Ursula Gullow

Bedroom on Arlington

2012-01-03T15:46:00.018-05:00

Painting in progress for Waking up with Van Gogh an exhibit at the Hickory Art Museum, opening in April 2012.

Curator Moni Hill has asked participating artists to interpret van Gogh's Bedroom of Arles for this museum show. After staring at images of the three paintings van Gogh made of his bedroom (I have never seen any of the originals in real life,) it suddenly hit me that every bedroom I've ever had has borne a close resemblence to the Bedroom in Arles -- the wooden floors, chairs, those doors, a night table, modest windows...

So I decided to set up my easel and paint my bedroom. It's just a personal homage to van Gogh who embodies my fantasy as an artist who created art for "art's sake," particularly since he received such little acclaim for his work during his lifetime. The mythology surrounding van Gogh has molded so many people's perceptions of what an artist is -- obsessive types with austere and solitary living habits, carted off to mental institutions, committing suicide (though now there is discussion that he was killed.) Admittedly this stereotype of the "artist," or the "bohemian" is an objectified notion which I have flirted with throughout my life.

While I enjoy painting outside in nature or on the street, this is the first time I've ever painted an interior from life. I realized the same principles apply - it's necessary to paint quickly to capture the light as it flits across the room. In this case I had to decide which block of light to go with and commit to it.

Other formal considerations with this painting: I kept the measurements the same as van Gogh's original two paintings (the third he made was smaller,) and I attempted to channel some of his painterly ways, particularly in the floorboards. But it is impossible to truly paint like van Gogh, who has always been one of my personal art heroes. His paintings vibrate, even so many years after they were created. The first I ever saw (Shoes,1888) actually made me get emo and teary right there in the museum.

I'm looking forward to seeing the other artists' interpretations on this theme in April, 2012. This is going to be a nice show, chock full of regional artists. Kudos to Moni Hill for putting it together.

Beaching

2011-12-09T12:44:00.007-05:00

Beaching I. 33.5" x 28"

Just enjoying these a little more before they get transported to Charleston next week for the newly opened Atelier Gallery (located at 153 King Street.)

Día de los Muertos with Ms. Glo

2011-11-07T15:08:00.009-05:00

The courtyard at Mayfel's

photo by Wesley Photography wesleyphotography.com

Oct. 16: 1,000 easels in downtown Avl

2011-10-17T12:05:00.003-04:00

photo: Ayana Dusenberry

Tube Study

2011-10-14T13:14:00.003-04:00

Here's a quick study I did while teaching at A-B Tech Community College. The continuing education program at A-B Tech offers affordable art and community enrichment classes to adults. Through the program you can learn an array of skills -- from speaking Spanish, German, or French -- to cooking, money management, computer classes, painting, drawing, quilting, canning, mural painting and pottery. Seriously, for the quality of education you get, these classes are the best deal in town.
Check this link to see the current schedule of continuing education classes at A-B Tech.

Studio visitor

2011-10-03T13:17:00.002-04:00

SHUCKED: an art show at PUSH Gallery

2011-08-24T12:21:00.018-04:00

Lauren Whitley in progress

Drawing by Michael Ohgren

"Please Don't Die" Anna Jensen

Detail: "I can see your house from up here" Courtney Chappell

I've invited six emerging Asheville artists to exhibit work in SHUCKED, an art show that opens at PUSH Gallery Friday, September 9th. I've chosen these artists for their contemporary aesthetics and intuitive approaches to art making:

Courtney Chappell
Anna Jensen

Tara Jensen
Lisa Nance
Michael Ohgren
Lauren Whitley

The exhibit will include site-specific installation, paintings, drawings and sculpture. While the styles and points of view of the artists vary, what is consistent is their non-traditional use of materials. These artists react to their own procedures of mark-making, cutting, gluing, binding, sewing and sketching. Much of the work included in the show is specific to the site it inhabits and cannot be replicated in any other environment.

Also significant are materials like graphite, ink, cardboard, paper, wood and fabric — gleaned from trash piles, free boxes, thrift stores and friends. The result is a collection of work that responds to current social issues, construed of low-cost materials and cast out from the artists' psyches.

Opening reception is Friday September 9th 6-10pm

The show will be on display until October 15. Push Gallery is located at 25 Patton Avenue.

Visit www.pushtoyproject.com for more information.

Painting progression

2011-06-27T15:59:00.006-04:00

39.5" x 40.5" oil on canvas 2011

This painting will be on display at Atelier 24 on Lexington Avenue as part of my Speaking in Tongues exhibit.

July exhibition

2011-06-09T16:24:00.012-04:00

Speaking in Tongues

Recent paintings of people and things

July 1-30

Artist reception Saturday, July 9th

6-9pm

Atelier 24

24 Lexington Avenue

Asheville, NC

atelier24lexington.com

Phone: 828-505-3663

Paint the Town! Workshop June 25th

2011-05-26T08:46:00.008-04:00

Paint the Town!!
A plein air painting workshop at River's Edge Studio

Instructor: Ursula Gullow

Saturday June 25th
9:30 - 2:00
$65.00

Practise painting quickly and efficiently using acrylic or oil paint while enjoying the industrial landscape of the River Arts District.

En plein air is a French expression which means "in the open air" and is used to describe the act of painting outside. In this workshop students will learn how to set up dynamic compositions, establish rudimentary under paintings, capture light, and expressively render industrial and natural elements of the River Arts District. Designed for intermediate to advanced painters.

Students should bring their usual paint supplies including 2-5 canvases 11” x 14” or larger, a viewfinder (optional), a palette with a thumbhole, and 1-3 small jars with lids for mediums. Hats with large brims, bottled water and sunscreen are optional but strongly recommended. The River’s Edge Studio will provide easels. Workshop begins early to avoid the late afternoon heat.

Rivers Edge Studio
at Riverview Station
191 Lyman Street, #310
Asheville, NC 28801
Call 828-776-2716 to register

Call for art: Still Life with Internet

2011-04-18T09:48:00.013-04:00

CALL TO ALL INTERNET USERS:

Submit your jpegs to my first-ever cyber art show:

STILL LIFE WITH INTERNET

Assemble a still life arrangement, take a picture of it, and send it to artseenasheville@gmail.com

I will post all entries, as I receive them, on Art Seen Asheville, a blog focused on arty happenings in Asheville (but not always limited to this area.)

Check out the contest as it progresses by visiting this link.

Some guidelines:

•You do not have to be an Asheville resident to participate.

•Do not send more than 2 jpegs.

•Please make them a reasonable size so as not to blow up my email account.

•Please send contact info and/or website so I can include it with your entry. (You may remain anonymous if you wish.)

I will submit anything and everything I receive before June 1st.

Artistic Failure

2011-04-16T14:13:00.008-04:00

I'm talking a leap of faith here and revealing my most recent artistic failure. Let's face it, this thing is a mess.

Ah well, everyone makes mistakes sometimes. Rather than let this disaster deflate me, I'd like to see it as an opportunity for growth.

Things I don't like about this painting: the composition, and the fact that I kept heaping on more globs of paint with hopes that the lushness of the material would outshine the fact that I was incapable of rendering the still life how I really wanted it.

On the bright side: I think this is the most successful part of the painting. I like the bird because it's not a real bird and it's my F you to the whole "put a bird on it" thing. I also like the cupcake -- my F you to the "cupcake art" discussion.

Here's the still life I was working from. I like this photograph way better than the painting. I also like that I cleared this entire mess out of my studio because my cat kept eating the plastic Easter grass, and then upchucking Easter grass hairballs all over my apartment.

The palette tells all

2011-02-21T15:28:00.005-05:00

The palette is where a painter's subconscious activity occurs. The goal is to marry the activity that takes place here with the decision-making that is required of an actual painting.
I like to use paper disposable palettes. I will use each page for about three painting sessions or until it becomes too full to use anymore. The larger the painting, the larger the palette.
I've started saving my used palettes to document my mark-making.

The SketchBook Project

2011-02-07T19:41:00.011-05:00

I just received word that my sketchbook for The SketchBook Project has been officially received by Art House Co-op, a collective of artists that organizes international art projects that anyone can participate in. To see more of what they do visit www.arthousecoop.com

The sketchbooks of this project will go on tour across the country and then settle in the Brooklyn Art Library where they will be barcoded and available for the public to view.

At this point 28838 artists from 94 countries have participated.

Here's more info about the sketchbook project: www.arthousecoop.com/projects/sketchbookproject

Open Doors art auction

2011-02-07T16:04:00.004-05:00

Remember this painting? I blogged about it a while back. Well, I have donated it to the Open Doors Art Auction which will be held in downtown Asheville on Saturday February 12th.
A host of other talented local artists have donated work to benefit Open Doors, an organization that helps at-risk youth.
Find out more about this event and the artists involved:
Conscious Party Web Extra

Opendoorsasheville.org to learn more about this painting and other donated items

The Re-Cord Project

2011-01-29T20:50:00.005-05:00

If you’re like me you have a drawer or a box somewhere filled with old computer cords, telephone adapters and chargers that you don’t know what to do with. You’ve probably held on to them thinking that you’ll use them again at some point, but the reality is that you won't use them again, and you feel bad throwing them out.

Well, I would like to take those cords off of your hands! I am starting a new project and I need your old computer cords. I am specifically interested in Mac products, like iPod chargers, power cords and cables, but any kind of electronic cord that is related to phones and computers is also fine. Earbuds are good too.

Please contact me if you think you can help. Once I have enough cords to get the ball rolling, I will clarify the details of this project.

Contact me at ursulagullow@gmail.com

New Year, new display

2011-01-17T17:55:00.005-05:00

I just got done rearranging my paintings in a new space at Atelier 24 on Lexington Avenue in downtown Asheville. That suitcase on the table is holding a bunch of little original paintings in acrylic and oils. Most of them are studies of still lifes and landscapes --some of them are even double sided -- and they're priced between $25 - $85.

If you're curious to see more paintings, head down to Downtown Books and News -- just a block north of Atelier -- where I have some larger works on the walls.

Happy New Year!

Relics

2010-12-15T14:52:00.006-05:00

Relics I. oil on canvas 5"x5"

In my Intro to Archeology class we learned that the study of mankind is essentially the study of discarded objects.

Relics II. oil on canvas 5"x5"

So I decided to paint some of the objects of my habitat as a type of self-portrait.

Relics III. oil on canvas 5"x5"

The mundane, the mass-produced, the imported, the functional and the ubiquitous.

Relics IV. oil on canvas 5"x5"

Relics of my life in this era.

A selection of these paintings will be on display March 24 - May 5th in the lobby gallery of NC Stage Company located at 15 Stage Lane in downtown Asheville. (just off of Walnut Street.)
An opening reception will be held Friday March 25th 5:30 - 7:30.

NC Stage is open during regular business hours Mon-Fri.

Call 828-239-0263 for more info.

Wrestling ladies

2010-10-13T16:45:00.007-04:00

The Takedown acrylic and oil on canvas 11" x14"

Head Drop acrylic and oil on canvas 12" x9"

For the Ladylike show at Satellite Gallery I created a series of paintings of female wrestlers -- a subject that has always created anxiety in me. I'm uncomfortable watching any forms of fighting -- let alone women dressed up, pulling each other's hair and calling each other names.

On the flip side, these women are actors, the acts performed in the ring is choreography; the athleticism and artistry required to wrestle cannot be denied. The showmanship and the spectacle is alluring, not to mention the camaraderie between players behind the scenes.

As I made the paintings I realized the world of wrestling is an exaggeration of the roles we all take on in our daily lives.

Check out Ladylike at Satellite Gallery through November 21st.
55 Broadway Asheville, NC (Gallery is closed Mon. + Tues.)

1,000 Easels

2010-09-14T13:50:00.006-04:00

Photo by Ayana Dusenberry

Jackson Building 14" x 18" acrylic on canvas 2010

On Sunday September 12, 2010 about 100 artists set up their easels on the sidewalks of downtown Asheville to make their presence known to the city of Asheville. As a participant, I had so much fun meeting people and seeing familiar faces, while working on this painting of The Jackson Building.

Plein Air painting is not something I get the opportunity to do a lot. I had taken a workshop at Penland a few years ago with painter Cassandra James, but this was really the first time I had painted outside since then.

The biggest challenge is capturing the light quickly. Working fast is a good idea, though that was a struggle for me because my paints kept drying out so quickly. I had decided to use acrylic paints because I thought oils would be too fussy. In the end, I was happy with the results. It took a total of 2.5 hours to complete.

The painting is for sale, and proceeds will go towards the Asheville Area Arts Council who sponsored the 1,000 easels event. Contact me for pricing: ursulagullow@gmail.com

Touch This!

2010-08-10T12:47:00.011-04:00

Original 43" x 28"

detail

This is a painting I did for an upcoming group show of artwork that is meant to be touched.

I thought about my first experience visiting an art museum as a child when I reached out to touch some blobs of paint and was immediately reprimanded by a guard.

So I made this piece, which is meant to be touched and even peeled away. (I love the sensation of peeling hardened acrylic paint of my paint palette.) I used cheap acrylic paints, puff paints, and I mixed all my old acrylics into some gloss medium. There's also some glitter on there, and the canvas I spray painted silver. I hope everyone will tear it to pieces.

Getting Abstract

2010-07-26T15:04:00.005-04:00

Colorscape i. oil on canvas 42" x 52" 2010

Colorscape ii. oil on canvas 52" x 42" 2010

I enjoy making abstract work for it's immediacy. Sometimes I don't feel like thinking about what to paint and I'd rather just focus on mark-making and color.

Making these large works is a great way to bust out of a creative block. If you want to try this I suggest you:

1. Work large and quickly.

2. Remove rational thought and revel in the intuitive process.

Beach magic

2010-06-24T13:46:00.006-04:00

These are two of four beach paintings I made last summer.They are painted with oils on board and are approximately 12" x 10" each.

I made them last year to manifest more beach time and swimming into my life. And then it happened!

I do believe sometimes making art is akin to casting spells.

You can see them in person at Atelier 24 in downtown Asheville.

Self Referential

2010-06-22T17:18:00.009-04:00

Photoshop Collage 2010

Lately I've been cutting out elements from prints of my paintings and incorporating them into collages. I like the idea of reinventing environments and mashing my paintings together.

It kind of reminds me of how weird it is in this day and age to hear Cure songs in a pharmacy, or watch Welcome Back Kotter videos on you tube -- environments where I never could have imagined experiencing these things back in the day. It all seems very absurd to me. And utterly enjoyable.

Where you can see my paintings

2010-06-14T15:30:00.023-04:00

Skunks invade my home.

This painting is a favorite to many people;
it is now on display at Atelier 24 in downtown Asheville

Until a year ago I consistently had work on display in galleries/libraries/theaters/bookstores or cafes around Asheville. After 6 years of all this exhibitionism I started to feel hazy about my intentions as an artist -- I found I was often making work to sell rather than pursue concepts or ideas that might have been less marketable.

For clarity, I stopped exhibiting work anywhere other than through my studio in the River Arts District.

After gathering my wits I decided I wanted a respectable venue to show my work at my discretion, which is why I chose Atelier 24 in downtown Asheville. The place rents booths out to artists selected for their quality of work. A few years ago I would have shunned this type of arrangement, but it makes sense to me now.

The quality of work at Atelier 24 is high, and mostly I am impressed with artists like Stephen Gecko, Angela Eastman, Jessica White and Honor Heirs (to name a few.) Unlike other art malls in town, this venue appears less cluttered. Dustin, the young man that works there on the weekends, told me that "landscapes sell the least." This is great because it indicates a buyer looking for something different.

I also really like that I can be the curator of my own space. I may have work that I want to hang that is less likely to sell -- rather than wait for a gallerist's approval I can go ahead and exhibit whatever I want.

At the moment I have some of my recent creative experiments which I like to call "interactive collages" on display. More on them later --meanwhile, you'll have to visit my space at Atelier 24 to see them in person.

(By the way: I no longer have a studio at The River District. I found that as a non-driver it's just easier for me to have my workspace close to me at all times.)

School's Out!

2010-06-09T18:47:00.005-04:00

School Study 10"x10" acrylic

I painted this today at school while my students worked diligently on their own paintings -- today was the last day of the semester, and everyone was working on their final masterpieces of the season.

I've been amazed at the quality of work I've been seeing and the desire students have to learn. For many, this is the only time they have for painting -- some are mothers, others work full-time, and most just don't have space at home to paint. It's nice to think I'm enabling people to carve out creative time for themselves.

Art Classes I'm teaching this summer at AB-Tech

2010-05-20T14:00:00.006-04:00

Looking for something fun and cheap to do this summer? Take art classes at Ab-Tech!

Classes I will be teaching are:

Basic Acrylic/Oil Painting
Come and discover your creative self in this oils and/or acrylics class taught by Ursula Gullow. You will feel empowered creating artwork that will effectively communicate your artistic ideas in a two-dimensional format. You will learn to observe line, shape, texture, balance, tonality, and space using the gray scale and the introduction of color. You will create at your own pace and open an exploration into your creative side. Supplies will cost approximately $50-$75. (24 hrs) No fee exemption
Tue, Jun 29 - Aug 17, 6:00PM-9:00PM
Wed, Jun 30 - Aug 18, 9:30AM-12:30PM
$55

Collage art from everyday objects
Create a series of expressive collages while learning the fundamentals of art and design through traditional and experimental collage methods. Basic design principles, creative techniques, and art appreciation will be covered in this four-week class taught by Ursula Gullow which encourages each student to awaken spontaneity, curiosity, and creative freedom. Students will be taught how to incorporate painting, intuitive drawing, paper, and photos into work exploring abstract expressionism, narrative art and interactive art. Whether you are just starting out as an artist, or are a long-time artist looking for more creative inspiration, this class is suitable for all levels. Suggested materials: photographs, magazines, construction paper, tissue paper, fabrics, cardboard/poster paper or canvas board, scissors or penknife, Elmer’s glue or a glue stick, paints, charcoals or conte crayons, pens, colored pencils. (Don’t worry about bringing everything listed as some extra materials will be available.) Show up to first class prepared to work!
Wed, Jun 30 - Jul 21, 1:30PM-4:30PM
Wed, Jul 28 - Aug 18, 1:30PM-4:30PM
$55

Check this link for a full listing and descriptions of all art classes offered through Ab-Tech's Continuing Education Department: www.abtech.edu

Hope to see you there!

Fabulous Things (Revamp)

2010-04-22T18:29:00.003-04:00

Fabulous Things (revamp)

Welcome to the inner workings of an artist, this is why blogs are fun.

After I posted the image below, I decided it needed a little revamping. Most importantly, I changed the colors of the flag. I felt the blue, white and red actually works better in both concept and design. The pink flag was getting a little lost, visually. The new flag also provides a cultural reference for the viewer. The old flag was based off a medieval painting (of St. Ursula, one of many rockstars of the Catholic Church -- but more on that later.) The new flag implies a contemporary symbol, while it's medieval style is still intact.
I also dolled up the rockers and light a little in the background because I thought they needed more attention.

Here's an image of the St. Ursula painting I was talking about: http://www.aiwaz.net/uploads/gallery/glory-of-st-ursula-4692-mid.jpg

Fabulous Things

2010-04-22T15:35:00.001-04:00

Fabulous Things oil on canvas 24"x 24" 2010

This is my brand newest painting in a series I'm doing that's inspired by the pop star phenomenon, and celebrity culture of the past and present. The rockers in the back are the band Queen because I've been slightly obsessed with Freddie Mercury lately. I love his drag style, stage presence and incredible voice. And I love that Queen was so darn queenie, but that so many straight dudes were into them.

I've been studying a million videos of Queen performances, and here is one of my faves:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkHVYet5S1s

Alexa Meade: Reverse Trompe-l'œil

2010-04-22T15:02:00.002-04:00

This is not a painting of a man, it is a painted man.

Alexa Meade is based out of the Washington DC area

I have not seen Alexa Meade's artwork in real life but when I saw what she was doing via a Juxtapoz article, my jaw hit the floor. (Acrylic on Live Subjects: Alexa Meade Distorts Reality)

Using a reverse trompe-l'œil method, Meade paints directly onto human and inanimate forms to produce her paintings, which are actually installations.

Prepare to be amazed when you visit her website: www.alexameade.com

PRIVATE painting lessons!

2010-02-08T17:07:00.000-05:00

I'm now accepting students for private tutelage in acrylic and oil painting methods.

Whether you are a beginner or would like an inspirational kick, you will be encouraged to develop your personal vision through basic technical training.

Students will work one-on-one with me to develop their independent style while learning fundamentals such as color mixing, value studies, mark-making, and basic composition. We will be working from life, photographs and our subconsciousness.

Sessions will take place in the studio of my Asheville residence.
You may sign up for a duration of time that is most convenient to your schedule.

Special preliminary rate for winter 2010:

$25/Hour (does not include materials)

All ages welcome. Feel free to tell your friends!

How to paint: tips for the total beginner

2009-11-18T14:50:00.001-05:00

I am writing this post for all of you who have never painted before and you have always wanted to give it a shot.

I recommend using acrylic paints before you start with oils because
a) they're cheaper
b) they clean up easier
c) they're cheaper and clean up easier

I painted with acrylic paints for nearly two years before moving on to oils. They allowed me to become comfortable with how paint moves and, like I said before they are way cheaper and easier to clean up. Instead of dealing with linseed oil and turps you only need water. Some people like to use a medium with acrylics, but I never found it necessary. Acrylic paints dry much quicker than oils and this has its advantages because you can easily correct or paint over problematic areas.

Lay out your palette with:
Cadmium Yellow, Alizarin Crimson, Prussian or Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Umber, and White.
This is really all you need to achieve a wide array of colors.
You may also want to use Yellow Ochre, Vandyke brown, Cadmium red, Burnt sienna and Sap Green. Any other color you wish to add is up to you. ie: bright green and hot pinks are fun to play around with. As are golds and silvers.
*Helpful hint: Use a disposable palette. It's just easier. Or you can use a sheet of aluminum foil.
Avoid those palettes with the sunken holes altogether because those holes can really limit you.
I notice students try to keep their paint in the holes and it can be a drag. They might be good for watercolors, but not for oil painting.

Brushes are a whole world in and of themselves. Here's some more information on choosing the right kind of brush. I personally like to use the really soft kind. I never used those traditional bristle brushes but I might be doing it all wrong. Experiment as much as you are able to without spending too much money.
*Remember to get the kind specifically for acrylic/oil painting. Don't use watercolor brushes.

Start by painting a simple color wheel.
Red, yellow and blue are your primary colors.
red+yellow=orange
yellow+blue=green
red+blue=purple
Combine colors, add whites - you will be amazed by the infinite colors and values you are capable of achieving.

To make black mix up your darkest blue, red and brown..it's much richer than using black out of a tube. Here's some more info about mixing black for your painting

Try doing a scale from darkest to white with the black you've mixed up.

Look at this little genius. (yeah right, I bet her dad painted that.)

Don't be afraid to give yourself a lot of materials to work with. For example, load up your paintbrush with paint, allow yourself to use large canvas boards to paint on. It's more fun that way. I notice people can be really sparse with their materials. I mean, would you try to sew a bridal gown with a yard of fabric?

Most importantly DON'T WORRY ABOUT DOING IT WRONG. The most common problem I see in beginner painters is the desire to make the painting look perfect and exactly like the thing they are painting. Unless you've been drawing for a really long time most likely you will not be able to achieve a likeness right off the bat.

This is a painting by Richard Diebenkorn

My recommendation for beginners is to start by just painting color fields. Experiment with your brushes and materials. The more you paint, the more confidence you will have in your materials and ultimately you will have greater control of what you're making.

Okay, so have at it. Paint your heart away. Get familiar with the materials, and the unlimited possibilities of colors you can create. Practice with really loading brushes with paint and paint with confident strokes. Avoid the dabbing thing; commit to your mark.

When it's time to clean...

Scumble the brushes with dish soap in the palm of your hand like so. Use this special soap for the final cleaning. It has a magic ingredient which conditions the bristles of your brush and makes them last longer and stay silky soft.

Store the brushes upside down - the water runs down and won't swell and crack the wood around the bristles that way.

Tear off your palette page and dispose of it, or wipe the paint off it. Or let the paint dry and have fun peeling it off later.

The iconic black beret

Step back, pour yourself a glass of grape juice and enjoy your masterpiece!
Ponder the hidden meaning of the colors you've chosen, your brushstrokes, and that blob of paint in the corner - was it an accident or did you mean for it to be there? Does it represent your father or your broken heart?
What could you have done to make your marks more intentional?
How is the composition of the painting? Are all the elements working in harmony with each other?
If not, does it represent your desire for dissonance and disorder?
Did you make something structured and rigid? Are you tapping into your inner authoritarian?

The best part about being a beginner is that you can only get better from here.

Art Heroes

2009-11-12T15:44:00.003-05:00

Today in my design class I presented a crash course on the history of art in Western Civilization. Reviewing my notes and images I contemplated the particular artists who played key roles in inspiring my direction as an artist.

One of them is Henry Darger, whose work gave me the confidence to produce broad narratives as well as use mass produced images for reference material.

Another is Vincent van Gogh for his committed and inspired use of paint, even when the public didn't like or understand what he was doing.

Frida Kahlo for her relentless and unapologetic use of self as subject matter.

The monks who lived in solitude and painstakingly created the Illuminated Manuscripts.

Caravaggio for his audacity and use of light.

Sue Coe "Meatflies"

But really, any artist who approaches his/her work with fearless bravado and a sincere point of view is a hero of mine. There are so many.

Type 3

2009-11-10T17:22:00.000-05:00

Changing Buildings into Weeds

According to the Enneagram I'm a Type 3 -- The Achiever -- which means I derive a sense of well-being from getting things done. (Apparently Madonna, Oprah and Obama are also 3s.)
Truth be told I was feeling perfectly terrible the last couple of weeks. Having had a lot of things on my mind, sleep was a difficult thing to come by, as was eating and talking. I hadn't been able to work on paintings for at least 3 weeks. Sometimes this just happens, but I really don't like it.
Then, two days ago the clouds broke and the sun came out. I spent four hours painting without interruption. I'm feeling better, but I haven't been able to get into the studio since then and its starting to get me down all over again.
Maybe I'm being too hard on myself.

What I did and didn't learn in art school.

2009-10-19T13:04:00.000-04:00

Civil Rights March oil on board approx 18" x 38" 2004

In 1990 I became a student at SUNY New Paltz for its reputable arts program, cheap tuition and proximity to New York city. I was lacking confidence in my artistic abilities right out of high school and hadn't put together the required portfolio to get into the arts department. I took some basic drawing and design classes thinking I would put together a portfolio with the help of my professors and be a late-comer to the arts program. Alas, I just wasn't seduced by the idea of learning art in a collegiate setting. It seemed boring and I had no idea what I wanted to make, or what I was inspired by. I believe they call this your artistic point of view -- mine was more like an artistic haze with no beginning, middle, or end.

In any case, I became totally mesmerized by the liberal arts classes I was required to take -- particularly a class called Alienation and Mental Illnesses, taught by Professor Irwin Sperber, which introduced me to a number of fascinating theorists and helped explain the confused feelings I was having about matters of the heart, church, family and state. (Check out Erving Goffman's ideas about the total institution for an example.) I proceeded to get a degree in sociology thinking that whatever I was learning in school would probably inform any artwork I'd be making in the future.

The societal relationship between economics and art has always been an interest of mine. For example, I often wonder if artists choose a particular medium based on cost and availability of materials. I also think about the pigments that comprise my paint and how many hands prepared the tubes of paint/brushes/canvases before they landed in my studio. You can read more of my thoughts on economics/art if you read this interview I did with Susanne Hackett of Pollinate Asheville.

I frequently ponder the role of artist in a free market economy and how that differs with the role of artists in collectivist, corporatist, and social democratic economies. Maybe I'll go back to school one day and write a thesis about it.

Society is an insane asylum run by the inmates. ~Erving Goffman

Learning through teaching

2009-10-12T20:18:00.000-04:00

Behind the Bus oil on canvas 7" x 7" 2008

Last week I began teaching basic painting and basic design classes at AB Tech Community College as part of the school's continuing education program. I had never taught before (except the occasional private tutor session) and it has been years since I set foot in a classroom - let alone a college building.

I'd never considered working in the art education realm and this is certainly not a position I would have ever thought to apply for - the opportunity just fell into my lap. I have always been uncertain of my feelings around academia and art, but community colleges are a little different. Here I am just teaching basic methods and ideas without pretense (or high admission fees.) Time will tell how my feelings will evolve regarding all of this.

I've often heard that teaching something is a great way to learn it, and I can already see the truth in that statement. I'm looking forward to all I can learn and share as the weeks progress. And ultimately, the most important and best part of this experience is that it's really fun.

In celebration

2009-10-04T12:35:00.000-04:00

The time has come for a studio sale party!!!

November 1st marks an entire year that I have been sharing a studio with my friend Steve Brown in the River Arts District. In celebration -- and with hopes of clearing out some of the creative baggage that has accumulated in my studio over the last year -- I am hosting a studio sale on October 24th. There will be food and drinks and I will be giving a lot of things away (like art magazines and art materials.) I will also be selling my creative "experiments" (collages/drawings) at hyper affordable prices. My paintings, and prints of them, will be for sale. All prices are negotiable, BUT there is no need to buy anything -- just show up and put a smile on my face. XO

alienating or authentic

2009-09-07T12:38:00.000-04:00

Towards a beginning oil on canvas 2009

A person who has been a fan of my work for years recently declared that he didn't like my new work as much as my older work. He said he found the subject matter of the newer works "alienating," and not as appealing as the older work which he found more nostalgic.

Everyone goes through different periods of creativity, and it seems like I am constantly reacting to myself - if I paint large landscapes for a month I may suddenly switch to miniature narratives, and then onto collages, and then maybe large portraits, and so on.

It's true that lately I've been experimenting with the subject matter and the formatting of my paintings, but I think the work is always authentically my own. I'm not trying to paint in any way other than how I must paint in that moment.

So, I could take my friend's criticism and go back to painting the subject matter he has suggested is more "likeable" (ie: marketable?) OR, better than that, I could trust my fans' confidence in me and continue producing the work I need to produce -- if they are truly fans they will love me no matter what.

more impermanence

2009-08-29T11:17:00.001-04:00

The Test (first appearance) oil and acrylic paint on canvas and wall. 2009

I cut the original painting (approx 21" x 10") into 14 panels which I then stapled onto the wall with space in between them. I painted around the canvases and onto the wall so that an entirely new piece has been created and can never be replicated elsewhere. (Unless the wall is taken out.)

The intention when displaying these is that the painting will never appear the same way twice. I plan to price each canvas individually and sell it apart from the larger group. (A collector interested in purchasing the entire group or a section of it will not be discouraged from doing so as this would be his/her role in the evolution of the piece.) Depending on a collector's commitment to the project, ideally I would then embellish the walls the canvases occupy next. And so on.

Precisely the fact that the painting can never be exhibited the same way twice is why I'm interested in examining this concept as well as forcing collector/gallery to play a vital role in determining the evolution and destiny of the physical painting form.

Liberating the painting

2009-08-17T14:25:00.001-04:00

I'm obsessed lately with figuring out new modes of presenting paintings. I like the skin of the painting but not the object..And I want the painting to be mobile -- not a mural.. Here's one example of how I'm approaching this conundrum. More to come.

Collage nuance

2009-08-11T15:25:00.000-04:00

Hideaway collage approx 6" x 5" 2009

Hideaway details

painting not thinking

2009-08-05T20:30:00.000-04:00

Unblessed Birds oil on canvas 20"x30" 2008

The abstract works began last year when a friend asked me to make such a piece as a commission. I'm always open to trying out new ideas and methods. Not thinking about content allowed me to explore and play more with the paint. I did about 8 of these paintings and then found myself needing to return to the narratives. I still do them from time to time as studies or as a way to get out of my head.

commercial meets conceptual

2009-08-03T13:42:00.001-04:00

There is Little Sense in Having Arrived Anywhere acrylic and oil on canvas 2004

I'm happy to finally share a photograph of the mural installation I completed in December 2004 at Aftermath Gallery in Seattle WA. I cut a 5ft x 12 ft canvas into 32 panels (Only 28 are pictured above) and sold them off separately. Half the panels sold in Seattle; the rest eventually sold to collectors and friends in Asheville, NC.
The connection that commerce holds to art is particularly fascinating to me. I plan to develop and produce more installations of this scale and concept in the upcoming months.

a portrait

2009-07-31T17:25:00.000-04:00

Queen of the Wasps oil on canvas 40" x 30" 2007

Collaging for mental health

2009-07-30T22:17:00.000-04:00

July 27 paper glue gouache cardboard 4" x 4" 2009

I've been into making these little collages lately. Just for fun and to keep my mind active.

on crystal landscapes

2009-07-28T14:22:00.000-04:00

02 oil on canvas 30" x 40" 2009

The crystals started appearing in the early part of this year. They serve as symbols within a landscape to introduce a new dimension of time and scale - indicating that which is familiar, unfamiliar, mystical and ordinary. They encompass all aspects of industrialization and the natural world in this particular painting.

view from my studio

2009-07-27T16:15:00.000-04:00

Photo by Jonathon Welch 2009

This is just one of two windows in my studio. Notice the beautiful foliage. I have no idea whose truck that is, and I have no explanation for that sculpture. Those are some rings and crystals and stuff that have lately entered the lexicon of my paintings.

I really like this painting

2009-07-25T23:12:00.000-04:00

Brushing the Rug 24" x 18" acrylic on masonite 2002

Source material comes from a book on how to taxidermy. My friend Tim posed for me, holding a brush in his hand. I signed my name differently in those days.

it comes from the air

2009-07-23T13:53:00.000-04:00

Falling from the sky all the time Oil on Canvas 32" x 18" 2008

This title came to me about 5 minutes ago as I was uploading the image to post here. It's from a song by friend Jaye Bartell (aka Pilgrim)

And because, she was like that of the winged insect
Like that most un blessed bird
falling from the sky all the time

-Shrouded

Every painting is the same

2009-07-21T17:05:00.000-04:00

Changing Buildings into Weeds oil on canvas 24" x 38" 2006

A man visited me in my studio a few weeks ago and commented on all the movement and energy in the work.
"All your work is about the same thing," he said.
I responded, "Oh really, and what is that thing?"
"Millions!"

The first 37 years.

2009-07-20T16:14:00.000-04:00

The Lot. Oil on Board 2002

I was born, and then I grew up.
Around the age of 30 I decided to start painting.