So,
I've finished another tree painting. I really love the textures in the trunks of the trees and the way I've figured out how to create those subtle knots and swirls. I also like the way the tree trunks look like molten metal. I tried to keep it simple this time so that the focus is on the pendants and the tree trunk, I used a very minimal color palette.

What A trip! Me and my daughter are back from Brazil but It was hell getting here! I'm glad we're back. I've reorganized the apartment to make room for a play yard for Natalie. She's not the baby she was when we left for Brazil in December. She's very happy with her new entertainment area! Today I have finally started painting again. I have a lot of work to do with a show and a few art festivals coming up. Gotta get to work. I started out with an easy little 6x8 painting just to get back into the habit.

Composition Practice

Every now and then I get inspired to just simply work with color and composition. I think its good practice to occasionally forget your subject matter and get down to the bare bones of art. Balance, the element of surprise, and that essence that magically builds itself on a canvas that is a picture of the core of who you are. When I paint for myself, and forget about what "sells" this is what I create. Too bad no one wants to buy me, but I'll still paint me occasionally because it just feels natural.

Monday, March 1st

I've been in Rio for over two months now and it has been as hot as HELL! Today I'm wearing sweat pants and a knit sweater. It feel like January in New York (well maybe a bit of an exaggeration). I'm guessing that the unusually cold Brazilian weather is what inspired the color choices of my latest painting. I'm not as homesick this week. Its been nice, and I have been sleeping well. I called this new angel painting 'Angel of Peace'.