Progress in Oil Paint

I haven't painted in a long time. Not since I started Numberism. A friend of mine posed for me a while back and my friend, Ian, took the lovely photographs. Just last month my mother sent me oil paints from my late grandfather, and all the pieces fell together. Opportunity to pick up that brush again.

I'd say my greatest weakness as a painter is a lack of patience. I was always too eager to see the final product, always seeking instant gratification. I suppose Numberism helped me with that. With each row of numbers, more light, more shadows and more dimension came through. At any point, if I were to become too eager, too rushed, the piece would have been ruined. I had to keep my excitement at bay and slowly let the image appear.




Sitting in front of my easel, I feel calmer. I can take my time. There's never been a rush afterall. I have all the time in the world to finish this painting.

I draw a page of the comic book, take a break and put down another layer. It was a painting, after all, that got me the gig drawing the comic.





It's not finished. A lot of this is under painting, but it's getting there. Time to pull out the linsead oil and smooth out the light on her chest.

Approaching 2010

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This holiday season has been a good for Tab and I and our little group here in Portland. I had a few last minute projects to work on (a beautiful wedding scene I turned into a numberism portrait) and a few I'm still working on now, and hope to continue working on into the coming year (including the Zombie Comic and a numberism scene that I'm dying to draw for a friend of mine).

I came back from Seattle inspired. We stayed up there with some of Tab's family and I had the opportunity to get a closer look at some of Christen Shaw's work (who is my brother-in-law's fiance - nice ring, by the way). The online images just didn't do the detail and lighting justice. I unfortunately can't show you my favorite piece, but she'll hopefully have pictures of it online soon. I can, however show you the beautiful piece she gave Tab and I. I don't think anyone has ever given me a painting before.

Again, this picture doesn't do it justice, but that's just reflective of my ability with a camera... which is way below par.

Below is something else of hers.



A month ago, my mother sent me oil paints from my late grandfather and I've been meaning to put them to use. After seeing all her work (and my favorite with the luminescent ocean scene- hint hint- put it up), I've come back wanting to paint. While taking a break from the comic book, I started my first piece. I will put up pictures when it's finished.

I have a few ideas for incorporating more vivid color with my numberism work as well. We shall see.

I love being inspired. It's something I revel in.

The Saturday Market is closed for 2 months. We'll be back in March, and until then, we artist people need to keep our hands busy. More than anything, I'm working on finishing the Comic Book "Teenagers Guide to Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse". We might also jump around the coast a bit to do some artwalks in Seattle and Northern California. Not to mention, Villain, which we plan on shooting either January or February.

Ah, I should note, that the gallery will be open again, come January 1st.

On that note, The Portland Examiner interviewed me about Saturday market's last days in their "Festival of the Last Minute" article. Which you can see Here and Here. (I am in Part 2).

More than anything, this break gives me some time to play. We've all worked pretty hard this past year, and I'm looking forward to seeing where some free time and creativity will bring me.

Happy New year to all of you, and thank you again for your continued support.