20″ x 40″ — Oil/Canvas — 2009
• SOLD

When I was working on the smaller piece with the Off to School book, I set up this. Or, rather, it set itself up. While trying to control the position of the books they sort of slid in to this arrangement. I thought the angles and lines pointing in different directions and overall horizontal composition worked well.

I’ll be participating in a group show in December and I have a solo show coming up in June 2010. It is only October, but I need to get cracking now. I used to keep frequent updates to this blog, but while I go in to production mode for the show, things will be quiet around here.

My painting “Chair with Green Suitcase” was selected for the cover image of a recent book from an Italian book publisher, Iperborea. The book is called “L’uomo Senza Passato” (The Man Without a Past) by Aki Kaurismäki.

It is a beautifully printed book and an honor to have my painting on the cover.

16″ x 24″ — Oil/Canvas — 2009
• SOLD

When I found the “It’s Story Time” primary reader at the antique shop near my house, I was hoping there would be another similar book. I had to dig pretty deep through shelves of old smelly books, but eventually I found this “Off to School” from the same series, with a bright blue cover.

I think the limited bright color on the canvas and the way the blue contrasts with the yellowed paper edges of the other old books help the composition. I propped up the old primary reader against the thick, heavy Manual of Psychology. It’s an interesting juxtaposition.

16″ x 24″ — Oil/Canvas — 2009
• SOLD

I was happy to see pomegranates are in season. And I noticed a few snowmen are starting to appear in stores. Really? Seriously? It’s only the end of September. A quick glance at the weather forecast tells me fall is officially here. I guess this means I have to really get to work.

24″ x 18″ — Oil/Canvas — 2009
• SOLD

I just read that this coming November will see the 150th anniversary of Darwin’s Origin of Species. I didn’t paint this because of that. I honestly didn’t pay much attention to all of the books I have here in the studio. Turns out one is a well preserved edition from 1892.

16″ x 16″ — Oil/Canvas — 2009
• SOLD

This is a relatively smaller piece, almost like an experiment to compose the books on a square canvas. I think with the right lines it works.

16″ x 24″ — Oil/Canvas — 2009
• SOLD

Autumn. Technically it is still summer, but I’m thrilled autumn is so near. Over the past week I’ve begun setting up ambitious plans for paintings during the next several months. I already have several in the works. I’m looking forward to the results.

24″ x 16″ — Oil/Canvas — 2009
• SOLD

I have been painting books for some time and find it interesting how constantly pursuing a subject means you discover different ways and different reasons to paint. My advice to any painter would be to find a subject, stick with it and grow with it.

I’m heading out for one last summer adventure that will last a week. After that it’s back to reality and back to full-time painting. I’m actually looking forward to it.

20″ x 40″ — Oil/Canvas — 2009
• SOLD

This is similar to a painting I did a few months ago, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00. It would appear that I have birthed a series. Are you catching on to the naming scheme?

I had a great time in Sacramento, enjoyed genuine hospitality and met many interesting people. The reception was a blast. I talked my face off for three hours, and had great conversations.

Below are a few shots of the installation the afternoon before the craziness began this past Saturday night. It’s a real trip to see your paintings properly presented in one place with care and attention.

I’ll be taking a bit of a breather so the blog will be quiet for a few weeks. I’m looking forward to returning with some fresh pieces.

Cheers!