"Reflections"

6 x 6"

oil on panel
sold

One of the pleasures of painting is that it's an escape.  And that's what I needed, to concentrate on something else.   This is the sculpture "Cloud Gate" in Millennium Park in Chicago, locals call it 'The Bean'.  It was where I would meet up with my brother, Mike, whenever I was back in the city.  We marveled at it together many times in the past years.  It will always bring back good memories for me.

I also wanted to say to all who emailed and commented on my posting last week, about my brother's passing - every word meant something profound.  It lifted me up.  And I thank you all.  Mike's cat, Gizzmo, will be going home with a generous man who jumped at the chance.  A very meaningful ending to a difficult situation and I thank those who extended their help.

"Cloud Gate"

11 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

I've painted Cloud Gate several times in different perspectives - it's a subject that is somewhat daunting to paint or draw but I've learned to tackle it in steps. I don't always approach a painting that way - in this case you almost have to. Your head is spinning at first, too many things to render and on top of that, shapes are warped, which goes against the logic. That's why I chose this as my weekly challenge on my Different Strokes From Different Folks Blog. If you're game, I urge you to take your time - but persevere (by definition - to persist in or remain constant to a purpose, idea, or task in the face of obstacles or discouragement). You'll be surprised at what you can do.

Cloud Gate, also known as 'The Bean', resides in Millennium Park in Chicago.

Speaking of challenges, last week's miniature white pumpkins reaped 93 different versions. I am really proud of all the participants - please visit the blog to see all the wonderful works of art.

"The Bean V"

6 x 6"

oil on masonite

sold

On such a bright, beautiful day today, I chose to paint one of my favorite places in my favorite city, Chicago. Formally titled "Cloudgate", informally called "The Bean", here it reflects the wall of buildings along Michigan Avenue, with slight hints of visitors and the yellow umbrellas in the cafe in front of Millennium Park. It's a challenging subject to paint, relying on shapes and blocks of color that hopefully make sense in the end.

"Spit and Image"

9 x 12"
oil on masonite
sold

This is one of those moments captured - where I wonder if I can pull it off and how would it come across as brush strokes. Such a fun painting to do. A kid laying under the reflective sculpture "Cloudgate", a major attraction in Chicago's Millennium Park.

This new painting will be included in my July show at 16 Patton, in Asheville.

Please click here for a larger view.