The Beginning

I ran into Eric Weller yesterday, what seems like today because I barely slept. It was awesome to see him because he's always so infectiously enthused and is exactly where I want to be at his age. I showed him the thesis work I have so far and he was surprised that I only had two this late in the semester. This didn't make me feel any less apprehensive about it, but I know he meant well. I must say I'm surprised myself at only having two. This is partly due to the size of the works, being that they're on doors. Mostly though because it took me too long to find my core interest, not in art but in what 'message' i wanted to share. By over-thinking the concept behind the work, I began a descent into self-doubt and criticality. I've always known I wanted to paint people, but I really like the un-pretentious work of Paul Wright which has mood and gesture without context. Yet so far in my undergraduate studies I've mostly been told to put my figures within a context. While I understand the validity of this idea to make the people relevant, I'm so inspired by capturing personality that social relevance isn't yet a subject I feel compelled to explore at this point in my life or work. That being said, I really like the work I've done so far. It's some of my best in my opinion and in painting my friends I always find a self-awareness and humor in the work. The piece I'm working on right now is a life-size painting of my friend Tiffany wearing rainbow suspenders and a cardboard box with drawers drawn on it playing off the pun "suspenders holding up your drawers." So, I'm on my way and I'm writing this to remind myself that I'm on the right path and that once I have more time, I'll be able to bring together a cohesive body of work.

Thesis

I have recently decided to revisit this blog and use it more proactively. This is my senior year of my undergrad eduction and am currently working on the first section of my Thesis Painting work. My idea for it is to do watercolors of chaos in the background and then painting my peers on a clear surface to point out their interactions and non-interactions. I intend to paint the figures with thick oil to contrast with the washy background imagery. I admit I am apprehensive about starting my thesis work. It's nerve-racking trying to focus my concept into a cohesive series. Through the images I've posted on here I hope you can get a sense of my work and my interests as far as color and mood go.

Angel Face

Guise of Modesty

A Father's Vision

Cowboy Up

Jolie

Taste the Rainbow

Chad Gray

Leather and Pearls

Ashling the Extinguisher

Ashling the Pilgrim

Jim Morrison

Eastwood

For the Love of the Game

Hendrix

Marilyn Drips Sex Appeal