Opening at 16 Patton

I wanted to thank all those who came by the gallery last night, it was a pleasure meeting you - the opening was lively and fun, my good friends, Karen and Neil were there - Karen has beautiful work at the gallery as well. There's nothing better than seeing it all in person. Neil put up several photos of the event here as well.

I had a lucky night and so very grateful for those red dots - it's the finest compliment an artist can get. A big thanks to Douglas Hoover, an artist who took the time to come by for good conversation, my good friends, Juan and Dennis, and Danna, the owner of the gallery, you all make me very proud.

I've got a busy week, packing up the art stuff, taking some time to travel and photograph before my workshop starts - I hope to blog from the coast. See you soon.

"Cruise Line"

8 x 8"
oil on masonite
sold

One of my personal favorites, also included in the grouping in the upcoming show 8 Squared opening this Saturday at the 16 Patton Gallery in Asheville - a woman on her blue scooter
zooming down the road.

Please click here for a larger view.

"Alfresco"

8 x 8"
oil on masonite
sold

This new painting is taken from a little side patio outside of an Asheville restaurant where, every time I pass by, I see a painting in my head. This piece will also be included in the upcoming show
8 Squared at the 16 Patton Gallery. I'll be at the gallery Saturday evening - please come by and say hello - if you don't see me, I'm probably a few doors down at this very spot, composing more paintings in my head.

Please click here for a larger view.

"Zzzoom"

8 x 8"
oil on masonite
sold

Next Saturday evening, the 16 Patton Gallery will host an opening for my mini-solo show, titled 8 Squared - a small collection of 8 x 8" paintings of a variety of subjects that inspire me. I would love for you to come by and see the paintings in person if you're in the area - they'll be up on the wall next Saturday, the 19th.

This new painting is a scene from Asheville, a little Moped action at the corner of Haywood Street & College Street.

Please click here for a larger view.

"Billows"

5 x 10"
oil on masonite
sold

In the midst of working on the show pieces - I stopped and painted this smoke stack. My moment of Zen. I traveled to Asheville last week, a quick trip to drop off new paintings at the 16 Patton Gallery - always a pleasant ride. About 10 miles south of the city, this stunning, strong smoke stack appears above the tree line and it always compels a wow out of my mouth. This billowing, colorful, stormy tower of smoke just floors me every time. And today I had to paint it.

"Meep Meep"

8 x 8"
oil on masonite
sold

The horn of the Vespa and the sunny streets of Asheville - at the corner of College & Haywood Streets. This painting will be included in the upcoming show at 16 Patton.

Please click here for a larger view.

"Salsa Seat"

9 x 12"
oil on masonite
sold

I start these paintings that have straight lines, buildings, etc... and I think why am I doing this? It's just plain hard work. But satisfying when it's done.

This scene is from Asheville, a couple of doors down from the 16 Patton Gallery where I show my work. It's the side window seating of a great restaurant called Salsa.

Please click here for a larger view.

"Old South"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

This is one of those that I have wanted to paint for a long time, not knowing if I could pull it off. I've done a few night scenes and I love them - mostly because the color and light emerges from the darkness. And again, it can mostly be appreciated in person because of those dark areas, which have subtle shapes that barely appear.

This scene is from a summer night, in the little city of Asheville, North Carolina - the old building, for years, was a watch repair shop and recently became a boutique. This painting will be arriving at the 16 Patton Gallery, in Asheville, in mid-February. If you'd like a larger view and, please click here.

"This Better Be Good"

6 x 6"

oil on masonite

sold

My painting time has been short lately - I'm working on getting a bad knee healthy again.

This new painting is taken from a restaurant in Asheville called the Tupelo Honey Cafe - a girl sitting patiently for what was promised to be a good breakfast.

"College Street"

6 x 6"

oil on masonite

sold

This is a very painterly piece - an impressionistic view of what could be considered just an ordinary street on a bright, summer's day in Asheville.

Just to mention - between all of catching up on the mundane chores of life this past week, I've been trying out a couple of ideas and a bit too shy to show them yet. With a little breathing room with the galleries fully stocked up on paintings, I try to take the opportunity to step back and study .... experiment.

One thing that gave me a jolt was watching this BBC miniseries "The Impressionists". Rent it, it's good. There's reminders that we need to take the time and look and study the world around us. It reminds me to stick with what I think we really do see, at a glance - the blocks and shapes of colors, shadows and light - and to paint just that.

I also discovered an artist that reminded me of what I just mentioned. He's Doug Braithwaite, and you'll notice the thumbnails look somewhat ordinary until you opt for a larger view.

"Judgement Day"

9 x 12"

oil on masonite

sold

This is a painting I've wanted to do for a long time. I kept passing over it because.... well.....I didn't know if I could pull it off. The light is sweet, the walls have many tones, and the women is somewhat vague because she was a step back from the spotlights. It was a tough one. The result, I think, is a really nice warmth, especially with the gold tones of the walls and the reddish-brown of the floor. I love it.

This was a scene taken from my opening reception, at the 16 Patton Gallery in Asheville.

Have a great holiday weekend - I think I'll take a couple days off myself.

Please click here for a larger view.

Yesterday's Painting

8 x 8"

oil on masonite

I painted this piece yesterday - a gift to a friend. It is a moment taken from my July show in Asheville, at the 16 Patton Gallery.