Akron Arts Expo

Just finished the Akron Arts Expo at Hardesty Park in Akron. 160 juried artists, food, and entertainment. The weather was killer...90-95 degrees the first two days and on and off thunderstorms throughout the weekend. The crowds were still large and people seemed to have a good time. Seven tents were lost during the first nights severe thunderstorm. Here are a few pictures of my booth and other artists near me.

Newest creation from start to finish

Here's my newest. I started it a couple of days ago. First step was to gesso both sides of the illustration board and apply some interesting texture with heavy gesso and modeling paste using a pallet knife. After drying overnight, I masked off areas in random but pleasing manner. I just "zoned out" listened to the music and taped off some interesting shapes. I then applied some color. Started out with primary yellows and reds and blues and let it dry again overnight. I then removed the tape and added more color and blended it in. Now the hard part...I tinkered with it all day adding and outlining and rubing with alcohol to remove top layers of paint and expose under colors. Finally adding some highlight colors of copper and bronze. The hard part at this point is to know when to stop and to not reach that overworked look. I tried to maintain the look of a spontaneous mix of colors and shapes even though it took me three days.

What do you think? Is it finished? I need a name for it. I'm thinking about matting and framing it under glass. It'll be huge...the board is 30 x 40.

Gervasi Vineyard Art Show

The new Gervasi Vineyard in Canton has established a monthly art show on their beautiful grounds of the winery. The show was first class and attendance was great. It was a beautiful night of art, music, and wine. The next show will be Aug. 16.

Boston Mills Artfest 2010

Had a good show this last weekend at Boston Mills. The quality of the artwork in the show was outstanding. I made some new friends and met some very talented artists. The weather was hot and crowds were good for such a hot weekend. The preview Friday night was fun and the Sat. show was very successful for me. On Sun. the temperature was 92 degrees and a severe thunderstorm kicked up just at the end of the show. I was able to get all my paintings packed up and in the van before the rain but my tent and everything else was soaked. That's the chance you take when you do outdoor shows. We survived and nothing was damaged.

Looking forward to the new Gervasi Winery Art Series starting in a couple of weeks. Check back for details.

6-23-10 Latest one of the "Angel Flight" Series

Well, I think it's finished. The dark brown frame sets it off and it looks cool on my wall. It was hard to get a good picture because of the shiny metallic paint. It looks much better in person. I think I'm finished with this series of star burst "Angel flight" paintings. It was fun trying to create paintings that have energy and movement like the rapid wing beat of a butterfly or an angel spirit. I'll show this painting for the first time at the art show this weekend.

My van is packed and I'll start setting up tomorrow at Boston Mills Art Fest. My plan is to set up the tent and all the display walls tomorrow and then return Friday morning to hang all the paintings. Hoping for good weather and good crowds and good sales.

"Angel Flight - Starburst" Series

Here are the first two "Starbust" paintings in the series mentioned in the last post. The first one in warm browns and orange is called "Angel Flight" and was a demonstration painting at the 2010 Art is Alive Art Show. The painting is now part of the Kristina and Matt Belliveau collection. The second one in blues and white and gold is called "Angel Flight - #3" and is hanging in my living room.

Getting ready for Boston Mills Art Show

My next art show is Boston Mills I ( http://www.bmbw.com/) June 25,26,and 27. I have several new pieces in the works and am eager to show them off.

I have created a series of paintings with a cental "starburst" texture . I love the explosive energy and the simulation of movement My newest piece 25 x 25 on canvas is yet to be titled and framed and is still sitting on my easel. Lots of heavy texture created with gesso and layers of Titan Buff, Burt Umber, Metallic copper, and metallic bronze. I started with a "starburst exploding effect" created with heavy gesso then added thin layers of titan Buff paint followed by darker browns. After drying, I added heavy layers of metallic bronze and metallic copper with a pallet knife. I'm now waiting for the heavy paint to dry and I have picked out a shiny dark brown metallic frame which should be in in a few days. The canvas is a heavy gallery wrap and does not really need to be framed but I think it needs the finishing touch of a dark metallic edge. I'll decide once I try the frame to see if it needs more work and decide on the orientation. So far from start to finish... 3 days.