A Change Is Gonna Come (or else...)

Summer has officially started, which means several things for me and this little ol' studio of mine. First, it's as hot as Hades (or hell, which ever you prefer) and productivity is slowing to a crawl. Secondly, Eddie Cochran was right: there ain't no cure for the summertime blues. Perhaps I can refer back to the previous statement in saying the Texas heat sucks the life force out of me, and all I want to do is sleep. However, that is not really in the cards for me right now. This train needs to keep rolling at a steady pace as long and as far as it can go.

Just so I don't get sucked into the summer doldrums there are several new projects in the works to keep my mind sharp and eyes focused. Two upcoming exhibits are in the works as I speak, the first opening July 9th at The Cameron Gallery. "No Trespassing" is a group show consisting of myself, photographer Hal Samples and painter Kevin Fougerousse, which looks to be an interesting and eclectic mix of work. To the left is a study (which can be purchased as a print here) of one of the paintings I'll have on display, entitled "My Bonnie", which is a still of actress Faye Dunaway from the film "Bonnie & Clyde". There will be a total of around 5-6 new paintings for this show.

Coming in October is my solo exhibition "Cowboy Movie: Lonesome Portraits of the Hollywood Cowboy" opening at the Amy Graves Ryan Fine Arts Center during McMurry University's 2011 Homecoming. That show is currently in pre-production, and I'll start working on the actual paintings within the next few weeks. As an alum of McMurry University I've been asked to be the featured homecoming artist this year, which I'll admit I'm kind of excited about.

On the business side of things I've begun to focus much of my attention to finding additional gallery representation. If my latest "We Are Modern" exhibit proved anything to me, it is that I feel much more confident in my creative abilities and opportunities in further making a living as a full time artist. It's now time I really start seeing what I'm capable of doing outside of my home base.

As much as I've appreciated Dallas, its patrons and opportunities, I've come to the realization that I can't solely depend its art market for survival. It's a great town to make art in, while it is centrally located, but it's not enough to subdue my appetite. Sometimes ambition takes hold and you have to follow.

Additionally, I feel quite strongly about having some sort of gallery of my own, though I'm not sure where I should establish such an experiment. After thinking long and hard on the idea, I've decided Dallas is not where I will have gallery space. I'll just have to keep my eyes peeled for the perfect brick-and-mortar venue. In the meantime, my alternative is to continue building up my online presence and what I have to offer with my art. My goal is to still produce and offer works that resonate with everyone's price point, as long as I can continue doing things my way.

Anyhow, as long as the oppressive summer heat doesn't distract me any more than it already has, time should fly on by and keep me productive as ever. However, the fall months can't get here any faster.

Before I sign off, I have some awesome Art-O-Mat news...if you live in the Houston, TX area, check out this news clip about an Art-O-Mat machine in Houston's newest and hottest Whole Foods market. If you look really close, you'll see my work is represented proudly in the machine. And speaking of Whole Foods, if you live in the Dallas area be sure to call up the Whole Foods on Park Lane and demand they carry my Art-O-Mat art-o-works. Represent the locals, folks! Alternatively, if you don't have an Art-O-Mat machine near you, contact the awesome folks at Art-O-Mat and see about purchasing art directly from them. It's a great and fantastic way to collect original art!

Until next time...