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

ART SHOW 2.0

From my student days to about the year 2000, the Kodachrome slide, was the medium used to promote my paintings. I would send out packets containing a sheet of slides and a resume to prospective galleries and curators with the hope of representation or inclusion in a juried show. This process was costly, time consuming and usually fruitless. Digital photography, in-house publishing and the Internet have swept film to the sidelines. Now speed is the new nemesis, "get it to me by lunch". My upcoming show came together with mind boggling efficiency. What would have taken at least 2 months; a magazine spread, updated website and printed invitation, could be accomplished in less than 3 weeks.

After 74 years Kodak has pulled the plug on Kodachrome film. Photographers will lament the passing, (you cannot beat the color and durability of the film) painters, not so much. I have read you can get a digital camera with a "Kodachrome" exposure setting.

The Fall Season: Part 2

The Autumn months tend to be my most productive. The light and atmosphere begins to soften, as the natural world starts its inward retreat. Perfect conditions for painting, which is to my advantage as I have a show opening in Nashville on October the 3rd. This exhibition at The Arts Company will coincide with an article about my paintings in the Nashville Arts Magazine. More on these events in another post.
Above: Spirit Of The River, 26x24 oil panel 2009, sending to Nashville for the show.

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