gregory ferrand

New Painting

2011-05-09T11:46:00.008-04:00

I just wrapped up work on my newest painting You're Innocent When You Dream last week and wanted to share it.

rough sketch

final drawing

You're Innocent When You Dream acrylic on canvas, 30" x 24"

New illustration

2011-04-08T16:31:00.004-04:00

The following commentary illustration was done for Education Week and accompanied an article that details the causes behind the nation wide issue of school districts in fiscal crisis.

The image on the left was the rough sketch approved by the editor. He had two notes: Make the cliff feel deep (thus I decided that the bag of money would have fallen of the man's head) and make the crowd at the edge more diverse (which was my intention but obviously didn't translate from my sketch). In the end the direction helped a lot, making the image stronger.

this is illustration! American Illustrators

2011-03-16T12:58:00.017-04:00

About a year and a half ago I received an email from an editor at the Barcelona based publishing house Monsa informing me that I had been chosen (along with 15 others) to be included in a new book about American Illustrators called this is illustration! American Illustrators.

I just received my complimentary copy of the new book and am very happy with the final product and am honored to be on a list that includes prominent illustrators such as Gary Taxali. If you are interested in purchasing the book you can do so here.

This is the publisher's description of the book:

Illustration in the Americas is experiencing a great burst of creativity, where the famous and acclaimed are joined by young upstarts whose rich innovative values are due to their constantly creative skill.

American Illustrators is a compilation of work from both acclaimed and novel illustrators, providing us with a peep into this marvellous world of American Illustrators.
This is an ideal book not just for creative professionals and students, but also all illustration fans.

New Painting

2011-03-08T13:46:00.013-05:00

I just wrapped up work on my newest painting "Conquering Psyche" last week and wanted to share it. The painting was done thinking of Valentine's day and is roughly based on the myth of Psyche and Cupid as well as psycology's use of the word "psyche."

rough sketch

final drawing

Conquering Psyche, acrylic on canvas, 24"x24"

New Painting: The Great Escape

2010-12-02T10:20:00.004-05:00

rough sketch

(you can see how much the painting changed from the sketch below)

The Great Escape

acrylic on canvas

18"x 36"

New Painting: I Try To Be An Ordinary Girl

2010-12-02T10:13:00.006-05:00

rough sketch

I Try To Be An Ordinary Girl

acrylic on canvas

15'x30"

A Day in Sevilla

2010-05-25T11:07:00.012-04:00

I was just reading through old emails and found one I wrote about my trip to Sevilla, Spain in the summer of 2004. Made me laugh.

un cuento/ a story

sevilla, the city where christopher colombus was granted his wish and fate took its course.

yesterday i got to sevilla late. i had planned to catch the 8 am bus from granada to sevilla but the bed was too comfortable. after a slow start, i was able to take the next bus at 12 pm and reached sevilla around 3 pm.

its hot as hell! its 47 degrees celsius!!! (that equals 116.6 degrees fahrenheit!)

after getting off the bus and checking my map of the city, i began making my way into the center of the city on foot. did i say walk? more like stumble blindly.

first, as i said, "its hot as hell," so you stumble forward from one shady spot to the next until this becomes much more important than actually following a particular route. in fact the path seems marked liked hansel and gretel leaving breadcrumbs for you. shadow to shadow, and then you realize that this is getting you no where or rather, lost.

so you must brave the sun and when you do, its as if you've stepped into a hot turkish bath of perspiration. your clothes cling to you and your feet roast in the running shoes that you'd rather not be wearing, the flip flops that broke in granada packed useless in your backpack as the glue that you patched them with the night before, dries.

second, upon reaching the city center you find yourself in a maze of twisted narrow streets that leave you with no sense of direction. but there are lovely sights to see as you walk through the old jewish quarter of santa cruz. there is the 3rd biggest cathedral in the world with its gothic flying buttresses and gargoyles that act as drain spouts (i heard that the word gargoyle comes from the latin word for gargle), there is the impressive Alcazar (once a fort/church/palace), and of course the dozens of outdoor cafes on cute little plazas.

finally by 5 pm i reach my destination at the Pensión Varega and crash, pummeled by the sun. after a couple of hours of reading "the sun also rises", i venture out again.

the streets as i said are narrow. high above hang long sheets of canvas to give protection from the sun to the crowds below. crowds eating ice cream, window shopping, and people-watching (like me).

i find my way to the river. along the way it is completely necessary to by a bottle of water every 10 city blocks. (still hot)

the river is green and full of kayakers paddling away and playing water basketball between strokes.

on my way back into town i pass the old bullring and find a bench on the plaza nueva and sit down next to a little round old lady with a black dog, who struck up a conversation with me by trying to guess where i was from. after eliminating all of the european possibilities (from germany to italy) she finally guessed right (to her satisfaction).

before long, another younger old lady with a flashlight joined us on the bench and entered into the conversation, fanning herself furiously. (hot)

the conversation began (being dominated by the 1st-old-lady-with-a-black-dog) with a short history of how the river had been diverted many years ago from its original path (it had flowed right though the plaza in which we were sitting). then the conversation moved on to the 1st-old-lady-with-a-black-dog talking about her 8 cousins who had moved to venezuela (60-some years before) by sneaking aboard a ship and when they were caught, made friends with the captain. and then she talked about how bored she had been while visiting her daughter's family on sunday. they had a pool, but she hadn't been in a pool since 1981 (she thought).

the 2nd-younger-old-lady-with-a-flashlight would occasionally make comments that had nothing to do with what the 1st-old-lady-with-a-black-dog was saying, such as:
1. how lonely she was.
2. how she wouldn't take/get on elevators anymore even though her daughter lived on the 9th floor of an apartment building. she said she took the stairs. (i found that hard to believe)
3. she got absolutely furious about the idea of chewing gum (she found it disgusting)
4. and finally said that i was a handsome blond.

the 1st-old-lady-with-a-black-dog continued talking about people finding long lost treasure buried in in the ground floor of their row houses, repeated the story about how bored she was at her daughter's house on sunday, and then talked about electrical black out (which explained why the 2nd-younger-old-lady-with-a-flashlight had a flashlight).

the conversation completely degenerated when the 2nd-younger-old-lady-with-a-flashlight asked the 1st-old-lady-with-a-black-dog if she wasn't uncomfortable missing half of her teeth.

the 1st-old-lady-with-a-black-dog was in fact missing, on the top row, almost all her teeth on the left side, and on the bottom row, almost all of the teeth on the right side.

from then on, health was the topic of discussion, dominated of course by the 1st-old-lady-with-a-black-dog. she told us that she had left her false teeth at her daughter's house on sunday, then she told us about the breast cancer that turned out to be a blood clot (a discovery made literally on the operating table as the doctors prepared to remove her breast), she spoke about her nephew's spinal cord problems, and how her brother (a professor of physical chemistry at the age of 17) died at the age of 30 in his bathtub.

shortly before leaving the bench and their company, the 1st-old-lady-with-a-black-dog gave us all hard candies before declaring "they're sugar free!," which was good because they both turned out to be diabetics, joking about not being able to prick their fingers for blood tests anymore because they had built up callouses.

in the end i left them smiling on the bench, slightly sorry that i was leaving as i was sure that i would be missing out on some interesting conversations.

sevilla is a beautiful place!

Sunset in Plaza Nueva, Sevilla sold

(this painting was made shortly after returning to the States in 2004. Not the old ladies I was sitting with, but my view from the park bench while we spoke.. )

SI-LA 48

2010-05-21T11:13:00.006-04:00

I recently was notified that the web version of the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles's illustration annual #48 went live. My painting, "She Loves Me (she loves me not)" was selected to be in the gallery section. You can see it here.

She Loves Me (she loves me not)

Process: The Painting That Took A Year

2010-05-03T14:57:00.025-04:00

Once I start a painting I usually have no problem with it, the paint flows and it almost seems to finish itself. I finished "God Bless This House," the subject of this post, in January, and I was very very happy to be done. For some reason, it took me forever.... a year.

PROCESS - God Bless This House:

Process: Rough thumbnail sketches. I went with a version of the 2nd.

Process: This drawing was the final stage of planning.

Process: stopping point

When I got to this point in the painting, I painted over the figures and stopped for 5 months. I had never done this before, but something (I couldn't have told you what) was wrong with the painting.

Process: Whiteout

When I finally tried to tackle the painting again and save it, this is what I came up with.

And I ran with it.

Process: final

Detail

Portrait of a Promising Young Artist

2010-05-03T10:02:00.009-04:00

I just wanted to share this awesome drawing made by my 6 year old very talented nephew yesterday. Once he finished, he got out some scotch tape and taped it to the front of my shirt.

Yesterday he came over to see our new house and found himself very much at home when he saw my studio. He immediately asked for paper, pencils and crayons and sat down at my drafting table and began to work. Next time I'll break out the paint!

Piece for Yuri's Night 2010

2010-04-09T10:42:00.002-04:00

Finally got my studio installed and found the time to crank out this drawing for Yuri's Night tomorrow. I apologize for the poor quality of the image, I didn't have a chance to scan it before I dropped it off for hanging.

Glory Days (sold)

Yuri's Night 2010

2010-04-01T23:54:00.001-04:00

With any luck (due to the craziness of our move) I'll have one piece in this show!

Countdown To Yuri's Night
Takes Flight Third Straight Year
Saturday, April 10 At 8 P.M.

WASHINGTON, DC (February 4, 2010) Countdown to Yuri's Night, an out of this world art extravaganza that combines visual art, performance, and music to commemorate the first human space flight, is back for a third year.

Countdown to Yuri's Night, a 21-and-over event, takes place Saturday, April 10, from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., at the Capitol Skyline Hotel (10 I Street SW). Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Visit http://www.outofthisworldparty.com/ for tickets, artist links, and event announcements.

Returning to the event to are Trixie Little and The Evil Hate Monkey, an award-winning acrobatic superduo who dance, flip, fight, and strip for the opposing forces of good and evil. Their adventures have taken them all across the United States, and now they are charting a course to conquer the galaxy.While the complete 2010 line-up will be announced shortly, past performers include Miss Saturn, L'il Dutch, and The Atomic Mosquitos.

In an "Astro-Pop" art exhibition organized by artists Scott G. Brooks and Jared Davis, approximately 20 visual artists will exhibit work that celebrates, reflects, and imagines space, from hard-core science to the lowbrow culture. Confirmed artists, in addition to Brooks and Davis, include Dana Ellyn, Matt Sesow, Stephen Blickenstaff, Greg Ferrand, Linas Garsys, and Andrew Wodzianski. The exhibition will be available for viewing prior to the event at http://www.outofthisworldparty.com/.

Countdown to Yuri's Night is an artistic spin on a high-science holiday. On April 12, 1961, Russian Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin embarked on the historic first manned space flight. Every year around April 12, Yuri's Night parties are held all around the world; it's like St. Patrick's Day for space.

For art, please contact Deb Fiscella / Center Stage Marketing at DFMPR@aol.com.

New Illustration

2010-03-18T10:54:00.008-04:00

The following commentary illustration was done for Education Week and accompanied an article that explored the idea of predicting the viability of educational reforms.

rough sketch

final drawing

final illustration (color added in Photoshop)

Colors

2010-03-16T12:02:00.005-04:00

I have been painting painting painting. Not canvases but my new house. Not everyone has loved the color choice, but I do!

Newest Painting & Others That Are Available For Sale

2010-02-01T11:11:00.006-05:00

Just wanted to share my newest painting and a link to view other pieces that are currently available. To see what I have go here.

God Bless This House (sold), acrylic on canvas, 36"x24"

Thank you very much for your support and interest in my work!

A Nice Way to Start 2010

2010-01-01T14:04:00.002-05:00

This morning I started the day like any other: had breakfast, played with my son and then checked my email. When I did, I was surprised and happy to see that I had an email from the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles's saying that my painting, "She Loves Me (she loves me not)," was selected to be in the gallery section of the SI-LA's illustration annual #48 (this is the second year in a row I've been included). I will be sure to provide a link when the annual goes live later this year.

2010 is looking good so far!)

She Loves Me (she loves me not)

Art Basel Miami

2009-12-01T09:59:00.010-05:00

I'm happy to announce that 3 new pieces from my American Comfort Food series have been taken down to Art Basel Miami by Washington area gallery Art Whino (Dec. 2-Dec. 6). If you happen to be in the neighborhood please stop by to check them out and for those of you who can't make it (like me) here they are!

----------------------------------------------------------

For more information about the location of the show and special events Art Whino is holding in conjunction with the show, please go here.

Brian Jungen at the NMAI

2009-11-29T20:34:00.002-05:00

Over the weekend I passed through the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian and caught an exhibition of Brian Jungen 's scupltures. Jungen' s work is constructed with recycled materials.

Whale Skeleton (constructed with plastic patio chairs)

If you are down at the mall and have the chance, stop by to check it out!

Brave (constructed with old baseball gloves)

New Illustration

2009-11-22T07:43:00.001-05:00

The following commentary illustration was done for Education Week and accompanied an article that explored what steps need to be taken to reform the education system. Above all, the article declares that reformers need to have be visionaries as they courageously step forward to reach meet their ultimate goal.

rough sketch

final blue-line drawing

final illustration (colored in photoshop)

American Comfort Food #2

2009-11-02T11:03:00.001-05:00

Here is the second in my new series: American Comfort Food. Stay tuned for the rest in the coming weeks!

"American Comfort Food: Hope" (mixed media on paper)

Transformer Auction

2009-11-01T05:27:00.003-05:00

Transformer Gallery's Annual Auction is this Saturday (11/7/09), and I'll have one new piece (see in past post) available. If you haven't gotten tickets yet, there is still time!

Halloween!

2009-10-31T00:43:00.003-04:00

Another Halloweeen has come in gone on Lamont St. (and it looks like it will be our last as residents). If you've never been to the Lamontster Bash, it's unbelievable! Hundreds of kids running up and down the street trick or treating, screaming and laughing at the great decorations. Unfortunately, we weren't able to get out to any of the great parties going on, but we got dressed up (luckily I had an easy one to put together) and walked around anyway. I'm already thinking of costume idea for next year!

The family's first Halloween. (From left: Don Luchador, El Chapulin, and La Calavera)

American Comfort Food #1

2009-10-02T12:58:00.009-04:00

I wanted to share the first in a ten part mixed media series I'm working on called American Comfort Food. This piece is titled "Bailout" will be on display at Transformer Gallery's 6th Annual Silent Auction to be held at the Mexican Cultural Institute on November 7th. Tickets just went on sale yesterday. Stayed tuned for the next in the American Comfort Food series!

American Comfort Food: Bailout (mixed media on paper)

Life Essentials Group Show

2009-09-22T11:38:00.008-04:00

I will have one painting in this group show:

Life Essentials Benefit Show featuring the works of over 100 artists and Eighteen Street's Lounge newest band from Germany: Ancient Astronauts

When: Both Sept. 24th and Sept. 26th before heading on to Art Basel in Miami in Dec.
Thursday, September 24th, from 6pm – 12pm (Invite Only Preview)
Saturday, September 26th, from 6pm – 12pm
$25 - Non Profit Donation Entry Fee The upstairs Art Exhibit is Free and open to the public
(To buy tickets and more show info go to: http://www.artwhino.com/life)

Event Location for both nights:
The Portals Theater
1236 Maryland Ave
Washington, DC 20024

Art Whino and The International Lifeline Fund (“ILF”) present Life Essentials, a four-city tour that brings together the best Visual and Musical Artists in support of ILF’s ground-breaking humanitarian and environmental projects in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The exhibit will feature the works of over 100 artists from across the country and around the globe. The tour will kick off in Washington, D.C. with a two-night event on Thursday and Saturday, September 24 and 26. Following the D.C. launch, the show will hit the road with stops at Art Basel in South Beach on December 5-6, New York City in March, and San Francisco in June.

Thursday, September 24, 2009, will be an invitation-only event featuring live musical performances, a presentation by ILF, and an exclusive sneak preview of the artwork in advance of the official opening of the “Life Essentials” show on Saturday. Guests will be given the opportunity to purchase the artwork and otherwise to support ILF’s vital mission through participation in a silent auction and individual donations. Many celebrities, politicians, ambassadors, and other DC power players are expected to attend. Savory hor’dourves and sweet desserts will be served along with libations.

Saturday, September 26, 2009, will be the official “Life Essentials” art show opening kicking off the four city tour at the Portals Theater in Washington, DC, Art Whino opens this incredible art show and reception party featuring a night of lush entertainment by Ancient Astronauts, ESL music’s newest signed talent from Germany, who will headline the evening with a special performance, setting the mood for this spectacular evening.

Arts on Foot... again

2009-09-10T14:06:00.004-04:00

Arts on Foot (primary event) :
Saturday, Sept. 12th 11am - 5pm

Metro: Gallery Pl-Chinatown

Arts on Foot is back and after 2 successful years there so far, I reapplied for selection this year and was accepted! I'll be located at booth #80 on F St. in front of the National Portrait Gallery, at the corner of F and 7th St., on Saturday only. Come early because I will be selling a limited number of drawing studies (for past paintings) and inexpensive prints.

Marking its 17th anniversary, The Washington Examiner’s ARTS ON FOOT sponsored by Wines of Argentina is one of Washington, DC’s most unique celebrations, and is considered by many to be the city’s premier outdoor festival. Spanning four city blocks, the event kicks off the Fall arts season and showcases the best that Downtown DC has to offer.

You can find more info about Arts on Foot here.

New Illustration

2009-08-18T09:31:00.008-04:00

The following commentary illustration was done for Education Week and accompanied an article applauding the Obama administration's directive that policymakers determine what programs work so that programs that don't work can be cut. The article goes on by exploring the idea that before policymakers can do this, the administration needs to be innovative in determining what works about "what works."

rough sketch

final drawing

final illustration (colored in photoshop)

Notre Dame Magazine

2009-07-14T10:49:00.004-04:00

When I was in Argentina I received an email from Notre Dame Magazine's art director asking to use one of my paintings on the cover of their summer issue dealing with the current economic crisis. I just got word that it's been published and is now available.

The Sin Show

2009-07-07T12:05:00.004-04:00

Recently I finished my newest illustration for SpeakeasyDC's show that will premiere at this year's Capitol Fringe Festival (opening tonight).

rough sketch

final drawing

final illustration (graphite, blue pencil & colored in Photoshop)

By the way if you've never been to a SpeakeasyDC event, storytelling for adults, then go!

TETRO

2009-07-05T21:32:00.001-04:00

I don't normally have contributors to my blog, but I thought that this post would be a good one to start with; it's written by my lovely wife).

"The other night, thanks to the generous help of my sister-n-law and a friend to babysit, we had the chance to go to cinema! What a luxury!

The film that we went to see was Tetro, Francis Ford Coppola's newest film shot in Argentina. The script is simple, it features two Argentine/Italian brothers who reconnect in Buenos Aires to explore their family's dark history. The film is definitely Coppola's best in a long time and the first script he has written himself since The Conversation. Though it's a family drama, it's chock full of suspense, humor, and " artsy" scenes (or memories) of the past. As one reviewer wrote about this new film "It's taken over 30 years for Coppola to discover what kind of films he should be making, art films."

And the acting is solid. It's star, Vincent Gallo (Buffalo 66 & The Brown Bunny) is perfect in portraying the tortured soul of his character, Tetro. 18 year old Alden Ehrenreich, makes a really convincing debut as well and Maribel Verdu (Y Tu Mama Tambien), as always, was fantastic. It was a nice surprise to see so many Argentine actors as well. They represented well, De la Serna (The Motorcycle Diaries) and Bredice (9 Queens) were very funny, Susanna Gimenez (Argentina's answer to Oprah) was herself (thankfully), but my favorite by far was Mike Amigorena (Los Pells), he's hilarious!

Now it's entirely possible that you won't like the story or actors, but we're sure that you'll agree that the film's strongest asset is the cinematography. It was great to see such beautiful shots of Argentina! We've long ago noticed that Argentine cinema (in general does a pretty bad job of shooting exterior shots and lose the opportunity to show how beautiful the country is. Our favorites shots were one of the Obelisco (Argentina's cousin to the Washington Monument) and others of glaciers in the Patagonia. It seems to us, Coppola did a good job in portraying Argentina and the Argentineans without too many stereotyping them too much.

By no means do we think that everything about this film works, but overall it's entertaining and a film we recommend seeing. "

Brushstrokes II

2009-07-05T21:30:00.000-04:00

The other night I just happened to walk out onto our balcony, look to the right and see this...
We have great view of Rock Creek Park and the National Cathedral but last night the sunset was pretty dramatic!

J Davis does Tiki for kids!

2009-07-02T20:59:00.001-04:00

Talented and super busy DC artist and scenic designer Jared Davis does Tiki Onesies. That's right, you heard it here first!

Kids love 'em!

New Illustration

2009-07-02T20:57:00.001-04:00

The following illustration was done for Education Week and accompanied an article exploring the idea that battling philosophies (in terms of education) need to put their differences aside and solve the never ending education crisis.

rough sketch

final drawing

final illustration (graphite, blue pencil & colored in Photoshop)

Argentina, Buenos Aires, La Boca, Benito Quinquela Martin and Cordoba

2009-07-01T09:22:00.034-04:00

As I've already mentioned in an earlier post, my family and I recently got back from a 6 week trip to Argentina (Buenos Aires and Capilla del Monte, Cordoba) to introduce our newly born son to my wife’s family and old friends.

It was a great trip, really important for the family to meet little Luca at such a young age, but I have to say it was definitely tough to go from winter/spring here in the states back to fall/winter there. By the end we were more than ready to come back to summer!

What did we do while we were there?

we rented an apartment (for the first time) across from BA's morgue (not on purpose)

We took the subway (alot) to see art.......

In the neighborhood of La Boca. (If La Boca was turisty before, it's insane now!)

there we saw El Che and Evita...

and we went to the Museo de Benito Quinquela Martin (hugely popular argentine painter)

we had plenty of meat

saw more art at La MALBA.....

then we went to Cordoba and enjoyed the outdoors....

and of course we had more meat!

Like I've said before, if you haven't been to Argentina, go!!!

Cava Mezze Mural

2009-06-29T11:50:00.001-04:00

By the time my show, La Vida Intensa at Hillyer Art Space, was in full swing, I got an email from an Interior designer doing work for a new Greek restaurant on Capitol Hill. Apparently she had picked up one of my postcards at my tent during last year’s Arts on Foot (another lesson in getting out there to be seen) and wanted me to paint a mural for the new place. The opportunity was too great to pass up even though we were busy packing for our trip to introduce our son to my wife’s family in Argentina, so I accepted.

It had been a while since I had painted a mural, so it was interesting to have to think again about what paint to use, how to get up there (scaffolding), and how to transfer my final drawing onto the wall. In the end everything went smoothly, I finished in one week; one day before we left for our trip and three days before the restaurant opened.

For those of you interested in checking out the mural and want to sample the really delicious food, head over to Cava Mezze on 8 st SE in Capitol Hill (just a couple of doors down from the new Matchbox).

SI-LA 47

2009-06-29T11:45:00.001-04:00

Good news! My painting, "El Fin," was selected to be in the gallery section of the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles's illustration annual #47.

Hillyer Show Opening and WrapUp

2009-06-29T11:44:00.008-04:00

The show is over and now long gone, but I thought that I’d post a few thoughts about the opening and mid-show opening.

Opening Night: After an extremely long and hectic week (the birth of my son) it was great to see friends, family and a ton of people I didn’t know show up to see what I had been working on all of those months. I didn’t have a chance to really talk to anyone (as is always the case at one of these things) but I met a lot of new people interested in my art. It was a great turnout, breaking Hillyer’s attendance record (over 500) and leaving me even more dazed and tired, but happy.

(mid)Opening Night: So the show was up for almost 2 months and mid-way through, Hillyer held a second “opening.” This time the crowd was more manageable and I could actually relax and had the opportunity to have conversations about my work. It’s funny, but after coming up with ideas for paintings, I have a tendency to be more interested in the actual application of paint rather than the subject of the painting. Those conversations with complete strangers sort of bring me back to the larger picture (in terms of what I am hoping to convey with my art) and can be quite inspiring. Also, having my wife and son be able to attend was another bonus!

Wrap-up: I have to say I’m extremely happy with the way the show turned out. The Hillyer staff was wonderfully flexible since I wasn’t too available in the days preceding the show (because of the birth) and installed everything without me. They did a great job of promoting the show and in the end it just about sold out!

Washington Post's Weekend Express

2009-04-03T02:17:00.005-04:00

I found out that one of my new paintings, She Loves Me (she loves me not), got printed in the Washington Post's Weekend Express's gallery section yesterday.

There's a pretty nice blurb about my show "La Vida Intensa" at Hillyer Art Space (running through April 24th): "Not Half-hearted - From the vivid colors and exaggerated posturing, the characters and canvasses of Gregory Ferrand tell vibrant and emotional stories from the fully-lived side of life."

I'm not sure if you can still pick up copies, but if not, you can go here and then click to page 21 to see the full page.

Antony and the Johnsons in DC

2009-04-02T02:06:00.000-04:00

Back in February, I had the good fortune to see Antony and the Johnsons promoting their new album (The Crying Light) at the I St. Synagogue; if you've never heard Antony then you are missing out on something incredibly unique), it was probably one of the best shows I've ever seen. I recently became aware of a brief video NPR put out of the show. Check it out here.

WAMU 88.5's Art Beat

2009-03-10T00:50:00.001-04:00

I'm happy to say that Hillyer Art Space has done a tremendous job in promoting my solo show "La Vida Intensa."
Last Friday I got a call from someone who heard a little plug for the show on DC's public radio station! If you're interested in reading the transcript or hearing it yourself click here and scroll down to the section titled Art Beat" with Stephanie Kaye - Weekend Events, March 6-8, 2009. (WAMU is my favorite radio station hence the excitement!)

Tired, tired and tired...... but extremely happy!

2009-03-09T01:35:00.003-04:00

I am happy to announce that on March 2, 2009 at 9:11 pm, my amazing and beautiful son, Luca Bautista Ferrand was born, weighing in at 6.11 lbs and measuring 20.5 inches long (a string bean for sure)!

He was a week early but kind enough to wait for me to finish the last painting for my show at Hillyer Art Space the morning he was born.

The labor and birth were really incredible to witness and I was left with a deep sense of awe and respect for the strength and self-sacrificing nature my wife possesses, she was incredible that day. Staying calm and focused, she worked hard and was able to deliver a healthy and strong Luca only 3 hours after we arrived at the hospital!

Now we're all home. Things have changed. We're sleeping less, but we're enjoying this new life we're living!

Welcome Luca!!!

New Work: La Vida Intensa

2009-02-18T10:49:00.002-05:00

International Arts & Artists’ Hillyer Art Space presents La Vida Intensa featuring new paintings by Gregory Ferrand.

The exhibition opens Friday, March 6, 2009, with a reception from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The exhibition closes Friday, April 24, 2009.

Hillyer Art Space is located at 9 Hillyer Court, NW, Washington, DC 20008

Paintings in Progress 2

2009-02-11T09:44:00.005-05:00

Looks like I'll be painting up until the last minute (as usual) as I wrap things up for the Hillyer show, which has a title by the way: La Vida Intensa. wish me luck and enjoy a few details of paintings I'm working on!

at work in the studio

the work place

Obama's Inauguration

2009-01-21T09:51:00.003-05:00

Living a couple of miles away from the National Mall, I couldn’t miss the chance to be a part of such a historic event. Sure, I didn’t have tickets, I wouldn’t be able to actually see anything other than a ton of people and a Jumbo-tron, and would be standing out in the freezing cold for hours…. It didn’t matter, I was going!

At about 9am I put on my layers, jumped on my bike and rode down Rock Creek Park past the Watergate, Kennedy Center, and Lincoln Memorial to the south side of the mall where I was forced to abandon my ride when I ran into a huge crowd of people pushing their way over to the Washington Monument. It was intense, but people were friendly as they staked out their spots and asked strangers to take their pictures.

I found a spot below the Washington Monument on the hill between it and the Capitol.

It was packed! I grew up coming to the National Mall for special events including the 4th of July and other inaugurations, but I've never seen so many people gathered there.

And the crowd was definitely participating in the event. As well known politicians or celebrities were introduced they were greeted with cheers or boos. When Cheney rolled out in a wheelchair (to the surprise of most) my section spontaneously started singing The Imperial March!

Check out the response to George W's introduction below.

And then there was the swearing in.....

It was an amazing and emotional experience. I know I could have been warmer and seen more at home, but I'm proud to be counted in the almost 2 million that were there that day.

President Obama…. Sounds good doesn't it?

No One Is As Irish As Barack Obama

2009-01-19T09:50:00.000-05:00

You mean you didn't know?

Meet the Artist Tonight @ Studio Gallery

2009-01-16T16:09:00.008-05:00

I've been bad about promoting this event but I'll be there and if you feel like braving the cold, please come too!

Studio Gallery Presents Artomatic Artists
Curated by Ellyn Weiss

January 7 - January 31, 2009
2108 R Street, NW Washington, DC

Meet the Artists Reception

Friday, January 16, 6 - 8 pm

Closing Reception

Thursday, January 29, 6 - 8 pm

Participating Artists:
Erin Antognoli, Kanchan Balse, Joan Belmar, BRASH, Gregory Ferrand, Pat Goslee, Genna Gurvich, Brian Hamill, Kate Hardy, Peter Harper, Brie Husted, Joanna Knox, Tracy Lee, Laurel Lukaszewski, Laura Peery, Fabian Rios Rubino, Luba Sterlikova, Veronica Szalus, Novie Trump

Secretary of Art or Culture?

2009-01-09T10:34:00.011-05:00

If Brazil could have a Minister of Culture, don't you think we could too???

Brazilian music icon and former Minister of Culture, Gilberto Gil

Quincy Jones has started a petition to ask President-Elect Obama to appoint a Secretary of the Arts and I couldn't agree more. While many other countries have had Ministers of Art or Culture for centuries, The United States has never created such a position. We in the arts need this and the country needs the arts, now more than ever. Please take a moment to sign this important petition and pass the link on to your family, friends, and colleagues.

www.petitiononline.com/esnyc/petition.html

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T01:39:00.005-05:00

2008 is over and our little gathering on New Year's Eve managed to get on the cover of the Washington Times (not my favorite paper) this morning! It looks like 2009 is going to be interesting and memorable!

Shot by the talented photographer (and our good friend) Allison Shelley

Paintings in Progress

2008-12-22T11:13:00.010-05:00

A while ago I promised that I would post some progress shots (not very good ones) of the paintings I'm working on for my show in March at Hillyer Art Space. These are some shots I took over a month ago and while I realize they don't reveal much I think they are interesting glimpses into the work I'm doing. Don't worry though, I'll post more in the next couple of weeks! Enjoy!

Studio Gallery Presents Artomatic Artists

2008-12-15T09:31:00.008-05:00

I'll be showing my last remaining painting from Artomatic 2008 at this show in January. I hope to see you there!

Studio Gallery Presents Artomatic Artists

Curated by Ellyn Weiss

January 7 - January 31, 2009

2108 R Street, NW Washington, DC

First Friday Reception

(part of Dupont Circle Galleries openings)

January 9, 6 - 8 pm

Meet the Artists Reception

Friday, January 16, 6 - 8 pm

Closing Reception

Thursday, January 29, 6 - 8 pm

Participating Artists:

Erin Antognoli, Kanchan Balse, Joan Belmar, BRASH, Gregory Ferrand, Pat Goslee, Genna Gurvich, Brian Hamill, Kate Hardy, Peter Harper, Brie Husted, Joanna Knox, Tracy Lee, Laurel Lukaszewski, Laura Peery, Fabian Rios Rubino, Luba Sterlikova, Veronica Szalus, Novie Trump

New Illustration

2008-12-09T09:10:00.005-05:00

The following illustration was done for Education Week and accompanied an article exploring the cuts school districts may have to make as they compete for funds in the current economic crisis.

rough sketch

final illustration (graphite and colored in Photoshop)

Commission

2008-12-04T09:58:00.009-05:00

I don't normally do commissions; it's never as pleasurable as doing my own work, but recently I made an exception due to the open collaborative process the commissioner agreed to. They came to me with an idea for a painting based on the Greek myth of Persephone and then let me go to town.

Here is the rough sketch we agreed on.

While thinking about how to portray the myth I knew that I didn't want to paint to a Greek woman in robes being kidnapped by Hades, I wanted an image that was a bit more contemporary. (read about the myth here)

"Persephone"

And here is the final painting: acrylic on canvas (24"x36")

Silent Auction Recap

2008-11-20T10:52:00.013-05:00

Last Saturday night I went to Transformer Gallery's 5th Annual Silent Auction and had a good time catching up with friends, checking out art and meeting collectors. The night went well for me (there was a little bidding war for my pieces from the Making Face series I did a few years ago - here and here) but it felt different from past years: there seemed to be less people (though it was still crowded), less artwork on the walls and more restrained bidding. From what I heard, Transformer had a good night in the end (though I'll be interested to hear what the final earnings were for the night), but it definitely felt like the down turn in the economy might have been having an effect on the night...But who knows, I'm definitely not an economist!

me with artists Anna U Davis, Dana Ellyn, and Matt Sesow

Making Space!

2008-11-17T18:24:00.006-05:00

If you haven’t heard already, my wife and I are expecting our first baby early next year! I’m not sure how the birth of our baby will influence the content of my paintings, but I do know that it will influence where I work. There’s not much room at home, so the baby gets what is now the studio and I get to look for a new one!

In the meantime I need to start making space and need to get rid of things!

For the first time I've created a section on my website that has all of the work that is available for sale in one place. And there are some new things I'm offering, including affordable and framed one-of-a-kind drawing studies that I make as I work out the composition of each new painting. To check out what I have hanging around the studio, please go here.

The 5th Annual Transformer Silent Auction & Benefit Party

2008-11-11T18:59:00.012-05:00

This is the third year in a row that I've been asked to participate in this. It's a fun night!

Transformer proudly presents The 5th Annual Transformer Silent Auction & Benefit Party taking place Saturday, November 15, 2008, 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: Bar Pilar, Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar, Bombay Club, Buck’s Fishing & Camping, Café Saint-Ex, Comet Ping Pong, Jaleo, Leopold’s Kafe + Konditorei, Local 16, Mandu, Marvin, Melt Catering, Old Ebbitt Grill, On the Fly, Oyamel, Paisley Fig, Posto, Sea Catch, sweetgreen, and Whole Foods.

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 $150 if received by 10.27.08; $175 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 5th 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 5th 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!

2008 Auction artists
Seth Adelsberger, Geoffrey Aldridge, Ken Ashton, Clarke Bedford, April Behnke, Elizzabeth Beil, Lisa Bertnick-Noble, Nancy Blum, Reuben Breslar, Mickael Broth, Miles Bumbray, Renee Butler, Zoë Charlton, Natalie W. Cheung, Graham Childs, Bradley Chriss, Billy Colbert, Cynthia Connolly, Kathryn Cornelius, Steven Cushner, Anna U. Davis, Frank Hallam Day, Decoy, Lily deSaussure, Melissa Dickenson, Mary Early, Dana Ellyn, Cheraya Esters, Jason Falchook, Edward Max Fendley, Gregory Ferrand, Thom Flynn, Steve Frost, Christine Gray, Kate Hardy, Linda Hesh, Carlotta Hester, Ryan Hill, Max Hirshfeld, Jason Horowitz, James Huckenpahler, Jason Hughes, Lawrence Hyman, Erick Jackson, Susan Jamison, Judy Jashinsky, Paul Jeffreys, Ian Jehle, Sue Johnson, Benjamin Jurgensen, Kevin Kepple, Dean Kessmann, Jae Ko, Michele Kong, Andrew Kozlowski, Bridget Sue Lambert, Nilay Lawson, Pepa Leon, Brian Liu, Rich MacDonald, Kate MacDonnell, Akemi Maegawa, Dana Maier, Nathan Manuel, Anne Marchand, Lisa McCarty, Patrick McDonough, Linn Meyers, Maggie Michael, A. B. Miner, Amy Misurelli Sorensen, Jiha Moon, Phil Nesmith, William A. Newman, Cory Orbendorfer, Nikki Painter,
Lucian Perkins, W. C. Richardson, Marc Roman, Robin Rose, Hannah Rose, James Sanborn, Matt Sesow, Jeff Spaulding, Dan Steinhilber, Zach Storm, Renee Stout, Jason Talley, Noelle Tan
Tang, Lisa Marie Thalhammer, Kelly Towles, Paul Vinet, Rachel Waldron, Bill Warrell, Ian Whitmore, Andy Moon Wilson, Andrew Wodzianski, Yuriko Yamaguchi, Chad Yencer, Trevor Young, Jason Zimmerman

And So It Begins!

2008-11-05T12:42:00.025-05:00

Here's a brief recap of my election day experience:

Yesterday morning my wife and I headed out early to our voting site and we were stopped in our tracks when we saw this:

We got in line and began our two hour wait to place our vote. While in line we chatted with neighbors and marveled at the huge turn out. After about an hour, my wife gave in to the cold and her tired feet and was allowed inside to find a seat to rest (one of the perks of being pregnant!!) while I kept our place in line. Another hour later we were reunited inside and participated in the historic day!

Still excited, she headed off to work and I headed back to the studio to paint.

A couple of hours later, I got a call from my sister (who I had loaned our car to so she could be a legal observer at polling stations in Virginia). Bad news.... An ambulance had hit her. She wasn't hurt and the car wasn't badly damaged, but it definitely put a damper on both of our days as she spent two hours waiting for and then dealing with the police investigator, and I dealt with the insurance side of things.

At about 5pm I ran over to the gym for a quick work out and was surprised to find so many people there all tuned in to CNN.

By 7pm friends started coming over to watch the results. We even made our own electoral map that we colored in as the result for each state was declared.

When Pennsylvania was declared blue and then Ohio, we began celebrating. But for me, the biggest win of the night was Virginia.... Growing up and going to school in the diverse city of Alexandria, Virginia and then going to college in Richmond, VA, I have known for a long time that the state was split, but I have only dared to dream that it could go blue.... The state that is home to the capitol of the Confederacy going blue? A blue Virginia says it all!

And then the 44th President was declared!

As I listened to Obama speak, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were finally stepping out of an 8 year episode of the Twilight Zone... The contrast between then and what will be was and is almost unbelievable!

Immediately after the speech, we jumped in the car thinking that we would go to U Street to join the celebrations there. As soon as we started driving, we were honking the horn and blowing the whistle my wife had brought along and within minutes we were driving alongside others doing the same... The honking in the city and the amount of people on the streets cheering and chanting "Obama" and "Yes we did!" was incredibly moving... The city was alive! It was overwhelming....

When we got to 16th and U we saw that the police had blocked the street so we looked at each other and yelled "The White House!"

Somehow we got there, despite the traffic and lack of parking, and found ourselves among thousands in Lafayette Park and on Pennsylvania Ave.....

We spent roughly 4 hours down there singing, chanting, yelling, celebrating, jumping, giving hi fives, and embracing complete strangers..... The joy was palpable... It was an absolutely amazing and emotional night.

My lovely (and pregnant wife) Exhausted but jubliant after a long day. As a new US citizen, this was her first opportunity to vote in a Presidential Election

"I've never seen anything like this!" someone exclaimed.

"I have!" my wife yelled back, "When Argentina won the World Cup!"

Video of the celebrations in Washington DC at the corner of 16th and K st one block from the White House (the whistler is me!)

Me, the artist, with a whistle and making noise on top of a electrical box at the corner of 16th and K st one block from the White House

Back to the Basics

2008-10-29T11:11:00.009-04:00

The past couple of months have found me working hard on getting new paintings together for my upcoming show at Hillyer Art Space in March. And I have been working hard: sketching, planing, prepping canvases and have a bunch of paintings underway.

On Sunday I decided that I needed a break from my intense routine and started working on some new rough sketches for the next batch of paintings I want to finish for the show. I've been drawing and drawing and drawing (or trying to draw) for the past couple of days, but things aren't coming out the way I would like. So last night I decided I needed to clear my head and go back to the basics and draw from life.

I did a quick self portrait and started to feel good, like I was relearning how to see. It isn't perfect (the eyes are a bit off due to slight shifts in the pose and I didn't pay that much attention to my hair and beard), but I feel like its a good start. I'm hoping to do a few more
of these before I dive back into the routine!

American Airlines Dec/Jan

2008-10-27T10:01:00.011-04:00

Recently I finished an illustration that will accompany an editorial about changes that could be made to the Spanish alphabet and why the Real Academia Española hasn't made any changes since the 1700's. The illustration will appear in the Dec/Jan issue of American Airlines' magazine Nexos. If you're flying American Airlines this winter look in the back of the seat in front of you and check it out!

rough sketch ---------------------- final drawing

final illustration ( acrylic on illustration board, touched up in Photoshop)

Shepard Fairey hits the Mt.P

2008-10-18T10:57:00.011-04:00

DC seems starstruck as pieces by legendary Graffiti Artist and creator of OBEY (Andre the Giant) and the Obama PROGRESS and HOPE posters, Shepard Fairey, pop up on walls all over town.

Well now there's one in Mt. Pleasant. (at Mt. Pleasant and Kenyon)

Brushstrokes

2008-10-14T11:46:00.010-04:00

Last night I just happened to walk out onto our balcony, look to the right and see this...

We have great view of Rock Creek Park and the National Cathedral but last night the sunset was fabulous. The range of intense colors was breathtaking and the clouds looked like brushstrokes to me.

And I also decided that my camera is pretty good. Look at that zoom! (I need a tripod though)

Pangolin?

2008-10-03T23:36:00.001-04:00

Do you know what a pangolin is? Niether did I, but after being asked to do a coloring book page of one for SavePangolins.org I got a quick introduction. They look like a cross between an armadillo and anteater but is niether and is endangered. Find out more about these critters and how you can help to save them here. And to download the coloring book page I created go here.

rough sketches

final illustration

Some Nice Words

2008-09-15T13:12:00.001-04:00

Over the weekend I participated in the DC art festival Arts on Foot and had the pleasure of meeting a lot of people including talented photograher and fellow OCCOA artist Tara Kocourek and journalist/blogger Christine Cordner.

Please visit Tara's blog and Christine's blog to see the nice things they had to say about my work!

Arts on Foot Wrap-Up

2008-09-15T12:45:00.010-04:00

Arts on Foot... it was two days of heat, humidity and scattered rain, but I survived and had a good time in the end.

Friday started with me and my wife trying to figure out how to put together my new display walls and then was slow and hot for the rest of the day. I met a few people and was able to catch up with artist Todd Gardner (i'll be posing for one of the last 6 paintings he's doing for his portrait series).

Saturday was much better although hotter. I made good sales, met a lot of nice people, and was happy to see artists Scott Brooks and Tim Tate who stopped by to stay hello.

For those interested, I do have a number of original drawings for sale. The drawings were made to flesh out my ideas for the composition and shading of my paintings and are all framed and signed. If you are interested, fell free to contact me through my website and we can schedule a time to meet.

Despite the heat, Arts on Foot was a great success! And I couldn't have done it with out the incredible patience and help of my lovely and talented wife!!!

American Airlines

2008-08-27T15:01:00.010-04:00

Recently I finished an illustration that will be accompanying an editorial about a migrant worker working in a busy kitchen that will appear in the Oct/Nov issue of American Airlines' magazine Nexos. So if you're flying American Airlines this fall look in the back of the seat in front of you and check it out!

Rough Sketch -out of the 4 I sent, this was the one chosen. It was my top pick as well!

Revised sketched -then I was notified that the title had changed, and refered to the worker conducting the kitchen, so the knife became a baton and the food began flying around on a musical scale.

Final Illustration (acrylic on canvas, border done in Photoshop) - this is the first time I've produced an illustration with borders like this. Part of my directions from the beginning was to make the borders "organic." I have to say that I'm pretty happy with it.

New Illustration

2008-08-14T13:44:00.005-04:00

The following illustration was done for Education Week and accompanied an article exploring pros and cons of the rewards and punishments used in the educational system to teach "lessons."

rough sketch

blue line drawing

final illustration (colored in Photoshop)

The Atlas Theatre

2008-08-12T08:46:00.020-04:00

Last weekend my wonderful wife stopped by 1333 H St., NE to check out the poster that Catalyst Theater put up outside of their new space, the newly renovated Atlas Theatre (on the same block as the Rock and Roll Hotel and down the street from the Palace of Wonders).

If you haven't seen a Catalyst production, then I highly recommend you do so. The first play of their 2008-09 season is a re-staging of 1984 adapted by Chris Gallu. The first staging got rave reviews and this one is sure to do receive the same.

Here are some of photos of the theater with the poster.

Arts on Foot x 2

2008-08-12T08:46:00.018-04:00

Located @ 8th and F Streets, NW:
Art Market Preview: Sept. 12th 12am - 7pm

Arts on Foot (primary event) : Sept. 13th 11am - 5pm

Metro: Gallery Pl-Chinatown

Arts on Foot is back and after my successful day there last year, I reapplied for selection this year and got in! So, I'll have a booth there on both Friday (they've added an extra day for those interested in a preview of the Art Market) and Saturday. Come early because I will be selling never before offered drawing studies (for past paintings), new mixed media drawings, small paintings, and plenty of inexpensive prints. Please put the dates for Arts on Foot on your calendar and I look forward to seeing you there!

note: The new mixed media drawings and drawing studies of selected past paintings will be made available through my website on Sunday, September 14.

Marking its 16th 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!

You can find more info about Arts on Foot here.

Illustrations for Catalyst Theater

2008-07-14T09:46:00.013-04:00

Recently I finished up 3 illustrations; to be used on playbills and other promotional material, for Catalyst Theater's 2008-09 season. The three plays are 1984 (adapted from George Orwell's novel) by Chris Gallu, Roundheads and Peakheads by Bertolt Brecht, and Bruise Easy by Dan LeFranc. The dark undertones found in all three plays made it easy to take Catalyst's palette of black, white, and red and apply it to the paintings.

rough sketch for 1984

final illustration for 1984 (acrylic on illustration board & touched up on Photoshop) text:Helen Pafumi

rough sketch for Roundheads and Peakheads

final illustration for Roundheads and Peakheads (acrylic on illustration board & touched up on Photoshop) text: Helen Pafumi

final drawing for Bruise Easy

final illustration for Bruise Easy (acrylic on illustration board & touched up on Photoshop) text: Helen Pafumi

Saatchi & Saatchi and the Silver Lion

2008-06-23T14:12:00.019-04:00

About a year ago I received an email from the Dutch postcard company, Boomerang, (you know those free postcards you can pick up in bars?) asking to use my painting “Aburrido” from the Spanish 101 series I did at the end of 2006. I agreed and didn’t think anything more about it.

At the end of last year I was contacted by the art director at the Dutch branch of the ad agency, Saatchi & Saatchi. It turns out that he had picked up my postcard in a bar, had loved the painting, and wanted me to do three small paintings for an ad campaign Saatchi & Saatchi were doing for the Dutch Cancer Society. The campaign, called the Friends of Cancer Patients, addresses the idea that children who watch their parents smoke are twice as likely to end up smoking. For some reason, it was never used in Holland, but was instead used in Dubai. Yup, Dubai! That was cool, and I didn’t think anything more about it.

The F-Word

Stairway

12.4 Seconds

Advertising Agency: Saatchi & Saatchi, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Creative Director: Magnus Olson Art Directors/Copywriters: Tim Bishop, Avinash Sampath Illustrator: Gregory Ferrand Retoucher: Jeroen Wartenbergh

Yesterday morning, I received a surprise email from Saatchi & Saatchi with “Are you ready for this big piece of news? :)” as the title… And I wasn’t! Out of over 4,000 entries worldwide, the ad won a Silver Lion at the Cannes International Advertising Festival last week! As you might imagine, I'm pretty surprised but really excited about it. I also want to thank everyone who worked on this at Saatchi & Saatchi, this definitely was a team effort!

To find out more about it and go to the official website, go here.

Highlights of My Artomatic Experience

2008-06-23T13:32:00.025-04:00

So, Artomatic 2008 closed last week; I picked up my paintings and have taken the past week to take in what was the best Artomatic for me so far!

For those of you who were able to make it, I sincerely would like to thank you for taking the time to stop in front of my paintings to think about them. I know that Artomatic (especially this Artomatic) can be an overwhelming experience due to the huge amount of art to walk through and process, so I truly appreciate it. Feedback is invaluable to me as I try to connect with the viewer of my paintings!

Highlights of Artomatic 2008 were:

- Making it into the Weekend Section of the Washington Post here
- Being interviewed by the folks over at District Culturati here
- Being reviewed by journalist Christine Cordner here
- Being interviewed by Jolene Sugarbaker here
- Being selected for lists of Artomatic notables at:
- Lenny Campello at Daily Campello Art News, Art-Tistics, and the Old Town Crier
- Brightest Young Things
- Thinking About Art here and here

- District Culturati
- Adventures in Shaw
- The Daily Render
- About.com
- Halo in Reverse
- How Now, BrownPau?
- Pretty Little Fings
- And of course, meeting people interested in art and meeting even more local artists

For the curious, these were the paintings on display at Artomatic 2008

El Fin (sold)

Backward isn't Forward (sold)

Step Right Up! (sold)

That's Our Boy! (available)

Boy, I'll Make a Man of You Yet (sold)

Got 'im Ma (sold)

1st Solo Show

2008-06-23T10:36:00.003-04:00

I'm excited to announce that I have been asked to do my first solo show (ever) at Hillyer Art Space (right off Dupont Circle) in March of 2009 (I'll have the exact dates posted here later). I'm looking forward to having the opportunity to put together a large comprehensive body of work!

The WP Weekend Section and Queen of Wands

2008-06-16T10:06:00.006-04:00

For those of you who missed it, my painting "Backward isn't Forward" made it into the Weekend Section of the Washington Post last weekend. You can see it online here.

Also, the blog Queen of Wands, written by journalist Christine Cordner, had a nice review of my paintings at Artomatic here.

Interview with District Culturati

2008-06-09T14:49:00.012-04:00

A few weeks ago I was contacted by the folks over at the new blog District Culturati after they saw my paintings at Artomatic and was asked to do an interview with them. You can read it here. (Thanks for the good questions Liz!)

New Illustration

2008-06-03T11:11:00.009-04:00

The following illustration was done for Education Week and accompanied an article exploring the myths of standardized testing.

rough sketch

Final illustration (color added in photoshop)

What is Art?

2008-05-30T23:20:00.005-04:00

Ever wondered what art is? Well so do animals!

Creature Comforts brought to you by Aardman Animations (and this episode brought to my attention by AK, thank you!)

Thinking About Art Reviews Artomatic

2008-05-27T13:39:00.004-04:00

I just saw that Artist/Blogger JT Kirkland, at the art blog Thinking About Art, posted a review of Artomatic and said some nice things about my work. You can read it here and his fiancé's list here.

A Process Animation #1

2008-05-24T19:10:00.005-04:00

Ever since I opened this blog about a year ago, I had the intention of using it as a place to reflect on and give a bit more insight into my working process. While I was working on the painting "Backward isn't Forward," I took pictures each time I moved on to a new piece of the painting or made changes. Below is the first "Process Animation" of many to come. Hopefully I'll learn a bit more about the production side so I can make a video of a higher quality in the future.

The video is only 5 seconds long, but believe me, it took a lot longer than that!

Backward isn't Forward: a process animation

I sold "Backward Isn't Forward" at Artomatic 2008 (it will be there until June 15th), but I now am happy to announce that you can order numbered prints here.

Interview with Jolene Sugarbaker

2008-05-21T12:36:00.006-04:00

Last Friday at Artomatic's "Meet the Artist Night" I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Jolene Sugarbaker, The Trailer Park Queen. She asked some good questions and put together the video below and posted it on Youtube.com. (Note: The sound isn't that great because of the background noise)

You can find out more about Ms. Sugarbaker here.

Thanks Jolene!

Revenge of the Cat-headed Baby and Other True Tales About Life and Death

2008-05-15T18:33:00.008-04:00

I just finished my newest illustration for one of SpeakeasyDC's two shows that will premiere at this year's Capitol Fringe Festival. It was fun and fast!

By the way if you've never been to a SpeakeasyDC event, storytelling for adults, then go!

(graphite, blue pencil & colored in Photoshop)

Artomatic 2008 Opens!

2008-05-12T12:22:00.030-04:00

After a little more than a month of painting frantically (10-16 hrs a day) Artomatic 2008 is finally open and last Friday night’s opening was a lot of fun. The organizers estimate that 5,000 people passed through and among them were a bunch of my friends and family (thank you for coming!).

I talked to a lot of people that night, so it’s a bit of a blur, but I had some really good conversations with people about my work and had a chance to catch up with artists Matt Dunn (see his strong portraits of DC residents and tourists in the southeast corner of my floor), Chris Bishop (see his very cool paintings of robots and girls on the 12th floor), Scott Brooks with Mike and the family (who just opened his really great solo show at Long View Gallery on Saturday the 10th), Marcie Wolf-Hubbard (see her colorful mixed media collage paintings in the southwest corner of my floor), Pat Goslee (see her colorful layered abstract painting in the southwest corner of my floor) and met Sean Hennessey (see his mixed media glass sculptures in the southeast corner of the 7th floor).

This year I'm really happy with my space and the really great artists that are in the same section as me. Given the wide range of work on display at Artomatic and the nature of the space selection process you never can be sure what kind of work will be right to you and whether or not you'll find a good location in the building. This year however, I lucked out big time when fellow artist Emily Greene Liddle organized a bunch of really talented artists and picked out an amazing space on the 11th floor across from one of two bars in the whole building. So yes, I’ve got a great space and am right next to some really great artwork (thanks Emily)! They are: painters Alan Defibaugh on the partition next to mine, Candace Keegan and Emily Greene Liddle on the partitions across from mine, and Jared Davis around the corner with his black wall and 8 ft. tall Venus space goddess.

If you missed the opening, please come by this Friday, May 16th for “Meet the Artist Night” and say hello. There will be some wine, snacks and plenty of art to see!

Here are some photos of my partition, installation, opening night and…….. Batman (with his Dad).

the space

wall painted and lights installed

installation

done!

after a long day, my fabulous assistant..... is tired!

the party gets started!

me and artists Candace Keegan, Emily Greene Liddle, and Alan Defibaugh

and Batman (with his Dad)!

Artomatic 2008

2008-04-17T09:42:00.014-04:00

Yup, Artomatic is back, is in DC, and now I'm scrambling to finish up new paintings for the show! Instead of freaking out and trying to make as many paintings as possible, I've decided that the amount doesn't matter at all. So I won't have tons of paintings for this show, but I'm happy with what I'm doing.

Last weekend we had site selection at the new space and I was lucky enough to get a great space on the 11th floor, A4 (yeah, there will be 12 floors of art and performance spaces!) with an amazing view of the city. (my page in the Artist Catalogue on the Artomatic site is here)

So what's next? I've got to:
-finish the paintings
-frame the paintings
-paint my wall at Artomatic
-set up lights for my wall
-hang the paintings and add all other details for the space

Wish me luck and I look forward to seeing you at the big show!!!

Artomatic 2008
When: May 9 – June 15
Where: 2008 Capitol Plaza I
1200 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20002
How to get there: Metro Red Line, New York Ave., M St exit

About Artomatic:
Artomatic is a month-long multimedia arts event that draws together visual artists, musicians and performers and brings their work to the community without charge.

It was originally conceived as a way to break down the geographical and social segmentation of the Washington arts scene, to bring art directly to the public and to build cohesion among artists. The city's ongoing development in recent years has diffused the arts community by breaking up pockets of artist studios. In addition, local artists are sometimes overshadowed by national blockbuster shows and federal landmarks. Artomatic provides a forum for all of our area's artists to convene, perform and exhibit, strengthening the visibility, cohesion, and marketplace of Washington's arts community.

Artomatic began in 1999 in the historic Manhattan Laundry building. A dozen or so artists originally toured the empty building and within a month, three hundred and fifty artists had cleaned, lit, painted and colonized the 100,000 square feet. Over 20,000 visitors attended the first Artomatic over 6 weeks.

From there, it grew organically, as buildings were made available to Artomatic by community developers. Music and performance of all kinds were added. In 2000, 665 artists exhibited and 200 performed at the old Hechinger’s building; more than 1000 artists and performers took part in 2002 at the Southwest Waterfront and even more in 2004 at the old Capitol Children’s Museum in Northeast. The number of visitors has also more than doubled to over 40,000. Artomatic made a stop in Virginia for the first time in 2007, occupying a former Patent and Trademark space. It drew over 40,000 visitors.

A Ride to the Wall with Rolling Thunder

2008-04-17T09:41:00.011-04:00

Last month I finally finished the illustrations for the children's book I talked about a while back. I learned a lot during the whole process and had a lot of fun drawing so much, but I'm really happy to be done!

Here are a few samples:

New Illustration

2008-03-23T18:50:00.005-04:00

The following illustration was done for Education Week and accompanied an article exploring the "ingredients" that go into constructing a successful preschool program.

This was the rough sketch. The general idea was

approved, but the idea of a chef poring ingredients

into a child's head made people a bit nervous!

Here's the final illustration colored in Photoshop.

You can see that the kid was swapped out for the

less controversial bowl.

3rd SpeakesyDC Postcard

2008-03-19T09:48:00.008-04:00

Here is the 3rd and final postcard I've been hired to do for SpeakeasyDC's 2007-2008 season.

rough sketch

Blue line final drawing

Final illustration (color added in Photoshop)

Saatchi and Saatchi

2008-02-29T14:45:00.006-05:00

At the end of last year I was contacted by the Dutch branch of the ad agency, Saatchi and Saatchi, and was asked to do three small paintings that would be part of an ad campaign for the Dutch Cancer Society. The campaign addresses the idea that children who watch their parents smoke are twice as likely to end up smoking.

Well, I’m done and here are the finished paintings. I added the text (the diary entries of the kids) in Photoshop; this is not the final version. In the final version of the ad, the diary entries will be handwritten.

Ad 1 Ad 2

Ad 3

New Book

2008-02-26T09:35:00.016-05:00

Last Fall I was contacted by Upset Press's Robert Booras who asked to use my painting, The Sloth and La Pachamama, for the cover of a new book of poems, The Comeback's Exoskeleton, by Matthew Rotando. Now the book is hot off the press and I just received some copies(the cover looks great!). I'm looking forward to reading it.

Here's a review:
Incorporating the density of Spanish surrealism and a sprawling Whitmanesque line, this amazing first book finds Rotando engaged in a poetic biathlon that draws equally from maximal and minimal traditions. There are tight, economical poems, free verse forms derived from the sonnet, poems leaping about the page, but my favorites are the wonderful prose poems tumbling over and under themselves toward gnomish statements that feel both didactic and self-parodying.
-Tim Peterson, Since I Moved In (Chax Press, 2006)

Here's another review and you can buy the book HERE.

Argentina and The Rolling Thunder

2008-01-16T09:56:00.000-05:00

ARGENTINA: Just got back from a wonderful 3 week trip to Argentina (Buenos Aires and Capilla del Monte, Cordoba) to visit my wife’s family and old friends for the holidays and, believe me, going from summer to winter in less than 24 hours has been a shock!.

After almost 2 years since we’d last visited, it was really great to be back in BA and to enjoy the rivers and scenery in Cordoba!

Every time I go back I’m reminded of how differently Argentines live their lives (as compared to here in the States). Argentines (in general) seem to work to live, while we (in general) seem to live to work. I don’t mean to idealize it (both Argentina and the US have their pros and cons) but it’s a good place to be.

What did we do while we were there????

we watched BA get ready for Xmas

we cooked a pig for the new year's eve dinner ......

had fun with sparklers (on new year's eve)

and saw some good art!

El Mudo by Argentine sculptor Juan Carlos Distefano

If you’ve never been, then go! You won’t regret it! Lots of asado, maté, argentine gelato, and (of course) futból!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE ROLLING THUNDER (a children's book):

What am I working on?

In my Recap of 2007, I mentioned that I’d been commissioned to illustrate a children’s book about the Rolling Thunder. I spent most of December working on the layout and drawings for the book. Now that those have been approved, I’m on to the finished paintings and should be done by the end of January. For now, I thought let you see some of the drawings.

New Illustration

2007-12-07T14:29:00.000-05:00

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:

2007-12-07T11:38:00.000-05:00

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!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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

2007-11-16T16:20:00.000-05:00

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

2007-11-13T15:21:00.000-05:00

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

2007-11-05T10:48:00.000-05:00

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

2007-11-03T14:41:00.000-04:00

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

2007-11-02T11:18:00.000-04:00

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

2007-10-11T22:18:00.000-04:00

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!

-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

2007-09-07T10:41:00.000-04:00

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

2007-09-07T10:09:00.000-04:00

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

2007-08-30T15:39:00.000-04:00

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

2007-08-08T12:13:00.000-04:00

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

2007-07-26T09:57:00.000-04:00

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

2007-07-19T09:52:00.000-04:00

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!