New York New York

Series #009 completed in 2010

Media: Acrylic and Canson Paper on Canvas

Size: 15" x 30"

Collection of June Marshall

Though this was not my first comissioned piece, it was certainly the most specific and challenging in terms of the subject matter.  My Aunt June, a big fan of the arts, asked me to compose a piece that represented her three favorite venues in New York City.  Architectural elements from the three places are represented and read from left to right as the Metropolitan Art Museum, Radio City Music Hall, and the Metropolitan Opera House.  I attempted to depict iconic and easily recognizable elements of each while combining them in a way that makes for an overall strong composition.  Definitely a challenge, but I'm please with the way it turned and I believe she is too.



Artdromeda Recap

I really enjoyed participating in Artdromeda last weekend.  Met some cool people and got great responses from everyone I talked to about my work.  There was a wide range of artistic styles and a variety of music as well.  Definitely a unique mix of people, but it worked.  I look forward to going back next year.

Big ups to all my friends and family that came to see it.  As this was my first show, I didn't really advertise it too much and yet the word got out.  Anyways, it was very cool having them there.

This event also marked my first sale of a non-commissioned or gifted painting.  My cousin Karyn asked to take "Core" off my hands as gift for her husband John.  How cool is that?

All said, this was a great event and a real confidence builder for me.  I've got plenty of more ideas, now I just gotta crank them out.

Check out the pics...

Artdromeda

Mark your calendars and save the date, because I'm displaying at my first art show next week in Baltimore!  More specifically, the 2nd annual show is called Artdromeda and will be held in Pigtown from May 6-8.  See the flier below!

Sleuth

Series #007 completed in 2010

Media:  Acrylic and Canson Paper on Canvas

Size:  20" x 28"

Collection of Michael DeGrandis -

In high school, it was noted that Mike was generally big, slow, and kinda lazy.  These traits were eventually defined as "characteristics of a sloth."  Thus, his nickname was born.  As is the case with many nicknames, it progressed and evolved into the current version of "Sleuth."  Anyways, I decided to create this tribute to Mike because his love of creativity and artistic expression motivated me to start painting again.  In addition to that, I have adopted a few of his works into my collection and feel the need to return the favor.  My inspiration for the background came from the digi camo that our military currently uses.  Its basically a pixelated interpretation of the forest canopy and sky beyond.  The layered paper effect used for the sloth was something I picked up from Dudecraft.com

 

Marlin

 

Series #005 completed in 2009

Media:  Acrylic and Dark Papyrus on Canvas

Size:  24" x 24"

Commissioned by Chris Perrini -

Soooooo Chris asked me to whip something up for him back in the Fall.   I did.  It's now February and he still hasn't picked it up.  In fact, he might be seeing it now for the first time!  Anyways, I was at the art store and came across a selection of crazy paper types and textures.  The one I chose for this one was Dark Papyrus, you know, like the Egyptians used.  The paper is very fibrous and tends to curl up on itself.  Cutting was not a problem, but pasting it in place was an issue.  The background of the piece is a sunburst based on a Japanese design everyone has seen at one time or another.  I used painter's tape to mask off the areas and get straight lines.  I might have a little bit of OCD in me, but im alright with that.  Overall, I'm happy with how it all turned out, and most people seem drawn to it.  Well, everyone but Chris to this point...

Watley

 

Series #006 completed in 2009

Media:  Acrylic and Dark Papyrus on Canvas

Size:  12" x 24"

Collection of Adrienne Gregorio -

Traditionally, I've never been much of a cat person.  I grew up with a dog and never had any friends or family with a cat.  At least not that I can remember.  Over the last few months I've gotten to know one Bengal cat in particular pretty well.  Mr. Watley, as he is formally referred to, is an athletic, graceful, and mischievous little guy.  The painting I did in his likeness depicts one of his favorite pastimes, chasing flies.  Only difference is that he is usually confined to an apartment as opposed to the dripping grass meadow I have shown.  Finally, I figured out how to use the water solubility of acrylics for good!  Oh yeah, and the papyrus begins to represent his uniquely striped coat, which is cool.  Watley is alright in my book, as long as he's not biting my foot or sticking his face in my food.  Then again, I can't really blame him.  He is a tiger...

Raven In Flight

 

Series #004 completed in 2009

Media:  Acrylic and Printed Canson Paper on Canvas

Size:  12" x 24"

Collection of Scott Zielinski -

After I completed a few paintings and established somewhat of a style, people that came through my house began to take notice of them and give me some props.  At some point, in addition to the comments, I began to get some suggestions and requests.  The first of which came from my long time buddy, current neighbor, and average at best golfer, Scott.  Haha.  I kid, I kid.  Anyways, he requested something related to the Baltimore Ravens cuz dem Ravens are real noice.  I decided to base the subject off of a Raven's head logo and then build the rest of the bird around it.  Being that the Ravens were named in honor of Edgar Allen Poe, I printed his famous Raven poem all over the paper.  Definitely an odd poem and weirder poet, but i digress.  The purple background is my new take on the gradient theme.  This was much easier then those before it.