"Exuberance" Acrylic on door panel - 42" x 30" - 485.00 US

I have to wonder where some of these titles come from.  Sometimes I think I am reflecting a state of mind more than an actual concept that defines the work itself.  I am continuing the series of paintings that relate to geology, specifically the earths crust and rock layers/formations.  This one is much brighter and perhaps this is the reason for the title "Exuberance".  The entire painting was created using a sponge, credit card and the pizza cutter (my new favorite tool) to apply the straight lines and grid pattern.  I am fascinated by the hidden treasures the earth has to offer via "veins" of precious metal and hidden jewels.  These things we call precious are hidden from our view until they are dug out and revealed.  In order to excavate, there must first be a desire to search for these buried treasures.  It is the same with people you know...  We all have special gifts and talents (virtues) that often lie dormant until just the right person comes along, seeking that very thing which we have inside of us.  At that moment, when our "buried treasure" is desired, it comes bursting forth to supply the need and desire of that persons heart.

String Theory - 12" x 16" (on repurposed canvas) - Acrylic - 75.00 - SOLD

This is a very small painting for me but I like the results.  The canvas is stretched around a 1.5 in deep frame (gallery wrap) and the painting continues around all sides.  Quantum mechanics, vibrating lines and multiple dimensions all play into String Theory.  String Theory is a contender for the "Theory of Everything" and that my friend is a big bite to swallow, for to understand everything means to understand God Himself.  Not to worry however, "for though now we see through a glass, darkly; one day we shall see him face to face".  Then we can sit down and have him explain it all in detail!

"Aquifer #1" 50" x 36" x 1.5" - Acrylic - 695.00 US

This is the first in a series of "geological" paintings.  I won't even attempt to catagorize it except to say that it is abstracted reality.  Of course, many would say that all abstract art starts with something, therefore, all abstract art is abstracted reality.  Problem solved...  I am very intrigued by what lies beneath us.  One of my favorite movies as I was growing up, was "Journey To the Center of the Earth" (the original one with Pat Boone).  I still like to explore caves and look at rocks and wonder about their journey.  Underground rivers or aquifers are very interesting to me.  Some of them are very large and flow for great distances before erupting from the earths surface as a spring of what is usually very fresh and pure water.  Somehow they remind me of the earths arterial system if you can image that.  (Hmmmmm...  Living water??)  For those who are interested, this piece was created using a sponge to apply the color field, a small squeeze bottle for the cracks and a small foam brush to "dab" in the metallic jewels under the water.  The water was poured onto the panel in layers to create a more organic look though it is hard to see the layers in this photo.  The painting is coated with two layers of liquitex acrylic gloss varnish.

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.