Gonna take to the bridge

Grand Avenue Bridge 8"x 10" Oil on board plien air

Hello again everyone. Once again there has been a brief gap in my blogging recently thanks in part to a new dog in our family (more about him another time). This summer I've been trying to focus on painting en plien air (out of doors) which is not easy. This piece was the third one I've done this summer. This scene is a special place for me. It's the Grand Avenue Bridge in New Haven. When I was a kid we lived just a couple of blocks away from this bridge. My dad would take me for long walk when I was about 4 or 5 sometimes we were able to go up to the house on top of the bridge to meet with the bridge operator. One time we were able to be inside the house when it opened to let boats through. Painting this scene from life was definitely a wonderful time to think about my childhood memories. Now that I've talked about the painting let me tell what happened whilst working on this painting. You are not gonna believe this one. So, I dropped off my daughter with my sister who lives nearby while I went to paint. As I left her at my sisters my daughter asked "Daddy are you going off to have an adventure?" She must of seen all my painting equipment in the trunk of the car. I replied "sort of," but boy did I have an adventure that day. First I found a nice quiet spot in the park along the Quinnipiac River to capture the bridge on canvas. Everything started off very nicely. Then I heard a man approaching from the distance who is obviously intoxicated. So I keep painting hoping he would keep it movin' and pass me by. That didn't happen. "HEY arrreeeeyouuuuuuuan ARTisssttt!????!!?" he asked. "Yes" I replied quietly. "WOOOOWWWW!!!!! that is realllrlrllrrlry nice" "You got the BBBRBbbrbriiigde in there and every thing." "Thank you " I replied. He just stood and kept rambling on but I continued working politely acknowledging him. Then his friend came along who was also drunk but not as drunk. "LLLOOOOOOKKKK at thisguy he a PRofffffffeessional!!!" the first man said to his friend. I didn't hear what the other guy said in reply I just wanted them both to go away. I kept painting. The first man continued to ramble on about how he could of been somebody and how he could of been a contender. (or something like that) Finally the not so drunk man said to his friend "Why don't you bothering the guy? Can't you see he's busy!!???" The first man then proceed to compliment even louder. I kept painting. Next a large family comes my way and the first man start yelling " HHEEEEYYYY! YYOUUUUUUSEEEEEEEE THIZZZZGUUYYYYY?????" The family stops and looks and then goes about their business. But one member of the family, a boy about 9 or 10 years old stays and watches while I work. The first drunk man seems to be getting louder and finally the boy starts telling the man be quiet. I continue painting quietly. Then the boy starts asking me questions about painting and other things and he begins to tell me about himself. He plays baseball, he likes drawing etc. He was a very nice kid and I enjoyed talking to him. Meanwhile the two Drunk men are now arguing with each other right behind me and the boy has to interrupt his conversation with me to try to reason with them. The comes back and watches me paint meanwhile the second man say under his breath "I'm tired of this". Next I know he's on his cell phone with the police. The police are there in minutes. I hear them getting out of there cars and I hear one the officers say, "DROP IT!!!" This is going in on just several feet from behind me and I'm still painting non stop. I'm either very focused, very patient or very stupid. Minutes later an ambulance is there taking the first man away and the other man is in the back of the squad car. The boy then told me that the first man pulled out a knife and waved it in front of the second man. Now, had I known all this was going on behind me I would have gotten out of there faster than James Brown getting away from a taping of the Lawrence Welk Show. As the police and ambulance drove away the boy asked if I could paint a picture of what had just happened but he didn't understand that I couldn't paint that fast. Now, mind this park is very big and yet nobody was there before I showed up and then before I knew it all of this activity gravitated toward the one spot that I was in. It was as if I were the Sun in a solar system drunken planets. For the record this park is very nice, scenic and peaceful but this was just one of those days. I'm sure your now wondering if I'm satisfied with this painting. The answer to that question is NOOO!!! I'm thinking of using this board as fuel for the campfire on our families next camping trip. Having said that, I will keep it because whenever you do a painting directly from life you learn to become a better painter. Will I go back to that park to paint again? Absolutely. But for those of you who want to know when exactly I'll be out there again.....well............I'm afraid that I'll have to plead the Fifth Dimensions on specific question. I'll post some more Plein Air paintings in my coming entries. See you soon

If I were to star in a roller disco movie, it would be titled "XANA-Don't"

"Beach scene #1" 8"x 10" oil This is a small and quick painting that I did last year. It was based on a photo that I took whilst visiting ROCKY NECK STATE PARK. We visited the park 2 years ago and I just got around to working on paintings of scenes from that trip last year. I have more beach scenes from that trip in the works right now, stay tuned. The day we had taken this trip my family had also received an invitation to a rollerskating party with some friends of ours. We decided on taking the trip to the state park for a number of reasons. Among them, our daughter was still too young at the time to do any roller skating. Also, I couldn't find as much inspiration for painting in a dark skating rink. Third; I couldn't roller skate to save my life. I know that I would really enjoy rollerskating if I could actually do it. But this is how things would probably have played out had we gone rollerskating. The very moment that I get out on to the rink, I would fall and crack my head open. When the E.M.T.'s would arrive moments later to examine the extent of my injuries they would be baffled as they discover the substance coming from the hole in my head is actually egg yolk. "How is this even possible" they wonder to themselves. The write up in the Register a few days later would read: "Local starving artist loved by many proved to be a real egghead..............literally." And so to avoid all of that needless publicity we decided that the beach would be safer and more inspiring. Stay tuned for a few more beach paintings.

Jerry. Gone but not forgotten

"Jerry" oil 9"x 12"

"It's a dog first, me eat me world..........no wait..........that's not right.........well, you know what I mean. Anyways if you've read my blogs recently, you'll know that this past summer was filled with some joys as well as some setbacks. Getting into a wonderful gallery and then not being able to stay there because of other obligations was pretty disappointing. But this event wasn't nearly as upsetting as the lose of our beloved dog Jerry. I completed this portrait of her a couple of months after she died. Jerry was the sweetest dog that ever lived. A few things that I fondly remember about her - the way she would make a stinky in the grass and then, after using her hind legs to cover it over, she would take off running in a burst of happiness. I remember the way she would walk around with her squeak toy in her mouth. Another thing about her was all the nicknames we gave her during her 12 years of life, if your a pet owner you probably understand what that's all about. These are names that wouldn't make sense to anyone else to but the owners. So whats next in the adventures of the New Haven artist? Well this fall I plan to host an open studio tour, where I'll invite people into my workspace so they can get a behind the scenes look at how I create my paintings. Also I have a solo show at the Yale Medical School in January or February 2011. I also plan to shop around for a new gallery along the CT. shoreline and also out of state. In the meantime there will be new episodes of the New Haven Artist coming with new paintings and more boring stories. Stay tuned.

Front Page News

"Front Page News" 10" x 8" Oil This is a small painting that I recently finished. I must apologize for the poor quality of the photo. In this painting I wanted to capture the bright intensity of the noon day sun during the summer time. Light tends to over power color and shadows which means washing out a lot color intensity with titanium white. And now for the front page news you were waiting for..........here it is. I am no longer showing at the Elm City Artists Gallery. I know this is quite a surprise. "Why would you leave ELM CITY ARTIST?" you ask. Mainly due to schedule issues. As a member of the gallery you need to sit in for a number of hours every week. Unfortunately it was very difficult for me personally to meet this requirement because of other obligations. Also my work wasn't selling as well as I had hoped. The folks at the gallery were incredibly kind, gracious and understanding of my circumstances. Although my work is no longer showing there, I would still highly recommend visiting the gallery to see the works of the wonderful artists showing there. I had a fantastic time working at the gallery and I'm truly grateful that they allowed me to be apart of it. I plan to show in other venues in the area in the coming months and starting next year I'll be sending samples of my work to galleries outside of CT. for representation as well. I'll keep you posted on that. Meanwhile, Mouse, my moms dog and recently appointed CEO of Ferguson Art Studios was none to pleased about my decision. In fact she was so upset that she lapsed into a poor grammar moment as everyone does at times when one is giving an impulsive response to shocking news. Here was her statement.

"YOU DID WHAT!??......Is you owch yo mind!!!!!??????"

"I mean........Chris, you are crazy for leaving ELM CITY ARTIST! Why didn't you consult me first?!"

"What am I supposed to tell the hundreds of people who regularly flock to New Haven from all along the Connecticut shoreline and New York City to buy up all your latest paintings?" To which I replied with a chuckle "What people?" Mouse forgot what studio she was working for. She realized she wasn't working for the studio of Wayne Thiebaud or Willem De kooning. I also reminded her that just last month I actually had to pay a wealthy relative to allow me to hang one of my paintings in the living room of a house that he owned in Cape cod that no one had lived in for 5 years. "Oh yes, that's right.......never mind." she replied and she went back into her office. Obviously, I'm making all that last part up. I learned a while back that as an artist, it's important not to take oneself to seriously. To be honest though, I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't deeply disappointed by the fact that none of my paintings had sold for the entire three months that I was there. That's always a very difficult situation for an artist face. It makes no difference if your just starting out or you've been exhibiting for years. Although I'm disappointed I'm not discouraged. This just means I need to refocus on goals that I've set for my artistic endeavors all of which will be posted along with my most recent paintings on this here blog. Stay tuned.

1st Annual Business Meeting

"Soul De Cuba Cafe" Oil 10"x8" This is a painting I've recently completed that is now available at the Elm City Artists Gallery 284 York St. New Haven CT. This is a restaurant that I drive by quite frequently and it was just screaming to be captured on the canvas. This is the Soul De Cuba Cafe in downtown New Haven. This corner reminds of places New York City. I'd actually been thinking about this scene for a couple of years now and I finally got around to painting it. Some artists will tell you that they have pondered scenes for months or even years before they finally get around to painting what they had in their minds. I have dozens of reference photos that have been sitting in my picture file for 7 or 8 years that I've yet to get to. I intend to use them eventually. And now for our 1st annual business meeting. As president and CEO of Ferguson Art Studios I have decided that it's time for some new energy and ideas to improve sales of my paintings. Last year, sales of my paintings were in the 10's of dollars. This year I'm hoping to make it into the teens. The following year, the 20's. In order for these goals to be achieved though, I realized I needed to make some adjustments. So, effective immediately, I will be stepping down as CEO of Ferguson ART Studios. Don't worry, I'll still be painting and blogging and exhibiting new artwork. But now, you might be wondering who will take over the business side of the multi-dollar empire that is Ferguson Art Studios? My moms little chihuahua Mouse. True, Mouse isn't the brightest star in the galaxy. Quite frankly, she has the I.Q. of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. You would think this would be a fool hardy decision to have a little dog make the business decisions, but it's not. Mouse is actually more than qualified to take over the position I had. This will allow me to focus on creating new and better paintings. With her on the job, sales are sure to improve...............I hope. See you next time.

Mouse

The new president and CEO of Ferguson Art Studios

"Say it don't spray it" (revisited) and PAC-MAN?

"The Breakers" Oil 10"x 8"

A couple of entries ago, I made the stunning announcement that I had joined the Elm City Artists Gallery on 284 York Street, New Haven, CT. Let's revisit that subject; shall we? Before I talk about that, let me just mention that the painting above is a recent one. A scene from the Breakers Mansions in Newport, RI. And now, back to the gallery news. Elm City Artists is a cooperative gallery. Part of the way a cooperative gallery works is that the member artists spend a number of hours a week working at gallery and caring for the needs of the customers and potential art buyers. The artists working at the gallery are allowed to bring their painting equipment and work on their art while at the gallery. This way you can witness the artists creative process along with viewing the finished works that are on display. This is something you don't get to see in most galleries you may visit. My gallery sitting schedule will usually be on Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Friday from 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. If you stop in at those times you'll get to see me hard at work on one of my latest paintings on my $2.50 portable french easel. Now, if because of having a weak stomach you'd rather not see me, I could easily accommodate you by crouching underneath the desk while you tour the gallery. Stop by anytime to meet the other fantastic member artists. Now on a more serious note, this year marks the 30th anniversary of PAC-MAN. Here are 3 things that I hope will happen before the year is out: (1.) They'll reissue the PAC-MAN breakfast cereal. (B.) They'll release the short lived PAC-MAN cartoon series on DVD ( little 7 year old Chris was so excited that he nearly fell out of his chair when he saw a commercial for the program showing that it would be part of the new Saturday morning cartoon line up in the fall of 1982.) And third, I really, really hope the song "PAC-MAN Fever" gets played on popular radio stations. "What does this have to with my painting?" you might be asking yourselves. Very little, but I'm sure you'll read my next entry to find out what random and obscure thought I'll incorporate in my blog.

"Oh, D-D-D-Dear!!!!" - piglet

Untitled 9"x10" oil

Pardon my absence. I've recently discovered FACEBOOK as a means of reaching people with my art. Whilst doing that, I've also begun to explore landscape painting. I've found this to be very enjoyable because for me putting a figure into a painting takes alot more time. Eliminating the figure allows me to give attention to other aspects of a painting. When it's strictly landscape I have much more leeway and flexibility; if I want to add an extra tree in the foreground I can do so. This, however, is not the case with an arm, leg, hand or nose. I've posted a painting I found in our basement.(How did that get down their?) It was done En Plein-Aire. (outdoors) I think it was either in Madison or Guilford, I can't remember. I'm still planning to paint figures, but landscapes will allow me broaden my understanding of light, shadow, color and value. I may even add woodland creatures; such as a squirrel or a deer to these images if I can get good photo references. Speaking of woodland creatures, several years ago I actually saw, and I am not making this up, a lost dear on on Whalley Ave. in New Haven near the corner of Orchard St. Nobody knew how the deer wound up all the way down in the city. The poor little deer was as confused as James Brown finding out his tour manager booked him to perform for seven nights in a row at The Grand Ole Opry. ( I have a wierd habit of using singer James Brown as the basis for metaphores and similis.) Stay tuned for my next entry.

Fat cat

"Nina" 10" x 8"

Hello again. You may have noticed that the subject in this painting is not human, although I'm sure the subject in the painting would beg to differ. This is our cat, Nina. My wife owned her for a few years before we were wed so technically she is my step-cat. Nina has been very good, patient and gentle with our three year old daughter and by that of course I mean she tolerates her presence. She is a very good cat but I have to admit we didn't always see things "eye to eye." Once Nina and I had a very strong difference of opinion as to wether or not she should be allowed to go into the backyard one Saturday afternoon. She clawed my face nearly getting my "eye" and it required a surprise trip to the urgent care desk. Since then Nina and I have made up and let bygones be bygones. We get along just fine now. On that note I'll say to our beloved fat cat, "Nina, keep up the good work." to purchase contact me @ fergusonartist@yahoo.com