#8paint

Lately, I’ve been obsessed with merging the figure with the abstract and painting itself. A nude for example is inherently charged and it can be difficult to get past the figure and explore the rest of the painting. By simplifying the figure into its most elemental shapes I am merging the representational with abstraction. It feels so good! #learningtosee #paintfromlife #8paint (at Enclāve Studios) https://www.instagram.com/p/CYQdsOTrVT7/?utm_medium=tumblr

I used to swing almost as high as I could until the chain would go to slack, then plummet down only to be caught with a jerk by the tension of the chain. Repeat. The truth was, at the height of my arc, my form would soften a little. I never fully committed and wondered regularly, if the full momentum of my swinging would have take me over the top. … #throwbackthursday #8paint #toohigh (at Ashland, Oregon) https://www.instagram.com/p/CbxhN67LuS7/?utm_medium=tumblr

The immediacy of the gesture is where the life of a painting lives. I love this kind of painting. It lights me up. . . #21aweek #8paint #learningtosee (at Enclāve Studios) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQefouDnUUb/?utm_medium=tumblr

I love looking back at the process coming through in my work. Lately, I’ve been experimenting with different iterations of the same image. One might be labored and exacting while another is painted with a ton of paint and speed. If you have a painting that you like but you feel it’s a little stiff, why not paint another one as fast as you can? Compare the differences in the feelings that emerge from the two processes. You will have already gained a ton of knowledge from your study of the first piece. What tricks do you use to loosen up? . . . #learningtosee #8paint #creativeprocess (at Enclāve Studios) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQRKU1pHDit/?utm_medium=tumblr

Seclusion - Mixed Media on Canvas - 48”x48” #gabrielmarklipper In this piece, I am experimenting with the idea of merging the figure with the environment. A person jumps out in any composition. The idea of integrating the figure with the rest of the composition is exciting and tough to pull off. Will a figure always become the focal point? It seems like it, but sometimes for the use of contrast and shapes, we can make that I work to discover it. Have you ever made a painting where the figure didn’t jump forward? . #learningtosee #8paint #abstractrealism (at Enclāve Studios) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmCSzv1pEJp/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

When I look back at the arc of my work, I can see little glimpses of my future self as far back as 10 maybe even 15 years ago. It’s amazing to watch the process of discovery unfold in your own work. It’s almost like I am a member of the audience . I’m focused on the merging of the two worlds of abstraction in representationalism. There are pieces in the show that I feel have achieved this connection, almost seamlessly, and I am thrilled to share this work with the world. Look for my Instagram live coming up this Friday at 10:30 Pacific time where I give you a sneak preview of the work online before the show opens. My latest show “Departure” is just around the corner! Opening this first, Friday, December 2nd at Enclave studios in Ashland:). Be there. #learningtosee #abstractrealism #8paint (at Enclāve Studios) https://www.instagram.com/p/ClmJx9YP8CE/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

After returning from Paris, I pulled out an unfinished sketch that had been hiding in the rafters for years. What I saw in Paris helped me to shift the way I approached the sketch. Less is definitely more. Just throwing down the paint and letting it land where it may felt really good. It was the first piece to sell at my last show. 

I took a little time out for an amazing sandwich and a beer @remixcoffeebar had a great time building on my #21aweek with my daughter Iris and good friend @larosian . Everything tastes better when you’re drawing. . #learningtosee #8paint #draweveryday #sketchdaily #sketchoftheday #scribbles (at remix coffee bar) https://www.instagram.com/p/ChF2Q4hPBPk/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=