Blog
8/23/2013 2:18:10 PM
Yesterday, I spoke with Keysha Drexel, Editor of a local paper and a poet. We spoke at length about creativity and passion for all things artistic. In discussing my love of restaurant storefronts, I tried to explain to Keysha the relationship I see in value, hue and composition with the storefront. Hot & Hot Fish Club on paper is most likely a better example than my words.
Painted from my favorite photograph of the restaurant storefront, Hot & Hot on paper reflects that lovely blueish green painted brick. One can imagine that color in the okra or green heirloom tomato of Chris Hasting's famous tomato salad or his menu item entitled "a study of heirloom tomatoes". The scarlet of the hanging lights and edges of the front door handle evoke anticipation of the spicy gazpacho and Bayou La Batre shrimp! The shadows of light and dark on the brick, roofing, front door all beckon us to bok choy, arugula, black lentil tabouli, belly and loin.
The composition of the storefront takes into account the ingredients of the items on the menu. And as the title indicates, the painting is the restaurant on paper.
8/15/2013 3:12:38 PM
An icon on the way to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the Moon Winx Motel, delights observers in daylight or dark.
For a great article on the Moon Winx Motel and the Gordo, Alabama artist, Glenn House who designed the sign, see:
http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20110517/NEWS/110519751
And on Amazon you may purchase for $0.01, yes, one cent, a novel written by Geoff Schmidt entitled Write Your Heart Out: Advice from the Moon Winx Motel. Not surprisingly, it is not available on iBooks or Kindle.
This 6x9 oil on paper thumbnail is for Sarah, a Moon Winx fan!
8/15/2013 2:24:47 PM
Hoi Polloi, Greek for "the many" or "the common people"; mistaken but accepted description of a group as "elite". Once used by a brilliant friend of mine to describe his son's waiting/hosting job: seating the hoi polloi! In this case, it could have been the common or elite.
I was delighted to find a boutique in New Orleans, LA named Hoi Polloi and loved the sign outside the shop. This is for Rusty.
8/15/2013 10:03:47 AM
New Orleans (noo awlins) is one of my family's favorite cities. We visited the city regularly during college years and once the boys arrived, we often made treks with them in tow. They continue the tradition.
On a recent visit, I was able to walk the city and photograph art gallery storefronts; I kept those photos for an occasion to paint them as a sketch with minimalist color though with my typical thick application of paint.
Art Studio, New Orleans, LA is the initial painting from our trip. Yes, the storefront was that blue green and the chair in front that scarlet! The french doors were thrown open as so many storefronts are in New Orleans; a sign of the hospitality. (The trip was in late October, not August) As I look at the painting, I smell gumbo and hear jazz:)
8/14/2013 2:05:52 PM
artwalk2013 is an arts festival that transforms Birmingham's loft district into an arts district featuring the work of more than 100 visual artists, musicians and street performers. The event is free to the public and takes place on Friday, September 6 from 5p.m til 10p.m. and on Saturday, September 7 from Noon til 6p.m. A Pre-Party will be held at the Rogue Tavern from 6-10p.m. tomorrow, Thursday, August 15; stop by for the live auction, drinks and fun!*
My paintings may be viewed and purchased in the lobby of the AC Legg Lofts, 2319 1st Avenue North on the 6th and 7th. Hope you'll drop by to see me.
*www.birminghamartwalk.org
8/12/2013 9:54:05 AM
Last week I had the most incredible experience. Elias Katsaros, Iconographer in the Byzantine style, was commissioned to bring back to life the Icons (images) located on and behind the altar at Holy Trinity Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Birmingham, Alabama. I contacted Father Micah to inquire if it might be possible for me to sit in the back of the Church and observe the artist as he performed his mastery. Elia graciously agreed to allow me to watch him and I can well imagine how crazed I looked as I jumped out of my car and ran into the Cathedral.
Once inside, I literally ran into Elaine, Elia's beloved wife and able assistant! She guided me to the altar where boxes of paints, mineral spirits, paper towels, tools, lights, ladders and Elia were located.
Two hours later, I am still learning about Elia's process, the type of paints he uses, his passion about his work, the talent it takes to paint in this style and story upon story of the journey of the Katsaros in the art world. It was such a joy to spend time with Elia and Elaine as they unselfishly shared their knowledge of art with me, including their thoughts about my own work.
Yesterday, I finally found some quiet time to paint some thumbnails of boats and I heard Elia's voice encouraging me to paint with passionate, confident strokes. Today I hope to translate those thumbnails to a larger canvas; a challenge, but now, having spent time with Elaine and Elia, one I am certain I can master.
8/8/2013 9:07:03 AM
Dennis and I attended the Alabama State Bar Convention in Point Clear, Alabama. After days of attending workshops, meeting up with old friends, and consuming vast amounts of fabulous food, we set out for the Yacht Club; Dennis to photograph and I to study boats, one of my passions. The weather did not cooperate but Dennis was able to take some amazing photographs of boats and I was able to make mental images which helped me back in the studio.
Yacht Club, Point Clear, Alabama was painted from my favorite of Dennis' photographs. One single boat, face on, with the busy-ness surrounding. What he captured with his camera, I mentally snapped the shot. We've always worked well together. Life after Law; gotta love it:)
