Teaching Day Demo. January 12, 2012

Today was the first day of the Winter Quarter for SBCC Continuing Education Program. This was the Demonstration painting I produced for the class using oil paints, on gessoed board. The colors I used were based on a palette by Velazquez:  Ultramarine Blue, Alizarine Crimson, Burnt Umber, Yellow Ocher, plus Titanium White.

The Demonstration up to this stage, took about one hour. 

I figure I will spend about two more hours glazing it on it in the studio, simplifying some areas, glazing and clarifying other parts. 

It felt good to push the oils around again, and I am appreciative of the 35 students who showed up for the class.

The Volvo with Headlights Lights On Jan. 11, 2012

Speaking of Common Sense. One would think I lacked it; traveling at a high rate of speed behind this fully loaded Fuel Truck on the 101 Freeway near Santa Barbara. 

Yep, I was a distracted driver, but hey, being an artist is about taking risks.  I guess I lucked out this time...

It sure was one pretty Winter's day in paradise!

www.thomasvanstein.net

Thomas Paine COMMON SENSE January 9, 2012

 236 YEARS AGO TODAY COMMON SENSE WAS PUBLISHED.

WHAT WOULD THOMAS PAINE SAY?

(This picture unfortunately says it all)

Stewie, from The Family Guy; Anthropomorphism in a Drain Plug January 7, 2012

There I was minding my own business, when across my path wanders this irratating drain pipe cover looking up at me.

Was it Stewie, from Family Guy?

Or just an overblown abstraction resembling an inflated blowfish?  Best not step on it.

And they say all drain pipe covers  look alike...

Toltec You So: Anthropomorphism in a Bathroom Stall January 6, 2012

I don't waste time;

No time to waste.

My roving eye roves;

To case the place. 

Tilting one's head,

Slightly askew;

Can bring new awareness;

A new Point of View. 

 

a Sideways View of  a Bathroom Door Latch

 

Crown Jewels: Anthropomorphism January 5, 2011

Sometimes one has to squint to see the make-believe...

My Florist Bakery, Ventura California

Art and Architecture: Anthropomorphism Strikes Again! January 4, 2012

My buddy Bill showed me some his photos of the Historic El Presidio Bell Tower in Santa Barbara. My eye caught the shapes and glimpse of the facade; looking like some Casper the Ghost-like character towering over me.  

"Imagination is EVERYTHING!"  --Albert Einstein

Oh No- Mr. Bill!!