. It made for a delightful ride home.

Jaguar XKE

Jaguar XKE | 6 x 6 | oil on panel

Not too long ago there was a British Car Show in town, and I went to check it out. My first car was a MGB-GT, so I have a soft spot in my heart for British sports cars. It was a really good show, and I got a lot of photos. A bunch of candid shots and potential painting reference material. I'd like to use some of that photography one day for a large painting, but for now I'll indulge myself with a small one. If you'd like to bid on this painting, you can participate in the auction by clicking here.

4 Up 3 Down

4 Up 3 Down | 6 x 6 | oil on panel

I just can't seem to get enough of this old tarnished silverware, but it may be time to add in some knives and forks. If you'd like to bid on this painting, you can participate in the auction by clicking here.

Gumby Mug

Gumby Mug | 6 x 6 | oil on panel

A couple of years ago the Center for Puppetry Arts here in Atlanta had a special exhibit of Gumby related artifacts. It was a really good show. The gift shop, not surprisingly, had a multitude of Gumby items for sale, and I bought this mug before we left. It's a great little mug, and thought that maybe I should do a painting of it to go along with all the other mugs done over the years. You can access the auction for this painting by clicking here.

Six Blocks

Six Blocks | 6 x 6 | oil on panel

Some childrens' blocks enlarged with a magnifying glass. To bid on this piece click here.

Charleston Doorway

Charleston Doorway | 6 x 6 | oil on panel

On a recent trip to Charleston Karen and I were walking around the town when we came upon this open doorway. I couldn't resist stepping inside to get a shot. The entryway was showing its' age, but that terrific door, and the weathered wainscoting were inspiring. If you'd like to bid on this painting, you can access the auction by clicking here.

Thank You Steve

Steve Jobs | 1955-2011

You made my life more productive, and much more fun. Thank you.

I'm interviewed by ArtBookGuy

I was recently contacted by Michael K. Corbin to do an interview for his website ArtBookGuy. Michael is a writer specializing in books about art. In his own words, "Ultimately, ArtBookGuy is a brand ... a campaign and movement backed by my slogan, "Art For All People." Spreading art appreciation by turning folks on to emerging artists. No fear or snobbery. It teaches that art has unique power to unite us and change lives and the world. Human".

Michael is a great guy, and we had a good time discussing . . . me. So, if you have any interest in what I may have to say about my own paintings you can read the interview here. Karen was interviewed a few weeks earlier by Michael, and you can read her interview here.

I've got a few more paintings ready for the ebay auction block, and I'll begin listing them next Monday. As those auctions run in the background, I'll be doing some photography. I've picked up some new items as subject matter for paintings, and I'm excited to see how they are going to work.

Milkshake Mixer

Milkshake | 6 x 6 | oil on panel

Another nostalgic offering this week is this old Hamilton Beach milkshake mixer. To participate in the auction click here.

Dumbo Too

Dumbo Too | 6 x 6 | oil on panel

This carnival ride is such a treat to paint. First off it has that terrific shiny surface, and secondly it has that wonderful happy face. I'm already looking forward to painting it again in the future. To participate in the auction click here.

2 Up 2 Down

2 Up 2 Down | 6 x 6 | oil on panel

Four tarnished silver spoons. Nuff said. To participate in the auction click here.

Heinz 57

Heinz 57 | 6 x 6 | oil on panel

There's something about glass, and the color red. They really go well together. To participate in the auction click here.

Olive Goblet

Olive Goblet | 6 x 6 | oil on panel

I'm back on ebay this week with five new paintings. I used to paint this little silver goblet a lot, but got away from it for a while, so I thought I'd bring it back. I don't know how the olives wound up there, but they really work. If you'd like to bid on this piece, you can access the auction by clicking here.

the Coca Cola Show at Mason Murer

Otto Lange checking out my contribution

The (first) opening for the Coca Cola show was on Friday night. Mason Murer Fine Art organized the show for a meeting of Coca Cola's top 200 shareholders to be held later in October, but incorporated the Coke paintings into a larger show entitled Real Things which fills the bulk of the gallery.

Gathered around Teresa Fischer's work.

The exhibition was particularly exciting for me because I was able to suggest a number of names to the gallery owner for inclusion in the show, and nearly all of them were able to contribute paintings. My intent wasn't completely altruistic, because I knew it would give me an opportunity to see, in person, the paintings of artists I admire. It's great viewing art on the internet, but it doesn't compare to seeing it in the flesh.

Coca Cola by David Malan

I don't mean to play favorites, because truly all of the paintings were wonderful, but I have to say that the painting Coca Cola by illustrator/artist David Malan was my pick for best of show. I've been a huge fan of his for years, and it was a real treat to finally see one of his pieces up close.

Otto Lange's crushed Coke can

Another artist I've admired for a long time, and one who was able to make it to the opening, is Otto Lange. His crushed Coke can was spectacular. It was really nice to have the chance to meet him, and talk shop for a good part of the evening. I have to say I've been very lucky in the last couple of months to have the opportunity to meet two of my favorite artists. First I meet Teresa Fischer (who has two paintings in the Coke show) in Cape Cod, and now Otto.

Other artist/colleague's, with an internet presence, that took part in the Coke show are: Alvin Richard, Vic Vicini, Chris Stott, Todd Ford, Sally Tharp and Jelaine Faunce.

Mike Kasper

And last, but not least, two terrific paintings by one of my oldest, and best friends Mike Kasper. Mike is one of those people who seem to be able to do just about anything. A short list of titles I could apply to him would be; artist, sculptor, woodworker, engineer, welder, graphic designer . . .

Elliot Fouts Gallery Realism Invitational

Tractor - 36 x 36 - oil on canvas

I can't believe it's almost been a year, but it's time again for the Elliot Fouts Gallery Realism Invitational in Sacramento. My plan, when I was first approached, was to do multiple paintings, but time got away from me, and I was only able to complete one. But . . . I think it's a good one.

I found this 1950's riding toy tractor at a local antiques store that allows me to rent items. It was sitting out in front of the shop, and I knew I had to paint it. That fantastic red, and those graphics were too much to resist. On a canvas size of 36 inches I think it is nearing 1:1 scale, close to life size.

There are a whole bunch of great realist painters represented this year, so if you're in the Sacramento area the evening of October 8th you should stop by and check out the show.

A Commission | A Re-list | and A Group Show

Pitcher with Ice No. 2 - 12 x 16 - oil on panel

I've been busy working on a commission these last couple of weeks, and it's finally finished. I've received more comments on a painting I did years ago called Pitcher with Ice than anything else I've ever done, and the client who commissioned this piece said they wanted something very similar to it. I've emailed them the image of the completed painting, and they are very happy. Whew, it's always a relief to hear that a client is happy with their painting.

Clementines - 6 x 6 - oil on panel

These Clementines on the other hand met another fate. The winner of the auction decided they didn't want the painting after all, so I'm re-listing it once more on ebay. If you'd like to bid, you can access the auction by clicking here.

And finally, I'm working frantically to complete a larger painting (36 x 36) for a group show put on by the Elliot Fouts Gallery in Sacramento. It's an invitational realism show scheduled to open October 1st. They've got a long list of terrific realist painters participating, and I'm proud to be included with them. The only problem is that I have to get them the painting by the 23rd of September. Yikes! Back to work.

Spread the Word

This is a shout out to help our good friend Carol Marine. Carol, her husband David and their son lost their home on Sunday when a fire swept through their subdivision near Bastrop Texas. According to reports, nearly 300 homes were destroyed. The good news is that they are safe.

Jennifer, a close family friend, has organized a fund to assist them immediately.

Please click here for details, and give what you can to help Carol, and her family get back on their feet.

Spinning Top

Spinning Top - 6 x 6 - oil on panel

To finish off the week, my vintage Spinning Top. I first painted this toy for a corporate commission I did some years ago, and I think it's a great subject. The colors, shape and illustrated surface, it's just too cool. I love painting this thing. If you'd like to take part in the auction click here.

End Loaf

End Loaf - 6 x 6 - oil on panel

Tonight it's the front end of a loaf of bread, wrapped in a cellophane bag. I love how many colors you can find in a simple loaf of white bread. If you'd like to bid on this painting, you can access the auction by clicking here.

Government Issue

Government Issue - 6 x 6 - oil on panel

I've used these shoes as the subject in a number of paintings. They're my only dress shoes. I was issued these in 1972 on my first day of basic training, and they've been my wedding, funeral and job interview shoes ever since. You can surmise from this that I'm not a slave to fashion. I love their, "been around the block look", and that tan interior is terrific. If you'd like a painting of my shoes, you can bid on it by clicking here.

Coke Carton

Coke Carton - 6 x 6 - oil on panel

When I finished up the Coke painting, I still had a bunch of "Coke" colors left on my palette, so I thought I'd take advantage of them, and do a small Coca Cola painting for auction on ebay. If you'd like to bid on this piece you can access the auction by clicking here.

Citrus

Citrus - 6 x 6 - oil on panel

After I completed the Coke carton for Mason Murer Fine Art, I decided to do another five small paintings for ebay before I got to work on a much larger painting I'm planning to send to the Elliot Fouts Gallery for his October group show. Up first this week is a ceramic bowl filled with Clementines. If you'd like to participate in the bidding you can access my auction by clicking here.

Coke Carton

Coke Carton - 24 x 24 - oil on panel

Well, I've spent two solid weeks working on this painting, but I think it's finally done. I find myself wanting to hang onto it a little longer, but I don't think I can get much more out of it. Mark Karelson at Mason Murer Fine Art is hosting an "event" for some of the top brass at Coca Cola in October, and invited a number of artists to fill his space with Coke related art. I painted a "half" version of this composition a while back for Stricoff Fine Art, and always wanted to revisit it so I could take full advantage of all that type on the carton. I thought this show would be a good opportunity to try it again. There are a couple of other group shows this fall I want to participate in as well, so this may be my only contribution to the Coke show. If I can get those other projects done quickly, I'll try and squeeze in another piece. I'm really looking forward to seeing what all the other artists come up with. I think it's going to be a great show.