Winter 2010 Reflections

A new year brings new artistic opportunities and I am excited. Watch the web site for new changes and features. You comments are always appreciated.

I will be exploring some print-making techniques as I continue to add new artwork to my body of work. Work continues on several new pigment prints and I will shortly start a collaboration on a new painting concept with a fellow artist.

I finished several acrylic paintings recently and I was pleased with the end results. They will be on the web site very soon. Both are close-ups of faces and use strong colors. I completed several new archival pigment prints for some upcoming art exhibits. A fellow artist and I are collaborating on a painting. We both are painting the same theme on two separate canvasses. Ultimately, the two paintings will be displayed together.

I am working on several paintings based on photographs taken recently in France. I am using large blocks of color for backgrounds while simplifying the composition. The main subject matter is isolated within a framework of strong color. The paintings are all in acrylics. Starting soon, I will be collaborated with another artist on a painting; a project I am looking forward to as I continue to plan this painting. Several new digital pigments prints have been completed. Winter's quiet is a wonderful time for creating new works of art.

I have been exhibiting my work in a number of shows this summer. My work was juried into the 2008 Rockford Midwestern at the Funderburg Gallery, Rockford Art Museum. Other exhibits include Cooperstown, New York and an exhibit in Loveladies, New Jersey. Closer to home, I will be in the upcoming Loyola University Chicago Print Biennial IV. See the complete listing under recent and upcoming exhibitions.

The Art Institute currently has exhibits on two wonderful American artists - Hopper and Homer. Seeing the progression of an artist’s work is always a wonderful learning experience for me.

This spring, I will be participating in a number of art shows including the Manchester National Juried Fine Art Exhibition in Virginia, Art for Sale 2008 at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, and the Municipal Art League of Chicago Biennial. These events are in March, April, May and June of this year.

Winter 2008 - Reflections

An exploration of patterns continues utilizing paint and photography. I am working with acrylics on panel using vivid greens and circular patterns. The paint is applied very fluidly to achieve movement and transparency in the work. I am building transparent layer upon transparent layer. The goal is for a visual impact of moving shapes in a deep and magical pool of water.

My love and respect of digital photography as a fine art medium grows and grows each day. The versatility of this medium is so vast and wonderful. I often wonder how Picasso would have used this wonderful tool if it had been available when he was alive.

The recent Jasper Johns exhibit at the Art Institute was inspirational. There was such versatility of materials and techniques used. I loved his layering approach which resulted in such beautiful depth in the works. There was also an interesting exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art on record album art. I feel one major purpose of art is to record history and I found this exhibit an interesting time journey.

I am very happy to be part of two upcoming photography exhibits. One is at the Bloomingdale Park District Museum and the other is at the Anderson Arts Center. The work is based on photography taken primarily in western Ireland. Also my paintings and digital work is featured in a group show at the Tall Grass Arts Association gift show. These events are in January, February and March of this year.

Symbolism was the focus of my digital work. Several pieces were created to capture a special moment in time - a wedding scene, remembrances of a special trip and of childhood. The Gallery includes this latest work.

During the summer I was also honored to receive an award for one of my works, "Another Side". This piece is on exhibit at the 12 12 Gallery in Richmond Virginia.

I continue my work on varied techniques for my digital pieces. I am using lighting and color to create some mysterious moods. Paper is carefully selected to enhance these pieces. Visit the Gallery to see some of my latest work.

Currently I am working on three new paintings. One is a large horizontal canvas and is called "Prayer". It is based on a digital photo I took in Spain and it uses color and pattern. It is a very reflective piece and when working on it, there is a feeling of relaxation and meditation. I enjoy this piece. Another is a small square acrylic painting -- also based on a photo I took in Spain. It uses square shapes and is painted in earth tones. The third piece is a small oil painting on linen. Using a photo of a Milan shop mannequin, I developed the composition digitally. I am using pattern to define the background and other elements of the painting.

I was fortunate to be juried into the recent 20th Parkside National Small Print Exhibition. It is always a wonderful show with great prints from artists all over the nation. I am also excited about being selected to exhibit at the Manchester National Juried Fine Art Exhibition, Richmond Virginia. One of my digital pieces was selected by Dr. Jefferson Harrison, Chief Curator Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia. The show opens in late February.

During this Fall, I have completed a series of new digital prints, some with pastels. They are quiet, reflective pieces and I have enjoyed the work. The pieces are based on travels to Ireland and Spain. Many will be in the upcoming Fort Wayne Museum Art for Sale Exhibit and at Tall Grass Arts Association's gift shop during November.

Work continues on one large acrylic painting that I want to complete for the October exhibit. The composition is very diagonal in nature and I am using varied shades of grays and golds.

Another focus this summer was on my digital prints. I completed several abstract digital pieces with a strong emphasis on movement. Vivid colors were contrasted against a dark background which I felt further enhanced the movement.

The monotype is such a wonderfully painterly printing process and it opens up new modes of expression that have transferred nicely to my more traditional painting. There is such a freedom and spontaneity to the method. I also enjoy working with paper. I did work on product development for Hallmark at one time; so experimenting with various printing techniques on paper is part of my roots.

Currently as a technical artist consultant for a major fine arts material company, I am very aware and careful about the proper use of art materials. Using archival materials in the proper way is very important for producing fine art work. Artwork reflects moments in time, whether as a statement or capturing a passing moment. I want to not only record those moments, but I want those moments to last.