Painting Process | My America, The United States of Today

Standing before a blank 3’X5′ wall of canvas, a rush of memories and emotions crept up from the far reaches of my brain. To date, I have driven across the country five times, lived on both coasts and spent a summer pounding massive G&T’s at 8000 feet. A pebble cracked my windshield in Texas, five miles from my destination after driving 2000 consequence free miles. In Oklahoma, I went to dinner at the only diner in the town of Arbuckle, where the marquee read, “Happy Birthday Edna Arbuckle.” My gauge hit 130MPH in Montana.

Viewers, Artists, critics: Exotic Creatures Interacting

My friend Greg messaged me from Kenya, sharing some interesting perspective on the media, product placement and social mobilization. His point circled back to my general approach, positioning, and use of headlines.

Featured Artist: Brandy Saturley – Canada’s (Aspiring) Rockstar Artist

Art and ambition are often one-in-the-same. Art and business savvy is, without question, the California Condor of the creative realm (I am watching The Tudors currently, the the world realm holds true.) Through the course of my daily Twitter discourse, I meet an array of talented, passionate people… cue Brandy Saturley. Her paintings rich with imagery, ranging from sexual to fantasy to pop, Brandy is an artist with a clarity of vision – a drive to create and promote.

Plein Air | Robert F Kennedy Bridge (AKA TriBoro Bridge) Late Evening

Nothing beats a quick, fresh and loose plein air painting session on a Saturday. Setting up on my roof deck, I decided to capture the TriBoro Bridge (renamed the Robert F Kennedy Bridge in a fit of fine fiscal judgment by the perpetually frisky, former fat kat of Albany.) My objective was to keep it loose, explore and play with the paint without an preconceived notions.

Painting Process | Martin Brodeur Makes A Save With Much On His Mind

When I had the incredible opportunity to experience the Stanley Cup, I asked Cup-Keeper Mike Bolt (his father, Ron Bolt, is an epic artist) to recommend a goaltending subject… his referral was no surprise. Martin Brodeur, The Devils and Goaltending have been three in the same for 19 years. At this juncture in his career, he is fighting rumors of an early demise, despite shattering records and posting consistent numbers. This, I felt, was the right time to capture Marty.

Painting Process | Jefferson Memorial, Washington DC

On Friday, I spent the day painting the Thomas Jefferson Memorial from the Tidal Basin. Visiting my brother, Tim, who is a Junior at American University, I enjoyed a windy day of plein air in our nations capital. My intent was to capture the Cherry Blossoms, but they were swept away in a violent storm the day before I set up shop.

Painting Process | Time Out New Yorks 12th Floor View Completed

My 3’X4′ painting of Time Out New York‘s 12th story view is now complete. A little back story: After being named Time Out New York’s Most Creative New Yorker (a title I do not sew onto my blazer, but do use to help sell paintings and commissions) – I decided to ask Time Out if I could set up shop, and paint the view from their West Side offices. After getting the go-ahead in December, I broke my leg playing hockey and had to wait three more months.

Painting Process | South Street Seaport Wender Commission Completed

When Dave, Randi and I began discussing a commissioned piece, I asked them to think of meaningful places in Manhattan. After a few back and forth emails, they decided on the place they were married – the South Street Seaport. To get things rolling, I spent a sunny afternoon taking shots in the area from about twenty different angles. From there, I narrowed-down, cropped and emailed six choices to the Wenders.

Painting Process | Central Park Boathouse Gurtman Commission Completed

And the Central Park Boathouse commission is now complete. To recap: In early January, Stephanie, Scott and Ryan (their son) Gurtman came by my studio for an up-close-and-personal view of my work. With a vision of a painting in mind, we discussed a commissioned piece and the Gurtman’s decided to give the image some thought. The initial concept of painting J.G. Melon shifted to the Central Park Boathouse, they place they were married.

Painting Process | TriBeCa Grand Commission Completed

In mid-February, I was commissioned by the CEO and Founder of BEVFORCE to recreate the storied TriBeCa Grand Hotel on a 48″X60″ canvas. Rapidly growing, the men and women of BEVFORCE required a larger, loftier space and with that came bare walls. After some discussion, we decided on a large canvas versus a mural… so the work could travel as they continue to grow.