New Orleans Art Center Second Saturday Opening - "Interpretations" - May 14, 2016

What a great show and fun time at New Orleans Art Center last night.  My "One Stems" were a hit with 32 of them displayed across one wall. You can see me doing the Vanna thing showing them off below. What a delight to have a showing of some of my huge watercolors. It was nice to have my new New Orleans friends show up with there support.Wish all of my friends from many places could have been there. Feeling truly blessed.

Two new pet portraits

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.

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!"

This years new block prints. "Crab, crawfish, and shrimp"

I've decided to complete some series of block prints. This year I carved out these three new block prints to complete a seafood series. (Oysters already existed) These block prints are hand carved, hand pressed, and hand painted. They sell for $15 each or 3/$40. Don't forget to come by the Nicholls Pottery/art sale this week, Dec. 2, 3, 4 at Talbot Hall and pick out some great hand crafted Christmas gifts!

Here goes! A day of carving.

Adding Shrimp, crab, and crawfish to the already carved oysters, to the miniature block print series. They'll be ready for the Nicholls Pottery sale starting on Wednesday. Collect the whole seafood series!

Order your pet portrait now and save some bucks. Makes a great Christmas gift!

5 days left to order your pet portrait for $100. You can have either 3/4" or 1 1/2" gallery wrap for the same price. (A $25 - $50 savings). 

Pet portrait sale $100

Christmas in July pet portrait sale. It's hot outside. I'm stuck trying to stay cool in the air conditioning. And, let's face it, so are you! Nobody's out in this heat spending money. Excite my life! Give me some pet portraits to do. For this week only I'll do your personalized 12"x12" pet portrait for $100. ($125 value). You know you've been wanting one!

Gladiola's blooming

From my sketchbook. Received three gladiolus for my birthday from God. Really sweet.

The man with the straw hat

Saw this wonderful old man with a straw hat and a seersucker suit walking the streets of New Orleans. Wish I could have snapped a shot of him. I suppose I did in my mind. He looked so happy to be walking about on a very hot July day. Decided to paint the impression in my mind. 

Sketch portrait.

It's been brought to my attention that I haven't posted since January. I haven't looked to see if this is true. I imagine that is is. Truth is, I've kind of gotten out of the habit of posting here. I have been creating, even if it is just quick ideas for paintings in my sketch books. And, I've been posting on Facebook. The reality of the whole online thing is that it has become a bit overwhelming. First there was the blog, then Facebook, then Pinterest, then Instagram! I think this last one is the one that just made me think... Where does this end? I suppose I need to spend some serious time looking into software that merges them all. But, that seems kind of impersonal. Are you guys still out there? I've lately taken an interest in painting faces. Imaginary people. People in my mind. I still love the freedom and fluidity of my sketches in my sketch book, and attempt from time to time to try to capture that fluidity with other mediums. It never seems to work. Each medium is like a language of its own and demands "to be" what it was meant to be and speak it's own tongue. I posted this sketch on Facebook and it received many different interpretations. Thought I would share it here. 

Wine series block prints.

New! Wine series. Chardonnay, Merlot, and Pinot Grigio. I should have some painted by end of day. $15 each or three for $40.

Newest Camp Art.

Another piece of art for a camp in Grand Isle.

Alligator installation.

Delivered and installed the alligators today. What a fun home they found!

Alligator Fight

My first commission in the new studio. I'm so happy to have a designated painting spot again. Whoopy!

Painting studio. Up and going! Whoop. Whoop.

Big lots parking lot

Somewhere on Dauphine? I think.

Had to run out for dog food and took the opportunity to get some sketches in. I actually had one I loved even more than this, but I think it got lost in cyberspace. That doesn't happen with REAL sketch books.

Bruno in my bed

Sketchbookx