L.A.Grit

M.C. Escher: MIGRATION MAY 14, 2012

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See you soon, hopefully.

In the Spirit of Steve McQueen, On a Metisse April 1, 2012

 Steve McQueen;  a, "Man's Man," riding a Husqvarna

Ever since I was a kid I've been fascinated with the concept of dirt bike riding. One of my heroes was Steve McQueen who raced through the streets of San Francisco in, "Bullet",  around the track in, "Le Mans", or jumping his motorcycle over barbed wire fences in, "The Great Escape".  I am ecstatic to share I've been commissioned to paint a number of paintings inside the Metisse Motorcycle FactoryOxford, England. Years ago, Metisse made a desert racing motorcycle especially designed for and named after McQueen. Today, they are in process of completing the prototype of a racing bike named after his son, "Chase".
 

Well, what's in a name? In this case, the legacy and quality behind the products produced by Metisse, speaks for itself, and the legacy of the legend of Steve McQueen continues into the 21st Century. 

I never thought my art career would move in this direction, but as a result of staying "open",  this opportunity has landed in my lap. I leave tomorrow for what will be my twelfth journey to Europe.


My technical approach will be to try to steer clear of photo realism;  handle the subject matter in a more painterly, and expressive way, and have fun while doing it.  I am looking forward to staying out in the Cotswolds, where when I am not painting in the factory,  I will get to experience and paint the quintessential English landscape, it's timeless rolling hills, hedgerows, and cottages with thatched roofs, seen in the 17th Century Landscape paintings by John Constable.


Once again, my child within is being paid to play.

Steve McQueen riding on his Metisse Desert Racer

Derek and Don Rickman creators of the Legendary Metisse Brand

Welding room at the Metisse Factory

The "Chase" Metisse under construction

Harry Erskine welding at Metisse

The "Chase" Metisse nearly completed.

Ice Moon Cometh, Homer Alaska March 27, 2012

All I know it it was freezing cold (15 degrees F). but I was there to paint aloneness. Eringer and I had traveled to this remote destination to capture the surreal depth of desolation.


Out on the Homer Spit, nothing was moving except the wisping fog and lapping waves on the shore.


The rocks I stood on were black and Orca in shape, and I did my best not to slip on the ice that covered them while painting.


My -140 degree boots from Cabellas, made all the difference in my attitude to stick it out, and paint away. I added extra linseed oil into my paints (adding viscosity); in order to keep them from freezing


One has to be like leather when painting in this weather.


the Ice Moon Cometh
10x14 oil/board

Collection of Robert Eringer
Surreal Bounce 

The American Flag March 25, 2012

When traveling with Robert Eringer, on one of our Surreal Bounce Journeys, I captured on film, this Bald Eagle; perched like a postage stamp on top of this flag pole. Old Glory waving proudly with resolve through the damp and bleak breeze. 

Eringer and I traveled to Homer, Alaska in the dreary cold of Mid Winter, to try to experience the concept of  "Aloneness".  It was indeed dreary and desolate, yet expansive on many levels.  However, nothing was more heartwarming than to witness this sight as we arrived the Homer Spit.

www.surrealbouncers.com 

New Vincent Van Gogh Painting Discovered, Confirmed: March 20, 2012

It's always good to view a new work by an OLD MASTER.

This photo provided by the Kroeller Mueller Museum in Otterlo, Netherlands, Tuesday, March 20, 2012, shows a painting entitled "Still life with meadow flowers and roses" by Vincent van Gogh.

 My understanding; is it takes at least five Authority Figures on a particular artist, all to concur that a discovered painting belongs to that particular artist, before it is declared an original.

Looks like this one passed the test. 

I am amazed at the craftsmanship and composition, the muted tones, and light which Van Gogh captured in a timeless manner. Even though the painting is mellowed with age, the arrangement still feels fresh, and pure like they were gathered only a moment ago.

I am excited for the world, and recall the day I hopped over the barrier at Van Gogh's Asylum of St. Paul de Mausole, and laid my bones in Van Gogh's bed. 

I did what I could, just to get into his head!

Surreal Bounce Journey: An Ear in Provence. Photo: Robert Eringer
See my blog post: A Huge Presence in a Small Bed. May 20, 2010

 

 

Sunday Service; St. Marks March 18, 2012

Moon Over St . Marks  8x6 oil/board

A few years ago I went on a Surreal Bounce Journey with Robert Eringer, and his imaginary friend, up to a little hamlet North of Santa Barbara called, Los Olivos. We traveled there to view the full Lunar Eclipse. The town has a, "No Street Lights" ordinance making the evening skies more enjoyable to view. This was one of three sketches I did that evening waiting for the big event.