Andre, the Man with a Van

Delivered the paintings

Show Invitation

Delivered the paintings to the gallery via Andre, the man with the van that I've hired many times over the years to get my work to and from shows. He and his helper packed the work up carefully and off we drove to Manhattan. Man oh man, I hadn't realized what havoc has been created with all of the new street reconfigurations and signage. We couldn't turn left, we couldn't turn right, we wandered way longer than we had to in order to reach our destination. I gave up my car a dozen years ago and I don't miss driving in Manhattan at all, it's become more than difficult.

But the good news is that the paintings are now placed and will be hung over the next two days. There was one wall that need more work so I headed back to the studio and brought in two more paintings - via subway this time. It's a nice selection of work and I'm looking forward to seeing the show hung and lit. The reception is on Thursday, August 6, from 6-8 pm and I'm hoping for a nice turnout.

The Business of Show

Got the proof of the card today

"French Reflections"
Oil on canvas
30 x 36 inches

Finally finished wrapping up paintings for the show. Today the curator emailed the proof for the card. This painting of the Fred French building on Fifth Avenue was the image he selected and is a favorite of mine. The idea of the grid is something I use often in my work as is evident in this painting, and of course Manhattan is laid out in a grid pattern above 14th Street. Below 14th is another story altogether. What a splendid piece of architecture the French building is with its beautiful decorative flourishes. Add to that its reflection in the building across the street and you have something wonderful indeed.

I was taking photos last week-end and took this one of the top of the Fred French building. Might become a painting one day. Now back to taking care of the business stuff so that I can get this show on the road.

My Summer Show

Wanted to give you a heads up on an upcoming show I'm having.

On & Off the Grid
The Durst Organization Lobby Gallery
1155 Avenue of the Americas (bet. 44-45th Streets)
July 30 - September 18, 2009

Reception for the artist: Thursday, August 6, 6-8 pm

I will be exhibiting 25 paintings in a beautiful space in midtown. This happened very quickly and is a wonderful opportunity to show a large body of work. If you'll be in the NYC area feel free to stop by.

Now to get back to packing up the paintings for delivery.

Collectors

Where would we be without them

"Mulberry Street Reflections"
Oil on canvas
12 x 9 inches
Sold

Last night, Phyllis came out to the studio to pick up a print which she plans to give as a gift. We went out to dinner and among the things we chatted about were the artworks in our collections. This is the second painting of mine that Phyllis purchased. She remembered how she just had to have it and when she had some extra money it went toward buying this "Florin". There have been several since, but this one is her favorite.

Several years ago I was in a group show and noticed a watercolor, a scene in the lobby of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I was taken with it and found myself going back to look at it over the course of the evening reception. The next day I sent a note to the artist telling her how much I loved that piece. She offered a nice discount and as I'd just recently sold a painting I purchased it. An artist buying art? Sure, not only am I an artist, I've become a collector as well. In my home the walls are covered with prints and paintings of artist friends as well as artists whose work I admire. And it makes me so happy to look at and enjoy these works of art. Lord knows I should probably be spending my money on rent and food and the necessities, but for me and for so many others, art IS a necessity. I can't imagine living in a home with blank walls, it is just unthinkable. So today I say "hooray" to collectors, where would we artists be without them.

"In Celebration"

30th Anniversary Celebration

"Flushing Landmark"
Oil on canvas
22 x 26 inches

The annual members exhibit of the Flushing Council on Arts and Culture is celebrating their 30th anniversary with a show at historic Flushing Town Hall. I found this painting hidden in the racks that I had done 30 years ago of the building, when I was living nearby. An extensive renovation had been done since the painting was completed and the building now hosts a variety of cultural events and exhibits. How fitting that I found the painting. I am going to deliver it and it will be on view somewhere in the building, perhaps the gift shop.


"LIC/Short Triangle"
Oil on canvas
15 x 30 inches

As for the exhibition, I've submitted one of my Long Island City paintings, "LIC/Short Triangle" . The opening reception is on Saturday, July 11th from 2-5 pm and the show runs through September 13th. For more info click here.

Fireworks Remembered

It's that time of year

"Fireworks"
Oil on canvas
8 x 10 inches
Sold

Picked out an older painting to post on the blog today. I was looking through my slides for one of my fireworks paintings and found this one. I often go to see the Macy's pyrotechic display on the East River. A friend lives on 25th Street and invites friends to this front row viewing spot every year. It's truly amazing. This year the show takes place on the west side on the Hudson River though. Might have to just watch and enjoy them on television, though it just won't be the same by a long shot. Wishing you all a happy and safe 4th of July holiday.