A Dozen Blues

Series #013 completed in 2011

Media: Canson Paper

Size: 18" x 24"

Collection of Tim & Gina Pearson

My cousin Gina asked me to put together a piece starring her four kids and her family's boat.  She wanted to present the piece to her husband Tim for Father's Day.  For me, this meant a deadline, and a little added pressure.  Fortunately though, she provided me with a great photo that instantly inspired me.  The flag, coke bottles, and lei provided just enough color for interest without taking too much focus away from the kids.



The Kiss

Series #012 completed in 2011
Media: Canson Paper
Size: 16" x 20"
Collection of Ian & Katie Dexter

Honestly, I've been a little lazy with my artwork this winter.  A little busy, but mostly lazy and uninspired for that matter.  That is until I was looking at some of my friend's wedding pictures from earlier in the Fall.  I came across one of my buddy Ian and his beautiful bride Katie that got me fired up to create again.  Though this is certainly the least masculine of my works to this point, I'm okay with that, and I think it's one of my best.  Big thanks to the photographer, Maria Vicencio, who composed the picture that inspired me.  Now I can only hope that Katie and Ian find a sweet spot to hang it in their new house!

Gallery 788 Show

It just got real.  Beginning this Thursday, November 4th, I will be displaying my latest work at Gallery 788 in Pigtown.  Located at 788 Washington Blvd., two blocks from MLK, Gallery 788 is a cool little spot with an edgy vibe consistent across it's monthly shows.  The month of November is a group show without a theme, so I expect there to be a wide variety of subject matter and media used.  The show kicks of this Thursday evening and runs through the 28th.  I will be up there for the first part of the opening. 

Also, a Ravens' tailgate party is being planned for the gallery.  More info on that to come.  Support your local artists and check it out sometime.  Flier below...



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