The Not So Free Life

A Look Inside the Sketchbook of Watercolorist Daniel Merriam

If Daniel Merriam’s watercolors were books, they would be fairytales once upon a time in a far away European dreamland. The painter, who is currently exhibiting at AFA Gallery (covered here), compares his process to a writer’s. In our recent interview, Merriam told us about the influence of 17th and 18th century Baroque architecture on his works which he draws from memory.  Although imaginary, his elaborate structures must be believable in their world, and he builds them out carefully as a point of reference. In this sense, one could also call him an architect. His sketches are very different from his highly detailed paintings. They are the artist’s loose, mental notes and not intended to match up with any particular piece. Merriam says, “In reality, each drawing is its own work and will never occur again. The beauty is in the economy of marks, leaning on the visceral edge of the artist’s mind.” Take a rare look at his process work , courtesy of the artist. “Now You See Me: The Art of Escapism” is now on view at AFA Gallery through June 7th.Underwritten by AFA NYC.

Hi-Fructose

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Melissa McCracken, a painter with synesthesia, explains what it’s like to see your favorite songs. [x]

“Karma Police” — Radiohead

“Little Wing” — Jimi Hendrix

“Gravity” — John Mayer 

“Imagine” — John Lennon

“Joy in Repetition” — Prince

“Since I’ve Been Loving You” — Led Zeppelin

“Life On Mars?” — David Bowie