"Late Afternoon, Louisville St., Lakeview"

watercolor, 11 x 14 inches

Away in Chicago, at the Art Institute

The Homer and Hopper Shows are too good to miss!

Truly, the Winslow Homer show, "The Color of Light" was minimally described by the museum's press releases; it is a huge blockbuster of a show. Unfortunately, this is the only location to see it; the show is not traveling elsewhere after it closes on May 10, 2008.

It lovingly details Homer's artistic journey from illustrator to artist, showing how extremely inventive he was with his watercolor work. Many of the pioneering techniques he used in his watercolors can be directly linked to the work he did as a young illustrator. A fabulous catalogue accompanies this show, which is spread over 7 to 8 rooms and includes several of his finest oils. One visit is not enough; the show has been packed from the moment the museum opens at 10:30 AM. A great time to see it quietly is on Thursday evenings at 5 PM. The Chicago Art Institute is open late on Thursday until 8 PM.

The Hopper show is also one not to miss. Chicago is the last stop for this amazing exhibition, which has already been in Boston and Washington, D.C.

Many of Hopper's best known oils, like "Early Sunday Morning" and "Nighthawks"are presented, as well as watercolors like the "Mansard Roof" and many from Gloucester and the Cape.

It's quite a thrill to walk back and forth between two giant shows, seeing some of the best watercolors and oils that American artists have ever produced.

Gotta love the Art Institute of Chicago; membership entitles you to free access to the shows, pretty much anytime, no waiting in line.

Ciao!

"White House, Gray Day, Lakeview"

watercolor, 11 x 14

The One that got away.....

"Corner of Colbert and Filmore"

watercolor, 11 x 14 inches

I've become obsessed with this house. Don't know anything about who lived there, but I've painted it at least a dozen times in the last two weeks.

The first watercolor of this house was satisfying, and possibly would have been enough.

Atypically, I was very happy with the result, using a limited palette.

As I packed up, evidently the painting remained behind; I never saw it again. Maybe it was left it on top of the car as I drove off. When I realized it was missing, back I went, driving all over the neighborhood, but to no avail.

Like the fish that got away, in my mind's eye, the painting just kept getting better and better.

Since then, I keep trying to reach that bar again. Sooner or later, if the house doesn't get knocked down first, I'll stop, hopefully after a successful painting experience.

"Foss House Sunlight Sketch"

Watercolor, 11 x 14 inches

Click on title for auction.

Owen Fos's House, Lakeview

Watercolor, 11 x 14 inches

Click on title to view auction.

This was the first Lakeview house that I fell in love with. A neighbor from across the street told me about Mr. Fos. He is in his 90's, living elsewhere now. I was thrilled to hear that he had survived the storm. His son is trying to take care of the house, which will probably be torn down soon. Many elderly folks in Lakeview chose to stay during Katrina, rather than leave their pets, and perished in their homes when the levee broke.

I drive by it nearly everyday and have done several studies of this structure. This was the first. I hope to do a larger version before it's gone. While I was painting here, a Sewage and Water Board employee came by, giving out handbills telling of impending street work in the area.

I feel a tremendous sense of urgency to document so many different, beautiful old houses in Lakeview before they're gone, before the street work starts, before the summer heat sets in.

Ah, Love.....

"Behind Reginelli's, Gray Day, 2004", watercolor, 14 x 22

Love is a funny thing; you miss it when it's not there, and maybe, take it just a bit for granted when it is.

Years ago, I began playing with watercolor. Played with it here and there, for a few months at a time....and years went by as I pursued a livelihood with pastel portraits and oil paintings.

Every now and then I'd pick watercolor up again, only to be greatly frustrated; it takes several months of daily practice to "hit my stride", feel comfortable enough that I can paint without being self conscious about every stroke.

Invariably though, after a few days of practice, the entire world looks different, luminous. I start seeing with eyes that imagine how to paint everything in watercolor and, amazingly, even McDonald's looks beautiful! At times, watercolor seems like the most impossible of mediums; every small accomplishment makes me want to sing!

On the next rainy morning, I'll photograph recent starts. When the light's up, I'm rushing out to paint....and results are slow. I'm again playing with watercolor. Experimenting. I know that I don't want colored drawings as much as I want watercolor paintings.....but I need to be patient, it will come.

I'm working primarily in a section of New Orleans, Lakeview, that was severely damaged by the storm. For a full two years after Katrina, I couldn't paint there. Every block looked like a wasteland, with doors open swinging in the breeze, like a stage set for a spaghetti Western. Only Clint was missing.... Copper theft [plumbing, fixtures, gutters] was a huge problem for quite some time in the area. Now the neighborhood looks so good, it's amazing to see the few houses on each block that have not yet been re-done or knocked down. And those are the houses which have captured my eye.