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

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.