The Studios are open... it's SHOW TIME!

With another Fall Open Studios behind us a BIG thank you to the folks at Artspan for year after year making it happen in their support to us local artists. I would also like to mention and thank the Mission United Artists for promoting us.

As you might imagine, there is so much preparation the week prior and this year the City of San Francisco decided to tear up and repave several streets where many studios are located (mine included). This made it difficult to bring supplies and/ or paintings as I could not park or drive anywhere near the studio.

But not to fear! Taxie and I got creative. I had a painting that had been at the photographer as well as promotional materials, price lists, post cards and some painting supplies that I needed to get to the studio. So, I loaded up my city bike... dog, painting, and supplies and yes, we did get some odd looks and laughs as we made our way cross-town.

Friday... IT'S SHOW TIME! Studio 202 has Italian vino and we are get for go... home for a shower....

Speaking of SHOW TIME... this video on YouTube cracks me up. This is so why galleries exist. "We" artists are just not equipped to talk about, sell or show our own work. Herman Munster is just the best! "Man, that cat's so deep"!

Opening reception... thank you everyone for stopping in! We did have to laugh when the flash of the paparazzi went off... Geoff Wolf of Art Explosion snapped this photo... coincidently the photo he took at the last Open Studios was of the same friends.

I was surprised that one of my new oil paintings, Hill Top View #1: Bernal sold. And so pleased know it is going to hang in a beautiful home (I was able to see where it would be hanging when I delivered it on Monday).

Again, as I have stated in previous posts, I am very lucky as the 2nd floor studio group, where I am located, is comprised completely of private spaces with many talented, fun and hardworking artists.

Open Studios is an opportunity for us to see each other's new projects and spend time talking. Sharing ideas and new work is truly one of the reasons that I continue to enjoy crateing in a community studio environment.

On Saturday two artists whose work I respect stopped by; Kathy Fujii-Oka (her studio is up the hall) and Priya Assal Gheysari (is my next door neighbor).

Another fun part of Open Studios is that you meet so many people... here are four art savvy dogs that stopped in for a treat (from L-R, guest of artist Jason Rivera, Kathy Fujii-Oka's pups and just a guest enjoying the day).

Last year photographer, David Gartner, did a project of artists in their studios and if I recall correctly he was using his phone camera.

On Sunday David showed up again only this time with the real camera. He asked if he could take my picture for this years project. He is a really nice guy so I said sure, and told him this time I want to look like the serious artist that I am. He asked me to stand by the sock monkey. Well, so much for that. His project is very cool and worth taking a look at.

Monday morning I was tired yet anxious to get back to work on the several projects that I have going. As you can see in the photo I think Taxie was also having a hard Monday back at work... she could hardly keep her eyes open!

Hill View #2: Twin Peaks was finished in time for Open Studios

and I thought Hill View #3: Corona was... however after looking at it this week I decided it needs some changes.

As you can see in the photo below I've been making lot's of changes... it's Friday, so probably won't get back to it until next week.

Pacific Atlas has been completed...

and I have started another cityscape. This new one is of the blank billboard that I saw in the Mission and I was drawn to the starkness of just a blank white space against the sky.

I m also working on a grouping of oil paintings that are of the same subject, just different views and times of day. The first two are very small - color is being laid in.

And for something a bit different, completed a chalk and nu-pastel drawing, 18x24".

This week flew bye... not enough time!

To wrap this up... seems that the new theme for odd sightings is shoes... or for Open Studios is that shoe biz? Bright shoes hanging from the telephone wire in the Lower Haight...

and in the Mission... a little kids shoe.

The creative path is a journey; sometimes what you think is a change is only the continuation.

I have become interested in doing a series of abstract (and somewhat minimal) paintings on the views from the hilltops of San Francisco... the ones that I walk with Taxie on. The views are spectacular.

My paintings are progressively becoming more and more abstract and this is a direction that I am excited about. More color, less subject. It is all an experiment. This is what the artist does. It may not sell, but that can not be the focus. I am not a commercial artist, I am a painter.

With my renewed excitement of painting in oils I am drawn to painting these views... the way I see them. This led to the question; just how many hills (the big ones) are there in San Francisco? So, of course I Goggled.

What I found was "the original 7 hills" (Nob, Russian, etc. ignoring all those, well, something like 46 other hills we have), which, of course as a walker and cyclist totally made me laugh.

Then... one thing led to another and before I knew it I was reading about Greek Mythology, ancient Babylon and, well, of course (it always comes back to this for me) the eternal "real" city of 7 hills, Roma.

And... well, what's up with the number 7? How weird, there are 51 cities that claim to be founded on 7 hills. Why? From what I could gather, the short version is, as Roma expanded, and with her the myth of power... 7 hills.

This actually goes back to Greek Mythology, the number 7 being a symbol of completion, perfection... world influence/ power. Roma and her 7 hills may not be by accident. Interesting to think about.

This did not stop there for me. I got so tweaked up and sidetracked... hmm the number 7. There are 7 Continents, 7 seas, the 7 Emperors of Roma, 7 Liberal Arts, 7 Sages of greece, 7 wonders of the world.... I was born in the 7th month. Does anyone else hear that Twilight Zone theme music?

And all of this just because I wanted to do a post about the hills and the paintings. Geese!

So, back to the paintings.

The first of, what is now a series, has been completed. Very minimal statement. It is the view from Bernal Hill looking out over the Mission. This was a very fun and freeing painting to do.

I am now working on the 2nd painting. This is from Twin Peaks, looking downtown, Mt. Diablo direction. This painting is not taking on such a minimal perspective, yet, still, moving in a very abstract direction. It is still too wet to complete. I want to hurry it up, but with oils I can't.

Oils are so interesting... I now realize how much I have missed the medium. There is this quality of "old world" about painting with them. It slows you down, gets mephitical... let's you think, lets you feel. I am enjoying the process. Again, these may have no "commercial value", but it so feels like painting. This is not to say that I will not venture here and there in acrylics... that too is a very enjoyable medium... just a real different feel of brush to canvas.

And then there are always those everyday... on the walk to and from the studio sightings.

Another telephone pole beautify the city... or not, this one is a bit unique to say the least, but humous non the less.

And so, as a last word... we seem to have a Mr. Banksy imitator/ poser in the city. I might be wrong, however, after looking at this, I doubt it really is done by Banksy. Not as subtle as his work, and I am sure we would all know if the real Mr. B. was kind enough to visit our fair city. Why would you imitate someone else's work is the question. I guess for exactly why this is posted on my blog. Please. Get your own fame, much more satisfying.

“What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?” Vincent van Gough

For us San Franciscans it has been a very cold and foggy summer. Not that this is totally unusual, yet, I swear it's been really really colder this year. Such a San Francisco thing to do, complain about the weather... it's either too hot or too cold.

On our Saturday dog walk meander I took this photo on 18th Street, just as a reminder that it really is still summer. My thoughts were with Vincent.

Last Friday I had another sighting of that mystery romantic artist's work in the Mission. The others (see posting July 27) have already been taken down, so I was glad to come across this one on 19th. This one is "Fools rush in were angles fear to tread".

It's always a bit disruptive when changes happen around the studio. Not unusual that artists move in/ out just prior to Open Studios.... have met some new friends and said goodbye to some. Some are off to Europe, but thankfully some are just up the street and we can still have cafe breaks together.

With all the moving going on around the studios I decided to do a project I have long put off. I got a hold of some large sheets of foam core board to cover up the interior window/wall between my neighbor and myself. It is so nice to have finally completed this project. Makes the space brighter and provides more hang space.

The other studio project this month was to get oil paint ready. I have put off going back to oils because of concern for Taxie. I bought a fan, a childproof door divider and a low impact turp substitute. The studio door can now be open with the fan outside blowing air through and out the window. So far so good.

I have been working on a couple of small paintings to get used to oils again. Neither of these are complete, but has been very fun. Oils are such a different feel than working with acrylic. One big difference is that the paint "stays wet" and is a far more forgiving medium in some ways... don't like something, wipe it off or blend some more color in.

One is from a drawing of my balcony and the other the stools at Wiz Burger.

The cool thing about oils is that you do have wait time which makes it easier to have several projects going on at the same time.

I am starting a new very minimal/ abstract painting from a photo I took on the hill in Bernal Heights. Here is the photo and my initial layout. Hope to get the actual painting started today.

Random Barbi, Ken and friends sightings

Is it just me or has anyone else noticed that Barbi and Ken seem to be all over town these days? Here are a few recent sightings. Kind of creepy weird if you ask me.

Notice Hipster Barbi with her dogs. Love the "Barbi falls off her bike" in the new Valencia Street bike lanes.

And then there was the 4th of July Ken in the Castro?

And this poor guy in the Mission just ain't got what Ken's got.

And, well, Hipster Barbi Mom keeping buff.

Isn't San Francisco just the strangest place on earth? Gotta love it!

Draw local, treat your chalks humanely

Rumor has it that Michael Bruton put out about 700 pieces of art chalk last Friday night on Valencia Street near the Post Project by Michael Arcega.

The concept, as I understand it, was that the sidewalk would become an extension to the pole project extending the messages.

The good news is that it is quite fun to walk up the street and see the total chaos in non-permanent graffiti. And yes, there is the usual downside. People who did not seem to get the concept of the project insisted on writing on the sides of buildings.

I enjoyed reading all the messages and expressions that will wash away come the next rain. Looked like all who participated had a great time.

Walking up Valencia I saw these small picture frames (approximately 10" or so) with a message.

And on 20th Street near Florida I spotted two more. I am sure soon someone will identify this elusive artist. Cool project. I like it!

Taxie generally gets the last word... and here she is studying the latest painting. I can always count on her for a constructive critique.

The painting of Pacific Atlas is close to being finished and I am starting to prep for the next project.

I have decided to start working in oils again. Looking forward to the change in medium.

“If I didn't start painting, I would have raised chickens.” - Grandma Moses

Friday (July 9) evening started out with a cocktail and Brie Crepe at Ti Couz on 16th before venturing across the street to the opening reception of Escape into Summer at Artist-Xchange Gallery.

As an artist I am always grateful to gallery's for accepting my work and at the same time it is always nerve racking to have your work up on "the wall" for all to see. It's kind of a schizophrenic feeling. You can always tell who the artists are; we are the ones outside of the gallery pacing the sidewalk!

Also, THNK YOU to the Haigheration BLOG for the great write-up!

Afterwards I walked over with friends to the opening of Illuminated Forest at The Lab. The show was really fun, like being given an E-Ticket for a ride at Disneyland or better yet, in the middle of some crazy enchanted forest. Very cool show! Congrats to the artists!

After our little jaunt up to Tahoe it was back to the Studio. I continued to work on some drawings. (pastel drawing of Tuscana, Italy)

I have been avoiding starting a new painting and not sure of exactly what I wanted to do. Today I just jumped into a painting of a very industrial building that I have been intrigued with, well forever, on 17th Street. I always find it interesting how it just happens. One moment you are not sure what to paint and the next you are painting.

In this painting I am working on pulling together my drawing style with my painting style and then just let it all happen. I got the color and composition laid in. I am looking forward to tomorrow when the painting really starts to happen.

The heat is back on again... submissions coming up and Open Studios (speaking of tomorrow... have to go over to ArtSpan to approve the image proofs) are just around the corner.