A Good Day To Paint

Complicated Game: time to give back.

2011-04-22T20:51:00.002-04:00

A year ago, a few months into showing art in the 'real world' (non-blogosphere-type) I saw an ad for the Outsider Art Fair. Not knowing anyone, I contacted the owner of the frameshop hosting it adjacent to the hip/happnin' art fair in the same city where the patrons discuss the latest ozone therapy for headaches.

--They say never say never, ..but... cripes.

Anyways, it was a success. the show, the bloglist, the commissions--everything. Then the sponsor moved to san fran and sold her business.

But local artists Maisy May Mars, Chris Tobar Rodriguez and Travis Smith, along with Kim Marshall, the new owner kept it rolling. New press, write up in several local papers, and the event seems bigger than ever! --You're missing out if you don't come to Outsider Art Fair tomorrow in Winter Park.

Press? http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_arts_letter/2011/04/outsider-art-fair-is-saturday-in-winter-park.html

Arm wrestling myself: the long-term wounds and incredible rewards of self-doubt

2010-11-16T16:08:00.002-05:00

Finished a painting today. The strokes just 'worked', and it just came together.. but that's not always the case.

When a painting 'works', you take a step back and try to figure out why, so you can apply whatever the 'magic formula' is next time. When it doesn't work, it makes it all the harder to start the next one. --in fact, it becomes tedious work.

You toggle back and forth wondering whether you had too much self confidence at the start and took the process for granted. Then, I like to blame things that really don't have any affect on the end result-- like whatever crap music Ralph's playing. Because, you know, crap music can ruin a painting.

So, following this line of thought, the formula's the answer. John Lennon had the formula. Babe Ruth had the formula. I just need to get the formula.

But that's not it either. IF there was a formula, it would compromise the discovery and growth, and the whole process would become mundane. That's when a creative process becomes a factory product.

It's a juggling act. If it was all struggle, I'd give up and go get an office job. If it was all ease, well, then I'd get bored and go get an office job.

New Innovation (Let the Bad Times Roll)

2010-11-07T09:37:00.003-05:00

Not trying to paint rosy (that wasn't a painting pun) the recession and bad economy, and I'm certainly not a 'silver lining' kinda gal. But where did all these cupcake places come from?

Lots of them. And they're all up'ing the bar. GREAT cupcakes. I didn't see a cupcake 'specialty shop' 5 yrs ago.

The 'cupcake phenomena' isn't an isolated incident. It's a larger trend of people getting creative and coming up with great ideas to keep things in forward motion despite our economy standing still.
These are the people causing innovative positive change, not waiting for *things* to change.

Here in Orlando, we have great alternative art spaces thanks to curators who show art, no matter what. Frankie Messina, Michael McGrath, Steve Parker, Tre Harris --they MAKE successful art shows- with or without a gallery. Charity benefits and auctions in empty real estate open houses, craft fairs in parking lots.. so why would someone with a long-standing radio career rely on the radio to continue to do what they do best? They wouldn't.

JB WeBB is the newest innovator we've been fortunate enough to work with. Thanks to creative people like him, we all continue to move forward.

Wine, Art, & Amway series painting auction

2010-10-03T17:45:00.004-04:00

The Amway Center's hectic running came to a close with the Grand Opening and festivities.

Several of my pieces from the Amway series are now on display and for sale at Tastings Wine Bar in downtown Orlando, and one painting is being silent auctioned throughout the month of October to benefit the North/Central Florida Alzheimer's Association.

If you haven't been to Tastings, they have an *incredible* selection of great wine, and a beautiful atmosphere, outdoor balcony with a view of Lake Eola, and great appetizer's as well. I couldn't say that without sampling first, of course.

Visit their website: www.orlandotastings.com for Happy Hour details, specials, and a menu preview. Then head out there for a great evening and to bid on an original Amway series painting.

OK: Let's Go!

2010-08-04T13:15:00.002-04:00

Delivered the Amway Center abstracts yesterday. (Yay!)

That being behind me, I can shift gears and focus on several up-coming shows: Next in line is this Saturday night --I'll be live painting at Tastings downtown on the corner of Washington and Magnolia-- it'll be visible from the street, and the venue has a nice crowd-- along with some great wines!!

We were there recently and had a great recommendation from the server. --not a "this has been around a while and we can't sell it-- I think you'll like it" recommendation but a *REAL* "based on your preferences, I think you'd enjoy this" recommendation, and he was ace-on. So we found a new place to actually discover new wines without the guess work.

I'll be showing a couple of my new abstracts from the Magic series as well. You should stop by!!

Amway Center's gonna look all purdy.

2010-05-21T07:21:00.004-04:00

I just received word yesterday that my work's been selected for the new Amway Arena. All abstracts.

What else is new? I thought you'd never ask!

New show hanging at Dexter's in Thornton Park tomorrow. Next month is my solo show at Ichiban's downtown.

Our show at Taste! in College Park is taking a break for a few days, and will have a makeover with new pieces next week.

Small appearances: Ralph and I have a couple pieces showing at the Fringe Festival this year, and we still have work at Neu America Gallery downtown, Dandelion, Florida Museum of Art, and Pom's.

So yah, I've been sitting around doing nothing.

'cept this:

New pieces on Zatista!

2010-03-29T10:11:00.002-04:00

I have another outlet. I gave Zatista.com a try, and have been very pleased with both the sales I've received and the support from the staff. Please add them to your favorites-- they have some great art on there and have a lot of nice tools!

One of my new pieces available on Zatista.com:

Orlando Arts Magazine

2010-03-19T09:36:00.003-04:00

In the March-April issue.

Virginia Woolf selected for exhibition

2010-03-10T13:33:00.002-05:00

I just received word my Virginia Woolf portrait has been selected for the Florida Biennial V exhibit at the Florida Museum of Art. The reception will be April 9 from 5-7pm. Yay!!!

Thanks Mr. Garibaldi!

2010-02-10T16:53:00.003-05:00

Artist David Garibaldi purchased one of my paintings from the last City Arts Factory show, then was nice enough to post about it. Click for more...

2010-01-24T11:19:00.003-05:00

I once saw a Shawn Barber demo where he told everyone to make sure to wipe the galkyd bottle neck after pouring each time. I thought it was good advice.

--not enough to follow it, I just thought it sounded good.

Kurt.

2010-01-17T07:38:00.003-05:00

Ralph and I are in re-stock mode, and motivated as ever. Our pieces at City Arts Factory come down this week, but we just hung new stuff in the side gallery at Taste! in College Park-- I added about 10 new music portraits. We're in talks for a new show (details once I get them), and have a few pieces going up at PomPoms downtown for a February show, including a new co/lab. Also, the gallery in Sanford is hosting a 100 paintings for $100 show we'll both be in that I'm really psyched about.

And we've been painting.

Jeff Tweedy of Wilco

2010-01-04T10:47:00.001-05:00

New Lou Reed

2009-12-29T13:27:00.004-05:00

New Tom Waits

2009-12-23T08:44:00.001-05:00

Downtown

2009-12-18T18:49:00.003-05:00

Have a few pieces hanging at

CityArts. You can see some of my

stuff if you look real close. What you

can't see is one of Tracy's missing pieces

that sold the first night.

Art & Tacos

2009-12-12T10:57:00.003-05:00

Some of our work at Taste restaurant.

Stop by & have a look... and try the fish tacos.

Show at Taste

2009-12-09T17:49:00.004-05:00

Have a show going up Friday, Dec. 11

7:00 pm at Taste restaurant in College Park.

Stop by for some eats & arts.

They have a killer espresso brulee dessert.

Our stuff will be there the rest of the month

but come by Friday.

Desperate Times

2009-12-03T15:36:00.002-05:00

"Skitch" has already proved that she knows

how to handle a paintbrush. She just has some

control issues. We keep finding them under the

couch.

Gallery on First Holiday Art Show

2009-11-27T08:27:00.005-05:00

Every year, I hope to find that perfect, heart-felt gift everyone wants to find under the tree--the Universal Remote. --I'm aiming to own at least 22 of them.

Not on your list? How bout the iphone/wii/knock-off handbag/blah/blah/blah... Somehow online shopping has brought on a unique socio-side effect: The same 9 things in EVERY brick and mortar store.

The fix? Ah! I'm so glad you asked!

Ralph and I will be there for the OPEN HOUSE (read: FREE FOOD AND VINO) next Sunday, Dec 6th. We'll both have new pieces up, including that perfect Universal Remote substitute for someone special. 211 East First Street, Sanford, Florida - 407-323-2774

Tim Burton Study

2009-11-18T20:07:00.002-05:00

No news to report.. Dec 1 is a real estate open house showing in Heathrow Country Estates, Dec 11th is our joint show reception at Taste! in College Park.

Until then...

Citizen Cope

2009-11-09T11:12:00.003-05:00

Newest add on my playlist (thanks to Frankie at Apartment E for the recommend!)

Check out this: (click...)

MMMMorgan's

2009-11-09T10:15:00.002-05:00

One of our favorite eats in Sanford is Morgan's

Burger Bistro. Damn good bugers & a great

selection of toppings. Even though they taste

great just plain.

2 food entries in a row...I'm seeing a pattern here.

I gotya focatcha right here...

2009-11-03T20:24:00.003-05:00

Justa like momma used to make-a.

Guy Garvey

2009-11-02T16:10:00.003-05:00

New stuff... Guy Garvey from Elbow, who I'm sure you're familiar with, because I only told you to check out his stuff like 20 times now. Sheesh. ..Do it already!

Have you seen me? On TV?

2009-11-01T19:58:00.004-05:00

Fuel TV's airing the Orlando DewTour stop, along with Ralph's Art. How cool is that?

Jason Shawn Alexander - AMAZING!

2009-10-21T15:39:00.005-04:00

I have him in my 'blogs to watch' list, but seeing his paintings on the screen are *nothing* like seeing them in person. Jason Shawn Alexander show in Miami.

Slide Show

2009-10-21T13:00:00.003-04:00

A sample of some

of our work.

In Pursuit Of...

2009-10-20T16:20:00.002-04:00

Our latest collaboration piece.

BackBooth Benefit

2009-10-15T09:28:00.005-04:00

We had a great time at the Wishes on Wings Art benefit at BackBooth last night-- thanks to Tara for organizing such a great event!

Short video clip: *click here*.

...and a coupla pics.

More info about Wishes on Wings here.

Hap'nins

2009-10-14T07:21:00.005-04:00

This week's been kinda busy. If you're in the Orlando area, Ralph and I will be doing a live art benefit tonight at BackBooth (tix available at the door).

Also, Ralph was selected as one of 5 artists participating in the FUEL TV Mtn Dew tour
here in Orlando this weekend. Click for details...

Jimi.

2009-10-07T11:45:00.002-04:00

Destroying Angel

2009-10-03T10:43:00.005-04:00

From Sneaker Pimps - Splinter

The Fall's Mark E. Smith

2009-09-24T09:13:00.003-04:00

...and a youtube clip from his younger days here

and here.

Check out Ralph's write-up in the new issue of InProgress if'n ya get a chance.

2009-09-24T08:46:00.002-04:00

a bird in the hand..

2009-09-22T17:54:00.003-04:00

*Perfect distractions* : Our Zebra finches had a new clutch hatch. Who can concentrate on work when you have this??

Leaving

2009-09-16T10:35:00.003-04:00

Just finished this piece.
I struggled over the caption but I like the dual
meaning of this. On the one hand it could be the
occupants of the house referring to the strange
creature outside. The other meaning is a message to
him as he sets out to live a life beyond his home.

Recent Events

2009-09-14T16:17:00.002-04:00

This is a new piece entitled "Event Horizon"
It's a 10"x 10" digital collage mounted onto
a wooden box.

Call it as ya see it.

2009-09-04T20:07:00.002-04:00

Wandering online tonight I found a great charcoal portrait artist from Jacksonville. Haven't seen his work before.

Why?

There's a lot of great art out there. A LOT. But sometimes the who-ya-know-not-what-ya-know plays dominance. The public sees sub-par art in the downtown venues, and everyone pays.

Take a minute to look for the good, not necessarily the connected. Here's who I found tonight. an outstanding command of charcoal portraiture with unbelievable emotion.

and the other day. This girl's all over the place with creativity and drive. Always a great read, and on my check-back list.

Who have you seen that needs a shout out?

Don't think. Just do. (re-learning how to run)

2009-08-26T10:42:00.003-04:00

when stuff slows down, the thoughts start tugging my time. I can loose an hour deciding what to do next.

Like this morning.

Could cut canvas, could stretch some abstracts. Could work on the online listings. <-- see that? That's another chunk of my life I'll never get back. One of my favorite second-hand scenarios was relayed by one of my college professors-- who's also a runner. A student asked him to train him to run. The professor told him to run every morning for a month, then come back and talk about it.

This photo was actually taken by that professor-- my drawing teacher at UCF. --I'm guessing '94ish?

I need to go paint. Somehow I have confidence the rest will fall into place.

Obsess Much?

2009-08-20T09:38:00.011-04:00

"Just who or what is this Elbow you have been going on about"?, you may be asking.
I'm glad you asked. I first heard their music on Pandora, an internet music site that allows you to program to your musical tastes. It's pretty cool and they have exposed me to some great new music. Anyway, I had one Elbow song in rotation on my Rhapsody playlist and then Tracy & I started delving into their whole catalog of music. We became fans, especially Tracy who would play them non-stop all day and paint. The live show recently in Atlanta was the icing on the cake. It was absolutely perfect. A great venue, the last show on their American tour and a very appreciative crowd. Our one sample clip from the show taken with our digital point and shoot didn't quite do them justice so here's a sample of them live at Abbey Road studio. Grounds For Divorce

New stuff.. here's what's up

2009-08-19T14:38:00.004-04:00

I just received word 3 of my portraits will be on display for the next 1st Thursdays event at Orlando Museum of Art. Come on by. I'll be there... Kayfe! 'll be there too. Thurs. September 3rd..if'n yer in the area.

Also, I'll be live demo'ing a painting for an art benefit Ralph and I are doing at Back Booth in Orlando September 10th - doors open at 10pm. I'll post more info when I get it..

Back to painting

2009-08-18T10:00:00.003-04:00

Vacation's over so it's back to work. Just finished this painting called "The Odd Get Even".

And more

2009-08-15T19:58:00.007-04:00

A few more images of old ruins from our Georgia trip.

More Images of Georgia

2009-08-13T19:50:00.006-04:00

It's probably too hard to read but there is a handwritten
note on one of the windows that says,
"notice after dark trespassers subject to be shot!!"
Oh, and No Smoking

Elbow Room

2009-08-12T11:01:00.007-04:00

A shot from the show at Center Stage in Atlanta with Elbow.
They were absolutely amazing.
It was an inspiring event that I'm so glad we were able to see.
The music was fantastic and the band put on an incredible show.
The rest of our trip we spent meandering the back roads in search of abandoned places .
We found a bunch. Here are some images and more to come.

Elbow's perfect show, and Georgia's beautiful mess of decay

2009-08-12T07:26:00.007-04:00

Elbow! What a show! They played in Atlanta, and we took off to see them (an early b-day present from Ralph). It was more amazing than I had built up in my head all these months! A couple clips from the show here:

opening one day like this

And Georgia's never a dull moment for road trips. We spent the next few days wandering the backroads and photo'ing forgotten places and heaps of shambles.

Inside the box

2009-07-28T10:41:00.003-04:00

Decided to make some use of those cigar boxes I've been collecting to make guitars.
A little 3 dimensional piece. Haven't thought of a name for it yet.

Complicated Game

2009-07-17T16:15:00.001-04:00

Painting/Collage/Digital Print.
All-a-dat.

New Work

2009-07-08T09:38:00.002-04:00

Just finished this piece.

Probably the largest painting I've

done in a while. Not quite life size but

close. Entitled "The Transparent Man 1".

Headed for Gallery On First, July 9th,

Merger

2009-06-27T09:19:00.004-04:00

We've been talking about doing some collaborative

stuff for awhile, so we finally took the plunge and

started a few pieces.

This is our first outing. Probably not quite finished

yet but well enough along to show the dimented direction

we're taking.

Double Trouble

2009-06-10T21:28:00.005-04:00

I remember complaining (wha--me?) about a French teacher I had in high school. Someone pointed out to me that it was really 2 different skill sets you have to possess to be a good foreign language teacher-- you have to know the language, AND know how to teach.

Dustin Parker is one of those dual skill-set artists. I dunno how I even found him, but I keep a regular watch on his blog. You look at his stuff, and he has an AMAZING graphic sense. Color, shape, ...everything appealing to make a great attractive image-figurative, narrative, or none of the above. Just great stuff.

So throw in some amazing figurative painting, mozart-of-the-pigment-world stuff going on, and the guy's got dangerous stuff.
Go here: http://www.dustinparker.com/dustinparkergallery.html
and check out his work. and mark this blog. It's always worth the watch:
http://dustinparkerarts.blogspot.com/
And when you thank me, don't forget my chocolate.

New Offering

2009-06-09T19:48:00.003-04:00

The latest in the "Offering " series.
This guy has gone through quite a transformation.
I didn't realize it until I looked back at the first ones
in this series.

So what's up?

2009-06-03T20:22:00.006-04:00

I kinda got lost in my world this week. Feeling a bit under the weather, so I'll make this update short. Gallery show this weekend-- Saturday night's the reception if'n yer in the Orlando area. Come see me, intro yerself, and bring me a glass o' vino (it just helps me log the name with the face--no, really.)

Playlist this week's been kinda slower-- some old Talk Talk, Elbow, Sia, Keane, Nouvelle Vague, Yann Tiersen..

oh yah-- and paintings!

Gimme some new blood. Who's on your playlist? New read? Who's this week's hero in your world?

Bruce Springsteen - in - progress(... or writer's block ain't so bad.)

2009-05-25T11:38:00.004-04:00

Writer's block used to scare me. Not necessarily at face value, but the fact that it could turn bad if not managed--not unlike if you can't sleep, trying to force yourself to sleep only making it worse.

Malcolm Gladwell in his book "The Outliers" refers to the 10,000 hour rule-- paraphrasing, it's the magic number of hours someone needs to practice in order to attain a basic level of achievement in their field. Twyla Tharp in her book "The Creative Habit" tells of a painter friend who's productivity would depend on identifying whether it was going to be a 'painting day' or not early, thus planning his time to work with that-not fight it.

Today I painted this Bruce Springsteen. I've painted him before, but haven't been completely happy with the results. I like the way this one turned out. --and clicked off a couple more hours toward that 10,000 hour mark.

New Work

2009-05-12T21:24:00.004-04:00

A couple new pieces on wood.
Had a little difficulty at first trying to get used to painting on a hard surface but eventually tried to take advantage of not being able to blend the paint as well and used a more haphazard approach.

Day trip to Savannah

2009-05-08T14:18:00.013-04:00

Needed to get away for a bit so we headed up to Savannah
for a few days.

One of the old buildings on River St.

Downtown Savannah... checking out some of the art galleries.

One of the many statues adorning a grave at Bonaventure cemetary.

The road leading to the remains of the Wormsloe estate.

Stopped here for breakfast on the way home. Some of the locals were giving the cook a hard time about being on drugs. All in fun (I think).

Window of an old building on the waterfront in Darien.

An old abandoned church.

Bowie

2009-05-06T09:53:00.002-04:00

Muddy Diapers

2009-04-24T21:46:00.003-04:00

Had to post something just so Tracy would take down
her IRS rant.

for zenfrog..

2009-03-30T21:22:00.003-04:00

a request..
Thanks for the suggestion, zenfrog!

Our New Space

2009-03-29T20:23:00.006-04:00

Gallery On First

Tracy working on Robert Deniro the
Saturday before we moved in.

Sunday, hanging our stuff.

Pretty much filled the space but we still have more to add.

Shakin Old Bones

2009-03-27T13:21:00.003-04:00

Got the (old) boys back together for a blues jam at Copper Rocket.

Sounded pretty good after not playing for several years.

Ybor Highlights

2009-03-27T09:27:00.017-04:00

Here's a few images of our trip to the west coast.

They gots devil crab as big as a man's head over there!

This 3 piece band was kickin it at the Blue Shark.

Step 1 in making the perfect sandwich.
A good piece of bread is essential.

I heart Shawn Barber's art

2009-03-27T08:54:00.007-04:00

Not to rip off Sinatra, but I don't get around much anymore. But I had to take a break from the ironing & housework (man, I crack myself up so much) to go see Shawn Barber's show in Ybor (Tampa) last weekend.

And if that ain't the sweetest uh... whatever, the next day he gave a demo. The guy's truly amazing. Go to his website, go see his shows if you can. Then thank me with a box of dark chocolate for helping you make one of the best decisions of your LIFE. Yah, that's right.

New Diggs!

2009-03-15T07:02:00.003-04:00

As of April, you'll be able to see us in person at Gallery On First in Sanford, FL. We're excited to be able to have a physical presence, to be able to meet and talk with collectors, and possibly get a square foot or two of living space back. (sweet!)

The Gallery is located at 211 E. First Street, and is right in the center of the downtown historic district.

(pic coming soon...)

New Blog

2009-02-13T15:05:00.004-05:00

Check out our latest project - Black Cat Bone

New Joe Strummer

2009-01-28T17:39:00.004-05:00

Painful Eggsalad

2009-01-21T13:46:00.006-05:00

3 eggs, 1 T horseradish, 1 T mustard, 1 T mayo, 1/2 t oil, pinch o' salt, a bit of shredded cabbage, some dill, 1 T onion, and some pickled jalapenos-- not sure how much, but a crapload. I mean, otherwise, what's the point, right?

It's way too cold. I'm just trying to creatively clear my sinuses. When it comes to whippin' up some creative cooking, I'm there.

I didn't say I was good at it, I just said I was there. --Yes, I really did ignite this cookbook. (email me for the recipe.)

Andrew Wyeth left us a whole lot to be thankful for.

2009-01-17T07:45:00.007-05:00

"A lot of people say I've brought realism back - they try to tie me up with Eakins and Winslow Homer. To my mind, they are mistaken. I honestly consider myself an abstractionist. Eakins' figures actually breathe in the frame. My people, my objects, breath in a different way; there's another core--an excitement that's definitely abstract. My god, when you really begin to peer into something, a simple object, and realize that profound meaning of that thing--if you have no emotion about it, there's no end.

...You see, I don't say, 'well, now I'm going out to find something to paint.' To hell with that. You might as well stay home and have a good glass of whiskey."

Richard Meryman interview with Andrew Wyeth, published in 1973

What's for dinner?

2009-01-07T08:05:00.002-05:00

Does your kitchen counter look like this?
I'm guessing not.
Ah.. the life of artists.
Of course the image wouldn't be complete without the bottle of cheap wine.

No Laughing Matter. I'm no photographer.

2008-12-30T18:54:00.003-05:00

So here was this morning's project: a request. But lemme clear the air on my photog skills: I got none. **Note the brighter light on the right, and the glare in several areas. Ace!

Remembering the classic line from Ferris Bueller, "Sir--Please. ...You have nothing to worry about. ..I'm a professional."

One Day Like This.

2008-12-14T18:00:00.002-05:00

Beautiful day! Got some last-minute shopping done, stretched some last-minute painting sales, and enjoyed the weather. It was actually pretty warm today. Must be spring.

Time to plant the chickens!

Hey Joe..

2008-12-06T20:27:00.005-05:00

Watched "The Future is Unwritten" a bit back, and have had the soundtrack on my playlist ever since. It's a strange mix-- Elvis, U-Roy, MC5, Woodie Guthrie.. and Joe Strummer's several band-lives.

"Tracy, are you serious? That's crazy-all-over-the-place!"

I know, right?

Complete with Joe-as-DJ comments in between songs. I can't explain why, but it makes me feel like BBQ'ing.

and painting Joe again. .. and again.

Hey man, what's up?

2008-12-03T19:55:00.004-05:00

Oh, everything and nothing, thanks for asking..

Working on a commission tonight... second of 2. The first I finished earlier today, then slacked. Now this:

Really cute tikes!

AND, I received the newest Naomi Klein book in the mail (which actually isn't new, but..). Started reading, but this weekend was full of the usual holiday chaos. Not familiar? The first thing I read by her was an old Harper magazine article. --a knock-your-socks-off sorta thing.

Holy Crap is this your lucky day or what?!? I just found it online here.

"Tracy, this is a Friedmanite economics expose during wartime-- I'm just not into it"

It's 8 pages (with pics). You'll thank me-- Really. That's how I get all my chocolate, ya know.

Cigar Hero

2008-11-11T19:36:00.007-05:00

Watched a great program a few weeks ago about the history of the Blues. Tracy & I started planning a Blues vacation for next year. We want to travel up through Mississippi to Memphis. I saw online, some blues musicians playing these cigar box guitars. I looked into it and found instructions on how to build one.

This is a real basic 3 string model. It cost under $10 to make! It aint a Fender but it's pretty cool.

Oh the locking pill caps thing hit home..

2008-11-09T20:49:00.006-05:00

I have a list of sites I *should* hit regularly, but I really treat like the week of finals. I know from past experience that the more I waver from a regularly scheduled list of tasks, the more I'm likely to oh... watch youtube videos of 80's bands for an hour and whine that I didn't get anything accomplished...

BTW, the 'finals' reference was to demonstrate how close I am to college age. buyin' it?

My dog had surgery last week. And I'm more than your average pathetic dog owner. --no, she doesn't have a pink mesh bag that I tote her around in... but I did walk out on her vet. Scheduled surgery that I got that movie tinge about last minute... "these people don't know this dog like i do and her life's in danger!" Yah. Who's your drama queen? That'd be me.

Well, scoot forward-- happy ending, surgery's done...by her *new* vet, and the antibiotics... OH! The antibiotics! And their new fandangled container to keep the bird out-- er me out. ANYONE out. *WAIT--when did *this* happen?? That old age "i-can't-open-the-pill-container" thing happened to me.

So My sign that the planets are in alignment happened when I read Ralph's sister's blog here.
I'm not the only "this pill bottle sucks!" game in town.

wah-wah-winter

2008-10-29T06:43:00.007-04:00

Every year I fight winter. I'm not a 'cold's okay' person. I wish I were.

Cold feels like cold to me for a very narrow range, and then feels like numbness --Like when you run fingers under water and can tell the water's either really hot or really cold, but can't determine which. It makes it difficult to stay focused on painting. And I'm not talking 45 degrees, I'm talking 60 degrees.

Yesterday I got some work done. I'm pretty happy with the way this Frank Black (formerly with the Pixies) is coming along.

Fingers crossed today stays on track. Lots of work to do...and hot coffee ready to go.

Observation

2008-10-22T11:04:00.002-04:00

Smooth Sailing.

2008-10-13T08:29:00.009-04:00

Yesterday was my brother's birthday. His wife (both pic'd above) organised for us to all go out on a short sail cruise off Cocoa. The trip was amazing, the weather cooperated, and everyone had a really good time. I highly recommend these guys if'n yer in the area. (click..)

my mom and the mascott, GiGi..

My dad, my brother, and his wife..

..and Ralph.

Are we done here?

2008-10-07T08:36:00.004-04:00

Latest work. Billie thought it was a bit too flashy.

Art critics!#!

How'm I doing? It's my birthday!

2008-10-01T08:24:00.001-04:00

Indeed it is. And Ralph got me these bad-a$$ boots (modeled by yours truly.)

Jealous? Yah, I thought so.

Post-It Note Art

2008-09-27T22:07:00.005-04:00

For a while I was doing this Post-It note art a day thing on Squidoo. Then I got a life! Actually, I still try to maintain a steady production of illustrations but now my time is directed more toward turning some of the Post-It note pieces into paintings. This is the latest installment called "The King's Lead Hat".

2008-09-24T21:19:00.002-04:00

Jude Law... in the woiks.

I was hopeful to finish today, but no such luck.

We gotta get a bigger boat!

2008-09-19T08:32:00.003-04:00

Just back from our short vacation. Headed to the gulf coast for some sun and salt air. Rented a boat and wandered around the intracoastal. This is actually a dolphin. There were several that came in real close while we were anchored at this spot.

Ricky Gervais

2008-09-15T17:12:00.010-04:00

Latest Offering

2008-09-14T08:53:00.005-04:00

Just finished this painting. Second in a series that is a bit darker than my usual stuff but I liked this character and thought I might explore some possiblities with it.

Trash

2008-09-13T14:59:00.009-04:00

Recovering from a cold so I had to delve into my "favorite things" bin for a quick pick-me-up. From the time these guys came on the scene The Trashcan Sinatras have been a regular on my playlist.

I decided to watch their DVD "Midnight at the Troubador". The production quality is a little low budget but the Sinatras don't get into the pretentious trappings of most musicians. They create some of the most heartfelt music you will ever hear and they present it with a very modest but extremely emotional show. I recommend any of their recordings but you need to hear all of it to appreciate their genius.

2008-09-10T06:44:00.005-04:00

Francis Bacon paints anxiety. That's what I feel when I see his paintings. He communicates anxiety like no other.

New show opens at the Tate.

I think it's gonna be a Keane day.

2008-09-09T15:00:00.002-04:00

UPDATE: This is now live on Ebay. Click to view.

Today's project-- another band that has moved in and put permanent roots into my daily playlist - Keane. If you haven't heard them yet, for the love of Pete! get to it. You'll thank yourself. Heck--you may even thank me..by way of a box of dark chocolate. Hay! Thanks!

I don't know how far I'll get on this project today. I have the inevitable scheduled-- death and taxes. --wait: no. Just the taxes part. (who schedules death??)

And the Elbow painting's done. Hopefully will be scheduled to go live on Ebay tonight.. (nudging Ralph).

2008-09-08T21:32:00.008-04:00

Ralph's new WIP

Artifacts 4

No Orlando, FL on Elbow's tour

2008-09-08T16:31:00.004-04:00

wha--why? Elbow--why no Orlando? --don't answer that, I already know.

Ok, but answer THIS: why no New York?! Ah-HAH! We've been known to fly up for a show. Actually, we did a few years back to see sneaker pimps, and when we flew home, they added Orlando as a tour stop. We caught both shows.

OutEffingstanding.

Next!

2008-09-08T11:21:00.004-04:00

So Keane's done and ready to post, and I'm looking for a new volunteer to be painted.
You sir--in the front row!

Always looking for subject matter suggestions... Feel free to comment with any ideas.

Saturday Morning

2008-09-06T10:54:00.003-04:00

Tracy working on painting of Keane.
She's probably listening to Elbow...heh.

This could suck.

2008-09-04T17:19:00.006-04:00

Still a bit early to tell but things might get
a tad breezy next week.

2008-09-02T09:01:00.006-04:00

Always looking for positive feedback.
Actually, this is one of the clips that we use to secure paintings as we work on them but every little bit helps.

"Discovery is the ability to be puzzled by simple things." -Noam Chomsky

2008-09-02T06:51:00.006-04:00

Ralph's brainstorming process.

...and a new one in progress. The original sketch is probably in that shoebox somewhere..

New Work

2008-09-01T10:48:00.004-04:00

Just finished this painting entitled "Artifacts 5".

2008-09-01T06:42:00.005-04:00

I came across the work of David Cobley recently.

I love his paintings-- but I also love that he isn't bound by the 'stick to your own style' rule. He's very accomplished, and he's all over the place.

See what I mean here.

Music

2008-08-31T21:47:00.019-04:00

Music is a very important part of our daily life.
Fortunately we share a very similar taste for music that is normally considered "alternative or ecclectic". We just think it's really good.
Some of the bands that we have been listening to lately...

My Morning Jacket

Unfortunately we waited until the last minute for their show here at House Of Blues & they sold out. DANG!

Elbow
These guys are incredibly understated but the music is very emotional.

Check out this video."One Day Like This"

Animals

2008-08-31T17:06:00.030-04:00

Our chicken, Billie. We raised her from a chick. She's getting on in years but lives a pretty good life considering she sleeps on the back of our couch at night.

Our rabbit Maggie

Sebastian.
We found this one in our backyard after one of the 2004 hurricanes.