10 June 2010

Flat Iron Summer smArt Show

Good friend and fellow painter Lisa Carter was generous enough to bring in a few other artists into her studio this past weekend for the smArtshow. It's a quarterly event at the Flat Iron Arts Building, which has a great location at Milwaukee/North/Damen. You've probably been right in front of the building and never realized it.
Anyways, the show was great, Lisa invited two other artists and myself to share her studio space. Ryan Shultz, a former Academy graduate, was one them. It was great to see his work in person, go check his site out. Lisa had some room to spare since all her work is in another gallery for a solo show coming up at the University Club. The opening is tonight actually, formal attire kiddos.

Here's a few pictures from the space I was in.

































I put in a few pieces I haven't exhibited in awhile and they got a great response. I almost had forgotten about them, I'm glad Diana reminded me. Speaking of, go to her site and check out all the new work she's been whipping out. She's getting ready for the Humboldt Park Art Fair this weekend. I'm really proud of all the things she's been doing.

Thanks again to Lisa for having me in her space and to everyone who came out.

22 May 2010

Sons of Turner: Savannah Trip Part I




























Some of you may remember my trip last year to Santa Fe, anyone? This years trip would be even more productive and fulfilling. The differences between last year and now are huge. Having just graduated before Santa Fe, I used the trip as a chance to unwind and mostly use the time to explore the place, and get a few pieces of art done. This year I was in much need of this trip, not only to be around old friends but to break away from the daily routine I've been stuck in since graduation. Savannah proved to be a more motivational and inspiring trip for everyone, even more than last year.

After driving for 16 hours straight with 3 friends, we finally arrived in Savannah. The minute we arrived you could sense the differences from Chicago. It's an amazing city and having 8 days to take it in felt like barely enough. There's so much history and beautiful architecture/monuments covering the northern half of the city, also known as the Historical District. Our group of 13 were very lucky to be able to stay in an amazing 3 story house in this fancy side of town, most of the furniture felt too nice to even sit on, but we got used the luxuries very quickly.

Above are the two pieces I've had the time to scan in since being back. I'll get the rest posted over the next few days and tell more of the tale.

The top piece is from Day 2 the morning after a night of drinking too much..chocolate milk. The left page is good friend and watercolorist, Bob Giova. And the right is a small section of a cafe called Gallery Espresso, which the Sons of Turner often stopped in to cool off and get their morning fix. Great BLTs as well! There's so many hidden gems around every corner, you just have to keep looking. Every day someone found something exciting to paint that made the rest of us try even harder. We pushed each other to get more art done and to try things we hadn't before.

The second piece I really began to figure out what I like about watercolor and how to get it do what I want it to do. I hadn't used watercolor much since last years trip. Being around MBK and the other Sons I learn alot about painting and what it takes to be an artist. Most of us are still young, but I think we get years of experience from doing these trips together.

We owe a great deal of thanks to Mat Barber Kennedy, my former instructor and a great artist, for guiding us on this journey. There's so much more to say but I will save it for the next post.

29 April 2010

The Chicago Art Open - April 24th


The Chicago Art Open reception was a big hit and a fun time. I saw a lot of great art and met some new friends and caught up with some old ones. I was happy to see that quite a few pieces were selling. Even while times are rough, people are still collecting great art. It was also a pleasure to show alongside former classmates Anthony Adcock and Amy Zager, as well as Anna Browning who I had shown with back in March at the Flat Iron Building. Here's a few photos I got at the event before my camera died...





















Old pal Anthony Adock next to his piece "Page from Sketchbook 3"






















Yours truly next to "Innocent Victim #1"


















A view of one of three galleries filled with art. If you squint really hard you can spot my piece in the distance.


In hindsight I had a great time and made a few new contacts, saw some old friends, and got very inspired to keep painting and pushing my work. Hopefully keep this streak going and fill 2010 with more shows and more sales. My newest work "Tender" has sold and I'm thrilled at how big of a reception it got. Let's me know I'm doing something right.

02 April 2010

"Tender"




















22" x 28"
Oil on canvas

15 March 2010

"There he goes..."























A little section of a big painting I'm working on.

26 February 2010

First show of 2010

I'll be exhibiting 3 new pieces and a few older works next Friday (the 5th) at the 2010 Spring smART show, put together by the Flat Iron Artist Association. This is more of a weekend long event. Several businesses and galleries in the Milwaukee/North/Damen area are participating, it should be a great experience.

Friday, Building-wide opening reception: 6-10pm
Saturday: Noon-10pm
Sunday: Noon-6pm

"There is a suggested donation of $5 at the door. Everyone is welcome regardless of his or her ability or desire to contribute."

More information here: http://smartshow.org

See you there!

04 February 2010

02 February 2010

Early 2009 paintings.




















"A Man is Only as Big as The Things That Make Him Angry"
22" x 28"
Oil on canvas
























"Di in Bed"
40" x 30"
Oil on canvas

23 January 2010

Ink drawings









































































































Ink on Paper. 14" x 17"
(Click for larger view)