Painting: Mama Told Me So

This painting, Mama Told Me So, is one of my more recent ones and was featured in my space at the recent month long exhibition, Artomatic.

 Rough Sketch

Final Line Drawing

Mama Told Me So     sold

acrylic on canvas, 16"x20"

Painting: #Explosion!

This painting, #Explosion! If They Only Knew What They Know Now  is my most recent one and was the main feature in my space at the recent month long exhibition, Artomatic.

Rough Sketch

Final Drawing

#Explosion! If They Only Knew What They Know Now

(acrylic on canvas 40" x 30")

Reflections on Artomatic 2012

The idea of participating in another Artomatic was extremely exciting and; because it had been a while since I had had the time and the opportunity to show a collection of my work in public, I viewed it as a way to step back into the game.

When I first received word that Artomatic was back, I had three months to get ready. Three months may seem like a good amount of time to produce new work, but here were my main obstacles:

- DELAY: For the first month I was in Argentina introducing my newborn son to my wife’s family. I was able to do some sketching, but visiting family with two children under the age of three doesn’t leave much time for getting work done.

- DOUBT: Upon our return we underwent a frantic search to find childcare for our new addition. If we couldn’t find something then I wouldn’t be able to do much work, putting my participation in Artomatic in serious doubt.

- COMPLICATION: Over the past three years, my work has become more detailed and planned , meaning that it takes much longer than it used to to complete a large painting. Extra time is something I just don’t have!

- COMPETITION: After we resolved our childcare issue, I was commissioned to complete a big illustration project by about the time Artomatic opened.

In the end, due primarily to the unwavering support of my wife, I was able to finish two new paintings. I knew my wall at Artomatic would look pretty bare though with only two new paintings on display, so I decided to include four paintings from the Solitaire series I had finished last year, two mixed media pieces from the American Comfort Food series, and two drawing studies.

Also, the daily exchange of encouraging words with my artist neighbors; E. Tina Wyatt and DavidePrete (who also were scrambling to complete work for Artomatic), was extremely helpful in reminding me that I definitely wasn’t the only one in the boat.

In truth, the mad dash to complete multiple projects in a short amount of time left me feeling really good. Being a parent is beautiful and at most times very rewarding, but it requires an incredible degree of selflessness. To be allowed to reassert a certain level of selfishness for those few months left me feeling truly alive.

Artomatic proved to be what I hoped it would be: a great way to reconnect with the public and other artists.

It’s good to be back in the game!

Highlights of Artomatic 2012

- Being asked to do future shows, including a group show at Galludet University this fall

- Making it into the Going Out Guide at the Washington Post here

- Being selected for lists of Artomatic notables at:
- Daily Campello Art News
- Art and Beyond
- Synesthesia Art and Photography
- East City Art
- Quid Plura

- Failing Better
- Art Fan DC
- Snap To Grid
- Qrissy.com
- Women, Art, Life

Artomatic 2012 and Meet the Artist Night

Artomatic is back and I'm participating in it!  

This year Aromatic is bigger than ever with over 1300 artists and 11 floors of art! I selected a space (2^nd Floor, Space 174) on the 2^nd floor in one of the larger open rooms and that's where I'll be for “Meet the Artist Night," this Saturday, June 2nd, between 7 and 10pm. I'll be ready to meet people, to talk about my work, and to answer any and all questions. Come on by and say hello!

Previously I had work in Artomatic 2004, 2007, and 2008, but missed Artomatic 2009 due to the opening of my solo show at Hillyer Art Space and to a trip to Argentina to introduce our first son to my wife’s family.

Artomatic has always been good to me. Strong sales, incredible exposure, and the opportunity to meet new people and see other artists' work  have me very excited to be in this year’s Artomatic and proud tp be showing work there.

Opening night definitely didn't disappoint! It was great to see friends, family, old faces and new. I particularly enjoyed seeing and hearing people’s reactions to my paintings. I love the interpretations people present me with, often giving me a brief insight into them. And I can actually learn from these interactions. Overhearing positive and more specifically negative comments (while not particularly great for the ego) helps me see what's working and what's not, sending me back to the studio ready to "step up the game."

There’s still almost a month left to visit Artomatic. I will be going back often to work on my volunteer shifts and to get a better look at all of the art I have yet to see!

I hope to see you there on Saturday!

For more information about Artomatic go to this link.