Sunday, February 21, 2016

Sketches at Whole Foods

Wasted an hour today sketching at whole foods. It was fun! Bought a couple cookies and some sparkling water and then just let all thoughts and worries disappear as I concentrated on only what I saw. Color, composition and line. I suppose it's an artist meditation.



Saturday, February 13, 2016

Harvesting Misbelief 48" x 36" oil on canvas


New Orleans Art Center - opening February 13, 2016 6-9 pm for the second Saturday st. Claude art walk


"Harvesting Misbelief" is one in a series of "Misbelief" paintings I'm currently creating. While gutting and renovating my new home in the ninth ward of New Orleans, Louisiana, I worked side by side with a young man who was born and raised in the neighborhood. He would tell stories to me about growing up here. One of the stories was how as children they would harvest the fruit of the misbelief tree. They would fill buckets with what he described as small sweet oranges, rinse their treasure with the garden hose and sit down to feast. Upon further investigation, I discovered that the misbelief tree is actually a loquat - and the name "Misbelief" is only associated with the tree in the ninth ward of New Orleans. He said he thinks they were in misbelief that such a magnificent treat was growing -and free for the taking- in the midst of their chaotic crime ridden neighborhood. He also told me that his grandmother cries every time she's sees him because out of nine grandsons he is the only one left. Every male brother or cousin was shot dead in the streets of the ninth ward. In total misbelief he was held up and shot on another job site during the time he was working with me. He survived but could no longer work as the wound left him needing rehabilitation. This painting from the series focuses on the wonderment and joy this tree brings to the children of the ninth ward.  I have since planted two along the side walk of my property. My elderly neighbor says "The kids will be so happy!"