Holiday Salon...etc.

This Wednesday TEW Galleries opens it's "Holiday Salon". I will be contributing 3 new paintings, 2 are shown above. The show will feature new works by gallery artists and the recent paintings of Atlanta fave, Lucy Currie, plus Tim's jewelery collection. Go have a look and pick something out, the show should run through December.
Speaking of shopping, what was going on in October? Every artist/dealer I have spoken to recently (granted, its not been many) have reported last month as the busiest in a long while. I guess those rebounded portfolios, have eased the collectors' consciouses. In another world...the major auction houses showed some bounce, it's not 2006, but the usual faces got the usual bucks, "artnet" lists the latest results, here, always an interesting read.
And... the NYTimes had a great story about David Hockney and his recent landscape paintings. I admire Hockney's game, to use a sports metaphor, his use of hip technology to enhance what he does with paint and brushes has kept this 72 year old painter fresh and current, now that's a role model. Here's the article, don't miss the slide show and video, fascinating.
Above top: DREAM VACATION 28x25 oil canvas 2009
below: CONJURER 28x25 oil canvas 2009

Fall Color In Atlanta

As a painter, I can not compete with the natural world at it's visual best. Occasionally I will take a painting I am working on outside to see how it holds up when not confined to the mysteries of the cave, (studio). If it appears lifeless outside...not a good sign. "You should paint that", I am often told, as the person points to a flower or sunset, my response is always a halfhearted, "yes, I should", but I know I won't. What I will do is try to translate that "feeling" I have when experiencing natural beauty, take paint and replicate those soul stirring moments, whether I am painting an apple or a clown's nose. It's an intuitive reaction that continually occurs during the painting process, difficult to explain and execute.

Above: A tree next to the Cyclorama in Grant Park, Atlanta Ga. What a beautiful day today, much fuel was added to my creative battery.

Halloween

Above, Bette Davis in "Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte". I was 9 years old when my older brother took me to see this film, portions of which, I spent balled up in the fetal position on the sticky floor of the PIX Theatre in Rock Hill, S.C. Southern-fried creepiness at its best, check out the trailer here.

GENESIS

R. Crumb has illustrated the Book of Genesis. Five years in the making, this 224 page, hardcover book was released last week and currently ranks #7 in sales at Amazon.com. R.Crumb and the Bible, not as odd a pairing as it at first seems. As a kid I always thought "Mr Natural" was kinda like a hip god. I think I will check this one out. The Sunday N.Y.Times has an insightful review here.

Many of my paintings' themes and imagery have their genesis in the stories of the Old and New Testament. Its impossible to shake the powerful archetypes contained therein. Below is the latest.

Above: Traveling Ark Song, 20x18 Framed, oil on panel,2009 (private collection)

Clown Painting

On occasion I feel the need to make a "clown painting". Their appearance in a picture frees up space in my head, allowing me to make choices I usually don't consider. My clowns are not the kind with makeup, I imagine there condition as a permanent state, in there world, that's how people look. I enjoy being a part of that world for brief intervals.
Above: Arrival Of Fun, 20x18 (26x24 Fr) oil panel, 2009

Nashville Arts Magazine

The October issue of Nashville Arts Magazine features a cover story about my paintings, check it out here. This monthly publication covers Nashville's cultural scene, with articles about a broad range of creative expression; stone carving to pasta making. The look of the magazine is polished but hip, professional but "open-armed".With over 90 pages of content it's available for free throughout the metro area, pick one up when your in town. Kudos to Paul Polycarpou for being the catalyst behind the magazine's recent revival.

Above: The Blackberries, 20x22 framed, oil on panel 2008 (private collection)

Sweet 16

Above: Nick Jonas, Phillips Arena the Atl. Photo by Madison