New Illustration

The following illustration was done for Education Week and accompanied an article demonstrating the failings of the "What works Clearinghouse" (WWC), an initiative of the Institute for Education Sciences and designed to "help the education community locate and recognize reliable evidence to make informed decisions," and to "provide educators with a central and trusted source of scientific evidence of what works in education." Whew!

rough sketch

final drawing ( i scrapped the original layout and, at the directions of the art director, made it less "cartoony")

Final illustration colored in Photoshop

A Year in Review:

This year was especially good to me as I move forward in my career as a fine artist and illustrator and I want to thank all of you who have supported me and my work by going to my shows, by purchasing my paintings and prints, and by sending me your kind words of encouragement and by spreading the word about my art. Thank you so much and I look forward to more of a good thing in the New Year!
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BLOG
Speaking of new things, this year I finally added a blog to my website where you can check in regularly to find out what I am up too and get a better idea of how I work. In 2008, I'm hoping to include photos of paintings as they develop, stay tuned!

PRINTS
If you are looking for a special gift for someone this holiday season, please consider buying a limited edition print of one of my paintings. In April I finally was able to make limited edition archival prints available on my website.

Note: If you do not see a print of the painting you would like, please email me and I can make a special order for you.
Also, if you are interested in purchasing a print, live in the DC area, and would like to avoid the additional shipping and handling costs by picking the print up yourself, please contact .

RECAP OF SHOWS & EVENTS OF 2007
- Transformer Gallery's 4th Annual Silent Auction, Washington, DC
(this was the second year I was asked to participate in this, had a great time, and witnessed a little bidding battle for my piece)
- Artist Collaberation, Art Whino Gallery, Alexandria, VA
- Arts on Foot, Penn Quarter, Washington, DC
(this was a wonderful event, and I definitely plan on doing it again next year!)
- ArtRomp20, Warehouse Gallery, Washington, DC
- One Word Project, Arts Club of Washington, Washington, DC
- Art in Heat, Warehouse Gallery, Washington, DC
- Artomatic, Washington, DC
- Everything but the Kitschen Sync, La luz de Jesus Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
(my first show outside of DC…. Looking forward to more!)
- In a Land Far, Far Away, DCAC. Washington, DC

PLANS FOR 2008
It looks like next year will be just as busy and exciting as this year as I work on a new huge (I’ll explain later) series of paintings, a children’s book for Rolling Thunder, Inc., and begin work on a big public awareness ad campaign for a very important international ad agency (look for news about that in January), and begin lining up shows! I’ll make sure to keep you up-to-date and please keep reading the Blog and checking in for new paintings!

2nd SpeakeasyDC Postcard

Here is the second of the 3 postcards I've been hired to do for SpeakeasyDC's 2007-2008 season.

rough sketch

final blue line drawing

final illustration colored in Photoshop (nixed the text around the speech bubble... way too busy!)

Sneak Peak

I thought I'd offer a sneak peak of the painting I have in Transformer Gallery's 4th Annual Silent Auction this Saturday. Should be a fun time!

My Daddy's Somebody

Artist Collaboration

I'll have two paintings in this:

Opening Reception:
Friday, November 9th, 2007, 6-11 pm
Show runs:Nov 9th – Dec 1st, 2007
717 N. Saint Asaph St Alexandria, VA 22314

Art Whino Permanent Gallery

Art Whino opens its doors once again with two new exhibits: A solo show by artist Rick Reese and the addition to 20 new artist to the Art Whino Permanent Gallery featuring the work of its artists' collaboration from around the world. The event, running from 6-11pm, will include music by HoneyLab's DJ David Christ Superstar. The music will have a live broadcast by Orcradio.com


Alan Defibaugh, Anna U Davis,
Aunia Kahn, Brooke Grucella,
Decoy, Emily Greene Liddle,
Erase, Fanatic Ladies,
Gregory Ferrand,
Jason Daniels Jason Snyder,
Julie Steiner, Laurel Hausler,
Candace Keegan, Lisa Selby,
TMNK, Richard Alan Haugh,
Richard Salcido, Rosemary Covey,
Shawn Huddleston

Artist Rick Reese:
Southern California born but Northern California raised artist Rick Reese has been painting and drawing for as long as he can remember. He got his start in the Comic Book and Toy industries where he continues as a freelancer to this day. Rick spends his days painting, surfing, or teaching at Cal State Long Beach where he indoctrinates his students and paints on things that don't belong to him.

In ArtWhino's continuing effort to work with Non Profits to promote arts in our communities, Art Whino is happy to announce that they are working with the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative. ArtWhino is donating proceeds from this and future events to further help with their mission. To read more about them go to DcCollaborative.

Busy with Illustrations

While I've been working on new paintings, I also have been squeezing in illustration projects.
The following illustration was done for Education Week and accompanied an article promoting the idea of using military educational techniques in the civilian educational system.

This is the rough sketch I sent for approval

Blue line final drawing

Final illustration after I colored everything in using Photoshop

I’ve also been hired to do three illustrations for SpeakeasyDC’s 2007-2008 season. Each one depicts 4 of the monthly themes.

Rough sketch

Blue line drawing

Final illustration colored in Photoshop

Halloween Freaks

For those of you who didn’t know it, yes, my wife and I are Halloween Freaks. My wife has a good excuse: Seeing how she grew up in a country where Halloween is not celebrated, she is now making up for the almost 30 years she didn’t get to put on a costume (she’s also an actress, so that helps too)! What’s my excuse? Uuuuuh. I like candy?

Last year we were too busy to make costumes, so this year we went a little crazy making costumes for the “El Ocho” (Day of the Dead) party at Jared and Kate’s. While sitting on our balcony discussing possible costumes, my wife hit on the winner: Las Catrinas, (based on the 1913 zinc etching by Mexican printmaker Jose Guadalupe Posada). We chose to be the skeletal bride and groom that are part of the Dia de los Muertos cast of characters.

So once we agreed on the plan, I got to work making the half-masks using plaster covered gauze strips and wadded up pieces of towels, we picked up the perfect wedding dress for my wife (made for a production of Camelot) and a really nice black suit for me at the annual Arena Stage costume sale, and stopped by the neighborhood Dollar Store to buy fake flowers.



Because we are such Halloween freaks, we put on the costumes again on the 31st and were definitely a hit as we walked up and down our street being stopped over and over again to pose for photos. And to our delight (my wife’s in particular) we walked away with the neighborhood’s “Scariest Costume” award and later won the best costume prize at Asylum in Adams Morgan.

Halloween’s over, we’ve put the masks away, and now we’ve begun to plan for next year’s costumes. Yeah, I know, we’re definitely Halloween freaks!

Making the base mask for my wife

Putting on the lower jaw

The final product!

“El Ocho” party with Las Catrinas, Scott and Mike, and Jared and Kate.

The 4th Annual TransformerSilent Auction & Benefit Party

I've been invited to include a new painting in this. I participated last year and had a great time:

Transformer proudly presents

-The 4th Annual Transformer Silent Auction & Benefit Party taking place Saturday, November 17, 2007, 7-10pm in John Dreyfuss' Sculpture Studio at Halcyon House, 34th and Prospect Streets NW.

-This very special, one-night only event features an exciting array of over 125 artworks in a variety of mediums, dimensions and prices by more than 100 of DC's leading emerging and established artists.

-Expanding Transformer's mission of artist-centered programming, we are thrilled to have this year's Auction at Halcyon House in the gorgeous studio of Washington's leading sculptor, John Dreyfuss. In addition to viewing and bidding on an eclectically curated mix of salon-style hung artworks, patrons are encouraged to groove to the beats of Djs Yellow Fever and enjoy delicious complimentary hors d'oeuvres, wine and beer throughout the evening provided by some of DC's finest restaurants, including: Bombay Club, Buck's Fishing & Camping, Café Saint-Ex, Comet Ping-Pong, Hook, Jaleo, Leopold's Kafe, Maté, Perry's, Rosa Mexicano, Sea Catch, Viridian and Zaytinya.

-With a growing reputation as an awesome party and fantastic opportunity for both beginning and seasoned collectors to purchase some of the best visual art DC has to offer, attendance to the auction is sure to sell out, so buy your tickets early! Attendance is $100 if received by 10.27.07; $125 after this date. Attendance is on a first paid, first secured basis.

-Providing essential support for this dynamic organization's year-round programming, exhibitions, and services, The 4th Annual Transformer Silent Auction & Benefit Party is an ideal place to experience and purchase an informed sampling of work by Washington's top contemporary artists while connecting with a fun, sophisticated and smart audience. The Annual Auction & Benefit Party celebrates and supports Transformer's programming and raises the visibility of a diverse range of contemporary art and artists in the Washington, DC area.

-Proceeds from The 4th Annual Transformer Silent Auction & Benefit Party will match recent grant awards, directly supporting artists through artist honoraria, exhibition material coasts, and related programming support. In addition to supporting exhibitions, proceeds will support artists through the funding of Transformer programs such as The Exercises - a peer-mentorship program for emerging artists, as well as The Framework Panel Series, and our ongoing professional development work to help artists help themselves.

-Contact Transformer about purchasing your auction tickets today!

-Contact Transformer about purchasing your auction tickets today!

-Participating Artists as of 9.25.07:

Seth Adelsberger, Geoffrey Aldridge, Ken Ashton, Clarke Bedford, April Behnke, D. Billy, Reuben Breslar, Iona Rozeal Brown, Miles Bumbray, Kendall Buster, Renee Butler, Colby Caldwell, Graham Caldwell, SunTek Chung, Billy Colbert, Cynthia Connolly, Kathryn Cornelius, Steven Cushner, Frank Day, Decoy, Melissa Dickenson, Janna Dinolfo, John Dreyfus, Nekisha Durrett, Mary Early, Dana Ellyn, Lori Esposito, Jason Falchook, Gregory Ferrand, Suzanna Fields, Thom Flynn, Dawn Gavin, Jason Gubbiotti, Kate Hardy, Linda Hesh, Carlotta Hester, Ryan Hill, Max Hirshfeld, Lucy Hogg, Leslie Holt, Brece Honeycutt, James Huckenpahler, Jason Hughes, Kay Hwang, Susan Jamison, Franz Jantzen, Judy Jashinsky, Ian Jehle, Sue Johnson, Rebecca Jones, Benjamin Jurgensen, Amy Kaplan, Kevin Kepple, Christine Kesler, Jae Ko, Michele Kong, Andrew Kozlowski, Bridget Sue Lambert, Jessica Langley, Nilay Lawson, Pepa Leon, Amy Lin, Brian Liu, Marissa Long, Thomas M. Lowery, Laurel Lukaszewski, Kate MacDonnell, Isaac Maiselman, Anne Marchand, Carolina Mayorga, Robert Mellor, Linn Meyers, Maggie Michael, A.B. Miner, Nan Montgomery, Jiha Moon, Elizabeth Lundberg Morisette, William A. Newman, Lucian Perkins, W.C. Richardson, Hannah Rose, Robin Rose, James Sanborn, Sharon Sanderson, Matt Sesow, Jeff Spaulding, Amy Stein, Dan Steinhilber, Zach Storm, Jason Talley, Noelle Tan, Tang, Lisa Marie Thalhammer, Trish Tillman, Alessandra Torres, Kelly Towles, Andres E. Tremols, Jonathan Trundle, Lauren Vincelli, Paul Vinet, Bill Warrell, Ian Whitmore, Bryan Whitson, Ami Martin Wilber, Andy Moon Wilson, Yuriko Yamaguchi, Chad Yencer, Jason Zimmerman

Arts on Foot

Located @ 8th and F Streets, NW:

Sept. 15th 11am - 5pm

Metro: Gallery Pl-Chinatown

Marking its 15th anniversary, Arts on Foot is a one-day, multimedia Festival that kicks off the fall arts season in Downtown DC’s Penn Quarter. Incorporating visual art, music, theatre, dance, film, and creative cuisine, it’s an interactive celebration the whole family will enjoy. With a lively outdoor street festival as its centerpiece, Arts on Foot also invites you to explore the neighborhood’s museums, theaters, galleries, cultural organizations, and shops. From traditional classics to cutting edge, Arts on Foot offers something for the arts and food lover in everyone!

I will have a booth there and will have paintings and prints available. Starting today through the end of Arts on Foot, I will be having a special offer: All prints 50% off! So get your's before it's too late. Also, I will be accepting commissions. Please come by and say hello!

You can find more info about Arts on Foot here.

ArtRomp 20 @ the Warehouse

Opening Reception: Today, Friday, September 7th (through Sept 30)6pm until late

This crazy big group show marks the end of a DC tradition and the closing (for now) of one of the most important locations for veiwing art, theater, film and music in DC. There will be over 100 artists showing their work a picnic, and live performances all for free.

I'll have this new painting, "Out, waiting for something to happen" on display.

For directions to the Warehouse, go here.

Here is the new painting I will have on display.

New Illustration

For the past 6 years I've been doing editorial illustrations for the nationally distributednewspaper Education Week.

The newest accompanied an article predicting that due to the medical needs of aging baby boomers, the money available for Education will be drastically reduced.

The One Word Project

I'll have one painting in this show.

The One Word Project
Curated by J.T. Kirkland
August 28 – September 29
Opening reception on Friday, September 7 from 6:30–9:00pm

The Arts Club of Washington is pleased to announce The One Word Project, a group exhibition that is the capstone of a three-year exploration of the triangular dialogue between artist, work, and viewer. Featuring more than 30 artists and a wide array of media, the show runs from August 28 to September 29; an opening reception will be held on Friday, September 7 from 6:30-9:00pm.

Begun in 2004 as an online forum for stimulating artists to speak freely about their work, The One Word Project is a deliberate enactment of the 'conversation' between artist and viewer. Interested in seeking new ways to capture pure creative response, curator J.T. Kirkland distilled the traditional artist interview to its most basic element: a single word. After digesting the work of a self-selecting group of artists, Kirkland prompted each with a word of his choosing, to which each artist was asked to respond in approximately100–500 words. The resulting statements—which vary in length, approach, and relevance to the original word—offer a written correlative that informs and enhances the viewer's appreciation of the artist's work.

For Kirkland, the process of making art is as valuable and interesting as the work itself. The One Word Project reveals a fascination with the translation from artist mind to realized art object. The single word prompt minimizes the polluting influence of the viewer's agenda; spurred by an intentionally open-ended stimulus, the resulting self-articulation offers unfiltered insights into process.

In 2006, the work and words of The One Word Project artists were collected in a full-color art book of the same title. The current exhibition represents the natural conclusion of this three-year arc. Each piece is accompanied by Kirkland's word and the artists' response, offering a rare glimpse into the mind of the artist by both visual and verbal avenues. Viewers are encouraged to add their own impressions to the 'conversation'.

The exhibition features work by James W. Bailey (VA), Rachael Baldanza (NY), Joseph Barbaccia (VA), Gregg Chadwick (CA), J. Coleman (DC), Anna Conti (CA), Warren Craghead III (VA), Rosetta DeBerardinis (MD), Gregory Ferrand (DC), D. Keith Furon (CA), Matt Hollis (DC), Candace Keegan (MD), Angela Kleis (DC), Tara Krause (CA), Andrew Krieger (DC), Prescott Moore Lassman (DC), James Leonard (NY), Nathan Manuel (DC), Jennifer McMackon (Ontario, Canada), Jennifer Miller (DC), A.B. Miner (DC), Charles Neenan (VA), Peter Reginato (NY), Jose Ruiz (NY), Wayne Schoenfeld (CA), Kathleen Shafer (DC), Alexandra Silverthorne (DC), Marsha Stein (MD), Trish Tillman (NY), Kelly Towles (DC), Bryan Whitson (DC), and Jamie Wimberly (DC).

High resolution images are available upon request. Books will be available for purchase throughout the duration of the show.

Arts Club of Washington
2017 I Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006

(202) 331-7282

Tues-Fri 10-5; Sat 10-2
http://www.artsclubofwashington.org

AIH CLOSING RECEPTION

If you haven’t had a chance to see my paintings at Art in Heat at the Warehouse Art Complex, this weekend is your last chance!

The Warehouse is also hosting several shows for the Fringe Festival, which is wrapping up this weekend as well. So while you’re out catching up on Fringe shows, swing by the closing reception of Art in Heat and meet the artists this Saturday (July 28th) from 7 - 9pm!

The Fringe Festival is also wrapping up this weekend (with several events are at the Warehouse itself), so come on over this Saturday (July 28th) for the closing reception from 7 - 9pm. For directions to the Warehouse, go here.

PREVIEW DRAWINGS

Since I really don't have anything new to say this week, I thought I'd give you a peek at what I'm working on these days. Doing a bunch of sketching and here are a couple of line drawings I think will make it on to canvas soon!

CHOCOLATE JESUS:

If you’ve never experienced SpeakeasyDC, then don’t miss this!

DC's premiere story performance theatre, SpeakeasyDC, presents Chocolate Jesus as part of the 2007 Capital Fringe Festival. What we all love and hate about religion, and how it shapes us, one way or another, is portrayed through the stories of four storytellers: a nice Jewish girl who turns "midget bitch" in a DC jail, a devoted Baptist minister-to-be who goes drag, a confused Argentine teenager who rebels via Jesus, and a young American in Mexico who finds her inner goddess.

Another good reason to go? To see my extremely talented wife (an amazing storyteller) as the confused Argentine teenager who rebels via Jesus. It’s a great story!

Also, here's the postcard I designed for the show.

Where:

1409 Playbill Café @ 1409 14th St, NW

When:

Thursday, July 19, 8 PM

Friday, July 20, 8 PM

Thursday, July 26, 8 PM

Friday, July 27, 8pm

Saturday, July 28, 10pm

Starring:

Stephanie Garibaldi, Amy Saidman, Eva Salvetti, Travis Wright

Tickets: $15. Pre-sale tickets can be purchased at here

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ALL CAPITAL FRINGE SHOWS, GO :

Online: capfringe.org - 24hrs a day / By Phone: 866-811-4111

BEHIND THE SCENES:

So I thought I’d share another example of my work process. Here’s a quick run down:

- I start by brainstorming, usually starting with some theme or idea inspired by anything really, the news, music, a friend’s story, or my story. I might take notes of specific details or color schemes I don’t want to forget and then…
- I do a bunch of really rough thumbnail sketches where I begin working out the composition and then..
- I do a detailed line drawing that I will use as a reference while I paint.

thumbnail vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvreference drawing

final painting

A VERY SPECIAL DR. SKETCHY'S ANTI-ART SCHOOL

Date:Saturday, July 7
Time:2 Sessions!
Act I: 7-9pm,
Act II: 9:30-11:30pm
Place:Warehouse Second Stage
Cost:$8 for each sessionor $10 for both Live mostly nude, mostly girls! Hosted by Elvis and featuring Bambi Galore and Lil' Dutch. Bring your sketchpad and twisted little mind!

Both girls will model at both acts with costume changes for your drawing pleasure. All are invited to stay after Dr. Sketchy for karaoke with Elvis.(Space is limited, so reserve your spot at the opening or online starting July 2)

AIH OPENS WITH A BANG:

I guess one would have to say that last Saturday night’s Art in Heat opening at the Warehouse Arts Complex was a big success! There were a ton of people all night, lots of good art and a bunch of sales (sold one)!

Big thanks to organizers Scott, Jared, Kate and Mike for doing such a fantastic job of putting the show together, and to Molly Ruppert for hosting it!

If you missed the opening, you still have the rest of July to stop by and check it out. There has never been a show quite like it in DC!

NEW PAINTINGS:

I've got 3 new big paintings on the Art in Heat website. To view them until I have put them up in the Painting section of this site, please go here.

ART IN HEAT(June 30 – July 30, 2007):

Join an eclectic mix of 18 emerging and established artists from the DC area, as well as The Lobsterboy Revue for Art in Heat! Opening night festivities are June 30, 7pm, at the Warehouse and will run late into the hot summer night. Lobsterboy will be on hand at 8pm and 11pm with his “Tiki Party from Hell.” DJ Adam will be keeping the party going in the upstairs gallery.

The selected artists represent the best of DC’s Outsider, Lowbrow, and Pop Surrealist artists. They’re notable for creating work that’s fun, twisted, sexy, and just plain wrong. Featuring: Ed Bisese, Chris Bishop, Scott G. Brooks, Lisa Brotman, Anna U. Davis, Jared Davis, Alan Defibaugh, Margaret Dowell, Dana Ellyn, Gregory Ferrand, Linas Garsys, Laurel Hausler, Candace Keegan, John Lancaster, Emily Greene Liddle, Albert Schweitzer, Matt Sesow, and Ben Tolman.

On Saturday, June 7th, join us again for “A Very Special Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School.” Bring your sketchpad and twisted little mind for an evening of art and burlesque.

Art in Heat will unofficially kick-off this year’s second annual Capital Fringe, which opens July 19th along the 7th Street corridor. The Warehouse is a popular venue and meeting place for Fringe, and Art in Heat is the perfect appetizer.

Visit Art in Heat for more information and to see selected pieces from the exhibit. A complete gallery of the work will be online by June 29th.

Art in Heat

Opening Reception

June 30 – July 30, 2007

Saturday, June 30; 7pm–11pm

The Lobsterboy Revue presents “Tiki Party from Hell” Starring Swami Yomahmi, Sugar Ann Spice, L’il Dutch, Bambi Galore, and many more.

Saturday, June 30; 2 shows, 8 pm & 11pm

Tickets: $12 available only at the door

A Very Special Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School Hosted by Elvis and featuring Bambi Galore

Saturday, July 7; in two sessions,

Act I: 7pm-9pm,

Act II: 9:30pm-11:30pm

Tickets: $8 for each session or $10 for both – limited seating – tickets will be available online.

WHERE?:

Warehouse Arts Complex

1021 7th St NW

Washington, DC 20001

COMING UP FOR AIR:

The past month has been a crazy marathon of painting to get ready for the big group show, Art in Heat. But as of two days ago, I finished the three paintings I have in the show and can now sit back and enjoy the summer from my balcony… for a few days! (more about that later)

As for the paintings (the beginning of my series on guns in America), I’m happy with them though a bit ambivalent about whether or not I think they are a complete success… but that’s always the feeling I’m left with when I am working under so much pressure to get things doneon time.

Below you can see a little of my work process. My paintings are really planned out from the beginning. Here you can see one of the paintings evolve from a rough sketch to the final thing. I planned on taking some photos of the painting in progress, but never got to it. Next time!

"Boy, I'll Make a Man of You Yet!" (before and after)

ARTOMATIC WRAP UP:

Artomatic went really well for me as I sold 8 out of 13 paintings as well as some of the my new prints. I also had a chance to reconnect with some artists I met at the last Artomatic (2004) and also met quite a few others.

Overall, Artomatic was a great experience though didn’t have the same excitement surrounding it that the previous one had for me. Maybe it’s because I’ve done it before, but I also think that it was because of the space itself, a bit claustrophobic on the 6th floor due to the crazy amount of offices. I know we can’t be picky about the spaces Artomatic finds itself in, I’m just happy it happened it all and am already looking forward to the next one! Fall 2007 in DC?

MEET THE ARTIST NIGHT:

If you haven’t been to Artomatic yet or were planning to go before it closes on May 20th, Friday, May 4 would be the perfect night to go. It's Artomatic's official “Meet the Artist” night. I'll be there from 6–11 pm!

My work is located on the 6th floor in room 6D41 on the “blue line.”
For directions and hours, go here.

PRINTS:

That’s right, I finally have high quality prints available and an easy way to order them through the Purchase section of the website. Check them out here.

THE WASHINGTON POST:

I forgot to mention earlier, that the Washington Post’s City Guide people asked to include my painting “I Fall in Love Too Easily” in a slide show of artists’ work as part of their online coverage of Artomatic 2007. See for yourself here.

ART IN HEAT :

Now that Artomatic is in full swing, it's time to get started on the paintings I'll be showing in Art in Heat. What's Art in Heat? Art in Heat is going to be a great show opening June 30th at the Warehouse Gallery. The lineup is packed with talented DC artists that do work that is somewhat related to the Lowbrow/Pop Surrealism movement. Also, throughout the run of the show, there will be performances by The Lobster Boy Revue as well as other burlesque shows. PUT THIS ON YOUR CALENDARS! DC has never experienced anything like it!

So, now to work! I've got a little under two months to finish up 3 paintings for this!

This weekend, I started fleshing out some ideas I have for a few of the paintings. As I get further along, I'll post some photos of my progress.

ARTOMATIC OPENING NIGHT:

What a night last night. Artomatic was packed, with about 3,800 people passing through, and it definitely felt like it, especially in those narrow office hallways! But it was nice to see so many people show up. Family and friends were nice enough to come (thank you!) and I ran into a lot of artists including Jared Davis, Dana Ellyn, Ana U. Davis, Matt Sesow, Scott Brooks, and Matt Dunn.

If you didn’t make it to Artomatic last night, plan on doing so, and please stop by my wall on the 6th floor in Blue 6D41. Here’s the info:

ARTOMATIC 2007
April 13–May 20, 20072121 Crystal Drive, Arlington, Va.Metro stop: Crystal CityFree admission. Donations accepted

HOURS: Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday: Noon–10 p.m.Thursday: Noon–11 p.m.Friday, Saturday: Noon–1 a.m.Closed Mondays

Artomatic, the Washington, D.C., area’s eclectic, engaging — and occasionally even eye-popping— arts extravaganza is back this spring and promises to be more of a draw than ever before.

Held regularly since 1999, Artomatic is the region’s one-of-a-kind multimedia art featuring more than 600 regional artists and performers. The free five-week event, to be held April 13–May 20, will feature nearly 90,000 square feet of paintings, sculptures, photography and other creative work.

TIRED AS HELL:

Last night finally finished up the last painting I want to put into Artomatic, and today was installation day. Overall, I’m happy with how the wall came together. If there’s one thing missing, it’s good lighting. The fluorescent office lights are pretty horrible for lighting paintings, but seeing as I haven’t had time to do anything other than paint, there was no way I could install my own. Next time.

My wall at Atomatic 2007

NUMERO UNO:

So, this is my first entry into what I hope will be a somewhat consistent attempt to document my life as an artist…… uh, yeah…… So here goes!

Just got back from prepping my wall at this year’s (surprise) Artomatic. Got there and the place was busy with artists doing the same.

After unloading my supplies, I realized (after being so careful not to forget anything) that I’d forgotten one crucial thing… the paint rollers. Moment of panic, and then my wife went off and was able to borrow one from a friendly neighbor. At this point, we had an hour before close and one roller between three people to paint a pretty good sized wall. It was close, but we pulled through..... (Sigh)