Pleasing to See

Yesterday, I viewed these at David Douglas High School in SE Portland, Oregon and it was so euphoric to see the traditional arts being carried forward by the talented next generation of artists. Have decided to donate any profits I make from this year's portrait work to the AP art program at David Douglas HS as well as the art program at David Douglas Arthur Academy (elementary). The details need to be worked out, but I'm thinking of it being in the form of art materials scholarships.

May all future artists have the tools and guidance to freely express the beauty which inspires them!

First Notes of a Delicate Song

Work in progress started today. Charcoal, sanguine, pastel and acrylic primer on paper 22x33inches.  Working title, "Warm Was the Thought, Soft Was the Sound"

Whispers and Smoke

Wasn't sure where this one was going, then heard about the passing of surrealist HR Giger on May 12th and things became clear. Dedicated to his memory, be at peace...

22x33 mixed media on paper

Hurricanes of Little Epiphanies

In art as well as in all subjects I have come to realize all I am, perhaps all I ever will be, is simply a student, perhaps not even such a bright one, but determined to learn...epiphany after arriving at the beginner's mind.

"Tortoise and the Hare"

Mixed media on paper 22x33inches, need to fix some flat spots but have wait to dry before varnishing.

"Confidence is a static state. Determination is active. Determination allows for doubt and for humility-" from Anna Deavere Smith's book, "Letters to a Young Artist"

Rabbit Holes

Little breakthroughs, minor falls and major lifts. Deciding to ride some of the unexpected turns the muse is taking, liberating...can't be restricted even by self imposed limitations.

"If you are plotting art and trying to make something to get something,  you are not in a state of creative innocence." -Sean Scully

Working title for a work in progress, "Oubliettes"

Remains of Things Unsaid

Our faces communicate more than words or text, in a face we can see things behind surface appearance...things left unspoken.

Finished with this one, made a potentially catastrophic mistake while combining fixatives but managed to save it with Gamvar varnish.

Mixed media on paper 22x33inches