This painting of a little blue electric fan is in the beginning stages.
2015 was a very busy year for me. I had two solo exhibitions which I find remarkable that I was able to pull off. Not sure how I was able to do that… or if I’d ever do that again in coming years.
Right now I have several paintings in the works in my studio. I’m enjoying my time focussing on painting and have decided to take a bit of a break from social media and get some work done. I’ll share what I’ve been up to at the beginning of 2016.
Over the years, as I spend all my time dedicated to painting, I have come to understand that other representation painters share many things in common. There are common questions that painters have before them.
After meeting Robert C. Jackson in New York this past October, I remembered he had published a book featuring 20 accomplished contemporary representational painters.
Each of the 20 painters, in their own words by answering a series of questions, share what their life as a painter is like. Insight, wisdom, ideas and observations from artists with established careers and experience. What more could you ask for?
The books is inspirational and beautifully designed. Each artist shares selected paintings – the large, full colour images will have you engaged for hours.
Below I have shared a glimpse at some of the beautifully laid out pages. Three artists who’s work I am fond of, including Robert C. Jackson, Scott Fraser, and Daniel Sprick.
Two Vintage Film Projectors / 24 x 48 / oil on canvas
I found these vintage film projectors at Everything Old Canada and thought that side by side they had a bold and interesting shape and design. I like the repetition and variation of the four circular reels.
Browsing through a second hand book shop, I came across this heavy duty science book – The Story of Our Planet. I thought it made the perfect subject, especially juxtaposed with the vintage microscope hidden inside its box.
This painting is available through the Elliott Fouts Gallery in Sacramento, California. Read more
I haven’t painted or drawn figuratively since my student days. I took to painting objects and still life and rolled with it for many years.
Perhaps one day I’ll return to painting people, but for now chairs are as close as I get.
Chairs suggest a figure. Their design suggest a purpose, a form, femininity or masculinity. They have a definite silhouette which is important in my paintings. They give a sense of space, an interior. You can imagine a person, perhaps even yourself, in the space of the chair.
When I first started painting typewriters, they were very loose and expressive. They were more about the idea of the typewriter and I had not quite figured out exactly what my painting style or technical approach should be.
It was intimidating, to say the least. These old typewriters are full of details and precision. But I think I have found the balance I’m looking for in my painting. I approach them like architecture. The keys are like grand steps leading to a sturdy building flanked by columns.
I think the square within a square composition is effective. I’m happy with the way this painting turned out.
I like to find obscure books with titles that suggest the subject beyond just a couple of books. Sometimes the suggestion is obvious, sometimes not. I prefer when it’s not as it means the painting can mean any number of things to any viewer. To me they’re akin to haiku poetry – the paintings are to suggest mood and ideas.
