Fine Art Blog
Painting Badly
Some Advice from the Master (of failure) about painting badly This is not directed at anyone in particular, since, I have banned the use of the word" bad" in my classes. I encourage my students to think in terms of deeper, rather than bad or good. In other words, if...
Brush with Talent
No brush with wine last night. Cate and I have really enjoyed each group that has come and celebrated the creative process with us at our painting parties, now being offered half price through Amazon Local. They're also offering half off painting classes. Imagine,...
My Favorite Artist
Why bash Bush? When I first saw this monstrosity on facebook my knee jerk reaction was, terrible President, terrible artist. I proceeded to draw correlations from history. The comparisons between Hitler and all the famous politicians who were artist wannabes...
Six More Artists in the World
Does the world need another artist? Another Painting Party and suddenly there are six more artists in the world that were not there before. I love that none of these ladies has ever painted in oil before last night. A couple had done a Palette and Brush event but...
Morris Island Lighthouse Demo
Morris Island Lighthouse This iconic Charleston scene captivates us with its steadfast devotion to its task. Recently restored it has been the subject of many a painting. Add seven more. Last evening this painting was the subject of a painting party at our studio. ...
Why Are You an Artist?
We saw the movie, "Gravity" last night. Cate commented after: "Space exploration is a waste of money. How do Sandra Bullock's (or Captain Kirk's) personal epiphanies and discoveries really benefit Earth and are their "great stories" really worth the cost?" It...
Artist as Bricklayer
"Find the art in yourself, not your self in the art." Stanislavski Exploring structure by seeing the artist as bricklayer Whether you are an abstract expressionist or a photo realist it might be time to think of your job more as a bricklayer than as some fancy-pants...
Selling Art or Selling Out
Selling Art Vs. Selling Out "Art is making something out of nothing and selling it." Frank Zappa Selling art is always a pleasure. Yesterday, a fellow artist posted a blog about the tragedy of truly dedicated artists not selling their work. Perhaps rightly, he...
Fear No Oil
Fear No Oil "If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced." Vincent Van Gogh We have begun in earnest the run of painting parties with the Maniscalcos. We had some fun and made some cool art. Cate...
Art and Wine
Painting Drunk Cate and I recently went incognito to a bottle and brush event to research how the "pros" get "cons" like us to produce really crappy art while drunk. This was part of our research into our presenting really cool painting parties of our own. It was a...
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Here's the entire portrait. I love judicial portraits. What do you think of this portrait? Know anyone who wants a portrait legacy created? A portrait is how people know us when we're gone. ... See MoreSee Less
"Reflections on Nothingness" #existentialism This #painting is not a design choice; it’s a commitment to keep looking into the #mystery rather than numbing out. “Reflections on Nothingness” is a #meditation on the space between presence and absence—the quiet, unsettling recognition that everything we cling to is, in the end, temporary. This piece is for collectors who are not afraid to sit with the bigger questions: mortality, consciousness, and the strange beauty of existing at all. Hung in a study, retreat space, or #contemplative corner, it becomes less a decoration and more a companion for the long, honest conversations you have with yourself. Let me know if you'd like to the whole painting ... See MoreSee Less
A lot goes into making a #oilportrait. Hands, drapery, leather chairs. I am going beyond #likeness; I make every element as true and deep as possible, without them taking away from the main event, which is soul of the sitter. That's the #art of #portraiture. Let me know if you want to see the entire #portrait are interested in creating your legacy ... See MoreSee Less
“Light” is a #painting about the moment before everything changes—the quiet split-second when intention becomes action. Set against a swirling, cosmic backdrop, the hands of God (or man?) hold earth or another planet to the flame of destruction (or enlightenment?). The painting invites you to consider both the beauty and the weight of what we choose to ignite in our lives. It holds the tension between our power to create and our responsibility to care. #Light is for those who think deeply about #purpose, #stewardship, and the mystery of #existence, “Light” becomes more than an artwork. It’s a daily reminder that even the smallest spark—an idea, a conversation, a decision—can shape entire worlds. There’s a moment—right before we act—when everything is still possible.
“Light” was painted for the people who feel that weight: the therapists, teachers, spiritual guides, scientists, and quiet leaders who know their choices ripple out farther than they can see. If you’ve ever looked at our fragile little planet and felt both awe and responsibility, this piece is meant to live in your space. A reminder that what you choose to ignite today matters. Where in your life are you ready to strike the match? ... See MoreSee Less
Have you had an #oilportrait of your #children made yet? Now is the best time to #create an #heirloom #portrait by one of America's top portraitists. ... See MoreSee Less
"Jennifer's Flowers" is a recent painting. Can you see how it is a depiction of lovers? How does it make you feel? ... See MoreSee Less