Solar Storm (20 x 30 acrylic on canvas)

This painting was inspired by the Mayan Prophecy of doom for 12/2012 as well as the Bad Company song Burnin' Sky.  (I told you the 70's influenced me!!)  I was asked to paint this very quickly and as a demonstration of my techniques during the July first Friday artwalk outside of Randy Bacon Studio's and Figment gallery.  It was very hot and I had some serious competition as the painting cockroaches from the zoo were working just across from me. (really??) 

Since I was rushed I was using liquid acrylics, a credit card, squeeze bottles and paint squeezed straight from the tube onto the painting.  It was what you might call an observed exercise in automatic drawing, but with an idea hanging out in the back of my mind.??  I see a large citi-scape relected on water with the Burnin' Sky evidencing the fulfillment of both Mayan and Biblical prophecies as the sun reeks havoc on the earth and its inhabitants

Gemini Ponders Diety (36 x 79 acrylic on hollow core door panel)

This post is a little late as I finished the painting back in May then forgot to post it!  If you scroll down (or back or whatever) you will find its sister piece called Eviction Notice.  These pieces are very similar in that I painted the black symetrical (ink blot) outline over the background.  I like the quasi "pop art" vibe to these paintings, perhaps it is the boldness of the black with the crisp edges that make me feel that way.  The particular image in the painting has been represented in at least five of my works.  Look back at "My Brightest Idea" for an idea of what I am talking about. 

Since I am a Gemini and a Christian as well, this painting is somewhat autobiographical as it represents the artist meditating on his God, which is represented by the third eye in the upper part of each side of the composition.  In addition, the background colors take me back to the early seventies which definately had an influence on me during my youth.

Fade To Black (40 x 60 acrylic diptych on hollow core door panels)

This painting is what the late Bob Ross might call a "happy accident".  It started again, with two panels and a black squeeze bottle.  I didn't like the composition so I decided to try and scrub away the black lines with a large grouting sponge.  This created a semi black (and white) mess resembling a Franz Kline painting.  I liked it.  In fact I almost left it black and white but then decided to try adding some color.  To do this I used an old dish washing sponge.  You know the small yellow one with a green scrubby side...  This method started creating very thin layers of color which I added to over and over until it looked finished.  Then I brought the black sqeeze bottle out to finish it.  It is very different and one of the things I like about it is that I get to use the word Gestalt to describe it.  Thinking of this expressive word led me to the title.

Welcome To the Primaries

This painting started with a large (36 x 79) panel, some loud music and a black squeeze bottle.  After the lines were finished I took a credit card and pulled the black into the negative space.  As soon as it dried I realized that I wanted to keep this painting as minimalistic as possible with very little color.  As I applied the red and blue I began to think about the elections, rebublicans and democrats, blue donkeys and red elephants and so on.  Hence the use of primary colors and the title "Welcome to the Primaries".  This was also my first time to use GOLDEN acrylic paints.  The yellow is a single coat over the gesso which is remarkable.  I was very impressed to say the least. 

"...And Then Chiquita Bananas Hat Just Exploded!..."

I really don't know what is up with these titles lately.  Do you remember that old commercial and the song??  I always wondered what it might look like if her hat had an accident during filming.  I could go on and on regarding social commentary and advertising but for the sake of space just let is be known that this painting is meant to be satirical and whimsical.  As you will see from the next few paintings, I have discovered squeeze bottles.  I just love these things as they allow me to create outlines in a very fluid and organic method.  This is also my very first Diptych, or two panel painting and it is acrylic on hollow core door panels measuring 40 x 60 inches in total .  I think the white outlines, along with the bold colors, really help this painting to "pop".  I had a blast painting it and it started with using a black squeeze bottle to create an automatic drawing on the panels which then evolved as the painting went along.

The Heart Of Grace (36 x 40 acrylic on canvas with polymer coating) SOLD

Well I see that time does indeed fly by as it has been over two months since I last posted, so let's catch up now...  This painting "The Heart Of Grace" is my first "pour" painting.  (as apposed to some "splatter" paintings I have created) What I mean is that I actually poured the paint on the canvas and then manipulated it from there.  I used a spray bottle, gravity, a straw and what ever else I could think of to move the paint around the canvas.  I wanted to name this piece "The Alien Communicates Telepathically From His Heart Shaped Space Craft"  but wow, that's a mouthful so I decided on The Heart Of Grace  instead.  I also applied a coat of enviro-tech lite over the surface which really helped the colors to pop.  This painting is for sale and is on display at Hebrews Coffee in Springfield, MO.