The Red Cloud, The Blue Sky (after Mondrian), oil on canvas, 36 by 48 in., 2012.
(click on the image to see a larger, more detailed version)

An anomaly in this summer’s series of new paintings, this started as a reworking of an early painting by Piet Mondrian that I admire. It became a two-part challenge: (1) keep the palette limited and (2) keep the composition active. I’ve been staring at it for a couple months now, but the longer I look at it, the redder and bluer it gets.

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Redshift, oil on linen on panel, 14 by 11 in., 2012.

Aiming for dynamic speed, I added a flat blade back into the tool kit for this summer’s paintings. Its hard edge (in this case, a 79-cent hardware store putty knife– never overpay for art supplies) keeps me from fussing too much with the materials: smear the color notes around too much and you end up with squishy mud, not sharp distinction. Those shapes need to stay sharp in order to rise above the soft bleeds of the first layer. The result: the kind of complex surface I love to look at (& keep wanting to touch, even when it’s finished).

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Raconteur, oil on linen on panel, 12 by 9 in., 2012.

(click on the image to see a larger, more detailed version)

Painted in three days, one layer each day, starting with washes of Terre Verte and Alizarin Crimson, finishing with impasto passages of Black Roman Earth and King’s Blue (and others). I had no starting plan, instead I actively adjusted the composition as the work progressed. This painting set the pace and procedures for the rest of this season’s work. A wonderful omen.

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“Small Machine No.7,” oil on linen on panel, 10 in. by 8 in., 2011.

… along with many other Small Machines. The sale opens to first-choice visitors at 9 AM, then to the general public at 10:30 AM; it runs until 2 PM.

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These works are all Small Machines, a series of modestly-sized (and modestly-priced) oil paintings inspired by Modernist painters. Small Machines available at the Sale are each oil on linen on hardwood panel, ready-to-hang, and priced under $100.

"Small Machine No.5," oil on linen on panel, 10 in. by 8 in., 2011.

If you’re not familiar with the CCAD Art Sale, it’s a truly wonderful seasonal event, and an excellent alternative for those who prefer to give quality for the Holidays. All work is made by CCAD students, alumni, and staff, and you buy directly from those artists– they receive 100% of the sale.  CCAD charges an admission fee, and all proceeds from that fee contribute to student scholarships. It’s one of those rare, completely win-win events for artists, patrons, and collectors.

Additionally, 100% of profits from sales of my work will go towards feeding this puppy:

(Instead of the hard sell or the soft sell, that’s the fuzzy sell. Unfortunately, D. won’t actually be at the Sale– puppies and displays of fine, handcrafted ceramics don’t mix well.)

I earned my MFA at the New York Academy of Art Graduate School for Figurative Art, so I know a thing or three about drawing people.  Artists of all (and I do mean all) skill levels are welcome– I advise students individually, so you’ll start from wherever you are.  Models and supplies are included in the cost of the class, so it’s a solid deal.

For more information, and to register online, follow this link to CCAD’s web site.  You can also get answers to your questions by contacting me directly.

Here’s an oldie but goodie:

"H.", charcoal on two sheets of watercolor paper, 30 in. by 44 in., 2004.