Dear Subscribers,

Greetings.

Two new paintings to show you in this newsletter.

First, I had the privilege to appear as a guest on the Creative Contemplation podcast with artist/host Suzanne Lago Arthur! I really enjoyed this conversation. Suzanne, thanks for having me on! Listen below:

Listen from web browser

Listen on iTunes

Listen on Spotify

"CLOSER STILL"

(Currently ON HOLD) Oil painting on 6x6inch archival panel, 2023

This new painting was inspired by the work of brilliant Russian photographer Ogla Shpak (@olga_shpak on IG) who advocates for sexual freedom and tolerance through her art (among other themes). It will be available for purchase starting July 31st on the MakersPlace website. The cost (framed and ready to display) will be $2500 plus shipping. A 1/1 nft will be included with the painting. For nft collectors, this is a way to jump into the world of physical art. For physical art collectors who are uninterested in the included nft portion, just think of it as a digital receipt or a proof of authenticity. No special knowledge of nfts or cryptocurrency is required-- just register yourself as a collector on makersplace.com. Credit cards are accepted.

This is part of a special collaboration curated by Animus (@AnimusNFT on twitter). Olga's photos were also interpreted by fellow painters Arne Spangereid (Norway) and Tania Rivilis (Germany/Portugal).

First stage above.

When I paint everyday objects, my typical challenge is to find the beauty and drama within the ordinary. But when the source material is already extraordinary, as it was in this case, the challenge of painting is a different beast entirely. My desire was to focus on the essence of the source material, to simplify and break it down to its emotional core. Much of my effort on this painting was spent adjusting the visual balance between the two portraits until I thought it was just right. I hope viewers can feel that balance, and place themselves within the scene as a result.

In the stage below, the dark values in and around the eyes on the right side were too dominant and I felt the painting was out of balance. I wanted to push more focus towards the left portrait.

So I pushed those dark eye values to a higher key.

The finished painting:

Closer Still

$2,500

6x6 inches oil on panel, 2023

Total framed dimensions 8x8x2 inches

VIEW HIGH RESOLUTION IMAGE HERE

Purchase on 7/31 ON HOLD

NEW STILL LIFE

The setup:

First stage. Shape of shadows:

Straight into color. Focus first (blue glass).

No knives on this painting btw, mostly just filbert bristle brushes.

Next stage:

Finding the balance of color. There is green sunny light coming from the window behind me. You can see the reflections in the metal and glass. I decide to cover the window and keep that reflection in the kettle only--I felt it served the painting better. The freedom of painting:

I decided to exaggerate the sense of focus with more color. I made sure it was complimentary yet less saturated than the focal blue.

The finished painting:

Call For The Captain Ashore, Let Me Go Home

$4,800

12x12 inches oil on linen ACM Artefex panel, 2023

VIEW HIGH RESOLUTION IMAGE HERE

Available. This painting is still drying and my frame is currently being built. It will be ready to ship in ~4-5 weeks. Free shipping in USA. Shipping outside the USA will require an extra fee (to be calculated separately after checkout).

Purchase

ON THE SECONDARY MARKET

Pillar Infinite

For the first time since 2016, my painting “Pillar Infinite” (36x18 oil on panel) is back on the market. One of my most requested/queried paintings. Although I don’t financially benefit from secondary market sales of my physical works, I wanted to share this because the original collector is awesome, and I still like how this painting turned out. Also, in my opinion, the secondary listing price is an exceptional deal given my current pricing structure. Contact Gallery 1261 for more details or see the listing on Artsy.net . I think this one will go quickly.

Workshops