Back in the Studio

After a month off my feet and out of the studio, I'm ready to get back into it! For now, here's some bluegrass to tide you over.

The Purgatory of My Art

Technically, my paintings don't go through any sort of holy judgement, but they do graduate to different spots in my house until they are either exhibited, brought to storage, rolled up, or painted over (sigh).

This is my latest art nook.

Half the time it takes to finish a piece is used painting, and the other half is spent looking. Natural light isn't very good for the pigment, but I can see the painting from the kitchen to allow double tasking. Drink a coffee and "work," ie. stare blankly at a canvas.

This morning, reflecting on the symbols referenced in the art, I realized my friend Rosa Quintana has been working on some paintings that directly discuss the use of birds in classical art. Sometimes you don't realize the connections being made in your unconscious brain until it is literally staring you in the face...

Her work can be seen here!

Painting: the Dreamer

The Dreamer, Oil on canvas, 36"x48"

Affectionately known as "Venus de Michael" in the studio.

My word of the day is contrapposto. It is used in the fine arts to describe the pose where all of the figure's weight is shifted onto one foot, so the shoulders twist opposite to the hips. Kind of like Venus in Botticelli's The Birth of Venus whose pose, by the way, looks remarkably like the Dreamer...

Mushroom Path

Brimming with mushrooms is the Lighthouse Country Regional Trail, Qualicum Bay. Worth the visit!

Painting: Vita Similis Umbrae

Vita Similis Umbrae (Life is like a Shadow)

Oil on Canvas

36"x36"

Painting: Fair or Fowl

Fair or Fowl

Oil on Canvas

28"x28"

Painting: Paris Saw Me Naked

Paris Saw Me Naked

36"x36" 

Oil on Canvas