This is a new painting, a 4″ by 4″ piece on paper, called Blue Etude. It’s part of a small group of new work that is included in the Little Gems show that opens this Friday at the West End Gallery. Twenty two years ago, I showed my work in public for the first time at the Little Gems show. Since that time it has come to be the kick off point for my work year, as it is this year. It is always one of my favorite shows.
After the Little Gems my next show is my annual solo exhibit at the Principle Gallery in Alexandria. This year’s show open on Friday, June 2. This exhibit will be my 18th consecutive show at the Principle, going back to my 2000 show, Redtree, one that marked the real beginning of my now signature Red Tree. My life would be much different without that show.
This is also an important show for me because it requires so much effort and focus, it sets the tone and determines the course for my entire year. It is also the show that normally unveils any new directions for my work.
This year’s show is titled Truth & Belief. These two concepts have been in my thoughts for some time now and I find myself trying to find bits of each in my paintings as I work on them. While I hope truth and belief are forever intertwined as one, it is now painfully evident that this is not always the case.
It’s that difference between the two concepts that hopefully will create the tension, the darkness beneath the light in my work.
My annual show at the West End Gallery opens Friday, July 14. I have to double-check, but I believe this will be my 50th solo show— obviously not all at the West End! But there have been very many there and, as my de facto home gallery, it is always a very important exhibit for me. You always want to do well in front of your hometown crowd.
This year’s show at the West End is titled Self Preservation. More on that in the future!
I currently have two Gallery Talks scheduled. I have come to look upon them as some of the highlights of my year. I like the challenge of them and the fact that they often are just a lot of fun.
This year’s Gallery Talks are:
*West End Gallery on Saturday, August 5.
*Principle Gallery on Saturday, September 16.
There are some other things coming. For example, my work is featured in an article in the Summer edition of Acrylic Artist Magazine. Plus, there are a few other things in the works.
And, as is normal, my work will be regularly on display at the galleries that represent me during those times when I don’t have a show hanging.
I guess I better get to work.
Redtree Times 