The Canvas Smasher

I've received quite a few emails in response to an earlier post asking me why I destroy most of my paintings. There are several reasons I suppose; but the most obvious is that I need to connect with a piece, if I don't, it gets smashed. As funny as it might seem, destroying the work is part of my creative process. In order to move on, I feel that I must leave the past behind--albeit, learn from it.

One regret I have, is that I wish I could recycle materials. Since I use so much paint, and have uneven surfaces, I'm unable to re-use the canvas; also I like to start fresh from a clean surface so that I don't have the previous image embedded in my mind.

Looking back, I guess there are a few I probably was too hasty in destroying, still, this will always be a part of my process that continues.

The picture above is the mallet I call the Canvas Smasher.

Measured Air

Here are a couple of pictures of my latest painting titled "Measured Air". As you can see, this piece is very light and subtle in color as compared to my main body of work. It's hard to tell from these pictures as well as in-person, that the predominant color is grey. Just minor variations in grey that range from blue, green, violet and beige. To me least, this piece seems to float--hence the title I came up with.

Note: The paintings size is 36x36 and I used a 23 inch wide palette knife for the first time.

Subtle Direction?

I just got back from my studio after painting a new piece. I’ve noticed that my last few paintings have had a lighter, much more subtle palette. This certainly hasn’t been intentional and I don’t know what’s pushing it—perhaps it’s the change in seasons. Most of my work consists of deep rich color variations so I’m finding it surprising and in a way perplexing. I also used a much larger knife for the first time at 23 inches across. I’ll plan to take a picture soon and will be curious to read your thoughts. At least I’ve got a title for the painting, “Measured Air”. It is a very subtle piece, almost weightless in appearance.

In a previous post, I wrote a fun fact about me in that I destroy most of my work. Another fact about me is that I paint only at night. Some are surprised to know that I have never painted a piece in daylight hours—not a single one. I’ll post on the reasons why later, but I’m tired and time to go to bed.

Cool Grafitti Art/Animation

MUTO a wall-painted animation by BLU from blu on Vimeo.

This is an amazing video of grafitti animation art done on public walls in Buenos Aires. I have no idea how this was done, and if in fact it was hand painted or not. If so, I can't imagine how long this must have taken. I've watched it a few times and I still have no idea of what the artist is stating, but the imagery is really cool and clever.

Failed Attempt

Well, I just got back from attempting to paint a new piece that failed miserably. The color relationships didn't work. This is where the majority of my problems occur. In fact, a little known tidbit about me, is that I destroy most of my paintings--about 75% of them anyways.

Tonight's painting looked great until I used my palette knife to blend and pull down the paint. The paint blended into a muddy mess and didn't want to cooperate. I mention the relationship of my paint in my about section and sometimes going to battle with it. The paint got the best of me tonight, but I shall return.

Artist Trust Edge Program

I received some exciting news last week that I was accepted into the Artist Trust Edge Program. The EDGE Program focuses on providing artists with the relevant and necessary entrepreneurial skills to achieve their personal career goals, as well as to develop peer support and exchange among the participating artists.

I can't begin to say how excited I am to be part of this and a big thank you goes to the Artist Trust for allowing me the opportunity. The last class is open to the public where each artist will be presenting an overview of their work at the Lawrimore Project.

Disaster Averted

Yesterday I had a close call to losing quite a few paintings. My hot water tank failed and was quickly spilling water all over the place and came within inches of a number of finished works. These paintings are the ones I'm planning to show in July; needless to say, disaster was averted.