Story Time

16" x 24" — Oil/Canvas — 2009
• SOLD

This is another piece for my June show. It has pre-sold (along with 1:00, 2:00, 3:00) so I'm sharing them a little early.

Painting these books really lights my fire. I picked up the "It's Story Time" book at an antique shop near my house. Its red cover and the simplicity of the title really are a great contrast to the heavy, dark books.

1:00, 2:00, 3:00

20" x 40" — Oil/Canvas — 2009
• SOLD

This is one of the paintings for my upcoming show in Sacramento, California this June. Over the next few weeks I'll be sharing more completed pieces.

A friend gave me a small suitcase and some old clocks, to add to my collection. Over time I'll be continuing the series of clocks that I've been working on. It's more than obvious what the next in the series will have to be.

Painting in Progress: Mandolin

Yesterday I went to the library and headed for the fine arts section. It's a place I spent many hours in as a teenager. I loved it there. Of course this was pre-internet. Every art related magazine is there. Countless massive, glossy books on any artist. A friend of mine used to work at the library and said it's shocking and sad how the place has become a ghost town. Rarely do people show up to borrow books like they used to. Kids almost never show up to reference books for essays.

I'm guilty of abandoning what was once a favourite place. Along with almost everyone else, I browse the web for info and inspiration, which is obviously fantastic, but I would put it in third place, behind books, and actual paintings in first place if you want to look at art. Books and catalogues have been put together with painstaking consideration in colour correction and detail.

I borrowed Andrew Wyeth: Memory & Magic, along with several other books and browsing through them was completely inspiring. So, if you're looking for some fresh air and inspiration and are not near any major galleries, head to the library. I recommend it.

Here's an aerial view of me working on the mandolin. The mandolin is drawn nearly exact to life size. Starting next month I'll be posting actual completed pieces.