Mission Arches. March 12, 2010

This is one of the paintings from the SB Architectural show in yesterday's blog. It took three to four painting secessions on location in order to capture the values and light on the Mission Arches.

As the sun moved to the West the shadow coming down from the eves above, would grow rather quickly, downward. So I would need to work quickly to see all the subtleties come together.

When the values are right, the painting takes on a three dimensional quality; From the stand point of flat art, the painting looks holographic. It is a window effect. This comes as a result of quantifying the distance of every object I am painting, in relationship to the surface of my eye, and then to each of the other subjects in the painting.

During this painting I met two young ladies from the Philippines, whom I stayed in touch with via face book and this blog. Its all good, and the world is a better place as a result.

Mission Arches
18"x22" oil/canvas 2008
Painting subject to prior sale

Tea Moon Fire. March 13, 2010

Sometimes I am steered into certain locations to paint and witness, and capture the moment. A little over two years ago I set out to paint the full moon (Hunter's Moon) rising from the location of East Beach, Santa Barbara...

I was nearly completed with the painting, which had progressed rather quickly, when I looked up and saw an unusual light flickering above Montecito. It was a brilliant orange-red and I knew immediately there was a fire in the foothills. So, there I was, by myself, witnessing the beginning of one of the worst fires to strike Santa Barbara up to that time.

I didn't know what to do so I called to some people walking along the bike path to take notice, which they did. (I didn't want to be the only witness).
I went back to my painting and added the flames in the precise location where they existed.

Later on that eventing the smoke plumes glowed orange from underneath near the flames, and the full moon showed a light blue glow on the top side of the smoke plumes. Unfortunately I didn't paint this visual phenomena but instead went up to my friend and patron's house in Montecito. I helped him to pack up his large collection of art; (mostly mine), in case there would be a need to evacuate from the flames.



Tea Fire Under a Full Moon
12x24 oil Nov. 13, 2008

Painting Subject to prior sale

Santa Barbara Architecture Show. March 11, 2010

Here is another example of gathering all of my paintings together on my studio wall in anticipation of the launch of my exhibition celebrating Santa Barbara Architecture. The show was held at the Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara in the Summer of 2008.

The two paintings flanking left and right, at the top, are paintings of moonlit landscapes from previous exhibitions, and they were not in the show.

Placing the paintings in a group helps me to see them together and make decisions on how they will flow together, cohesively, in an exhibition. This is my last chance to be with my 'children' before I expose them to the world and receive my fair share of critical feedback.

Show Prep1999. Mar 10, 2010

Action Pose, Columbia River. March 8, 2010

Some times when I am painting, (and especially if the painting is going well) people will find me, and what I am doing, an interesting subject. I sense they are watching me, (or that I am being watched) and I will turn around and greet them.

Most of the time there is someone there taking pictures. Some of the time, I will ask them to send me a copy via email. On occasion I have felt I was being watched and turned around to find nobody there.

This challenges my poise. So to compensate for the chill running up my spine, I will extend a hand out to the invisible and greet the empty space. I say, "Hi, Thanks for being here, glad you came!"

I welcome most company that comes along.

During this painting's evolution, aside from the Russians who stood around me speaking only Russian, the most memorable exchange was with a hoodlum gangster in a baseball cap and mirrored sunglasses expressing very few words; he encouraged me to, "Keep it up!"

Well, those are my intentions and as long as I am alive I hope to do just that! Whatever I am doing, or creating I will always strive for longevity; to, "Keep it up!"

A, "never-say-die" attitude is strongly recommended, (this, and a daily dose of skin thickener) will help an artist make it through the rough patches. Performing frequently in public also builds character, and is a great place to share the passion and inspire others to do the same.

Carnegie Opening March 8, 2010

I've just returned from Seattle and Portland Oregon. The best thing waiting for me when I returned from my time away were my boys. I found this picture taken in 2005 at the opening of my "Urban Nocturnes" exhibition at the Carnegie Art Museum in Oxnard.

I am not 100% convinced they realize I am an artist, but maybe by the time they are adults, they will believe in me the way I believe in them. During my career, they have come to many art receptions and art shows which I've been involved with.

I see them now creating in their own lives a sacred awareness and appreciation for art. They are both way ahead of me in their art process; further than I was when I was their age.

I breath a sigh of relief when I see them "get" the art process, and figure things out on their own.

I'm almost ready to let loose the arrow and watch them fly!

Portland, Ho! March 7, 2010

Visiting Portland. It's wierd in a good way. Down to earth meets upscale, clean and quiet.

This is not the huge art gallery city I expected, but there is much support for the arts and crafts movement.

I love the Columbia River, its bridges, and ambiance. I had a couple of hours to spare so I grabbed my paint box and headed down to paint amidst the throngs of people down by the river.

The Steam Boat "Portland" was blowing it's whistle, catching my imagination. I left out some of the buildings on the horizon because I was after the antiquity or historical flavor.

This photo shows the painting in progress. 80% completed. Will post finished piece soon.