Another recent commission to round out the year safely delivered to a collector in Minneapolis.
Three Bubble Gum Machines
For the past few months, I have been working on these larger, more complicated pieces and commissions — which keeps me thoroughly occupied and entirely away from sharing the work as I progress along. It’s very nice to be able to vanish into the paintings.
This particular piece is like painting three paintings in one. Layers of paint and lots of time for each to dry before I can add more and get the balance right.
This piece was quickly snatched up by a collector in Virginia before it had a chance to see the gallery wall.
Red Dot Miami 2022
This piece will be shown at the Red Dot Miami art fair with the George Billis Gallery from November 30 — December 4.
Finishing Touch
I just put the finishing touch on this commission, and then it’s on to the next one.
Twenty
I have been sharing my work on the internet for twenty years in all the various incarnations of websites, blogs, apps, social media, platforms, etc. And if there is one thing I know for sure now, it’s that no matter how dedicated you are to a particular service or application, it will, without any doubt, completely change or even vanish entirely.
The personal website, like this one, have been around since day one. So my work gets to live here for anyone to come and see at any time instead of being washed away in the ever-growing flood of new images that flash past your eyes on Instagram.
The only advice I would give other artists about their careers is to set up and maintain a good website. Instead of pouring all your energy into things like Instagram, focus on a website. Because after 20 years or more, you’ll see it is worth the effort.
New Work in New York City
This Red Royal Quiet Deluxe and Books + Pencils will be shown in New York City with the George Billis Gallery for the next few months.
Back into the swing in the studio, the next several months will be busy focusing on the tiny details of many paintings.
Silver & Gold
Two new clock paintings at the George Billis Gallery in Connecticut — 10:10, No.16 & 10:10, No.19. Silver & Gold.
August, ugh — consistently the most challenging month for me to focus on work. To sit and paint all day long doesn’t work for me in August. The sun is at the wrong angle, making the studio’s light so harsh and brutal. Like so many other parts of the world, the days in my area are hot and dry. So dry. The entire region looks haggard and worn out, tired from the long hot summer days coming to an end.
I focus on preparing canvas for a burst of creative activity in the fall; when the light changes, the temperature cools down, and clouds return to the sky, diffusing the light, making the shadows softer and calmer.
Art Market Hamptons 2022
Here are two new paintings, shown on the easel, that the George Billis Gallery will have at Art Market Hamptons on the east coast, which runs from August 11–14, 2022.
The galleries keep me busy with exhibitions and several fairs throughout the year. I am already set to work for the upcoming fall fairs.
New Work
Here’s a glimpse of another new painting that will be shown at the Seattle Art Fair with the George Billis Gallery from July 21 – 24.
Upcoming Fairs
I just completed this piece for the upcoming Seattle Art Fair, where the George Billis Gallery will showcase this and some other paintings. The fair runs from July 21—24.
A fellow painter reached out to me and told me they had this fantastic classic typewriter — I have the same model but in blue. So I jumped at the chance to paint a red one.
And now I have to set to work on new paintings for an art fair on the other side of the continent — The Hamptons art fair, which runs from August 11—14.