Photos of Art

Some photos for your amusement:




Yours Truly, "in character"





One of the character portraits, "Pornographer"




Just completed, another of the character portraits, "Painter"




The Muse's Chair



Vision on Absinthe





At the UAG this past Friday

Progress on Painting

Well, the First Friday debut of "The Philogynist" went well. I had a nice spot in the gallery, near a doorway into the side room with the Sharpie art. You can't miss it if you wanted to.

My "Urban Gethsemane" is going fine. I need to paint Jesus' head, a reflection of Peter, John and James sleeping, perhaps a reflection of Judas moving in for the kiss.

Also, the self-portrait called "Painter," is done.

As is the "Armchair" painting and the "Still Life with Liverwurst Sandwich, Pickle and Beer."

there but the grace of God go i

Last night, I had my first face-to-face confrontation with the impact of a suicide attempt/prevention/cry for help. No one is dead, and the person involved is going to be treated, but I do not think I can be as flippant as I have always been about the subject of suicide, having to deal with it first-hand, however hypocritical that might seem.

I do not want to get into details as this is someone else's life. I am a friend and will not abandon this person. A few intimates know what has happened, only because I need a way to vent.

Needless to say this afternoon, I am a bit moody, slightly overwhelmed and definitely philosophical.

First Friday

Tonight is First Friday in Albany and my first piece of art will hang in the Upstate Artists Guild gallery. It will hang there until the end of January.

Here it is, again, for those who have not seen it.

Hopefully, a second piece will be considered in February for the March exhibit, "Green." I am working on a piece called, "Urban Gethsemane," with Christ having his moment of prayer before his betrayal at a bar, while his apostles sleep and Judas approaches.

This process, begun not three months ago, has been very liberating in this challenging time.

Iowa Caucus Predictions - and Update

Update at 10:45 p.m.: Obama and Huckabee win big!

This is going to be an election where change is the priority for voters.



Let's see if I am right; I am not going to give percentages, because I am not so bold.

Democrats:

1. Obama
2. Clinton
3. Edwards

Republicans

1. Huckabee
2. Romney
3. McCain

What it means: Obama will then win in NH and SC, and McCain will win in NH, MI, and SC.

Time to Get Back to Work

Why can't I get myself to leave my armchair, throw on my boots, hat, gloves, scarf and get out the door?

New Year's Day in Chicago

Not much happens in the world on New Year's Day. A lot of stores are closed, and a good number of museums, like the Art Institute, are also closed. After sleeping in, my traveling buddy and I made our way up to Wrigleyville, walked past the mecca of baseball lost causes, Wrigley Field, and up to a place called The Full Schilling. To compensate for the relatively healthy meal eaten the night before, I had a very tasty 1/2 burger with swiss, tomotoes, sauteed mushrooms and bacon. For dessert: a deep fried twinkie.

We then ventured back out into the cold...and it was cold...and went over to Halstead Street and spent time in a store called "Gaymart." Lots of neat items: kitschy and campy...action figures, ornaments, cookie jars, more action figures.

We met up with our friend from yesterday's museum excursion, walked down Broadway and found a nice middle eastern restaurant and had some appetizers and middle eastern coffee. And lots of good discussion.

It was about 10:30 p.m., by the time my traveling buddy and I found our way back to the room. Both of us were crashed by 11.

Best part of the trip: walking around and seeing Chicago...eating at the Billy Goat Tavern, drinking at the Beat Kitchen, listening to jazz at the Hungry Brain.

Lesson learned: splurge the extra $100 - 150 for a hotel in the city. We would have made up the cost in cab fare between Extended Stay at Midway and the subway itself.