Out of the Darkness; Light! March 5, 2010

Seattle is a dark city when there is no moon in sight. During the Artwalk we made our way into this back alley, where artists and patrons gathered for three different exhibitions of art.

One, a post modern expressionist exhibition, two; an exhibition of masks made of tin, and three; a duet of two young ladys singing jazz, in harmony, accompanied by a stand up base and guitarist.

It was lively, and a great way to "feel" the art.

I appreciate the avaunt gaudiness and immediacy that comes out on First Thursday Artwalks, and the fact people come out to play along with the artists.

Music is a big part of the equation here in this fragmented city. The musicians seem to be the glue that holds it together. I say this because musicians, more than than flat or 3D artists, are everywhere. They fill the seams. As a result it's not difficult to get to the configuration of what makes Seattle work; it's as if the cracks and fissures left open, on purpose, esposing its rough fenestration.

Seattle Art Walk Mar. 4, 2010

Had a great time at the Seattle Art Walk

It was truly inspiring to see so many people come out to support the arts.

We walked in and out of the galleries and in dark alleyways with artists and patrons lurking in the shadows.

This photo was taken in the Dalhia Restaurant where we feasted on Roast Duck. It was perfect through and through.

Now, on to Portland for the Art Walk tonight.

Ruptured Duck in Progress March 3, 2010

I often tell my students, "One should be able to paint from inside a phone booth if they have to". In other words; it's not always about surrounding yourself with a comfort zone in order to create a work of art.

Sometimes I paint in edgy locations to achieve a heightened state of awareness, other times such as this, I spent eight or so hours leaning over the horizontal stabilizer of the aircraft in order to paint the logo. Needless to say, it was extremely difficult to achieve this painting due to the strange contortion of my body over long periods of time.

But, "No pain, no gain."

It is all worth it, and now the CAF has a new work of art decorating one of their warbirds, and I contributed to make a difference.

Photo by Dan Newcomb

Ruptured Duck, March 2, 2010

I'm an inactive private pilot, and big history buff. I like to put those two hobbies together and volunteer at the Commemorative Air Force Museum in Camarillo, California, It is there where sometimes four generations of aviation and history enthusiasts gather to restore, maintain, and fly WWII Aircraft.

Every now and then I will attract the opportunity to create something for the wing; like its logo. However, last month I was asked to paint the image of a ruptured duck on the fin, (vertical stabilizer) of our AT-6 Trainer, "Blue Boy". It was taken from a WWII Squadron Patch. I painted it in Acrylics, over about six hours time. It's not the easiest place to paint in detail due to the constant sounds of pneumatic drills, sanders, and jigsaws. Today, I finished the details, signed it, cleared it.

It sure looks pretty, and it sparks my imagination.

Moonset, March 1, 2010

The rain put a damper on the moon rise last night, so I got to bed early in hopes of a clear morning sky. My body clock woke me up at 0430, so I went to the window and saw the moon was low in the sky, bright, and shiny. I moved in autopilot, feeling like a zombie I put my clothes on, got my dog and drove out to the Carp Bluffs.

The Moon was getting ready to set in the West, and was glistening on the ocean. Hurriedly I set up my easel and palette and began to paint a small moon set sketch. By the time I was finished (in 40 min. or so), I was freezing, and the moon was turning red; a perfect time for one last sketch. However, because I was cold and tired, I whimped out. I decided to just enjoy the moment and observe the setting moon all alone, in silence...

People ask me if I ever work from photographs. I do, sometimes. They are a great tool for reference; period. (It's best to not let the photo dictate what the picture is to look like). I do always carry a camera with me for certain miracle/magical moments, like this morning.

I will download this morning's painting soon.