Haven’t “blogged” in a real long time… Well, it’s 2020 and I’m almost beginning the outer layers of this latest work! I did a print version, etching, of the same subject matter last year. I really want the background to be in this “apocalyptic” type of shadow environment. I’ll post the finish painting when done. Happy 2020!!
Gas House Gorilla /
I haven’t “blogged” in awhile, this is due to the fact of so many things happening within my life. But here is a new painting I’m working on. This painting is part one of another work that will be it’s companion. Gas House Gorilla was an old Warner Brothers cartoon character, this depiction of him is from a toy I was given from an old friend. I really want to convey to the viewer that this is, in the end, a still life and that Gas House was not my invention. I love that irony.
Outer layers /
I’m in the final stages of this work, the outer layers. When the painting is complete most of the orchids will be in shadows. The subject matter died before I began painting! I had to take photos of the still life and work from them. There is interpretation of some of the orchids, I guess this happens. I’ll post the final image on my main site when I have a hi-rez scan.
A new painting begins! /
I haven’t posted on my blog site for awhile, so this is what I’ve been up to: My subject matter (orchids) for this work have already died! However, I was able to render enough information from the still life to get the basic composition transferred onto my panel. This painting is actually a sequel to another work done in 2009. I’m trying to “recapture” that magic I guess. I really think this process of my paintings are so interesting, the blocking and underpainting stages, almost, like a diary. People have suggested to me many times just to leave it done in my browns, I’ll probably do that some day, but I feel as though I would be lying to myself because then the work to me would be unfinished, and besides, I’m not trying to paint like Mark Tansey (a painter who I do admire and paints monochromatically). More images will be posted as this painting progresses.
Under painting continues ... /
I really love this period of a work: the under painting. The subject matter will be more in the shadows, especially the “trainer”. I really want to get to the outer layers, for which there will not be many, because I’m getting anxious to start another painting …
Blocking in /
When I begin a new painting, I “seal” the drawing and let it dry over night. After this I start to “block” in general areas of the work. Typically in browns, sometimes I’ll use blues. I like this stage of the painting because it is the beginning of leaving the drawn image and entering the painted one. I’ll continue with this process through the underpainting stages and after which I’ll start my outer layers. This particular work will hopefully go somewhat faster because of the size and subject matter. Please excuse the “glare” and don’t confuse and mistake what is the image and what is glare. This work also represents a mini-series I’m creating in a smaller size format with the intention of having more works completed as oppose to having just a few LARGER works done.
New Series /
I’m returning to an old Series actually … Toys as subject matter. The Magilla Gorilla Etching is part of a Print Exchange for the Lion’s Nest, I’m late finishing it; due to the fact I’m hand-coloring the prints. I brought out old Dr. Martin inks, which I haven’t used in years, they still have an electric vibrancy about them just as I remembered. This subject matter will also be my next painting. I really have missed working from direct observation. I’m no photo realist, in fact I really dislike that type of work to begin with. There is something honest by working with objects in front of you. Your eye can actually travel within the still life subject matter and go well beyond the flat surface of a photograph, which essentially is flat.
In Progress /
Our Open Studio event we have in our building was the main interruption for me last week. I’m back working on this painting. I have to distinguish between what I’m seeing in the painting and the glare. The “glare” really distorts ones eye to the point where one is not viewing the work, but viewing the glare instead.
Our Open Studio went very well. Caye & myself have been organizing this event for over 15 years. Each year seems to be better attended than the last. Despite floods, threats and no elevator we are STILL in the building taking the lead on getting the word out using traditional promotional methods as well as social media. Now, with our studio STILL clean from this event, it’s onto more work for the remaining 2015 AND even more for 2016!
My Studio Mate /
Is also my Best Friend, my Lover and of course my Wife. I share my studio with my Caye, thus making this the: Caye AND Jeff Studio! She is an amazing Artist whose work I admire, whose advice I whole heartedly accept and whose latest print is looking fucking AMAZING! This is her current work in progress for a Print Exchange, that actually, we were BOTH involved in. (Relief Wood cut being proofed on Ettan Intaglio Press)
Glare IS such a pain in the ass, really. /
The floral area only has ONE outer layer applied. I need to accomplish more on the flowers and save the vase for last, but returning to them for final touches post vase. My studio has very large north windows, which of course is great for painting, but dealing with glare in ANY light situation is annoying.
New Business Cards! /
Part of a new website are also NEW business cards! Which arrived today.
In Progress /
One of the challenges I have with my painting is: GLARE, especially when I’m documenting. These are images of my current work in progress. This painting is part of an on-going series of still-life McCoy vase flower paintings I’ve done. The work should of been done weeks ago, but I had interruptions, like a hip replacement and a print exchange for which I had to print TWO Editions of because of the lame-ass postal service “losing” the first edition! I don’t know if I’ll finish this work before our open house on November 14th, but soon thereafter it will be completed.
This is my very first blog post /
Please forgive the typos and grammar.
Ruby, the super-canine studio dog.