Chase bank, painting en plein air, and the LAPD

I started another burning bank painting today, this time the Chase branch in Van Nuys. I got lots of thumbs up and likes from passersby but after an hour and a half the cops showed up. They said someone called thought I might be a terrorist. It was a peaceful encounter and I think the cops felt a little silly writing me up; its a long way from painting a visual metaphor of the banks to actual terrorism. They ran my ID through their computer, we chatted a bit and they let me go. I can't wait to start another one now! Aahahah! Who would have thought plein air painting could become an episode of COPS? The piece needs a little more work but I'm going to let it get good and dry and do more in the meantime. Oil on canvas, 22 by 28

nudes in the woods

Yesterday on the Alex Schaefer Hour we had model Amy Pigg posing for us and giving interesting conversation. I took an old landscape that didn't go anywhere and decided to paint her into it. It was a series of ten minute poses composed on the fly. Click here to listen to the show. Oil on canvas, 18 by 24

chase

I was inspired to paint some plein air yesterday, and to add another burning building to my series, so I set up in front of Chase bank in Burbank and had at it. I got 90% of it done on location and the put the finishing touches on the fire at the Hive gallery during the closing show. I photographer there filmed a time lapse of the flames ... I'm curious to see how that looks! Oil on canvas, 20 by 24

circle, triangle, and square

I gave an art talk at the Kidspace Museum and filmed some video of it... the kids had a great time and so did I! Here's the drawing I did to demonstrate building with simple shapes. I practiced so I could do it upside down! Ahahahah! I have more video but I'll edit that later.

Alex Schaefer Hour

Yesterday our guest was the fascinating artist Paul Whitehead. It was a really amazing interview and the portrait of him turned out great! The audio isn't the best unfortunately but hopefully you can make some sense of it! Click here to listen to the show. Also you can check out Paul's work at www.paulwhitehead.com

life drawing

Yesterday was life drawing at the Hive put together by the weekly scribbler group. There is really a crowd turning out for this and they are booking some great models. Here's what I got going. The group meets Tuesdays from 7 to 10pm and its $15 dollars to draw. All are welcome!

Idaho

I spent a week with my family in Idaho. What a beautiful place! It feels like a person can really live there but very differently than LA. Here's a couple landscapes I did... alkyd 12 by 16

wildflowers

Still life of wildflowers of Idaho. I arranged them myself too.

fallen soldier

This is a 5 by 5 inch portrait of Lyndon A. Marcus Jr., age 21 from Long Beach, killed in Iraq in 2004.

"When times get rough, look up in the sky and call me and look up and listen and you'll hear me say, 'Look where I'm at. Do you see me quitting? Don't give up the fight, 'cause I'm your bro, and I'm not a quitter, and neither are you.'"

— Lyndon A. Marcus Jr., in a letter his sister received the day the family learned of his death

let them eat cupcake!

red velvet cupcake portrait, oil on canvas, 6" by 6"

lets protest!

money is the root of all evill.