Life and Art...

Fourteen   pastel/paper   23.5 x 17

I become elated when art intertwines with everyday life and becomes a bit disengaged from the elite sector.  That is one of the reasons why I love street art so much.  And, let's face it, artists spring from that part of life that is all about the essential, the important, the work that creates, often counter to the destructiveness that surrounds us daily.  And all without regard to pesos.  (of course, pesos do help) Art elevates.  Art enchants.  Art saves.  And so I am particularly delighted to have my work shown at Clip Art Salon and Gallery over the next several months.  Owner Denise Pepe has shown local artists for years in her salon.  She has given many artists a great start, myself included.

Clip Art Salon and Gallery
1165 E. Tallmadge Avenue
Akron, Ohio 44310

Stop by for a color or a cut.  Stop by to become elevated.

Entering Shows

Fourteen   pastel/paper   23.5 x 17

Mary in Polka Dots   oil/canvas   30 x 24 x .5

It is difficult to decide which shows to enter. There are so many considerations such as: entry fee, shipping costs, distance to travel and having the appropriated formatted images, as these days, every show seems to have difficult requirements. Usually, the prize money is a consideration. Of course, there is no guarantee of winning a prize, but at least there should be the possibility of recuperating the costs of the entry. But sometimes there is an exception. Two of my works, "Fourteen" and "Mary in Polka Dots" were just shipped to Woodstock, Illinois for "Real People 2008" sponsored by The Old Court House Figurative League. This show just felt right to me. Quite simply, my goal is painting real people. Then, when I took a look at the work of juror Alice White, I was convinced. I was awed by her large canvasses that focus on huge groups of people with lots of interaction. My own work shows solitary figures. I just had a good feeling. The exhibit is August 7 - September 28 at The Old Courthouse Arts Center on Woodstock Square in Woodstock, Illinois.

Creating with what you are given

Fourteen   pastel on paper   23.5 x 17

I don't often use pastel. Every now and then, however, it is a fresh change of pace. Using a paper that has color is especially exciting since that color is already programmed into the work. That color is the "given". I love it when it shows through all parts of the work, not just the background. Using pastel can enhance spontaneity when it is used more as a drawing medium. Line work is much more crucial. "Fourteen" is a 3-hour picture that hit my mark.....that is sometimes so difficult. It satisfies all of my requisites for a good work......very rare. In fact, I used this image for my business card. Sometimes surprise is the result of creating with what you are given.