The Fall Season

Last Spring the key phrase whispered among gallery owners and working artists was " If I can get through summer, I should be fine". From what I see, surprisingly, most made it. What we failed to realize then though was that the summer is usually slow, numbers-wise. Your budget is not based on summer stats, the Fall season is when you make your hay. The new mantra is "I need a big Fall". This recent article in the N.Y.Times illustrates the mood of gallery owners up there and mirrors what I hear locally.
Above:THE GIFT, 18x16,oil on wood,2004 (private collection)

Edisto Island, S.C.

At our house "vacation" means the beach, and for the past 11 years that beach has been Edisto Island, S.C. Fairly isolated by East Coast standards, it takes a good 40 minute drive to reach any type of major commercial development. The beach itself is mainly homes, private and rental, family owned businesses, and a condensed Piggly Wiggly grocery store. What the island lacks in upscale amenities is made up by a great beach and stunning scenery. It's not for everyone but perfect for my taste and sensibility.
The great American artist, Jasper Johns, purchased a home on Edisto in the early 60's, living and painting there through much of that decade. In college we were shown a film of him working in his studio, (which appeared to be a screened in porch). I tried to find it on YouTube, no luck. The above sculpture is a homage to his friend, the poet Frank O'Hara, a frequent guest. If you visit the island be sure to check out the BBQ joint run by his half brother, "Po Pigs Bo-B-Q", on Highway 174.

Summer's over folks.

The stunning photo at the top of the post is by Heath Cash, see more here.

Vacation

Every summer my painting stops, the heat in Atlanta turns the brain to mush and my limbs to lazy noodles. I don't try to fight these lackadaisical urges, (which tend to last about 3 weeks). Time is spent reading, cleaning, and preparing surfaces to paint on. What a perfect time to hit the beach.
Above: Maddi's video of the birds on Edisto Island, S.C. 2009

Happy 21st Birthday Bailey

Welcome to the adult world.

Painting Horses

I am not a "horse guy", I didn't grow up around horses and can count on one hand how many times I have ridden one, but lately I have enjoyed painting them. The smooth surface texture fits my current painting style and the techniques I use to depict a horse match those I use to render a flower or cloud. The nostalgic element attached to a horse also jives with the inherent mood in most of my work. Featured in this post are 2 of the latest.

Above: SEAFOAM 17x15 (23x21 Fr) oil on panel 2008
Below: no title yet, 17x20 oil on panel 2008

Summer:Blackberries

Despite the cosmopolitan trappings, Atlanta has never given up it's rural roots. If you walk the older neighborhoods in town you can still see glimpses of this past. Keeping chickens has become popular with young urban professionals these days, but long before this puzzling trend you could still find homes in my neighborhood with full gardens, and barn yard animals. Around the block from my house there was an old guy who had chickens and a goat, he grew corn, tomatoes, beans, blueberries, apples and blackberries. All that remains now are his blackberries, which run the length of the property on the street-side. You are allowed to pick whatever you can reach from the sidewalk and for the next month the labors of the past will provide refreshment after a jog.

Above: BLACKBERRIES, 18x20 Fr, oil on panel, 2007

4th of July

Growing up in a state where fireworks were legal made the 4TH of July one of my favorite holidays. My Dad always bought a huge supply from the local Jaycees and we would light them up after a day of barbecuing. Dangerous but thrilling, burnt fingers and ringing ears were a given. Now I leave it to the pros.
Above: downtown Atlanta 2008

Maddi's latest cupcake creations, yum.