3's a Crowd

24" x 36"

Oil on canvas

After taking a break from painting for a few weeks, I'm back in the studio again. Shortly after starting this piece, I had doubts. I felt rusty and a tiny but overwhelmed, especially since my previous three paintings were tiny compared to this 24"x36" canvas. Thankfully, I found my groove quickly and I was soon experiencing those familiar painting sessions that last for hours, but feel like minutes. Extremely satisfying.

Ducks

Oil on Ampersand panel, 8"x8"

Oil on Ampersand panel, 8"x8"

Oil on stretched canvas, 10"x10"

What a challenge these were. I had to dig out some of my tiny brushes for these. Over the past year or so I have been working fairly large, so jumping into this set of commissioned paintings was a shock to the system. I believe that a good painting(my style anyway) starts with a good drawing. I am totally OK with spending time tweaking that aspect before I squeeze any paint, but these little babies were tough! At such a small scale, "mistakes" really stick out. I like to draw and paint using my arm/shoulder(you know what I mean), but I had to forgo that familiar motion, and use just my hand. Challenging and really took me out of my comfort zone. To make things even more interesting, I painted on a support that I have never used before: Ampersand textured panels for the two 8x8's.

As far as subject matter, I probably would have never considered this antique duck toy for a painting. It just doesn't contain things I look for when choosing things to paint. However, it turned out to be quite satisfying to paint. I am really pleased with how these pieces turned out.

Rubber Cement

14" x 18"

Oil on canvas

I decided to take a break from producing pieces for my upcoming fall show. My studio walls are covered with finished paintings for the show, and I've even "loaned out" a few to a local, trusted collector! I honestly don't think I have had this many finished pieces on hand since college. No doubt having all of this finished work around me influenced my decision to take a break and accept some commissioned work.

This is one commissioned piece...a straight forward take on the Elmer's rubber cement bottle.

Assimilation

30" x 24"

Oil on canvas

New piece.

Composition of broken glass and small green bottle.

Batman, again

36"x 36"

Oil on canvas

I wasn't happy with the original piece, so I decided to go back and work on it. Changed the eyes and the background. Mixed "newer" Batman w/Adam West Batman.

I once saw Adam West in person at a book signing. Total coincidence, but still cool to see him. He was of course in civilian clothes, but something that struck me funny then, now, and every time I think about it was his shoes. Batman was wearing Birkenstocks. Nothing wrong with them, but I just never envisioned Batman with Birkenstocks.

Safety in numbers

24" x 36"

Oil on canvas

New painting of unbroken bottles.

Blue Cowboy

30" x 36"

Oil on canvas

New painting of a big blue cowboy.

Police

24" x 36"

Oil on canvas

New painting.

Awards and upcoming show

I am pleased to announce that my work was just honored at the 45th Annual NCTC Art Exhibit. I was blown away to find out that I received 1st place(Painting division) and Best of Show...and another award sponsored by a local bank. Pretty cool!
Also, I will be showing select work in a group exhibit at Oxide Gallery in Denton, TX. The opening will be May 4, 6pm.

Batman

36" x 36"

Oil on canvas

New painting.

...and I know you too.

40" x 30"

Oil on canvas

"Candyman" with gumballs.

Licorice!

30" x 30"

Oil on canvas

Peppermint Pony

40" x 30"

Oil on canvas

New painting.

Candy Man

36" x 36"

Oil on canvas

New painting.

24" x 20"

Oil on canvas

New painting.

Satin Bowl

14" x 18"

Oil on canvas

Newly finished commissioned piece.

St. Therese

20" x 24"

Oil on canvas

Newly finished commissioned piece.

Broken Neck

30" x 30"

Oil on canvas

New painting of broken glass.

Drop Cloth

24" x 30"
Oil on canvas
-

New painting.

Rubber Cement Profile

Rubber Cement

30" x 24"

Oil on canvas

Finally a new piece! Same old rubber cement bottle, new applicator lid. This is one of many new pieces I will be including in a big show late next year. I say big, because I have agreed to have a minimum of 25 pieces. The exhibit will feature work by me and one other artist...I'm pretty excited about this show. I will also have work in another show early next year in Jan. It's a group show, so probably only 2-3 pieces. More info to come on both shows.

Rubber Bottle

Rubber Bottle

30" x 24"

Oil on canvas

Newly finished commissioned piece.

Orange Distortion

Orange Distortion

20" x 24"

Oil on canvas

New painting.

Sapphire Cement

Sapphire Cement

24" x 18"

Oil on canvas

A new non-toy painting.

Red Cowboy

Red Cowboy

10" x 10"

Oil on canvas

-

Painting of a small, red toy cowboy.

Bazooka GI Joe

Bazooka GI Joe
12" x 6"
Oil on canvas

Little plastic soldier painting.

Evil Blue

A couple of paintings.

Another Hover

Hover 2

18" x 36"

Oil on canvas

-
Giving a mass of cloth an atmospheric quality.

Satin Flavored Moxie

Satin Flavored Moxie

12" x 6"

Oil on canvas

-

Small painting of an old Moxie bottle with satin.

Hover

Hover

18" x 36"

Oil on canvas

New painting.

Show Info....Lovetts & GDAC

I have work in two shows that will open soon. The first show is the Lovetts Gallery Masters of Influence juried invitational. The show will open on June 19th with a reception from 5:00-8:00pm and runs through July 19th. Check out the online catalog of pieces in the show. Looks like there will be some awesome work in this show.

The second show is sponsored by the Greater Denton Arts Council and is entitled Hidden Artists: Those Who Teach. It will showcase art produced by area art teachers. I will have three pieces in this show. Ironically, it also opens on June 19th at the Meadows Gallery with a reception from 4:00-6:00pm and runs through July 19th.
Since both shows open the same evening, and are so far apart...I will only be able to attend one opening. I still haven't decided which one.

If you're in the Tulsa area or the Dallas/Denton area, swing on by for a look!