Stage two "new painting"

     This is my second night session painting, and I have to say I am loving every moment of it. It seems silly to value something so insignificant as the subtle yet semi-rough feeling of brush on canvas, the organic mush (similar to mud) of full bodied paint, or the slick viscous inky flow when it is mixed to extend its coverage. In many ways it is incredibly fulfilling, and reassuring that I haven't forgotten my processes. One thing I can compare this reacquainted familiarity to is that of a retired athlete coming back to the game after years away from the sport. 

     My body, like that of the athlete's has a muscle memory of techniques that never really quite left. Now I am not saying I am a veteran painter, but I do have my mannerisms. The intentional holding of multiple brushes in between the fingers of my right hand switching to my left to paint wet on wet paint blending colors, and utilizing varied sizes for areas of detail or quick application of color in large areas. Sometimes I have so many brushes going with varied hues, tones, tints ect... that I even resort to holding one or two under my tongue.

     This evening I decided to challenge myself to begin under-painting the figure and take a break from the "safe" areas of the piece (mainly the building, asphalt, and sidewalk detailing). What an exercise in letting go of control. In many ways I felt like I was fighting myself. That inner voice of fear, and failure that intimidates me into not even trying, kept creeping up in an attempt to convince me that I would ruin the painting by making a mess of the person. "Your too messy for something as delicate as a human figure, stick to landscapes..." Anyway I prevailed and I could not feel anymore accomplished.

     On this second stage painting the details, no matter how painstaking and tough, ended up being the most entertaining part. I especially love the detail of the pooled blood, shadows, and the compound fracture. Later on in stage 3 or 4 I will return, and clean up, as well as add more refined highlights, and gradations as needed.

     Lastly I believe there is the matter of a title. Listening to my iPod music in my earmuff headphones I am able to really cancel out any noise from the outside world. This not only allows me to focus better on my task, but also allow me to hear the lyrics to songs better. I by chance came across the following song on shuffle: "on our way down" - Stabbing Westward - Darkest Days. This song reminds me vividly of the subject matter of the dream and the meaning behind the catharsis of my falling to the ground. I am super excited that it fits my art show theme better now as well.

Lyrics bellow
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/stabbingwestward/onyourwaydown.html

Art Is Resistance

     I decided to dust off the old military surplus black jacket I had hanging up in my closet and use it for my latest bit of inspiration. A few years back when I was living with my roommates Daniel and Richard we all were super amped that Nine Inch Nails had released 5 new albums and other new projects when prior to that Trent Reznor and the band had been silent for many years. When the albums Year Zero and The Slip launched they came with an onslaught of political backstory, fictitious characters, and stories set in a future, post-apocalyptic totalitarian time period. 

     Daniel, Richard and myself all became highly interested in the way that the story harkened at warnings of what could happen in real life with war, terrorism, and big brother. As a symbol of support I fashioned an arm band for my coat with a DIY method of stencil screen printing to show off the Art is Resistance logo. In the Year Zero universe members of this front are similar to our current street artist Banksy, Space Invader, and Shepard Farley. They use urban guerrilla propaganda art, graffiti, poster/flyering, and viral media to spread the news of the uprising against a corrupt dictatorship. 

     I thought it would be cool to see what I could create using only my phone camera, along with the apps Sketchbook Mobile, and Photoshop Express Mobile. I wanted to design posters that looked similarly to what one would see at a Levi jeans department store or that would be close to the OBEY clothing line. Simple text and a raw unrefined feel. I really enjoyed this project and hope you do too feel free to comment and give feedback as well.

Irish farm pasture watercolor

     Here is my attempt at a smaller format painting it's essentially a 5X7" on watercolor painting. I have sketched in the farmhouse and the gates however due to transparency of the watercolor I think I am going to go over with gauche or an acrylic wash color thinned down. I will also add some trees, scrubs, and some livestock as well.

Work in progress Japanese garden watercolor

     I got this image in my head and just started sketching out the rough with a watercolor pencil. I have been working on this painting locking in sections of color and shape little by little on my lunch breaks and fifteens at work. It feels so calming to paint and i really needed that release today. I have been feeling so much joy since my daughter was born but at the same time tons of anxiety over things I cannot immediately impact like my current state of employment and my personal goals. 

     I know this much I am a starving artist and not in the literal sense. I starve for creativity and the connection I feel with my self when I paint or draw. One day I will be able to let that passion out but at present these little paintings help me feel reassured not to let my dreams or creativity die

New paintings

     I recently took up watercolor painting again. I cannot believe how much I missed this paint medium as well as just winding down to paint in general. It is so therapeutic to hold a brush in my hand and be in a quiet peacefully solace. I love the way it allow me to remove stress and just breath. It has really brought me back to a passion for art and pulled me from the poison of being stuck on perfection. 

     I am painting with a pentel water brush and a cottman travel set of winsor newton field paints. I also have begun mixing in gauche and watercolor pencil. This freedom of field sketching and painting is amazing. I hope to soon practice some painting en plen air as the French say maybe at Lewis Ginter. Hope you like