A few experiments

Here's a couple of experiments I've tried over the past two weeks.

Negative space exercise

Using directional strokes to create space

Gesture vs. contour

Just some musings in paint. I write the ideas down that I get while I'm painting for other paintings. And sometimes they lead to break-throughs and other times (like above) they are just fun to try. I like to try different things with each painting because I've got a long way to go still . . .
I like to paint using bristle brushes because they give those great slashing and scrubbing strokes! I like the sense of energy and life those strokes lend to the painted surface. I paint the figure because it is so expressive and so shocking when the proportions are distorted and changed. I like the idea of multiple images because it questions the definition of time and space in a painting. I like contrasting my colours with greys because I find the greys hold a vibrance that enhances whatever colour is adjacent to it. I like to paint with my canvases tacked up on the wall because this lets me stand further back from it (I have a small place you see :))
And those are my musings on paint!

Crouching Nudes

Crouching Nudes, 31.5" by 39.5", Oil and charcoal on canvas, 2010

Two Men Sitting

Two Men Sitting, 31.5" by 39.5", oil and charcoal on canvas, 2010

Lullaby

Lullaby 36" by 24", Oil and charcoal on canvas, 2010

VEAG

Now that the dust has settled from the VEAA show, time to get back to work. I've enjoyed a little press and am interested to see the further response to my work from my "client list". But of course, this means I have to keep painting, to do what I've always done. To continue on my path and paint they way that I'm meant to. I won't deny that my motivation is higher knowing that the paintings I make now are more likely to be exhibited than any other paintings in my career . . . but it's still the same process: persistence and enthusiasm . . . and throw in a little fun and jazzy spontaneity for good measure :)
Below are the pieces that will be on display at the VEAG studio, online and at the next exhibition in November(?).
Vulnerable Male
Time Stopped
Spring Cleaning
The Surf and Campfire
Searching Phosphorescence
Inter Play

http://www.victoriaemergingart.com
Should be a very exciting year. There's going to be two more VEAG shows (?) and a possible solo show (?) so I'd better get painting.
Happy September :)

Publicity

An article about me in the Times Colonist.
http://www.timescolonist.com/entertainment/Innovative+marketing+draws+crowd+show/3454505/story.html

Pretty tight! I'm so excited for what this year holds! :)

Male as Caryatid

A caryatid (Greek: Καρυάτις, plural: Καρυάτιδες) is a sculpted female figure serving as an architectural support taking the place of a column or a pillar supporting an entablature on her head.

Victoria Emerging Artist Awards

Here's some footage from the Victoria Emerging Artist Awards which I was lucky enough to take part in.

Two Reclining Figures

Exciting developments

I've had a very exciting week this week. On Thursday, I met with a lady (Ellen Manning) who is running what's called the Victoria Emerging Artist Gallery and I've been selected by a panel of jurors (no entry fee either = awesome) to be a part of the inaugural exhibition. The show will involve me and 10 other emerging artist from Victoria and Vancouver Island with the pricing mandate that on the first night, everyone's pictures will be $200 each and each artist has 3 pieces on display. Because the coordinator anticipates that the show will sell out quickly (cuz $200 is essentially giving them away in her opinion) we each have another set of 3 pictures for the rest of the week. Also, on opening night, the public will chose the top 3 artists and each will get a prize. After opening night, everyone's remaining pictures go up in price to $300, the top 3 going up to $800, $600 and $400 according to placement. What really excites me about being a part of this (aside from getting super awesome exposure from this gallery and getting my foot in the door of the Victoria art scene) is that they are going to represent me for a year. What this means is that I have to send them another 6 pictures after the show is over to have for sale and display online and at the coordinator's studio. If I get top 3 then I'm represented for 2 years.
I'm super excited about this because the people running this seem to be plugged into collectors and patrons in the commercial and non-commercial gallery circles. So yay! We'll see where this goes but it feels like a really good step!
http://www.victoriaemergingart.com/Artists.php
Here's the link . . . he he, I'm first on the list :)

My pics for opening night: (August 19th)

And for the rest of the week.


I've allready chosen my other 6 for the follow up exhibition but I need better pics of them before posting.
Wish me luck!