Works on Paper Show

I'll be displaying a few works on paper in a show opening up this Friday, Dec. 3rd at Adam Cave Fine Art
Headlining the show will be French- based Japanese artist Mikio Watanabe. Mr Watanabe uses a Mezzotint Process. ( Since I have no clue what that is I will direct you to the link to find out.) Regardless of his process the results are stunning especially for being so small. They really draw you in with the scale and force intimacy with each of the pieces.
Here are a few samples of his work.



Mikio Watanabe - Memoire d'eau IV - Printmaking - Mezzotint on Paper - 6" h X 4" w



Mikio Watanabe - S'etendre - Printmaking - Mezzotint on Paper - 3" h X 8" w

Here are three of my four contributions to the group show. I have always wanted to use oil on unprimed illustration board. Contemporary artists and historically significant ones alike have utilized cardboard and other surfaces to get ideas out on. Considering there are many examples of paintings on different types of surface still in existence, I wasn't concerned about the archival nature of oil on illustration board. They should last longer than I will be around that's for sure. How the surface received the oils altered my approach and paint application. It ended be a good change of pace to my other work.
Each image is 15"x10". Two are painted on hot press and two on cold press illustration board.

Blank pages


In Another Time


Signals Overheard

Adam Cave Fine Art
115-1/2 East Hargett Street, 2nd Floor
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 838-6692

DECEMBER 3RD: FIRST FRIDAY
WORKS ON PAPER featuring MIKIO WATANABE
Reception from 6-9pm

We are highlighting small works, paintings and prints on paper. Join us for our opening reception this Friday and the debut of our featured artist from Paris, Japanese engraver Mikio Watanabe. Other featured artists include: Joshua Flint, John D. Gall , Susan Baehmann, Matt Lively, Donald Furst, Diana Bloomfield.

I swear my bulldog is the epitomy of relaxed. . . . she just oozes sleepy time. Very appropriate considering the holidays.

Thank you to everyone who has left comments recently. It's always great to hear your thoughts, insights, and opinions.

If anyone ever has a direct question or comment regarding my work, my process or approach I'll get back to you.

Hey man, spare a light

This guy seemed to understand something about the world that I didn't.

What I know

Long has been the wisdom to paint what you know . . . well I am trying to get to know: Chickens.
They are strange, strange animals and could find their way into a painting.

Between this post and the last one (with kanevsky's cow) please don't confuse my blog for the farmer's almanac.

Have a good day. . . . .sunrise is at 6:43 AM and sunset at 5:11 PM . . . . moonrise . . . is . . .a .t. . . . . 1 . . .1 . . .: . . 3. . . . . . . . . . . .

Paint a . . .

. . . .cow's backside.

This initial thought should be taken very much tongue in cheek. The artist of the image is one who I deeply admire and respect. His influence is obvious on the contemporary art landscape, with many painters incorporating elements of his style but not the knowledge behind it, which solely remains his. However, that is a side note and personal opinion, of which, I'm generally inclined to give, seeing as I am the author of this massively important blog (Not). 'Not' jokes are tough to pull off in print and are from the nineties, so we move on.

Let me get back on track about my original statement focusing on painting something as unusual as the rear end of a pasture animal. Like many artist's I have these 'what now' moments in my daily life as an artist. Mr. Kanevsky clearly has the belief and confidence to approach whatever subject matter that he feels is necessary for him to paint. It becomes less about the object(s) and more about one's ability to tap into whatever notion that captured your imagination. As if seeing this thing woke something up inside that you hadn't realized. Ultimately, this painting reminds me to embrace the unknown, not get stuck doing the same things or painting them, and to take a chance. As someone once not so famous asked " Why go out on a limb?", and that famous person said, " Because that is where the fruit is." Thanks quotable famous guy . . . I don't even remember who you were talking to, weird that.

There you have it, we remember the ones following their instinct and being true to themselves, maintaining their authenticity.
As we all know it's easier said than done. If painting was easy then everyone would be doing it and its inherent value would diminish.

Top image: Alex Kanevsky, 'Irish Cow', 32"x66", oil on linen.

Here's one of my newest below: 18"x14", oil on board




Also there is half a dozen or so new paintings up on my website in the urban scenes gallery and still-life gallery. Link to that is on the sidebar.

For everyone that drops in on this blog, thank you for the support and interest.