Foul Weather Painting: May 1, 2010

I tell my students that "in case its Raining or Gale Force Winds at class time, we will meet at the SB Museum of Art. This day was very close to those scenarios in that it was sprinkling and gusting winds at class time. However, I chose to go ahead with the plein air class and demonstration.

The class was held at Lake Los Carneros in Goleta. I found a spot to paint slightly out of the wind, and painted a little 8x10 painting for the demonstration. I used the drawing and extracting technique where I had a couple of neutrals on my palette which I drew from to mix my colors to a certain harmony. All colors on the painting were influenced by those neutrals. The painting had a harmonious feeling as a result.

Twice during the demo it started to rain, and the wind buffeted more than a few times. I am glad we came out to paint because in my opinion, it develops character: when forcing yourself to paint in adverse conditions, it makes one feel alive!

Moonrise, Winter April 30, 2010

When one studies art, they must surround themselves with it; they must live, eat and breath art. I tell my students to "Buy Art Books!" Study the Masters. Try to get in their heads and find inspiration in life which brings them to mind.

Driving down the 101 Freeway I found this view, in Westlake of all places. It reminded me of one of Claude Monet's motifs from his series paintings near Giverny. I planned ahead by finding the imagery of Monet's, sketching it a couple of times. Then in March , 2006, I drove down to the site and caught the Moonrise in the East.

using my artistic license i eliminated a couple of homes and lights which were present in the distant shore. The Moonrise, though, was spot on and I was able to capture it, and the water foul bathing in it's reflection.

Winter Moonrise
20"x24" oil
Painting subject to prior sale

Dragon and His Tail April 28, 2010

The Collings Foundation flys their fully restored WWII aircraft all over the USA each year, touring the country promoting awareness of WWII history and the sacrifices of the, "Greatest Generation".

I heard they were coming into Oxnard California for a few days so I dawned my authentic U.S. Army Air Corps uniform, (Pinks and Greens), and my flight jacket, and headed down there to see these birds come in. I went with my buddy Bob Sponsel,(husband of famed realist painter, Patricia Chidlaw), He snapped this photo of me in front of the B-24 Liberatior, "Dragon and his Tail"

This plane was painted with this nose art, reproduced from photos of an actual Plane which flew Boming missions in the So.Pacific. Unfortunately, like the original plane, this nose art no longer exists. It has been painted over for preserving the aluminum bird. In fact the whole plane has been painted dark olive green and given the name, "Witchcraft".

So, I went down there to put myself and my 'Batlin' Bet' A-2 on display for the crowds, answering questions, sharing my story, and inhancing the imagination so as to help place things into context.

It was another type of performance art...

I was "Living History!".

Night Painting; April 29, 2010

I have recently returned from Scottsdale AZ where I instructed students in the fine art of painting nocturnes in Plein Air.

The Scottsdale Artists School, which sponsored me, is a class act. It is a hub for all aspiring artists to come and take workshops from working professionals at a reasonable price. They provide a safe and comfortable space for the students, and really support the instructors.

I taught a moonlight painting workshop this last weekend. We were blessed with decent weather, and a full moon to provide us with an eloquent motif. Even though my class spent very little time in doors, the plein air nocturne workshop

I like the dry atmosphere in Arizona, I also appreciate their independence and courage to grab the bull by the horns regarding illegal immigration. There are storm clouds on the horizon.

It may be time to paint in the studio.

Night Owl: April 27, 2010

I took this photo of my buddy, Donn Longstreet, painting a Nocturne down by the harbor in Santa Barbara. He is back lit by the lights from a fishing trawler. Painting at night is like going fishing for some illusive fish; once caught, it is truly not appreciated until the next day when you can see it in the day light. Then you will love it, or wonder who ruined it while you were sleeping.

Gorbi Comes to Town April 26, 2010

I am represented by the Bottoms Art Gallery in the Biltmore Hotel, Montecito. Joseph Bottoms called me to say he'd arranged a meeting with M. Gorbachev who was visiting Santa Barbara on behalf of Global Green.

Santa Barbara Philanthropist Pierre Claeyssens wanted to give Mr. Gorbachev a bronze Dolphin sculpture by Joseph's father, Bud Bottoms.

The meeting was arranged. Joseph brought my nocturnes out into the courtyard as well as some paintings by some artwork of other artists he represented. Gorbacheve arrived with his interpreter, and entourage. The presentation of the sculpture was made.

We then lined up to shake Mr. Gorbacheve's hand. I shook his hand and showed him my paintings, and the Russian Infantryman's hat I wore to paint them. I explained how I painted them on location, then I put the hat on my head and turned on my booklight. He gazed, then chuckeled, and spoke in Russian.

"Mr. Gorbachev wants you to know he thinks you are very interprising!", said his interpreter. I shook his hand and said, "Thanks, I'm a capitalist!".

We then gathered for a photo op. My Russian Hat, my "Battlin' Bet" Flight Jacket, make their debut on an international stage!

Pictured: Unnamed Artist(temporarily), Joseph Bottoms, Myself, Pierre Claeyssens, and Bud Bottoms. In the background a painting by my mentor, Sergei Bongardt.

Dispatched! April 25, 2010

I forgot to mention that the Desert Dispatch dispatched a reporter to tag along with the archaeological expedition. I was surprised to see the saga made the FRONT PAGE!!

I appeared on the same page as Slick Willie... but I was the, "MAN".

Hey, I was so happy to have the reporter there and put this in writing, not only to help tell the story of Kenny Frost; once thought lost to history, but after reading the article again today I can see how much I've forgotten. I'm humbled at knowing how important it is to not skip over things so as to make a point; especially when it is concerning someones life and what they accomplished in their brief time upon the Earth.

This is what it's like to strive to get to the configuration of things. It's like peeling an onion. For me, art is a catalyst; a muse for which there is no end and only infinite possibilities from which to begin.