A little LIC in Youngstown, Ohio

The Butler Institute's 73rd National Midyear Show

"LIC Courthouse Fountain
Oil on canvas
10 x 10 inches


This painting of the Beaux Arts Long Island City courthouse has been acccepted into the Butler Institute of American Art's annual. Always nice to have a work accepted into this show. Have several group shows coming up this Fall and 2 interesting exhibits in 2010 lined up. When the skies are gray and the rain pours down, I try to take care of the business of art stuff and have been getting some results.

Off-topic, I was saddened to hear of Michael Jackson's sudden death. When I found my studio in 1980, there were 4 other artists sharing the space. I suggested we call ourselves The Jackson Five since our space was on Jackson Avenue, but alas, the name was already taken. Today I'll put my Motown 40 Forever CD on the player while I work - listen to "I'll Be There" and reflect on the music and the man.

The Old Neighborhood

A sunny day in the 'hood

"4709"
Oil on canvas
10 x 8 inches

Another newly commissioned painting finished. It's always a relief when a commissioned painting is done and I feel I've managed to do the subject justice. This family scene in LIC is of a long-time resident and her children who grew up in this home. The two sisters posed in the doorway and finally got Mama to come downstairs and join them for this family portrait of sorts. For me it's really about painting the neighborhood and the buildings but I do enjoy painting figures now and then. Although I don't consider myself a "portrait painter" by any means, I think I captured these family members standing in their doorway nicely. Hope they like it.

St. Mary's Corner in LIC

A neighborhood landmark

"St. Mary's Corner in LIC"
Oil on canvas
10 x 8 inches
Sold

Today's painting is a new commissioned piece that I recently completed. St. Mary's Church on Vernon Blvd. in LIC is a real landmark in the neighborhood and its steeple can be seen far and wide. I was commissioned to do this painting for someone who had grown up in the neighborhood and whose mom still lives nearby. The church held many fond memories for "Fee" and I hope she likes the finished painting. I was happy to do another painting of this church as I see it every day and recognize its importance to the community. And I'm a sucker for trying to paint those old wrought-iron fences too.