I’m in the final days of painting for my upcoming show at the Principle Gallery in Alexandria. I’ve titled this show Now and Then and it opens June 10th. This past weekend really was extremely productive in the studio, with several pieces finally finished and the overall feel of the show taking shape. I had struggled for some time to find real definition for this show, that key factor that hopefully makes each show distinct. The past few days has me thinking that this show has found its distinction.
I think that it is defined by a fairly large group of works on paper such as the one shown above,Call to Waking. This is an 11″ by 11″ image that is a mix of black inks and a sort of sepiatone that is actually a mix of many colors. As I have described before, my process involves putting a lot of paint on the surface then pulling much of it off, soaking it up with brushes then squeezing them out. In my old studio, I often found myself squeezing this paint on to the floor which left a huge blackish stain on the flooring there. I try to be a bit more careful in my newer studio and have made a habit of collecting this paint, which often results in the creation of a color like the sepia of this piece.
There are a number of pieces in this show that have either this sepia or black/gray as the base color. I have shown a few at a time in the past but this will be a substantial group and will provide an interesting juxtaposition between this work and my prototypical work. filled as it is with strong colors. Seeing the two differing styles side by side in the studio has really shown this contrast.
Many of these pieces have bits of color in them, a faintly red tree or an orangish sun/moon that pops from the gray/sepia background, but this piece is devoid of color. I felt that the sepiatone had a warmth in itself and the contrast of the light breaking through the sky provided its own pop. I felt that any more color, say with red roofs, would actually be a distraction here, altering the ample mood that has been created. I think it works well as it is.
Well, although I could say more, I have work to get to.
Redtree Times 
I’m really enjoying the range of emotion clearly defined in your work. It’s funny how your work has been mirroring things I’ve been going through lately. 🙂 You referenced your old and new studios in your latest blog post and I thought I’d ask if you have ever posted a photo ‘studio tour’ of your creative space. It would be fun to see .. please share if you feel inclined to do so and thanks. 🙂
Thanks, Aaron. Over the years I have showed peeks of both my new and old studio. The old was featured in a book of artist studios in this area of New York State that I wrote about here a couple of years back. The new studio has been shown in the blog from the outside and in a short video on Youtube. I will try to do something more inclusive in the future.
Again, thanks and all the best!
Hello GC,
This is my first post….probably long overdue…
My husband and I were traveling some years ago, and stopped in Corning, and as we always did, we headed to old downtown, to go into the shops. Well, we stepped into the West End Gallery. I instantly fell in love with your paintings. Your paintings take me on breathless journeys into my soul. I follow you now on your newsletter, and never tire to allow your paintings to touch me. The simple beauty of each one is most inspiring.
I remember standing there in the West End, thinking this was the most beautiful artwork I’d ever seen. It was a special time for me. I don’t visit art galleries much anymore, because that was something that my dear husband and I did, and when he passed away a few years ago, I don’t take the pleasure in them as I did when we were together.
Anyway, thanks for listening and thanks for your artwork!
Barbara
Barbara–
I want to thank you so much for your kind words and your appreciation of my work, which came as a most pleasant surprise when I read your comment when I first came into the studio early this morning. I am honored that my work has touched you in some way. That is the most one can ask for as an artist and your words serve as great inspiration and a reminder of the responsibility I feel for my work. I hope you’ll continue to follow the work and that I will not disappoint. Feel free to drop a line anytime.
Again, thank you, Barbara.
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Thrilled to know when you’ll be visiting us in Alexandria next — I’ve put it on my calendar! I’m really looking forward to finally meeting you.
I’m looking forward to it as well. See you there!