Loosening up with YUPO

Far and Away

26" x 40"

Acrylic on Yupo

Several years ago, I attended a workshop and was introduced to a marvelous new material. Actually, Yupo is not really "new" but had been discovered as a new painting surface by artists. Yupo is a synthetic film that is completely water resistant. Paint literally floats on the surface, forming little rivulets and puddles as it dries. It can be quite difficult to paint on but it is certainly exciting because the outcome is sometimes hard to predict.

A few days ago, I decided to pull out a large sheet of Yupo and experiment with various ways of applying color. I flooded the surface with water and then started to "paint" in the color using sponges and brushes. By lifting and moving the Yupo, the fluid color began to run and merge, forming interesting textures as it dried. I dried off areas that had not completely dried, exposing the white surface again. I allowed the Yupo to dry completely and continued the process of layering transparent glazes of color until I was pleased with the result.

This large, 26"x40", painting will need to be matted and framed but will become a very impressive addition to any home or office decor. It is available for sale on eBay and BoundlessGallery.

Please visit my website to see my entire portfolio of original contemporary abstract paintings.

Back to work...again!

Cusco

24"x30"x1.5"

Acrylic on Canvas

It's been a while since I posted anything on this blog. My father had to undergo a serious operation recently. Both my parents are now in their 80's and needed my help during this crisis. Hopefully things are going well now and I'll be able to start getting into my normal painting routine.

I completed this painting a few days ago. It is available on Ebay right now for a low starting price of $199.00. It is highly textural, something that you can't really see in this image. Click on the image to see a close-up. Of course, if you have any questions about this painting or any of my other works, feel free to contact me.

My website

My Ebay Store

All in Time

All in Time

24"x24"

Acrylic on canvas

I've been working on a series of paintings that start out pretty much the same way, but as I get closer to finishing each one, I seem to go off in a new direction. This painting is one of three that I was working on at the same time. I started by layering thin washes of color, wiping off to expose under layers and applying stamped accents. Finally, after many layers of glazes, the painting began to emerge. I never quite know how a painting will end up - that's part of the fun!

All in Time is available for a short time on eBay. It is also listed on my website.

New Work - Red River Valley

Red River Valley

30" x 30" x 1.5"

Acrylic on canvas

I recently completed this painting along with a similar 30"x40" painting, Anticipation, which has already sold.

This painting is available through my website as well as BoundlessGallery. I find that many times a potential art buyer may be reluctant to purchase a painting based solely on a small image seen on their pc screens. That is very understandable. I have decided to list my work on BoundlessGallery because they offer the buyer the opportunity to return the work after 7 days. If the painting is not to the buyer's complete satisfaction, BoundlessGallery will refund the purchase price of the painting as well as the return shipping cost.

At last, now there is a completely risk-free way to purchase art on-line! Be sure to tell all your friends too.

Visit my BoundlessGallery portfolio and my website.

The Journey Home

The Journey Home

24"x30"

Acrylic on Canvas

I spent most of the day in my studio yesterday and completed this painting. Last week I stretched five canvases and was able to start painting on them. But, as the week wore on, I had to take time away from the studio because of all the interruptions I've been talking about. Anyway, I decided to tackle one of the paintings I had started. Because of the "down" time, I ended up going in a completely different direction than I had started out on.

I've been experimenting with various ways of applying paint to the canvas. I like to do alot of layering to create nuances in texture and color. Rather than apply the paint with a brush, I have been using anything that I find around the studio. Sponges, rollers, rags and scrapers are great tools to use to get color on the canvas. Many times the painting will begin to take on a "life of its own" and will dictate the direction to go in. I love when that happens! Other times, I need to get the old bucket of gesso out and start all over.

The unpredictability of the process is what makes it fun for me. This method of painting is spontaneous and totally intuitive.

Check out The Journey Home

Wayfarer

Wayfarer

Acrylic on Canvas

16"x24"

I've been trying hard to get back on a regular painting schedule. After a bout with the flu and a couple of other family problems, I think I'm finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Like most artists, sometimes I go through a "dry" spell. Getting away from the studio for a while helps get me over the "hump", but eventually I really start to miss my daily routine.

I've written before about interruptions that cause delays or even gaps in creativity. Being an artist is like any other job. We need to devote time strictly to our art. Phone calls, emails, children, sickness, etc. are all creativity killers. I'm guilty of letting everyday interruptions keep me from my work. So, with that said, I'm going to paint today!

I finished this painting a couple of days ago. It's currently listed on eBay. Check out my website too.

Asian Memory

Asian Memory

16"x18"

Mixed Media on Canvas

I listed this painting on eBay a few days ago. I've had it sitting in my studio for a while and as usual, decided to take another look at it. It's a very textural piece, with a lot of collage work and even a skeletanized leaf. It really came to life when I sealed it with several coats of gloss varnish.

Although I've been selling alot of my work through eBay, their fees have really increased in the last couple of years. In order for my work to be seen, I usually list my new work as a "feature plus" and if it doesn't sell, I will list it in my eBay Store at a higher price - the same as my website prices.

A while back I "discovered" another excellent online art site - Boundless Gallery. I hope you will check this site out. It is exclusively for artists and is very easy to navigate. I notice that the quality of art on this site is highly professional and eliminates the need to sift through amatuer doodles that seem to clog up most of the listings on eBay. Purchasing art through Boundless is easy and without risk to the buyer. Hope you will check it out!

You can also purchase art directly from my website. If you need art work specific to your home or office, please contact me to learn how you may commission a painting.