Sometimes it's a good idea to let things set for awhile before deciding if they are done or not. Case in point, I added more to this painting afterwards - after wondering if it was done. It's much better I think than before...looks more like my voice....lots of layering and complexity.

How do YOU know?

I started this acrylic painting yesterday and arrived at this point today. I never know when or if enough is enough. Is this painting finished? Or should I go for more layers? Are there rules? If so, what are they???? When I started this I was going after a textured painting with an organic nature. I'm contemplating layering more organic shapes and marks but I dunno...I just dunno.

Yesterday we went to a benefit show to raise money to help maintain the arts in the Saugerties school district. Saugerties and Woodstock are sister towns and, as such, can lay claim to being the stomping ground of many fine - very fine - musicians. Besides other world class musicians Theresa Williams, Larry Campbell and Amy Helm performed an incredible set of their gospel inspired music. Larry Campbell (do a web search) is a 2 time Grammy winner who has toured and played with Bob Dylan among others. Amy is Levon's daughter and a founding member of Ollabelle whose gospel/roots music brought healing to the NYC's lower east side right after 9/11. Apparently Ollabelle's music reasonated with so many people seeking solace that every Sunday night the club they played at would be packed with a diverse crowd ranging from punk rockers to financial execs. Theresa's clear, strong and gutsy voice and her strong stage presence added a depth and dimension to the trio that made you sit up and listen.

I love Ulster County and, while there are many other beautiful places, I really can't imagine living anywhere else. This morning I was inspired to create a roots type of painting. Other than the music that comes out of these hills, what evokes Ulster County more than the Catskills and a red farm building?

Yes! Some more gelatin plate monotype prints. Today, two of my great art buddy friends came over and we got up close and personal with the j-e-l-l-o stuff. I'm going to try sandwiching these pieces between glass and soldering the edges with copper. Yes! Yet another technique/skill to learn.

Gelly Adventures

All of these are gelatin plate prints created with unflavored j-e-l-l-0, acrylic paints, stamps, and paper resists on watercolor paper. Try it, you'll like it!

Not Just For Jello

Last night while watching Precious (yes, I like intense movies and stories) I stiched this. The base is gelatin printed fabric - if you click on the photo it will get HUGE and you can see more detailing. At the end of this month the Wallkill River School will have its annual Starving Artists Sale (side note: starving - I'm not) and I've been asked to participate. I'm going to offer small textile pieces attached to painted canvases at good (great) prices since these seem to popular whenever they've been presented at the school. Also, today I plan to mess around with gelatin printing on paper and see what ends up happening....and then if I add a few pastels and oil paintings to the sale, I just might end of offering a real mixed bag of art. Can you say multi media?

Seeking Olana

There seems to be an insidious mentality that has invaded the working world environment. It is the "be thankful you have a job" culture mindset. Now, don't get me wrong. I do understand that in this economy, where 1 out of 10 people are out of work and some of the other 9 are working at jobs that pay them chump change, my day job affords me a decent salary and benefits. What is difficult to accept (and I try to always live in a either a state of acceptance, joy or enthusiasm) is the fact that many of us are working longer hours and trying to stay on top of work loads and living up to expectations that might be accomplished easier by 2 people. So....last night I was looking at an unfinished painting of my dearly beloved Catskills wishing I lived the quiet relaxed life I always envisioned for myself there...inspiration hit and I grabbed the oil paints and went to it. I am constantly searching for beauty, peace and serenity....Olana embodies all of those elements and if I can't literally live it, I can be there in my mind.