Sex and Violence

David Cavett lamented, in 1978, "Why are sex and violence always linked?" As unstoppable and destructive as a tornado, so is sexandviolence - at least in this context.

On a lighter side, at our local gallery, we shall have an upcoming show celebrating the four elements - fire, water, air (wind) and earth. I hope this encaustic painting will appear in the show.

"sexandviolence", 2011, 40"x30", encaustic on canvas

Empyrean

In ancient cosmological theory, Empyrean is a place in the highest heaven and is occupied by fire. The concept was later adapted by Christian writers to denote the dwelling place of God and his angels - a place of pure light.

This 52" x 22" encaustic is my take on the idea.

"Empyrean" 52"x22", encaustic on panel.

Exit (Debra Lafave)

We have all, because of poor judgment, found ourselves in regrettable situations from which we wish we could escape with the same ease as exiting a computer program. Unfortunately, real life does not afford the same options as the virtual world.

The center piece, which informs this painting, is based on a news photo of Debra Lafave facing charges of statutory rape in 2005. The other images work to enforce the tension in the work with no real direct commentary, thus leaving interpretation open to the viewer.

"EXIT" 2006, oil and wax on canvas, 30"x40"

Tempest: Fire and Rain

I have decided, for me at least, winters are not good times for art. About three months ago we started a small remodeling job. It's like we can't stop. Nearly half of our house is in some way impacted by this remodel. Alas, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We should be finished in about 3 weeks.

So, I have created this encaustic on panel specifically for a new space in the remodel. I call it "Tempest" because that is what my life has been for the last three months!

"Tempest", 2010, 48" x 18", encaustic on panel

Synapse

"Synapse"
Encaustic on canvas
30" x 24"

Reclining Nude

Whole books have been dedicated to the reclining nude, so pervasive is its role in art history. Many contemporary artists continue to reinterpret this common subject.
Click on the image so you may view its surface. The figure was created by incising the wax.
"Reclining Nude" 18"x48" encaustic on panel

Simon & Simon

For the last six months I have been unable to spend any quality time in my studio due to an abrupt change in my business. Things are settling down and thankfully I am able to return to the studio.

This diptych, completed just last week, is inspired by the work of NY artist, James Little. I sometimes copy the style of an artist I like, to better understand his/her process and motivations for making art. But more than that, it gives me a point of departure from which I discover my own take on a particular style that often no longer resembles the original work. For me, this can be among the most stimulating of art practices.

"Simon & Simon", 2009, 40"x39", encaustic on panel

Ronnie

Ronnie was in the waiting room at my office whiling away the time (as we all do) when he happen to see this painting on the wall. He inquired of the receptionist whether Dr. Bell had "done that painting." She informed, yes, that it was someone Dr. Bell knew. Ronnie replied, " I know who it is. It's me!"
In fact many years earlier Ronnie had done some house painting for me during which time I made a photo of him. Several years passed, however, before I actually painted this. Happily he was pleased that I had "painted him" and I was pleased his likeness was so recognizable.
Ronnie's face has a lot of character which interested me as a potential subject for an art work (he's also quite an interesting guy). This has become a favorite of mine and now hangs permanently in my studio. Created in 2007, it is encaustic on canvas measuring 24 inches square. As always, click on the image for a larger view.

Wax Fruit

Interesting to me was that my grandmother always had bowls of wax fruit used as decoration. This painting is based on a bowl of real fruit, but is painted with wax.
Encaustic paintings are created with pigmented wax applied in layers. Top layers are fused to underlying layers with heat; usually a heat gun, propane torch or iron. Check out Joanne Mattera's blog. She is a quite well known encaustic painter.
This painting, "Wax Fruit (Nectarines)" is 30" x 40". Click on the image for an enlarged view.

Yum!

I really like encaustic paintings!
I really like pizza!

Sometimes painting is just plain fun!


Click on the image to enlarge.
("Pizza", 2007, encaustic on canvas, 30"x40")

Abstract vs Nonobjective Art II

David Hirschi makes moderately sized seemingly monochromatic paintings "without referents outside of paint, color and support." His paintings arguably meet the definition of nonobjective art. But, as a viewer, some of his blue paintings remind me of skies at certain times of the day and year - an abstraction of some reality. I, in effect, have made a nonobjective painting abstract, without even touching it! In this sense the idea of abstract vs nonobjective art becomes more than academic. A work of art is not complete until the viewer interacts with it. Since many viewers may interact with a work, a particular piece is always in process. Another way to look at it is when a work is finished by the artist, the work is as an infant. Over time the piece matures as a viewership responds to it.

Mark Grtojhan is well known for his colored pencil abstractions which he often subtitles "Butterfly". This 2006 encaustic on canvas (30"x24") is an homage to Grotjhan (my intent). So is this painting an abstraction of Grotjhan's work, an abstraction of butterflies or nonobjective? You decide.