This Weeks Special

I don't know how it works for all artists but when I accumulate a number of paintings in the studio, I tend to notice a common thread of color theme. This past month may be my green period or my yellow period. I can't say why that is. I have all the colors on the palate every day, but I gravitate towards some over others occasionally. I don't think it is a bad thing, but there you have it.

What's new: Calm Waters, 16" x 20", o/c

Are You Done Yet?

My friend Rachel Cornell writes an interesting blog about human nature and the sometimes puzzling aspects of our behavior http://pronagger.com/. She recently polled some of us about how we determine when a piece of artwork, writing or other creative endeavor is declared finished. I contributed a few paragraphs in response, but I admit I don't really know how to answer the question definitively. I nearly always see some flaw or unresolved issue in my work. It may just be the obsessive traits within me but I usually regard work finished only if it is gone and I can't get it back to work on.

That said, the above painting was returned from a gallery and after 9 months I wanted to improve it. It's done now.

I promise....

No, really.

What's re-newed: Beginning Anew, oil on canvas, 39"x39"

A Big Change

Today started out without inspiration and plenty of frustration with what I saw around me in the studio. By late afternoon I had three paintings I was finishing and, in my eyes anyway, looked good.

Sometimes I get off the path and forget where I am trying to get. This is a painting that has morphed from a previous mediocre image to what you see here. As of 6pm I was happy with it. We'll see how much it has changed in perception overnight.

What's new: Untitled, 36" x 48" oil on canvas

Are Painters Competitive Enough?

Sometimes I marvel how we artists sometimes rave out loud about artists we like. I do it almost every day too. Today a couple of my painter friends and myself were talking about painting and looking at some famous dead artists' work in a book. It's a pastime to be practiced in moderation, else we would become overcome with self pity and overwhelming loss of ego.

Still, I am impressed at how we talk openly and so often about other artists we know and admire, - and without much jealosy or resentment. Well OK, maybe a little. In general, I think it reflects true respect for good work and those who create it. We seem to be inspired by it and not envious.

I suppose it's because we don't compete directly. Most buyers arent going to be swayed by the next artist. They come to an artist's work because it calls out to them specifically. Other artists usually bring their own collectors. I think we also share a tough mission in life. Making a living off something proven to be hard to live off. That creates a camraderie that allows us to encourage and admire. That's a nice place to be.

What's new: Autumn Sentinels, oil on canvas, 40"x40"

Mazel tov

Yesterday kicked off three days of the annual Temple Beth el benefit art sale in St Petersburg FL. I delivered work on Tuesday of last week. Artists are typically chosen by a committee of talent scouts that travel to other shows and art fairs. Last night there was great food and the crowd was large in spite of the steady rain. This probably marks my 6th or 7th year of participation. There are docents and sales people who do a better job than I could at selling so I usually stay clear and let them work their magic. But this year Susan and I made the trip and enjoyed the whole experience. And a few sales helped make it even better.

What's new: Barn on Moonlit Night, 8" x 24", oil on canvas. SOLD

First Real Tests of 2010

Shows are coming at me fast. February sweeps in with three opportunities to test the economic climate: January 30th through Feb 1st brings the Temple Beth el benefit show in St Petersburg FL, Temple Beth-el - St Petersbrg, FL., a solo mini show of six or eight pieces that will reintroduce my work at Studio E in Jupiter FL, HomeMar08 then its the Miller Gallery 50th Anniversary Show. Miller

Let's all keep our fingers crossed that the market is confident of recovery and art is on the shopping list.

Whats new: Kermit Coughlon Barn, 16"x 20", oil on canvas. This barn in Cades Cove TN blew down in a storm Christmas Eve 2009.

A Real Look Back

Friday morning dawned at the regular time. At least I trust that was the case. The New Year was ushered into Florida with rain and gloom. 2009's parting shot. I arose late to see the ceiling weeping water in our kitchen. So much for the 2010 optimist in me. Cruel reality hangs tough at least for the first day of the decade.

I got the ladder out and made the climb to the attic to search for the cause. Our attic is a much friendlier place in January than August - by about 50 degrees. Something positive to grasp.

The previous owners of our 1930s era house punched out a kitchen wall and put a glass atrium on the west side of the house. It took us less than 24 hours after move-in to see that was not a true improvement to the livability of the house. Ants would spontaneously combust under the glass around 5pm on a summer day. We soon saw that heat issues along with subsequent leaks meant it was best to retrofit to a solid roof and enjoying air conditioning like God intended in Central Florida. Still, leaks are programmed when patches are applied to shingle roofs and it seems our time is due.

While crawling around in the recesses muttering about my bad new year fortune, I found a plastic tub with photo albums and memorabilia. When my father passed away in 2000 a lot his possessions I was not ready to deal with were thrust on me. They went to that safe place where they wouldn't threaten me with their daily presence. I guess 10 years was the time I needed to emotionally deal with his loss. All the photos and mementos are now very precious and have taken on a more profound meaning.

As it would happen, my cousin is putting together a 1,000 page genealogy of my family going back before Johann Christoph and Johann Sebastian Bach in Germany. Some of the pictures and records from the attic fill a few minor historical gaps. Also, pictures of her part of the family surfaced in that box along with mine; images unknown to her. So maybe the roof leak was a message from above. The new year is a time to look to the future but also a nudge to deal with the past.

Happy New Year.